"When to Walk Away"

When playing blackjack, when is the best time to walk away--both when winning and losing? Do statistics aid at all in the answer?

Thanks!
Troy
Hudson, OH

When winning... which is unlikely because the player enjoys gambling and moreover enjoys winning and thinks now that his luck has "turned" it will continue in his favor.

When losing...get up, go away ... comeback some other day. Sort of a "put your toe in the water" type attitude.

Mathematically we have all heard: The house edge is relentless and applies to each bet every time, so the optimal strategy for all gambles is "the whole wad on one roll of the dice" which is particularly difficult to do for most gamblers, particularly for blackjack players since no dice are involved. Also of course its hard on the wife and kiddies who might be along for the vacation and who expect a few days of shows, restaurants and general merriment.

Now perhaps there is some mathematically defined sweet spot but its surely an elusive one.

Quote: FleaStiff

When winning... which is unlikely because the player enjoys gambling and moreover enjoys winning and thinks now that his luck has "turned" it will continue in his favor.

When losing...get up, go away ... comeback some other day. Sort of a "put your toe in the water" type attitude.

Mathematically we have all heard: The house edge is relentless and applies to each bet every time, so the optimal strategy for all gambles is "the whole wad on one roll of the dice" which is particularly difficult to do for most gamblers, particularly for blackjack players since no dice are involved. Also of course its hard on the wife and kiddies who might be along for the vacation and who expect a few days of shows, restaurants and general merriment.

Now perhaps there is some mathematically defined sweet spot but its surely an elusive one.

When the count goes bad

Quote: tmamas1

When playing blackjack, when is the best time to walk away--both when winning and losing? Do statistics aid at all in the answer?

Thanks!
Troy
Hudson, OH

If you're not playing with an advantage via counting cards or some other advantage play, then you're playing for fun. Hence, the best time to walk away is whenever you're not having enough fun to justify playing a negative game. Think of it like any other form of entertainment that costs money.

Quote: Lemieux66

When the count goes bad

IF the player is counting he feels his skills are valuable and that he is under observation so leaving on a bad count might call attention to himself.
Otherwise, I would agree.

If you are playing with a disadvantage you should walk away after a big loss. This way you won't remember what it feels like to win, there is a good chance this will keep you from going back and losing more.

If you insist on playing. I would want to leave after winning only because it might mentally make you happier and give you a nice warm fuzzy feeling for the rest of the day while you enjoy other things.

Quote: tmamas1

When playing blackjack, when is the best time to walk away--both when winning and losing? Do statistics aid at all in the answer?

Thanks!
Troy
Hudson, OH

I think this should clear up any questions you have Troy,

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3XAxsS3IwXY