Curious how you all act when you walk into your local casino, for longevity? I assume you don't just go directly to your BJ table...
There is often only one playable 3:2 table in the place, and sometimes there are two or three. It's physically large, so NOBODY knows when I have just walked in. No act required, I just roll up to a table or wander around and start back-counting depending on the situation. There is such a large staff that I often don't recognize the staff and they don't recognize me. My goal is to be one of three things: an anonymous winner, a known loser, or a "lucky" regular.
The min bet is usually $25, but sometimes $15. There are lots of garbage tables and the ploppies at $25 min often suck and play large stacks. As long as I don't hammer for too long, I look completely normal. A lady next to me yesterday split 10's vs 3 with a negative count and the dealer yelled "splitting tens!". There is rarely a boss nearby to hear it, much less care.
I am probably there once every week on average, and usually only for an hour or two. I can decide if I give a player's card or not. I usually start as a "no", but if I lose I try to book the loss. I will never contradict myself to a the staff and I avoid repeated engagements with staff that I think could remember me. If I am using the card I keep duration to just a few shoes or cash out at the end of a big winning shoe where I gave them something to see.
The rules are not great but the pen makes up for it. This will never be the place I hammer for long sessions or betting purple chips. I feel like I can consistently green chip without heat as long as I maintain the rules of engagement.
Start by scouting, whether it is your local casino or not. Look to see if there are any advantageous machine plays, check the players club for promos, etc. At your local casino you should know all of the dealers. Look for those that give better pen. Also check the break rotation for the table your favorite dealer is going to go to next. I will usually play my freeplay from the mailers at my local casino first. Sit at a machine with a view of the pit and backcount. I try and make sure that when I buy in I can start near the top of my range. The floorpeople are mostly lazy, and whatever bet they enter when you first sit down is the bet you will be rated at for the rest of the session. This is crucial for generating comps. I play a very polite spread at my local joint. Most of the EV comes from freeplay and comps, not from a large spread. Make sure to be friendly and engaging with the staff.
"Chance favours the prepared mind" - Louis Pasteur
"Let me tell you the secret that has led me to my goal. My strength lies solely in my tenacity" - Louis Pasteur
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