You got it. See my edit above.

Makes sense now... Thanks!

I've always been a little confused about gambling. As you can tell, I haven't done much of it. I'm actually reading a gambling book now... I'm reading "Bringing Down the House." It's about these MIT guys who set up a system of counting cards to "beat" black jack. Pretty good read.

I heard about that book, but haven't read it.

Actually, if I'm not mistaken, they did not set up the counting system per se, they just used someone else's system (there are many, but they're all basically the same conceptually), and simply worked as a team in the casinos.

A few guys sit at a few different tables, and as soon as a favorable count develops at one of them, they signal the "Big Player" (BP), who sits down and starts making the actual money-making bets.

What's so interesting and attractive about Blackjack is that it's the only "table game" in the casino that's not a game of independent probability (with the automatic percentage edge for the house built in). As the composition of the cards to be played changes, the odds can shift to favor the player.

I'm surprised that a probability and stats guy like you hasn't caught the gambling bug. Altho you're probably better off for it. I am a successful gambler today (on a relatively small scale), but it took me many, many years, and more money than I'll be able to win back in this lifetime, to learn what I know now.

Yea, I believe their counting system is very similar to the majority of the ones out there.

Being a probability and stats guy, I've purposely stayed away from gambling for the sole reason that I would get intrigued by the machinations of it and lose all my money in the process!

Take for example, I played my first game of Hold'em a few months ago. I was happy that I won (beginners luck, I think)- but was a lot more intrigued by the numbers of it all. I can't wait to play my next game.

Been watching that World Series of Poker on ESPN, huh?

Yep!

Oh God! Here we go again. :rolleyes:

Jackie Chan rules.

BTW, I may be dumb, but at least I know why in football they scream, "Get the quarterback". Sorry, I just needed to get that off my chest.

That reminds me of the foreign exchange student, Jose. He went to his first baseball game. Afterwards, he went back home and his host family asked him how he liked the experience.

"It was awesome, but confusing. The people were extremely friendly and welcoming. But I can't understand how they all knew my name". This puzzled his family and they asked him what he meant. Jose explained that they had real high seats and when the game was about to start everyone got up and yelled, "Jose can you see".

Thank you! I take requests. I know. You request I shut up.

Back to bizz-ness....

Ooops, I meant Johnnie Chan. I'm not as dumb as I look. Really! :p

Jackie Chan... classic!

Chris Tucker: Jackie... do you want another card?
Jackie Chan: What? I said you go this way, I go this way.
Chris Tucker: Huh? I don't understand what you be saying.
Jackie Chan: I said I want two cards!

Are you a blonde? I forgot....

It's only been 4 months since you've seen me PL. Jeez. They say the mind's the first to go. :p

In a word, No.

What gives with Bacon Bits, Geoff? I go to the site and for a second I thought we had a new player. I liked Porky's Pigs.

That may be what they say, but, unfortunately, it's not always the case.

That may be what they say, but, unfortunately, it's not always the case. [/b][/quote]Care to elaborate on that?

No.

I guess he told me.

Fair enough.

Plaw, I didn't get what you were saying earlier, but I just saw the piece of news on Arenas...

Sonova#$^*#$^!

Ugggh. This game sucks. I may not play next year. :rolleyes:

I just heard Alonzo Mourning retired from NJ Nets due to his kidney disease. What a shame! Hopefully he gets the treatment he needs and can lead a healthy, normal life.

Hey where is Arenas? I haven't been home to know what's going on. I got a big game from Amare Stoudamire. Hopefully Kidd and Brad Miller can make up for Arenas not playing.

You can rationalize all you want to, but nothing can make up for a guy who doesn't play.

True, but I'm sick of complaining about my crappy picks so I'm trying to look on the bright side.

Well, it looks like I put the curse on myself tonight

The Big Matchup Of The Night:

Murray 1
Arenas 0

Wednesday

DB 2872 123.8 108 (-15.8) 2980 110.5
PL 2822 126.2 109 (-17.2) 2931 116.2
JG 2775 122.7 102 (-20.7) 2877 119.0
CC 2694 120.0 127 (+08.0) 2821 113.1
OA 2689 127.5 119 (-08.5) 2808 115.7
BT 2660 107.0 105 (-02.0) 2765 110.0
SP 2533 118.0 117 (-01.0) 2650 114.9
TM 2485 110.9 093 (-17.9) 2578 114.8

Another big night for me. Yay!! And the crowd goes wild!!! Thank you very much!

A couple more nights like this and Geoff's gonna feel me breathing down his neck.

Ummm... no comment... some things are just too easy! :p

Looks like my curse worked! Flip THIS! :p

Did I miss something? Who are you flipping? Obviously it's not me. Maybe another time, huh?

Oh, that must have been lost in between all that dribble you guys were drooling out yesterday and I missed it. :p

No half day for me. I took off Friday. We don't get that day normally, so they're working me like a dog today. Do you feel my pain?

That sucks... I feel your pain, Crabby. Even I get a half day today and Friday off. :p

I'm coming in Friday though. With everyone I know out of town, and since I don't like staying home and doing nothing, I'm coming into work and finishing up a few things. Should be fun!

DB, DB, DB. You've got a girlfriend. Are you sure you can't find something to do Friday? We gotta have a long talk my friend. :p

Oh, and what is considered a half day for you? 5 o'clock?