Deck Estimation

I ordered Wong's book through Barnes and Nobles but it won't be here for 2-9 day. Anyway I was just wondering how you guys estimate the number of decks in the discard rack if you have any tips and if you use halves or quarters when rounding. I have been staring at the pack of bee cards for a while but sometimes I don't get the real big counts till late in the shoe and it's hard when you don't follow the rack from the start(the count wasn't there so I didn't have to jump my bet) or if it was it true count was like +2 or +3 or somehow I lost track of the rack at the end of the shoe. And this waiting is kind of messing me up mentally a little but in the meantime I will try to buy a book through here with my friends cc. Should I get Blackbelt in Blackjack before Blackjack Attack?

To get used to estimating the amount of cards in the discard tray, buy yourself 5 decks (assuming you are planning on playing 6 deck shoes). Then shuffle them all together and number their faces 1-260. Stand then up with 1 on the bottom and 260 on the top. Have a friend peel off some cards while you look away. Then inspect the deck and guestimate how many cards you think are left in the pile. Turn over the top card and you will see how close you are. Continue until you are able to get within 5 cards or so with each guess.

As for which book to buy, I bought Professional Blackjack as you are first. Then I bought Blackjack Attack second and then purchased Blackbelt in Blackjack. I recommend the same for you. Followed by Blackjack for Blood.

The other "must have" is Casino verite Blackjack to practice with. There is nothing better and you will save a lot of money by practicing with this software instead of at the tables. I would make this my second or third purchase. It is invaluable.

When you are almost ready to hit the tables after 3 or 4 months of practice, get You've oGot Heat by Barfarkel. It's a fun read and will let you know what to expect as a beginner AP.

Good luck and good cards to you...