Episode 140: Spy Me A Blackjack
T&A: Tens And Aces. An AP Blackjack podcast. Turning the tables from Las Vegas to Local CasinosShow Notes
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.
Join the conversation and episode threads on our Reddit community: r/TApodcast.
Spy AP’s Origin Story Discovering card counting at age 15 through the movie "21".
Hitting Washington state casinos at 18, losing his first bankroll, and deciding to beat the game.
Mastering the Craft of Card Counting How Blackjack Apprenticeship (BJA) and Steven Bridges' YouTube vlogs fueled Spy’s training.
The hours spent mastering counting down a deck and perfecting basic strategy using the BJA mobile app.
The First Big Win & Bankroll Building Returning to the tables with a $1,000 bankroll and walking away with an early $500 win at a double-deck game in Lakewood.
The illusion of easy money and the harsh reality of variance.
Casino Heat, ID Checks, & Cover Play The challenges of being a young card counter who constantly gets carded.
Spy's top cover plays for looking more mature: wearing a suit, nice watches, and bringing a date to the casino.
Aggressive Backoffs & Casino Paranoia A crazy story involving a confiscated player’s card and real police in a Southern California casino.
A discussion on why casinos waste money sweating low-stakes counters and altering game rules to their own detriment.
Surviving the Casino Environment The gloomy reality of casino culture.
Why APs must unplug, step into nature, and reset their dopamine to maintain a sharp game and avoid becoming "robotic."
Advantage Play Beyond Blackjack Why you should never just beeline for the blackjack tables.
Scouting for other EV (Expected Value) opportunities, including casino promotions, "match play" coupons, and advantage slots.
Forming a Blackjack Team Bouncing back from early bankroll depletion by networking on Reddit.
Forming a three-man team, pooling resources, and passing a rigorous checkout with Loudon Often.
The San Diego & Vegas Trip Expectations vs. reality on a major team trip.
Dealing with sweaty casinos in San Diego and grinding out $15,000 in EV over three weeks.
New Segment: Listener Voicemail A listener shares a hilarious and frustrating table story about a degenerate gambler friend.
What happens when a ploppy refuses to split a pair of 2s against a dealer 4, ending in a heated confrontation and a dropped slur at the table.
Mike AP’s thoughts on how bad players can inadvertently provide great cover for card counters.
Blackjack Apprenticeship
Reddit Community: r/TApodcast
Steven Bridges (YouTube) NOTE: Originally Episode 93 and interview conducted in 2024
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.
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
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