The question that new counters often ask is: "Am I ready to go to the casino?" Obviously, card counting is a fun and exciting topic, and there is a natural tendency to want to rush in and use this strategy to start winning at gambling. However, the bankrolls of many novice gamblers were sacrificed on the altar of arrogance. Your advantage as a counter is very subtle, and it doesn't require a lot of mistakes until it evaporates.

One of the most important things you can do if you want to become a professional or semi-professional blackjack player is practice. Fortunately, card counting is an activity that you can practice just as easily at home as at the casino. All you have to do is get six decks of cards, a discard tray and a boot. From here, you'll need 60 to 100 hours of practice before you can play flawlessly. This is useful, but not necessary if you can get someone to deal to you, as it will allow you to focus on counting, playing your hand, and making betting decisions. You can also instruct them to make mistakes so that you can practice correcting dealer mistakes that are not good for you.

Don't rush to the casino half-cocked without enough practice! This is a sure way to lose your bankroll. But after this practice, how will you know when you're ready to go to the casino? What you really need is a skill check. A skill check is when someone watches you play a few shoes. If you don't make any mistakes during these shoes, then you will pass. If you make any mistakes, you will fail. Today I am glad to offer blackjackinfo.com participants take free skill tests. All you have to do is upload a video of you playing one or two shoes, and I'll count it out and let you know if you make any mistakes in your decisions about the game or betting.