#cruncher said:
Nice touch
I started using the red card for comps which is something I assume you're also doing. Can I safely play positive EV (i.e. 8-1 green on 6d) and still get the goods? I've noticed dealers quick to notify the pit of surrender plays which seemed pretty conservative for a place like this.
FYI- I'm new to this forum and really appreciate the wealth of knowledge shared here.
I only played half an hour. I think it's like everywhere else. You create your own heat. Hit and run will keep you from getting backed off but you won't earn much of those comps you mentioned (and if you are observed one of those times they will notate your record for the next time you appear).
Play-all (wonging out when necessary) will get you those comps, but you will have to use cover -- whatever works for you. Once anyone is suspicious, the primary test is whether you increase your bet as the count goes positive. If they ID you they will probably check to see whether you are a winner or a loser. I know large casinos on the strip that carry many counters because they are consistent losers.
Now to put it all in perspective, they don't care much about someone taking a couple thousand from the tables, but if you are blatant about it and call attention to yourself, they will oblige you and back you off for even a modest amount.
The casino's main focus (besides keeping their own staff honest) are the big bettors. If you are spreading small, a house like Wynn will let you count all day long. You should be able to figure a way to cover your play sufficiently without giving up all your advantage and garner a bunch of those comps, as well. But always remember, even a pit person who cannot count a lick can still spot someone who jumps from $25 to $200 for several hands win or lose, and then returns to min bet next shoe, and that is all it takes to motivate a call upstairs.
I hope this was helpful.
PS--BTW, When Wynn first opened, they had Vegas's best dealers. Many left when they revealed their tip policy, but I assume many are still there. Top dealers are not infrequently counters themselves. You might try a well placed tip or two to see if you can influence better pen. Sometimes savvy dealers are in sympathy with counters, although sometimes they are staunch company people who will alert the pit to your play. Just a thought.