How should I decide my bankroll

I can't decide what I should do for a bankroll when I play. I plan to drive down to the Indian Casino near by a few times a week only to play maybe a couple of hours in the evening. I guess what I'm trying to figure out is a trip bank roll. I've looked on this site for notes, but they're not clear enough for me to understand...any pointers?

The exact answer depends on playing conditions, your bet spread, and your risk tolerance, but 100 units is a reasonable trip bankroll for the short-duration trips you're planning.

For a three-hour trip, 100 units gives a ROR of about 17% (I used 6D, S17, DAS, LS, RSA, 75% pen, 1-12 spread). Your mileage may vary, of course, and you may prefer more or fewer units if you have a lower or higher risk tolerance, respectively. For comparison, 80 units gives a ROR of about 27%, and 50 units gives a ROR of about 48%, with the same conditions and spread as above.

David

If we're saying 100 units and the minimum table is $5 that would be $500 correct?

Taking $500 with me I think is a lot, but like you said, it is more than enough for the swings the game brings. If I'm doing $5 bets is a spread of 1 - 6 units to small?

If we're saying 100 units and the minimum table is $5 that would be $500 correct?

Unit size is based on your minimum bet, not the table minimum. But, if your minimum bet is $5 (as you suggest below), then you are correct.

Taking $500 with me I think is a lot, but like you said, it is more than enough for the swings the game brings.

Personally, I would be willing to tolerate a greater ROR for such a short trip. Since my three-hour trip bankroll would be such a small fraction of my total bankroll, I could stand to lose many such trip bankrolls before it became a problem. I provided the RORs for 80- and 50-unit bankrolls so you can get an idea of how ROR changes. Most players are underfunded, however, so I erred on the side of caution in my recommendation.

If I'm doing $5 bets is a spread of 1 - 6 units to small?

Your spread should be the greatest you can get away with. The greater the number of decks, the smaller your wagers, the bigger the casino, and the better your act, the greater your spread should be. Unless you're playing single deck or somewhere similar to El Cortez, 1-6 is probably too conservative for your small wagers.

David

Over the last few years I've settled on taking 70 units for a one hour session, spreading 1 to 2x8. This fits fairly well with what David says. And yes, I have tapped out occasionally. Tapping out in the middle of a high count is really annoying, so it's generally better to have more money than you think you will need.

Personally, I don't feel easy if I don't have at least 20 max bets with me. You ought to be able to play through a session without having to reduce your bets.
You should raise your max bet to at least 50$ in order to get a positive expectation. So I recommand you to bring along $1000.

Francis Salmon

with a 1k trip br is wonging +2 @ 40 +3 @ 75 and +4 @ 100 ok?

I'm using the Hi/Lo System, How important do you think Play Deviation is with such a short session?

I suppose it really depends on what the counts are.

You should try to incorporate any information into your play. Blackjack is a tough business and one cannot afford to play suboptimal.

Francis Salmon

The cost of not being able to place an optimal bet in a high count is certainly a consideration, and it happens more often than you might think. High counts are responsible not only for your greatest wins, but also for your greatest losses; you're more likely to tap out in a high count than in a low one. So, an argument in favor of a reasonably large trip bankroll, even for a short-duration trip...

On the other hand, though it blurs the definition of "trip bankroll," going to an ATM in the middle of a shoe isn't impossible, especially if you're the only person at the table. In addition to allowing you to continue playing in a highly positive shoe, it looks absolutely pathetic--a nice bonus if longevity is a concern. I can't even imagine the conversation the dealer and pitboss must have as they watch what appears to be a degenerate gambler on his last legs shamefully walk to the ATM and back.

Yes I have one pointer for you. Play in games where the house edge is closest to zero. That way you won't have to put as much money at risk, via spreading, to gain an edge. Or better still, play promotions only. Your trip bankroll should be whatever you are comfortably willing to lose.