How to win AND earn comps?

**HowMany** · 06-26-2013, 08:49 AM

I'm wondering how to play a winning game AND earn comps?

Here is a snapshot of my play:

When playing 6-deck games, I will back count about 2/3 of the time. When I wong in, usually only 2 decks or less remain. Seems like a waste of time to present a players card. Also, I want to back count unnoticed, so I do not present a card.

The other 1/3 of the time, I will play from the start of a new shoe. I employ a nice size spread from $25 (or less) to ???. I wong out when the count tanks, and will leave after exposing my max bet. Usually, I am at the table for about an hour, give or take.

When playing double-deck, I play unrated.

Add this up and there seems little opportunity to earn any comps? Any advice? Thanks

**21gunsalute** · 06-26-2013, 09:30 AM

You're right. Little opportunity for comps.

**hitthat16** · 06-26-2013, 10:03 AM

Full pay jacks or better.

You will lose some money, but the comps at many stores will outweigh that cost, making it an advantage game. It can also be good cover as the casino will see that your card has been in machines.

**HowMany** · 06-26-2013, 10:04 AM

Originally Posted by 21gunsalute

You're right. Little opportunity for comps.

Should I alter my play style?

Can I alter my play style without giving up EV?

Will the value of comps exceed whatever I give up in EV?

Does it seem like I'm too paranoid about getting backed off?

**wookets** · 06-26-2013, 10:07 AM

Play your count game unrated; for comps, play video poker. Only use your card when you are going to give them play if you want offers to continue.

**21gunsalute** · 06-26-2013, 10:10 AM

Originally Posted by HowMany

Should I alter my play style?

Can I alter my play style without giving up EV?

Will the value of comps exceed whatever I give up in EV?

Does it seem like I'm too paranoid about getting backed off?

Every casino is different. Some give good comps and some are terrible re: comps.

**21forme** · 06-26-2013, 10:32 AM

I'd much rather get backed off playing anonymously, than get backed off, even once, playing rated.

**21forme** · 06-26-2013, 03:52 PM

Originally Posted by Tthree

Of course if you are backed off using a card with an alias you name remains untarnished.

Sure, but there's time and expense involved in creating an alias. I remember one time (back when I played rated) at the Borg, I had already gone thru 3 or 4 aliases. There were a few PCs I had to watch for and avoid. Sat down, gave my card, 10 mins later, PC went on break and his relief was a guy who knew me instantly. He looked in the computer, looked at me, and I got up and left. New personal record - ID burned out in 10 minutes.

**AussiePlayer** · 06-26-2013, 07:39 PM

Originally Posted by Tthree

Not playing rated only accomplishes protecting your name from being data based. If they know who you are they already have that. As Max Rubin pointed out playing unrated makes a BO much more likely as they will put you in a group that needs to be watched closely. They figure your name is already burned and other stores have determined you to be a threat.

Every casino is different in their own ways about many, many different aspects of their operations. Why do you assume the above to apply equally to all casinos across the globe?

**Joker21** · 06-26-2013, 08:46 PM

Originally Posted by Tthree

Not playing rated only accomplishes protecting your name from being data based. If they know who you are they already have that. As Max Rubin pointed out playing unrated makes a BO much more likely as they will put you in a group that needs to be watched closely. They figure your name is already burned and other stores have determined you to be a threat.

I didn't take what max said that way at all. For carny games, yes, but he didn't mention it as a red flag for BJ. Perhaps we just have different interpretations of his advice.

**bigplayer** · 06-26-2013, 09:55 PM

Spread your play around, get multiple players cards under multiple names using 1 name per casino within each chain. Don't play for comps, play for mail offers. The majority of comps in the modern casino world are generated by marketing programs and sent to you either via mail or for high stakes players through casino hosts. The entire "play 4hrs a day at $xxx avg bet" thing is for suckers.

When a casino sends you an offer for 5 free nights with a $300 food and beverage credit how much play do you have to give them? ZERO! Those are the types of comps I like.

**bossman** · 06-26-2013, 10:05 PM

I look at hundreds and hundreds of players every day. They generally fit in two groups: recreational gamblers and serious players. In the serious group are the junkies and APs. If I look at you today, where will you fall? The junkies all give me their card because they expect to be broke when they quit and want a free meal to get even with me for their own demons. The other group are the APs. DUH!
Then there are the recreational gamblers. Will you be the guy I have to watch, the junkie, or the guy having a good time? The only person in that list that doesn't want any free stuff is the AP.
It's almost like a badge on your shirt.
When I was in college, all the non-conformists wore denim shirts and torn jeans. Is you saw one of them, you would know he was a non-conformist, conforming to the standards of non-conformity.

**HowMany** · 06-27-2013, 06:04 AM

Originally Posted by bigplayer

Spread your play around, get multiple players cards under multiple names using 1 name per casino within each chain. Don't play for comps, play for mail offers.

What's the best way to get multiple cards under multiple names? Does each name need a separate mailing address?

Sorry for the questions, but I don't know how this works. I would appreciate it if someone could PM any advice/answers. If I'm wrong to ask these questions on a public forum, please let me know and I will dump this post. Thank you!