Backcounting without suspicion

[fsscout]

I live in Vegas and just started to get back into the game. I avoid the strip and frequent the larger local casinos. Unfortunately during the day and even at night most of these casinos may have only 2 or 3 acceptable games and at night it is often hard to find a seat at any table. How can you backcount without arousing suspicions? Hard to blend into the crowd if there isn’t one. My brother did this and got banned even as a very low stakes player, but I guess he is a bad example since everything he does looks sneaky and unnatural.

How can you constantly wong out when the TC gets to –2 again without arousing suspicions? This can represent a fairly high percentage of hands I do take bathroom breaks and answer phony cell phone calls but I don’t think this is something that can be done continuously. Is there a rule of thumb when to wong out.

Do I need to check out the strip or downtown instead. Hate putting up with the traffic but if I have to I have to.

 

[kewljason]

You have just stated the catch 22 of the "local" off strip casinos. They offer better rules with a lower house edge, and less crowds but offer very limited play opportunities because they only have one pit, and usually only a couple tables. Playing for anything more than red stakes can also be a problem.

If you are a local, try to find some time during the week to play the strip and/or downtown. Especially midweek during the day. You will have much more opportunities and the crowds are bearable.

 

[fsscout]

You have just stated the catch 22 of the "local" off strip casinos. They offer better rules with a lower house edge, and less crowds but offer very limited play opportunities because they only have one pit, and usually only a couple tables. Playing for anything more than red stakes can also be a problem.

If you are a local, try to find some time during the week to play the strip and/or downtown. Especially midweek during the day. You will have much more opportunities and the crowds are bearable.

Right now I don't have a problem playing red. Need to get up to speed first. Any ideas on wonging out more often at the local casinos. A few have some good DD games with good penetration.

 

[forwhat77]

If you are red chipping, I find that they don't bother too much.. I get away wonging aggressively even at the downtown joints. Also just don't over stay your welcome. Find you a few joints within short distance and bounce around a bit.

 

[forwhat77]

Do you by any chance smoke? I use this as a cover to back count non smoker tables...

 

[fsscout]

Do you by any chance smoke? I use this as a cover to back count non smoker tables...

Good points

I think I'll check dowmtown out. According to Blackjack News looks like a few places may have some decent DD games. Forgot about the smoking thing. Don't want to blow smoke in anybody's face.

 

[Blue Efficacy]

If you are worried about getting caught backcounting, you might consider a different approach. Start at the beginning of the shoe, and if the count goes bad, leave. You will still be much better off than a "play all" approach.