Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast
Results 1 to 13 of 35

Thread: AP Ethics discussion thread

  1. #1


    Did you find this post helpful? Yes | No

    AP Ethics discussion thread

    Although I don't mind a short string of off topic posts I do believe that it is for the good of the community to make an effort to gather our posts in easily readable and searchable units (threads/forums). So I hope that if any would like to continue talking about the issue or branch out to other ethics related discussion they do so here and not in a thread to do with edge sorting.

  2. #2


    Did you find this post helpful? Yes | No
    Quote Originally Posted by Dieter View Post
    Equating playing cards with grand theft auto?

    That's a long stretch, and I think you know it.
    That isn't not what he was saying and you should know it. The content of the analogy is irrelevant, the point I believe ZenMaster_Flash was making is that you can't justify an AP play by saying if the casino can't defend from it they deserve to have it happen to them. He is just trying to apply the reason to another situation to prove a point.

    If you disagree with him, then state what the relevant difference is between your justification and the auto theft example.

  3. #3


    Did you find this post helpful? Yes | No
    Quote Originally Posted by Stealth View Post
    Why then has it not been defined as cheating and/or illegal in Nevada. In fact, what jurisdiction is it defined as cheating?

    Most cheating statutes are reasonably clear that these do not fall in to the cheating designation. Some are not so clear about hole carding.

    If you are expressing a moral outrage, then you have every right to that opinion, just don't expect AP players, or the general population, to agree with you. Certainly, I find the declaration of it as cheating to be absurd.
    Whether it is cheating or not depends on who's definition you use. However, I do think that it is telling that, as far as I know, no jurisdiction says its cheating. The majority of APs, I would imagine, disagree with ZenMaster_Flash as well.

    As to my post earlier. I don't think it really matters whether the BP is there to gather the information he acts on. It's the same as a ploppy using his phone to call his friend over to play the roulette table that just had 8 reds in a row. Sure, in the former case the players have an advantage and in the latter they don't but I don't see how that is important unless you believe that casinos are morally entitled to have their edge. What matters is that the information is easily attainable by anybody.

    In general I think the AP vs casino dynamic should be treated with the same moral standard as poker. As long as both are playing the game fairly, they're entitled to their winnings. That is not to say that the rules that the casino's set are the rule as to what the game really entails (by game I mean something beyond just the game itself, but how players may make decisions), but there needs to be a line drawn somewhere.

    Personally, I think BP approach is fine but edge sorting I'm not as sure about. I think I'm fine with hole-carding but I haven't put too much thought into it.

  4. #4


    Did you find this post helpful? Yes | No
    What, specifically, do you disagree about when it comes to edge sorting? Do you think it's wrong or okay [moral/ethically]? Do you think it's cheating or legitimate? Should it be legal or illegal?

    I think it's okay to do, is (and should be) legal, and isn't cheating. I'd have no problem from a moral/ethical standpoint on edge-sorting, whereas I might have an issue with playing against a weak dealer and tricking her into making mistakes. But chances are, I'd still play the weak dealer and try to force dealer errors.
    "Everyone wants to be rich, but nobody wants to work for it." -Ryan Howard [The Office]

  5. #5
    Random number herder Norm's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Location
    The mote in God's eye
    Posts
    12,488
    Blog Entries
    59


    Did you find this post helpful? Yes | No
    On edge sorting, I'm split. If it involves the casino violating its own procedures, like the player telling the dealer to rotate specific cards, or speaking to the dealer in Mandarin, I have a problem. If you are not violating any rule or procedure, what's the problem?

    I have some thoughts on AP ethics in general at https://www.blackjacktheforum.com/en...Advantage-Play. But, my thoughts on AP ethics continue to evolve.
    "I don't think outside the box; I think of what I can do with the box." - Henri Matisse

  6. #6


    Did you find this post helpful? Yes | No
    Quote Originally Posted by RollingStoned View Post
    But chances are, I'd still play the weak dealer and try to force dealer errors.
    Depending on what exactly you mean by "force dealer errors" you could very well be charged with theft by deception. Not a line I would recommend walking.

    Theft by deception generally means the use of deception to obtain control over the property or services of another. The following is an example of a state statute governing theft by deception:
    Theft by deception.
    A person commits theft if he obtains property of another by deception. A person deceives if he intentionally:
    (1) Creates or reinforces a false impression, including false impressions as to law, value, intention, or other state of mind; but deception as to a person's intention to perform a promise shall not be inferred from the fact alone that he did not subsequently perform the promise; or
    (2) Prevents another from acquiring information which would affect his judgment of a transaction; or
    (3) Fails to correct a false impression which the deceiver previously created or reinforced, or which the deceiver knows to be influencing another to whom he stands in a fiduciary or confidential relationship; or
    (4) Uses a credit card, charge plate, or any other instrument which purports to evidence an undertaking to pay for property or services delivered or rendered to or upon the order of a designated person or bearer (a) where such instrument has been stolen, forged, revoked, or canceled, or where for any other reason its use by the actor is unauthorized, or (b) where the actor does not have the intention and ability to meet all obligations to the issuer arising out of his use of the instrument.
    The word deceive does not include falsity as to matters having no pecuniary significance, or statements unlikely to deceive ordinary persons in the group addressed.

    http://definitions.uslegal.com/t/theft-by-deception/

  7. #7


    Did you find this post helpful? Yes | No
    Quote Originally Posted by Floor View Post
    Depending on what exactly you mean by "force dealer errors"
    The ol' 6 card dealer 21 and exclaiming "Nice bust!", or having a 4 or 5 card (player) 22 and tucking the cards or exclaiming "21, perfect!.....as easy and simple examples. I'm sure you could get a weak dealer to pay out $62.50 instead of $52.50 on a $35 hand getting a BJ.
    "Everyone wants to be rich, but nobody wants to work for it." -Ryan Howard [The Office]

  8. #8
    Random number herder Norm's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Location
    The mote in God's eye
    Posts
    12,488
    Blog Entries
    59


    Did you find this post helpful? Yes | No
    Theft by deception is a real stretch. You'd have to arrest all Poker players.
    "I don't think outside the box; I think of what I can do with the box." - Henri Matisse

  9. #9


    Did you find this post helpful? Yes | No
    Quote Originally Posted by RollingStoned View Post
    The ol' 6 card dealer 21 and exclaiming "Nice bust!", or having a 4 or 5 card (player) 22 and tucking the cards or exclaiming "21, perfect!.....as easy and simple examples. I'm sure you could get a weak dealer to pay out $62.50 instead of $52.50 on a $35 hand getting a BJ.
    There's a difference between advantage play, and just flat out taking advantage of someone. Whether or not what you're describing fits the precise legal definition of theft, fraud, con artistry, etc, I think in your heart you know it is just that.

  10. #10


    Did you find this post helpful? Yes | No
    Quote Originally Posted by Norm View Post
    Theft by deception is a real stretch. You'd have to arrest all Poker players.
    Apples to oranges. "Deception" in poker is a fundamental aspect of the game which all players agree to and have an equal opportunity to participate in. Tricking an inexperienced or unwitting dealer into paying a hand that is supposed to lose is not a fundamental aspect of the game of blackjack. When a dealer accidentally takes a players money, it is demanded that mistake be rectified. When a dealer intentionally cheats a player it is demanded that the dealer be fired or arrested. Why should a player not be held to an equal standard?

  11. #11
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Location
    3rd rock from Sol, Milky Way Galaxy
    Posts
    14,158


    Did you find this post helpful? Yes | No
    Quote Originally Posted by NotEnoughHeat View Post
    Whether it is cheating or not depends on who's definition you use. However, I do think that it is telling that, as far as I know, no jurisdiction says its cheating. The majority of APs, I would imagine, disagree with ZenMaster_Flash as well.
    I don't necessarily think it is cheating but casinos have refused to pay and their refusal has been held up in court. The ruling I believe was it changed the odds of the game by using a device (the cards) to gain an advantage that is not part of the natural game. If that logic is upheld then it is cheating in almost every jurisdiction.

  12. #12
    Random number herder Norm's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Location
    The mote in God's eye
    Posts
    12,488
    Blog Entries
    59


    Did you find this post helpful? Yes | No
    Quote Originally Posted by Floor View Post
    When a dealer accidentally takes a players money, it is demanded that mistake be rectified.
    Only when the error is caught.

    Quote Originally Posted by Floor View Post
    When a dealer intentionally cheats a player it is demanded that the dealer be fired or arrested. Why should a player not be held to an equal standard?
    The player is held to the same standard when found to be "cheating". Cheating being the operative word. Under NRS 465.015:

    1. “Cheat” means to alter the elements of chance, method of selection or criteria which determine:
    (a) The result of a game;
    (b) The amount or frequency of payment in a game;
    (c) The value of a wagering instrument; or
    (d) The value of a wagering credit.
    I don't think the definition clearly fits this situation. OTOH, the fraudulent acts section may be a problem. NRS 465.070 section 3 states:

    NRS 465.070 Fraudulent acts. It is unlawful for any person: 3. To claim, collect or take, or attempt to claim, collect or take, money or anything of value in or from a gambling game, with intent to defraud, without having made a wager contingent thereon, or to claim, collect or take an amount greater than the amount won.
    The last part would seem to suggest it is illegal to collect more than won. But, it's worded too broadly. It sounds like it would be a felony to collect without any knowledge that there was an error.
    "I don't think outside the box; I think of what I can do with the box." - Henri Matisse

  13. #13
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Location
    3rd rock from Sol, Milky Way Galaxy
    Posts
    14,158


    Did you find this post helpful? Yes | No
    Quote Originally Posted by Floor View Post
    When a dealer accidentally takes a players money, it is demanded that mistake be rectified.
    Only if the player realizes or on rare occasions the EITS catches it and makes a phone call. I see lots of casino favor errors and often am the only one to point them out. If I was not there the error would stand.

Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast

Similar Threads

  1. ROR and Bankroll: A General Discussion Thread
    By Aslan in forum General Blackjack Forum
    Replies: 15
    Last Post: 02-24-2015, 10:50 AM
  2. Gambling Ethics
    By Thunder in forum General Blackjack Forum
    Replies: 66
    Last Post: 09-07-2013, 04:57 PM
  3. This discussion needs to take place.
    By falling star in forum General Blackjack Forum
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 01-27-2013, 06:48 PM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

About Blackjack: The Forum

BJTF is an advantage player site based on the principles of comity. That is, civil and considerate behavior for the mutual benefit of all involved. The goal of advantage play is the legal extraction of funds from gaming establishments by gaining a mathematic advantage and developing the skills required to use that advantage. To maximize our success, it is important to understand that we are all on the same side. Personal conflicts simply get in the way of our goals.