I found that I've done quite well, by setting boundaries on gameplay (w/BJ). Although, this could apply to VP as well.
a) If I deposit $100, I cash-out once I reach about 100% over (at $200 with no exceptions). I withdraw $150 from that (my deposit and 50% winnings). I then play off of the remaining credit (although I still have certain points wherein I must cash-out again, i.e. at the $300 mark).
b) In terms of actually playing a good game of blackjack. I only play multihand. I stick by the code of limiting your bets to only 1-3% of your total purse (although when winning, I increase a fraction up). I start with one hand at $1. If I win, I split the hands in two. If I win on either hand, I increase the bet by $1, and proceed to do so, but stop increasing after $3 (because you don't want to give too much of your profit away). If I lose on one hand, but win on the other, I don't increase the bets. If I lose on both hands, then I start over, with a single-hand of $1. I guess some observers will think that the player (using this system) doesn't win enough during the streaks, but I view it as a great way to limit losses (and I find single-hand too boring, and frankly, I do much better on multi-hand).
c) If you're only withdrawing small amounts (like I do), then I suggest going to casino's that pay-out within 1-3 days (max), without the hastles. If you're going to an RTG that requires a fax-back form on EVERYTHING, then it'll just piss-you-off, and you'll think that the low withdrawals are too meager and too much trouble. And you might as well forget about PlayTech, because it'll take forever to get your money back.
d) Although I clearly understand why others elect to use bonuses, and view this as THE only way to get ahead (or have a prayer), I see it differently. If
I'm withdrawing on small amounts, then I won't be making the cut on the playthrough requirements. So, I have to forfeit accepting bonuses by using this system. I'm not looking for the homerun, I'm looking to make the small moves, and that by the end of the month, comes out better than a homerun.
e) I know that this may sound off to some, but at times, the player has the advantage (only with reputable casino's), by which they can choose when to quit. Blackjack (or gambling) is all ebb-and-flow, and if you're not greedy, and patient enough, taking just a bit of that money as often as you can when things are slightly good will bode well for you in the long-run. I know, easier said than done.
As far as what software to use this type of strategy on, I guess MG would be the best (based on fulfilling my criteria). I find that there are a couple of good RTG (those that pay and don't ask for fax-back) casino's to try this on (and personally, I find RTG multihand to be quite decent). I've heard Global Player, and maybe it is good, but it was hell for me (and I will NEVER touch it again). Ditto on Intercasino BJ (I hear it's streaky and can go either way, but it's been on one helluva streak for a very long time with me). I wouldn't touch G-Fed based on horror stories, but oddly enough (on the no-deposit bonuses), I found the actual software to be the most fair (nutty, huh?). Someone had mentioned Casino-On-Net, and I would think that it may be the finest for BJ. But again, I've not been hearing good things about there withdrawal procedures.
