It’s not the same hand getting paid. The blackjack was betting pinking chips but then cuts to a bet with black chips winning the same amount of black chips
I ran into an emotional player a few months ago and coincidentally my second ever card counting trip. My wife and I were both doing great up almost $1000 each over a few hours. I split 10s against a 5 and this guy proceeded to lose his mind. Screaming at me and the dealer accusing us of collusion asking to fight me etc. Lol needless to say security comes over hits him with the trespass. The casino was so apologetic the comped us our room and meals for that trip and a future one. We finished out the shoe and made our way to the room. For the rest of the night all we could do was laugh at what we'd witnessed. Sidenote: I forgot to mention those 10s split into 20 and 18, resplit the 20 to a 19 and 17. Dealer flipped a king and drew a 7 to bust.
That's awesome 😂 it also probably distracted them from your counting and they probably comped you fat because they thought you were a ploppy with the splitting 10s maneuvers. Double win!
You'd think the player would at least have enough common courtesy to calm down after the dealer busts. In my experience, when I split tens, I get a huge reaction from the players (smaller from the dealer, here we go again). Some say I'm crazy. Others discourage me. Often they wish me good luck cuz I have my big bets out. It is easier to criticize a small better who splits 10's than a big better. I guess some players just don't want some little guy playing $5 a hand influencing their own $100 bet.
Today I got barred from playing in valley forge before I every sat down. Then I went to another casino and then got barred at live! Casino later that night. Maybe I need better cover play, maybe PA is just strict against APs
Glass dividers make max seats 3/4, less players = more hands per hour, almost always an open spot to spread to two hands with. Inexperienced dealers, make sure your payouts are good but misdeals where the pit comes and let's you take your bet back if you want on a hand are heavily in a players advantage. Edit: Less players only makes a difference not heads up, getting comfortable with heads up is a must as a counter. Anytime I'm not playing heads up I feel like the game is going so slow.
@@infairverona7792 Did Phoenix/Tucson and San Diego areas the last two weeks. Had to go between 3-4 casinos each area but found a great game with amazing pen that I grinded in both areas.
@@krazyk500 I'm struggling to find a balance between playing heads up with high risk and backcounting people. Also, there's no glass dividers in the casinos near me.
I used to work Surveillace and got a few card counters backed off from hard rock ! Let me tell you guys just stand up and leave and do not give them any form of ID.... now I quit and I am counting at casinos !
@@rylan3276 possibly if you played in CA hard rock, I hated backing people off but had to cause of my job and the advantage players made it to obvious so I had no choice
@@shaggie- so coming from first hand experience with this sort of thing. You’re the perfect person to talk to lol. What would be some good tips for an AP to not make themselves so obvious?
@@kurtalurt91 if you watch the channel his tips are great but one thing I noticed with a lot of newer APs was learn to mask your play to not make it to obvious
I recently went back to the casino after winning thinking I had perfect strategy and I’d try a little counting to help my odds. Not only was the counting portion mentally draining for me because I’m new to it but after playing some hands at home I realized my basic strategy is a little off as well. More importantly it’s not second nature to me so back to the basics for me!
@russellg you are correct. 1st, basic strategy. 2nd, learn deviations., then bet spreads.. and then of utmost importance... BANKROLL & bankroll management. We will always have streaks. That includes winning AND losing. Good luck to you sir! 😎🐊
Great video like always! Every time I see a new video come out here or on BJA that always makes my day! Keep up the great work can’t wait till the next.
I've gotten better over time with emotions (or lack of). I'll sometimes feign elation or disgust when playing. But I find it helpful to get away from the game for awhile if on a prolonged downward slide...when the feigned disgust starts to feel a bit more real. So it helps....not that it changes your EV in future sessions - but it helps keep the emotions in check
I think showing some emotion at the table might provide a little cover. If you get (or appear to get) excited when you win and angry when you lose, you look more like a gambler and less like an advantage player. I generally don't really have to fake it. And I always act frustrated when I reduce my bet (properly according to the count) and get dealt a blackjack with a small bet. Of course, you do not want to let your emotion overrule your judgement.
To your last point, I believe it was James Grosjean who said that new players complain about how unlucky they are without considering that it might be their own fault. I gotta keep working on my mentality, because I know that I could easily turn into one of those guys too. Thanks for the video 👍
Many years ago, I took a card counting course that taught HiOpt. Ken Uston was our commencement speaker. In those days, there were $1, single-deck games all over Vegas. I slowly built my bankroll and now play the $25 double-deck games. I have had some interesting adventures, and met some really great people. It has been a fun, well-paying hobby. . Everything I learned agrees with your videos. Your explanations are accurate and easy to understand. I also enjoy Steven Bridges' videos and have had similar experiences, but at my relatively low stakes levels. May all your 12s be hit with 9s.
I don’t want to be that unprepared guy. I’ve played while counting before, I learned hi-lo many years ago but never took it seriously until now. As you point out, live action is quite different than counting on a computer screen
Live action is way different, but a good tool I found that helps is to practice with friends, spouse, etc and try background noise. Music, bells, whatever will cause you to have to focus harder. It'll payoff huge in the long run.
@@vorsybl I always play blackjack at the casino when I go. Just a couple of times a year, but I am familiar with the environment, the distractions. I’d recommend anyone to sit through a few shoes at a $5 table, counting their butts off but betting mostly flat. That’s my plan anyway. I have not considered the adrenaline thing, it might be a help
One thing to add is the people that don't make it are the people that don't follow the rules/strategy. I was playing the other day and saw someone stay on a 14 v 10. He was claiming he played perfect basic strategy, but sometimes could feel when it was the right time to stay. I knew he wasn't counting because if he was, he would have known the count was at a true -3. Low and behold, he made several mistakes and rolled through his chips within an hour.
I'm just saying I'm going through pilot school right now and was looking to do this to make some money for pay schooling. I find it really funny on the analogy.
I freaking love the way you ordered your chips! I'm embarrassed to say how distracting it was to have one stack of red chips on one side and two on the other.
You make the best videos bro!....i think your song at the beginning of each video wakes up my inner warrior spirit! if you play it backwards i think it says...you will win!. ...i never get kicked out ...and i dont have a losing game... i want to say to embrace the game and love all the people. We all want money....everyone from dealer to player to casino owner...Success is up to each person individually, It is a privilege to enjoy and is not something to hurt people or places with....when there is heat, you gotta kool things down and except that you blowing your cover does not mean you get to stress out the management and help create an incident. Blackjack is awesome fun and profit....dont be so greedy! Have a good time. Practice all the time and warm up with practice before playing...just like any other pro would do. It is fun!
I love advantage play almost as much as blackjack, but I love poker even more. But it’s great to have hi lo to fall back on when I’m not playing holdem. And that’s important when you call yourself a professional gambler, but you’re only good at one game.
100% right. You left out one which is someone who prefers to follow their gut rather than the math! My friend wanted to play so we practiced and he kept saying things like "I know I'm supposed to hit on 16 vs 10 but my gut says not to." I said well you're not playing with my money then!!
Hello, Mr. Jones, or whomever may be on your social media team. I've really taken a knack to BlackJack primarily through binge-watching BJA videos and the mini course. I'm afraid it all may be for naught. As I was practicing a single-deck HiLo drill, it hit me -- I have a tattoo on the top of my hand. My question to you is, am I by default a Failed Card Counter?
No, having a visible tattoo isn't a deal breaker. It can always be covered if it became a problem, but you're going to be a long ways off from crossing that bridge.
Hey Colin, I always hear you say "If you're scared of getting backed off, card counting is not for you." I have been thinking about that, for me, I'm not really in it for the huge payout, I would rather just be able to stay in vegas for long periods of time, hanging out with my friends in rooms that paid for, food that is comped, etc. Do you think if you played with a strat avergaing out to ~50.5% (ex) you would be able to maintain that for a long time? I wonder how large of a bank roll you would need to support something like that for a year.
Here’s a couple questions for you Collin: 1) If one limited their wins to a certain amount per casino, could that keep you under the radar as far as a casino suspecting you of winning too much? 2) Do the winning odds change with the number of people at the table or do they remain about the same? 3) Does the players card plug you into some sort of casino data base where the casinos can track if you’re winning or losing? Thanks so much! Love your videos!
1. If you limit your winnings it could potentially keep you under the radar but you definitely don't want to leave until you've completed going through the high count of your shoe. A strategy is to visit multiple casinos and on rotation/different shifts. 2. The winning odds will only change very slightly during the actual round you put your bet out. You can further minimize variance by playing alone or with less people. 3. The card is given to the supervisors who will plug in your general wins and losses, based on when you buy in and color-up/cash out. Casinos can give you win/loss statements on what they have recorded of you if you use your card. There are also good strategies to manipulate this as well if you are able to remove chips during a time where they will not associate the wins with you and look as though you have won less or lost more than you did. Hope this is all a bit informative! Sincerely, Random Casino Enthusiast
Are you still doing bootcamps? And do you take students that have learned count systems other than Hi-Lo, or do you only teach Hi-Lo? I'm learning Hi-Lo after learning a level two count because even though I could count through a deck in less than 20 seconds and was doing good with simulators, I found it difficult to maintain accuracy when putting all the pieces together(count, perfect basic, true count division, bet spread, playing deviations, socializing at the table). I was just too slow with a level two count. But I can't help but feel like it's a regression and that maybe with more training time I could be faster.
I notice a good count subconsciously. but I don't know it off the top of my head sadly I'd love to actually learn like to the person that lost 100,000 dollars I turned $60 into 1,000
What I can tell as a newbee, that black jack is awesome, I am good at math that makes this game really almost orgasmic when you realize all the math involve
I requested to enroll in your mini course. I haven't received the confirmation email from BJA. Also, I sent an email asking when is the next bootcamp? How often are the bootcamps scheduled l? I'm still waiting for a reply.
Legit just watching Collin and playing with my friends my card counting has been getting better and better each time I play but still got some time before I hit the table. Btw love how you keep it real with some of these mfs🤣
Realistically, what is the minimum bankroll you can have to start approaching casinos with the expectation of making profit? (Given that you're counting cards and playing perfectly.)
Keeping your cool is important, I just came back from a trip in the PH and I was won about 2000 pesos. It could have been 4000 pesos if not for the fact that some drunk dude came in and started playing and messing up the game.
I have been watching your channel for a while now. I am a random 22 y/o kid that just likes picking up random skills and hates gambling. So when my friends want to go to a local casino to watch MMA fights. My love of the movie 21 lead me to here. Should I learn how to play blackjack right or just not play.
seeing this video AFTER seeing a blackjack session video where his invites played like donkeys , max bet first hand, then basic strategy errors( at least at the start of the session, because i didnt had the patience to watch more after i saw those egregious errors
I’ve been practicing and learning so I don’t take more than 300 with me, so I know it’s not enough bankroll but I just want to practice without losing money I’m stressing about🙏🏽
Okay so he talks about over/underbetting how do you know whether you are over/underbetting I heard different bet spreads 1-8 1-12 I havent played in casino yet but im interested in having low risk even if ev is 1$/hr so I was looking at 1-5 spread 1 unit 0and below 2units at true 1 so on anyone with input or free calculator would be great because im sure BJA is great but I kinda dont want to pay 100+$ for a course just for a calculator I have been playing for about 2 months practice fyi
I was definitely the first one haha. Did some practice and even though I was good at keeping track of running/true counts and knew perfect basic strategy and about 3/4 of deviations (which to me aren't nearly as crucial on a six deck shoe than double deck but whatevs), I didn't have the bankroll to yield any kind of EV.
Hey Colin, I’ve been using the websites feee training tools to practice BS and maintaining the running count. I’m able to easily play 100 hands of BS at a time with no errors (except hitting when I should surrender - as my casino does not offer it so I make the appropriate play for my situation) and can run through 6 decks keeping the count just about perfectly - know I still have some work there. Once I’ve aced the running count, I’m thinking of getting the actual paid tools to continue practicing. Any advice on what I could/should do before taking that next step? I’m admittedly rusty on deviations - only have ~4 committed to memory.
Colin if you don't live near a casino or it's 2-3 hours away is it still possible to count cards and make money in the long run? Most of my visits are 2-3 times per month for 7-8 hours at a time. Longer trips to Vegas maybe 2-3 days would be the only consistent stretch of play normally. My basic strategy is on point but I feel I would get distracted by waitresses and going to the bathroom etc. I have thought about finally diving into it and learning counting which is also the reason for my question. Thanks!
Poker players call allowing your emotions to impair your judgement "going on tilt". It is perhaps more of a risk in poker because poker strategy involves a lot more estimation and judgement than in blackjack, and it is very easy to fool yourself that you are making positive EV plays when you are not.
Colin thank you for for everything!! Two questions 13 vs 2 at -3 and lower should I just hit or double? And 2 A vs A double normally then just hit at true 1 and higher or A vs A hit normally then double at true 1 or higher?
You hit the 13 vs 2 unless the index (true edge) is >= 0. You'll probably get a 10 anyway since the odds are against you, and counting only shifts it by a percent or two LOL. 4Head
Another reason could be that you never really build up a decent enough bankroll to make enough profit. While it may be true that you don't need an enormous bankroll, but you still need something to where you have enough to make some profit. Makes me think of the book I Am A Card Counter by Frank Scoblete.He finds the individual named Paul who worked at the gamblers bookstore. Who was an incredible card counter, but could never put together enough of a bankroll to make it into a career. It didn't end happily for Paul. Pretty sad, really. And I'm sure there's a lot of people just like that, who just need more of a substantial bankroll but are finding it tough to build one up.
If these traits don’t make a card counter, then I have pretty good hopes for myself as a low-stakes player. I just think it would be cool to beat a casino at their own game
It takes a certain mentality to keep cool when your losing. If you can't accept things getting worse before they get better card counting is not for you. If you have an emotional attitude to 'your' money you've got a problem. I like how this guy says you've got to put in the hours. It's not a works all the time scheme.
Card counting requires logical and calculated thinking. Emotions are always the biggest thing that can get you carried away. Getting to much money to fast will set you off losing to many hands in a row sometimes rattles someone you trust your count then it doesn't matter. Counting I think was made more so for the person who wants calculated risk
I was in Vegas and playing with some guy who was definitely counting. He ended up enjoying a few too many of the “free drinks” and kept betting his max because he was on a losing streak. 🤦♂️
Wow, duck tales and the incredible hulk in one video, what more can we ask for🔥🔥💞🤣 Love your videos💞💞, unfortunately, the casinos around me use master shuffles, so I'm unable to test myself out live in the open, but hopefully one day though 🔪😊
I’m down about $30,000 at blackjack since October of last year. My life time win is still about 110k but at this point the game feels like a waste of time and energy. The profits are too thin for the work put in and there’s just better opportunities out there to bother with such a miserable career choice.
@@NoNo-ro9gx Honestly the bankroll required at those stakes you're probably better off learning advantage play for stock investments. (Invest in the index over the course of 10 years.) Just don't get jebaited by stock gambling and remain in markets that the government will bail if they fail so you can't lose (unless the country literally collapses but then who fucking cares).
if you go on a losing streak and lose a significant portion of your bankroll you might need to resize your bets to keep your risk low usually by decreasing your max bet
mine was other habits that took me away from the game I was always starting over but i didn't care i lived my life day to day or day by day I just don't care to be rich but on the next day I wake up I want to have a good day and blackjack was a big part of that but I also was a ticket scalper which there's good money in that too I never punched a clock if i didn't have to
I love your videos and I have a question. Years ago I was playing in Puerto Rico and I was at a BJ table where they were playing with a single deck. They shuffled after every round of completed table action. The other unusual thing at this place is the dealer only takes a face down hole card and after everyone completes their action, the dealer takes their second card face up (regardless of single deck or 6 etc they do this even still). Occasionally everyone at the table busts while the dealer still hasn’t shown an up card (when doing this with multiple deck, they expose their would be card if everyone busted). Granted, I haven’t seen this there in years with single deck. I would assume it’s very difficult to advantage play in this situation correct?
It doesn't matter (in terms of EV) whether the dealer takes a hole card or deals their second card after the players play their hands. What does matter, in a no hole card game, is what happens to doubles or splits if the dealer makes a blackjack. If you lose both bets in that situation, then you should not double or split against a dealer ace or ten, except that you should split aces against a ten, and the EV is of course worse than for a game with a hole card or a no hole card game where they take only the original bet when the dealer has a blackjack.
I've just got into card counting and have only played sims,, most of the time I cam break even which seems pretty good at first but if you mange to play right and bet right you can very easily win a lot of money idk how people think it doesn't work, yea you get unlucky it's a 1-2% better chance at a almost 50-50 not 90% lol I've been able to turn $100 into almost $1000 a couple times now (not real money) so hopefully I get good enough where I can do this in a real table. And if I can, anyone can just play smart and play what you can afford guys cus remember it's still a coin flip not a slot that will pay you out instantly.
Haven’t done the math myself, but I am wondering. Are there multiple strategies (bet spread) resulting in the same EV, but differing in risk? Or is there for every given EV only one strategy/risk value associated with it?
Hi, I have a question. What your opinion about online casinos? Are you card counting there too and if so is it not possible to run a program if you do it from home?
@Sven he has another video on this channel answering that exact question in the title. But short answer: not worth anyone’s time trying to count and horrible game conditions.
Hey! Instead of going over talking points most of the time, why don't you put out a video with a dealer, a few players and how you play; your favorite strategies in real sessions.
I'm the worst dealer for a counter to deal with Idk what it is but I always tend to get them to start emotionally bet, instead of being smart with it and all I'm doing is rooting them on or trying o be optimistic about the next hand and they'll get 20 and no matter what they do I will pull 21 out my ass and it just sets them off then they keep firing away on a sht shoe that's not going there way and IDK what it is with some of them they, it's like to need to beat me and will continue to play I try to offer a new shoe when counts are bad and they never want to. but IDK if you have a vid for that but it might be a good one to teach ppl to nvr get like that and know when to flat bet and not get emotional
I flat bet an play perfect Basic Strategy, an when the game turns my way, I take my $50 buck profit an go home. I’m retired an live about 15 minutes from the casino. They all know me there. Just having some fun an it get me Out Of the House.
so do you guys not believe in luck? I believe in the scientific method and the mathematics of it, but sometimes unforeseen things without any reason can happen
While I'm not an advantage blackjack player, I *think* I'm an advantage sports bettor for a specific market (64.5% winrate after 172 ~2:1 bets) - and the optimism/pessimism/controlling your emotions really speaks to me. After a really good day towards the end of last week, and then a few average days, I had a pretty bad day yesterday (4 wins, 8 losses to lose 5 units). I looked at why I lost, and it genuinely seemed to just be variance, so I dusted myself off and got back to it today - I'm currently on track for a 9.6 unit profit today, and at worst (if I lose both of the bets still running) I'll be up 4 units to almost entirely negate the bad day yesterday, and just having a profitable day overall. I think one key thing when you're partaking in any pro/semi-pro/amateur hobby that includes variance, is to try and be very honest with yourself when positive/negative and even neutral things happen - are you doing things correctly and it was just the genuine result of variance? Or are you making a mistake somewhere that you need to address?
Always notice that on your intro, the player gets a blackjack, but is only paid even money. Makes my eye twitch every time
Maybe the true count is above 3. If the dealer has an ace, you should take even money.
@@michaelholden2211 WOW
Every casino’s dream
It’s not the same hand getting paid. The blackjack was betting pinking chips but then cuts to a bet with black chips winning the same amount of black chips
2-1 look close
Just grew my bankroll from $600 to $2100 because of you:) it took a while, but thoroughly enjoyed the process. Thanks!!!
And by a “while” I mean 3 months haha… so not bad as investments go
what minimum were you playing? your risk of ruin must have been huge
I ran into an emotional player a few months ago and coincidentally my second ever card counting trip. My wife and I were both doing great up almost $1000 each over a few hours. I split 10s against a 5 and this guy proceeded to lose his mind. Screaming at me and the dealer accusing us of collusion asking to fight me etc. Lol needless to say security comes over hits him with the trespass. The casino was so apologetic the comped us our room and meals for that trip and a future one. We finished out the shoe and made our way to the room. For the rest of the night all we could do was laugh at what we'd witnessed. Sidenote: I forgot to mention those 10s split into 20 and 18, resplit the 20 to a 19 and 17. Dealer flipped a king and drew a 7 to bust.
That's awesome 😂 it also probably distracted them from your counting and they probably comped you fat because they thought you were a ploppy with the splitting 10s maneuvers. Double win!
You will find the best stories on You Tube comment sections 🤔🤔
Happened to me as well I got called out by the dealer splitting 10's
You'd think the player would at least have enough common courtesy to calm down after the dealer busts. In my experience, when I split tens, I get a huge reaction from the players (smaller from the dealer, here we go again). Some say I'm crazy. Others discourage me. Often they wish me good luck cuz I have my big bets out. It is easier to criticize a small better who splits 10's than a big better. I guess some players just don't want some little guy playing $5 a hand influencing their own $100 bet.
Today I got barred from playing in valley forge before I every sat down. Then I went to another casino and then got barred at live! Casino later that night. Maybe I need better cover play, maybe PA is just strict against APs
New BJA video right as I'm getting back into counting? Yes please. For anyone wondering I think table conditions are better than ever for counters 🤙
Why? And where in which countries / cities? :)
Glass dividers make max seats 3/4, less players = more hands per hour, almost always an open spot to spread to two hands with. Inexperienced dealers, make sure your payouts are good but misdeals where the pit comes and let's you take your bet back if you want on a hand are heavily in a players advantage.
Edit: Less players only makes a difference not heads up, getting comfortable with heads up is a must as a counter. Anytime I'm not playing heads up I feel like the game is going so slow.
@@infairverona7792 Did Phoenix/Tucson and San Diego areas the last two weeks. Had to go between 3-4 casinos each area but found a great game with amazing pen that I grinded in both areas.
@@krazyk500 I'm struggling to find a balance between playing heads up with high risk and backcounting people. Also, there's no glass dividers in the casinos near me.
Hey , I’ve seen you are a card counter. Is there a bankroll that is too small when first hitting the casino to count?
I just found this channel and I love this guy.
I used to work Surveillace and got a few card counters backed off from hard rock ! Let me tell you guys just stand up and leave and do not give them any form of ID.... now I quit and I am counting at casinos !
Ah, the circle of life
lol you might’ve been the one who got me backed off
@@rylan3276 possibly if you played in CA hard rock, I hated backing people off but had to cause of my job and the advantage players made it to obvious so I had no choice
@@shaggie- so coming from first hand experience with this sort of thing. You’re the perfect person to talk to lol. What would be some good tips for an AP to not make themselves so obvious?
@@kurtalurt91 if you watch the channel his tips are great but one thing I noticed with a lot of newer APs was learn to mask your play to not make it to obvious
I recently went back to the casino after winning thinking I had perfect strategy and I’d try a little counting to help my odds. Not only was the counting portion mentally draining for me because I’m new to it but after playing some hands at home I realized my basic strategy is a little off as well. More importantly it’s not second nature to me so back to the basics for me!
@russellg you are correct.
1st, basic strategy.
2nd, learn deviations., then bet spreads.. and then of utmost importance...
BANKROLL & bankroll management. We will always have streaks. That includes winning AND losing. Good luck to you sir! 😎🐊
Great video like always! Every time I see a new video come out here or on BJA that always makes my day! Keep up the great work can’t wait till the next.
I've gotten better over time with emotions (or lack of). I'll sometimes feign elation or disgust when playing. But I find it helpful to get away from the game for awhile if on a prolonged downward slide...when the feigned disgust starts to feel a bit more real.
So it helps....not that it changes your EV in future sessions - but it helps keep the emotions in check
I think showing some emotion at the table might provide a little cover. If you get (or appear to get) excited when you win and angry when you lose, you look more like a gambler and less like an advantage player. I generally don't really have to fake it. And I always act frustrated when I reduce my bet (properly according to the count) and get dealt a blackjack with a small bet. Of course, you do not want to let your emotion overrule your judgement.
To your last point, I believe it was James Grosjean who said that new players complain about how unlucky they are without considering that it might be their own fault. I gotta keep working on my mentality, because I know that I could easily turn into one of those guys too. Thanks for the video 👍
Yep, that was JG.
It’s good cover
@@hersheyskwertz9315 Complaining at the tables about bad luck is one thing, complaining to other advantage players is another
Great video. This is the best day of my life just because this video is out. I'm on cloud nine.
Sir, over the years, you haven't aged in terms of your's looks...still spirited, lively & helping others...
Learning to fly a plane…Great analogy Colin. Perfect practice makes perfect.
Many years ago, I took a card counting course that taught HiOpt. Ken Uston was our commencement speaker. In those days, there were $1, single-deck games all over Vegas. I slowly built my bankroll and now play the $25 double-deck games. I have had some interesting adventures, and met some really great people. It has been a fun, well-paying hobby. . Everything I learned agrees with your videos. Your explanations are accurate and easy to understand. I also enjoy Steven Bridges' videos and have had similar experiences, but at my relatively low stakes levels. May all your 12s be hit with 9s.
I don’t want to be that unprepared guy. I’ve played while counting before, I learned hi-lo many years ago but never took it seriously until now. As you point out, live action is quite different than counting on a computer screen
Live action is way different, but a good tool I found that helps is to practice with friends, spouse, etc and try background noise. Music, bells, whatever will cause you to have to focus harder. It'll payoff huge in the long run.
@@vorsybl I always play blackjack at the casino when I go. Just a couple of times a year, but I am familiar with the environment, the distractions. I’d recommend anyone to sit through a few shoes at a $5 table, counting their butts off but betting mostly flat. That’s my plan anyway. I have not considered the adrenaline thing, it might be a help
@@pamagee2011 Wish you good luck and pray your money doesn't go into those demons' pockets.
When I practiced, I did both computer and with real cards and fake chips (not good for your back) and would do it for hours at a time.
@@ianandersen265 Perhaps it would be wise to not waste time on this behavior after all; for the sake of our backs :-) if not everything else.
I Love this channel. been playing BJ a whole lot more and learning the ways
Hey Collin. Good to see you and hope that you’re doing well..
Thanks!
Killer content as always thanks Colin!
Colin you’ve said it best in another video “we have to be computers at the table”
Great video. Looking forward to more!
One thing to add is the people that don't make it are the people that don't follow the rules/strategy. I was playing the other day and saw someone stay on a 14 v 10. He was claiming he played perfect basic strategy, but sometimes could feel when it was the right time to stay. I knew he wasn't counting because if he was, he would have known the count was at a true -3. Low and behold, he made several mistakes and rolled through his chips within an hour.
Yeah, the "follow your gut" card counter. I've talked about that kind of card counter in other videos. Good point.
I'm just saying I'm going through pilot school right now and was looking to do this to make some money for pay schooling. I find it really funny on the analogy.
I freaking love the way you ordered your chips! I'm embarrassed to say how distracting it was to have one stack of red chips on one side and two on the other.
Nothing wrong with learning in a live environment if you are playing low stakes and don't mind losing a little.
You make the best videos bro!....i think your song at the beginning of each video wakes up my inner warrior spirit! if you play it backwards i think it says...you will win!. ...i never get kicked out ...and i dont have a losing game... i want to say to embrace the game and love all the people. We all want money....everyone from dealer to player to casino owner...Success is up to each person individually, It is a privilege to enjoy and is not something to hurt people or places with....when there is heat, you gotta kool things down and except that you blowing your cover does not mean you get to stress out the management and help create an incident. Blackjack is awesome fun and profit....dont be so greedy! Have a good time. Practice all the time and warm up with practice before playing...just like any other pro would do. It is fun!
I love advantage play almost as much as blackjack, but I love poker even more. But it’s great to have hi lo to fall back on when I’m not playing holdem. And that’s important when you call yourself a professional gambler, but you’re only good at one game.
100% right. You left out one which is someone who prefers to follow their gut rather than the math! My friend wanted to play so we practiced and he kept saying things like "I know I'm supposed to hit on 16 vs 10 but my gut says not to." I said well you're not playing with my money then!!
Hello, Mr. Jones, or whomever may be on your social media team. I've really taken a knack to BlackJack primarily through binge-watching BJA videos and the mini course. I'm afraid it all may be for naught. As I was practicing a single-deck HiLo drill, it hit me -- I have a tattoo on the top of my hand. My question to you is, am I by default a Failed Card Counter?
No, having a visible tattoo isn't a deal breaker. It can always be covered if it became a problem, but you're going to be a long ways off from crossing that bridge.
Hey Colin, I always hear you say "If you're scared of getting backed off, card counting is not for you." I have been thinking about that, for me, I'm not really in it for the huge payout, I would rather just be able to stay in vegas for long periods of time, hanging out with my friends in rooms that paid for, food that is comped, etc.
Do you think if you played with a strat avergaing out to ~50.5% (ex) you would be able to maintain that for a long time? I wonder how large of a bank roll you would need to support something like that for a year.
aggregate 0.5% edge for the player already requires an aggressive bet spread, I think - unless you can wong in wong out
You could maybe try to play a breakeven game and milk the comps. But there's a good chance you get noticed eventually anyway
Now I wanna see Colin do a kickflip
Here’s a couple questions for you Collin:
1) If one limited their wins to a certain amount per casino, could that keep you under the radar as far as a casino suspecting you of winning too much?
2) Do the winning odds change with the number of people at the table or do they remain about the same?
3) Does the players card plug you into some sort of casino data base where the casinos can track if you’re winning or losing?
Thanks so much! Love your videos!
1. If you limit your winnings it could potentially keep you under the radar but you definitely don't want to leave until you've completed going through the high count of your shoe. A strategy is to visit multiple casinos and on rotation/different shifts.
2. The winning odds will only change very slightly during the actual round you put your bet out. You can further minimize variance by playing alone or with less people.
3. The card is given to the supervisors who will plug in your general wins and losses, based on when you buy in and color-up/cash out. Casinos can give you win/loss statements on what they have recorded of you if you use your card. There are also good strategies to manipulate this as well if you are able to remove chips during a time where they will not associate the wins with you and look as though you have won less or lost more than you did.
Hope this is all a bit informative! Sincerely,
Random Casino Enthusiast
one thing ive taken away from watching all types of different videos on card counting is the process and constantly learning
I would fail because of my social anxiety. Every time a pit boss took a phone call I'd be leaving 😂
As far as #2 (fear of being backed off), don't you just eventually run out of casinos to play at when they all eventually back you off?
Are you still doing bootcamps? And do you take students that have learned count systems other than Hi-Lo, or do you only teach Hi-Lo? I'm learning Hi-Lo after learning a level two count because even though I could count through a deck in less than 20 seconds and was doing good with simulators, I found it difficult to maintain accuracy when putting all the pieces together(count, perfect basic, true count division, bet spread, playing deviations, socializing at the table). I was just too slow with a level two count. But I can't help but feel like it's a regression and that maybe with more training time I could be faster.
Yeah, email me if you're interested in a Bootcamp. colin@blackjackapprenticeship.com
The way those cards are set up… there are 3.5 decks remaining, 2.5 sitting in the discard tray 👍🏿… how accurate is my eye?
Yeah about 2.5 gone, good eye!
I notice a good count subconsciously.
but I don't know it off the top of my head sadly
I'd love to actually learn
like to the person that lost 100,000 dollars
I turned $60 into 1,000
How 🤔 ❓ 🤔 you did that???
I’m a pilot myself, yours is not a bad analogy
Thanks! I'm glad I didn't make a total fool of myself with that analogy.
What I can tell as a newbee, that black jack is awesome, I am good at math that makes this game really almost orgasmic when you realize all the math involve
I requested to enroll in your mini course. I haven't received the confirmation email from BJA.
Also, I sent an email asking when is the next bootcamp? How often are the bootcamps scheduled l?
I'm still waiting for a reply.
Legit just watching Collin and playing with my friends my card counting has been getting better and better each time I play but still got some time before I hit the table. Btw love how you keep it real with some of these mfs🤣
Without good practise it's like losing a plane here and there no matter the size.
Realistically, what is the minimum bankroll you can have to start approaching casinos with the expectation of making profit? (Given that you're counting cards and playing perfectly.)
Couple thousand
depends on the table min. ive gone to tables with 15 dollar min and turned 15 into 3800 in 4 hrs card counting cards.
Keeping your cool is important, I just came back from a trip in the PH and I was won about 2000 pesos. It could have been 4000 pesos if not for the fact that some drunk dude came in and started playing and messing up the game.
I have been watching your channel for a while now. I am a random 22 y/o kid that just likes picking up random skills and hates gambling. So when my friends want to go to a local casino to watch MMA fights. My love of the movie 21 lead me to here. Should I learn how to play blackjack right or just not play.
What about 2-deck or shoe game? What do you prefer and why?
I've counted cards since I was just a boy. There's always 52 cards, unless including the jokers, then there's 54. How hard is that? :)
ADD and short term memory failure individuals are #0 AP failure types. Posted w humor but still true.
Colin, why am I now seeing Ive been betting at the disadvantage hands: thinking fate will take the wheel 'on this hand'
I mean honestly haha
seeing this video AFTER seeing a blackjack session video where his invites played like donkeys , max bet first hand, then basic strategy errors( at least at the start of the session, because i didnt had the patience to watch more after i saw those egregious errors
welp, thank you for give me the tools i will need for my trip to america.
How can you keep an accurate count when the dealer randomly discards multiple cards. And I'm not talking about starting a new shoe.
I’ve been practicing and learning so I don’t take more than 300 with me, so I know it’s not enough bankroll but I just want to practice without losing money I’m stressing about🙏🏽
Okay so he talks about over/underbetting how do you know whether you are over/underbetting I heard different bet spreads 1-8 1-12 I havent played in casino yet but im interested in having low risk even if ev is 1$/hr so I was looking at 1-5 spread 1 unit 0and below 2units at true 1 so on anyone with input or free calculator would be great because im sure BJA is great but I kinda dont want to pay 100+$ for a course just for a calculator I have been playing for about 2 months practice fyi
Colin what do you think about Casino Verite Blackjack program?
I was definitely the first one haha. Did some practice and even though I was good at keeping track of running/true counts and knew perfect basic strategy and about 3/4 of deviations (which to me aren't nearly as crucial on a six deck shoe than double deck but whatevs), I didn't have the bankroll to yield any kind of EV.
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAA not
Hey Colin, I’ve been using the websites feee training tools to practice BS and maintaining the running count. I’m able to easily play 100 hands of BS at a time with no errors (except hitting when I should surrender - as my casino does not offer it so I make the appropriate play for my situation) and can run through 6 decks keeping the count just about perfectly - know I still have some work there. Once I’ve aced the running count, I’m thinking of getting the actual paid tools to continue practicing. Any advice on what I could/should do before taking that next step? I’m admittedly rusty on deviations - only have ~4 committed to memory.
I'm still just trudging through hours and hours of basic strategy. I'm measurably better since using the ap. However. I'm still not 100% PERFECT. :( 😞
Colin if you don't live near a casino or it's 2-3 hours away is it still possible to count cards and make money in the long run? Most of my visits are 2-3 times per month for 7-8 hours at a time. Longer trips to Vegas maybe 2-3 days would be the only consistent stretch of play normally. My basic strategy is on point but I feel I would get distracted by waitresses and going to the bathroom etc. I have thought about finally diving into it and learning counting which is also the reason for my question. Thanks!
Tipping can back off some heat, and it just seems worth it just for that
Is your friend Ben still running BJ teams?
Nah.
Poker players call allowing your emotions to impair your judgement "going on tilt". It is perhaps more of a risk in poker because poker strategy involves a lot more estimation and judgement than in blackjack, and it is very easy to fool yourself that you are making positive EV plays when you are not.
@blackjackapprentice What number in the count is considered high enough for me to start betting hi, over 10? Over 15? What do you suggest
Colin thank you for for everything!!
Two questions 13 vs 2 at -3 and lower should I just hit or double?
And 2 A vs A double normally then just hit at true 1 and higher or
A vs A hit normally then double at true 1 or higher?
You hit the 13 vs 2 unless the index (true edge) is >= 0. You'll probably get a 10 anyway since the odds are against you, and counting only shifts it by a percent or two LOL. 4Head
If the true count is a -3 you should’ve got up and left lol
Another reason could be that you never really build up a decent enough bankroll to make enough profit. While it may be true that you don't need an enormous bankroll, but you still need something to where you have enough to make some profit. Makes me think of the book I Am A Card Counter by Frank Scoblete.He finds the individual named Paul who worked at the gamblers bookstore. Who was an incredible card counter, but could never put together enough of a bankroll to make it into a career. It didn't end happily for Paul. Pretty sad, really. And I'm sure there's a lot of people just like that, who just need more of a substantial bankroll but are finding it tough to build one up.
If these traits don’t make a card counter, then I have pretty good hopes for myself as a low-stakes player. I just think it would be cool to beat a casino at their own game
It takes a certain mentality to keep cool when your losing. If you can't accept things getting worse before they get better card counting is not for you. If you have an emotional attitude to 'your' money you've got a problem. I like how this guy says you've got to put in the hours. It's not a works all the time scheme.
Card counting requires logical and calculated thinking. Emotions are always the biggest thing that can get you carried away. Getting to much money to fast will set you off losing to many hands in a row sometimes rattles someone you trust your count then it doesn't matter. Counting I think was made more so for the person who wants calculated risk
I was in Vegas and playing with some guy who was definitely counting. He ended up enjoying a few too many of the “free drinks” and kept betting his max because he was on a losing streak. 🤦♂️
Wow, duck tales and the incredible hulk in one video, what more can we ask for🔥🔥💞🤣
Love your videos💞💞, unfortunately, the casinos around me use master shuffles, so I'm unable to test myself out live in the open, but hopefully one day though 🔪😊
I’m down about $30,000 at blackjack since October of last year. My life time win is still about 110k but at this point the game feels like a waste of time and energy. The profits are too thin for the work put in and there’s just better opportunities out there to bother with such a miserable career choice.
@@NoNo-ro9gx Honestly the bankroll required at those stakes you're probably better off learning advantage play for stock investments. (Invest in the index over the course of 10 years.) Just don't get jebaited by stock gambling and remain in markets that the government will bail if they fail so you can't lose (unless the country literally collapses but then who fucking cares).
So you’re not suppose to Tip dealer as a card counter?
Perfect
Just one question. If you're on a negative count how do you get out of the table if you're the only one there? (I've never played in casinos)
just min bet until the new shoe arrives
That's why you memorize negative count indexes, cause you do have to play it sometimes
@@DynamicGracer Thanks man. What as been your experience on casinos btw?
@@goncalonunes411 Just won $3600 yesterday
@@DynamicGracer Damn thats awesome! What were the rules and bankroll?
OK, Collin at 4:55 you mention that “You’re on a losing streak and you don’t resize your betting”, What is resizing your betting? And how?
if you go on a losing streak and lose a significant portion of your bankroll you might need to resize your bets to keep your risk low usually by decreasing your max bet
Make a video about playing at a casino you’ve already been backed off from
I think I met that same bad bankroll management guy. LOL
Card counting is not "free money". It's an hourly job.
mine was other habits that took me away from the game I was always starting over but i didn't care i lived my life day to day or day by day I just don't care to be rich but on the next day I wake up I want to have a good day and blackjack was a big part of that but I also was a ticket scalper which there's good money in that too I never punched a clock if i didn't have to
Solid
I love your videos and I have a question. Years ago I was playing in Puerto Rico and I was at a BJ table where they were playing with a single deck. They shuffled after every round of completed table action. The other unusual thing at this place is the dealer only takes a face down hole card and after everyone completes their action, the dealer takes their second card face up (regardless of single deck or 6 etc they do this even still). Occasionally everyone at the table busts while the dealer still hasn’t shown an up card (when doing this with multiple deck, they expose their would be card if everyone busted). Granted, I haven’t seen this there in years with single deck. I would assume it’s very difficult to advantage play in this situation correct?
lol
It doesn't matter (in terms of EV) whether the dealer takes a hole card or deals their second card after the players play their hands. What does matter, in a no hole card game, is what happens to doubles or splits if the dealer makes a blackjack. If you lose both bets in that situation, then you should not double or split against a dealer ace or ten, except that you should split aces against a ten, and the EV is of course worse than for a game with a hole card or a no hole card game where they take only the original bet when the dealer has a blackjack.
I would add "people who want to drink when they play"
I've just got into card counting and have only played sims,, most of the time I cam break even which seems pretty good at first but if you mange to play right and bet right you can very easily win a lot of money idk how people think it doesn't work, yea you get unlucky it's a 1-2% better chance at a almost 50-50 not 90% lol I've been able to turn $100 into almost $1000 a couple times now (not real money) so hopefully I get good enough where I can do this in a real table. And if I can, anyone can just play smart and play what you can afford guys cus remember it's still a coin flip not a slot that will pay you out instantly.
This is alot like trading stocks. All these rules are very similar
as a newbie i think i will just say. "it is what it is and this doesnt need to get nasty. ill cash my chips and go."
What do you ‘do if the the casino burns 3 cards An dnt show you what they burned
Just assume those burn cards are in the cutoffs and count accordingly.
Haven’t done the math myself, but I am wondering.
Are there multiple strategies (bet spread) resulting in the same EV, but differing in risk?
Or is there for every given EV only one strategy/risk value associated with it?
bet spreads differ depending on your bankroll and risk tolerance, higher bankroll allows for a larger spread and more EV
Hi, I have a question. What your opinion about online casinos? Are you card counting there too and if so is it not possible to run a program if you do it from home?
@Sven he has another video on this channel answering that exact question in the title. But short answer: not worth anyone’s time trying to count and horrible game conditions.
Yeah, the last video was about this. It's on the channel.
Hey! Instead of going over talking points most of the time, why don't you put out a video with a dealer, a few players and how you play; your favorite strategies in real sessions.
I'm the worst dealer for a counter to deal with Idk what it is but I always tend to get them to start emotionally bet, instead of being smart with it and all I'm doing is rooting them on or trying o be optimistic about the next hand and they'll get 20 and no matter what they do I will pull 21 out my ass and it just sets them off then they keep firing away on a sht shoe that's not going there way and IDK what it is with some of them they, it's like to need to beat me and will continue to play I try to offer a new shoe when counts are bad and they never want to. but IDK if you have a vid for that but it might be a good one to teach ppl to nvr get like that and know when to flat bet and not get emotional
I flat bet an play perfect Basic Strategy, an when the game turns my way, I take my $50 buck profit an go home. I’m retired an live about 15 minutes from the casino. They all know me there. Just having some fun an it get me Out Of the House.
"External Locus of Control" 9:00
If a casino backs you off, are permanently banned from playing BLACKJACK at the casino that backed you off?
$3,000-5,000 IS a massive bankroll to me.
Colin, I am sure you can even fly a rocket 🤓
Cant be having that big of a losing streak if you playing perfect basic strategy and card counting
imagine being asked to leave the casino because you are doing too good. that would be a huge personal ego boost
Payout error at 3:01
What's the smallest bankroll you've ever heard someone walking into a casino with?
so do you guys not believe in luck? I believe in the scientific method and the mathematics of it, but sometimes unforeseen things without any reason can happen
While I'm not an advantage blackjack player, I *think* I'm an advantage sports bettor for a specific market (64.5% winrate after 172 ~2:1 bets) - and the optimism/pessimism/controlling your emotions really speaks to me. After a really good day towards the end of last week, and then a few average days, I had a pretty bad day yesterday (4 wins, 8 losses to lose 5 units). I looked at why I lost, and it genuinely seemed to just be variance, so I dusted myself off and got back to it today - I'm currently on track for a 9.6 unit profit today, and at worst (if I lose both of the bets still running) I'll be up 4 units to almost entirely negate the bad day yesterday, and just having a profitable day overall.
I think one key thing when you're partaking in any pro/semi-pro/amateur hobby that includes variance, is to try and be very honest with yourself when positive/negative and even neutral things happen - are you doing things correctly and it was just the genuine result of variance? Or are you making a mistake somewhere that you need to address?