2016 BJ start

In 2015, I was out of the gate like a jack rabbit, registering 5 figures wins on two of my first 3 days of play. These were 2 of only 7 five figure winning days for the year (vs 3 five figure losing days). So after 3 days of play I was up over 20 grand.

In 2016, my first 3 days results are -1675, +2825, and -1137.50 for a total of + $12.50 after 3 days.

Just fun to look at the two different extremes, not that either scenario of short term results matter in the grand scheme of things, which is all about building EV and the 'longterm' results usually end up pretty close. But all in all, last years start was more fun. :)

Hey, at least you're ahead for the year (2016)! I expect to be taking it slowly for at least the first few weeks of the year, then I'll go into high gear after that, at least for blackjack. Got a bit of work to do (related to starting up BJ again as well as non-BJ AP) in the mean time.

Have you always played a fair amount of BJ, RS? Or did you semi-recently find it offered a bit more $ per hour than previously thought? =)

Thanks for sharing the opening gate info kewlj. I hope you didn't go spending that $12.50 on hookers and blow! I couldn't agree more that the short term is both erroneous and volatile. When we finish doing our 2016 rap up I'll probably post a year summary... but for starters last year we went straight in to a hole of about $3k, and this year in week 1 we're up $6k. My oh my AP is not for the faint of heart.

Best of luck to you this year kewlj; may you be above EV!

Quote: Romes

When we finish doing our 2016 rap up I'll probably post a year summary... but for starters last year we went straight in to a hole of about $3k, and this year in week 1 we're up $6k. My oh my AP is not for the faint of heart.

I have kind of soured on posting my years results. I have always done so as part of my effort to share as much of my experiences as possible for the benefit of other members. I thought seeing the rollercoaster ride might help newer players better understand what is involved. But recent activity on the other site, with people questioning my numbers and trying to discredit me, while these same folks are posting ridiculous numbers which REALLY don't add up (equating to 4 or 5 times EV) has turned me off to the whole process.

It's funny, no one questioned my numbers last year when I suffered my worst year in 9 year and actual BJ results were about a third of expectation. Back when I started out and shared my actual wins of 31 thousand over my first 3 years (that's 10 grand a year or below poverty level), I didn't hear anyone challenging my numbers. lol. But now with the pissing match currently occurring, people want to do everything they can to discredit others, as part of promoting their own agenda. I am really growing worn out by this whole deal.

But if you or someone starts a 2015 result thread, I likely will post. I would also like to post some of my brothers results from his first year playing fulltime, low limit, red chip. I think that might be useful to any new players starting out or considering starting out.

You should keep your results between you and your tax professional only!

Quote: Ibeatyouraces

You should keep your results between you and your tax professional only!

Good advice.

KJ, do you have any idea how much better your results would be if you counted T as -1, A as -2, and side-counted the other 8 cards? :-)

Quote: kewlj

I have kind of soured on posting my years results. I have always done so as part of my effort to share as much of my experiences as possible for the benefit of other members. I thought seeing the rollercoaster ride might help newer players better understand what is involved. But recent activity on the other site, with people questioning my numbers and trying to discredit me, while these same folks are posting ridiculous numbers which REALLY don't add up (equating to 4 or 5 times EV) has turned me off to the whole process.

It's funny, no one questioned my numbers last year when I suffered my worst year in 9 year and actual BJ results were about a third of expectation. Back when I started out and shared my actual wins of 31 thousand over my first 3 years (that's 10 grand a year or below poverty level), I didn't hear anyone challenging my numbers. lol. But now with the pissing match currently occurring, people want to do everything they can to discredit others, as part of promoting their own agenda. I am really growing worn out by this whole deal.

But if you or someone starts a 2015 result thread, I likely will post. I would also like to post some of my brothers results from his first year playing fulltime, low limit, red chip. I think that might be useful to any new players starting out or considering starting out.

I really enjoy your posts about being an AP so I selfishly hope that you continue to post. It's interesting to read about how the other half make a living by gambling. I have played poker for a living for over 3 years now, almost strictly cash games, 2/5 and 5/10. Almost no tournaments as I don't like variance. I guess my play would be similar to low green chipping for you KJ? I have averaged about 60k the last 3 years, not getting rich but beats a 9-5. I mostly post to the chip of the day thread but I read almost all of your threads as they are very interesting.

Kewlj, I enjoy following your posts and understand if you don't want to post your results, but as a casual observer I would be interested in following your hours played and EV if you chose to post those occasionally.

Quote: 21forme

KJ, do you have any idea how much better your results would be if you counted T as -1, A as -2, and side-counted the other 8 cards? :-)

ROTFLMAO!!

Quote: 21forme

KJ, do you have any idea how much better your results would be if you counted T as -1, A as -2, and side-counted the other 8 cards? :-)

You are a funny guy, Mr 21.

We could call it "The Kewl Kount". Maybe we could get Norman to run a specialized simulation. He likes me....so he would probably be up for that. :)

Kewlj
If u don't mind me asking what's your spread/max bet/ bankroll?

Quote: Flippyfish

Kewlj
If u don't mind me asking what's your spread/max bet/ bankroll?

Here's the way I do things.

Bankroll: each January 1, I reset my bankroll to 100K, with part in cash/casino chips and part in easy assessable money market account. At the end of the year, I take out everything above 100K (profit) and reset BR to 100K. Should I have a losing year, which has not occurred, I would reset BR to 100K from savings.

This 100K BR allows me to play at a miniscule RoR, but in the very unlikely event that I lost the initial 100K, which also has not occurred, I could replenish. So in reality, I guess I am playing to an even larger BR.

Bet spread, bet ramp and max bet are different based on games and conditions. These amounts are not set by bankroll limitations as some players are, but rather what I determine are tolerance/comfort levels for each different casino that I play at and even at different times. My max bet ranges from $250 at a small local type casino, to $800 at a couple of the big strip casinos during busier times, although most of the time I stay below $500, which is one of the key thresholds that starts to draw extra scrutiny/attention.

I know it would not be prudent to do so, but I'd love for KJ to post a yearlong trip report

Quote: PokerGrinder

I really enjoy your posts about being an AP so I selfishly hope that you continue to post. It's interesting to read about how the other half make a living by gambling. I have played poker for a living for over 3 years now, almost strictly cash games, 2/5 and 5/10. Almost no tournaments as I don't like variance. I guess my play would be similar to low green chipping for you KJ? I have averaged about 60k the last 3 years, not getting rich but beats a 9-5. I mostly post to the chip of the day thread but I read almost all of your threads as they are very interesting.

Hey congrats on making a living at the tables - the dream lives on

Quote: aceofspades

I know it would not be prudent to do so, but I'd love for KJ to post a yearlong trip report

Believe me, you wouldn't find it that interesting, AoS. My life as a low/mid-level BJ AP is completely void of any of the excitement that I enjoy reading in your and other's trip reports. My life as a professional BJ player is very different than what is portrayed in books and movies. No high roller treatment. No comped suites. No gourmet meals. No hosts hanging over me offering me anything (I avoid the host process). My comped meals are buffets, café and coffee shop type places.

I live a very pedestrian suburban middle class life. The less 'exciting' my professional life is the better I am doing it (less attention). :)

Quote: kewlj

Believe me, you wouldn't find it that interesting, AoS. My life as a low/mid-level BJ AP is completely void of any of the excitement that I enjoy reading in your and other's trip reports. My life as a professional BJ player is very different than what is portrayed in books and movies. No high roller treatment. No comped suites. No gourmet meals. No hosts hanging over me offering me anything (I avoid the host process). My comped meals are buffets, café and coffee shop type places.

I live a very pedestrian suburban middle class life. The less 'exciting' my professional life is the better I am doing it (less attention). :)

As wizardofnothing likes to remind me, I don't have hosts fawning over me - but apparently I should.

Well, I enjoy your non-gambling blogs and threads as well

Quote: kewlj

My max bet ranges from $250 at a small local type casino, to $800 at a couple of the big strip casinos during busier times, although most of the time I stay below $500, which is one of the key thresholds that starts to draw extra scrutiny/attention.

On those $400 - $800 bets, what is the EV for each hand?

Just from me, and what do I know?
Romes, KJ, PG, and others...
I really enjoy reading your posts, and blogs, etc.
Keep writing.

But....., should I get drunk and accidentally report my 'actual' win/loss records for a TAX year, you should assume I am lying. That is going to be my legal defense.
"I was drunk, I was lying, I was trying to impress my Internet acquaintances" ;-)

Happy 'winning' New Year indeed, to you all!
The Feathered One

<edit> Yes, once again I started out the New Year short one Feather, (sigh), 1F

Quote: kewlj

...My max bet ranges from $250 at a small local type casino, to $800 at a couple of the big strip casinos during busier times, although most of the time I stay below $500, which is one of the key thresholds that starts to draw extra scrutiny/attention.

But, but what about the "super max bet?" =P I assume that's the $800?

Man I really have appreciated the info you have put out. I hope you keep doing so. I know there's people that attempt to discredit you but for everyone that tries that there are 10 newbies that find your info VERY useful. I found your post about your brothers first year to really help explain to me what I will face in my first year, so thanks kjewl

I think many people have enjoyed your posts. Easy to say, but don't let a few morons get you down with cheap criticism.

Quote: standbymyman

I think many people have enjoyed your posts. Easy to say, but don't let a few morons get you down with cheap criticism.

I have started a very exclusive, members only, KJ fan club. The price of membership is, today only, like a honeymooners special, is only $5. Your membership will be fully transferable, meaning you can sell it tomorrow when I expect the value to be $10. If you hold it for the long term, you might be able to retire on the exponential growth. Since I did not clear this ad with the Wiz, or the current owners of this site, the values may fluctuate wildly ( think variance ), but this just may be the opportunity you have been waiting for in your life. I can make pay-pal work (maybe), but cash is preferable. Bulk memberships available, not for big people, for multiple memberships....

Just PM me ;-)

As a side note, I recently started a similar club for AoS and the results have been astounding. That meaning people actually bought memberships and are now trading them back and forth and they are both getting rich on the values...

One Feather