tthree, how can the casino even suspect ST if I leave the bets up after the hand? Am I so good at ST that I can predict the shuffle ahead of time?
Jason, while I respect your opinion as always, you aren't even acknowledging my points. First, let me respond to yours: yes, leaving is ideal, and i do it a lot... tougher for someone not in Vegas, but still a good idea and one I do a lot. Second, your math is WAY exaggerated. After excluding the times I leave, I may run into the situation of having 2X8 up at the end of the shoe, and winning, once or twice in an 8 hour day. So the cost is lower, and as i stated, is offset by 1) greatly improved betting ramp (I realize you play strictly to the count, but would you go from $25 >> $200 in one hand? - maybe so, but i think most counters ramp up somewhat slowly) and 2) bet spreads possible well beyond your normal one.
I realize it's "anecdotal" evidence, but I have had MONSTER shoes using this because the TC spikes to 2 after three hands (W,L,W lets say), and I now have the potential to get 30 or 40 max bets out with 0 (or little spreading) from my off the top bet, but 16 - 32 from my typical minimum. Throw in the extra benefit of comps, and I'd be willing to bet you the strategy is break even or profitable, while providing cover.
After all, it must be smart if Ian Anderson used it!