Hello

[FishingAnd Cards]

Hello everyone.

I have been lurking this forum for a while now and figured it was time to break the ice, so to speak. I realize, by nature, the importance of being discreet. I have read all the forum rules, and found this the best place to post, since there is no "new members" section.

I, personally have been playing recreational BJ for 15 or so years, it has always been something I enjoy. I recently decided to take it to the next level, and have been reading, and absorbing everything I can like a sponge.

I also have been practicing my counting. I realize this will be a LONG process, and am willing to put in the work. I have realistic expectations, and those are, that despite my experience playing BS, that it may be 6 months before I am an AP player. I also won't depend on this for an income, as that is covered.

I do have one question - would you recommend I stop with the "recreational BS" playing while I learn? Again, it is something I enjoy, disposable income, and I set limits, and play close to even, almost exclusively flat betting? I just wonder if it will hinder my development, and I am better off stopping for however long it takes, to become an AP?

Thanks for allowing me to post here. I look forward to building relationships over time, and the knowledge is incredible. I wish you all well in the meantime.

F A C

[RWM]

If you enjoy the recreational playing then go ahead. Just realize you are losing money doing it. You might want to pick up comp City so you can recover some of what you are losing. You might also find this helpful.
http://www.richardmunchkin.com/2012/...-counters.html

[Smartpart]

Welcome. If you play often while you learn to count it will happen a lot faster even if you are just flat betting. Once you are comfortable counting you can start spreading and then add indices. So to answer you question directly, It will not hinder your progress.

[FishingAnd Cards]

If you enjoy the recreational playing then go ahead. Just realize you are losing money doing it. You might want to pick up comp City so you can recover some of what you are losing. You might also find this helpful.
http://www.richardmunchkin.com/2012/...-counters.html

Thanks, I didn't want to have to give up my entertainment, but if it would help I would. I also just Read the link and picked up Comp City, gotta love amazon prime!

I realize I am losing, that's why I have made this decision. I just enjoy playing, and, to this point, haven't been hurt bad. I consider it entertainment, and set a limit. I used to only play a few times a year, so it was different. I recently relocated, and play several times a month. I would like to increase that to several times a week, but realize the futility of that being at a disadvantage.

[zengrifter]

User is banned, content deleted.

[RS]

I don't see why you should stop, as the only reason I can see is losing money...


Good luck on your journey. Two things I'll say now, 1) MONEY MANAGEMENT is the most important thing. Bar none. 2) You can never have too much practice nor too much knowledge of the game, although, only a teensy bit of that knowledge is actually necessary to gain an edge & win.

[FishingAnd Cards]

Welcome. If you play often while you learn to count it will happen a lot faster even if you are just flat betting. Once you are comfortable counting you can start spreading and then add indices. So to answer you question directly, It will not hinder your progress.

Thanks, I figured there would be some benefit to it. The thing that worried me was - I usually flat-bet, I will occasionally bump bets. I was concerned that I may be enticed by what I think is a good count and bump then - if I am wrong, it makes things worse. Discipline will be the key here, which is fine, I will flat bet exclusively.

Yes, stop. Immediately proceed to recreational COUNTING.

Please explain - are you say stop going to the casino, or start practicing counting at a casino?

I don't see why you should stop, as the only reason I can see is losing money...


Good luck on your journey. Two things I'll say now, 1) MONEY MANAGEMENT is the most important thing. Bar none. 2) You can never have too much practice nor too much knowledge of the game, although, only a teensy bit of that knowledge is actually necessary to gain an edge & win.

Thank you, I wish you luck as well - I didn't know if that was allowed here, since I don't believe in it. I usually go in the evenings, but may start going during the daytime when I can play a $5 min table.

I've got enough reading for another week (although with what's online that could be endless), and I'll practice counting during that time. I'll give it a shot after that.

[Coyote]

Welcome F A C

I would just reiterate what RMW said. Keep playing basic strategy and practice your counting as you go.

Best of cards to you!