arkandor: Get away with card counting?

[arkandor]

Hi,

I will be in Vegas in some weeks.
I am only a starter in card counting yet, so I hope I will do well (been there several times before but only playing and losing with BS).

I read much over the last weeks that the methods of casions to catch card counters are nearly no more to beat.

Question to you out there:
- Do you have real problems playing BJ?
- Do casions know all of you yet and it's just a matter of time till they ask you to leave?
- Do they really barr someone that easy "just" on thinking you count?
- You all use camouflage techniques to cover?
- Is midshoeentry already a sign for them you may count?

:-) you see "newbie" questions...

[Parker]

> Hi,

> I will be in Vegas in some weeks.
> I am only a starter in card counting yet, so I hope I
> will do well (been there several times before but only
> playing and losing with BS).

> I read much over the last weeks that the methods of
> casions to catch card counters are nearly no more to
> beat.

Don't read too much into it. Heat, cover and camo are some of the favorite topics of message boards such as this one. It very much depends on your betting level and playing style.

> Question to you out there:
> - Do you have real problems playing BJ?

No. While I have been backed off at several places, I have no difficulty finding a game, expecially in Las Vegas, where over 100 different casinos offer live blackjack.

> - Do casions know all of you yet and it's just a
> matter of time till they ask you to leave?

It depends on the casino and the stakes at which you play. Red chip bettors are generally ignored at the major casinos.

> - Do they really barr someone that easy
> "just" on thinking you count?

If you are playing at sufficient stakes to get their attention, and they determine that you are indeed a counter, then, yes, they will likely tell you "no more blackjack." There is really no upside in them letting you play. However, this is really no big deal. Go play somewhere else.

> - You all use camouflage techniques to cover?

Again, this depends on the stakes you play. Red chip bettors really cannot afford to give up EV in terms of cover plays. The best cover is simply to keep your sessions short.

> - Is midshoeentry already a sign for them you may
> count?

Not at all. Players jump in and out of games all the time.

> :-) you see "newbie" questions...

This is the place for them.

Again, red chip bettors (as well as infrequent visitors to Las Vegas) should not concern themselves much with cover. You will not be noticed at most of the casinos. Just remember to act like a gambler and not a card counter. Laugh. Look like you are having fun. Don't get all paranoid if you see a pitboss watching you - that's what they get paid to do.

[Victoria]

I certainly agree with everything Parker said and would add the following.
There are a few places that might back off a red chip player. Barbary Coast and El Cortez for instance if you are obvious. In places like MGM, Mandalay, even mid level places like Trop, Stardust and Hilton, generally no one is evaluating you or watching you.

The pit: When you are the fun loving tourist, you know the pit is that nice guy who might give you a comp and greets you at the table. Tourists tend to think of the pit as a friend not an adversary, so if the opportunity presents itself and you are capable of it, make some friendly small talk with the pit. Let him know it's your first time in Vegas and ask him to reccommend something. Tell him your significant other (even if mythical) is playing slots or some other bad game. Let him know you are a little overwhelmed by the casino and not completely comfortable in it. Be the first time happy tourist!
Victoria