BlackJack Card Counter And Calculator
What you do is, you bet 1 unit. If you happen to lose. You double it. If you lose again. You double it again. The theory is that eventually you are going to win. It's can't miss.
Of course I'm joking.
Based on everything I've been reading, "IF" you know what you are doing, BlackJack properly played can give the house it's lowest edge.
I've been reading quite a bit about card counting. And trying to learn. There's a free app that tests you, that's pretty cool.
I'm not at the point where I would consider risking my money on blackjack until I've done more research about proper game play etc.
For online play. Is there any reliable Free Black Jack? I'd be hesitant to use a Free Black Jack from an actual online Casino, because I would think, they'd make it a "bit" easier to win. Which would make people then use their "can't miss strategies" for real money.
Also is there any good online card counters? As well as card analyzer calculators?
Thanks in advance for the help
Chris
Quote: AvincowYou can always do it the old fashioned way like I did it. Buy 6 decks of cards. Deal out a hand for you and the dealer. Start counting!
1) this... it's actually a lot of fun, and you'll shock yourself with how your subconscious knows all of the dealer operations... "ROLLING!" ..."Change $300!... Go ahead!"
2) You definitely got me with the thread start lol... I was rolling my eyes going "Oh great, a troll" =p. If you're interested in learning a lot more about card counting, especially starting at the point you're at (and including free apps online or for your phone for training) please check out my A-Z Counting Cards in Blackjack thread; it was created for this purpose =).
You'll find all your intro stuff, suggested practice material, online and apps to help train, etc... You might not be a master after reading it, but I can guarantee if you read it, understand it, and follow it, that you'll not only have a winning game, but you'll know you have a winning game and believe it enough to be ready to play for real (and know exactly how much you stand to make per hour). Good luck =).
Edit - I reference the Wizards blackjack house edge calculator in the thread as well.
One time the count was very high, and I knew it was the last hand and I think I bet all my chips. I got 2 tens vs the dealer's Ace + 10. :-) a fun lesson.
Quote: Romes1) this... it's actually a lot of fun, and you'll shock yourself with how your subconscious knows all of the dealer operations... "ROLLING!" ..."Change $300!... Go ahead!"
Wait....you actually make the dealer calls like "rolling" and "changing $300"? That's a little TOO extreme for me. LOL. Do you also yell out some of the dealer douchbag lines like "a 2 is the dealer's ACE", or "it doesn't matter whether you hit or stand on a certain hand, but you should always play it the same way" LOL.
Anyway, my favorite method of practice is also dealing out actual hands. Practice on a computer may be more efficient, but there is nothing that simulates actual play as much as dealing hands. I purchased a blackjack table at the Sahara sale after they closed and despite that I play almost daily, I still practice by dealing hands 3-4 times a week. In the past 4 years I have taught 3 different people, all members of my current household, to count cards, so I that old "sahara BJ table" has gotten quite a workout. :)
Quote: kewljWait....you actually make the dealer calls like "rolling" and "changing $300"? That's a little TOO extreme for me. LOL. Do you also yell out some of the dealer douchbag lines like "a 2 is the dealer's ACE", or "it doesn't matter whether you hit or stand on a certain hand, but you should always play it the same way" LOL.
Anyway, my favorite method of practice is also dealing out actual hands. Practice on a computer may be more efficient, but there is nothing that simulates actual play as much as dealing hands. I purchased a blackjack table at the Sahara sale after they closed and despite that I play almost daily, I still practice by dealing hands 3-4 times a week. In the past 4 years I have taught 3 different people, all members of my current household, to count cards, so I that old "sahara BJ table" has gotten quite a workout. :)
Ha, no I don't make the dealer calls... It's just something your subconscious expects to hear when slapping the decks down on the table to be cut, or getting chips, etc =P.
Mind me asking how much you paid for the table? I'll definitely be getting one, one day... Just curious what the goin rate is/was.
Quote: Romes
Mind me asking how much you paid for the table? I'll definitely be getting one, one day... Just curious what the goin rate is/was.
I forget if it was $400 or $600. There were several for sale. I know I didn't take the most beat up one, but it was one of the less expensive ones. The felt is very worn and is "dealer stand 17" :) (IF only)
My plan was and I guess still is to have a little casino themed room in my house to use as my office, featuring the table with new "House of Kewl" felt & chips, and a slot and video poker machine (not working) that I have purchased, with a neon "House of Kewl" sign on the wall. But I have made little progress toward my "House of Kewl" room, except purchasing the table and machines. My current home and number of housemates, doesn't really provide for such an area. Maybe some day. :) Maybe some day, after my playing days have ended, I will write my book, "a Kewl Story" in that very room. :/
Quote: kewljMy plan was and I guess still is to have a little casino themed room in my house to use as my office, featuring the table with new "House of Kewl" felt & chips, and a slot and video poker machine (not working) that I have purchased, with a neon "House of Kewl" sign on the wall. But I have made little progress toward my "House of Kewl" room, except purchasing the table and machines. My current home and number of housemates, doesn't really provide for such an area. Maybe some day. :)
Sounds like a great plan! I dream of having a man-cave with some shooter arcade game, a bar. Perhaps instead of a bar I should just go with a blackjack table.
Quote: vendman1It's easy to just flip the cards over and count down a couple of decks. Either with real cards or on your phone/computer.
Counting down a deck is about the stupidest and most over-rated thing in the card counting world. It in no way simulates anything about the game and I don't see where it prepares you for anything. I can't for the life of me understand how that skill became so popular and such importance placed on it.
I have done it exactly once and only because there was a thread on another site talking about it and how useless it was and someone challenged me. So I did it. I think my time was 31 seconds which is pretty poor. I wouldn't make any card counting teams with a score of 31 seconds. Lol. And guess what... I've done ok, in the world of blackjack card counting without THAT skill. :)
The funny thing about speed that is over-looked is that you (the player) don't have to keep up with ANY dealer. They have to play at your tempo. Sometimes I like to slow down a dealer just to annoy them and throw them off THEIR game. :/
Quote: kewljMaybe some day, after my playing days have ended, I will write my book, "a Kewl Story" in that very room. :/
I'd pay $200, without hesitation.
Quote: kewljCounting down a deck is about the stupidest and most over-rated thing in the card counting world. It in no way simulates anything about the game and I don't see where it prepares you for anything. I can't for the life of me understand how that skill became so popular and such importance placed on it. :/
I couldn't agree more with this comment kewlj.
When I first learned how to count cards 30 years ago (holy crap I must be getting old!) this was recommended as the first drill. Maybe it was useful for the first hour or so, but after that it was a total waste of time. Counting is actually much simpler than adding and subtracting 1 very quickly. The trick is to cancel out pairs and groups of cards so there is much less addition and subtraction and you don't even start counting until the dealer is making a second pass. Kewlj, 1BB, and others have described this method numerous times in this forum.
Practicing at home is good, but it becomes boring very quickly. If you happen to live close to a casino, just stand behind the table and watch. This gives you experience in actual casino conditions without having to risk any money. After about 10 hours of practice you can sit down at a low stakes game (if available) and play close to break even assuming you have mastered basic strategy, use a modest betting spread, and don't make too many mistakes.
When I first started counting, I found the most difficult part was adding up your hand and counting the cards at the same time (although true count conversion was difficult at first as well). I discovered the best way to deal with this problem was to sit at first base. This way you would count your own cards, then count additional hits to your hand, then not have to worry about counting the balance of the cards until afterwards (this assumes you are playing a face up game).
After a hundred hours or so of play, it is amazing how easy counting is (assuming you use a level 1 count). Like dealers, you soon recognize groups of cards and don't need to add them up. Soon you will be able to drink, joke with the dealer/ other players, flirt with the cocktail waitress, complain to the pit boss, and count all at the same time!
Quote: RomesHa, no I don't make the dealer calls... It's just something your subconscious expects to hear when slapping the decks down on the table to be cut, or getting chips, etc =P.
Mind me asking how much you paid for the table? I'll definitely be getting one, one day... Just curious what the goin rate is/was.
The date for The Riviera auction has been set. Might pick up a table next month, if you're seriously wanting to buy one.
http://www.vegaschatter.com/story/2015/4/16/11206/4077/vegas-travel/Date+For+Riviera+Liquidation+Sale+Set
Quote: texasplumrThe date for The Riviera auction has been set. Might pick up a table next month, if you're seriously wanting to buy one.
http://www.vegaschatter.com/story/2015/4/16/11206/4077/vegas-travel/Date+For+Riviera+Liquidation+Sale+Set
Oh, I will be there for that none the less =). Perfect timing!
Quote: Romes1) this... it's actually a lot of fun, and you'll shock yourself with how your subconscious knows all of the dealer operations... "ROLLING!" ..."Change $300!... Go ahead!"
Rolling? What's rolling precious, eh. Haven't heard this one....Youuuuuu MIGHT be a 'rascal' if.......(nevermind ;-)...2F
Quote: TwoFeathersATLRolling? What's rolling precious, eh. Haven't heard this one....
Boil 'em mash, 'em, stick 'em in a stew! =p
It's when they're done shuffling (either pulling the decks out of the ASM or hand shuffling) and all of the decks are stacked vertically. They usually call "ROLLING!" to the pit to let the pit know they're taking the cards and rolling them towards the table so they're now stacked horizontally for the players to cut before putting in to the shoe. This is when one might grab a peek of a top or bottom card ;).
Quote: Romes1) this... it's actually a lot of fun, and you'll shock yourself with how your subconscious knows all of the dealer operations... "ROLLING!" ..."Change $300!... Go ahead!"
l.
Let me try that again, a common thread here seems to be 'practice makes you better'.
"ROLLING", what's rolling precious? Eh? Never heard that at a BJ table....
Ahhh, previewed this time before hitting the posty buttony thingy.... Much better.... Practice, practice, practice. <*((()))<><
Quote: AB21I couldn't agree more with this comment kewlj.
When I first learned how to count cards 30 years ago (holy crap I must be getting old!) this was recommended as the first drill. Maybe it was useful for the first hour or so, but after that it was a total waste of time. Counting is actually much simpler than adding and subtracting 1 very quickly. The trick is to cancel out pairs and groups of cards so there is much less addition and subtraction and you don't even start counting until the dealer is making a second pass. Kewlj, 1BB, and others have described this method numerous times in this forum.
Practicing at home is good, but it becomes boring very quickly. If you happen to live close to a casino, just stand behind the table and watch. This gives you experience in actual casino conditions without having to risk any money. After about 10 hours of practice you can sit down at a low stakes game (if available) and play close to break even assuming you have mastered basic strategy, use a modest betting spread, and don't make too many mistakes.
When I first started counting, I found the most difficult part was adding up your hand and counting the cards at the same time (although true count conversion was difficult at first as well). I discovered the best way to deal with this problem was to sit at first base. This way you would count your own cards, then count additional hits to your hand, then not have to worry about counting the balance of the cards until afterwards (this assumes you are playing a face up game).
After a hundred hours or so of play, it is amazing how easy counting is (assuming you use a level 1 count). Like dealers, you soon recognize groups of cards and don't need to add them up. Soon you will be able to drink, joke with the dealer/ other players, flirt with the cocktail waitress, complain to the pit boss, and count all at the same time!
I've been counting for 25 years. Hi-Opt 1 with an ace side count. Just so happens that WGBJB is my favorite book on blackjack.
I don't count a table the same way every time. Depends on my mood, the speed of the dealer, how sharp and rested I feel. In paying blackjack there is a lot of information. You have to figure out how much to use and not make mistakes. It's a trade off. Idon't use a level 2 count but I do notice when 5s and Aces come out. I've been playing at home for years as practice. I like it and it keeps me in tune.
I guess the most important thing in all this is that I have self discipline, and have made money at this game. Some players can't deal with the variance or over bet their BR. Winning at this game is milking a 1% or less advantage. That's not sexy or exciting for a lot of people. What sells tickets is people shoving it all out there and putting it all on the line. But winning at blackjack means you're the tortoise and not the hare.
It's funny that the image of a tortoise is slow, squat, says doe de doe a lot. But card counters don't get all caught up in imagery. A card counter is really like a person that has a maple tree tap attached to the casino-tree, getting a drop at a time--and the casino either puts up with it, or doesn't know about it. That's why it's called "getting the tap" when you get the tap. (I just thought of this funny play on words after I wrote the "maple tree tap" analogy. So we both wound up getting the tap. Maybe in some book they'll attribute this clever little bit of wit to Greasyjohn II ;)
