Hi everyone,

I've been playing BJ, on and off, for more than 20 years. Started with basic strategy, then learned card counting and quickly realized that the games available where I live are very, very tough to beat (8-decks). With not enough tables to wong in and out, and frankly not having enough guts to go for dramatic roller coaster rides, I stopped playing for some time.

After a pause of a couple of years, I went back and just played perfect basic strategy for a few sessions. Actually made some money, although I know that in the long run that's not going to be case. The rules of the game in the local casino are: 8-decks, S17, BJ pays 3:2. The Wizard of Odds site calculator shows around 0.45% house advantage.

So, I am thinking of trying to use very modest spread (like 1-2, or maybe 1-3). This having in mind that anything higher than that would most likely draw unwanted attention very quickly. Also being the only casino in the nearby area, with not too many BJ tables to choose from, I can't really go for the hit and run strategy.

I have never in the past had a player's card, but now I got one. If I could play for comps (a free meal, here and there), and roughly break even with this strategy, I'd be okay with it.

So, basically a perfect basic strategy, plus very modest spreads, with occasional bathroom breaks, when the count is really bad, plus a few of the Illustrious 18 rules (16 vs 10, insurance, 12 vs 4) - do I have a chance of playing a break-even game, getting a few comps along the way?