Forming a small bank with friends or relatives...

can have many benefits.

If it is used to send only one team member to Vegas.

An example would be three friends with $500 each. Had they all gone to Vegas at the same time, the expenses would be tripled.
If they each takes turns going to Vegas, they can play to a larger bank and less expense. They could even play below table limits because a $5 bet is only costing each $1.66. If the bank grows, then the next player goes with a higher bank.

Besides the expense savings, Vegas always see a different face.
Even a non-playing investor isn't a problem. He's paying !/3 of the expenses and shares in 1/3 of the profit or loss. A large bet isn't extra work and the player knows his risk is only 1/3 the bet. A larger bank improves your chances of survival, allows you to play better games and cuts your expenses. Even while you're sitting at home, your still in the game and you can look forward to your coming turn. Whereas, going with your $500 only, will most likely be eaten up by expenses and poor games.

How are you sure the gambler is reporting winnings/losses accurately?

that it's in everyones best interest to be truthful. Expenses are a big part of any trip and can be quite a savings. Most people are honest and hopefully your friends and relatives are too. If things work out, you then have a chance at a long term team. Either way, it will be quite a learning experience.

North Wind: I agree that with like-minded BJ players, particularly with close ties to each other, you can have a successful team. However, like all teams, even with the personal basis you used, eventually, there will be dividing issues. In several of the BJ books I�ve read, the author played on a team, but chose to go on his own. Usually the reason is that the less successful players profited more than their skill warranted and the better players earned less than skill deserved.

Still, it would be an interesting read if a team, composed, as you proposed, was able to stay together long enough to provide trip reports and balance sheets.

and burnout is less likely because of time off between trips.

In some ways, it gives everyone a chance to become a professional BJ player, without putting in the time, and still lead a normal life.

NW: I wasn�t writing about burnout. In team play the level of success, failure, or effort will differ among teammates. If you have, for example, three team members rotating trips, there will be a difference in the amount won or lost by each member. During the downtime, between trips, other interests may distract some members or life issues may supersede the allegiance to the team. At some point, human nature will take over and, inevitably, the team will be divided.

However, I disagree that, �Everyones skill level should increase with time��. With any part time endeavor, skills will decline if not kept sharp by regular use. If each member makes a trip every three months, for example, that is a long time between trips to keep skills sharp. As we all know, there is a huge difference between computer simulations and live casino action.

You could be anticipating problems that may not happen.

The alternative is to not try.

The most skillful player on a team is there for the same reasons as the other players. He may or may not be the biggest winner.

NW: I'm not "anticipating problems that may not happen", ever since Cain & Abel, human beings, not just siblings, have had a hard time dealing with the different levels of success and commitment. BJ history shows that a team can only be successful for a short period time, even if that period is a few years.

I never opined that it shouldn�t be attempted, my first post was entitled "Not a bad theory" and I wrote �Still, it would be an interesting read if a team, composed, as you proposed, was able to stay together long enough to provide trip reports and balance sheets�.

Do you really believe that human beings, regardless of their close relationship, are not, eventually, going to be divided over differences in performance and dedication? If it happens in business, sports, entertainment, marriage, families, and friendships, why wouldn�t it happen to a blackjack team?

Good luck forming your hypothetical team. It would be interesting to see if the close relationship basis keeps the team together longer than a team of strangers.