Jean Jacques Robert: Unpleasant Experience

[Jean Jacques Robert]

I played 3rd base this afternoon at a 5 deck ENHC table. At a very high true count, I decided to split my tens against the dealer's 6. Unsurprisingly, I got two other tens but decided not to resplit. At the sight of this play, a "lady" player just screamed at me and stated that I had drawn the dealer's bust cards. I just replied politely that I had the right to play my hands the way I felt best for me according to the rules in force. A few hands later, I got Ace and 7 against the dealer's 10. I decided to hit and drew a 9 and stood on 17. The same "lady" who had 20 just fumed again that I didn't know how to play blackjack.

How would you react to such a player? wait for the end of the shoe and leave the table? ( What was weird to me is that the dealer too seemed surprised by my decision to hit soft 18. I expected that dealers and pit bosses knew at least BS).

[Wolverine]

It may have been "unpleasant" but may have branded you as an "idiot" to the pit and casino. Idiots can get away with more of the variations in play required of an AP Blackjack player (like splitting 10s, etc...) without looking like you are deviating from "normal" strategy. Enjoy the cover.

I think you were right to point out that it is your money and how you choose to play your cards is your own business. If she wants to make that big a deal about it, ask her to pay you off on all your hands so the house doesn't have to and you'll happily play your cards her way. :-) She'll no doubt decline the offer. :-(

Some players in this forum use this exact tactic to "run off" a non-counter to get a table all to themselves. I'm sure others can fill you in on how they do this, since I don't (intentionally) do this.

Hope that helped. Thanks for sharing.

[Praying Mantis]

> It may have been "unpleasant" but
> may have branded you as an "idiot"
> to the pit and casino. Idiots can get away
> with more of the variations in play required
> of an AP Blackjack player (like splitting
> 10s, etc...) without looking like you are
> deviating from "normal" strategy.
> Enjoy the cover.

Are you sure? You know what they say about those that split tens, "Either a counter or idiot".

You might say that he looked like an idiot, but didn't he say that shortly thereafter he hit soft 18 against a 10? Hardly an idiot would make a play like that. If the pit or sky was watching and halfway competent, I doubt that he came off as an "idiot"...my two cents

PM

[Parker]

Many people subscribe to the myth that "third base controls the table," so you have to be prepared for this if you choose to sit at third base.

The most diplomatic way to handle this situation is to simply shrug and ignore it. If the lady (and the pit) want to think you are an idiot, so much the better. Your goal is to make money, not friends. There is no reason to leave the table. If the lady is sufficiently upset by your play, perhaps she will leave the table.

It is also a myth that pit critters and especially dealers know basic strategy. Dealers know how to deal the game, which is not the same as playing it. The only "strategy" they may know is "hit 16 (and perhaps soft 17, depending on the rules), stand on 17 and above." After all, it is all they need to know.

[xapianoman]

> It is also a myth that pit critters and
> especially dealers know basic strategy.

Quite right. I've had a dealer sneer at me for hitting A-7 vs. her 10. Judging from the look on her face, she must have thought I was a hopeless fool.

Many dealers also subscribe to common gambling myths such as the notion that players should bet according to hot/cold streaks, and (mostly when players are winning and he/she wants a tip) that the dealer can systematically influence what cards are dealt.

[Jerry Mathers]

Why didn't you tell her to shut her fu*kin mouth?

[PunkEye]

> Why didn't you tell her to shut her fu*kin
> mouth?

Unless it was your wife, it's out of place and could get you thrown out. In a case like this, you should always summon the pit boss and voice a complaint about the abusive player. Afterall, that's part of his/her job to settle player disputes and differences. If the pb gives you a blank look, then go to the floor manager.

[Praying Mantis]

[Hugh Beaumont]

> Why didn't you tell her to shut her fu*kin
> mouth?

Theodore, where did you learn to talk like that?

[Tony Dow]

Not from me.

[Little Ben]

You are a God!!

[Ouchez]

> I played 3rd base this afternoon at a 5 deck
> ENHC table. At a very high true count, I
> decided to split my tens against the
> dealer's 6. Unsurprisingly, I got two other
> tens but decided not to resplit. At the
> sight of this play, a "lady"
> player just screamed at me and stated that I
> had drawn the dealer's bust cards. I just
> replied politely that I had the right to
> play my hands the way I felt best for me
> according to the rules in force. A few hands
> later, I got Ace and 7 against the dealer's
> 10. I decided to hit and drew a 9 and stood
> on 17. The same "lady" who had 20
> just fumed again that I didn't know how to
> play blackjack.

> How would you react to such a player? wait
> for the end of the shoe and leave the table?
> ( What was weird to me is that the dealer
> too seemed surprised by my decision to hit
> soft 18. I expected that dealers and pit
> bosses knew at least BS).

when you are going to play do not shave for 2 days prior, put a tooth pick in your mouth, develope a menacing presence, much like a boxer or street fighter. Sun glasses are good.

When you develope this Persona people will think twice about messing with you at the BJ table and you may start to enjoy the act.

But in my case it is not an act, get smart and it's put up or shut up, things can and will get nasty at the felt.

Ouchez.

[methodman]

> ya most say don't say much,but why not show her a strategy card and tell her you have been winning the last 28 out of 30 days of play.
LET her know she has been playing wrong and to go out and buy any book on blackjack and learn proper strategy. Of course this is all fine and dandy if no pit losers are lurking. The old school approach of saying nothing I feel is wrong, if enough souls play right and increase bets a lot it will help us and the pit crew will not know which end is up.