Obvious Counting

Clearly, you cannot be obvious about counting. Staring at the cards is quite obvious. Although frankly, if the casino throws out counters for staring at the cards, they are probably throwing out poor counters. Learn to scan the cards quickly and count in different orders. Paying too much attention to the discard tray is not a good idea either. There is no reason for a non-counter to observe the tray. I was taught to use the shoe for deck estimation. But this is not very accurate.

Another problem occurs if more than one counter is at the table, as you will usually raise and lower bets in near unison. One possible exception is playing at a table with a much higher-betting counter. You are likely to stay under the radar if the attention is focused on him. But there is still a danger. You are better off sitting at a neighboring table. I leave if I detect another counter.

After all is said and done, the most important rule is short sessions. With short sessions, they do not have time to evaluate most of the other areas of heat.

What if You Are Asked?

Playing double-deck, heads-up at the Mirage in the late ’90s, the dealer asked, “Are you a counter?” This is a bit tricky. Only a counter would deny knowing what a counter is. There have been too many movies and references on talk shows for anyone not to know.

I replied, “I tried that ten years ago. Bored the hell out of me.” I can’t leave immediately, or I’ll look like a counter that is spooked by discovery. A few hands later, I raised my bet and said, “I think the count might be up.” I can’t pretend I don’t know what counting is at this point, so I may as well pretend I am a bad counter. He said, “Yes it is.” This can be good or bad. He may be trying to beat me, or he may simply be interested in card counting himself and perhaps showing off a bit. Later, he makes a move to shuffle, I raise my bet, and he pulls back and gives me another round. He’s on my side! An extra round in double-deck at a plus count is highly advantageous. Nonetheless, I leave fifteen minutes later. After all, I had been identified as a counter. No need to press my luck.

 © 2009 Norman Wattenberger