Blackjack counting cards question?

Question

When im at the casino i use the Hi lo method, the most commone one. I never look suspicous with the counting part but i think i might when i bet because i always draw attention of casino assistant managers and employees so i have to bet differently. I need some tips on how to bet and do this without getting caught! Like when to bet and and any tips will be appreciated.

Answer 1

How big is your spread bet? Are you suddenly jumping from your small to big?

You need to make it less obvious by slowly increasing your bets.

I was more successful with my big bets by pretending to run a martingale system, which allows for quite large increases in bet sizes. Depending on the way the count was heading, i'd run a reverse or traditional martingale.

The other thing is, if the pit boss is definitely keeping an eye on you... start making affordable mistakes at your small bet size. That is, make basic strategy mistakes. Usually this is enough to make you look like a novice.

Answer 2

(1) Remember they are professionals and you can not always fool them.

(2) Don't bet too high. Raising a bet from $10 to $50 will draw less attention than raising a bet from $100 to $500.

(3) Don't play too long at one table, at one pit or at one casino.

(4) Don't always make optimal plays. I sometimes like to increase my bet on the first hand of the shoe to make it look as if my variations are not due to the card count.

(5) Don't panic about getting caught. I have been caught several times and have never been banned or threatened.

Answer 3

First off, never overestimate the knowledge of pit bosses when it comes to card counting.  While most of them know about it, few of them are actually able to identify a skilled counter.  Most of the player evaluation is done by surveillance (the eye).

If you are the biggest bettor in the place, you will get attention by default.  If everyone else in the place is betting $5 and you are going $50-$300, you will be watched.  At least for awhile.

It isn't a bad idea to make a "more than minimum" bet right off the top of the shoe.  Although you are bucking the odds, it often fools the bosses into thinking you are just another player.

You might want to learn a more complex count system (hi-opt 2, Uston APC, whatever you can handle).  Or, at least learn some of the critical index plays (illustrious 18).  When they see you splitting tens, even some knowledgable casino employees will shrug you off as a sucker.  After all...everyone knows you never split tens (or do you)??

If you see a pit boss paying attention to your play, then going to the phone, then avoiding your table...look out.  There is a good chance they called the eye to watch you.  Sneaky, aren't they?

Keep an eye on the cut card placement.  If they start cutting off more cards than usual, they might be on to you.

And don't be too scared of getting caught.  Card counting is absolutely legal in the U.S.  Worst thing that can happen is you get barred from the property.  Unless there is only one casino in your area, that isn't such a big deal.  

Of course they will take your picture (whether you realize it or not) and possibly pass it onto other casinos, but many casinos don't share information, especially with the competition.

I'm not suggesting you try to get caught, but if you make too many bad plays you will give up your edge.  

And that ruins all of the fun!!

Answer 4

I've been playing blackjack in casinos for seven years and have won thousands of dollars just using common sense and perfect play strategy. In my own personal opinion counting cards is a waste of time. Even if you have a count way in your favor, there's no guarantee the dealer won't get a blackjack and beat your hard twenty, causing you to lose an increased bet. The best way to beat the house playing blackjack is by playing smart. I've noticed wins and losses come in streaks. As long as you're losing only bet the bear minimum. 95% of the time you're playing you'll be UP three or more chips. Keep your goal small and GET UP when you reach it and go to another table. 3 red chips is $15 dollars. Do this once an hour. How many people do YOU know make $15 an hour. If you can afford to play with greens, that's $75 an hour. When most people think of professional gambling they think millionaire. You can make a decent living sticking to this method. It won't make you rich, but you can pay the bills. Sorry I got away from your card counting question.