Chip Fanning

[Aslan]

I line my chips up in evenly stacked piles to facilitate betting and instant knowledge of how much I'm ahead or behind. You would think this is taboo for a card counter, but I believe differently. First, it's in character, since I am an accountant, and second, card counters would generally avoid such actions, ergo, I can't be a card counter. Pit bosses have commented how I make it easy for them to quickly assess where I stand, making me seem more transparent if nothing else.

If you're getting some heat, one thing you can do is methodically create incomprehensible piles, adding or subtracting chips from specific piles each hand. Then at some random time mess up all the chips and start over. The EITS will think you're up to something, and will rack his brain trying to figure out what you are doing. It will distract him from what you are really doing and it will drive him crazy. But please don't do this, It is never good to bring attention to yourself-- better if you feel heat is to leave or to just play basic strategy for a while. But I just had to say it, similar to when someone says something to humiliate you and you wish you had thought of that perfect comeback. It might make you feel good for the moment, but it not a good long range strategy. Instead of defusing the situation, it adds wood to the fire.

[mushin]

Our styles seem very similar. I also do the same. I prefer to know exactly how many chips I have so I do neat stacks too. It is also in character for me since I am a business owner. If anyone ever asks or says a word about it I simply tell them I like to know if I'm winning or the casino. When the Pit comes over and checks out the table I will sometimes ask.... "how much do you have me in for? I can't remember." I only do this when I'm down so they can see the "loss." When they replay I say "Sounds about right to me. Any chance I can get something on my card I'd like to grab a bite to eat?" Now your in a pretty good spot for a comp. They see you with a verified loss. They know you are not a jerk because you have been nice and conversational and the biggie... your probably going to leave the table with the loss because you just request dinner. It also helps with rating chips away. Pocket a few greens here and there and they really won't suspect you because you pretty much have laid everything out visible for them. Pretty easy to rat away a few hundred greens this way. I don't even try to hide it from the dealer sometimes. With those nice neat stacks they will tend to forget that you put some away.

Next you can either play a bit longer if the shoe is warm or hot and hopefully get a chance to fire away which makes it look like you are trying to get even before you leave or you have a great excuse to leave in the cold. Either way you have given them a reason for what you are doing and anytime someone can associate your actions with a logical reason they are much more at ease with what you do.