Beginner game and spread selection

**NB10** · 10-28-2017, 08:16 AM

When I practice I get far more variance and bet jumping when I play with 4 decks vs 6 or 8. For my first live play in an actual casino, would you recommend I choose a 4D game or a 6/8D game? My thinking is that I'm not sure how I will find live play and playing 6/8D would reduce the downside risk while I'm still getting used to a casino environment?

I've been practicing with a 1-12 spread - would you recommend using this large a spread given it would be my first time playing (again my thinking is that lower spread would reduce the downside risk while I get used to playing live, but may make the game unprofitable)? Also, would be 10 minimum which is higher than I would choose if there was a ower limit game available.

Rules are 4/6/8D, no surrender, DAS, NRSA, ENHC; playing Hilo with ~22 indexes.

Thanks in advance...

**Stealth** · 10-28-2017, 08:25 AM

Originally Posted by NB10

When I practice I get far more variance and bet jumping when I play with 4 decks vs 6 or 8.

I assume you mean volatility in true counts rather than variance. The fewer the decks the better your advantage.

OK, you have now achieved a level of proficiency in counting. Before continuing, I recommend you research and use some alternative bet structures that can hide your spread. New counters jumping out there and ramping is the best way to destroy longevity.

Being an AP is 25% technical and 75% bankroll management, game/casino selection, comportment and acting.

**NB10** · 10-28-2017, 08:29 AM

Originally Posted by Stealth

I assume you mean volatility in true counts rather than variance. The fewer the decks the better your advantage.

OK, you have now achieved a level of proficiency in counting. Before continuing, I recommend you research and use some alternative bet structures that can hide your spread. New counters jumping out there and ramping is the best way to destroy longevity.

Being an AP is 25% technical and 75% bankroll management, game/casino selection, comportment and acting.

Sorry yes, I meant the TC moves around a lot more, so I change my bet a lot more and then my bankroll jumps around more.

**stopgambling** · 10-28-2017, 08:48 AM

Originally Posted by Stealth

Being an AP is 25% technical and 75% bankroll management, game/casino selection, comportment and acting.

don't play until you know how to get away with it even if it means another few months . Learn how to manage risk , having an edge doesn't mean you will win.

**NB10** · 10-28-2017, 09:34 AM

Originally Posted by stopgambling

don't play until you know how to get away with it even if it means another few months . Learn how to manage risk , having an edge doesn't mean you will win.

Thank you for replying.

Do you have any adivce on learning how to get away with it, without actually playing in a live environment?

**NB10** · 10-28-2017, 09:49 AM

Originally Posted by Stealth

I assume you mean volatility in true counts rather than variance. The fewer the decks the better your advantage.

OK, you have now achieved a level of proficiency in counting. Before continuing, I recommend you research and use some alternative bet structures that can hide your spread. New counters jumping out there and ramping is the best way to destroy longevity.

Being an AP is 25% technical and 75% bankroll management, game/casino selection, comportment and acting.

Stealth, I emailed you. I'm not sure if it got caught by your spam filter.

**Three** · 10-28-2017, 10:16 AM

Originally Posted by Stealth

Being an AP is 25% technical and 75% bankroll management, game/casino selection, comportment and acting.

I might even give it more than that. I feel that everyone should know I am counting. It isn't hard to spot just from how you approach the game. The non-counting aspects is what allow you to be tolerated. If you play for big enough stakes that you are expecting a BO, slash and burn approach, this is a moot point. But otherwise knowing how to combine being tolerated with a high EV is paramount. What good is being able to count and play like a computer if you can't play anywhere?

**Meistro123** · 10-28-2017, 10:27 AM

There is a great piece of software (CVCX blackjack simulator) that can be used to compare various counting opportunities that will tell you which is the best or most profitable. You will want to solve for hourly rate, but also for ROR and STD DEV as well. If you want to lower your downside risk, just reduce your bet size. Assuming the rules are the same across all games, then the next question is the penetration. Fewer decks are usually better, but that is not always the case. Even if the penetration is "better" in terms of percentages for a six or eight deck game the four deck might still be a better opportunity, but the best way to know for sure is to use a blackjack simulator.

**NB10** · 10-28-2017, 10:53 AM

Originally Posted by Meistro123

There is a great piece of software (CVCX blackjack simulator) that can be used to compare various counting opportunities that will tell you which is the best or most profitable. You will want to solve for hourly rate, but also for ROR and STD DEV as well. If you want to lower your downside risk, just reduce your bet size. Assuming the rules are the same across all games, then the next question is the penetration. Fewer decks are usually better, but that is not always the case. Even if the penetration is "better" in terms of percentages for a six or eight deck game the four deck might still be a better opportunity, but the best way to know for sure is to use a blackjack simulator.

I can't lower the bet size as 10 is the smallest I would be able to bet.

I assume the 4D would be the best, I was wondering though if I should play the 6/8D game when I play live for the first time to lower volatility while learning bankroll management/betting, comportment/acting and all the other non-technical aspects that also need to be mastered.

**stopgambling** · 10-28-2017, 10:55 AM

Originally Posted by NB10

Do you have any advice on learning how to get away with it

read others' method and tailor to your own situation. come up with your own as well. You are certainly not gonna be able to be immune but it does help you buy more time before getting the tap.

**NB10** · 10-28-2017, 10:56 AM

Originally Posted by Three

What good is being able to count and play like a computer if you can't play anywhere?

I fully agree - this is a big reason I have not played yet. I'm just not sure how to disguise moving bets up and down, especially with a large spread.

**Three** · 10-28-2017, 11:47 AM

Originally Posted by NB10

I fully agree - this is a big reason I have not played yet. I'm just not sure how to disguise moving bets up and down, especially with a large spread.

Are you a subscriber?

**NB10** · 10-28-2017, 12:18 PM

Originally Posted by Three

Are you a subscriber?

Subcriber to what? No, I have just been practicing and reading what I can. The best method I have seen seems to be the dynamic betting method explained in Dynamic Blackjack. I think it would need a much larger bankroll and I'm not sure I have enough to implement it at the moment.