New Card Counting Advice
If I hadn't been alerted to the show by a member here, informing me of a mention of my handle, I might have missed it, as I tend to not listen regularly, but then catch up many episodes at my convenience.
Richard did an outstanding job, explaining card counting so that even the newest player would understand. I guess it helps that my views on the subject mirror Richard's views so closely in areas of what count to use, and importance of identifying and playing comfort or better tolerated levels for each location, or the unimportance of counting down a deck. Maybe that's why I found Richards presentation so strong...lol.
But anyway, for any new or aspiring card counters, it is definitely worth a listen.
Learn basic strategy cold. Don't do anything else until you do.
Betting spread and penetration are more important than learning a higher level count. I alternate between Zen and Hi-Lo mainly to relieve boredom and, quite frankly, I don't see much difference in shoe games. Yes, I know the math.
Counting down a deck at home with speed as the goal is not the best use of your time.
Anyone can learn to count. It's what comes later that will test you.
When seeking out the best games, do your own scouting. The sites that do it for you may have been right when they published their information but things can and do change very, very quickly.
Take the time to listen to the show whether you are a beginner or an experienced player. It is worth your time.
Does anyone know where Richard Munchkin used to deal that great single deck game and when? It's very possible that I have played it.
Quote: 1BBWhen seeking out the best games, do your own scouting. The sites that do it for you may have been right when they published their information but things can and do change very, very quickly.
Couldn't agree with this more. I paid for 1 issue of CBJN, and one day went to a casino that should have had mediocre games according to the report. Turns out they had a much better than mediocre game (not talking about anything esoteric here like hole carding, just the basics of number of decks, rules, penetration). Penetration, especially, can change at the drop of a hat based on a dealer. So, do your own scouting, especially in your own local area. I think a lot of card counters see no value in contributing information back to publications like CBJN because if they report a good game, it might get burnt out.
Anyway, the only thing in the show that gave me pause was Munchkin's opinion on unbalanced counts. I'm not an expert, but based on some simulations and this rough guide on qfit.com, Red 7, Kiss III, and KO both compare favorable to Hi-Lo on both betting correlation and playing efficiency. Obviously if you're going to attack a single deck game, you should have a count that's good for single deck. But I feel like for me, playing 99% 6 deck shoes and double deck games, I'm perfectly happy with my unbalanced count.
Quote: DRichAcesandEights, i am somewhat surprised to hear you play an unbalanced count. Do you mind telling us what system you are playing?
Well my story is convoluted. The first count I learned was the Red 7. But right after I started counting for real money (still small stakes tho) I read Renzey's Blackjack Bluebook II and really liked the IRC setup of the KISS III. I already was counting red sevens so I just kept doing that, but used the IRCs and index numbers from KISS III (which counts all 7s and half 2s). It turns out to work just fine for my amount of play, since it's just on the side. I have simmed it and it performs just fine (comparable to either Red 7 or KISS III vanilla).
Quote: AcesAndEightsWell my story is convoluted. The first count I learned was the Red 7. But right after I started counting for real money (still small stakes tho) I read Renzey's Blackjack Bluebook II and really liked the IRC setup of the KISS III. I already was counting red sevens so I just kept doing that, but used the IRCs and index numbers from KISS III (which counts all 7s and half 2s). It turns out to work just fine for my amount of play, since it's just on the side. I have simmed it and it performs just fine (comparable to either Red 7 or KISS III vanilla).
What is the reason that made you decide on an unbalanced count? Is it because you only use the RC and that your begining count is easy to calculate?
Do you have any other reasons for using an unbalanced count?
Quote: TomspurWhat is the reason that made you decide on an unbalanced count? Is it because you only use the RC and that your begining count is easy to calculate?
Do you have any other reasons for using an unbalanced count?
It's easy; I never learned a balanced count and don't care to at this point in my life. I think I would have problems executing the proper division and remembering the running count in the background. But, to be honest, I have never tried it.
Basically I'm happy with my Red7/Kiss III frankenstein; it gets the EV for my purposes.
Quote: JoePloppyThat must be sweet to hear them talk about you on the radio KJ
Actually, when I received an email telling me that Richard had mentioned me, my first reaction was a bit of a panic, thinking maybe he said something that could be identifying in some way. But after listening, there really wasn't anything said that I don't say myself on the sites that I post. I kind of feel bad that my first thought was that panic thought. Being that Richard is such a professional, I should have known he wouldn't do anything like that. I guess that's just the paranoia that comes with this business.
Quote: JoePloppyWho is "small caps". Are they from this site? That must be sweet to hear them talk about you on the radio KJ
I found him in this site's member list but hasn't posted in over a year. I also found him on Norm's site where he has posted on this topic. He says he doesn't live in Vegas, he is not a full time player and his EV is 150k for 500 hours of play. Maybe he'll join this thread.
Quote: djatcJust heard the show. KJ: Have you ever considered international travel to countries outside the US to play some great games? I remember a podcast with BJ Traveler who said the rules are much better out there. Of course there is a change in philosophy regarding longevity......
BJTraveler has tried recruiting me a number of times. Actually, I think BJTraveler recruits just about anyone that has the slightest BJ knowledge....lol.
But, one of the reasons, well not really reasons, but benefits of my moving to Vegas was to have a large rotation of games to play, so I wouldn't have to travel as extensively as other players do. I always say the big advantage of Vegas is "quantity not quality", meaning there are better games elsewhere, both domestically and abroad, but we have a high concentration of 'playable' games in close proximity. No airport security. No traveling with funds. No being detained in other countries that that have different rules and laws. Sadly this applies to Indian casinos as well. Here I know what is legal and what isn't and how to get out of trouble if any casino abuses there power. (Bob N is just a button away on my cell phone) :)
Quote: kewljBJTraveler has tried recruiting me a number of times. Actually, I think BJTraveler recruits just about anyone that has the slightest BJ knowledge....lol.
But, one of the reasons, well not really reasons, but benefits of my moving to Vegas was to have a large rotation of games to play, so I wouldn't have to travel as extensively as other players do. I always say the big advantage of Vegas is "quantity not quality", meaning there are better games elsewhere, both domestically and abroad, but we have a high concentration of 'playable' games in close proximity. No airport security. No traveling with funds. No being detained in other countries that that have different rules and laws. Sadly this applies to Indian casinos as well. Here I know what is legal and what isn't and how to get out of trouble if any casino abuses there power. (Bob N is just a button away on my cell phone) :)
Some of the stories about those international games definitely scare me. Being detained, going to jail, bribing the customs people, etc.... Not that my fiance would really be down with me taking a gambling trip to Russia or Latin America anyway :p.
