I admit it, I can't beat blackjack...

[Pokeraddict]

The OP is the same guy that made up a story in the zoo that he hacked another poster's Stars account. Sounds like he has bigger problems then blackjack.

[jba]

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Here's a question for you: what percentage of the population would you say possesses the aptitude necessary to play blackjack at an advantage.

What skill would you say is the single most important in determining the same?

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I dunno about percentages because I consistently underestimate the stupidity of the population. That said if you know basic strategy, can do basic math, and understand gambler's fallacy I think I could teach you the basics in an afternoon. it takes a bunch of practice to be good (you have to be mistake free), but the practice is basically just memorization, not really difficult. it's a million times easier than being able to play poker well.

[aargh57]

Going back to Vegas in June. What is the probability I'll be able to learn a good counting strategy on the plane ride over from Madtown, Wisconsin?

[cardcounter0]

[ QUOTE ]
What is the probability I'll be able to learn a good counting strategy on the plane ride over from Madtown, Wisconsin?

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0% - it takes 4-5 months of practice, and even then you will mess up your first few times playing live in a casino.

Better stick to that all-in game playing donkaments.

[rgold79]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Here's a question for you: what percentage of the population would you say possesses the aptitude necessary to play blackjack at an advantage.

What skill would you say is the single most important in determining the same?

[/ QUOTE ]

I dunno about percentages because I consistently underestimate the stupidity of the population. That said if you know basic strategy, can do basic math, and understand gambler's fallacy I think I could teach you the basics in an afternoon. it takes a bunch of practice to be good (you have to be mistake free), but the practice is basically just memorization, not really difficult. it's a million times easier than being able to play poker well.

[/ QUOTE ]

I don't doubt that I have the mental skills necessary to learn how to do it, I just question whether the investment of my time will pay off down the line.

I am starting to get fatigued by the constant obsession/grind of poker - and I don't even play full time. I know playing blackjack is just a different kind of grind but I'm wondering whether using my brain differently for a little while would be a good thing.

I only pursue action foolishly when I'm bored. As long as I keep my mind stimulated I wager wisely.

[aargh57]

Darn, now what'll I do for the plane ride? I was just kidding anyway although I would like to learn to count I know that it's too big a time investment for the 1-2 times per year I go to the Casino. 4-5 months, man that sucks. I picked up Sklansky's book about B.J. and he said it took something like 100 hours of practice. So, if I start the week before and practice 15 hours a day.....

[iggymcfly]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
What is the probability I'll be able to learn a good counting strategy on the plane ride over from Madtown, Wisconsin?

[/ QUOTE ]
0% - it takes 4-5 months of practice, and even then you will mess up your first few times playing live in a casino.

Better stick to that all-in game playing donkaments.

[/ QUOTE ]

Huuuuuuge exaggeration. Unless you're retarded, you can learn to count decently within a week. You could learn basic strategy in a couple days and then all you have to do is be able to keep a quick running count in your head. A few hours with a deck and you can get that down too.

Yeah, if you're playing heads-up against some crazy Wild West dealer, you might lose track sometimes, but it doesn't take a lot of skill to count at a typical table with three or four people.

[aargh57]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
What is the probability I'll be able to learn a good counting strategy on the plane ride over from Madtown, Wisconsin?

[/ QUOTE ]
0% - it takes 4-5 months of practice, and even then you will mess up your first few times playing live in a casino.

Better stick to that all-in game playing donkaments.

[/ QUOTE ]

Huuuuuuge exaggeration. Unless you're retarded, you can learn to count decently within a week. You could learn basic strategy in a couple days and then all you have to do is be able to keep a quick running count in your head. A few hours with a deck and you can get that down too.

Yeah, if you're playing heads-up against some crazy Wild West dealer, you might lose track sometimes, but it doesn't take a lot of skill to count at a typical table with three or four people.

[/ QUOTE ]

Really? Now my interest is peaked a little. I already have basic strategy down pretty well but I'm sceptical that it really would only take a week of practice. Also, from "All-In" magazine an article outlined a basic Hi-Lo count and said that when you got to a certain count you start betting 12 times your bet. Isn't it kind of obvious when a guy goes from $25/hand to $300?

[cardcounter0]

Hahahahahahahaha! Blackjack remains hugely profitable for casinos because of all the "counters" with a week's worth of practice.

Oh, and there is no such thing as having basic strategy down pretty well. You either KNOW it or you don't. And in order to attempt counting, you need to KNOW it. Have it etched into your brain, so making the right move requires zero conscience thought, you have other things to worry about.

Reminds me of the commercial I saw yesterday, guy said his golf score was "around 72". His buddy says you can't golf "around 72", golf is an exact score, it is either 72 or it isn't.

Basic Strategy is the same, you either KNOW it, or you don't. And to attempt to count at the same time, you need to more than KNOW it.

[aargh57]

That's what I kind of thought. When I play, I'll continue to do so as I always have, just for a little fun.

However, I think you're a little harsh about the basic strategy thing. Someone who knows that you should hit on a 14 against a dealers Ten is going to do better than someone who doesn't, all other things being equal.

Lets say 3 people sit at a table. Player one doesn't know basic at all, he just plays what he wants. Player 2 knows basic strategy perfectly and never makes a mistake. Player 3 knows it perfectly except he never surrenders. There is a difference in each one's EV. To say "you either know it or you don't" implies that player 1 and player 3 have the same EV.

I get the picture though, if you want to attempt counting you can't "kind of" know basic strategy because you have to have that perfect before you attempt the more complicated stuff.