Originally Posted by
Stealth
As is my opinion, blackjack advantage play is about (pick your own numbers) 25% technical and 75% art. This topic is clearly in the art form.
First, use your own observation, "it's probably pretty obvious what I'm doing". If that is the case then you should not back count that store at that time. Consider using a spotter instead.
Generally speaking, back counting is best used in busy pit and casino environments with good traffic. Note that enough traffic will ultimately fill up the tables and back counting will be impossible. If you are back counting for yourself then you are likely more obvious (as you sit to play) than if you are back counting for a partner to call in. I have found the later to be easier to disguise.
If your protocol is to BC in and only play positive counts, then do not leave if you complete the shoe. Allow the dealer to start the next shoe, with you betting the most appropriate amount advisable (maybe table minimum or not, depends on the bet sizes in use in positive counts), if the count goes up or you win the hand, play again. Play until the count is negative and you lose the hand. Then leave. This will give the pit (surveillance also) the appearance that you are not just playing positive counts as you played off the top.
Walk around the semi busy pit and stop to watch an overhead sports event on TV (over the pits). Act like you are talking on your phone while counting. Do not stare at the table, time your counts to coincide with the dealer completing the deal. Watching the reconciling of each hand, you can be either detached and appearing not interested or engaged and cheering for the winning player. It is the art of knowing the best act. Often times talking to a player at the table can diffuse some suspicion. Judgement.
Engage the dealer when asked if you want to join the game, "not just yet, haven't played but a few times and the last time was a couple of years ago, just wanted to refresh my memory of how to play". Utter bullshit, but it, or creations of your own imagination, can work, at least for a while.
I encourage you to also develop the art of wonging out, as opposed to back counting. Not playing 50-60% of the negative counts is a powerful enhancement. Take a phone call, go to the bathroom, skip a round because the moon is too bright, whatever, just reduce the negative counts you are playing.
Remember it is art, there are few if any rules to guide you and almost none that fit all situations.
Hope this helps
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