End of year

[KJ]

I ended my year a little early today. I had a real nice year. My blackjack results were in the same upper 5 figure range that I have been experiencing for several years now, just barely topping my previous high of 2010. I did achieve this figure with fewer rounds for a higher win rate. One big difference is that I did not endure the long 6 month losing periods that I had experienced in both 2010 and 2011. As a matter of fact, I had 11 winning months and one very small losing month. Based on that fact, you might think, I would have had a much bigger year, but also absent were any kind of huge upswings that I enjoyed in recent years. I basically just experienced a nice slow incline, rather than the roller-coaster of past years. I think I like this model better. No stress.

In addition to my BJ winnings, I had substantial winnings from two other areas of my AP play that significantly bumped up my total income. A good portion of this other income was from prizes won from drawings and contests as a result of calculated machine play. The goal of this machine play was about generating mail offers that made the predetermined amount of play +EV and worthwhile. These indirect or hidden results that I had not anticipated, turned out to be far superior than anything I imagined. I just didn't see that coming. But, I wonder how sustainable these methods are going to be. VP expert Bob Dancer says that such drawings and contests are part of your expected value. I just view them as bonus earnings. I certainly don't expect to win a car every year.

I did experience more heat than ever before. A total of 13 backoffs, which is very high for me, probably pretty close to my 8 year total prior to this year. But, in breaking them down, 5 occurred with a second non-BJ game that I played this year, and my 8 BJ related backoffs occurred from only 3 properties, 2 particular sweaty stores here in Vegas and 1 in Pennsylvania. So overall, I am not too concerned with the increased backoffs as far as blackjack goes and the second game I played is quickly being phased out by electronic versions of the game anyway.

Christmas week is pretty crowded anyway and not the best conditions for me, but more important my younger brother is coming to town tomorrow for 10 days and I am looking forward to spending time with him and a couple friends and doing some things in and around Vegas and just taking an end of year break from the tables and casinos (except for meals).

Hope everyone else is wrapping up a good year and has an even better holiday season spent with family and friends.

[21forme]

Congrats KJ. Glad to hear it's continuing to go well for you and the move to LV was worth it.

[aggressive]

congrats buddy
new to the forum but definitely appreciate your posts year-round

[darco77]

Your end of year reports are valuable to both beginners and part-timers like myself. Congrats on another successful year. I have a good idea what this non-BJ game is that you speak of, and the fact that you are getting backed off on it is comical and disappointing at the same time. Oh well, I wish I would have discovered it earlier. Congrats on another good year, and enjoy your time with your brother. I've said before that December is my favorite time of year in LV, and unfortunately this is the second year in a row that I have not made a trip, so have a drink for me and mine. Cheers!

[Baberuth]

Fitting for you to start end of year good wishes with another interesting report. I am laughing at all the back offs. I bet some good stories too. I am happy to hear the ride is still a good one. A good year at the tables for me and my time in Vegas. Last year I gave a family recipe for sauce and lasagna at the other sight where many here were posting. I will be happy to post it again for those who don’t have it or PM me. The secret of a good sauce is priceless as it makes many days filled with a happy meal.
God bless you all and Merry Christmas. Thanks for the sharing and kindness. I have hit another home run with this site.
Baberuth

[21forme]

Was thinking about KJ's back-off comment about some being non-BJ games. I don't know what game it is, but just imagine:

"Sir, you may continue to play any game in the casino except keno/roulette/(fill in your own idea...)"

[zengrifter]

User is banned, content deleted.

[Aslan]

When they back you off from the big wheel, its for all games.

How, praytell, do you ever get in a position to be backed off from the big wheel? And what do they say? "Sir, you're too good at guessing where the wheel with land. Therefore, it only makes sense that you are barred completely from playing any games in this casino. Anyone who can beat the big wheel, is far too good for us."

I suppose if you consistently beat the Keno they send out an international APB alert. "Be on the lookout for zengrifter [picture enclosed]. He beats us at all games, notably Keno. He is very dangerous to your bottom line. We are surveilling him at his place of residence, but he is sometimes able to elude even our crack surveillance team."

[Ouchez]

KJ,

I am impressed how you have moved beyond just CC to other areas, IMHO a must do. I am concerned about the back-offs however. I also wonder if you have incorporated advanced techniques into your CC game?

If I were you I would begin to develope SKILLZ in the NL Hold Em world as a disciplined AP can do well in that arena, it being just one more game to bring in the money with no heat worries.

Best,
Ouchez

[Frostbyte]

If I were you I would begin to develope SKILLZ in the NL Hold Em world as a disciplined AP can do well in that arena, it being just one more game to bring in the money with no heat worries.

Avoiding heat is grand, but poker as AP has a colossal learning curve, and I think the income:skill ratio is a lot less favorable than for BJ.

[Goatlife]

KJ,

I am impressed how you have moved beyong just CC to other areas, IMHO a must do. I am concerned about the back-offs however. I also wonder if you have incorporated advanced techniques into your CC game?

If I were you I would begin to develope SKILLZ in the NL Hold Em world as a disciplined AP can do well in that arena, it being just one more game to bring in the money with no heat worries.

Best,
Ouchez

if one was willing to put the time into learn poker the best they humnaly are capable of do you think limit poker might make more sense for the AP in stead of no limit. Im am currently looking at learning limit for about 6 months and moving to 20-40 limit holdem. I am thinking it might be nice to play on a busy sat night when the bj tables have him mins and big crowds

[Ouchez]

Avoiding heat is grand, but poker as AP has a colossal learning curve, and I think the income:skill ratio is a lot less favorable than for BJ.

No doubt, but it is an area that must be taken into consideration, to ignore it is to close off a potential revenue stream.. I do believe most BJ AP's can handle the learning aspect, and there is alot to learn.

My Best,
Ouchez

Ouchez

[Ouchez]

if one was willing to put the time into learn poker the best they humnaly are capable of do you think limit poker might make more sense for the AP in stead of no limit. Im am currently looking at learning limit for about 6 months and moving to 20-40 limit holdem. I am thinking it might be nice to play on a busy sat night when the bj tables have him mins and big crowds

Small,

I would study all you can on Hold-Em, both book and video and then start on 3-6 games,,,and then when the time is right move to 1-2 NL and then when you are very good, and very disciplined, 5-10 and up. It is, however, a very dangerous game, but one I think all BJ AP's must learn.

Ouchez