Monster Count, Monster Bet. I Have 16 vs Dealer Ace

[Midwest Player]

Not too long ago, I was in a situation with a large bet out and a lousy hand. There was no doubt about it, the proper move was to take insurance. My only concern was insuring a 16 would be a tell one is counting. After all who would insure a lousy hand like a 16. I paused for a second, but then pushed out the insurance bet. Dealer had blackjack. Would anybody have done anything different?

[Talmadge]

Would anybody have done anything different

No, I would of taken insurance as well.
Do you normally decline taking insurance when you have a 16 as you are worried it may be a tell?

[nighterfighter]

No, just do the insurance.

If you want some "cover", you could say something like "Well hopefully the dealer has it so this crappy hand will be over", or some variation?

[mcallister3200]

No, especially at “monster count.” If you’re at say twice the index with a large bet and you pass you’re giving up decent EV. I have passed a few times on a stiff hand like that when it’s tc 3-3.5, and would have to buy in more to take it, not that I’m recommending that.

[ZeeBabar]

I one insured such a hand, pit looking on as he was standing talking to a player and I acted out “please please have a BJ, don’t want to lose $200”. They all started laughing, dealer had a BJ, I thanked him, removed my $200, played a $25 bet even though the count was still high.

I insure the hand, keep an eye as to where the pit is and subsequent reactions (does he walk over and pick up the phone?). However, often the dealer does not have a BJ. Sometimes, I have lost both, my max bet and my insurance because the dealer still made a hand. I don’t worry about insurance bets triggering suspicion but unlike you, I mostly play short sessions.

[Freightman]

Insurance, like any other index, has a strike point. For the 6 Deck hi lo player, that is true 3.0.

If you have a shitty hand v dealer ace at 3.0, let it go, because the pit will wonder. If it’s a monster count, the bulk of EV will be captured if you take insurance, so you do - too expensive not to. Further, it’s okay to insure a good hand below strike point, such as 19 or 20 at true 2.

[refinery]

No, just do the insurance.

If you want some "cover", you could say something like "Well hopefully the dealer has it so this crappy hand will be over", or some variation?

You plops need to realize what you say is irrelevant.

[nighterfighter]

You plops need to realize what you say is irrelevant.

To be fair, I did put cover in quotes...

[refinery]

To be fair, I did put cover in quotes...

True and fair. Apologies, nightfighter.

I notice people voted my response down. I'm sure they're at the table saying "well then good casino sir, I bid you adieu while I take a moment to refresh with a cigarette no matter the count!"

No one gives a fuck what words you use. It is of no help.

[Talmadge]

True and fair. Apologies, nightfighter.

I notice people voted my response down. I'm sure they're at the table saying "well then good casino sir, I bid you adieu while I take a moment to refresh with a cigarette no matter the count!"

No one gives a fuck what words you use. It is of no help.

As far as the EITS is concerned, whatever words you use at the table are lost in translation.

[ZeeBabar]

As far as the EITS is concerned, whatever words you use at the table are lost in translation.

EITS has nothing better than to watch a red chip table 24/7?

[Norm]

They watch every table, albeit not for APs.

[ZeeBabar]

They watch every table, albeit not for APs.

Right! It’s why, often, dealers mistakes are not immediately corrected and why more AP’s are not backed off.

Acts, conversations still work. To imply they don’t because EITS is there is silly.