Thanks from a newbie (and a quick question)

[Flipper]

I'd like to thank everyone here for being a tremendous resource to folks like myself. In my youth, my father was a bookie and thus I learned through him the disadvantages to the gambler. We both enjoyed our trips to AC, but never took the time to go further than Basic Strategy on the table, simply Having our fun with the action. Fast forward a couple of decades and here I am...Fully fascinated with the subject of BJ and the possibility of advantage play. I have promised myself that this experiment for myself would go no further than a practise table until I was absolutely sure of my skills and knowledge. And...The facts may play out that my skills never reach a point that warrant a live table. However, I know what dedication and hard work are all about and can be quite stubborn...Thus I do feel at some point in the future I could make it to a live table. But in all honesty I have no idea where all this will lead, but am willing to give it an honest attempt

I do have a question I hope to have answered .. I am reading Norms book and plan on ordering his software. Knowing that from this starting point and knowing I am a blank canvas without bad habits...As a start should I concentrate with REKO or Hi-Lo? Or should I step it up at the start to FELT? I know this is a very simplistic question - but frankly I have to start somewhere and as simple as the experienced players know these three counts may be...Be sure that for the newb, it's all easier "easier said than done."

I read all the posts and sometimes feel quite intimidated - thus any response from the veterans here will be most appreciated.

[Meistro123]

Use hi lo.

[Bigdaddy]

In choosing a count, you should consider what type of games you will be playing most. If you will mostly be playing 6 or 8-deck shoe games, then I would recommend Hi-Lo. But if you will be playing a lot of double deck, then you might want to consider learning a level 2 count, because you can probably get 15 - 20% more out of the game than if you used Hi-Lo.

If you will be playing a lot of both DD and shoe games, then I would recommend Zen. It's the best of both worlds and not too difficult to learn and apply.

[Freightman]

Before Flash proffers his assistance with hi Opt 2, consider halves utilizing the Freightman Ball Method Ace Side Count, appropriately shortened to the FBM ASC, for feel good play.

[Freightman]

Reko VS hi lo
Go with hi lo. It's easy, gets the money and there is tons if good literature out there about it. Further, later when posting and you start quoting running and true counts, unless specified to the contrary, people will interpret based on hi lo.

[Freightman]

In choosing a count, you should consider what type of games you will be playing most. If you will mostly be playing 6 or 8-deck shoe games, then I would recommend Hi-Lo. But if you will be playing a lot of double deck, then you might want to consider learning a level 2 count, because you can probably get 15 - 20% more out of the game than if you used Hi-Lo.

If you will be playing a lot of both DD and shoe games, then I would recommend Zen. It's the best of both worlds and not too difficult to learn and apply.

Depending on your mix of games, this is also a pretty good choice. You can determi e later if u want to learn additional counts etc.

[Flipper]

Right now - either the casinos in Maryland or AC are the ones I would have access to (already in the beginning). I have not been in one for over a decade and have no intention of doing so unless I am extremely proficient. Is it better to become acquainted with something a little easier on the front end or just jump in completely with a more complex system (knowing that I am not relearnig anything to speak of - but in fact learning for the first time.

I can't tell you how flattered I am to have gotten such a quick round of responses. Thank you all very much

I only mention REKO because of Norms book - FLEX at the moment seems a bit intimidating - but I suppose that is to be expected.

[Freightman]

Right now - either the casinos in Maryland or AC are the ones I would have access to (already in the beginning). I have not been in one for over a decade and have no intention of doing so unless I am extremely proficient. Is it better to become acquainted with something a little easier on the front end or just jump in completely with a more complex system (knowing that I am not relearnig anything to speak of - but in fact learning for the first time.

I can't tell you how flattered I am to have gotten such a quick round of responses. Thank you all very much

I only mention REKO because of Norms book - FLEX at the moment seems a bit intimidating - but I suppose that is to be expected.

Don't think that area has much in the way of double deck, so hi lo, or zen which caters to future possibilities. I might have recommended halves with the FBM ASC, but someone out there doesn't like it when I mention it, and I've received so many unhelpful on that vein, so, I won't recommend halves with the FBM ASC.

[Flipper]

Freight man - I have no idea what halved FBM ASC is - but if you could enlighten me it would be most appreciated.

And Moses...I take your comments as high compliments...I thank you for the encouragement and hope to live up them. Very, very nice

[Freightman]

Freight man - I have no idea what halved FBM ASC is - but if you could enlighten me it would be most appreciated.

And Moses...I take your comments as high compliments...I thank you for the encouragement and hope to live up them. Very, very nice

Tongue in cheek, created to counter, youll get it sooner or later - should get me a couple of more unhelpful.

The FBM ASC, also known as the Freightman Ball Method Ace Side Count, is a count method which combines high betting power greater than 99% with an enhanced playing efficiency created by sidecounting aces to enhance playing decisions.

Endorsed by many, the FBM ASC is the greatest advancement in Blackjack protocol over the last 20 years. To accurately sidecount aces, simply place one finger per ace on your left nut, duplicating the process to handle your first 8 aces, then switching hands to get up to 16 aces played. Information gleaned will assist you in a myriad of possibilities including, but not limited to, not doubling 11v10, doubling 10v10 and other assorted plays.

Be the superstar of your group - try halves with ace side count - FBM ASC - for feel good play.

[sbrugby]

I read all the posts and sometimes feel quite intimidated - thus any response from the veterans here will be most appreciated.

I started with REKO-F and moved to FELT-F. Anything you choose will be fine imo, but once u make a choice I'd stick to it until you've learned it.

From your position I'd recommend REKO, you can learn it way faster than the other systems. Get CVBJ and practice the drills a bunch, and then eventually practice in the game environment provided by CVBJ using the recommended bet ramps in modern blackjack. Also get the QFIT drill app for your phone, practice on your lunch, whenever u have downtime and can't get to a computer, w/e. If u commit to consistent practice of a few hours a day, every day, you could be ready to take your game to the casino in ~1 month, maybe less if u know BS well already. It's all about practicing until you've formed the neural circuits necessary to go from competence, to mastery, to automaticity.

From there I'd get some hours in playing, then re-evaluate if you want a more robust system. REKO could be enhanced to REKO-F or REKO-T, otherwise a level two count could be learned.

That's what I'd tell a friend if he told me he wanted to learn how to count cards.

[Flipper]

Freightman - hanks for taking the time explaining...that took some time... and you certainly did not need to go to that trouble. But...thank you. I have read many of the threads where you have taken a lead. You obviously know your stuff. For what it’s worth (and admittedly, it ain’t much), I like your style. Thanks again for taking that time.

[Freightman]

Freightman - hanks for taking the time explaining...that took some time... and you certainly did not need to go to that trouble. But...thank you. I have read many of the threads where you have taken a lead. You obviously know your stuff. For what it’s worth (and admittedly, it ain’t much), I like your style. Thanks again for taking that time.

That was worth a thumbs up. Recognition of quality usually is.