Am I just spinning wheels?

Hi,

I would like some insight or feedback on Wonging in at a 7 spot table when there are already 5 or 6 players sitting.

I use the HI-Lo lite count out of Arnold Snyder's Blackbelt in BJ book and Wong in at a true edge of +2 on an 8 deck shoe with the following rules:

Dealer Stands on all 17's
No Surrender
Double on any 2 cards
DAS allowed
Spilt up to 3 times (can only split aces once)
Double on any 2 cards
standard cut 1.5 decks (on occasion i find a dealer who cuts 1)

After doing this for a few weeks now, I am a little ahead, but normally just get to play 3 or 4 hands before the count drops or the cut card is reached which is normally what happens. I do not have a bankroll large enough to Wong in at a $50 or $100 min table so I stick to the $15 or $25 min tables, but more seats are taken at those. Thus my dilema or question.

Am I just sinning wheels trying to Wong in at a 7 spot table where there are already 5 or 6 spots occupied?

Thanks for your feedback,

Steve

Thanks revereman. In your opinion, what is the optimum situation as far as the # of players at a table barring head on with the dealer of course.

There are so many variables to consider that it's hard to give a simple answer. You shouldn't even be playing until you have a bankroll you could lose without caring. You don't say where you play and it matters as to how many tables, pits, casinos there are near you. Wonging in and out like this will be pretty obvious if you keep on doing it in the same pit or table. I know there was a lengthy discussion previously about not worrying about getting barred but why get barred even before you know what you are doing? To simply answer your question, the fewer players at the table the better but you already know that and have experienced it. If you insist on playing, find the smallest denomination table possible and start out at the beginning of the shoe. Get up when the count gets to minus 2 or 3. You'll get some experience playing and shouldn't get hurt too much. I'm also assuming you know basic strategy down pat. I imagine this is not the text book answer but is just my opinion. I'm not going to argue with those who say he should get up at 0 or minus 1 and save .00075635 percent. Good luck.

Thanks Revereman. I play at the Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood, FL and they have the only BJ in the state. They have 24, 8 deck shoe tables and of course, aside from a few day cruise ships, have the only game in town.

Am I correct in thinking that with fewer players, a positive count may last longer? Is this the reason for wanting fewer players at the table? I know that fewer players mean more hands per hour, but with Wonging in at +2 and out when the true drops below +0.5 means one will not be playing a lot to begin with.

Thanks again for your insight.

If you are playing with an advantage, the way to exploit that advantage is to play as many hands as possible with that advantage. That means fewer people per table. I understand the poker players there are pretty bad. Although this is a BJ web site, I'd suggest learning to play
poker, especially with a limited bankroll. When a venue has the only game in town, chances are the game won't be too great.

You have only a small advantage to exploit.

If you do not have a significant bankroll, you will earn, on average, less than minimum wage, as your hands played per hour is so low.

This strategy requires a significant bankroll, patience, and good feet.