Longish response
Craps Master said:
So, which is it, QFIT? Are you an expert or are you not an expert? You said you don't claim to be, which I take to mean that you're not an expert. But here is your chance to be absolutely clear on the matter. After that, you can then answer the follow-up question of whether you make a living playing blackjack or whether you don't make a living playing blackjack. That would indicate to us whether you're a professional or not. It is my understanding that you are not, in fact, a professional blackjack player. Now is your chance to completely clear the air and leave us in a position of unequivocal understanding about your expertise and your status as either a professional or amateur player.
First, it is inappropriate to ask an AP any questions about their play on a public forum. The only reason to ask such questions is to cause them harm. I find it amazing that you would ask such questions or make claims about others in public.
Second it is irrelevant. Einstein has never visited a black hole. That did not mean we should not listen to him. Would you ignore Griffin or Thorp because they only played for fun?
But, I will answer your question nonetheless. I did play BJ for a living. It was a valuable experience. I do not now. I have been counting for 30 years. If I were still making a living in this manner; I would consider myself a dismal failure. One of the most valuable things I learned from Revere 30 years back is that I didn’t want to end up like him. Professional BJ is a lonely, monotonous, tedious, paranoia inducing job that requires constant travel and visits to smoky, noisy locales with constant contact with nasty people out to harm you. Why would anyone choose to take part in this professionally for 30 years when so much money can be made in pleasant endeavors? And at the end of a BJ career; what have you built? What can you look back on as your accomplishment? When you go to your kid’s career day; do you tell his classmates that you peek at other people’s cards for a living? You might as well say you look for coins in phone booths.
This is why so many ‘pros’ write books. They have a desire to create something. There is no money in writing niche books and you shouldn’t impugn their motives for sharing. They write because they want to give back and they want to see something they have built. I took a different path. I became a vice-president of the country’s largest financial institution. The pay was more than excellent, the variance only positive and I flew on the company dime around the globe premium class several times staying at the best hotels. Later I and my partners started an IT company which was acquired by one of the largest consulting firms. I got to build things of value while profiting handsomely. I’d have been an idiot to continue playing BJ for a living. Now I get to play BJ for enjoyment. Instead of a tedious job; it is a fascinating enjoyable challenge to use new techniques in battle with the casinos. Bankroll is no problem; I get to visit casinos in luxury. I have time to research BJ and I supply tools to novices and pros. My work in BJ has allowed me to meet an enormous number of players at all levels invaluable in continuing my research. I get to hear about new opportunities and techniques early as I perform specific research for pros at request (and at no charge.) The combination of building research tools and constant contact with top players has increased my knowledge of BJ far more than I would expect by constantly sitting with my nose to the grindstone. When I play I do so because I want to – not because I have to. I know some long-time pros that dread starting a new trip; but need the retirement money.
There was a post a couple of months ago on another site by a player that was tossed out by a casino guard. Stalker responded that he sees this as an AP opportunity and will get in his face to provoke him to violence so he can sue. This reminded me of a scene from Midnight Cowboy. Ratso, the long-time cheap con, is walking with a wannabe con. He walks through a red light and is nearly hit by a cab. After an exchange of curses; he advises the newby that this is a great way to make money. Get hit by a cab and sue. Then we realize this is the reason he has been limping throughout the movie.
When you get to the point that you believe provoking violence against yourself is an AP opportunity; you should start reviewing your career decisions.
Don’t get me wrong. I know many long-timers that enjoy the profession and are kind, giving, pleasant people. But many full time players are just ground down by the tedium and paranoia and become nasty people that strike out at anyone that has not chosen their path. Hard to blame them when you have traveled that road. It is not a path that I wish on anyone and I constantly advise people not to make AP the primary source of income.
Now after having pried this out of me – I fully expect you to take sentences out of context and continue your attacks.
