PS: Instead of “counting backwards” 8, you can set the loop to 8 where you are at the moment, and then “loop jump” 8 backwards. First time you do this it might seem like MAGIC, but then you´ll understand it´s just simple mathematics… 
This is what I have been doing since 1992… All this other stuff just seems way to confusing. Who knows, maybe I’m doing it subconsciously and don’t know it. I never took a formal DJ lesson it was all self taught.
^ same mate. completely self taught. imagine learning digital djing years before DJTT existed 
I usually set cue points when doing this also
Yes in vinyl days it became subconscious but now with wave display its right there I’ll take a video sometime to show exactly
Here sorta explaining ithttps://vimeo.com/107102585 pretty much all tracks are setup this way I find setting 2 cues for first two 64 will make a difference because of it being really just this simple to have everything phrased I get really disappointed when cdj djs and digital djs have such out of phrased mixes… By setting the cues you will know next time you load up track and will be easier to shorten up you mix if needed and transition still sound right
Coming from vinyl you learn to recognize these changes in a track and anticipate them atleast I did and other djs I knew
Ya, just learn basic track structure guys, This becomes second nature with experience. Don’t fall into “Serato Face” territory
Yups, this is why we old sour grapes always tend to say; “learn it on vinyl, noobs!” 
Funny thing, I’ve been composing for almost 30 years, but only started DJing recently… I’ve been using tech to try to improve the quality of my work as it became available the whole time, so the mindset of not utilizing every tool available seems very alien to me.
Make music. Do everything in your power to ensure people enjoy listening to it.
Everything else is secondary.
Spot on. Experimenting can bring much better results than preparation. Not to mention that it also helps with b2bs and playing new tunes.
It all boils down to your approach - methodical, or jamming/improvising.
Neither way is wroing. It’s just a personality thing.
For me, jamming is specifically for finding some very “happy coincidences”. These are great - but once I’ve had one of these “happy coincidences”, I methodically go about trying to recreate it with different tunes. That’s where having a very methodical approach pays off.
Personally, I’d never like to rely on stumbling upon a couple of “happy coincidences” during a performance.
A lot of great DJ’s will tell you that DJ’ing is 90% preparation (practice), and 10% execution (performance). Make your mistakes during the preparation, and only bring your proven elements to the execution.
Track structure is key
Just spam the flanger if you obviously mess up a mix (Protip: The audience could give a toss, unless they are Dj’s)
hahahahahahahahahahah
Mixing??
David Guetta, 2014