It's been a while...

Hello everyone....

I see familiar names.... I smile...

It has been over a year since I gave up counting... and over a year since I've visited or posted on this site (some of you may remember me?). As a red chip player, after reading the recommendations in Don's fine work Blackjack Attack of bankroll requirements and such... I felt that blackjack had become simply too much effort, for too little gain.

I am a blackjack dealer myself... and after realizing that I needed a 5 digit bankroll to generate a worthwhile return, added to the fact that to tip (what I felt was appropriate) 2 or 3 times per hour ate up almost half of my expected value, I was swayed toward other sources of advantage play... specifically: Poker.

I miss the non-subjective nature of blackjack.... In this game, there is a Correct Answer every time... We may argue about it for a day or two... (miss you too, Clarke Cant), but eventually 'Truth' is found. In poker... the most common phrase while discussing the 'correct move' is: "Well, it depends...", I hate that... I miss playing, and I miss the intelligent discourse found here...

The reason I am posting now, is to ask the board if it's possible I gave up too quickly... if there's something I missed.... if there's hope at the end of the shoe...

I know I would be successful with regard to discipline/focus/dodging heat/longevity etc... but the simple fact remains, if I could set enough money aside to play the game... then, I wouldn't need to play the game... (get it?).

Feels good to be back, if only for a moment.

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you feel obligated to over tip. Red chippers can't really afford to tip anything. Perhaps a dollar or two after a winning session, or occasionally the 50 cent piece that you get with a minimum bet natural.

You don't need a five figure bank all at once. Size your bets to some hypothetical practical bank, even if you don't have it all right now. Continue to contribute to your bank from outside funds, even if you are winning, until you have actually contributed an amount equal to your hypothetical bank. At the start, you might have periods of inactivity when you temporarily go broke. That's ok. Fluctations are normal. As you continue to make contributions and have an overall win rate you will eventually get to a point where you seldom, if ever, touch bottom. By the time you've actually contributed the full amount of your original hypothetical bank, your bank could well be twice that size. Just don't ever spend winnings if you are in a bankroll growth stage. Later on you will decide when your bank has moved from the growth to the income stage. Your objectives, ROR, etc, will change at that point, just as a stock portfolio does when changing from growth to income. At some point you might decide you are in a growth and income stage, where you will take a middle road of some kind.

I beleive that not everything in BJ is an exact science, there have been some unsettled debates on this site. For example some people claim spread 1-10 on SD is better in the long run, while others claim it raises your risk of ruin to much and generates too much heat on you.
I am a BJ dealer myself and also do not have a 5 digit bankroll, not even close. In fact i am currently in a very bad downstreak with negative fluctuation about to sideline me probably for as long as a month. But i dont think i would give up counting for anything, i enjoy being part of something that very few people can do, no matter how hard they try. I know, ive tried many times to teach people this stuff and they just dont have what it takes, i cant even get my dad to learn basic strategy. Despite the downswings, there are enough good points to keep me here for life. Despite being down $2200 over the last 3 months (even BJ Blitz has gotten the best of me lately) when i add up the food comps and the fun and many other things such as knowing that at the age of 22 i am probably the youngest platinum member of the harrahs/Rio players club which has many great perks(being able to by-pass hundreds waiting in line at the buffet while acting like a high roller is one of them =).
It's obvious counting isnt easy, as i would say a vast majority of the people on this site have college degrees, but I've always loved a bit of a challenge, and look forward to returning to the game as soon as my bankroll is back in tact, and when it is you can bet that i will be even more ready to hit the casinos and make the bosses sweat. But as casino dealers, just dont expect to get invited to the green chip parties. =) oh well, i guess I'll have to have fun without them that night!!!

Shotkaller

I'm going to seriously consider coming back....

I understand what you mean my the game not being an exact science... there are variables, but I think you understand the difference I'm making...

22 years old huh? Damn... I thought I was the youngest dealer in Vegas ;-)

Thanks for the reply...

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If you can play and not steam at your age, you could have lots of fun in the years ahead. One thing I like about the game is that you're always learning and improving. Once you understand there are only four games you can beat - BJ, poker, video poker, and sports (and you don't believe in long term luck), and that they all take work, then take your choice. Sports requires too much real time information and video poker is a lot of work for the payback. As far as tipping, I'm tipping less and less each trip. Being nice and courteous, especially when losing, seems to be just as appreciated by dealers as tipping. I see no advantage to tip when losing, except maybe at the end of a session or at a dealer change. When playing red, 50 cents is enough for a cocktail. Booking a loss now and then doesn't hurt, so don't ever walk away mad - for several reasons. If you study, practice, and are comfortable at the table, you sound like you could do well.