Hostile Ploppies!!

What is it with people who play at my local store! I'll casually backcount a table and when it gets to +1 I'll hop in. I usually have my chips ready so I don't have to be a nuisance buying in with cash. Obviously, ploppies don't like people coming in in the middle of the shoe. Sometimes they just grumble and keep playing. But lately I've been getting more trouble than that! Yesterday, I started to come in to a shoe and the guy who was sitting there said "Can you please not come in now?" And I said something like I'm feeling lucky let me get in on some of this action. Then he began to raise his voice demanding that I sit out! I ignored him and placed my bet. He slammed the table, then got up and threw the chair back at the table! I just laughed as he was walking away. Then later, I was playing one hand with three other players at the table when the count started to rise. I was on first base, and there was a woman sitting directly to the left of me, and an empty spot to her left, followed by the other two players. I lost a hand, and then said something about changing up the flow and I asked the woman if I could play to hands. She said no. So i reached over her and placed my wager to the left of her seat. The dealer then told me that I can't space my hands out like that, and because of her I could only play one hand! How annoying. So I played one hand, and the dealer happened to get blackjack. I then yelled at the woman, "See what happens when you don't let me play two hands!!". She seemed afraid. Although it offers a great game, this store is in a ghetto area and is very cut throat!

For the nth time, do not make an effort to provoke these people! Laughing at people, yelling, doing anything but getting your bet down and playing your game may have a place, but should be used sparingly and judiciously. When you meet a hostile ploppy at a casino you don't know who this person is or what he is capable of. Finding out will only be -EV. There are always gamblers around in a state of utter desperation, self-medicating with alcohol too and looking for anyone but themselves to blame their plight on. Don't let it be you.

Arguments, fights, hassles with security, any distractions or excursions from your game plan decrease your hands per hour and cheat you of your EV. If it's worth it to Wong in, it's worth it to avoid any kind of interaction that will slow you down.

Mh1

I think you have alot to learn and may need an attitude adjustment from the tone of your post.

Wonging in can bring big trouble, from players and pit,,,so be ready for the potential consequences.

Remember, that walk to your car in the dark, or light,, in a rough neighborhood, can lead to a confrontation you may not want.

My advice, be kind and cordial and non-combative,,,,only unsheath the claws if you are threatened first, and for no good cause.

Show respect, get respect,,,avoid those who are on the edge of losing it.

CP

X2!

Wonging IN is tough. I don't much care for it. When I do, you have to profile the other players and decide for yourself if its safe. I avoid trouble at all cost. Better off to start with a new shoe and then wong OUT when the count tanks.

Good advice guys! Unfortuanetly, I don't have the bankroll to sustain the added variance of coming in at the start of a shoe, and leaving if the count tanks. If you do Wong-in, and a player is very adament against you coming in, do you still play?

If it concerns you, just ask. "Do you mind if I jump in?" Most times nobody cares. When someone does object, then use your own judgment. If you do decide not to get in at that point, stick around. As soon as they lose a hand they will often then invite you in.

Better wait, then when dealer won a hand and say "Let me join and change the luck."

Yes excellent point by shoofly and genius, just a little patience goes a long way As an AP, don't be greedy as others have mentioned.

If you get the negative response you could say I normally would have no problem waiting but I am meeting my wife in 10 minutes (or some other time sensitive excuse) and can't wait long . How about I join after the next hand. If it is another AP not wanting to get in fewer hands he probably doesn't want to much unnecessary attention. These types of situations you probe mildly and go with the flow using tact to try to get a favorable result. If you size up the objector as no threat to you feel free to ignore his desires but looks can be deceiving. No need to get hurt over a good count. I am pretty good at sizing people up and feel confident trusting my reads. The crazies should not be toyed with. You don't know what will set them off.

I had a guy who doubled down on some of his stiffs who was kind of negative toward me for using surrender, so naturally I said "when I get balls enough to double down on stiff hands, that's when I'll know i'm man enough to stop using surrender".

Yes. Never let a civilian influence what you do.

The only time they get hostile is if you try joining when they're in the middle of a winning streak. That means for the vast majority of the time, it'll be ok for you to jump in.

Exactly,a rising count it's usually a good indicator that they are losing anyway

Not long ago, I was back counting a table and 3 or 4 rounds of low cards came out. All the ploppies left in disgust. It was perfect!

Ain't life grand?

This is one of the better things which seem to happen to me frequently: at a crowded table with mostly garbage counts, the entire ploppulation leaves of a sudden. I mean "entire": everyone else just leaves as the count heads to the heavens.

I have to squint to keep my eyes from widening with surprise and delight.

Friendo

"Ploppulation" !! :laugh: