Counting cards in blackjack?

Odds of Winning Blackjack Often Without Counting Cards?

• I'm not looking for the actual odds, more like the experiences. I'm new to blackjack (was a poker player most of my gambling life) and so far I've found it astoundingly easy. But I don't count cards. I just try not to play stupidly, and take financial risks only when I'm winning the Casino's money (so if I win three hands in a row for $5 a hand, I'll bet $10 the next hand and go up from there). I don't expect to be rich off this but it's been working for me so far as I've been up a few hundred dollars every time I try it out. Everything I see talks about how you need to count cards to be a great player, and since I'm new to the game it's possible I've just been lucky. But is it possible to be a player that leaves pocketing extra cash most of the time without counting cards? Can I expect the winning to continue even if I don't learn card counting strategies?

• Answer:

  Good morning Jake J., I hope you are had a beautiful weekend. I just got back from my morning walk at Venice beach. It was cold. http://www.venicebeach.com/ If you have played poker for years, than you know “ODDS” do not lie. Sure you can beat the odds in the short run, but the true odds will finally catch up with you in the long run. Anyone, even a child, can remember a few basis rules, play smart, and use perfect/common Blackjack strategy. But the true “ODDS” are still in the house’s favor. This means: you WILL LOSE IN THE LONG RUN. I have been playing Blackjack for over forty (40) years. Sometimes we would fly to Las Vegas twice a week. I have ALWAYS won because I learned to count cards. I guarantee, I repeat guarantee, if you play basic blackjack strategy and count cards, you will always win over a two hour period. What is card counting? Card counting does not help you play better. Card counting is nothing more than money management. Card counting lets you know when to increase your bet. A gambler, with a few rule changes, uses card counting as an aid with basic blackjack strategy. Anyone can add or subtract to ten (10). Card counting is that simple. Simple: Most people do not have the time nor do they take the time to learn card counting. My guess is you would have to play in a casino environment for weeks before getting good at counting cards. Problems: In the real/casino world, a gambler will lose count. This happens because sometimes the dealer is too fast, a waitress may move in your way while serving a drink, you have a few too many drinks, or you get distracted by the passing of some real fine hammer (female). Whatever the reason, it will happen. Therefore you should plan on SECRETLY playing with another person or partner at the same table who can immediately flash you the right count or vise versus. I also guarantee that NO ONE, I repeat, I guarantee no one can count cards for more than 2 hours. Your mind turns to "mush" after two (2) hours of counting cards. I have been there many times. DOES CARD COUNTING WORK: Why do casinos use multiple decks? Why do Pit Bosses start watching your bets if you start winning? Why do Pit Bosses tell a dealer to reshuffle the deck every third deal if they believe you are counting cards? Notice that Vegas never let the shoe run to the end? They ALWAYS stop dealing with almost one full deck left in the shoe. Why have I and others been asked to leave their casino? Why have casinos put “Fast dealers” at a winning table? Why has Vegas invented two new types of dealing shoes in order to stop card counters? You will start to see these new dealing machines/shoes in most Vegas casinos within three (3) or four (4) years. Jake J., anyone can get lucky over the short haul. Last week I was at Pechanga Casino. I was playing Texas Hold-em. In less than one hour, I hit two flushes, deal two kings and two kings fell on the flop. I cashed in my $2800. I am sure this type of luck has happen to you while playing poker. I also believe you have been lucky at blackjack. http://www.pechanga.com/ Good luck to you and your family. Peace, from Los Angeles.