Still a novice need some tips in any way

[lufia2]

So I've been using casino velrite. The speed of the dealer is almost max, but when I'm dealt small cards like 2,3 then I hit for a 4, then hit again for a 6 it takes a long time for me to add all of it up if I don't have the sound on and to also keep the count. Any suggestion? I'm able to keep to only keep the count when the sound is on.

[Smartpart]

Slow it down for a while. Also, the dealer can only deal as fast as you play.

[Chip Hoarder]

when I'm dealt small cards like 2,3 then I hit for a 4, then hit again for a 6 it takes a long time for me to add all of it up if I don't have the sound on and to also keep the count. Any suggestion?

You are trying to do two separate mental activities at the same time, which is a specific skill that can only be acquired through intense and prolonged training. This is true regardless of what the two activities happen to be - for example, a pianist playing the melody with one hand and the harmony with the other. I suggest approaching it much as a pianist would: by first learning each task independently, and then combining them.

First practice adding hand totals until you can whip out 4, 5, or 6 card hands without any hesitation. Do this by repeatedly resolving hands as the dealer would - adding cards until you get to 17 or higher, and then restarting. Next, shift your focus to the running count, by counting down decks one and two cards at a time, until you can consistently do so in under 25 seconds without any mistakes. Third, combine the two activities by going back to the dealer drill, but now keeping a running count as well. Drill this until you can count down a deck while playing as the dealer in under 1 minute.

Unfortunately, you're not done yet, as you also have to incorporate basic strategy, true count calculation (with accompanying bet sizing and strategy deviations), and environmental distraction as third, fourth, and fifth simultaneous mental activities. However, now that you have your "divide and conquer" template, these activities can be learned in much the same fashion as the first two.

[bigharryonion]

you can however practice all in 1 practice session. spend some time on coutning down decks, then spend time adding up totals, spend time dealing, etc. soon it will flow together quite nicely and you will find yourself counting while adding up totals anyway

[Coyote]

Lufia2,

I agree slow it down for now. Sounds like you are trying to sprint when you really should be walking. Keep practicing a lot with CV and also use real cards; flipping them over 2 or three at a time. You will have your "Ah Ha!" moment in time when it all comes together.

If you rush the process you are going to make mistakes and miss your opportunities.
This game can be played for a lifetime, no need to rush.

[lufia2]

Thank you everyone for your input so far. I have not touched index yet? I think what its called?(where you vary your basic strategy depending on the count). Is it better to learn this now or later after I get a hang of counting and true count and adding up all the numbers.

[AP2win]

Thank you everyone for your input so far. I have not touched index yet? I think what its called?(where you vary your basic strategy depending on the count). Is it better to learn this now or later after I get a hang of counting and true count and adding up all the numbers.

I would focus on the three on your plate for now. You won't be able to make use of index plays until you can do all of those perfectly. Keep in mind that the indices are static numbers memorized by rote and which can be added in a few at a time, if necessary. I'll also add my voice to the suggestion that you slow down for now.

[mofungoo]

When it's time to learn index numbers, learn these 18 numbers first. They are for the Hilo count which is probably what you want to start with. They are all you need to learn for shoe games and are the most important ones for hand held games:

http://bjmath.com/bjmath/tcindex/i18index.htm