Blackjack Part Time Professional Players (PTPPs)

I stated in a thread on ROR that when I encountered a related but off the track post, I would start a new thread to discuss the topic if I thought it worthy to comment on. The idea of PTPTs is one that interests me and worth a discussion of IMHO. I hope SiMi does not mind my copying his post here; it is done in all innocence, if in fact it matters.

Quote:
Originally Posted by SiMi
Hi, marriedputter!

I enjoyed reading your explanation about talking to Dealers. I have come to believe that, since Casinos are now located all over the place, there are a lot of AP BJ players in the world who do not have scores of Casinos to 'hit and run' within easy reach. These players may have only 1-3 Casinos in their area and they quickly realize their situation requires a different style of play or they will be barred from any action in their area. (I think some authors might refer to such people as "recreational players" but I do not believe that term is apt in many of these cases.)

I suspect that many of these players are "part-time professional players (PTPP)" and they cannot, as a practical matter, push every advantage to the max, treat the Casino staff as robots and fail to blend in with the ploppies if they hope to survive. "Longevity" to such players is measured in YEARS rather than hours or minutes. Much of the advice one reads about AP Blackjack seems to ignore these players.

Many of the posts here seem to come at every topic from only one point of view, usually that of a full-time player who is not interested in developing a style of play that permits YEARS of hassle-free, advantage play at a few places. It's a tricky art and seems to be under-recognized. I've often thought it would help if the posters here would clarify that they are in this PTPP category.

It seems that when a 'hit and run' player meets a PTPP, it's like two ships passing in the night...

Chat 'em up if it helps!
SiMi
I think you are right on in contrasting full time APs, many of whom practice the hit and run strategy, with the part timers who play a limited area where longevity is important to them. I would also point out that the older you get the less appealing is the prospect of running from casino to casino to ply your trade, at least, that's been my personal experience.

Source.

 

To get definitions straight, this is my understanding:

A professional blackjack player earns his income from playing blackjack. A semi-pro earns some of his income from playing blackjack, and depends on that income to make ends meet and pay for his lifestyle. A recreational blackjack player plays for fun and doesn't depend on the money he wins.

 

You are right Greasyjohn. I also agree with you.