Concentrating in the Casino

I just got back from a 4 day Atlantic City trip and - although I made a lot of money - I'm not very happy with the way I played. In particular, I had a lot of trouble concentrating while carrying on conversations with other people. It's tough at the cheap tables because everybody wants to chat it up and have a good time and you're pretty much required to as well. And with 6 or 7 players per table, there are a lot of cards to keep track of as well. In addition there are often long pauses in the action when some old bag rolls up and meticulously counts out ten $5 bills to buy in. Everybody wants to talk and you have to keep remembering the count for this long break.

Does anybody have any kind of tips or anything for concentrating on the count while having to talk to people and interact with the dealer?

While still getting accustomed, just say "uh hu" and nod your head a lot to whom ever talks to you while you keep reciting to yourself the count number. Gets easier with practice. Soon you will be able to converse with the ploppies and pit crew + do the business you came there for.

Pedigree,

I have to agree most players in AC are chatty and superstitous as well.
My suggestion is to use your chips to keep track of the count between deals. This will free up some time for conversation.

Looking natural is important for longevity and some of the best counters are social with the other players. Over time you will begin to just keep the count in your head in a little place. Also check out the BJ21 BJ School for some more tips.

Good Luck!

Although this may be difficult if you play at the red chip level, you should stick to some general rules of thumb for the number of players at a table. If any more than this, don't play. This will not only help with your concentration problem, but will increase your win rate.

1D= no more than one other player
2D= no more than 2 other players
6/8D= no more than 3 other players

Always try and play heads-up, if possible. When I was playing red to green, this meant playing in the wee hours of the morning, but it was what I was willing to do to get better playing conditions.

Positive SD,

ODAAT

I am in 100% agreement with your advice. But players who should know better, often ignore it to their detriment. I lost tons of dough playing in crowded table conditions before I finally grasped this important concept. Never again - and that is for sure!