thanks
for the above responses,
i feel the cruz of the matter is this:
selling myself at the interview.
so inevitably i would be taking a risk as this is my first
meeting with the interviewer and seeing that we're not into the bull market yet, even trying to talk about gambling could provoke quite a negative response! if there's any chance to impress, it would have to be on how convincingly i could sell bj on the skills it helps one develop.
given a fair hearing, however, the following can be argued:
we know that bj is a pure game. that is, parameters and variables of the game are certain (putting aside 'cover' problems) and the statistical relationship between variables known, therefore it can be treated as a mathematical model with no real need to assume anything (again put aside cover for now). of course, pricing models for financial products do incorporate many assumptions - big losses most often occur when these assumptions change (remember LTCM?) and markets tend to irrational extremes. this is one major difference which Jay kindly pointed out.
what im really trying to ask is, can a successful derivatives trader be bred from a successful card counter? i.e., are the disciplines developed, interchangeable?
properly understanding statistical/financial modelling is seen by many as crucial in dealing with complex financial products. here, keen math type bj players will already have an edge.
we can draw analogies between the ways in which both the counter and trader make money. the counter learns how to identify statistical edge - and how to exploit it over the long term, requiring great conviction to act upon his observations/count calculations.
traders (especially in arbitrage roles) will have to rely on similar personal attributes (mental dexterity and stamina, conviction) in order to observe and exploit small imbalances in risk/reward profiles. in short, understanding SD and risk of ruin.
cover is crucial in both games. attracting heat is going to erode any edge. staying cool, misleading the opponent etc. are common for both games.
pursuing the correct strategy for both, is a combination of knowing what the risk/reward profile should be and what it actually is at any point - then exploiting difference.
i also agree with the opinion that the trading of most securities can also resemble poker, once you factor in the political influences upon prices (arising from a multitude of players).
ultimately, i think i won't discuss bj. These interviews dont come easy! unless i really get along with the inteviewer, and he's a math type.
patrick