Theory vs Practice?

[CanKen]

Playing this afternoon, the first shoe did nothing, but in the second the count rose to the +3,+4 level. I bet the count and ended the shoe up 50 units, winning most hands.
Next shoe, the count rose quickly to the +4 to +6 range and I bet the count right through in spite of losing almost every hand, and losing the 50 units and more. In theory, I think I did the right thing, but from a practical point of view, I wonder if I should have put say 30 units in my pocket after the good shoe and left after losing the other 20? I certainly would have gone home happier.
Any advice on dealing with this kind of situation would be appreciated.

 

[BradRod]

i think its always a good idea to take a breather after any major event like a big win or a big loss. the game will always be there and you have to be sure you are playing with a clear head at all times.

otherwise the answer is short term it SUCKS, long term you have the advantage or will eventually if you stay with it long enough. or so they tell me.

More Good variations than bad

 

[SammyBoy]

My feelings are this...

1. You must have a bankroll that is big enough to sustain several big losses in a row (at least 125 max bets)

2. This bankroll MUST be kept completely separate from the money you use to pay bills, buy groceries, etc. The bankroll is for gambling/blackjack only.

3. You have to know that you have the advantage in the long run and that it doesn't matter what happened on the last bet, session, or trip. (this can be tough).

4. You have to make the big bets when you have the advantage, regardless of how many hands in a row you have lost (another tough one).

5. You can never bet more than YOUR minimum bet in negative counts. In other words, pressing your bets to get your money back will kill you.

6. You have to be disciplined and follow your betting ramp like the gospel.

Probably the most important thing for me is number 2. I'm much more at ease with the short term losses knowing that the bills will still get paid and that I will still have lunch money for the week after a big loss.

I'm sure you already know all of this, but it doesn't hurt to hear it again. Good luck!

 

[ZOD]

You did the right thing in betting the next shoe properly, regardless of the outcome. The kind of run and reversal you had will happen again and again. Just don't get to excited when you win (except for show) or down when you lose. Every single penny in my bankroll was earned one disciplined bet at a time. In short, don't trust your emotions; trust the math. Best...
ZOD

 

[CanKen]

Thanks to all for your thoughtful responses. I really do agree with your comments and advice. My head and mathematical background gave me the same answers, but I guess I needed some reassurance so that I can avoid emotional reactions in future.

 

[Coug Fan]

This helps me

Whenever I find myself getting hesitant about putting out another max bet (usually after losing a number of them in a row), I just think about how I would love to have the opportunity to be betting at a +4 TC at all times, and think about all those bets that I have had to make at neutral or negative counts.

Also, whenever I do chicken out and underbet I always seem to get BJ. I try to sear those instances into my memory as well.