Quote Originally Posted by Stevie Wonder View Post
Welcome to the forum Brian. Professional Blackjack by Stanford Wong seems to be the backbone of beginning AP blackjack. Once you have a general understanding, Blackjack Attack by Don S. is highly recommended. If your end goal is to get thrown out of a casino, your end will be sooner than later. Getting "backed off" isn't a badge of honor, but a loss of a profitable venture. And depending on the info they have on you, technology they utilize, what lengths they wish to go, and what databases they participate, you may be unable to play at a very very large sample of stores. Besides, some stores will back people off for varying their bets whether or not the person is actually counting or not.

Before I address your other questions, you mention "possibly waste a lot of time and energy". Whether or not this venture will be a waste of time, energy, and money, will largely depend on your bank roll, willingness to travel, and local casino options. AP blackjack is a finely edged advantage, and you will have losing streaks regardless of how well you are able to count, that will test both your confidence, patience, and bank roll. Counting is the easy part. If you aren't willing to travel, what are your local casino options? What are the rules and pen? If you aren't sure, make a trip asap. Take a good look at what they offer and whether or not its a beatable game. For example, if you are limited to only 1 or 2 stores, one may pay 6:5 for blackjacks and the other shop may only offer 6/8 pen, H17, no surrender games that ,for the standard counter, be unplayable. As for your other questions-

1. The best blackjack game ever found will not be spoken of. They are referring to as "honey pots" and are adored by those who find them. All it takes is one person to take note of where a super juicy game is, show up with their team/massive bank roll, and blast that game until it no longer exists. However, for just finding games with good general rules, a subscription to CBJN through bj21.com is a good start. While it may not be 100% accurate, its enough to gain a general idea of the playing conditions.

2. Because the game would no longer exist.

3. Basic strategy. Basic strategy. Basic strategy. To the point where each and every play is automatic. Once you've memorized the charts, memorize the cards. By that I mean instead of seeing numbers on cards, they should appear as one number. Simple example- you are dealt a 9 and a 5. The thought process mentally should not be "9+5= 10,11,12,13,14.. 14!". It should be practiced to the point where your brain sees the set as 14. If you are willing to risk however big or small your bankroll is on blackjack, spend the money and purchase CVBJ along with CVData or CVCX. They are programs which will prove to be invaluable from the very beginning to fine tuning advanced strategies.

4. All strategies and charts can be found in the above mentioned software and books. Basic strategy does vary slightly by ruleset, but a strategy chart from place A compared to B should read the same assuming the same rules. If you wish for a tangible chart, Don Schlesinger sells the Ultimate Blackjack Strategy Cards which have most common rulesets you will come across.

5. This website along with bj21.com should have more than enough info in the forums and archives to keep your brain ticking. Read the forums, find some users you realize appease to you and know their shit, and search for their post. There are very knowledgeable people on these boards.

6. Walk before you run. Until basic strategy and "reading the cards" become second nature, don't bother with trying to mix in a count. Purchase CVBJ, and drill drill drill before you throw any big money around in a live condition. Before you actually implement a bet spread, find a $5 minimum game and flat bet while keeping the count. Sitting at home and counting is a lot easier than when all the distractions that occur in casinos hit you.

Lastly, there is no best count for everyone. Be honest with yourself and your abilities and learn the most powerful count that you can become comfortable with. The best count, is the one that you can do accurately. They will all get the money if done correctly. But trying to earn that extra small percentage that a stronger count will give you, but making 5% more mistakes, will put you into a losing game.
All that for a brief attempt to get backed off? He says he wants to be identified by a casino as a card counter, be backed off and it's the end of it. There is nothing that he wants to be a recreationally counter or a career as a pro.

he should ignore your advice, learn hi-lo, spread 1-20 on a DD game, get backed off, be done with want he wants, maybe take the challenges he seeks to another endeavor.