practice, practice, practice

[person1125]

Being new at this practice and more practice is what those of you who have been doing this for a while seem to emphasize. What I was wondering was this: do you experienced AP's still practice and if you do what do you do for your practice? Also would you recommend a certain amount of time (ex: 1 hour a day) of practice or do you think it just depends on the person?

 

[Bojack1]

Being new at this practice and more practice is what those of you who have been doing this for a while seem to emphasize. What I was wondering was this: do you experienced AP's still practice and if you do what do you do for your practice? Also would you recommend a certain amount of time (ex: 1 hour a day) of practice or do you think it just depends on the person?

Speaking just for me and my team we still practice all the time. If we have a light travel schedule we practice as a team at least twice a week for about 3 hours at a time. There are sometimes that we may add a day of practice if we are trying out something new or are having checkout sessions. Individually there is rarely a day I don't practice at least 30 minutes to an hour. Its more a habit than anything nowadays. I'll count cards, or do some true count calculation drills, or just deal a game to myself while I watch TV. But remember casual practice like that is good, but to really achieve and maintain a high standard of skill, you really must formally test yourself whether it be with other people watching, or some type of software such as CV. Counting cards can become a habit if practiced enough, but it could be a bad habit if you don't practice well. Practice is important, but it means absolutely nothing if you are not keeping track of how well you are doing it. A good way to measure the quality of your practice is to set goals and every week or so try to meet them. And regardless what anyone says, make your goals mistake free, that way you will be confident of your game, especially as you gain casino experience. Remember, your play will be only as good as the level you set your training goals at. Strive for perfection, although no human can be totally perfect, aiming for anything less allows for less, which allows for mediorocrity. There are many things in life that may be okay for, advantage play is not one of them. If you allow yourself to make a certain amount of errors, then you are gauranteed you will make that many, and more often than not, more than that. Do yourself a favor, get into good habits early, although they may be hard to attain its still easier than breaking bad ones, and cheaper too.

 

[mdlbj]

As boring and dull it may sound, make sure that you have BS for multi deck S17 and H17 down pat. Try not to jump ahead of yourself. Then start keeping the running count. Add more when you are 100% sure you can do this in your sleep.

I always practice weather it is at home or at the local pub. I will do conversions when waiting in line at the store or at the bank or when walking around. You will be suprised that once you really emerge yourself in a structured and pratical approach in practicing, things will come even faster and your questions will be answered.

Its rare that I am not turning cards over yet, I have a vested interest in the madness of counting. Give yourself time and quit reading articles about Jo Hollywood winning millions, not to say you are but, keep it real.

My 2 cents.

 

[Automatic Monkey]

I rarely practice outside of a casino. It just isn't the same. But what I do spend a lot of time doing is working with my simulator, trying different strategies, spreads, game selections. The homework and game research is the only part of this job that is really stimulating to me.

 

[iwantblackjack]

Here's an extra suggestion: when i practice for 1-4 hours, i also include burning-a-card every 30-40 minutes to mimic dealer changes.

 

[NDN21]

practice....

Practice and read for a few weeks.

Buy a simulator.

Play on the simulator for 5-7 hours, keeping a log of all hands.

Look at your results.

Find out where your weaknesses are.

Practice what the simulator shows you as your weaknesses.

Also practice with counting down a deck or two decks of cards on your break at work, your lunchtime, right before you go to bed, etc..

Go to a casino and backcount (for practice only) to check your speed, accuracy, comfort level and to see if you remember your index plays.

 

[blackchipjim]

practice

I would practice till you became proficient enough with little or no mistakes on a simulator. The casino enviroment is really the acid test that is hard to simulate. Your act will depend on your ability to mantain accuraucy without looking preoccupied with it. Spilt second decision making is essential and you only get that with practice in the casino under real conditions. blackchipjim