Not everyone will win, but here is how to do it
Below is the same answer I gave your post in the Green Chip forum:
I have a long track record of winning, year after year, so I'll ask you some questions and make some observations. Not everyone is capable of winning at blackjack. In fact, the overwhelming majority of people are NOT capable of winning.
1. Are you smart? I think the importance of sheer intelligence is underrated as a factor in blackjack and casino success. It's not so much a matter of needing great analytical skill as it is the ability to multi-task successfully, as well as the ability to quickly analyze opportunities. An IQ of 130 should be more than sufficient to master the game. This corresponds roughly to an ACT score of 29 or an SAT score of 1280. If your ACT score was below 24 or your SAT was below 1000, you simply might not be quick enough to master the game, although others may disagree with me on this.
2. Are you disiplined? Do you often (or ever) raise your bet after a loss even when your betting system says you shouldn't, simply because the dealer "can't" win another hand and you want to get even? If you break the rules of a winning betting system, it ceases to be a winning betting system, and in the long run you will lose. If you are a gambler by nature and are just trying to count so you will have better "luck" gambling, you are headed to a pit.
3. Are you playing good games? The best games are those you'll probably never, ever find. For example, I have $6,000 in lifetime winnings from games where I was paid double on blackjack. I have had royal flushes doubled for an extra $14,000 in payouts. I have about $30,000 in lifetime winnings from playing against early surrender. I have about $70,000+ in lifetime winnings from playing single deck blackjack. My record with ordinary shoe and double deck games is less impressive, although I'm still a good winner at these games. Certain games simply can't be beaten and thus should not be played.
4. Are you using a good system? The systems you describe seem pretty weak. Why aren't you using the easy to use hi-lo count? I find Stanford Wong's books and advice to be the best out there, and I've read a lot of books. He describes the hi-lo system well and has all the charts. Kenny Ustons books are interesting and worth reading, too, but Wongs are best for ordinary people.
Now here is some free advice:
1. Read Wong's books and master the hi-lo counting system. Read his book on video poker and buy and practice with the Bob Dancer presents Dean Zamzov video poker game (www.zamzone.com). Video poker opportunities often spring up our of nowhere, and you need to be able to capitalize on them. Also, vp is a good way to earn free or reduced price hotel rooms.
2. For the next year, limit yourself to a $5 minimum bet and a $30 maximum bet. This spread and bet level won't let you win any real money, but if you put in the hours and follow the rules, you should win. And if you lose, well you won't be out any real money. Limit your video poker play to quarter machines. Do NOT, under any circumstances, increase these bet levels until you have established a long-term, winning track record. Then you can increase them slightly, establish winning tract record and so on.
3. The above advice seems simple, but most people can't or won't follow it. For example, you may have a mental need to be seen as a big shot, and are thus unable to gamble for $5 per hand. If you are one of these people, be honest with yourself and gamble recreationally, preferably for lower stakes, low frequency and use what knowledge you have to at least cut the house edge.
Best of luck to you and others who are tying to master the game.