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Billy Joe
August 15, 2010

I just got an email from a gentleman which reads:  I was just wondering what you thought of Jerry
Patterson's Target 21 stuff So does it work you think?
My response:
Stay,
I don't know exactly what Mr. Patterson is selling.  I have a couple of copies of his book, and have read
the info he gives.  If you have the book, Blackjack A Winner's Handbook, read and re-read the
information he gives about Target 21.

I'll take a moment to give you my advice about Blackjack:
1 - Pick a favorable game.  I just got back from Las Vegas. I found tables with 6 deck shoes and CSM's
with 6:5 or even money on Blackjacks.  This is absurd, and I'll never play in a place that tries to rip off
the players like that.  I found a little dive on Boulder highway (Longhorn Casino, near Sam's Town) that
had the best rules I have seen since I lived in Reno years ago.  The money I won spends just as well
as the money I won on the strip.  So, find a place with the best rules.

2 - Find a table with a minimum lower than your base bet.  If the dealer gets on a roll, it's nice to drop
down to $5 or whatever and ride it out.  Better yet, take a bathroom break til the next shuffle. When I
win, I like to press my bets up. When I lose, I just bet the minimum, or sometimes use a limited
negative progression, like 1-1-1-2-4-1....  where I lose three one unit bets in a row, bet two units on
the fourth hand, and if i lose this, go up to 4 units.  If I lose this one, I drop back to the table min. and
ride it out.  I took a chance the losing streak would end on the fourth or fifth hand, and as you can see,
I only lost an extra 4 units above what I would have lost if flat betting 1 unit.  You will be pleasantly
surprised how many times you win the fourth or fifth hand and when you do, you have only lost one
unit for that series of losses.
If you are uncomfortable with this, as some are opposed to increasing their bet until they win again,
then simply ride it out.  As for me, I have the balls to do it and I know it's only 4 units extra. Sometimes
you have four units out and you get a natural and collect 10 units, or the perfect double down
opportunity presents itself, and you win 8 units. This system has worked for me for years.

3- Use some sense.  Blackjack is a cyclical game.  The casino giveth and the casino taketh away.  You
have to recognize when the tide turns, assess how much profit you have made, and decide when to
bail out.  This could mean changing tables or casinos, or quitting that session and having lunch.  The
casino and that table will be there when you decide to resume play. Do your accounting, pocket some
of your profits, and play with the leftovers.  Leave the table with some of their cash.  Isn't that what
you are there for?  The longer you play, the more of a chance you will lose your profits back.

4 - Put a limit on how much you are willing to lose.  Don't dig into your pocket when that limit is
reached.  If you have hit that limit, face it, it's not your day. Go play craps or poker if you still want to
play.

I hope these tips help.  If you want to know more about Blackjack, visit my website:
www.averagejoeblackjack.com.  There is information on card counting systems and betting
progressions.  I could use more hits,
Take care,
Bill