Break-Even Strategy

**DonR04** · 10-14-2016, 11:30 AM

Originally Posted by moses

Do you really like playing blackjack so much you'd play for free food? I dont know, I'd think a young buck would find chasing or running from girls to be a better sport. Lol.

Thank you for the "young buck", but that was really many moons ago.

Originally Posted by bec88

Perhaps just play perfect BS and just accept the house advantage over you if you just want to play for fun.

In the past, I had a few trips to Vegas, always playing BS only, and never came back home on the losing end. Truth be told, I never won, either. Just breaking even, enjoying the thrills of the sin city. However, because of so many options (stores, tables) available, I was not playing any negative counts, and that obviously was very helpful.

I'm sure you can say that I could have come back home winning, but I just did not have the guts to try.

Now, limited to my local store only, I'm kind of hoping that even these very conservative spreads could be helpful to reach the same goal (comps only).

Originally Posted by moses

Is 8 deck the only game in town? Do yourself a favor. Play out 10k hands on Verite exactly the way you plan to play in a casino. At 1k a day 100 hands per hour, 10 hours a day. In 10 days, I'd be curious to know how much fun you had and if you are even.

Unfortunately, it is the only game.

10 hours a day, running a sim (even though very accurate), does not sound too exciting, but maybe I should.

**stopgambling** · 10-14-2016, 11:57 AM

Originally Posted by bec88

It seems playing an 8d game with a 1-3 spread would put the n0 so high that you may never reach the long run. You would just up your variance and not much different than just gambling since it will take so many hands to guarantee your edge. . Perhaps just play perfect BS and just accept the house advantage over you if you just want to play for fun.

that is pretty much my thinking as well . I would wong from some of the bad counts though.

**stopgambling** · 10-14-2016, 12:03 PM

It seems you are enjoying the social aspect and the distraction it provides ,something different from your normal routine. i believe everyone gambles one way or another ,just like trying a different dish from a restaurant . i can understand why the Op wants to do it this way but i do not agree though.

**Bubbles** · 10-14-2016, 01:18 PM

I play for fun/comps too essentially. I usually pick an EV to cover tips and expenses. When I travel I try to make a bit more if I think I can get away with it. When I'm at my main store, I usually spread $5-25 to $5-40 depending on who cut the deck and what I feel like drinking. There are those of us who find the game fun. I no longer care about the cards and winning/losing particular hands, but I enjoy the social aspect. I have very few friends and it gets me out of the house.

**DonR04** · 10-14-2016, 01:22 PM

Originally Posted by moses

you are never to old to chase. But be wary of that running from. They are sneaky.

Rotfl!

**stopgambling** · 10-14-2016, 02:26 PM

Originally Posted by Fenix

I have very few friends and

I was told we mostly interact with around 10 main people . i tend to agree .

**Bubbles** · 10-14-2016, 04:08 PM

Originally Posted by stopgambling

I was told we mostly interact with around 10 main people

10 people would be wonderful. I used to have 6 I regularly hung out with before I moved. Now, outside of work and the casino, I have two friends I see maybe once every 6 months.

**RCJH** · 10-15-2016, 08:53 PM

Don, did I miss your bankroll? If you can afford it, try to jump to the $25 level. Two thoughts... The games are usually better rules, and if you're truly just playing for comps you'll get there quicker pushing quarters.

I play green, usually 1-3 or 4 DD, 1-6 shoes, and I am up. I wong out of shoes, and only play good conditions (think pen and speed). I could make more being more aggressive but I earn enough doing this, and these games are in my backyard so I don't push it. I don't get airfare, but I can always get a room during the week (not generally on the weekends) and I eat for free. At the red chip level, I would get coupons towards meals...

Another thought...craps. If you just want comps, that's sometimes a better earner. Again, though, it depends upon your betting level.

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**greg16394** · 10-15-2016, 09:08 PM

Originally Posted by RCJH

Don, did I miss your bankroll? If you can afford it, try to jump to the $25 level. Two thoughts... The games are usually better rules, and if you're truly just playing for comps you'll get there quicker pushing quarters.

I play green, usually 1-3 or 4 DD, 1-6 shoes, and I am up. I wong out of shoes, and only play good conditions (think pen and speed). I could make more being more aggressive but I earn enough doing this, and these games are in my backyard so I don't push it. I don't get airfare, but I can always get a room during the week (not generally on the weekends) and I eat for free. At the red chip level, I would get coupons towards meals...

Another thought...craps. If you just want comps, that's sometimes a better earner. Again, though, it depends upon your betting level.

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Do you use same indices or change between DD and shoes ? It is supposed to be different. Am I right ?

**RCJH** · 10-15-2016, 09:47 PM

Originally Posted by greg16394

Do you use same indices or change between DD and shoes ? It is supposed to be different. Am I right ?

It depends on your count.

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**ZenMaster_Flash** · 10-16-2016, 08:06 AM

F Y I, some indices will differ while others will not.

Using incorrect indices is WORSE than playing basic strategy

according to the immortal Peter Griffin, Ph.D.

This issue is also closely related to "deck estimation."