One month into Professional BJ career
Quote: sabreStop playing BJ.
Thanks
Quote: BW21With a one to five spread on a double deck with reasonable deck pen say 70% it would probably generate maybe 100 an hour in ev. A 1 to 8 spread would be preferred but might get you picked off by the casino faster. Remember the above numbers assume you have a perfect card counting game and emotional discipline with perfect counting and basic strategy along with proper bankroll. To make 1 to 2 k a week would be a stretch because you would be playing the same casino twenty hours a week. In the modern era of cared counting it isn't possible to unnoticed on a double deck for 20 hours a week for a sustainable stretch. Remember the long run in counting is about 50000 hands and you will walk the door a loser about 45% of sessions. The edge is tiny and is really a grind so don't get fooled by a few winning sessions. Keep reading and practicing.
Thank you BW 21. I love reading and learning on here. Thanks for the input
Quote: Fredop23Thanks
You pissed away a major portion of your bankroll on a car. You have no chance.
Good luck
What does this mean "you lost your focus"? You lost track of the count and played anyways? You started betting much bigger amounts during good counts? You went on tilt, stopped counting and bet large amounts?Quote: Fredop23I was actually up 8900 at one point and just lost my focus and it all went to the dumps from there.
Losing your focus shouldn't impact you that much, it's easy enough to just stop playing come back and refocus.
either way, how much value did it cost you? Even with focus, you could have lost the same amount, unless you were big bet tilting and going off.
If you have tilt and chasing losses issues then it's game over. It only takes a few bad emotional days to destroy your BR, especially if you are bringing such large percentages of your BR with you.
I'm not going to jump on you spending too much for a car bandwagon, If it was a one-time thing, something you really wanted and it makes you happy, then it is what it is. I spent more than I should have on sports cars a few years after I first started and I don't regret it one bit. I was proud of them, I had lots of fun racing, cruising, showing them off, and lots of good memories. I'm sure I got a few successful dates due to the fact I had some nice cars.
If you have tilt and loss chasing issues then it's probably a good thing you spent the money on something rather than give it all back to the casino.
P.S. If you have it in you to tilt and go off for big amounts....YOU HAVE IT IN YOU. It rarely ever goes away, it's usually not a matter of if, it's just a matter of when.
Quote: Fredop23I see what you're saying. But as I stand in at 68k liquid. I started with 17. I know mother variance can turn her ugly head but my RoR should be very low considering the good game I'm playing and my bankroll
Well done for having some decent good luck so far.
I commend you for buying the car. When you've lost all of the rest of your money, you can still look at that and say ho-hum that was fun.
BUT you are massively under bankrolled for the betting level you have played. Even now, you are underfunded and your ROR is not very low. It's pretty damned high if you want to draw money from your winnings to live on. When bankroll is spent on cars and food and a home, it is no longer bankroll.
You ask how to psyche yourself up to the prospect of big bad losing sessions. With those betting levels, you are buying into acceptance of them, and not just as an occasional bad day.
You sound like you have a propensity for going on tilt, in which case read Sabre's posts 100 times.
IMO: Take the money and run.
It is a poor choice. Learn to handle wins without getting emotional and acting rashly .... same thing with losses. If you are doing this in Vegas, you sure don't need any car.Quote: billryanI'm not a pro, but blowing a third of your BR on a car seems like a very poor decision a month in.
Good luck
Time is money.Quote: FleaStiffIt is a poor choice. Learn to handle wins without getting emotional and acting rashly .... same thing with losses. If you are doing this in Vegas, you sure don't need any car.
Technically you don't need one, but I think it's all but necessary, especially in the summer time. The heat will zap the life out of you sitting around waiting for the bus or walking to the bus stop. I guess you could Uber around but that seems impractical for shopping and other things. Someone may also want a social life and do other things besides living in the casino.
Quote: AxelWolfTime is money.
Technically you don't need one, but I think it's all but necessary, especially in the summer time. The heat will zap the life out of you sitting around waiting for the bus or walking to the bus stop. I guess you could Uber around but that seems impractical for shopping and other things. Someone may also want a social life and do other things besides living in the casino.
I would suggest you use your bankroll to cover your living expenses while looking for a new job that you enjoy. It won't be long before you will not be allowed to play at your casino, unless you now start to consistently lose your money. You've been VERY lucky.
ZCore13
1) You were hideously under bankrolled with $17k
2) You got lucky to a level I don't think I can describe with words
3) Getting things now and then with the money is okay, but 30% of your BR after 1 month of being a "professional" is not a very wise decision
4) 68k is a good bankroll at this point, if you still have that liquid
5) You're not going to be able to play at 1 shop very long, so I hope you're playing across like 10 casinos. Remember, when they realize you're winning more than others, you're going to get the boot... hope there's more casinos around
6) Like Axel asked... What do you mean by "lost focus?" As in you dropped the count? Couldn't keep the count? Forgot how much to bet? Forgot your spread or basic strategy? Any of the above and you shouldn't play again until you've had more practice.
7) You got unbelievably lucky, so take your good fortune, learn from your experience, practice more, and strike with much more precision in the future (if you plan to try to continue playing)
Quote: AxelWolfTime is money.
Technically you don't need one, but I think it's all but necessary, especially in the summer time. The heat will zap the life out of you sitting around waiting for the bus or walking to the bus stop. I guess you could Uber around but that seems impractical for shopping and other things. Someone may also want a social life and do other things besides living in the casino.
Because a vette is always to perfect choice to go shopping in. For anything legal or illegal.
Guessing someone will be able to pick it up for 1/2 price cash in the next 4-6 weeks.
Why not try to get a part time job that will cover your expenses while you continue to build and continue to gain experience? Playing full time on a modest bankroll is extremely stressful when you go through a rough patch, i imagine more so if you have dependants or debt payments (I didnt), and so cal can't be cheap. There are other solid games in So Cal when you lose that one, should last you a while.
Quote: OnceDearWell done for having some decent good luck so far.
I commend you for buying the car. When you've lost all of the rest of your money, you can still look at that and say ho-hum that was fun.
BUT you are massively under bankrolled for the betting level you have played. Even now, you are underfunded and your ROR is not very low. It's pretty damned high if you want to draw money from your winnings to live on. When bankroll is spent on cars and food and a home, it is no longer bankroll.
You ask how to psyche yourself up to the prospect of big bad losing sessions. With those betting levels, you are buying into acceptance of them, and not just as an occasional bad day.
You sound like you have a propensity for going on tilt, in which case read Sabre's posts 100 times.
Thanks for the input. I'll look into lowering my spreads.
Quote: Zcore13I would suggest you use your bankroll to cover your living expenses while looking for a new job that you enjoy. It won't be long before you will not be allowed to play at your casino, unless you now start to consistently lose your money. You've been VERY lucky.
ZCore13
Thanks zcore. I have been thinking of looking for something I enjoy and just doing this let time like I used to. I love playing blackjack and the last thing I want is to lose the joy I have for the game
Quote: FleaStiffIt is a poor choice. Learn to handle wins without getting emotional and acting rashly .... same thing with losses. If you are doing this in Vegas, you sure don't need any car.
I live in SoCal, I have a reliable daily driver. The vette was just a car I've always wanted and decided to just grab it at a relatively great price at auction
Quote: RomesNot being mean, just pointing out the obvious:
1) You were hideously under bankrolled with $17k
2) You got lucky to a level I don't think I can describe with words
3) Getting things now and then with the money is okay, but 30% of your BR after 1 month of being a "professional" is not a very wise decision
4) 68k is a good bankroll at this point, if you still have that liquid
5) You're not going to be able to play at 1 shop very long, so I hope you're playing across like 10 casinos. Remember, when they realize you're winning more than others, you're going to get the boot... hope there's more casinos around
6) Like Axel asked... What do you mean by "lost focus?" As in you dropped the count? Couldn't keep the count? Forgot how much to bet? Forgot your spread or basic strategy? Any of the above and you shouldn't play again until you've had more practice.
7) You got unbelievably lucky, so take your good fortune, learn from your experience, practice more, and strike with much more precision in the future (if you plan to try to continue playing)
Thanks. Believe me I knew my bankroll was low when I started. I knew it would be risky. The 68k is still liquidd as I speak. I understand that my winning streak was one of a lot of luck considering my low bankroll. I'm planning on looking for a job I enjoy and just doing this part time.
Very lucky - if his story is true - but certainly not exceptional. The only exceptional thing about gambling is its dysfunction. If he wants to become "famous" in his own mind for this, then he will be their guest. The vicarious folk "need" him, too.Quote: Zcore13I would suggest you use your bankroll to cover your living expenses while looking for a new job that you enjoy. It won't be long before you will not be allowed to play at your casino, unless you now start to consistently lose your money. You've been VERY lucky.
Quote: Fredop23I'm planning on looking for a job I enjoy and just doing this part time.
Then most of the advice you were asking for is not really relevant. What you really are is an amateur who hopes to play with an advantage and hopes to make some extra money in addition to a reliable source of income (a job). That being said, you now really don't have a defined bankroll. With a job your bankroll is replenishable. Good luck in your journey.
Lol. Nobody can smoke and drink, even coffee, on a part-time basis. What do you think gambling is? "Hey, I want to worry about $20 here and $10 there, for the rest of my lonely life. But, at least, I don't know how lonely I really am."Quote: Fredop23I'm planning on looking for a job I enjoy and just doing this part time.
Quote: InTimeForSpace1Lol. Nobody can smoke and drink, even coffee, on a part-time basis. What do you think gambling is? "Hey, I want to worry about $20 here and $10 there, for the rest of my lonely life. But, at least, I don't know how lonely I really am."
I have to say, you come off as a total jackass. Not saying you are one, but you certainly are playing one. It's +EV that's your goal though. It seems this site is a lot larger part of some people's lives than they care to admit and they can't stand being told they are not welcome.
As for the topic at hand, yes he can have both. It's a perfectly logical decision.
That's funny, because I AP part time as well as having a full time job. When you're actually good at it, you don't sweat the money either way (big wins or losses). You understand it's all about EV, having an edge, and playing to get to a long run. The thought of lonely should have nothing to do with anything someone's passionate about. If someone was a passionate spoon collector, would you tell them that they're super lonely because they're a passionate spoon collector? That has zero baring whatsoever on their relationship status. Just like your comments have zero baring whatsoever on real AP's.Quote: InTimeForSpace1Lol. Nobody can smoke and drink, even coffee, on a part-time basis. What do you think gambling is? "Hey, I want to worry about $20 here and $10 there, for the rest of my lonely life. But, at least, I don't know how lonely I really am."
Will you then sell the Corvette?
Will you be able to handle the emotional aspect of the downswing? What about multiple losing sessions in a row? Have you mentally prepped yourself for that eventuality?
Based on what you have written, it may be that you're too emotional for this kind of work. Your highs are too high (leading you to buy a Corvette, when you know you're undercapitalized), and your lows cause you to steam/tilt.
At least you're honest about your weaknesses. That's why I believe your story and have hope that you succeed. Degenerates usually leave out the bad stuff.
I'm rooting for you because I was you at one time.
He sounds like one of the Joeshlabotnik or blackhole guys.Quote: BozI have to say, you come off as a total jackass. Not saying you are one, but you certainly are playing one. It's +EV that's your goal though. It seems this site is a lot larger part of some people's lives than they care to admit and they can't stand being told they are not welcome.
As for the topic at hand, yes he can have both. It's a perfectly logical decision.
I don't know anyone who doesn't sweat the money to some degree at certain levels. Especially people doing it full time without the comfort of a good paying job.Quote: RomesThat's funny, because I AP part time as well as having a full time job. When you're actually good at it, you don't sweat the money either way (big wins or losses). You understand it's all about EV, having an edge, and playing to get to a long run. The thought of lonely should have nothing to do with anything someone's passionate about. If someone was a passionate spoon collector, would you tell them that they're super lonely because they're a passionate spoon collector? That has zero baring whatsoever on their relationship status. Just like your comments have zero baring whatsoever on real AP's.
I think that you mean zero bearing. I doubt that gambling has any analogies. Most collectors I know and have read display impeccable sway over their words, as well. It's called well-roundedness, and a (true) pleasure to engage in along with them.Quote: RomesIf someone was a passionate spoon collector, would you tell them that they're super lonely because they're a passionate spoon collector? That has zero baring whatsoever on their relationship status. Just like your comments have zero baring whatsoever on real AP's.
What you just stated has absolutely no "bearing" (forgive me from my hasty phone posting) on my comment. I'm quite competent and capable of using my words quite well... and I gamble. Is that an anomaly to you? If so, you seem like the lonely one that hasn't met many people =/. You should come to the WoV Spring Fling next year. We had ~15 competent people whom could all use their words well!Quote: InTimeForSpace1I think that you mean zero bearing. I doubt that gambling has any analogies. Most collectors I know and have read display impeccable sway over their words, as well. It's called well-roundedness, and a (true) pleasure to engage in along with them.
Yes, I have no qualms with welcoming also your opinion.Quote: BozI have to say, you come off as a total jackass. Not saying you are one, but you certainly are playing one. It's +EV that's your goal though. It seems this site is a lot larger part of some people's lives than they care to admit and they can't stand being told they are not welcome.
As for the topic at hand, yes he can have both. It's a perfectly logical decision.
Hooh hooh hooh!Quote: RS
IMO: Take the money and run.
(YOU might have to googletube Take the money and run)
It may not be a good choice, but unless he's clothing shopping for 5+ GF's there's enough room. You would be surprised how may dead hookers you can fit in Vette.Quote: BozBecause a vette is always to perfect choice to go shopping in.
... go onQuote: AxelWolf...You would be surprised how may dead hookers you can fit in Vette.
Evidently more than 3, there's still more room.Quote: Romes... go on
...go on again... how do you know this?Quote: AxelWolfEvidently more than 3, there's still more room.
You are just trying to see if I will rat on you.Quote: Romes...go on again... how do you know this?
I am no Black Jack expert but at your bankroll (68K) assuming you still have it I would start at 15-25 top out at $150 at the most $200 and that is a stretch and only take 1500-3k with you max because you have a tendency to tilt that was just shown. Leave the rest in a safety deposit box at the BANK and leave the debit card at home. Buy a prepaid visa for $50 so you have gas and food money if you bust and go home.
again just my two cents. Moving to Vegas has always been my backup plan (for poker though) and buying a cheap condo cash and giving it a run if the need arises. Minimal expenses mean less pressure so no debt needs to be a reality when you start
That being said I have a bankroll (liquid stocks actually) set aside if it ever happens of 150k but the biggest game you would catch me at has a $500 buy in (2-5) and I would only take $1100 with me 2 buy ins and $100 for dinner and gas if needed. More than likely I will be at the 1-2 or 1-3 tables. where the buy in is $300. Same place you should be at the kiddy tables
1k a week is $250 4 days a week. Don't put huge dents in your bankroll because it will be gone before you know it.
Quote: InTimeForSpace1Lol. Nobody can smoke and drink, even coffee, on a part-time basis. What do you think gambling is? "Hey, I want to worry about $20 here and $10 there, for the rest of my lonely life. But, at least, I don't know how lonely I really am."
Speaking personally, I smoke regularly, drink coffee maybe 3x a week @ 1-2 cups but often go a week or more without, and have a drink about once a month. So I can refute 2/3 of your false assertion above just by myself, and I know many people who only smoke on rare occasions. Choices are different from compulsions.
Gambling addiction and gambling professionally are neither mutually exclusive nor joined at the hip. Sure, there are people who are both, but usually not for long.
Discipline and detachment are everything in long-term success.
I'm pretty sure you're projecting your own problems and emotions about gambling onto the rest of us. Gambling games, marketing, and promotions are designed to pull people in against their better judgment, with everything from the adrenaline high of a great bonus round or sidebet hitting, to the RFB with pretty waitresses and comp booze; it's an emotionally based come - on just like advertising . What else is new?
But the very fact of HOW the gaming industry seeks to separate people from their wallets leaves plenty of opportunities for those not sucked into the emotional appeals. The large majority of people here, whether in the industry, making a living off of it, or enjoying the occasional casino visit, understand the difference. I don't think you do.
Perhaps you would be more at home on a Gamblers Anonymous forum than here. Your sneering "dysfunctional" commentary might better suit people who want the bite of the lash to control their compulsive behavior.
Quote: AxelWolfHe sounds like one of the Joeshlabotnik or blackhole guys.
Or Kerkebet, TheGrimReaper, Etc....
Quote: beachbumbabsSpeaking personally, I smoke regularly, drink coffee maybe 3x a week @ 1-2 cups but often go a week or more without, and have a drink about once a month. So I can refute 2/3 of your false assertion above just by myself, and I know many people who only smoke on rare occasions. Choices are different from compulsions.
Gambling addiction and gambling professionally are neither mutually exclusive nor joined at the hip. Sure, there are people who are both, but usually not for long.
Discipline and detachment are everything in long-term success.
I'm pretty sure you're projecting your own problems and emotions about gambling onto the rest of us. Gambling games, marketing, and promotions are designed to pull people in against their better judgment, with everything from the adrenaline high of a great bonus round or sidebet hitting, to the RFB with pretty waitresses and comp booze; it's an emotionally based come - on just like advertising . What else is new?
But the very fact of HOW the gaming industry seeks to separate people from their wallets leaves plenty of opportunities for those not sucked into the emotional appeals. The large majority of people here, whether in the industry, making a living off of it, or enjoying the occasional casino visit, understand the difference. I don't think you do.
Perhaps you would be more at home on a Gamblers Anonymous forum than here. Your sneering "dysfunctional" commentary might better suit people who want the bite of the lash to control their compulsive behavior.
I'm fairly sure he has the ability to charm and make friends just as easy on any board as he has here.
Quote: DeMangoIs it time to reback off ben?
Not out of the question. But too early to decide.
Most casino employees I know either (1) stay 100% away from gambling (2) become half-decent at some form of gambling.Quote: beachbumbabsGambling addiction and gambling professionally are neither mutually exclusive nor joined at the hip. Sure, there are people who are both, but usually not for long.
Discipline and detachment are everything in long-term success.
It's not necessary... Gambling away 10-50% of net profits, still leaves the other 50-90%. However, most people can't seem to handle the variability without using one of two extremes (a) strict rules - ala. "Discipline & Detachment" (b) OR stay away from all gambling (or all gambling under <100%).
Psychological studies seem to show that occasional unreliable rewards are the most addicting types of rewards.
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There are however, some people who can smoke only 2-3 cigarettes/day (and if their lungs are genetically strong, they might live to 120) and who can quit cold-turkey.
Others (possibly 1/3?) genetically will tend to catch lung cancer in their 30s and 40s.
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Success in money management applies to all of life (not just gambling).
Some people are addicted/drawn to make bigger & bigger bets....and some become the next Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Steve Jobs, Jeff Bezos, etc...of their day. But many don't make it. Failure can throw you from deca-millionaire into bankruptcy, and back again.
Other people try a 2nd tier approach. More conservative approaches. Backup plans. Diversification. RoR. Less chance of becoming a billionaire, but a safer approach to a comfortable life as a hundred-thousandaire, millionaire, or deca-millionaire.
IMO, Life is a more interesting place with both alpha & beta types.
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If you really look at "rich" folks, there are maybe 7-10 basic types. Use google.
Some are "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" everyday millionaires, or down-to-earth Warren Buffets.
Others are flashy Donald Trump, Larry Ellison (Oracle) types.
Some just want to conserve their wealth & not lose it.
Others want to grow it.
There's all kind of variations.
Likewise there are many types of successful gamblers.
Some live for the thrill of big wins.
Climbing a mountain with small steps is ok for others.
Some like diversity & are always looking for new things.
Others find one formula & work that as long as they can.
Some are more social, and others are mostly loners.
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There are, however, MANY more ways to be poor (rather than rich), and MANY more ways to be a losing (or break-even) gambler.
I venture to guess that many veterans on this board have tried (or seen) more than our share of LIKELY-TO-LOSE methods.
Fwiw last statistic I saw said 1 in 7 smokers die of lung cancer/tobacco related cancer. I would guess the ratio is further reduced for the age range you mentioned, though I could be wrong; seems like everyone I've known who got smoke related cancers were in their 50s or later. But you're talking genetic predisposition, not just the environmental factor, so all I have is a guess.
