After a 20 year break from the game I had my first week back playing 4-5 days a week. The first few days where mostly recon to see what games where available/playable. I was shocked to see that actually nothing had changed and the games where excellent. I could play just about everywhere with the exception of a few places in which I could not wong out as not enough open tables (and players) on shoe games. I have yet to find a place that breaks the shoe when all players leave. Because of this I have pretty much ruled out these places as I cannot move around during the low volume weekdays.

The first day I came upon a young counter who played with no fear. I felt a bit weird taking insurance and betting up at the same time so I decided to let this guy hammer them by himself. Absolutely no heat on a hand held game at 20 to 1. This and another nearby place are gold mines so these where on my list to play once a week and will be my primary "go to" games. Pen varies from 80 to 60 depending on the dealer but its all beatable with shuffle card.

The next few days I played shoes using a wong out strategy only. I use KO so I started using the early true/rc count mods as described in the "Color of Blackjack" kindle book. KO is pretty weak early in the shoe and these mods made a huge impact. I was definitely getting more action in with 1-3 decks in the tray. For me this was a game changer and I find myself migrating to the shoes with better rules. One place had surrender and I think I was only player who ever used it. Every time I surrendered a player would ask what that was all about. Most players do not even know the rule exists and the casino does not advertise it either. I had to ask at every joint.

I then traveled a bit further south to recon some of the other games later in the week. One place only had 1 shoe game open but I decided to play it as it was low minimum. After a few decks it was apparent the other player here was also a counter playing a 40 to 1 spread with the pit barely even caring. After a few hours he left (on the way out he whispered in my ear that I didn't make one mistake which caught me off guard) and another guy sat down. He had a fanny pack so my first instinct was he was also a counter. The shoe went hot and out came the black at 80 to 1 spread. Yep..the fanny pack is always a dead giveaway. The pit could care less. I could not believe how bad the management was here. In Vegas I would have been escorted to the door by now. I could tell this guy was a "true count zombie" trying to do division in his head. He also needed to chew some gum as his lips where moving when he counted. I was also wondering if he had the roll to play to nearly max bet as his girlfriend really sweated the action. I felt like he was trying to make rent. He was definitely using a true count system as he doubled on A8 vs 6. This is only a play I use on single deck but in this particular situation I am sure it was correct and liked it. For shoes I only use a few indices to make things easy. With the bad management it was obvious why there was a slug of counters pounding it.

I then traveled further south to a big busy place with a ton of two deck. Pen was marginable but beatable. They had a shuffle card but they didn't seem to use it. When they felt it was close they just shuffled. I got caught off guard the first time. The next time I dragged my chips out of the square and made sure I was going to see another round before throwing it out there. One thing I hate doing is throwing out a big bet and having to pull it back. It just looks bad.

After this week it was obvious to me that the game is just as good as it was in the 1990s. I am elated I can play again.