2+1=You're Out of Here
Dear Mark,
I've been kicking around the idea of becoming a blackjack card counter for
years. I have decent math skills and am willing to spend time learning the
game. I would like to hear some of your thoughts, theories, practical application
of, advice and a brief explanation on how counting actually works. Hopefully
you'll give me some inspiration to learn counting, maybe even make it a
career. Eric G. Bermuda Dunes, CA
Eric, you want my thoughts, advice, etc. on counting? OK, lend me your ear,
but you might not like what you are about to hear.
The Player: All card counters I have met think they are the sharpest
knife in the drawer. Forget dialog with them to the contrary, they all believe
they can beat the house at will, any time, any place. In reality, I've found
more mediocre counters than good ones, and egos larger than the casino operators'.
I figure the subliminal self of counters is based on abnormally high testosterone
levels.
Them Guys: Working the pits for years, taking numerous seminars on
counting, plus being a proficient counter myself--me make it a career move,
NOT--I can smell a counter a mile away. Even your average pitboss will take
simple measures to combat these casino pests. Pit bosses will hassle counters
by putting more decks on the game, burying more cards on the shuffle, stopping
mid-entry shoe betting, having the dealer shuffle half way through the deck,
and when all else fails, back you off the game.
The Money Makers: So is anyone truly making money on card counting?
Sure. A very small, select group of counters who have created a cottage
industry of seminars, tapes, books and newsletters on counting. For most
experts, writing about playing is more lucrative than playing itself.
Hitting the Casino: Card counters, theoretically, have an inherent
advantage of between .5 and 1.5 percent against the casino. Counting theory
is quite simple. Big cards (10s, aces) favor the player, small cards (2-6)
favor the dealer.
All card counting systems keep track of the relationship of small cards
to big cards remaining in the deck. When the cards remaining favor the player,
you bet more money. When they favor the dealer, you bet less.
The simplest count to learn is a one level count, a.k.a the Hi-Lo counting
system. It assigns the following count values to each card.
2, 3, 4, 5, 6 (small cards).......................+1
7, 8, 9 (neutral cards)............................ ..0
10, J, Q, K, Ace (big cards)....................-1
To use the Hi-Lo method, you need to add and subtract the above counting
values for every card exposed on the blackjack table. By mentally keeping
an updated running count from one hand to the next, you vary your bets according
to the positive/negative value of the upcoming hand.
But it all comes back to our jumpy pit boss who wants to run you out the
door. He's just not going to be happy with blackjack players who know how
to beat the house. He would much prefer players who think they know how
to win but are experts at losing--players on the bottom rung of the casino
food chain.
Geez, Eric, I'm just warming up, but because of limited space I'm forced
to come full circle. If you're still going to make card counting a career
move, may I make a final suggestion? Don't quit your day job.
Got a question about gambling? Write to: Deal Me In, 774 Mays Blvd.
Suite 10, Incline Village, NV 89451 or e-mail:winners@winner.com
· To order Mark Pilarski's "Hooked on Winning" audio cassettes--laminated
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