AC overnight II
Going home two week loss 14k
Seriously thinking of retiring from playing
It doesn't feel like a fair game anymore when the dealer consistently makes 21 at will
When you've got a 20 against an 8 you're a monster favorite, but of course a certain percentage of the time, you will lose this hand. Of course, when you have this hand, you feel like you should never lose.
That's why I would recommend a different game if the sole goal is diversion or entertainment. For example, if you bet the right side in craps, you're NEVER a favorite to make your point. Therefore when you do make your point, you are always pleasantly surprised. And you always get a nice bonus on the payout if you're playing odds (which you always should do.)
Craps might be a good game for Ace. The pace at a full table is much slower and more sociable. And with 5x odds, the house edge is much lower than Ace's normal blackjack game with a dubious implementation of an even more dubious "speed count."
Even in baccarat, which has its share of bad beats, there are not as many as blackjack. Ace seems to not be able to handle bad beats or at least they kill all his enjoyment of the game.
I don't consider blackjack a fun game to begin with. It's a lot more fun if you are properly bankrolled and have enough working chips to at least spread 8 to 1 according to the count without fear of busting out. Even then it's not much fun, more of a grind. I would never play blackjack short-rolled or with a weak count -- what is the point, to see how many ways you can add up to 21?
Quote: GWAEshould we harp on the weak SC? or is it too soon?
Might as well kick me when I'm down lol
I need to take a step back and wait for my Vegas trip in 6weeks
Quote: aceofspadesMight as well kick me when I'm down lol
I need to take a step back and wait for my Vegas trip in 6weeks
lol I try.
In all seriousness, as of others have noted, maybe you should take a step back and look at the level you are playing at. I assume you make good money but if it hurts to lose 14k, then maybe you should be playing green chips instead of black. Just some food for thought, not trying to put you down or anything.
Quote: GWAElol I try.
In all seriousness, as of others have noted, maybe you should take a step back and look at the level you are playing at. I assume you make good money but if it hurts to lose 14k, then maybe you should be playing green chips instead of black. Just some food for thought, not trying to put you down or anything.
I think losing 14k would upset anyone on this board
Quote: aceofspadesI think losing 14k would upset anyone on this board
Lost that and got tremendous value so no not every time.
Quote: aceofspadesI think losing 14k would upset anyone on this board
Second that, once it gets to $10k with my BR of approx. $50k, I start to get irritated at $20k I am getting pissed. Even, if I replaced all my original BR cash with win money. It starts to become the principal. IMO, anyways.
Quote: aceofspadesI think losing 14k would upset anyone on this board
There are no whales on this board.
A whale wouldn't bat a fluke at that loss.
Hey, it's relative: like the retainer amount which a "carriage trade" divorce lawyer quotes, it all depends upon the ability of of the client to pay.
Quote: sodawaterI don't like blackjack as a recreational game because of its nature for you to lose so much on "bad beats."
When you've got a 20 against an 8 you're a monster favorite, but of course a certain percentage of the time, you will lose this hand. Of course, when you have this hand, you feel like you should never lose.
That's why I would recommend a different game if the sole goal is diversion or entertainment. For example, if you bet the right side in craps, you're NEVER a favorite to make your point. Therefore when you do make your point, you are always pleasantly surprised. And you always get a nice bonus on the payout if you're playing odds (which you always should do.)
Craps might be a good game for Ace. The pace at a full table is much slower and more sociable. And with 5x odds, the house edge is much lower than Ace's normal blackjack game with a dubious implementation of an even more dubious "speed count."
Even in baccarat, which has its share of bad beats, there are not as many as blackjack. Ace seems to not be able to handle bad beats or at least they kill all his enjoyment of the game.
I don't consider blackjack a fun game to begin with. It's a lot more fun if you are properly bankrolled and have enough working chips to at least spread 8 to 1 according to the count without fear of busting out. Even then it's not much fun, more of a grind. I would never play blackjack short-rolled or with a weak count -- what is the point, to see how many ways you can add up to 21?
One of the most insightful posts I have seen on this forum. I've really been turned off Blackjack recently due to some harsh quick losses and Soda explains my reasons perfectly. Might stick with VP and craps for my upcoming trip; purely for pleasure.
Quote: aceofspadesI think losing 14k would upset anyone on this board
Depends on the bet size. I've lost more than 14K in 1 hand when I'm playing 5K / hand, if I lost 14K playing $200 / hand I'd probably be annoyed, but I generally won't play without at least a 2 - 3% advantage so that's unlikely.
You're playing with a razor thin advantage (if any at all), so a 70 unit swing isn't out of the ordinary. You play enough where you WILL hit those parts of the curve (and more). There's counters who use strong counts with good game selection who'll hit 100+ unit downswings.
I think losing 14k would upset anyone on this board.
Several might be looking for a very high bridge.
Quote: aceofspadesJust lost every double in 3 shoes
Going home two week loss 14k
Seriously thinking of retiring from playing
It doesn't feel like a fair game anymore when the dealer consistently makes 21 at will
I promise I won't tell you to use a stronger count. I promise.
Let's look at bets for a moment rather than a dollar amount. Being down 14k is 140 of your base bets. I have lost 70 or 80 base bets in an hour and I will again. Your sample size is very small and you may have made no mistakes.
Speed Count, applied properly, gives you an advantage. Do you trust the count enough to apply it properly? Do you have the OBS card for Speed Count and do you know it cold? Do you double 8 vs 6 and stay on 12 vs 3? Do you buy insurance when called for? Do you play all? Wonging out may be difficult but you must find a way. What about betting spread? A 1-4 spread is not nearly enough. Do you have an advantage? If you can honestly say yes then keep playing and forget about past results, superstitions and everything else.
Forget about complaining about the dealer making 21 with an A up or a 5 up or whatever.
I played for hours while the dealer's making 20/21 on a hard 15 or 16 constantly. And that's especially brutal because I'm doubling down on like a 7 vs a 15 or 16.
And I hit 17 vs 18/19/20 at least 10 times that session and busted on every single one of them.
Quote: BeardgoatNobody got suspicious when you kept hitting 17 and doubled so much?
Nope, I kept losing so I looked like a massive sucker.
This wasn't in vegas either, it was at a venue where they've probably never heard of hole card play.
Quote: MrVThere are no whales on this board.
A whale wouldn't bat a fluke at that loss.
Hey, it's relative: like the retainer amount which a "carriage trade" divorce lawyer quotes, it all depends upon the ability of of the client to pay.
Exactly - and I think, when it comes to gambling, if it doesn't hurt to lose, there is no "excitement" in the game
Quote: 1BBI promise I won't tell you to use a stronger count. I promise.
Let's look at bets for a moment rather than a dollar amount. Being down 14k is 140 of your base bets. I have lost 70 or 80 base bets in an hour and I will again. Your sample size is very small and you may have made no mistakes.
Speed Count, applied properly, gives you an advantage. Do you trust the count enough to apply it properly? Do you have the OBS card for Speed Count and do you know it cold? Do you double 8 vs 6 and stay on 12 vs 3? Do you buy insurance when called for? Do you play all? Wonging out may be difficult but you must find a way. What about betting spread? A 1-4 spread is not nearly enough. Do you have an advantage? If you can honestly say yes then keep playing and forget about past results, superstitions and everything else.
Your questions are very insightful and, my answers, honestly, are that I don't stick 100% to all the rules of SC — there are times I stop using SC altogether and just play basic strategy with some composition dependent variations as well as keeping a "loose count" of what has been out on the table
You can now all pile on me!
Quote: Baccaratfrom79You guys are morbid with the jumping thing.
You've no idea.
My dad worked in security for an AC casino some time ago.
He told me that it was not unusual for patrons to kill themselves.
Some jumped, some shot themselves, others took pills.
I doubt any of them left a tip for the maid.
Did it from the second floor.
Landed on the casino roof 8 feet below =p
Quote: MrVYou've no idea.
My dad worked in security for an AC casino some time ago.
He told me that it was not unusual for patrons to kill themselves.
Some jumped, some shot themselves, others took pills.
I doubt any of them left a tip for the maid.
Is that why they took away access to the balconies in the Taj hotel?
Quote: sodawaterIs that why they took away access to the balconies in the Taj hotel?
Gotta be other reasons to it as well. If someone's going to commit suicide they can break the windows in their hotel room. I don't think getting charged for the window will be a concern at that point.
I ain't gonna sit here and tell you what your problem is. I couldn't, even if I was that bold. I don't know your finances, your personality, your history, any of that. But I can tell you that you are more angry than a man should be, and it would behoove you to do some reflecting on this moment. Bad days are fine, mistakes are fine. What is a mistake if not an opportunity to learn? And what is more important than knowledge? But I seem to recall a similar incident, to where this feels like a replay. It makes me wonder if there's something inside you you're not giving the proper attention to.
Sorry if this is getting too familiar. But think about it. Some introspection could be life changing.
Quote: FaceDerail aside, something is bothering me about you, Ace. The anger you express just isn't sitting right. It feels "off". Granted, I don't know you that well outside of what you post,... but I can just say it's "off". And I wonder; if I can feel it just from what you write, what is really going on that we don't see?
I ain't gonna sit here and tell you what your problem is. I couldn't, even if I was that bold. I don't know your finances, your personality, your history, any of that. But I can tell you that you are more angry than a man should be, and it would behoove you to do some reflecting on this moment. Bad days are fine, mistakes are fine. What is a mistake if not an opportunity to learn? And what is more important than knowledge? But I seem to recall a similar incident, to where this feels like a replay. It makes me wonder if there's something inside you you're not giving the proper attention to.
Sorry if this is getting too familiar. But think about it. Some introspection could be life changing.
Very insightful...yes, there are other things that come into play...but not at a point to divulge here.
It's always some chick.Quote: aceofspadesVery insightful...yes, there are other things that come into play...but not at a point to divulge here.
I accepted my $9,000 loss as I knew it was possible.
Quote: AxelWolfIt's always some chick.
Nah, not a chick Axel
Quote: GreasyjohnAbout 8 years ago I lost about $9,000 total in two trips to Vegas back-to-back. My big bet was $200. If you extrapolate that to a big bet of $500 the loss would have been about $22,500.
I accepted my $9,000 loss as I knew it was possible.
Very true - I have had losing streaks like this and know eventually the tides will turn - like I said, when I am in the moment I get enraged but, once I get home, I relax, take a deep breath and gain perspective.
Quote: aceofspadesNah, not a chick Axel[/
Perhaps the lack of a good woman ???
Quote: dummyQuote: aceofspadesNah, not a chick Axel
Perhaps the lack of a good woman ???
Nothing to do with women.
Quote: aceofspadesVery true - I have had losing streaks like this and know eventually the tides will turn - like I said, when I am in the moment I get enraged but, once I get home, I relax, take a deep breath and gain perspective.
Last trip to Vegas, I had out a max bet of $200 in a DD game. The TC had to be about +6 or something. Got a hand that I had to split and doubled down on one of the two hands. Dealer drew to a hand that beat both mine. Couple standing there just watching the game, and I said "I sure wanted to win that one." He says, "I know you did." I accepted it.
It doesn't matter how much I lose, I am never mad about it, and I have never taken out a loss on the dealer. I find a little humor in a large loss. With a smile on my face I might say "piece of shit cards." The key is you have to accept a large loss with grace. If you can honestly say that a certain amount of loss will put you in a bad mood, then don't allow yourself to bet at a high enough level to where that could happen.
Sometimes I'll be in Vegas and wake up in the middle of the night. If I'm playing at a place where I'm betting at a $10-$90 level in a DD game, before I go down to the table for a 45 minute session I'll ask myself, I could lose $750. Am I completely okay with that? If I come back to this room $750 down am I going to feel bad? You know what the answer is? Yeah, it might happen, but I'm gonna go down and slap that game in the face and wake it up. Come on cards, let's go! I didn't learn this game to go over index plays in my head while I'm standing in line at the bank.
And I accept that I could have a $750 loss in advance. And if it happens I don't regret that I'm coming back to my room at 4:00 in the morning $750 down for the session. I can't stress this enough, I accept it with good humor in advance.
(One other important thing. If I say to myself, I'm not in the mood to accept a $750 loss, then I don't play.)
Quote: GreasyjohnI'll ask myself, I could lose $750. Am I completely okay with that? If I come back to this room $750 down am I going to feel bad? You know what the answer is? Yeah, it might happen, but I'm gonna go down and slap that game in the face and wake it up. Come on cards, let's go! I didn't learn this game to go over index plays in my head while I'm standing in line at the bank.
And I accept that I could have a $750 loss in advance. And if it happens I don't regret that I'm coming back to my room at 4:00 in the morning $750 down for the session. I can't stress this enough, I accept it with good humor in advance.
Excellent, excellent, excellent.
The best way the only way. Sure, don't relish to lose anything, but when I send that FM or bring that cash, it was earmarked for playing and effects nothing else in life. It is not money to make money or money to survive, it is not money to pay bills nor is it money borrowed. All in my case and the only way I could ever suggest to family and friends to play. However, do what you are comfortable with and what floats your boat.
Quote: aceofspadesVery insightful...yes, there are other things that come into play...but not at a point to divulge here.
I wasn't posting to get you to bare your soul, rather as an outsider looking in that saw something. And having just flipped the #$%^ out myself recently, to my personal and financial pain, I was reminded of my own struggles and my path to controlling them. What you're going through felt similar, so I thought it would be helpful to send a sort of reminder to check yourself and find the root of the issue. Maybe it could help prevent you from posting this again in a few months.
That's all. I hope it helps.
Quote: FaceI wasn't posting to get you to bare your soul, rather as an outsider looking in that saw something. And having just flipped the #$%^ out myself recently, to my personal and financial pain, I was reminded of my own struggles and my path to controlling them. What you're going through felt similar, so I thought it would be helpful to send a sort of reminder to check yourself and find the root of the issue. Maybe it could help prevent you from posting this again in a few months.
That's all. I hope it helps.
What happened that caused you to "flip the #$%^ out"…?
Yes, I am working on these other things and attempting to be more positive.
Quote: aceofspadesWhat happened that caused you to "flip the #$%^ out"…?
Short answer - hockey. Correct answer - me.
I've struggled with anger issues my whole adult life. Eventually one tires of putting fists through walls, doors, windows, etc and dealing with the broken fingers and broken toys that result, so I learned (am still learning) to control it. Mostly, I have been doing quite well.
It took a lot of reflection and introspection. Hockey, like BJ, is only sort of in your control. Sure, you can strive to do your best and play the "perfect" game, but the bounces (variance) and the play of your team (table) mates instill randomness into your game. You cannot control it, so you need to prepare for the inevitability that it will bury you.
Once I realized that, things got much better. I began to set goals for myself. No longer did I care about winning or losing, instead putting all my value into just myself, making sure that I played to my full ability and always gave 100%. Sometimes we won championships, sometimes we lost games 45-2, but I always had a blast. And when I did something dumb or made a mistake or got lazy and didn't give 100%, I examined it instead of reacting to it. Why did I do that? What happened that put me in that position. And the biggie, what can I do to make sure that never happens again?
It's made me a much better player. It's made me a much better person. But last week I lost all that. I could blame all the pressure that life has on me now, I could blame all the things wrong with my life, I could blame the play of my teammates that gave up the lead and lost within the final 3 minutes of a playoff game. But really, I just forgot my lessons. Part of me thinks I may have wanted to forget those lessons, that I wanted to self destruct. And that's what I did.
So I flipped the $%^& out. I damaged my reputation with my 12 teammates, the two refs, the guys on the other team, the friends and family in the stands, set a bad example for the kids watching, and am out an $80 stick that I can't afford to replace. And that game is still lost and my season is still over. In my world, there could not have been a worse outcome short of me taking off my skate and stabbing people with it. But while what is done cannot be undone, I still have a choice. Cry and beat myself up about it, or figure out why it happened so I can make sure it never happens again.
I choose the latter. I hope you can do the same.
Quote: Baccaratfrom79Excellent, excellent, excellent.
No, no, no.
If you haven't won or quit yet, then you're still a loser. Every bit as far as your want or need hinged on a win to effect a further event or change.
And, preparing to lose as it's own consequence is more of the same negative internal dialogue.
No want or need to prepare for such then, I expect.
