Ask me about playing poker for a part time job

[Lingyis]

twesterm said:

I know that system is bad, just playing around :-p

Blackjack isn't too bad, just like any other card game-- you just have to know the probabilities and have some luck. Last trip to vegas I came out up about $250 just on Blackjack (and about $40 on video poker). Not saying I was never in the red or that I ended every night in the black, but it's not real hard to come out on top as long as you know when to walk away from a table.

 The stopping time theorem GUARANTEES that NO STRATEGY of when to stop will yield you a profit (over the long run, of course).  Like you said, you didn't end every night in the black.

 With regards to video poker, winning $40 is pure luck.  The way to win at video poker is to go for the Jackpots--ie. gunning for the Royal Flushes and sacrificing decent hands.  Once in a while you'll find a situation where the odds are actually IN your favor (expected payoff better than 0%, since the Jackpots have become so big).