Shuffle-Tracking Seminar

[NewToTheGame]

I wanted to throw a question to the board concerning the upcoming Shuffle-Tracking Classes on April 11-13 in Las Vegas. As a newbie breaking into the game, I've been practicing Hi-Lo (20 secs/deck) and am really enthusiastic about the strategy involved within the game. I have 2 1/2 months in my undergraduate life, and as such, don't have a substantial bankroll. I can't afford to play NEARLY as often as I want, but it's all good...I'm trying to soak up everything I can. I can afford the trip, but I'm questioning the necessity at this point in my life. I bought George C.'s manual and have practiced, but the truth is, I think I can elevate it to the next level with this class. I don't plan on making blackjack my career, but hopefully a profitable hobby ...

Do the costs justify the benefits? Any recommendations you can suggest would be appreciated. Thanks.

-NewToTheGame

 

[The Mayor]

The problem with S.T.

The big problem with S.T. is not learning how to do it, it is finding a trackable shuffle. This information is very carfully guarded, and the only way you will find one is if you do the leg work yourself -- or have a very good friend. Also, if you are a "little bit off" at S.T. you will get creamed, but a "little bit off" at counting and you are still playing with a big advantage.

Things to think about...

--Mayor

 

[phantom007]

Re: The problem with S.T.

The Shuffle Trackers promote a 13% advantge.

I play at an average of 1.5% Advantage, then tip it away, and wonder why I am not ahead each year.

ST Players bet up during certain "plugs" in the shoe...this is fine...a deck rich in aces is GOOD in a ++ Count, but, IMHO, just increases risk in anegative count.

Fair being Fair, I wanted to take this Course, and WILL, in the near future, take same!

However, I suspect, that, when the Jury is in, CC'ing will usually be superior to ST'ing.

IMHO

phantom007.

 

[The Mayor]

Re: The problem with S.T.

ST is not a 13% advantage -- that is just not true. Try 3-5% in practice.

For example, if you knew the next card every time (were a perfect hole carder) then your edge is about 13%, but you couldn't make every correct play, so in practice your edge is about 10%.

 

[learning to count]

The one thing your missing here is that SF is an advanced technique/art. You have to be an excellent card counter and you have to have experience in knowing the distinct shuffle techniques of the casinos. They all vary. I would not waste money on something you may not be ready for. I would get the AP thing down first then read about advanced techniques then take a class. The main strategy of SF is recognizing the plugs and watching thier placement. The idea is simple enough to realize but understanding takes time and actual use is a monumental task. If you have the cash to invest any class is good but at least have the prerequisites. LTC

 

[ivy kid]

Hey, 2 1/2 months in your undergraduate life? Me too! Congrats. Any plans? Job market sucks.

 

[NewToTheGame]

I'm looking to break into equity or equity derivatives trading. I have interviewed with I-banks, and now am speaking with several hedge funds. You're not kidding about this market being crappy, esp. in securities trading. The job search is taking up so much of my time, but persistence is key. Hopefully something works out...how about yourself?

 

[ivy kid]

Congrats on the interviews! I had interviews at management consulting firms last semester (I'm a humanities, non-econ major, but I have experience running a million $ business), but no luck. It was really frustrating to devote so much time to networking, resumes, cover letters, transcripts, suit jackets and other bullshit, so this semester, I am merely taking classes, having fun, and paying little attention to the future. I figure if I don't have a job come summer, I'll travel, get a BS job for a bit, and then try to apply for real jobs in mid-late summer.

Do you have any good leads at any i-banking firms? Any offers? It's really scary out there. Imagine if you WERE working at Goldman... you would either a)have been layed off or b)not gotten your bonus, which really kills the overall salary.