Hello All. This might be an odd request as I know anonymity is valued in the world we live. That said, I'd like to have someone observe my play and provide some feedback on how to improve my game. Getting to Vegas is not a problem for me. If any of you have done something like this before I'd like to hear about that experience.
Thanks, Ferris
Send an email to BJ21 Admin with your request, also letting them know your count system. Their office is in Las Vegas, and they are well connected. They can likely refer to you to a local pro - after you have been properly vetted. You will likely be asked for a reference if someone they know who can vouch for you.Originally Posted by FerrisB
How long have you been counting? What system do you use (include system, indexes, etc)? What is the typical rule set/house edge of the game you play? What is your spread for this game? What is your bankroll, and thus RoR?
I can vet how decent you are with these simple questions much prior to even getting to your actual play, in which other skills could come in handy (acting/persona/etc).
What is it that you're looking to improve, FerrisB? If you're looking to simply advance and/or rate your performance regarding the technical side of counting, you can simply use software for that (CVBJ). You can input your count system, desired indices, and outline a desired bet ramp in CVBJ, then play along with software. If you make any mistakes, the software will correct you. It's a pretty easy way to practice without putting any money at risk.
I practice with Norm's software all the time and that's how I stay on top of my game, especially when I go through long periods of no play time. It helps me get back into the swing of things and get "warmed up" right before a trip. I also use the flash drills to test myself on indices as well. I own both the PC and iOS version of the software so I can practice from my home computer, iPhone, or iPad whenever I want. If you don't have this software, you should really consider making the investment.
Obviously I'm not going to argue against the value of software. Accuracy is critical. I do have to say that in my visit to Rexford Place, 40 years back, discussing cover on the living room couch was more valuable than having the master deal cards on his kitchen table. So, the automated kitchen and the living room are both important spots. Which is to say, a mentor can save a great deal of time.
Learning from your mistakes is valuable. Learning from someone else's mistakes is more efficient.
Last edited by Norm; 03-23-2016 at 03:31 PM.
"I don't think outside the box; I think of what I can do with the box." - Henri Matisse
I appreciate the responses. I have been playing for just over 3 years. I am a red chip player. I use Hi Opt II with the Illustrious 18. I spread 1 - 5. I average 280 hours per year. The first year I got clobbered. I lost $8,000 ($5,000 loss came in the first six months of play). In 2014 I improved and won $850. In 2015 I improved and won $3,500.
I do practice dealing cards to myself, counting down decks and utilizing various software applications. Norm hit the nail on the head. I'm really looking to find a friend/mentor to share stories with and soak up any/all wisdom they are willing to share.
This site has been a great resource. I appreciate everyone's willingness to share. Someday I hope to return the favor.
Respectfully, Ferris
Hi FerrisB.
Unless you are playing single deck, your spread leaves a lot to be desired. At 6 decks it is murder and even at 2 decks your win rate and SCORE is very low. I have to say that I have never once played a game with a 5 spread unless it was single deck.
I don't know how many casinos you have available or if you travel but at the red chip level, you must seek every advantage you can find. You need to scout out the best dealers for penetration and speed, the best shifts for uncrowded tables and seek every promotion you can find. You should be watching every single shuffle, as many of the other player's cards as you can see and gazing at the dealer's method as she deals for any weakness. Wonging would help a lot if you can do it as well as just sitting out low counts.
All in all, I think it is your spread that is causing you the biggest problem. I would start raising my spread until I made somebody nervous.
I hope this helps a little.
Play within your bankroll, pick your games with care and learn everything you can about the game. The winning will come. It has to. It's in the cards. -- Bryce Carlson
FerrisB,
I have mentored dozens of pro and semi-pro players and have
included, where possible, hours in a casino vetting their play.
If interested, contact me.
Most of my professional activities take place East of the Mississippi,
but I make it to Las Vegas once or twice a year, in spite of the incredible
transmogrification of blackjack opportunities present in the desert.
I accept no cash, goods, or services ~ beyond a never-ending pot of coffee that is.
I suppose to win with a 1-5 spread at a 6 deck game, you probably have to play 5 units at any positive TC. Maybe wonging and playing only positive decks might help.
in a DD game with no mid shoe, you probably have to get to your max bet of 5 units at TC+2.
You could probably work it out on the software. At those levels, you would pay more to the mentor than you would make at the table.
Some of the places I play don't allow mid-shoe entry. I do jump out when the count goes bad but often times cannot come back in until next shuffle. It makes me nervous to do this too often as it might draw attention to me. Fortunately in a DD game that happens quickly.
Would a more aggressive spread like this work:
2 decks, 75% dealt
1 unit in negative and TC = 0
2 units when TC count is between +1 to +3
4 units when TC count = +4 to +5
8 units at TC equal to or greater than +6
This strategy would keep my max bet under $100 hopefully avoiding some heat.
Thoughts?
This is why I asked for the exact rules. If you're playing a NDAS game where the HE is over .5%, you more than likely will not want to up your bet until TC +2, where as if you're playing any decent game < .5% HE you'll want to up your bet at TC +1. If you're playing DD, I agree your 1-5 spread is "okay" but weak for sure. The 75% PEN on DD seems decent though.
Another tid bit, due to frequencies, TC +3 is actually the most valuable of the true counts. It's where you get the most bang for your buck, so if you're going to have a hike in your spread, make it at TC +3.
NDAS (> .5% HE)
TC < 1.5 = 1 unit
TC 2 = 2 units
TC 3 = 5 units
TC 4 = 7 units
TC 5 = 8 units
DAS (> .5% HE)
TC < 1 = 1 unit
TC 1 = 2 units
TC 2 = 4 units
TC 3 = 6 units
TC >= 4 = 8 units
I just kept it simple with one number instead of a range, but I hope you can see the progression/etc. I'm not a fan of having your max out late like TC +5 or higher, but this may or may not give the illusion that you don't have a 1-8 spread if you don't hit big true counts early in your session.
Also, you should be more aggressive but keeping your sessions short will buy you time. Another thing we haven't yet discussed is are you playing multiple games, or just one place? If you're playing one place and you're more/less forced to "camp out" then you're indeed going to need to modify your spread to be a bit "friendlier" as well as introducing cover. Though, double deck games that get camped out, it usually doesn't take long for them to figure it out. We need to know more about you, how many stores you play, their exact rules/HE, etc =).
Last edited by Romes; 03-24-2016 at 08:30 AM.
The majority of my play is in Vegas. I get there a couple times a month. I do not play on the strip. Games offer DAS, 3:2 payout for blackjack, double on any two cards, no surrender. Most places use a notch in the discard tray to determine penetration. That said I've noticed not all notches are created equal. I typically only play one hand.
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