Good idea to do smaller spreads for new AP's?

[Pilotguy]

Hello. New to bj, this forum and being an AP. Just wondering if it's a good idea to stick with a smaller spread, say 1-6 as a new AP, say first 50 shoes, until you you get better at it, learn to deal with the distractions in a land based casino, etc.?

[Cacarulo]

Hello. New to bj, this forum and being an AP. Just wondering if it's a good idea to stick with a smaller spread, say 1-6 as a new AP, say first 50 shoes, until you you get better at it, learn to deal with the distractions in a land based casino, etc.?

In shoe games (6D or 8D), it's not a good idea to use a 1-6 spread unless you stop playing each shoe when the true count is negative (TC <= -1), which is known as Wong-Out.
Another option is to enter the game when the TC >= +1 (Wong-in) and leave when the TC <= -1 (Wong-out). In both cases, a 1-6 spread is excellent.

Sincerely,
Cac

[21forme]

I agree with Cac. While there's no substitute for casino play, I suggest you play virtually using CVBJ until it all becomes second nature. It was a long time ago, but before I set foot into a casino as an AP, I practiced on a computer for 6 months.

[glens]

You have to get used to the variance. I've been playing a 1-10 spread with a $5 unit bet and am doing ok. Recently went and tried a $10 unit bet, with a 5/10/20/30.. spread Got spanked! was up $150 and then boom, down $300. More of a roller coaster. Recreational AP.

[Ole]

All correct. Pick the best betting ramp for your game and style. One with highest EV and lowest variance.
If back- counting, do what Cac said. If play all, then you'll need a greater spread, whether you're young, old, experienced or inexperienced.
And practice, practice practice.

Sent from my SM-A236U using Tapatalk

[Freightman]

Under the assumption that OP is brand new with no casino experience, I see nothing wrong on low stakes 1-6 spread - perfecting his basic - learning to deal with extractions - gaining confidence and experience.

Given average conditions and variance, he is not likely going to make money. So what! He can consider his anticipated losses as low cost tuition. Not a bad investment after which he can determine if he’s meant for this or simply not not good enough to wager more than chump change.

[21forme]

I see nothing wrong on low stakes 1-6 spread

The problem is some casinos will still back off players spreading with the count, even if it's not a winning spread. It would be a shame to get nipped in the bud that way.

[Freightman]

The problem is some casinos will still back off players spreading with the count, even if it's not a winning spread. It would be a shame to get nipped in the bud that way.

To clarify for all, 6 deck shoe game.
Only a shit hole will back you off spreading 1-6. Only a bigger shit hole will back you off spreading 1-6 on $5 min with $30 max. It would take a much larger shit hole to back off said $5 min player without evaluating said players game - which at said players like stage of development is a losing game.

[21forme]

There are a lot of shit hole casinos out there. If the OP's local casino is one, it would be a shame to be backed off from them before making any money and have to immediately start travelling.

[Freightman]

Sorry to say $5-60 1-12 spread won’t cover travel expenses. I red chipped several local casinos no heat building a $600 seed roll to 85k still red chipping staying under radar going only to green when red conditions deteriorated.

Granted, I qualified for green well prior to this, but there was very little heat. My comments still stand based on Op comments if no experience. He likely doesn’t concepts if optimal, index etc.

Hell, he can even drop to 1-4 for that matter. What he needs is seasoning at low cost.

[kcchiefsfan1982]

Sorry to say $5-60 1-12 spread won’t cover travel expenses. I red chipped several local casinos no heat building a $600 seed roll to 85k still red chipping staying under radar going only to green when red conditions deteriorated.

Granted, I qualified for green well prior to this, but there was very little heat. My comments still stand based on Op comments if no experience. He likely doesn’t concepts if optimal, index etc.

Hell, he can even drop to 1-4 for that matter. What he needs is seasoning at low cost.

$85,000?

That has got to feel great!

[Archvaldor]

Hello. New to bj, this forum and being an AP. Just wondering if it's a good idea to stick with a smaller spread, say 1-6 as a new AP, say first 50 shoes, until you you get better at it, learn to deal with the distractions in a land based casino, etc.?

Small spreads are not worth it in shoe games. You need very high spreads to make any money (eg 1-50).

An alternative as Cacarulo points out is to reduce play against negative counts. This is effectively an infinite spread.

[Freightman]

Small spreads are not worth it in shoe games. You need very high spreads to make any money (eg 1-50).

Grasshopper, you have much to learn. Having said that - the spread is your friend - you need to learn how to use it.