first casino trip! Was awesome!

Had a blast on my first casino trip! Thanks to CVBJ, and many hours of at home practice, felt like I'd already been there.

First hour of play ended up down $100 (was playing through the neg, flat betting $10 min, not smart) took a break. I was there with my grandparents, so we went for lunch.

After lunch had trouble getting a table, found one. Down another $45 in the matter of about 10 minutes. Was able to sit out but stay at the table and assist Grandfather, who has a handicap(wouldn't know it in his playing). Won't get specific here, wouldn't want to tip anyone off, but I was able to stay at the table and sit out the neg counts, assist Grandfather and jump in when it was right. Used the excuse I was almost broke. First wong in, hit BJ! Started getting nervous, especially since Grandmother walked up at the same time and says "How'd you do that?". I don't tell anyone that I'm learning to count. Hit a couple more good hands and then took a restroom break while grandmother was there to assist. Jumped back in on the positive when I returned.

Things were going great, but I was too nervous to really increase my bets correctly, only increased by 5 or 10, should've taken a cue from a green chipper that sat down right around then. Of course it didn't dawn on me at the time that he'd wonged in too. At one point, when I doubled A6 to a dealer 6 (proper BS) the guy goes "I like you, you got BALLS". (this had the whole table cracking up, cause I'm young and female and there with my grandparents). that I'll remember forever!

Anyway to make a long story short, was ahead for a while. Then ended the day exactly break even! Not a spectacular win, but not too shabby for a novice.

Still can't believe I was able to do it. Kept the count (most of the time), conversation, assist grandfather, wong in and out and not mess up too badly.

Just had to share, can't really talk to many others about it, they don't get it. I'll get back to my training in earnest, now that I know I can do it.

Thanks everybody for sharing on this site and others and inspiring me!

You're an inspiration, too!

I think I can, I think I can... I knew I could.

BJinNJ :)

Remind yourself of the following: It is okay to use your brain. It is okay to be a counter. It's also okay to beat the hell out of a casino.

Sounds like you have an awareness of the need for some camouflage and are using some acting. Given you are female, you have less chance of being detected. Eventually, you will have that certain 6th sense to know when you are about to get some heat and you will make necessary changes. Remember also, it is not the end of the world to get a tap on the shoulder and they tell you that you are too good to play BJ anymore in their casino. If you get zapped, just chock it up as a learning lesson and head to the next cash cow opportunity. Don't forget to place a feather in your cap thereafter, because you have finally arrived.

I'm happy that your first casino trip was a success. Here's something to keep in mind though - you shouldn't expect that to happen at every session. You could be the best player in the world but there're going to be days where even on postive counts, the dealer will win. Doesn't mean you weren't playing right, it's just variance. Remember, you'll come out ahead in the long run, but not every individual session will be monetarily successful. As long as you're within your 10% risk of ruin, you'll bounce back and won't be wiped out.

In any case, CONGRATULATIONS, again. I hope you take the casino's for all their worth.