Scouting

[NB10]

So I went to a nearby casino today, early evening. It seemed fairly empty, two back-to-back Blackjack tables open, and a roulette table. Couple of questions:

Has anyone ever see pit bosses sitting beside tables? There were people sitting right beside the blackjack tables, looked like they were taking notes on a clipboard (there was a guy doing the same at the roulette table)

2. Since it was fairly empty I didn't want to hang around too long, but they used small screens for the rules. The only relevant things the screens said were 4 deck, double allowed. The rest of the screen was taken up with the rules of the various side bets. How do you figure out the rest without asking directly? Is it just a case of having to play and flat bet to figure the rules out without asking specifically and potentially drawing heat?

On a side note, one table was full and the other had two people. I think I would've been able to keep up with the speed as they weren't overly fast. Also, at one table if you say at 3rd base your view of the discard tray would have been blocked by the rules screen.

[vagabond]

I have seen that often but they're usually supervisors or dual-rates recording average wagers of each player and double-checking payouts to ensure no mispays occur. This is typical for poor countries where labor is cheap. At one such place I sometimes have 10 staff watching my table like a dealer, back-up dealer, supervisors, manager, security guard, two junket operators, and two cocktail waitresses, and I wouldn't even consider it sweaty.

The best way to determine the house rules is simply to play and test their boundaries. I often get strange looks for trying to double on three cards, surrendering before dealer can check for blackjack, and trying to surrender on multiple cards, except for the rare times it is allowed. Also pay attention to the plays other players are allowed to make. At one casino I couldn't explain my intention to surrender because I don't speak French so I incorrectly assumed it was no surrender until I saw all players surrender against ace (this wasn't in France btw). I also make usually incorrect doubles and splits with small bets out to test for ENHC.

You should try to move the rules screen to directly in front of the shoe! lol

[Joe Mama]

So I went to a nearby casino today, early evening. It seemed fairly empty, two back-to-back Blackjack tables open, and a roulette table. Couple of questions:

Has anyone ever see pit bosses sitting beside tables? There were people sitting right beside the blackjack tables, looked like they were taking notes on a clipboard (there was a guy doing the same at the roulette table)
.

I've seen this where there is a new dealer in training

[21forme]

I've seen floor people with small pads and calculators table-side simply reconciling the chip rack and determining if a fill is necessary.

[NB10]

I've seen floor people with small pads and calculators table-side simply reconciling the chip rack and determining if a fill is necessary.

This would explain the clipboards and both the Blackjack and roulette tables. I wonder if they are also on the lookout for players changing or jumping bet amounts.

[ZeeBabar]

It's usually gaming board inspectors that make visits at different times, maybe once a month, gather information, rate staff on the knowledge of games they supervise, note tables open, number of staff working slot areas, cleanliness and other stuff.

[ZenMaster_Flash]

It's usually gaming board inspectors that make visits at different
times, maybe once a month, gather information, rate staff on the
knowledge of games they supervise, note tables open, number of staff
working slot areas, cleanliness and other stuff.

W R O N G

However, The E I T S does check on the dealers, typically twice per year.

[NB10]

It's usually gaming board inspectors that make visits at different times, maybe once a month, gather information, rate staff on the knowledge of games they supervise, note tables open, number of staff working slot areas, cleanliness and other stuff.

I thought because there was someone at every open table watching the games they were either watching players and/or the dealers/payouts. I would think it more likely that it was the dealers and the payouts since they all had clipboards to write on, but dont know if they also look for telltale counting behaviour like varying bet sizes etc.

[Bubbles]

It's normal for the pit to scribble things often like average bet and how many chips are in the tray.

For rules, I like to look at CBJN. Usually they're listed there, but it's not always correct. Sometimes I'll inquire about the rules, other times I'll sit and play and see what they'll let me and the ploppies do.

[ZeeBabar]

W R O N G

However, The E I T S does check on the dealers, typically twice per year.

I was at a small casino in a small town in Mo and one day, when I noticed a couple of women in business clothed walking with clipboards, I asked and was told they come down once ebery couple of months, are gaming commission inspectors.

Maybe where you play its different.

[ZenMaster_Flash]

Zee,

Just because you saw a pair of skirts with clipboards, you concluded what you posted?

What is wrong with you?

[RCJH]

I try to scout when I'm going to play. In other words, if this would be an AM casino scout in the AM. If you can't figure out the rules, play an opposite shift.



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[NB10]

There is nothing wrong with asking but if you try something like you have done it a million times before the dealer will often let you do it regardless of rules. Most casinos switch dealers from game to game so often that they often don't easily recall the rules for the game they are currently dealing. You would be amazed at what you can get away with.

I hadn't considered this as I just assumed the rules would be set in stone. Worth a try though as if there's a chance you get away with it you immediately lower their edge, and they can only say no. Seems like a good idea to me. Thanks Three.