The Last Casino, 21 Alternative

[Martinstatic]

As recommended by someone here, I watched the movie 'The Last Casino' on YouTube (It's in 12 parts) and was impressed.
First thing to keep in mind is that it wasn't a big screen movie, had a lesser budget than 21, and was released in 2004 (few years before 21).
The story is essentially the same, with small differences; a college prof trains 3 students to card count as he has been banned from casino's and needs to make money to pay off a loan.
The big differences about this movie is that it explains things more. (Not in great detail, but it covers essential info that 21 didn't)
For example, 21 just noted hi-lo and didn't mention a true count when he was teaching them. In this movie, he (briefly) covers true counts, shuffle tracking, side counting aces, and of course, the reason for why the students can't go and do it by themselves (a bankroll).

Also it was more realistic in the sense that the casino knew the law and that they couldn't lay a finger on counters and still had to let them keep their chips after telling them they were barred, only the big player got comps, and they won amounts that weren't too ridiculous (I think they went from 10k to 16k), and it showed how martin gale'ing is risky.

All in all, it was good, funny and subtle; none of the flying to Vegas with 250k and loud music, but instead 3 counters hitting local casino's.

It's on YouTube, here is part 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtgWUbcf_0E

You can find the other parts in the Related Videos section.
(Don't forget to see when the Chinese boy tries to by chips for the first time :P)

[UncrownedKing]

I watched it the other day and I thought it was interesting. There are scenes that make it an indie movie.

But all-in-all it was ok.

[no_fear]

I liked it quite a bit. Nice movie

[li_ka_shing168]

good movie, i like all kind of gambling movie, the only part I cant explain in this video is at the beginning. part one 2minutes 50seconds, he splits ten against a 10 and then double down on 21. Is there an index for doubling 21 on hi lo?
LOL

[daddybo]

Originally Posted by li_ka_shing168

good movie, i like all kind of gambling movie, the only part I cant explain in this video is at the beginning. part one 2minutes 50seconds, he splits ten against a 10 and then double down on 21. Is there an index for doubling 21 on hi lo?
LOL

The index is the same for 11 v 10.

[FLASH1296]

No it is not the same index as it is for 11.

An 11 has potential to become a fine hand, but the advantage is merely latent.

The BJ is a made hand that cannot lose - and earns a premium to boot.

If you used a (non ace-reckoned count) and the count was so high that there was

almost nothing but Tens and Faces remaining, it could be (theoretically) correct.

Incidentally, in N.J. you are forbidden to double on a 2 card 21.

[daddybo]

Originally Posted by FLASH1296

No it is not the same index as it is for 11.

An 11 has potential to become a fine hand, but the advantage is merely latent.

The BJ is a made hand that cannot lose - and earns a premium to boot.

If you used a (non ace-reckoned count) and the count was so high that there was

almost nothing but Tens and Faces remaining, it could be (theoretically) correct.

Incidentally, in N.J. you are forbidden to double on a 2 card 21.

I was sorta being sarcastic Flash. I'm not in the habit of doubling any 21. In the movie it was a 21 after splitting 10s with half a shoe left. (not a BJ) He was doubling it as if it were an eleven. He ended up with a 19 I believe. He had a real gambling problem which was the basis for the whole movie. But you are correct... it's usually not the correct play


P.S. I didn't think there was ANY place left that would let you double a natural.

[ycming]

Indeed it is a good film interms of the technical side of counting, It gives a much better explanation than 21.

But 21 did offer the whole package as is a dream job for all uni students

Ming

[Deathclutch]

Very cool movie, although I never understood why the nervous guy was the BP if all he couldn't count in front of people. Wouldn't it have made more sense for him to be a back counter?

[Slick]

^yeah that was kind of odd. I did like the movie, and the main chick is hot!