scobee 1: Over heard dealer's comment at Harrah's

[scobee 1]

....to a player at her table.

"We have to ask you to place the cut-card at two decks or more. Why? Because that's how we do it at Harrah's."

another bon mot, this time my own.

"Jonathon, you have to give us a better shoe than the last one. I'm counting on it."

(Delivered while critter was supervising a fill at the other end of the pit.) This was after my double down max bets at a high count lost miserably on both boxes. Unfortunately, this did not lead to a better cut-off, since 'Jonathon' is a good company man. But the mid-level positive EV hands were rewarding, and in time I made it all back.

scobee

postscript: No, I did not play at Harrah's. I was merely scouting and picking up my cashback, silly rabbit...

[scobee 1]

I forgot to mention that this dealer's table was auto-shuffler.

You have to watch out for those trackable Shufflemasters. Game security, you understand....

[Ouchez]

> ....to a player at her table.

> "We have to ask you to place the
> cut-card at two decks or more. Why? Because
> that's how we do it at Harrah's."
> another bon mot, this time my own.

> "Jonathon, you have to give us a
> better shoe than the last one. I'm counting
> on it." (Delivered while critter was
> supervising a fill at the other end of the
> pit.) This was after my double down max bets
> at a high count lost miserably on both
> boxes. Unfortunately, this did not lead to a
> better cut-off, since 'Jonathon' is a good
> company man. But the mid-level positive EV
> hands were rewarding, and in time I made it
> all back.

> scobee

> postscript: No, I did not play at Harrah's.
> I was merely scouting and picking up my
> cashback, silly rabbit...

That's funny stuff, glad to see you are in a better mood or is that mode(?).

Are the "Hoosier Hit Men" still in existence and if so who is leading the pack nowadays?

Keep honing those skillz.

[scobee 1]

1pro?fes?sion?al

Pronunciation: pr&-'fesh-n&l, -'fe-sh&-n&l
Function: adjective
Date: circa 1748

1 a : of, relating to, or characteristic of a profession b : engaged in one of the learned professions c (1) : characterized by or conforming to the technical or ethical standards of a profession (2) : exhibiting a courteous, conscientious, and generally businesslike manner in the workplace
2 a : participating for gain or livelihood in an activity or field of endeavor often engaged in by amateurs: a professional gambler b : having a particular profession as a permanent career: a professional card counter c : engaged in by persons receiving financial return: a professional shill
3 : following a line of conduct as though it were a profession: a professional party animal

Not sure which adjective applies to the semi aspect.

I swear I got this verbatim from Merriam-Webster OnLine.

Yes, I am engaged for profit in a profession ["a vocation or occupation requiring advanced education and training, and involving intellectual skills, as medicine, law, theology, engineering, teaching, winning gambler, etc.]

I prefer to use of the following definition: "earning one's living from an activity, such as a sport, not normally thought of as an occupation."

The Hoosier Hitmen are considering adding Cellini to the team as an honorary member. He also has techniques for attacking the shoe when given 50% penetration. Otherwise, the team is applying some study towards Harrigan Shield removal and its effect on projected rate of return. We also are investigating one member who has a very suspicious playing record, although we have not yet instituted a trial by lie-detector. It seems no one can remember him ever losing and his results are creating a problem with the other team mates, who are only able to sustain 70% session win rates. We suspect he is being cheated.

Regards,

scobee

[Ouchez]

[Ouchez]

> 1pro?es?ion?l Pronunciation:
> pr&-'fesh-n&l, -'fe-sh&-n&l
> Function: adjective
> Date: circa 1748

> 1 a : of, relating to, or characteristic of
> a profession b : engaged in one of the
> learned professions c (1) : characterized by
> or conforming to the technical or ethical
> standards of a profession (2) : exhibiting a
> courteous, conscientious, and generally
> businesslike manner in the workplace
> 2 a : participating for gain or livelihood
> in an activity or field of endeavor often
> engaged in by amateurs: a professional
> gambler b : having a particular profession
> as a permanent career: a professional card
> counter c : engaged in by persons receiving
> financial return: a professional shill 3 :
> following a line of conduct as though it
> were a profession: a professional party
> animal Not sure which adjective applies to
> the semi aspect.

> I swear I got this verbatim from
> Merriam-Webster OnLine.

> Yes, I am engaged for profit in a profession
> ["a vocation or occupation requiring
> advanced education and training, and
> involving intellectual skills, as medicine,
> law, theology, engineering, teaching,
> winning gambler, etc.] I prefer to use of
> the following definition: "earning
> one's living from an activity, such as a
> sport, not normally thought of as an
> occupation." The Hoosier Hitmen are
> considering adding Cellini to the team as an
> honorary member. He also has techniques for
> attacking the shoe when given 50%
> penetration. Otherwise, the team is applying
> some study towards Harrigan Shield removal
> and its effect on projected rate of return.
> We also are investigating one member who has
> a very suspicious playing record, although
> we have not yet instituted a trial by
> lie-detector. It seems no one can remember
> him ever losing and his results are creating
> a problem with the other team mates, who are
> only able to sustain 70% session win rates.
> We suspect he is being cheated.

> Regards,

> scobee

but I am bothered by the fact that he did seem to turn on his employer and reveal trade secrets pertaining to methods and operation that should have remained confidential.

I value, above all, loyalty and integrity from those that I am associated with in my business and personal life.

I also view their actions in regards to their relationships with others that may not be directly related to me in my judgement of their integrity.

I hold the premise that what takes place in the business environ pertaining to confidential matters must remain confidential on a permanent basis.

Once I lose that confidence in someone it can never be regained and I will always view them with suspicion, and they most likely will not even be aware of it.

Thus I would think twice about Cellini being accepted into the rarified ranks of the 'Hoosier Hitmen.

But, that is only my most humble of opinions.

[scobee 1]

I am not going down that road, my friend. A certain G. Gordon Liddy flavor to this gives me pause. Even Hitler's staff came to a point where loyalty had too high a cost.

One of my favorite movies is 'Do the Right Thing.' I think it is never too late to do the right thing, no matter who you are, or have been in the past.

I have defended 'the real Cellini' at every given opportunity and will continue to do so until such time I am proven wrong. His generosity and knowledge are keystones to beating the casinos' ongoing technological advances. We all have many chances in life to remedy our mistakes and atone for our sins.

I am not going to engage in further debate about this on Parker's board. If you have questions about his motives, ask him yourself. He is certainly not in hiding.

regards,

scobee

[Ouchez]

> I am not going down that road, my friend. A
> certain G. Gordon Liddy flavor to this gives
> me pause. Even Hitler's staff came to a
> point where loyalty had too high a cost.

> One of my favorite movies is 'Do the Right
> Thing.' I think it is never too late to do
> the right thing, no matter who you are, or
> have been in the past.

> I have defended 'the real Cellini' at every
> given opportunity and will continue to do so
> until such time I am proven wrong. His
> generosity and knowledge are keystones to
> beating the casinos' ongoing technological
> advances. We all have many chances in life
> to remedy our mistakes and atone for our
> sins.

> I am not going to engage in further debate
> about this on Parker's board. If you have
> questions about his motives, ask him
> yourself. He is certainly not in hiding.

> regards,

> scobee

his book, at $100 a crack, (and not even leather bound or using premium paper), reveals his true motive, money, money, money....moooooneeeeeyy!

As for Gordon, if I am ever in a jamb with my back to the wall, I want him in my corner.

He is the epitome of loyalty, integrity, and determination.

I am sure if Gordon ever put his mind to it he would be one fine BJ player, but knowing him, he would only put forth the effort if he could find a, truly, playable game, and they are hard to find, (outside the polar regions).

It would appear from you're recent posts that Chi-Town Bj is on the rocks, except for one place on the big lake, known as the "Chip".

Can a player not fly out of Chi-Town to Tunica for a low fare and short flight and thus have a weekend of some good Bj?

I would think if you had the rooms comped and food comped this would be an attractive option.

One could even just pull a marathon play and not even worry about the rooms, just drink alot of coffee.

[Parker]

I would only add that the difference between "snitch" and "whistle blower" or for that matter, "terrorist" and "freedom fighter" seems to exist largely in the eye (and mind) of the beholder.

However, I see no reason to get that cerebral about it. I have gleaned a great deal of knowledge about the workings of casino surveillance from the Cellini book, and that has added greatly to my longevity. Personally, I could care less about his motives for writing it.

Also noted is that your original post was obviously written tongue firmly in cheek, a point which seems to have escaped Ouchez.

[Parker]

> his book, at $100 a crack, (and not even
> leather bound or using premium paper),
> reveals his true motive, money, money,
> money....moooooneeeeeyy!

The selling price of a book is normally determined by the publisher - the author has relatively little input.

Besides, what is wrong with making money? I don't know about you, but that is why I play this silly game.

[scobee 1]

> his book, at $100 a crack, (and not even
> leather bound or using premium paper),
> reveals his true motive, money, money,
> money....moooooneeeeeyy!

I think Parker covered this very well.

> As for Gordon, if I am ever in a jamb with
> my back to the wall, I want him in my
> corner.

If you are in a 'jamb' (as in door jamb), and still have your back to the wall, the corner will still be available. Personally, I think at that moment you will need a chiropracter more than a covert operations guru who has no regard for the laws of the republic. Perhaps in a 'cacino' you can find such a floorplan, but where I play the entrances, walls, and corners occupy distinct physical domains separate from each other. I do know that I hope to never see him dealing cards at a table I wish to play.

> He is the epitome of loyalty, integrity, and
> determination.

Same could be said of Martin Borman, although I think their 'causes' differed slightly. I voted for Ralph Nadar, what more can I say?

> I am sure if Gordon ever put his mind to it
> he would be one fine BJ player, but knowing
> him, he would only put forth the effort if
> he could find a, truly, playable game, and
> they are hard to find, (outside the polar
> regions).

I think you are bragging a little about your geographic good fortune. Take a look at back issues of Black Jack Forum and you will see that good games have always been available for the discriminating player.

> It would appear from you're recent posts
> that Chi-Town Bj is on the rocks, except for
> one place on the big lake, known as the
> "Chip".

Recent emails may not tell the same story.

> Can a player not fly out of Chi-Town to
> Tunica for a low fare and short flight and
> thus have a weekend of some good Bj?

The games in Tunica, though in decline, are still better than the UP when one factors in diversity and higher limits. However, a 'cheap flight' from O'Hare is likely to take you to Cleveland or Atlanta first, and will end up taking almost as long as driving would. Generally speaking, I avoid playing weekends as overcrowding crimps my style.

> I would think if you had the rooms comped
> and food comped this would be an attractive
> option.

I haven't paid for a meal or room since November. No problem there.

> One could even just pull a marathon play and
> not even worry about the rooms, just drink
> alot of coffee.

Marathon play in Tunica is not an option. You see, the more hours I put in the more my edge comes into play and the harder it is to maintain cover. This can create unavoidable winning sessions and in case you haven't noticed, casinos do not like winners. Also long play leads to boredom and fuzzy logic. I like to play sharp.

As for the coffee, since Tunica is the only area within several hours that actually gives complimentary cocktails, I doubt that I could resist the occasional free cognac or beer, nor would I want to.

In case I need to spell it out, I do not aspire to live the life of a Kevin Blackwood or other lonewolf players who endlessly travel. I have already toured the country coast to coast and find it a lonely existence. I enjoy my primary 'profession' even more than I like sitting at the tables. I will be on chat to hear what a 'true professional' has to say about his life and times, though, because my curiosity is boundless and I am always looking to upgrade my play.

Other than that, I agree with you completely. ;>)

scobee

[Ouchez]

> I think Parker covered this very well.

> If you are in a 'jamb' (as in door jamb),
> and still have your back to the wall, the
> corner will still be available. Personally,
> I think at that moment you will need a
> chiropracter more than a covert operations
> guru who has no regard for the laws of the
> republic. Perhaps in a 'cacino' you can find
> such a floorplan, but where I play the
> entrances, walls, and corners occupy
> distinct physical domains separate from each
> other. I do know that I hope to never see
> him dealing cards at a table I wish to play.

> Same could be said of Martin Borman,
> although I think their 'causes' differed
> slightly. I voted for Ralph Nadar, what more
> can I say?

> I think you are bragging a little about your
> geographic good fortune. Take a look at back
> issues of Black Jack Forum and you will see
> that good games have always been available
> for the discriminating player.

> Recent emails may not tell the same story.

> The games in Tunica, though in decline, are
> still better than the UP when one factors in
> diversity and higher limits. However, a
> 'cheap flight' from O'Hare is likely to take
> you to Cleveland or Atlanta first, and will
> end up taking almost as long as driving
> would. Generally speaking, I avoid playing
> weekends as overcrowding crimps my style.

> I haven't paid for a meal or room since
> November. No problem there.

> Marathon play in Tunica is not an option.
> You see, the more hours I put in the more my
> edge comes into play and the harder it is to
> maintain cover. This can create unavoidable
> winning sessions and in case you haven't
> noticed, casinos do not like winners. Also
> long play leads to boredom and fuzzy logic.
> I like to play sharp.

> As for the coffee, since Tunica is the only
> area within several hours that actually
> gives complimentary cocktails, I doubt that
> I could resist the occasional free cognac or
> beer, nor would I want to.

> In case I need to spell it out, I do not
> aspire to live the life of a Kevin Blackwood
> or other lonewolf players who endlessly
> travel. I have already toured the country
> coast to coast and find it a lonely
> existence. I enjoy my primary 'profession'
> even more than I like sitting at the tables.
> I will be on chat to hear what a 'true
> professional' has to say about his life and
> times, though, because my curiosity is
> boundless and I am always looking to upgrade
> my play.

> Other than that, I agree with you
> completely. ;>)

> scobee

My post was in reference to MOTIVE.

His MOTIVE in turning on his employer, and in turn fomenting ethical questions, was money.

I believe you mentioned MOTIVE first, so in the spirit of debate I answered.

Money was the motive for what some view as betrayal.

I think that is simple enough. Eh?

It is always fun going back and forth with the great scobee1.

I do see you becoming a full timer in the near future and with the great skillz you have that may not be such a bad idea. I think the toughness you will need will come with time, but it will happen.

I do not know where this UP is that you refer to but then again I really don't NEED to know....OK?
I thank you as well as many others...(get it)?

I just like a place called the Polar Regions that can apply to a vast geographic area.

Also the fact that you voted for Nadir, was just a liiiitttle too much information.

As for marathon play, it does not have to be at the same Kasino, but you should be able to do a 24 hour non stop session, with not too many problems, more hours....more money...thats what it is all about!

Sleepin won't get the cash, big fella.

Go get em.!

[Parker]

> My post was in reference to MOTIVE.

> His MOTIVE in turning on his employer, and
> in turn fomenting ethical questions, was
> money.

> I believe you mentioned MOTIVE first, so in
> the spirit of debate I answered.

> Money was the motive for what some view as
> betrayal.

> I think that is simple enough. Eh?

Simple enough, but wrong. The Card Counter's Guide to Casino Surveillance appeals to an extremely narrow market - Cellini is not going to get rich off it.

I have had enough dealings with Cellini that I can tell you this: He is a very complex person. I do not pretend to understand his motives for writing the book, but there is much more to it than merely an attempt to make a buck.

> I just like a place called the Polar Regions
> that can apply to a vast geographic area.

That would be anywhere north of Interstate 10, right?

> As for marathon play, it does not have to be
> at the same Kasino, but you should be able
> to do a 24 hour non stop session, with not
> too many problems, more hours....more
> money...thats what it is all about!

I am not calling you an idiot, but this is most certainly an idiotic idea, not to mention downright dangerous. Most casinos are open 24/7 - there is absolutely no point in pushing yourself to exhaustion. Furthermore, getting from one casino to another in your area may involve considerable driving, quite possibly under adverse road conditions. You would be a menace to yourself and everyone else on the highway.

I do not know of any pro who would be foolish enough to play in this manner.