First Trip to Casino as AP

[TAGR]

Made first trip to the local casino today as an AP.

It was a learning experience. The distractions are real at the casino. Easy to keep the count on CV on the fast setting, but had a bit of mental strain trying to keep the count between players and the dealer talking my ear off today. Haven't been able to practice on CV as much lately due to full time job, but I'm going to practice more to keep me sharp so I can carry on casual conversation while looking like a normal player. I was able to keep the RC the whole time though. Made a stupid basic strategy mistake on standing a 12 against a 3 (wasn't a count for variation), but other than that felt like I didn't do too bad for my first serious trip to the casino.

i felt kinda weird staking out and standing behind the tables for new shoes and good counts, but it's probable all in my head.

Also a nice bonus that I ended up $60 ahead

Anyone have any stories on their first trip counting at casinos?

[PinkChip]

Hi TAGR, thanks for the report! I'm not yet ready for a first trip, maybe late next year, still have to prepare lots of things. Currently in CV, I do only count at medium speed and heads-up (2 decks and 6 decks).

I had the impression that I get into stress when another player sits at first base and immediately starts to play his hand after the dealer gets her second card, while I'm still counting the table in pairs. Especially when this player has a natural or busts and the dealer quickly removes his cards from the table. How many players do you practice with in CV?

Btw. the burn cards are also very quickly removed in CV, even at medium speed, and shown only for a quick glance. Is this the same speed as in real casinos?

[snakeplisskin]

Hi TAGR, thanks for the report! I'm not yet ready for a first trip, maybe late next year, still have to prepare lots of things. Currently in CV, I do only count at medium speed and heads-up (2 decks and 6 decks).

I had the impression that I get into stress when another player sits at first base and immediately starts to play his hand after the dealer gets her second card, while I'm still counting the table in pairs. Especially when this player has a natural or busts and the dealer quickly removes his cards from the table. How many players do you practice with in CV?

Btw. the burn cards are also very quickly removed in CV, even at medium speed, and shown only for a quick glance. Is this the same speed as in real casinos?

No, most real casinos refuse to show the burn nowadays.

[Hsiaodi]

No, most real casinos refuse to show the burn nowadays.

Depends. You can ask politely either the dealer or pit critters. Some will say they don’t have to show it, some will shout showing the burn, some will just tell you they are instructed not to show burn.

[GMass]

My first trip:
I was sweating. I felt like everyone knew I was adding and subtracting in my mind. Adrenaline was rushing.

First shoe - lost count my third hand.
Next shoe - probably 10 hands.
Then 15 hands.
Etc.

After a few months (playing at least twice per week) I was able to count and play perfectly while holding a full conversation.

Just keep practicing and putting in the time at the tables. Just don't burn your local stores too quickly. Eventually your welcomeness as a frequent will turn into them realizing what you're up to then the ban-hammer. Protecting your local stores is super important unless you're planning on doing this full time and traveling.

[Yule]

First Trip:Played one shoe, then went home to self evaluate. It was a great decision for many reasons.Exposure to live conditions. Was I a fast enough counter to keep the running count?I didn't lose tons of moneyDid I really know basic strategy?

[LugiaLvl138]

My first counting trip I won 1300. However I had absolutely no business betting what I was, and then I took another trip and won 1800. On my third trip when I lost 1100, I like to say that the casino wrote me a reality check. My 4th trip was a win of 80, with way more reasonable bets. It helps to play at non crowded times if possible.

[RS]

Sing along (like karaoke) a bunch of songs you know while practicing on CVBJ, it'll force you to talk while you're trying to count.

Sounds like your approach is to back count. You do need to practice with table time, otherwise you'll just get eaten alive when you wong into a shoe with very little table experience.

[Bigdaddy]

Chatty dealers were my biggest difficulty when I first started. Not many practice dealing with that before they begin live play. I learned to visualize the count and tuck it away in my mind's eye. Then chat away with the dealer. When the next hand comes you're ready...

[ZeeBabar]

Can’t be that tough. We had a guy here who played a multi-level counts including ace side count plus had bins for his 7-9 cards.

[RS]

Can’t be that tough. We had a guy here who played a multi-level counts including ace side count plus had bins for his 7-9 cards.

I use 27 different side counts and have a 15% advantage flat betting and I don't even count the cards I just know what they're going to be. Did I mention my 5 girlfriends are all super models and my best friend is Tim Bradley I mean Tom Brady? I once beat up the Hell's Angels and they invited me to be the top leader of their gang but I declined because they're too much of ******* for me. See? Writing a bunch of crap is easy but no competent person is gonna believe it.

[GMass]

No, most real casinos refuse to show the burn nowadays.

Fake news.

[ZeeBabar]

Fake news.

Agreed!