Hi all,
I have spend about half year study and preparing BJ and finally went off for my first two real BJ trips to Reno in the past two weekends. I did okay and had a gain slightly below calculated stat avg. Here are some experience I'd like to share and some questions I have.
I played single deck only, bet from $5-$25 or $10-$50. I used KO count, with perfered index(about 16 or 18 of them). I played with no cover, although I do expect I'd make play mistake about 3-4%. I moved around the tables, try to table-hop whenever I can. If not, I will play with at most one more other player. I tried to not increase my bet dramitically, I go from 1 to 3, then 5. Never jump directly from 1 to 5.
Here are some "interesting" evens occured.
At one casino with 8 BJ tables total, I was playing at $5-$25. I noticed two pit bosses stand on each side of me and watched me play. I was not sure if they are just looked at the table or looked at me. But I flat bet for a deck than left.
At another place one dealer conforted me "are you counting cards?", as I was within consisiting with my big bets for while. I said, "I can't hear you." Then, she said "never mind".
Almost everywhere you go you are asked to apply a card, I'd make some excuse and politely say no. However, at Atlantis, one female pit boss keeps asking so I gave in and get a card. I am not sure if it's because they have noticed me or she just tries to be nice.
Most dealers are able to tell I am a "good player", except a few new recuits who had no clue. Majority of them are friendly and would say thank you after I tip them a $1 after a $200 win. A few of them seem to have an attitude.
Here is my plan:
1. I will bet at $10-$50 until I record a $5000 gain, then consider increase bet.
2. I'd rotate among Reno and Tahoe casinos. I will restrick myself to visit a casino at most one weekend every two months.
Here are some questions I have:
1. How much attention I will get from the casinos if I play at this bet level and visit at the fequency described above? Does visit a place every two months is considered to be a regular? I won't be surprised some people will remember me when I go back two months later.
2. Spread between 1-5 in a single deck seems make you obvious to be a counter. But since I bet so small I can't even cover my travel cost if I only spread between 1-3. My hope is that most casinos won't even bother since I bet red majority of the time.
3. What are some comments and suggestion you Pros have for me? Advise is always welcomed.
Hope this post will help some beginner counter in the same situation as I am.
