Here at Counting Edge we have a variety of readers. Many beginners turn to us for trusted blackjack advice. There are also experienced players who are looking for advanced blackjack betting systems. The Baby Progressive blackjack betting system is one of those. It has the potential to produce large gains, but it is complex and can be a little bit risky.
In this review we’ll break down the Baby Progressive and how it works. You can use this information to decide if this is a type of bankroll management system for you. Remember, no one system will work for everyone. We have many others if this one seems too daunting.
About the Baby Progressive Blackjack Bankroll Management Method
The system that we are about to describe comes to us from a popular blackjack dealer school in Las Vegas. It was created by a serious blackjack player who wished to remain unknown. In the world of progression betting plays, this one would be hard to categorize. It is a negative progression in the main, meaning that ultimately you are going to be reducing bets as you win.
The recommended buy-in for this system is $400. That is a lot to ask from a beginner at blackjack. It was designed to be used on a $5 or $10 table, but you can have success with it online for $1 per hand. Profits in this system don’t seem to come quickly, so be prepared for a bit of a grind when you put it into action.
The Baby Progressive only requires you to play one hand. That gives you a better opportunity to focus on the progression. It’s pretty simple and can be committed to memory after just a few sessions.
How the Baby Progressive Works
Let’s get right into it and describe how this progression flows. The progression is 3-4-2-1-2. So, you will change your base wager after each win as follows:
- First hand – Bet 3 units
- Second hand – Bet 4 units
- Third hand – Bet 2 units
- Fourth hand – Bet 1 unit
- Fifth hand – Bet 2 units
- Complete the progression and start over
If you lose at any point in the progression, you will start again from the beginning. If you split and win both hands, start over. If you split and win one hand, remain on the current level. If you split and lose both hands, start over. If you lose a double down, start the progression over.
The standard strategies for doubling down and splitting apply to this system. As you can see, there is a lot to remember here. This may make the system a little complex for the beginner. We also don’t like that the system doesn’t specifically spell out an exit strategy. All systems should have an exit target. Otherwise, you can be tempted to stay to long and lose what you have gained.
Blackjack Strategy Vs. Blackjack System
There is a crucial distinction that has to be made between money management and blackjack strategy. The two are not the same. The Baby Progressive is technically a strategy, but the strategy only applies to how one makes bets at the blackjack table.
When we speak of basic blackjack strategy we are speaking of the way that you play your hands. This type of strategy determines when you hit, stand, double, or split. Basic strategy has been developed over many years and it does not change in general terms. We believe that success can only be achieved at blackjack when you have an intuitive sense of basic strategy and use it.
You can use a system like the Baby Progressive without basic strategy, but the effort would be meaningless. You will not win because you are making the wrong plays. It is best to think of betting systems as only a piece of the puzzle that you need to master in order to be a winning blackjack player.
Can You Use the Baby Progressive Blackjack Betting System Online?
It can be very profitable to use the Baby Progressive blackjack betting system online. Having a plan is an excellent way to improve your chances. When you use this system at online blackjack you have plenty of time to slow things down and take it at your own pace.
Blackjack betting systems can take some time to master. Practicing in a live casino environment where you are being asked to spend $5 or $10 per hand can become expensive. Plus, you will be expected to act on your hand in a timely manner. These obstacles are removed when you decide to play blackjack online.
Many online casinos offer blackjack for just $1 per hand. You can take your time in making the bets and playing a hand because you are the only one at the table. Virtual online blackjack is an excellent way to observe how the Baby Progressive really works and why it makes sense.
Pros and Cons
Let’s take a moment now and break down the positives and negatives.
Pros:
- A good blackjack betting system to use online
- Only five hands to complete the progression
- Keeps bets low as you win
Cons:
- Takes time to execute, a grind
- Profits are lower than some other betting systems
- Reducing bets when winning can seem counter-intuitive
Our View of the Baby Progressive Bankroll System
We won’t try to hide the fact that there are a few issues with this betting system. One is that you don’t really have any advice on when to get out. That can be a problem for undisciplined players that lack the ability to walk away, but if that is the case you probably shouldn’t be playing anyway.
Lowering bets when a winning streak is in progress just feels strange, but it does help to lock in the profits that you have been able to achieve. Overall, this is a workable blackjack betting system that can be used by both the beginner and the expert.
You can try out the Baby Progressive blackjack system when you sign up today for an account with one of our preferred online casinos for real money. In just a few minutes from now you can be playing blackjack on iphone, computer or tablet.
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