How Do You Know If You Are Actually as Good as You Think You Are

**Midwest Player** · 12-22-2018, 03:33 PM

Stealth has mentioned several times over the years about having someone checking out your play. Okay, how do you go about finding someone to do that. Where I'm from there really aren't any card counters, and most of those I've seen, I was not impressed with. Okay, one can probably do this with software, but playing in a real live casino is a little different.

Anyway, I can only recall 3 professional card counters that I have played with at the same table for any length of time that later lead to any discussions away from the tables. I got into an disagreement with one where he claimed splitting seven's against and 8 was not basic strategy in a 2 deck DAS game. He later looked it up an admitted I was right.

Another, said I was the best he seen in "these parts." Yeah, in these parts most everyone doesn't even know basic strategy, but it still made me feel good.

And finally in a game where flat betting was all that was needed. I was told I made many mistakes. I was using a weak spread of 1 to 4 with 4 being table max. The other person was flat betting table max. He mentioned I missed a lot of insurance calls etc. I assumed he was using a lot of index plays because he did a lot of splitting when basic strategy did not call for it, and if I remember right he lost most of those splits. But I have no doubt he was a top notch player.

Now no way, do I estimate to quarter decks, or be concerned over every little item. Yeah, I probably do miss a lot of insurance calls yet I have done okay and have won more than I lost. I just like to know how good or bad I am.

**Stealth** · 12-22-2018, 04:41 PM

Casino Verite is a wonderful facility to hone your technical skills. We then want to know if you can go in the casino and perform so more inspection is required.

We "certify" a player by conducting a series of designed "test" that starts with basic strategy and indexes used, then verify an ability to count with required speed and accuracy and then on to table play with "set up" decks or shoes. Then we test the ability to play and keep a count with a variety of playing conditions including multiple players and multiple spots and errors and interruptions.

Then we add betting ramps and do the "set up" decks or shoes again.

The objective is to expose the player to layers of examination that culminates in a near casino environement. Depending on the player, a co-session in a casino may be necessary.

It is important to have defined criteria for the successful completion of each level as well as what to do if the player fails (how does he retest?.

At this point you are ready to check out game selection, playing protocals and other characeristics.

Watching some one play a shoe or two may give you a perpective but not enough of an answer to team up.

I have done many of these and it is unusual to pass on the first try. Rarely does someone get throught the certification without multiple errors. Fact is, I didn't pass until the second time and then experience in live action with other people monitoring and mentoring raised my level of play.

**Letangs** · 12-22-2018, 04:50 PM

I even wonder how you can be confident enough with your own plays, that you actually check-out what others do...
When I play I'm 100% focused on my game ... I cannot care less what others do, I mean, I don't even pay attention ... I just count their cards and try to look away, and concentrate on keeping my count properly...
Being able to analyze what other players at your table do, is somehow a proof of your skill to me.... Especially if it doesn't hurt your concentration at all. At least, I'm far away from being comfortable enough with my plays to be able to do that...

**Freightman** · 12-22-2018, 04:57 PM

Originally Posted by Letangs

I even wonder how you can be confident enough with your own plays, that you actually check-out what others do...
When I play I'm 100% focused on my game ... I cannot care less what others do, I mean, I don't even pay attention ... I just count their cards and try to look away, and concentrate on keeping my count properly...
Being able to analyze what other players at your table do, is somehow a proof of your skill to me.... Especially if it doesn't hurt your concentration at all. At least, I'm far away from being comfortable enough with my plays to be able to do that...

I usually look at everything. I see predictable patterns in their play. It’s an entertaining non monetary side game. The only comments I’ll make, which is after they join my table, and are slow, would be something like - oh, did I tell you that I like a fast game?

**Letangs** · 12-22-2018, 05:24 PM

Originally Posted by Freightman

I usually look at everything. I see predictable patterns in their play. It’s an entertaining non monetary side game. The only comments I’ll make, which is after they join my table, and are slow, would be something like - oh, did I tell you that I like a fast game?

To me, if you are able to analyze the plays and errors of a guy sitting next to you, it means that you have a really high level of blackjack... I mean, being focused on making zero errors at your own plays is already exhausting in terms of concentration... if you are able to have an eye on somebody's plays aswell.. well... it's... amazing. To me, at least, it's impressive.