Memory and Counting

[JesterCW]

Thank you Secretariat -- I'm new and now know enough to get in trouble -- which I'm going to aim to avoid! The best advice is sometimes heard but hits the "but I don't want to" button (which really means it should be paid the most attention to!). I'm waiting to let my money hit the felt again and saving. Practicing. I should have -8 to all positive deviations (kicks out at 16..and one <21...and another <22) down pat in a few more days hopefully. Then in a few weeks of playing CV Blackjack with -8 to 22 loaded in I'll start to add in the remaining 52 negative deviations below -8. The positive deviations are certainly easier, but they all follow patterns and can be learned. Hopefully I'm not playing that many negative games! Once I have enough to play comfortably for a day, I have a shop in mind with a most likely $10-15 game -- I'm not nervous so much as I want to make sure I'm absolutely playing (at least what I've learned) close to perfect. I'm averaging 5 hands/min right now in drills with random counts and hands that have deviations, but putting it all together with counting/betting I bet I'm slower than that. Also, I'm not bad but need to improve (well, everything) but my deck estimation / TC conversion I'm practicing a decent amount.

I read up on some side counting aces RC adjustments based on how many aces/decks are left -- still need to dig in there but tabling it for mastering my PAO system, all the deviations for the game I'll be playing, and lots and lots and lots of practicing.

Much thanks y'all -- and rock on!

[Sparrowhawk]

JesterCW, it's a bit off-topic, but on a slow day you might enjoy the poker book, Unleash Your Hidden Poker Memory. The author applies memory techniques to gather and retain data on his opponents. The poker advice itself isn't necessarily great, but it's an interesting idea from a memory maven.

I read this book, and the author has a base level understanding of dated mnemonic techniques, and I question if he can actually use these flawed systems. Jester and others posting are already using more advanced systems like PAO instead of the author's single image single card system. He doesn't understand when to use a memory palace, and suggests creating 8 different peg systems instead. He seems to be a novice that read one book, and theorized on what is possible.

I don't recommend this book. Go to the art of memory and devise your own strategy, that can actually be used.

As a novice speed card enthusiast, even I can spot the glaring problems.