Paranoia 101: A Professional Gambler's Guide to Casino Heat
By 98%
© 2003 Blackjack Forum
(From Blackjack Forum, Vol. XXII #3, Fall 2003)
Friends of mine who are not among the professional gamblers community often tell me that I am needlessly paranoid. Some blackjack players have even told me the same, sometimes going as far as laughing at my refusal to walk into a casino in their presence. Perhaps they are right to make light of my paranoia, but I think they are wrong. In fact, I often wonder if I am paranoid enough about casino heat to make it in this business for long.
When I walk into a casino under the guise of a gambler who is relaxed and comfortable in his environment, I am on high alert, looking for any signs of trouble. Awareness is one of the most valuable weapons in any advantage player's arsenal and it should be honed to a preternatural level by anyone who intends to become serious in his casino exploits. Many of the ideas in this article have been discussed previously in the vast body of blackjack literature, but, in light of seeing many players in action in the casinos failing miserably to remain aware of their surroundings, instead becoming lost in their own worlds, I was inspired to reiterate some of these ideas and, in some cases, delve into them a little more deeply.
The Casino
Many threats await an advantage player in the casinos, the most widely-discussed of which is casino heat. Heat is unavoidable once a player reaches a certain level of play, but its repercussions can be minimized by the aware player. The first sign, especially when playing in a place where you should not be known or where you should be well-liked, is any sign of unfriendly recognition on the part of the security guards right when you walk in the door. Unless you have had interactions in the past with a guard that would warrant her remembering you, you should see no hint of recognition of you on her part. If you do, then that is a good sign that you could be in for some trouble if you elect to pursue your financial gain in this establishment. Recognition by a guard is only one potential threat here, as there is always the chance the eye has already picked you up from the moment you hit the property. If one or more guards begin to follow you or start speaking into their headsets when you walk by, it is time to make for the door, because you are far too hot in this particular establishment to try and make any money. The wise decision is to leave and find a more welcoming house and give it some time before attempting to return.
...continued - http://blackjackforumonline.com/content/paranoia.html
By 98%
© 2003 Blackjack Forum
(From Blackjack Forum, Vol. XXII #3, Fall 2003)
Friends of mine who are not among the professional gamblers community often tell me that I am needlessly paranoid. Some blackjack players have even told me the same, sometimes going as far as laughing at my refusal to walk into a casino in their presence. Perhaps they are right to make light of my paranoia, but I think they are wrong. In fact, I often wonder if I am paranoid enough about casino heat to make it in this business for long.
When I walk into a casino under the guise of a gambler who is relaxed and comfortable in his environment, I am on high alert, looking for any signs of trouble. Awareness is one of the most valuable weapons in any advantage player's arsenal and it should be honed to a preternatural level by anyone who intends to become serious in his casino exploits. Many of the ideas in this article have been discussed previously in the vast body of blackjack literature, but, in light of seeing many players in action in the casinos failing miserably to remain aware of their surroundings, instead becoming lost in their own worlds, I was inspired to reiterate some of these ideas and, in some cases, delve into them a little more deeply.
The Casino
Many threats await an advantage player in the casinos, the most widely-discussed of which is casino heat. Heat is unavoidable once a player reaches a certain level of play, but its repercussions can be minimized by the aware player. The first sign, especially when playing in a place where you should not be known or where you should be well-liked, is any sign of unfriendly recognition on the part of the security guards right when you walk in the door. Unless you have had interactions in the past with a guard that would warrant her remembering you, you should see no hint of recognition of you on her part. If you do, then that is a good sign that you could be in for some trouble if you elect to pursue your financial gain in this establishment. Recognition by a guard is only one potential threat here, as there is always the chance the eye has already picked you up from the moment you hit the property. If one or more guards begin to follow you or start speaking into their headsets when you walk by, it is time to make for the door, because you are far too hot in this particular establishment to try and make any money. The wise decision is to leave and find a more welcoming house and give it some time before attempting to return.
...continued - http://blackjackforumonline.com/content/paranoia.html
