First... a little of my background. I became interested in Blackjack in the early 80's when the Hotel that I was working at hosted a workshop on "Winning at Blackjack". They charged $199 for each participant but I was privy to the seminar for free as I was in charge of setting up the room for the function and, of course, looking out for the needs of the teachers as they were staying in the Hotel for a number of days. I don't remember the names of who they were, but I never forget a face. Maybe it is some of the guys I see posting on this site!
Anyway... they covered the basic strategy and then into counting cards. I never was much of a gambler, still not. I mostly am a chess player and a sometimes pool hustler. No serious money, but to me it was NOT gambling as I won more than I lost and the skill of my average opponent was poor.. That is what brought me back to Blackjack ! !
I have decided to try a stab at playing since I live only an hour or so from Tunica. I have brushed up on basic strategy, which I am pretty confident with and after researching the alternatives, settled on KO Blackjack for counting. I like the unbalanced nature, which is facinating for me from a "theory" point of view. I will only make 8 to 10 trips a year for fun, but want to have a good chance at the win. My "bankroll", if you can call it that will be about $300 to $500 per trip. I want the chance to turn it in $1,000 or more, or LOSE IT ALL.
I have a computer blackjack program that I practice on that I manage pretty well. I play with six decks, S17, DAS and 75% penetration. That brings me (finally) to a couple of questions.
1) Can I find this sort of game in Tunica?
2) What should be my best bet spread to attempt the goal of a $1,000 win? I will be playing for only 4-6 hours a trip, and don't mind losing it all, but don't want to be broke in the first hour.
3) I intend to backcount some but mostly playall and change tables on bad counts. I do drink (only beer) and I can handle that for the short duration of my trips. Cover is my biggest concern. Can I be barred or get preferential shuffles if I am losing at the game? Or is that only a problem when I'm winning?
4) In my computer simulations, I have had great success at splitting 10's against a dealer 5 or 6 when the count is high. I have seen several comments that this is NOT recommended because of the heat. But, what if I split 10's frequently, even on some low counts at the beginning of the shoe? Does this "kill" any advantage from doing so at high counts? Or has my good fortune in my practice "skewed" my expectantcy in the "real world"?
5) Another thought.... if, near the end of my trip, and I am not ahead, and the count IS high, can I get away with incredible bet spreads just long enough to get some big money bet at the tables? Again, I realize the potential loss factor, but if I'm near even, can't I just make 3 to 4 large bets (at good counts) as a parting gesture?
Any suggestions will be appreciated from you blackjackers out there. Thanks in advance...