Question regarding small bet spreads.

[Cacarulo]

Thank you Cacarulo! Your CAC2 system sounds great, and I will definitely check it out if/when moving on to a level 2 count.

I think I may have over-complicated my question. If I were to ask it again, I would ask “ regardless of the rules of the blackjack game, if you are using a card counting system that creates an edge (+EV) at a larger bet spread, it would mean theoretically, not including variance swings, that even using a smaller bet spread that does not create an edge, would at least reduce the amount of negative EV you are receiving from this game. So over time, you would lose less than if you were just playing straight basic strategy, am I correct? To play with a small bet spread correctly, is better than playing with no bet spread at all, right?”

That's right. As Freightman correctly points out, if the comps also cover your initial disadvantage, you could simply make flat bets.

Sincerely,
Cac

[Northbend]

Good stuff, thanks everyone.

[G Man]

That's right. As Freightman correctly points out, if the comps also cover your initial disadvantage, you could simply make flat bets.

Sincerely,
Cac

We should however no forget one important point. If you flat bet or even use a small spread in a game where your only advantage comes in the form of comps, your RoR will take a hit. Make sure to keep the number of hours played to the minimum.

[Cacarulo]

We should however no forget one important point. If you flat bet or even use a small spread in a game where your only advantage comes in the form of comps, your RoR will take a hit. Make sure to keep the number of hours played to the minimum.

Good point. The ideal is to choose the minimum spread that allows you to at least break even. Clearly, flat betting on shoes will always be negative.

Sincerely,
Cac

[Cohiba]

If you choose this approach I would: 1) run some sims or analysis to understand the magnitude of the swings that you may encounter - dropping $2500 for a $80 room comp may not seem all that wise in the moment, and 2) would shoot for more cash value comps as opposed to casino soft comps (most APs - at least the ones i know would likely benefit from foregoing the gluttony associated with a food comp. If you take this route and are only getting low level room and food comps use a realistic number to value those comps and decide whether the play hours justify the value received.

Your time has value and I suggest that you strive to optimize the return on your time.

Cohiba

[Northbend]

If you choose this approach I would: 1) run some sims or analysis to understand the magnitude of the swings that you may encounter - dropping $2500 for a $80 room comp may not seem all that wise in the moment, and 2) would shoot for more cash value comps as opposed to casino soft comps (most APs - at least the ones i know would likely benefit from foregoing the gluttony associated with a food comp. If you take this route and are only getting low level room and food comps use a realistic number to value those comps and decide whether the play hours justify the value received.

Your time has value and I suggest that you strive to optimize the return on your time.

Cohiba

.

Hmmm, there are indeed some things well worth considering here, Cohiba. Thank you for the advice everyone.