Stupid Sister's Boyfriend and Paranoia

[excbj]

First post guys. 'Glad to be here.

So I was playing blackjack with basic strategy and counting with Hi-Lo on a $5 table betting a 1-5 spread. First, let me say that I've been at this casino for 3 months before learning to count, so during these months I've just been playing with basic strategy. Anyways, when the count became around +20 close to the shuffle, I increased my bet and won. (This post has nothing to do with counting/betting strategy. But FYI, I made a few cover bets before this increase).

Immediately after the win, my sister's dumb boyfriend (seeing the win) asks me: "DID YOU COUNT THE CARDS?" I said nothing, rolled my eyes, and told the dealer to color me up 'cause "I'm done for today." I walked around pissed. Ugghhh, I so friggin wish I didn't tell him I was card counting.

I'm sure alot of people heard it, including the dealer, but not sure if the pit bosses heard it. But it wasn't a scene, and it actually felt like the statement was ignored by everyone despite hearing it. It ended up with nothing happening. I went home with exactly $100.

But NOW I'm paranoid. I went there a day after and sat at one table, and it seemed like the pit bosses were whispering about me to each other when I was playing. I felt the strength of a pit boss' eyes watching my bets and seeing that I'm the only one betting 4 units when everyone else is betting 1. I quit at $75 'cause I was scared. I asked the same pit boss for a complimentary pass to the restaurant. I was afraid he'd mention the counting, but he gave me the comp without question instead.

Let me add that during this day's play, the dealer (who I was familiar with) asked me if I won the other day (the incident-day). I swear he wasn't a dealer for me that day... Hmm. How did he know I played that day? I didn't even see him. Maybe the bosses told him about me? In addition, one of the bosses told him something before he was to shuffle--something that maybe had to do with me. The dealer smiled and replied, "I know."

POS sister's boyfriend. Am I just paranoid or what? Or should I even be worried? You think I'm attracting heat already? Comments? Suggestions?

 

[jack.jackson]

First post guys. 'Glad to be here.

So I was playing blackjack with basic strategy and counting with Hi-Lo on a $5 table betting a 1-5 spread. First, let me say that I've been at this casino for 3 months before learning to count, so during these months I've just been playing with basic strategy. Anyways, when the count became around +20 close to the shuffle, I increased my bet and won. (This post has nothing to do with counting/betting strategy. But FYI, I made a few cover bets before this increase).

Immediately after the win, my sister's dumb boyfriend (seeing the win) asks me: "DID YOU COUNT THE CARDS?" I said nothing, rolled my eyes, and told the dealer to color me up 'cause "I'm done for today." I walked around pissed. Ugghhh, I so friggin wish I didn't tell him I was card counting.

I'm sure alot of people heard it, including the dealer, but not sure if the pit bosses heard it. But it wasn't a scene, and it actually felt like the statement was ignored by everyone despite hearing it. It ended up with nothing happening. I went home with exactly $100.

But NOW I'm paranoid. I went there a day after and sat at one table, and it seemed like the pit bosses were whispering about me to each other when I was playing. I felt the strength of a pit boss' eyes watching my bets and seeing that I'm the only one betting 4 units when everyone else is betting 1. I quit at $75 'cause I was scared. I asked the same pit boss for a complimentary pass to the restaurant. I was afraid he'd mention the counting, but he gave me the comp without question instead.

Let me add that during this day's play, the dealer (who I was familiar with) asked me if I won the other day (the incident-day). I swear he wasn't a dealer for me that day... Hmm. How did he know I played that day? I didn't even see him. Maybe the bosses told him about me? In addition, one of the bosses told him something before he was to shuffle--something that maybe had to do with me. The dealer smiled and replied, "I know."

POS sister's boyfriend. Am I just paranoid or what? Or should I even be worried? You think I'm attracting heat already? Comments? Suggestions?

Did you notice if the dealer was cutting off more cards than usual. If yes, this is usually an indication they're on to you. Even though they may not care. Especially that low of stakes.

But like cops, sometimes they'll pull you over just because they nothing better to do. Play by it ear and see what happens.:cat:

 

[+EV]

First post guys. 'Glad to be here.

So I was playing blackjack with basic strategy and counting with Hi-Lo on a $5 table betting a 1-5 spread. First, let me say that I've been at this casino for 3 months before learning to count, so during these months I've just been playing with basic strategy. Anyways, when the count became around +20 close to the shuffle, I increased my bet and won. (This post has nothing to do with counting/betting strategy. But FYI, I made a few cover bets before this increase).

Immediately after the win, my sister's dumb boyfriend (seeing the win) asks me: "DID YOU COUNT THE CARDS?" I said nothing, rolled my eyes, and told the dealer to color me up 'cause "I'm done for today." I walked around pissed. Ugghhh, I so friggin wish I didn't tell him I was card counting.

I'm sure alot of people heard it, including the dealer, but not sure if the pit bosses heard it. But it wasn't a scene, and it actually felt like the statement was ignored by everyone despite hearing it. It ended up with nothing happening. I went home with exactly $100.

But NOW I'm paranoid. I went there a day after and sat at one table, and it seemed like the pit bosses were whispering about me to each other when I was playing. I felt the strength of a pit boss' eyes watching my bets and seeing that I'm the only one betting 4 units when everyone else is betting 1. I quit at $75 'cause I was scared. I asked the same pit boss for a complimentary pass to the restaurant. I was afraid he'd mention the counting, but he gave me the comp without question instead.

Let me add that during this day's play, the dealer (who I was familiar with) asked me if I won the other day (the incident-day). I swear he wasn't a dealer for me that day... Hmm. How did he know I played that day? I didn't even see him. Maybe the bosses told him about me? In addition, one of the bosses told him something before he was to shuffle--something that maybe had to do with me. The dealer smiled and replied, "I know."

POS sister's boyfriend. Am I just paranoid or what? Or should I even be worried? You think I'm attracting heat already? Comments? Suggestions?

Its a good lesson for you as well. Do you see why?
+EV

PS. Kick your sister's boyfriend in the nuts if not for yourself then for me.

 

[Sonny]

Immediately after the win, my sister's dumb boyfriend (seeing the win) asks me: "DID YOU COUNT THE CARDS?"

I’ve been asked that question numerous times at the tables by other players, dealers and even pit bosses. They can often tell the answer by how you react to the question. If you get nervous and leave the casino then you have failed the test and they will know. Being able to answer questions like this in a way that makes you sound like an idiot is a very important part of your act. Here are a few suggestions:

“Nah, that card counting stuff doesn’t work. I invented my own betting strategy that wins 90% of the time.”

“Card counting?! Heck no, I’m not a cheater!”

“What? This is a six-deck game. Nobody can count six decks.”

As far as playing there again, maybe wait a month or two. They probably won’t remember you. And even if they do you’ll have a good act ready for them (right?). For the most part, playing red chips usually doesn’t require any camouflage unless you’re in a real burn joint.

-Sonny-

 

[shadroch]

Did you count the cards?
Not really,but I'm pretty sure there are 52 in the deck. Why? Do you think the dealer isn't honest?

 

[+EV]

Did you count the cards?
Not really,but I'm pretty sure there are 52 in the deck. Why? Do you think the dealer isn't honest?

"What do I look like Rainman or something? That stuff is for math geniuses."

+EV

 

[ihate17]

Probably paranoia, but you made it worse

Most new counters become paranoid immediately. A small spread at low limit, will generally bring you no heat unless you are playing in a known sweatshop.

As others said, your reaction to your sister's dumb boyfriend is the only serious thing here. Getting pissed at him and walking away is a definate tell if anyone at the casino cares.

Have one of the earlier mentioned comments ready or just ask if that is really legal or admit it and say, yup, I count, there are 13 cards on the table. Or actually, I pray a lot more than count at the table. The whole thing is to take it in stride.

I can recall a dealer who after a half hour of my hitting my 12's vs her 2 or 3, asked me if I was counting when I put two max bets out and got 12 on both hands and stayed vs her 2 in a +8 count. When she busted, she commented that I really played that hand different, almost like I was a counter. Just told her that with no 10's on the board, I was afraid of busting those big bets, so I just stayed and prayed. So when I had a big bet out shortly after and got a 15 vs 10 and stayed (and she busted) she probably thought it was the same fear of busting my big bet. Fear of busting a big bet and the indices for stiffs on high counts run in the same direction.

Same goes for insuring your blackjack (even money). I am going to gamble that the dealer does not have it on that low bet, but when I have a really big bet out there (high count), I tell the dealer that with that size bet, I want to get paid.

There is a ploppy reason that can be given for nearly everything a counter does.

Telling others that you count: There is a built in problem with sharing this information, as you just found out. Some people are so dumb that they will just blurt it out, as your sister's boyfriend did. She should probably dump him, based on IQ if nothing else. Other people will think you are covering up a gambling problem by saying this. Still others will just thing you are full of it. There is little gain for you in sharing this information with others, and sometimes (in the workplace) there could be much to lose. The trouble here is that most people, if they become really good at something, have a need to share or brag about it to others. So do that here.

ihate17

 

[excbj]

Friggin POS sister's boyfriend. This is a lesson to me, and let this all be a lesson to you!: Read up about counting AND your act!

I failed the test. But to make it clear, I didn't get pissed off nor vent at the table. Most of that was done during my walk around the casino. I didn't even look at my sis' boyfriend. I played it cool and just told the dealer that I was done for today.

BUT I wish I replied better with the suggestions above. Next time BS like that happens again, I'll say something like "It's all about basic strategy. You gotta hit 16s vs 10s" (and point to someone who didn't hit when they were supposed to--to divert attention away from me), etc etc.

I don't think I'll be going there for about maybe a month or so or maybe just every other-other-other day. Even after doing this, I still think they'll remember me, 'cause I used to go there almost every day! Not sure if not going there for a while will help.

And yes, I admit, I felt the need to brag!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So I had to tell someone! Learned my lesson like a little bitch. Thanks gurus.

 

[excbj]

I can recall a dealer who after a half hour of my hitting my 12's vs her 2 or 3, asked me if I was counting when I put two max bets out and got 12 on both hands and stayed vs her 2 in a +8 count. When she busted, she commented that I really played that hand different, almost like I was a counter. Just told her that with no 10's on the board, I was afraid of busting those big bets, so I just stayed and prayed. So when I had a big bet out shortly after and got a 15 vs 10 and stayed (and she busted) she probably thought it was the same fear of busting my big bet. Fear of busting a big bet and the indices for stiffs on high counts run in the same direction.

What if there were no 10's laying around? I'm guessing you would've just said that you were scared to hit and bust your big bet. I genuinely feel that this wouldn't be a good enough excuse, assuming you were playing basic strategy the whole time. What do you think?

Whatever acts you have to fool the pit bosses won't fool the cameras. All the people behind the cameras have to do is look at your betting scheme and the count to determine that you're an AP. Comments?