Brand New Here... Looking for some info

I would have added this to one of the other threads, but I could not find any way to post a new comment!!! That would be the first and most helpful bit of info I could use.

This is all about Blackjack and when I figure out how to use all of this, I'll put it in there.

Second, I read a lot of stuff, and just read a book by Richard Harvey. I am very suspect of any "systems", his included. I am very good at knowing every play based on all percentages, but books like this, and many others want to change everything, which gives me pause because sometimes there is logic in them, but it would change everything I do and I don't generally trust them.

I would appreciate any info any one has on this author, or any others they feel are helpful.

Much of it is good sound logical advice such as money management, discipline, research, etc. That's good and well, but changing the way I play is very different.

I go almost exclusively to Atlantic City because I live in NJ and can drive there. Any advice and which casino's people feel are the best would also be of great value. Lately I've been going to Cesar's simply because they have single deck tables.

Thank you in advance for any help anyone can give.

Peace,

John

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Yes, his claim is that is all of the "old timers" way of doing things and pretty much changes many of the hands I would normally play, based on his "system". I would have to spend a month or more getting it down pat, then still be uncomfortable. Also, he claims it's best for four deck shoes and I NEVER see them anymore. I play single or eight.

Thanks for saving me more reading time.

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Quote: Ibeatyouraces

I read part of the basic strategy article and he thinks there are 14 tens in a deck. Even more reason to run.

Funny you said that, when I read that, I actually took one of the decks sitting in front of me and counted them because I thought I was going crazy.

I don't believe there is any single deck blackjack in Atlantic City that pays 3 to 2. The Atlantic Club had it for a short time recently but changed the rules before finally discontinuing it.

1BB is right on the Atlantic Club SD. It's been MIA for a few months, to my knowledge. I've read "Cutting Edge Blackjack" for kicks, and it's filled with incorrect and misleading information. The author has some interesting ideas, but I would strongly caution against following ANY of them unless you have a strong foundation to work from. 99% of that book (and his other one, from what I'm told) is not going to make you a dime. Personally, I've found all sorts of non-AP gambling books useful in some capacity, but it's important to have the ability to identify and separate useful information from useless information beforehand.

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Thanks. This is exactley the kind of info I was looking for. Some of it is fine common sense stuff, but the whole "system" thing is what I want nothing to do with.

Thanks again.

What if you're not counting and playing against an eight deck shoe? Just stick to the standards? I have a hard time counting in general, but have not tried very hard quite honestly. Is it effective with an eight deck shoe, which I run across a lot in AC, though as I said, I've been playing just single deck lately.

He probably has some good points, such as his argument that typical counting strategies aren't strong composition dependent strategies. There are plenty of situations, especially against a single-deck shoe, where carefully tabulating the cards and using that knowledge will help you make good, unusual plays.

What's odd is how he aggressively lambasts typical counting strategies instead of trying to build and improve on them. I vote run away.

Quote: Zayla

What if you're not counting and playing against an eight deck shoe? Just stick to the standards? I have a hard time counting in general, but have not tried very hard quite honestly. Is it effective with an eight deck shoe, which I run across a lot in AC, though as I said, I've been playing just single deck lately.

Yes, counting will "work" (marginally) on the 8D games in AC, but conventional counting will not work on the SD games there (which all pay 6:5). Those games can be beaten by counting, but it requires a big bankroll, a specialized count, a large spread, and a decent amount of skill to pull off effectively. Given the crowded conditions and low table maxes, counting 6:5 SD games in AC is a lost cause. The 8D (and 6D) games there can be beaten, but you need a much stronger foundation before you even attempt to do so. Counting lousy games with poor penetration is a marginal affair at best, so if you're not already a highly-competent card counter, you'll just be trading variance back and forth with the casino. Suggestion: practice your BS on a computer and study some of the more reputable books on the market before wasting time actually playing those games in a live setting.

Quote: dwheatley

He probably has some good points, such as his argument that typical counting strategies aren't strong composition dependent strategies. There are plenty of situations, especially against a single-deck shoe, where carefully tabulating the cards and using that knowledge will help you make good, unusual plays.

What's odd is how he aggressively lambasts typical counting strategies instead of trying to build and improve on them. I vote run away.

One of my issues with it is that in his book he claims, what he calls "Card Observation" is not that effective in single deck games or six or eight deck shoes. Even he acknowledges it's almost impossible to find four decks shoes, which is what is "Card Observation" is most effective for.

As you say, when I practice I look for those unusual plays, but is it really worth trying to find them versus playing the traditional odds? I suppose I have to keep practicing it more to find out.

Thank you for your help.

Quote: LonesomeGambler

Yes, counting will "work" (marginally) on the 8D games in AC, but conventional counting will not work on the SD games there (which all pay 6:5). Those games can be beaten by counting, but it requires a big bankroll, a specialized count, a large spread, and a decent amount of skill to pull off effectively. Given the crowded conditions and low table maxes, counting 6:5 SD games in AC is a lost cause. The 8D (and 6D) games there can be beaten, but you need a much stronger foundation before you even attempt to do so. Counting lousy games with poor penetration is a marginal affair at best, so if you're not already a highly-competent card counter, you'll just be trading variance back and forth with the casino. Suggestion: practice your BS on a computer and study some of the more reputable books on the market before wasting time actually playing those games in a live setting.

Thank you. Even though I consider myself intelligent, enjoy research and reading, decent at math, when I try what I assume to be traditional card counting I have a hard time keeping up with the speed.

I have MS and though for the most part I'm physically OK, most of the time, but the cognitive part is a problem in an area such as that where I have to compute the negative versus positive, etc. rapidly, while paying attention to all of the other things.

What computer program/website would you suggest that would be helpful?

Thanks again for all your help.

PS... I actually do consistently well by just being grounded. I don't bet a lot (people on disability don't have a lot!), I know when to leave, I try to recognize streaks, good and bad, stay away from idiots, study the statistics fanatically and try to look for good tables/dealers/casinos, etc. Learning all the time.

I count exclusively 8 deck shoes, it's all that's spread in my area. A simple hi-lo count is all that you need, with strategy indices, to beat most shoe games. 'Card observation', which I guess is his attempt to make composition dependent strategy changes, is unnecessary and almost certainly a waste of brain effort.

I still remember the first time I went to a casino after learning to count and watching the dealers deal blackjack. Wow. So fast, I thought "how could i ever keep up?" Now I can cancel count almost by instinct, keeping 1 of 3 different counts, depending on the game, and keep up a conversation with players, dealers or floor. Practice practice practice.

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Quote: dwheatley

I count exclusively 8 deck shoes, it's all that's spread in my area. A simple hi-lo count is all that you need, with strategy indices, to beat most shoe games. 'Card observation', which I guess is his attempt to make composition dependent strategy changes, is unnecessary and almost certainly a waste of brain effort.

I still remember the first time I went to a casino after learning to count and watching the dealers deal blackjack. Wow. So fast, I thought "how could i ever keep up?" Now I can cancel count almost by instinct, keeping 1 of 3 different counts, depending on the game, and keep up a conversation with players, dealers or floor. Practice practice practice.

That gives me hope. What, in your opinion, is the best way to go about learning? Any specific programs, sites, books, how to practice, etc.

I appreciate your insight.

John

Quote: Zayla

That gives me hope. What, in your opinion, is the best way to go about learning? Any specific programs, sites, books, how to practice, etc.

I appreciate your insight.

John

Do you have CVBJ? If not then get it. It's more than worth the $90 or so.

Quote: BigJer

Do you have CVBJ? If not then get it. It's more than worth the $90 or so.

I've download the demo version and plan on buying the software this week. I've been playing around with it and trying to learn it and it is a hell of a lot better than I am!!!!

I have a lot to figure out. The software if pretty complicated so I need to learn how to use it, but I can see how beneficial it is. Also, everywhere I've been, here, out on the net, books, etc., it is the one consistent product I've seen recommended.

Thanks very much. Keep the info coming. Thanks.

Heading down to AC in a day or two for my birthday. Gift from my GF. The hotel and cash for a couple days is on her, as well as all the other good stuff!

Thanks again.

" Heading down to AC in a day or two for my birthday. Gift from my GF. " Hey, don't let her get away !