BLACKJACK PROBLEM!!!!

[Jorge V]

Hi, I have been a winning live 20-40 to 50-100 player for the past 2-3 years (playing live fulltime). I have had great success in poker, but my biggest downfall is my apparent addiction to blackjack. I have lost close to 125K during this period on blackjack and I dont understand why I keep doing it. When I go play poker, I have no intention of playing blackjack, but it seems I always find myself playing while I am waiting for my poker seat to open up, on my way to/from the bathroom, etc. Its almost like I dont even realize what I am doing until after I am down a couple thousand. I have lost over 15k a couple of times and it just sickens me and I dont know how to stop. I tell myself I am seriously going to quit BJ, but the most it ever lasts is a couple weeks. This is surprising to for me because I am extremely disciplined at the poker table, but just lose it when it comes to BJ. I used to brag about how much I dumped because I thought it was "cool" that I had so much money to blow without it affecting me, but now it just disgusts me.I am sure there are others who have similar problems. I need suugestions on what to do, I really need help. Thanks in advance

[ImsaKidd]

Gamblers Anonymous.

It is good that you are seeking help. Now plug this leak before it crushes your $$ situation.

[Jorge V]

I actually tried going to GA for a couple of weeks earlier this year, but it was no help at all. They just told me to stop going to casinos, but they didnt understand that it was impossible since thats how I make a living. So I need advice on other things I can do. thanks

[SplawnDarts]

This isn't exactly a rare problem for poker players.

Here's my suggestion: learn to play winning blackjack. Then one of two things will happen - either you'll be banned from the pit and your problem will be solved, or you'll make money and your problem will be solved. Either way, you win.

[iggymcfly]

[ QUOTE ]
This isn't exactly a rare problem for poker players.

Here's my suggestion: learn to play winning blackjack. Then one of two things will happen - either you'll be banned from the pit and your problem will be solved, or you'll make money and your problem will be solved. Either way, you win.

[/ QUOTE ]

Bingo. Counting cards is hella easy. FTR, they don't ban you from the whole casino if they catch you counting cards do they? I haven't done it seriously enough to ever get caught.

[foxw00ds player]

there is nothing you could do you are doomed just like me

[SplawnDarts]

[ QUOTE ]

Bingo. Counting cards is hella easy. FTR, they don't ban you from the whole casino if they catch you counting cards do they? I haven't done it seriously enough to ever get caught.

[/ QUOTE ]

Based on the fact that Andy Block (sp?) is playing the poker circuit without difficulties, I believe you'd probably be ok.

Of course, someone less famous might not be extended the same courtesy.

[Black_Angler]

[ QUOTE ]
This isn't exactly a rare problem for poker players.

Here's my suggestion: learn to play winning blackjack. Then one of two things will happen - either you'll be banned from the pit and your problem will be solved, or you'll make money and your problem will be solved. Either way, you win.

[/ QUOTE ]

Couldn't have put it better myself! As a former cardcounter and financial analyst in the casino biz, all they really care about is how you hit their edge. You wouldn't be banned from the entire casino unless you were caught cheating (utilizing a device, for example...but in this case the point would be moot because you would be playing poker just to keep your cell mate Alfnozo from poking your butthole).

My problem on my first go around was that I was trying to count cards and play poker off the same bankroll (big mistake). I've just begun the rebuilding process (shaking off the rust, reading some old books, reading some new books and ignoring BJ) right now and plan to do it only through poker, but being in LA there are plenty of places that offer just poker, so I have no temptation.

If you really can't control yourself, counting cards could be a way to do it. But be forewarned, the variance involved with counting cards in BJ makes the variance in poker feel like your first [censored]. It takes an AMAZING amount of control, and it is so much easier to "Tilt" (and also easier to loose more while tilting) in BJ than it is in poker. If you have any tilt problems whatsoever, I would recommend another route. I know some places will allow you to self ban. I would see if they will allow you to self ban everything but poker. Same route as being barred from BJ without the risks [img]/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img]

Good Luck.

DW

[r3vbr]

Playing winning blackjack isnt that hard.
Search amazon for some Arnold Snyder, stanford wong, sklansky books.

all it takes is dedication.

[Jorge V]

r3vbr, thanks for the suggestion, but I am trying to stop playing BJ completely, I don't want to learn how to beat it. I would love it if I could get to the point where I never played another pit game for the rest of me life, thats the goal.