Episode 121: A Flying F On A Rolling Donut At Tim Hortons (Updated 10/20/25)
T&A: Tens And Aces. An AP Blackjack podcast. Turning the tables from Las Vegas to Local CasinosShow Notes
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T&A Podcast - Episode Summary This is Part 2 of an interview with Chris, a professional advantage player. The episode dives deep into advanced card counting systems, casino experiences, and practical advice for aspiring advantage players. Chris discusses his transition from the Hi-Lo counting system to the more advanced CAC2 (a level-two count system), explaining the substantial advantages it provides. The conversation covers practical casino experiences, including dealing with trolls online, handling casino cage disputes, tipping strategies, and the realities of professional blackjack play. Hi-Lo vs. CAC2 Comparison: Chris explains why he switched from the popular Hi-Lo system to CAC2, a level-two counting system Performance Metrics: CAC2 shows approximately 2-2.5% average advantage compared to Hi-Lo's 0.75-1% Win Rate Differences: On a 6-deck game ($25-$2000 spread), CAC2 produces $611/hour vs Hi-Lo's $177/hour Double Deck Advantages: On double deck games, CAC2 shows 3.13% EV with $1,640/hour vs Hi-Lo's 3.3% EV with $700/hour System Details: CAC2 is available on qfit.com for approximately $100 Prediction: Chris believes CAC2 could eventually replace Hi-Lo as the gold standard
Dealing with inexperienced players asking for free simulation advice The importance of investing in proper tools (CVCX, Blackjack Apprenticeship software)
Cage Dispute Story: Chris shares a detailed account of refusing to provide ID for a $1,500 cashout (below the $10,000 legal threshold)
Importance of knowing your legal rights vs. casino policies
Back Counting: Chris's partner can allegedly back count up to 4 tables simultaneously Betting Ramps: Different optimal ramps for Hi-Lo vs. CAC2
Session Management: Importance of staying calm but firm in disputes
Strategy of betting tips alongside your bet (only costs the EV, not the full amount)
Using tips strategically for cover or dealer goodwill
Dealers often taught basic strategy for games different from what they deal
Differences between tribal and commercial casinos
Chris's partner is described as "one of the best players still playing in the world" Expertise in multiple advantage play techniques beyond counting Importance of partnering with skilled players
"If you can master that count, I think it's actually a great count. And I could foresee in the reasonable future CAC2 actually replacing Hi-Lo as the gold standard of counting."
RESOURCES MENTIONED
CVCX (Casino Vérité Blackjack) - Professional simulation software BJA PBS (Blackjack Apprenticeship Pro Betting Software) - Recently upgraded CAC2 Counting System - Available at qfit.com for ~$100 Norm Wattenberger - Creator of CVCX and owner of qfit.com
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More from T&A: Tens And Aces. An AP Blackjack podcast. Turning the tables from Las Vegas to Local Casinos
APs discuss backoffs and heat they've encountered at casinos with host Mike AP.
Episode Summary In this episode of the Tens and Aces Podcast, host Mike AP sits down with young advantage player Spy AP to discuss his journey from a 15-year-old inspired by the movie "21" to a profitable, professional card counter. Spy shares his origin story playing in Washington state casinos, the intense practice required to master basic strategy and deck estimation, and the realities of early wins and losses. They dive deep into managing casino heat, the unique challenges of being a young AP with a "baby face," and essential cover plays to avoid backoffs and ID checks. Spy also reveals the process of forming a blackjack team, getting officially "tested out" by Loudon Often, and the lucrative lessons learned during a three-week trip to San Diego and Las Vegas. Finally, stick around for our new listener voicemail segment, featuring a wild story about a degenerate gambler friend, a misplayed pair of twos, and the chaos that followed at the blackjack table. Intro & Community Announcements Welcome to the Tens and Aces Podcast.
T&A PODCAST - Part 2: Steve & Kal Thor InterviewThis episode covers dealer mistakes, hole card plays, side bets, backing off strategies, and wild casino stories from experienced advantage players. KEY TOPICSDealer Tells & MistakesDowntown Vegas dealer who'd ask "are you sure?" revealing no made hand Post-COVID rusty dealers making obvious peeking errors Lucky Stiff side bet dealer paying unqualified hands (cost casino $3-4K) New casinos = inexperienced dealers = more mistakes Side BetsLucky Ladies +EV at +6.5 true count (Hi-Lo) 1000:1 payout for suited queens w/ dealer blackjack TIP: Cash out immediately after big wins to avoid surveillance review Backing OffBe unmemorable - don't argue, just leave Story: Flat-bet to $25 while "ploppy" betting $1000 allowed to continue Dealer's response: "We let you bet $1000 - what does that say about your play?" Protecting Your IdentitySlot hand-pay tip: Refuse consent for automatic player's card Script: "I do not consent to giving my information for creating a player's card" Only legally required to show ID to police, not security Rated vs Unrated DebateSome casinos require cards for premium games Hard Rock: unrated players limited to 1 hand, 4x table min Weigh short-term comps vs. long-term access KEY TAKEAWAYSLook beyond blackjack tables for opportunities Scout new casinos and new table games Side bets = high variance despite +EV Network with other APs for intel Protect identity strategically CONTACT & RESOURCESEmail: [email protected] Reddit: r/tapodcast Use code T21 at Blackjack Apprenticeship SUPPORT THE SHOWSubscribe for $4.99/month: Video episodes, ad-free audio, 3-day early access Main podcast always 100% FREE! LINK TO SUBSCRIBE #Blackjack #AdvantagePlay #CardCounting #Casino #Gambling
This is an almost 4 minute preview clip of our upcoming episode with AP playing partners Steve and Chris.
In this episode of our experiment in imaginary radio, something that we like to call The Tens and Aces Podcast, we submit part two of our recent conversation with advantage player "Nickels" and discuss Blackjack, advantage play and so much more. If this is the type of thing you'd like to hear, listen up, because we're about to give you some T&A!