Card counting for recreational red and green players worth it?

All, thanks for reading this. I look forward to your insight.

I am retired and have been studying blackjack and card counting for some time now. I cannot say I have it down by any means. Counting at the table is much different from training at home. Regardless, I intend to get to the point where I am comfortable in the casino.

I am not looking to make a career of card counting. And while I have no bankroll concerns, I just want to play recreationally a few hours a week (probably < 20 hours a month) and at low stakes, mainly green chips. I live in an area where there are several casinos nearby with decent rules, but I also know from the CBJN report that they are quick to back off. Most of the ones close by are connected and so a backoff at one will likely result in a backoff at the others. I expect when I get so I can count and bet correctly, I will have to moderate my spread to some degree to try and stay under the radar.

I know this question is unanswerable, variance and all, and yet here I am asking it. All this being the case is it even worth doing anything other than flat betting using basic strategy? Am I thinking incorrectly?

If you flat bet using BS, you're simply another gambler who will lose in the long run. I can't tell you what is right for you, but if you've been studying card counting, it would be a shame not to use it. Keep a moderate spread, don't overstay your welcome, move from one casino to the next, play unrated if you can, and have some fun!

Don

Thank you very much. I am honored you replied. I love your book!

I am a recreational player, I have been counting for over 25 years. I don't recommend what I did for everyone, but I played rated. I have won over $75,000, only been told not to play blackjack at 1 venue which owns 3 casinos in Vegas. I go to Vegas at least once a year and have not paid for a room in 25 years and have not paid for a drink, meal, or show at a casino I stayed at. Additionally, if I stay downtown, the hotel usually gives me free limo service to and from the airport. Granted my wife often comes and when we she does we do some dining at more expensive restaurants and see some nice shows that were not covered. Whether or not things like this appeal to you, I cannot answer. For me, it was a good choice. I also play occasionally while travelling elsewhere. Then I'm usually just playing at 1 location for 1 night, play unrated, and have won a couple hundred on average each time. I believe the trouble was worth it. Some may disagree.

Thanks!