Ian Anderson's book: Burning the tables in LV - Green Chip Play

[VonDox]

I recently completed reading Burning the Tables and I was extremely interested in the chapter concerning green chip play. I like the simple betting strategy and so far in simulations when using HEAT I hardly ever seem to trigger any reaction. I have been using the strategy including the few cover plays/deviations he is suggesting as part of his UG strategy as well. As a recently self-promoted green chip player I am intrigued with this strategy and it's main goal of providing decent EV but also flying under the radar of the pit boss. Last weekend I played at a local casino and there was this guy at the table ( total of 3 of us ) and he would spread from the table min($25) to the max $1000 in the space of 3 hands. He played for less than an hour before he got backed off and was down probably $2k from my guestimation. I think he was counting because many times we increased our bets at the same time. I finished after just under 2 hours of play with a $450.00 increase.. Little stress, enjoyed playing more and tipped my dealer as well. I guess I am interested in hearing if anyone else has used Ian's green chip strategy and had any observations they could share using it?

[blackcat]

Been using a modified form of it for several years

[Bibolobob]

I wouldn't play on the same table as another counter. Increasing your bets at the same time would be a give away.

[VonDox]

Well, it wasn't until that bet I figured out he was counting.. But he was pushing out 2 spots of $500.00 and I had 1 spot of $100.00. Then in 2 hands he was backed off.. I don't plan on using all of Ian's cover index's he suggests.. I am going to play basic strategy and try to keep to most of the my deviations but if I am ahead and I can stand on a A/7 every once and awhile and stand on some 16 / 10 plays why not.. If the pit boss is around or the dealer is being a jerk, sure why not.. But not going to throw away tons of EV.. Would rather just stop playing and take a break and pick another table.. Red chip for awhile and then come back..

[DSchles]

Apropos, read BJA3, page 5, "Long Memories ..."

Don

[Bibolobob]

Apropos, read BJA3, page 5, "Long Memories ..."

Don

I have spotted every counter before they sit down at the table. One day I want to be surprised by a counter that puts a little effort into thinking about the way they act.
In the dating world these days, They would be called "thirsty" (beyond desperate)

it seems some counters prefer to be caught to confirm they are a winning player in some weird way.

[redtop43]

If someone was backed off after only a very small number of hands, it's likely that the casino already had information on him. I had a player at my table buy in for $400, and after about two hands he was taken away by security and the senior shift manager. I heard later that he had been barred by a couple of our other properties.

Dealers are not really encouraged to flag counters, at least not where I work. We're not expected to have the expertise. Now I work in a totally out-of-the-way casino, we've only been open for two years, a lot of the dealers were in dealer school with me a year ago. We have a few senior dealers (dual rates) with a good amount of experience. But they pretty much expect counters to be the responsibility of the pit managers, the shift manager, and surveillance.

It's not at all weird for players to vary their bets a lot. If I get a vibe about a player I wait until the new shoe, then see how they bet the first few hands. We also have three side bets. One is not really countable (21+3), one is countable only with great difficulty (Blazing 7's), and one is very countable (Lucky Ladies). If they play either of the first two, or play LL early in the shoe, I pretty much dismiss them.

[LicenseToTilt]

I have spotted every counter before they sit down at the table. One day I want to be surprised by a counter that puts a little effort into thinking about the way they act.
In the dating world these days, They would be called "thirsty" (beyond desperate)

it seems some counters prefer to be caught to confirm they are a winning player in some weird way.

How did you know they were a counter before they even sat down?

[VonDox]

I hate playing side bets and I never do.. just sucker bets mostly. But I can't tell you how many times I am sitting at a table with 2 or 3 players and I am the only one NOT playing side bets it becomes noticeable very fast. Then if you have a full table and they are all playing side bets,, I can only take it for so long and then I leave.. The other players spend more time on side bet action then they do their own actual black jack hands. I remember just 2 months ago I was playing in Rock Island, IL and the guy next to me was banging the table and yelling for a 6 of hearts so he could make his pairs side bet or something.. unbelievable. He didn't get his 6 and he busted and then turns to me and told me I was wrecking the tables luck by not playing the side bets..

I played this weekend and had yet another very pleasant 1 hour and 20min session and doubled my $500.00 buy in using the Ian's green chip strategy.. No heat and left the tables, got some dinner and then came back and played another 45 minutes and was up $250.00 I have tried putting in marathon sessions of 4-5-6 hour game sessions and when I hit that 4 hour mark I know I am starting to make some mistakes, small ones.. but mistakes.. Missing the count by not keeping track of a quick bust as the dealer grabs the cards.. I know variance will catch up eventually but until then.. I enjoy..

[Sidecount]

How did you know they were a counter before they even sat down?

Body language. They look like the part and the way they are looking at the table or tables makes it more obvious. I know exactly what he's talking about...and have been there myself.

Reading some posts online I agree with him that some are practically bragging about getting caught.