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Table Games I think I"ll play some 6:5 Blackjack

Discussion in 'Table Games' started by TomTWI, Mar 30, 2015.

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  1. TomTWI

    TomTWI Custom Title

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    I've been practicing a simple counting system for a couple weeks now. When I get to Vegas I think I will be ready to try counting at a live table. I was thinking I would first try it at a 6:5 $5 table. I'll be nervous and probably pretty obvious counter to start out. I was thinking no one would suspect someone at a 6:5 table or even pay attention at $5. I'm not doing it to make money just want to get some live table play in without being spotted.

    What do you think does it make sense or should I just jump into a table with good rules and go for it?

    TomTWI
     
  2. BlacklabberMike

    BlacklabberMike MIA

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    play a 3/2 game... why give up 20% on a blackjack?
     
  3. Landshark

    Landshark Way into it...

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    Makes sense. Go for it. What system, if you don't mind my asking? I've been trying to get familiar with Ace-Five.
     
  4. flyguyfl

    flyguyfl MIA

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    Agree, but go easy on the upswings in your betting and they probably won't notice or care.
     
  5. TomTWI

    TomTWI Custom Title

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    Ya I guess I could just flat bet until I get it down better. No one would think anything.
     
  6. Yall

    Yall Low-Roller

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    When we were at the El Cortez in December the dealers were like extras on the set of The Walking Dead.

    Pretty sure you could try it out there without raising any eyebrows.
     
  7. blackjacknut

    blackjacknut VIP Whale

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    First of all how long have you practiced, a couple of weeks? Yeah, good luck, I wouldn't advise it. I've been counting for over 6 years now, you don't get good at it after a few weeks. I can always tell when a new counter comes to my table. I don't mean to be snarky here but your out of your league if you think a couple weeks of practice is going to net you any positive results. I practiced for 9 months before I attempted counting at a live table. After my first try I lost the count after only 8 hands, I was nervous and left the table. Since I can make side conversation, order a drink and still keep the count. I would recommend more practice.
     
  8. vegaskid74

    vegaskid74 VIP Whale

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    Funny you should say this, because you can get away with any spread you want as long as you keep it under $100 max bet anywhere in Vegas EXCEPT for the El Cortez (aka "Sweaty Spaniard")
     
    Last edited: Apr 1, 2015
  9. Not at the table Carlos

    Not at the table Carlos Cheapskate

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    Counting a 6/5 blackjack game still won't give you an edge over the house. You would have to spread your bets at least 25-30 to 1. At a $5 table your Max bet would need to be over $100. So even if they think you are counting they probably will just let you. You'd be better off flat betting at a 3/2 tagle
     
    Earl's 21st Trip
  10. blackjacknut

    blackjacknut VIP Whale

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    You hit the nail on the head, they are the worst.
     
  11. Natural21

    Natural21 Low-Roller

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    Try to get on a table that is double deck and where blackjack pays 3:2. You will be counting for a shorter period of time while getting your feet wet. Probably easier than counting through a six deck shoe. Don't be too concerned about varying your bets until you're comfortable keeping the count.
    Good luck. :beer::beer:
     
  12. thecarve

    thecarve Misanthrope

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    I think the whole point of this thread is to ask, "does this sound like a good way to practice?"

    Sounds like a good idea to me. So you're giving up a few bucks in EV. Seems a reasonable price to pay for a semi-realistic practice session.
     
  13. blackjacknut

    blackjacknut VIP Whale

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    Sill don't recommend this type of practice...high risk of getting caught..hope it works out.
     
  14. Snidely

    Snidely VIP Whale

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    Counting in a casino is hard work. I can make it 2 or 3 rounds before I lose count. I've tried it a few times and the most it got was +/- 2. And it was not enjoyable at all. It's work.

    Even better and free is to count while standing behind your buddy while he plays.
     
  15. Yall

    Yall Low-Roller

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    Out of curiosity, would it be safer to at least practice counting while keeping your betting pattern the same? In other words, trying to keep the count, but not letting it influence your play?

    From the perspective of a complete novice, that might be a good way to practice your ability to count while not giving any indication.

    Edit; provided your counting system doesn't involve something like stacking chips a certain way or some such thing...
     
  16. blackjacknut

    blackjacknut VIP Whale

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    If you are going to flat bet then yes, this may work for you. I would still recommend you practice for at least 3 months before you try a live table. One reason is it can be very frustrating learning how to count. Add the elements of a live table and you may become frustrated even quicker. Counting takes discipline. I recommend using some of the online sites to learn counting. If you know someone who is good at counting have them run you through a couple decks of cards. To be effective at the table you will need to eventually be able to count a full shoe.
     
  17. TomTWI

    TomTWI Custom Title

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    I realize this, that is why I'm trying to come up with a way to practice under more real conditions. By no means do I think I'm ready, everyone needs to start somewhere. No point in continuing to practice at home if I'm going to freeze up when I get to a table.

    Ya I agree after thinking it over.

    thanks I think I will try it.

    TomTWI
     
  18. BlacklabberMike

    BlacklabberMike MIA

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    when i was learning i would sit on the living room floor with the tv on and kids running around playing, asking you questions,the dog and cats there...
    closest thing i could think of except hot CW's and wife would not put on the uniform.. at least not 'till later ;)
     
  19. johnvic

    johnvic VIP Whale

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    If you're going to Vegas then just practice while flat betting. But play 3:2! There is no reason to play 6:5 while practicing. No one can tell you're practicing counting while you're flat betting. Even if you were so obvious that you were moving your lips or counting your fingers no one cares if you're flat betting.
     
  20. ruralhipster

    ruralhipster High-Roller

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    I wonder what would happen if you sat down at a 6:5 table and flat-bet 5 bucks a hand with one of those golf score counters in your hand?
     
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