So I just experience my first backoff as a card counter today. I am sad to say that it was at my favorite casino in the area, but it wasn't a bad experience. On the contrary, the two people that backed me off were very pleasant and complimented me on my play and just told me that I am too good for them. I am now not allowed to play any table games at this place (is it safe to say where? I don't think anyone will be surprised if they hear the name, it is in removed).
Anyways, although I am excited that I got BO'd (I must be doing something right, I hope...), I want to know what caused me to get the tap. I am not afraid to admit that I do not have 100% perfect play yet as I've only been seriously counting cards and applying bet spreads and such for about 2 months now, and have only been using Hi-Opt II for about 2 weeks. I was spreading 1-6 at the $25 DD table, which I was under the impression is generally a safe spread at most places, especially while using HOII. The biggest reason that I can think of is that I don't generally ramp up my bets slowly, if the count jumps suddenly I will jump my bet with it, usually going just 1 unit below the recommended bet vs the TC. For example, if the TC jumps from 0 to 3, my bet spread would indicate I bet $100, but going from a $25 bet I will just press it to $75. Generally I try not to press more than $50 a hand, unless the TC jumps high enough to indicate a 4 unit+ bet AND I only have a handful of green chips left on the table, making it seem like an "all-in" type of play. As far as my profile goes I am in my mid 20s but look like I'm 15, I try to tip about $5 an hour, sometimes more at the end when coloring up a big win, and I try to make small talk with the dealers/pit managers to not seem like I'm super focused on the cards. I also hesitate when I have hands that are potential doubles/splits and show the cards to the dealer to seem like I'm not super sure of what I'm doing. I also like to complain a lot when I get pocket Aces when the count is high (UGH I have to split Aces vs a 10 when I have $150 on the table, this SUCKS!) I was playing rated, as I always do there, but I hadn't been at this place in about 4 months and it was the first time actually counting cards there.
I would love some input on my play and ways I can work on my cover so I can avoid being BO'd at other casinos in my area, I'm already driving 2+ hours as is and would love to be able to continue to visit local stores. Please let me know if I put in too much information or too little so I can amend the post. Also feel free to PM me if you'd like to keep some information more private.
On a side note: I'm thinking of going to Vegas soon, can I get some recommendations of where to play either via PM or post here?
Thank you!!
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