How'd you get started in bj?

[Phil Ivey of BJ]

Hey guys, whats happening? I'm new around here. Thought I'd try to give a formal introduction and get to know some of you. I ran across this forum while searching BJ on google. Kudos to Ken, superb job on offering us players some great resources for the game we love.

Just wondering how you all got interested or started in the game, besides the obvious wanting to win money answer? I don't mean playing as a child or a pasttime, but rather the point you really wanted to learn the game, and card counting techniques?

For me, it was when a relative of mine had "BJ" engraved and put on some of his important belongings. I asked him what the hell that stood for cuz I knew it wasn't his initials... I also made a wisecrack as to the other word BJ is an acronym for . Anyway he replied blackjack, which at the time totally slipped my mind. I wasn't a heavy gambler, just bet on sports events and played poker every now and then. But turns out the guy was a pro, we got to talkin about it and I was hooked. I'm still trying to master my game, hence the reason I'm here. But I've learned quite a bit from him, as well as the man Stanford Wong. I can't wait to go to the casinos in a few months, and WIN! I've never played in a tourney before, but I'm anxious to do that in the near future.

If your wondering how I came up with this name, while I was sitting with some friends (majority blackjack players), we got to talkin about WSOP. Well I'm a HUGE sports fan, wear tons of jerseys, I'm somewhat young and lets just say I resemble Phil alot. Then they dubbed me blackjack's Phil Ivey. Those are some big shoes to fill but hopefully I can accomplish some of his major feats in my sport. And if not tourney wise, hopefully I can attain some of his bank account at some nearby casino tables . But I'll see ya'll around!

PS- Anybody here from TX? (... Go Rockets & Texans and Hook'em Horns!)

 

[swog]

Howdy

Of course there are Texans....
In fact the Hilton Million $ came back to Texas last year and should do so this year too....
Gambling in Vegas is like skiing in Colorado....Texans everywhere....good luck

 

[Capt.BlackJack]

Tunica, MS

Tunica was the first place I played BlackJack. Started going down the first year and it is amazing how much it has grown since then. I took some hard lessons and learned to build on them. Can remember after a bad trip how low I felt and said to myself either learn as much about the game as I can or quit playing.

I went to the local library and got as many books as I could find and studied all as i was in College all over again. I'm still learning to this day but with my knowledge of the game and the mental approach i have developed, I am much more confident and a smarter player. My problem in the past was not knowing when to walk away, I use to chase my money alot.

My wife loves to play also but does not take it as serious as me. She respects my decision to play and reaps the benefits on successful trips. I often travel to various casino's by myself and treat the game as a business. When your zoned in, the game is quite enjoyable. Have learned to put all the distractions aside and concentrate fully on what I'm doing.

I'm in my mid-40's, married with 2 kids. Live here in Southwest Missouri and love life. I'm also a Classic Rock and Roll fan and attend as many concerts as possible. Just saw STYX back to back nights about 3 weeks ago and had a blast!

Have never played in a BJ Tournament yet but plan too sometime this year. Good Luck to all.

Take Care...
Capt. BlackJack