what is next

I am learning blackjack and learned the basic strategy (memorized it). I went to Cherokee casino and tried the $5 table and want a mess, people were doing. I moved to the $10 table the quality of players were better but I still got beat badly. I was using the strategy but is there something else I could start easily learning to help not take a beating at the tables.
counting cards??? how to start
it was 3 to 2 table, dealer hits on soft 17 without surrender.
I would like to step up my game one day to play $25 table, what type of bankroll should seat at a $25 with?

Don't play blackjack

Quote: aceK

I am learning blackjack and learned the basic strategy (memorized it). I went to Cherokee casino and tried the $5 table and want a mess, people were doing. I moved to the $10 table the quality of players were better but I still got beat badly. I was using the strategy but is there something else I could start easily learning to help not take a beating at the tables.
counting cards??? how to start
it was 3 to 2 table, dealer hits on soft 17 without surrender.
I would like to step up my game one day to play $25 table, what type of bankroll should seat at a $25 with?

How other people play has no bearing on your long term rate of return. Does the casino you were at charge an ante or fee to play each hand?

I would take advantage of any $5 tables while learning BJ; I doubt if the tables with higher minimums buy you much.

If you want to quit losing at it, then, yes, I think you need to learn to count cards. But you need to get BS 'down cold' first. You can use online free trainers too.

please don't get upset with other players for your bad luck -- each card dealt is random no matter if they hit or stand

thank you for your encouragement I did walk away last night with a big win double my bankroll in 45 min at a $10 table. it was the shoe we dream about. thank you again

You are lucky to find a $5 table paying 3 to 2 for Blackjack. Please don't worry about how other people play their hands. If possible, just "shut up" about it. Remember that if everyone played perfectly casinos would not be able to offer Blackjack anymore.
If you want to learn how to count cards, ask yourself this question first : how much are you comfortable LOSING on one round of Blackjack? To have a positive expectation, you will probably have to "spread" at least 10 to 1 ($5 to $50) if you play every hand of a shoe. If the count is good and you have your top bet of $50 out and you double down, are you comfortable losing $100 in one round? If the count still warrants it, will you be comfortable wagering another $50, doubling or splitting (if BS calls for it), and potentially losing that too? At a $25 table, would you be comfortable potentially losing $500 in one round?If not, then you will need to consider entering and/or leaving mid-shoe. You will be told by other players to "please wait". Are you comfortable ignoring them? If so, you will be criticized for "ruining the order of the cards". Are you comfortable with that? These are just a few things to think about. Replies appreciated.

Quote: aceK

I am learning blackjack and learned the basic strategy (memorized it). I went to Cherokee casino and tried the $5 table and want a mess, people were doing. I moved to the $10 table the quality of players were better but I still got beat badly. I was using the strategy but is there something else I could start easily learning to help not take a beating at the tables.
counting cards??? how to start
it was 3 to 2 table, dealer hits on soft 17 without surrender.
I would like to step up my game one day to play $25 table, what type of bankroll should seat at a $25 with?

To re-iterate what others have said and to add some more thoughts:

1) What other players at the table, over time, has literally no affect on you or your bankroll. So if everyone else at the table is playing like idiots, this doesn't affect you. If everyone is playing perfect basic strategy, this doesn't affect you.

2) Have you memorized basic strategy for the different rule variations? Basic strategy changes slightly from H17 to S17, and pending the number of decks. Memorize all of them and then you're ready for next steps.

3) If you want to beat the game, and not lose money in the long run card counting will certainly get you there. It's a long journey that you have to be passionate about though. I wrote 3 articles that are linked below that will take you from A to Z with the ins and outs of card counting. Read them, then re-read them, then possibly read them all once more. If after that you feel this is something you are willing to dedicate a little time to and you put the hard work in, then I will also be at your disposal for questions/etc.

https://wizardofvegas.com/articles/A-to-Z-Counting-Cards-in-Blackjack/
https://wizardofvegas.com/articles/A-to-Z-Counting-Cards-In-Blackjack-2/
https://wizardofvegas.com/articles/A-to-Z-Counting-Cards-in-Blackjack-3/