Hi there. I'm new to BJ - I've got about 100 hours of practice as AP under my belt so far, with constant reading of recommended books. I'm teaching myself both Hi-Lo and KO to see which one sticks best and I find easier in working practice. I use both Casino Verite software and cards themselves to practice, using the Youtube videos from blackjackapprenticeship as assistance. For me, I just enjoy playing the game and stumbled upon AP whilst googling how to improve at BJ.
I don't feel ready to play in a casino yet and at this stage I wouldn't be ready, just overeager (at least in my opinion). I'd ideally like to give myself another few weeks practicing. I'm off work with injury (paid! So at least I have a renewable bankroll) at the moment so really I've got nothing but time; this is at least distracting me and keeping my brain working in the meantime. But at what point did you know you were ready to go into a casino? Did you just bite the bullet?
I don't know if this is permissable here, but I'm in the north of the UK in a large city with approx 3-4 casinos nearby. From what I've read online, deck pen seems to have a reputation in parts of the UK for not being entirely great, but we seem to lack CSMs. Out of all websites, I can only find one that prints their rules - it looks good, its a Caesers. Would it be acceptable to just go into a casino and casually observe the table with the cover of having a few drinks with friends etc? I don't think they'd respond favourably to me calling up and asking 'soooo... whats the penetration like?' I'd ask for recommendations as I don't mind travelling and making a trip out of it but I don't know if its against rules for ask anyone to do anything that could make them identifiable. And I guess where I am could be that kind of place.
Apologies in advance for how green I must sound.

