My Biography
I first visited Las Vegas, Nevada back in March of 1989, and have been hooked evers since, making the pilgrimage twice a year. Nowadays at least one of those trips is completely cost-free thanks to frequent-flyer miles, complimentary room-offers and/or 'special' travel packages/offers. That introduction to 'casino-style' gambling was truly an eye opening experince for me (I quickly learned that I knew absolutely nothing about this arena). I easily lost a little more than $500 during my first half-hour attempt at the slot machines. An error, that to this very day, I have yet to repeat! Prior to my initial trip to Vegas, I had played the various forms of Poker as well as 21, but none of that had prepared me for the level of play found on the Vegas Strip.
A seasoned player 'took me under his wing' on that first trip, and taught me as much as he could in two days. Upon my return home, I performed intense research as well as extensive reading on everything that I could put my hands on with regards to Casino gaming. I soon began to concentrate on Blackjack! While earning my Bachelor of Sciences Degree in Computer Information Systems, I learned (amongst many other things) that a 'specialist' in any filed earned more than generalists - thus the focus on Blackjack. Throughout the rest of my college years, Blackjack has supplemented my income as well as paid for books and to some degree greatly assisted with my tuition.
After earning my Doctorate in Computer Information Systems in 1999, I had pretty much reached the pinacle of my 'Technical Career' Therefore, when my previous employer began to down-size in 2001 - I humbly resigned and have been playing Blackjack full-time ever since. Over the past two years I hav had the pleasure of traveling to many of the United States gaming facilities, and have been able to manage quite a comfortable living for myself. These travels have also afforded me the opportunity to observe, practice, interview as well as study the various forms of Blackjack and/or its' players.
Although I list myself as a "Professional Gambler" on my Income Tax Returns, I stop short of referring to myself as an "expert." However, many dealers', Pit-Boss' and various other players have dubbed me as a "strong player," or an "expert" and some have even called me a "professional." I have a preferrance for six-deck games, but am comfortable at a single-deck pitch table as well. Since playing Blackjack in the casino's has become my sole source of income, I tend to shy away from tournaments. However I will enter a tournament, provided that the scheduling allows me to enjoy the regular cash games as well.