Who'se a Ploppy?

[CaseyCat]

Been reading for a while and figure out most termonology, but one has me stumped.

Does ploppy apply to anyone not using AP or just someone who plays stupid (no semblance of BS) and gets ticked off if an AP makes plays they find strange and claim they "ruined" their play. IOW: is even a casual player who uses decent BS a ploppy?

[Automatic Monkey]

Originally Posted by CaseyCat

Been reading for a while and figure out most termonology, but one has me stumped.

Does ploppy apply to anyone not using AP or just someone who plays stupid (no semblance of BS) and gets ticked off if an AP makes plays they find strange and claim they "ruined" their play. IOW: is even a casual player who uses decent BS a ploppy?

It usually refers to any unskilled player. A BS player with decent rules is playing at break-even or maybe even a small profit with comps, and that's a skill, so he is not considered a ploppy.

[shadroch]

I guess different folks define the world differently,but to me a ploppy is someone who either has no clue how to play-ie never heard of bs,or who plays by instinct,or someone who believes they have invented the perfect system,and isn't interested in learning any better.

[SecurityRisk]

The term "ploppy" was coined by author Frank Scoblete. This is his what he says:

"To set the record straight, a ploppy is a moron with an attitude. A ploppy is a fool. A ploppy usually looks like what he or she usually is -- something even a cat would think twice about dragging in. Ploppys come in all shapes and sizes (often quite strange actually) and, while most of them have low IQ's, some could be bright in a technical way. I have met ploppy doctors, ploppy lawyers, ploppy teachers, ploppy politicians, ploppy book reviewers. But generally speaking, the ploppy population is at the lower end of the bell curve of intelligence, often at the lower end of this same curve in manners, comportment, fashion, and hygiene. Ploppys usually travel alone but when they travel in mated pairs they are a sight to behold and a scent to smell. No one reading this book is a ploppy because by definition, ploppys don't read books about blackjack. They have their own strategies."

[CaseyCat]

Thanks, guys. Glad to hear you aren't thinking of me that way if we happen to cross paths.

I NEVER question strange plays because i figure maybe they're counting. Wish I could tell for sure ... maybe follopwing their lead would improve my play!

I hardly have time to use BS and total my and the dealer's hand, much less be concerned with other players much less keep a count and . Maybe someday, but great advice here anyway.

[bj bob]

Although the term "ploppy" may have many variant definitions. I beleive that most will agree on the following characteristics they exibit:
1) They have little or no knowledge of Basic Strategy.
2) They make their playing decisions on "hunches"
3) They all entertain their their own superstitions. e.g. Dealer always has TEN under, no two face cards will appear back to back, always insure TWENTY, third base must always pass the dealer her "bust" card, and anyone entering a table in mid-deck / shoe will disrupt the "flow" of the cards.
4)The most obvious mark of a ploppy is their random betting patterns, depending on how "hot" the deck is, and conversely, some have figured out the "Golden" betting sequence that never fails.

[captheathmalc]

Hmmm...Good question.

I think that the term came from the french slang:"Plopp" Which means: Bad School. They are called ploppies. This is the only use of the word that I am aware of outside of BJ terminology.

And according to some, I am a BJ "Ploppy".


I think though...within the forum, the term is used rather loosely. I have seen people refered to as ploppy, because their view is not the same as the poster being replied to.

I have been in many casinos, and have quite a few friends who are also regulars....yet this is the first time I ran into this particular term. If, in-fact it does have a legitimate place within the BJ community, then I would assume that it is meant for those who either have no knowledge of BS, or refuse to use it.

Personally, I don't like the term, as it seems more derogatory than anything else, and in my opinion, has no place in an enviroment where you are doing one of two things: 1) Vacationing/out to have a good time,IE:winning doesn't matter; or 2) Your sole purpose is to win money.

[21forme]

A couple of weeks ago, I was playing. A woman sitting next to me had 2 fives. The dealer had a 7 showing. She SPLIT the fives. The dealer confirmed that she wanted to split and not double (and someone got up and left the table after that one.)

THAT's a ploppy.

[LeonShuffle]

Originally Posted by 21forme

A couple of weeks ago, I was playing. A woman sitting next to me had 2 fives. The dealer had a 7 showing. She SPLIT the fives. The confirmed that she wanted to split and not double (and someone got up and left the table after that one.)

THAT's a ploppy.

And the person who got up and left was most likely a ploppy him/herself.

[bluewhale]

Originally Posted by CaseyCat

I NEVER question strange plays because i figure maybe they're counting. Wish I could tell for sure ... maybe follopwing their lead would improve my play!

this brings up an interesting point. i used to think that anoyne in the casino might be counting too, and that i shld never think to my self "that guys a moron for not splitting those 99's" he might know BS deviations or something.

now i have realized that you can judge peoples play in the casino. a true AP would never make complete bonehead moves like the lady who split those 5's. on the other hand, don't immediately think "dumbass" when someone hits a 12 vs a 4 or something, moves like this are so break even, that it either way doesn't make a whole lot of difference.

Not to mention, chances are a good AP, who knows deviations, probably isn't playing the 5 dollar tables

so now as i walk around, i'm constantly thinking... geez, why don't these ppl just give ME their money.