Table Time Kills Ghosts. N‑Zero Kills Doubt
T&A: Tens And Aces. An AP Blackjack podcast. Turning the tables from Las Vegas to Local CasinosShow Notes
EPISODE 127 DESCIPTION Mike AP is back in the studio for part two of three of an interview with former guests, Chris and Steve for a deep, hilarious, and occasionally brutal look at what it actually takes to survive the long-term grind of Advantage Play. This isn't your "get rich quick" fluff; this is the reality of life behind the curtain.
The guys kick things off with some legendary surveillance stories from Steve being spotted in a binder full of "known associates" in a certain infamous casino database to pit bosses who couldn't find a counter if they were told that counter was "wearing a green shirt in pit 3" but still manage to sweat the Ploppies while ignoring the real threat at the table. amping other things, we break down the paranoia of modern shops and why casinos often do more damage to their own bottom line than an AP ever could.
SHOW NOTES
SLOT STORIES Why a $50 slot spin can feel more gut-wrenching than a $5,000 max bet on the felt.
THE JUXTAPOSITION OF AN AP'S MINDSET Why do we sweat using two McDonald’s apps to save $3 while betting thousands on a single hand without blinking?
THE PASSPORT SAGA Steve recounts a wild multi-trip disaster involving backoffs, CTRs, and the humbling moment of having to call a hostile security chief to beg for his passport back.
THE CRAFT OF THE COUNT Why blackjack is a trade, just like blacksmithing or carpentry is. If you aren't constantly brushing up on and reviewing your own game, you’re just a gambler in denial.
THE TOOLKIT Why you need to buy CVCX. Plus discussion on the limitations of software, and why "good enough" math is a recipe for a bankroll funeral.
CLOSING THE COUNT We wrap up with a dive into obscure deviations, the humility of biannual testing, and the pure, degenerate joy of making a play so bizarre the pit thinks you're a moron right before your AP play helps you take their money.
BONUS MUSIC 🎵 Stick around until the end for a full album of Mike AP’s original music.
Keywords: Card Counting, Blackjack Strategy, Casino, Advantage Play, Casino Surveillance, CVCX, Bankroll Management, AP Community, Blackjack Deviations.
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!