Why would anybody count cards?

**Luckyike** · 02-10-2016, 03:07 PM

In todays Casino environment, where the house is paranoid about card counters, why would anyone care to count cards in order to squeeze out a meek 2-3% advantage? Learning to play a perfect "BASIC STRATEGY" is mandatory but beyond that, there are other betting strategies that create larger net wins.

**Stealth** · 02-10-2016, 03:18 PM

Originally Posted by Luckyike

In todays Casino environment, where the house is paranoid about card counters, why would anyone care to count cards in order to squeeze out a meek 2-3% advantage? Learning to play a perfect "BASIC STRATEGY" is mandatory but beyond that, there are other betting strategies that create larger net wins.

OK, I will bite, would you care to elaborate on your other betting strategies?

**Ryemo** · 02-10-2016, 03:23 PM

Originally Posted by Luckyike

In todays Casino environment, where the house is paranoid about card counters, why would anyone care to count cards in order to squeeze out a meek 2-3% advantage? Learning to play a perfect "BASIC STRATEGY" is mandatory but beyond that, there are other betting strategies that create larger net wins.

Other betting strategies that create a larger net win? Playing blackjack? Could you please expand on this thought?

And to answer your question... Some of us still count cards because it's still profitable. The games overall might be deteriorating, but there are so many casinos available to play now in exchange. Many of the games will probably never be as good as they once were, but they're still beatable and there's more of them now.

And btw, the advantage you gain counting cards is closer to 1%, vs the 2% of 3% you mentioned.

**Phoebe** · 02-10-2016, 03:29 PM

Originally Posted by Stealth

OK, I will bite, would you care to elaborate on your other betting strategies?

Reply will send this thread to "The Disadvantage Forum"

**ACFERRET** · 02-10-2016, 03:53 PM

Even if there were ways to get an edge higher than 2-3% i dont think anybody would be just spilling the beans about it on this PUBLIC forum as if to say:

ATTENTION ALL CASINOS: This is how I am beating you, please take notice....that is all, have a nice day.

**Three** · 02-10-2016, 04:26 PM

He didn't say he was beating it. He said that they create larger wins. Implied is it creates even larger losses. LoL

**Jabberwocky** · 02-10-2016, 04:51 PM

Originally Posted by Tthree

He didn't say he was beating it. He said that they create larger wins. Implied is it creates even larger losses. LoL

He's a progression bettor. Sometimes negative sometimes positive. Depends on the mood. It's a very popular strategy.

**Norm** · 02-10-2016, 04:55 PM

Originally Posted by Luckyike

why would anyone care to count cards in order to squeeze out a meek 2-3% advantage?

Where is this casino? My bags are packed.

**ZeeBabar** · 02-10-2016, 06:30 PM

If you play 10 hours at 100 hands per hour, that is 1000 hands and If you count cards, varying your bet from say $25 to $400 with an average bet of $100, this means you have put into play $100,000. If, as you say, a win of 2%. Then that is $2000 win.

if you make $2000 in 10 hours, it's $200 per hour. How many other jobs are you qualified for that pays $200 an hour?

if it's a 1% win, it's still $100 an hour.

**Banker** · 02-10-2016, 06:39 PM

It is $200/hour of play and not of work. To get one hour of play as you described you probably need to work several hours scouting, traveling etc..

**ZeeBabar** · 02-10-2016, 06:55 PM

Wrong. Most card counters know where they play and don't need to scout a lot. If you have a decent BR and only do wong outs, you just go to your local casino and you start playing. If you live in Las Vegas, you probably have identified where you plan to play.

**Ryemo** · 02-10-2016, 08:37 PM

Originally Posted by ZeeBabar

Wrong. Most card counters know where they play and don't need to scout a lot. If you have a decent BR and only do wong outs, you just go to your local casino and you start playing. If you live in Las Vegas, you probably have identified where you plan to play.

Wrong Zee. Assuming that you're actually playing a strong winning game, playing locally becomes more difficult, so travel is necessary to continue playing. In that case, Banker is correct and a lot of time is put into scouting and travel. Even when I play locally now, I find that I need to strategically look for new and better ways to get more time in at the tables and avoid scrutiny.

I guess if you're ok with accumulating a small hourly EV as a result of playing a weak game (or using a "polite" spread), then that's fine. Different strokes for different folks. But I have no desire to spend any time in a casino unless I'm getting compensated for it. If I'm going hang out in a smoke-filled environment and surround myself around degenerates/idiot ploppies, then it needs to be worth my time. And with that approach, finding places that will let you play will be difficult. As a result, scouting and travel ARE necessary. I'm not going to the casino to look for a "Cheers" experience, Zee. I'm going to the casino to make money, and that takes work!

**ACFERRET** · 02-10-2016, 10:10 PM

You cant put in 8 hours a day counting cards in most locations, plain and simple, this is fact.

But in all seriousness, if we could just get a little more than 200/hour , maybe like 8% on a different game with a different strategy at 75 hands per hour flat betting 500 we could be making like 3000/hour someday, somebody will figure out a way to do something like this, maybe, just maybe, i might quit my job.