Getting the edge
i just lost 200 playing at Harrah's $10 tables. as a poor college student, that is significant money. the annoying thing is that i played perfect basic strategy, and i mean perfect. i looked up the exact basic strategy chart needed for an 8 deck, S17, DA2, DAS, No surrender game, and even quizzed myself using flash cards. i realize this still leaves the house with an approximate .47% edge.
none the less i played and lost. however i am not angry... on the contrary i'm hungry... for the egde.
You've come to the right place.
i just recently read Fred Renzey's book "Blackjack Bluebook II" and found it well-written and thorough. i am currently attempting to master the Stage II Kiss Count explained in the book. (black 2's (+1), 3-6 (+1), 10-K (+1). since i began practicing the count several DAYS AGO, i was obviously unprepared to use it in the casino, so i just stuck to basic strategy. however, this brings me to my questions:
1. Is the Kiss Count a good level one count, or should i use a different count, or perhaps a balanced count?
You are asking a loaded question, which has no correct answer. I'm not familiar with the Kiss count, but it I would guess, based on the tag values, that it's less effective than either HiLo or KO (this is just a guess, so if I might be wrong). HiLo is the industry standard and most literature is based on it. KO is relatively new simple, powerful system with a large following (www.koblackjack.com).
Personally, I use KO for single deck and HiLo for shoe games. This might not be optimal from an EV standpoint, but I do it this way because it's simpler for me. In single deck I don't have to perform a RC to TC conversion with every card using KO. In shoe games, the RC to TC conversion occurs less frequently and the entry and departure points are easier to determine using HiLo.
In general, you will find that in the tradeoff between simplicity and EV, simplicity is usually you're best choice.
2. After i have chosen a good entry level count to practice, what are the practice techniques i should use to master it? Are there other techniques besides simply counting down a single deck in under 30 seconds?
There's a link to BJ School on this site which has good training drills. Otherwise, I would use a blackjack playing program. www.qfit.com sells Casino Verite, which, from what I have heard and read, is awesome. But if you're cheap like me, Sage Blackjack is more than adequate. I've used it for ten years. A shareware version is available at www.s-a-g-e.com.
3. as a comparatively poor college kid, i have a limited bankroll. i understand bad swings happen, which leaves me vulnerable. how do i account for this?
If you plan on counting, you may actually increase your risk because of the bet spread. You will either have to be lucky early or have to accept that you may need to replenish your bankroll at some time. There are techniques that will reduce your risk, but usually at a loss of expected value.
I simply refuse to go back to a casino as a favorite to lose in the long run - that is for suckers. i want an edge.
Just knowing I have a edge is more reward for me than the winings. :o)
i welcome all comments, suggestions, and criticisms, as well as suggestions for additional readings. please help me.
You have come to right place.
-losing in new orleans
Here's to winning. :o)