blackjack money management

As a beginner counter how do you figure out when to quit when your up? When your up enough do you finish the shoe? Is there some kind of math to that ? Or does it just come from experience. When I'm practicing I'll triple my money in a high count and then tables turn more often then not

Tony there is no math to tell you to stop. If you are playing at an advantage then you should never stop. Of course fatigue, heat, and various other things would be the correct reason to stop.

As a counter there are a couple a couple "good" times to choose your exit.

1.) when the count is negative. Whether you choose to exit aggressively on negative counts and play few negative shoes, as I do, or whether you play through a number of negative shoes, why not exit on a negative count. No matter what your strategy, even play all for several hours, when it is time to exit, time your exit to a negative count.

2.) after a positive shoe where you have shown your spread. Showing your spread, that means a shoe with at least several big or max bets and then reverting back to a small bet at the shuffle is the biggest "tell" of a card counter. So whether you play short sessions and exit aggressively after showing your spread as I do, or play through several spreads, time your exit to just after a positive shoe in which you showed your spread.

3.) when troops are amassing, a convention of pit/security guys in the pit, holding a printout picture of you and pointing. That might be a good time to exit. :) Just kidding, to some extent, but you should be aware of pit folks. After a while, you can get a read on them, body language and expressions, and if you sense heat, exiting one step ahead helps longevity.

So, in short: At the shuffle, just after a positive shoe (with bigger bets). During a shoe with a negative count. Or when you sense heat.

As usual, I agree with everything Kewlj's stated. I personally like the idea of setting time limits because for me I'm well aware that a counter should never stop. If I don't go in with a rule or guideline for an end time I could be there awhile and it's better to play in short sessions. I aim to keep mine under three hours in most cases, but different things work for different people.

"Repeat until rich"

Thanks guys. Good advise. I'm playing in wisconsin , small indian casinos. My first try for real was last week and pit boss was already asking for my players club card. Twice I think to screw me up. And it was working. I wasnt doing anything more than doubling my bets, but I'm pretty sure they were checking me out cause I was playing the negative count and winning. (hitting bust cards) Ok so stay thru positve count till the end. Thanks

I don't know what level of play you're at as far as stakes go, but it's pretty common for them to do that, especially if you're playing with a decent bankroll. You can't let them rattle you psychologically! I remember when I started I remember feeling "heat" since there were several security guards around my table watching the play on an occasion. Now I think they were just bored and wanted entertainment; I was the lowest of the low-rollers so they probably weren't interested.

One more question, if ya would does that CVCX and CVBJ software warn you on mistakes with the count being hi or low, or just basic strategy? I didnt get it yet

It was very low level $3 table, and ya I was kind of nervous, and went at 7am trying to get the table to myself, didnt happen but ya it might of been for entertainment it was pretty slow. I just wanted some experience at a little slower pace, but table was still packed and distracting

Quote: tonymerchant

As a beginner counter how do you figure out when to quit when your up? When your up enough do you finish the shoe? Is there some kind of math to that ? Or does it just come from experience. When I'm practicing I'll triple my money in a high count and then tables turn more often then not

Tony, Welcome to the Forum.
If you are new here, read every word of Kewl's posts. He is a professional. Also seek out and read Romes' A-Z and especially plug your numbers into his Risk of Ruin spreadsheet. Having the advantage of a positive count is not enough if you don't have the bankroll and the gonads of steel to sit and lose stacks of money to hands that SHOULD have favoured you. Beware Indian Casino's which seemingly belong in the Wild Wild West and where even the law cannot protect you. Obviously pick your games well.
As to Doubling. Please don't rely on Martingale. It has its place but is generally a fun way to lose your money.

Enjoy the game. You are not going to get rich, or poor, just playing $3 tables at $3. You shouldn't expect real heat at those levels, but the pit staff might want to mess with your head.

Wouldn't the pace actually be slower and more conducive to counting if it had been more full with lots of side bets going on and getting settled?

Quote: tonymerchant

One more question, if ya would does that CVCX and CVBJ software warn you on mistakes with the count being hi or low, or just basic strategy? I didnt get it yet

It can be setup however you'd like. You can install it for free and test it out. (But should buy it when you want to actually practice or simulate conditions.)

Nice . Thanks. I'll check it out today.