Was this normal procedure?

[blackjackomaha]

I wasn't too long into a DD session recently and the TC was high enough to warrant near-max bets. It was not a large unit jump from my previous bets and didn't warrant a 'checks play'. The TC was still high after this round and warranted splitting 10's, so of course I did it. However, I did not have enough green so I pulled some black out and asked for check change. The dealer looked at me like I was an idiot, chastised me for thinking about splitting the hand, the table moaned, etc. As I questioned the dealer again for check change, the dealer tells me I don't need it, and splits my hand and puts the black out there and immediately yells 'BLACK ACTION'. Well, the floor person (who I believe was a shift supervisor) promptly walks over and smiles, tells me good luck, etc. The phone in the pit rings, and the floor person gets quiet and talks and I hear the first few letters of my last name being given to the EITS. Meanwhile, I had the opportunity to split 10's again, so I did with another buy-in, and was content with my hands. The table won and the floor person tells me I have *****, etc, etc and told me to be careful doing that at this table.

The floor person walks away as I keep my bet the same and the dealer looks at me in slight disgust/slight jokingly tells me "thanks for the extra scrutiny, now they're watching me and if I make a mistake I'm screwed."

Obviously, the EITS is watching me and the table. I've spit 10's at every table I've played at and this was the first time (at least that I know of) where the EITS called down. There has never been any heat and the employee's demeanor was still friendly. I was still down several units due to bad variance and took a meal break shortly thereafter.

Well, I came on a different shift and the new floor person immediately asks if he can expect me to split my winning hands during his shift. I gave him some ploppy reasoning, he smiled and said "no offense, but I wish I could fill this table with people like you." With that he left.

OK - so I need some input. Was the EITS call normal procedure? Am I on their radar from this point forward? All the floor/shift supervisors still seem friendly and haven't changed their attitudes. Also, should I have demanded check change rather than letting the dealer use my black?

Thanks,
-BJO

[21gunsalute]

In certain venues, splitting 10's is the best way to generate heat!

[blackjackomaha]

In certain venues, splitting 10's is the best way to generate heat!

I absolutely agree with you. In this particular game I've done it before without any issues. I thought the extra scrutiny might have stemmed from the use of black chips?

[shadroch]

I suspect the scrutiny came more from the rat-holed blacks than splitting tens.

[Baberuth]

“No offense, but I wish I could fill the table with people like you.” If this is true, why don’t they just leave you alone? It sounds like they don’t want anyone splitting tens in their store. You were warned certainly about doing it on the new shift so you are surely tagged. If they have reviewed your play, you are up for the tap soon.

I wish I knew where to split tens and get away with it. A player who splits tens is either a counter or stupid. It won’t take the eye long to see which is the case. Other factors.

There may be a rule within the store to make a call at black action on that move.

Dealers hate moves that may chase others from their table and they are trained to scorn the move with looks and/or saying something about how dumb it is. If they say nothing and move on the others may feel he is supporting poor play and ruining the “flow of cards”. Should the entire table lose, there could easily be an exodus to other tables, thus possibly getting the attention of the pit and pissing off the dealer. I would love to hear other takes as this is just my mine.

[Ouchez]

Omaha,

I would advise to stop splittting 10's. The key here is the eye was called and was evaluating your play and betting black will raise the possibility of a back off which I am sure you want no part of.

Remember the Greed Factor will lead to the No BJ Factor which will kill your local playing career. Read the post by DOC on free BJ 21.

I hope you will consider this advice. Milk this place a long time, take it easy.

Ouchez

[KJ]

I am not sure why you are asking for input. I think you have already figured out that you you employed several moves that draw attention. 1.) splitting 10's, 2.) betting at a level that draws attention at this location, $100, and 3.) getting caught rat-holing chips, and black no less. Actually it wasn't so much of 'getting caught' as turning yourself in.

So the question is (and one that needs to be answered before you sit down) is what is important to you at this location, maximizing EV or some sense of longevity? For myself, longevity is a top priority and as such, I am willing to 'give up' some EV in exchange for longevity. So I second the sound advice of Ouchez. Stop splitting 10's! The quote by Baberuth is a famous one in the blackjack world. "Only idiots and counters split 10's and it won't take them long to figure out which you are."

The second issue that is a really big issue is bringing out the black chip. At most locations the pit people have to account for black chips. They are supposed to know where they are at and who walked with them. For this reason it is best to rat-hole green or red, not black. Once you are labeled a 'rat-holer' they will assign any missing chips to you and you will not only defeat the intended purpose of the action, but create the complete opposite effect.

Lastly, it is important to find the comfort level in betting for each location and try to stay within that level. Granted, a place that sweats black play, it is pretty hard to stay in their comfort level. Once you leave that level, just know that you are being observed intently. After exposing yourself, you don't want to give them too much play to evaluate either in the present time or to review after the fact. That means short sessions. The rule I use is exiting after one bet cycle. I never let them see me reduce my wager after the shuffle, which is the biggest 'tell' of all. Not everybody plays a location where such extreme short sessions is feasible or they are not willing to play that way, but I would still shorten the number of times you go through the bet cycle. Each time you show your bet cycle you are exposing yourself more and giving them more ammunition to use against yourself.

[blackjackomaha]

Appreciate all of the input. Just curious - why would they allow me to come back and play on a different shift the same day if they had figured me out? Not that it was the smartest move, but I had my reasons for returning.

[Ouchez]

Appreciate all of the input. Just curious - why would they allow me to come back and play on a different shift the same day if they had figured me out? Not that it was the smartest move, but I had my reasons for returning.

The person that makes that decision may not have been in house at that time and the eye did not want to take sole responsibility for backing you off or worse. Also it may be policy to review your play in greater detail before taking action, this takes time.

Ouchez.

[Baberuth]

Either they had no one available to trust a count down of past play, they are waiting for a session where you are losing (they love to give the tap in a losing session) or after review you haven't spooked them. One thing for sure is you have caused them to relay a message to another shift. Not good. You are going to be watched. Like Ouchez said, the guy to make the called was not there or is waiting for more data.
Not sure where the blacks came from when you said "Pulled some blacks out", but I second never rathole black!
It sounds like you are in an area where there aren't a lot of places to play. Be careful not to end your fun.
Q. for KJ. Going back to a smaller bet at the start of a cycle seems common for most players at the table. That may be a good topic here, if not too much info.