Episode 137: Math Teacher Gone Wild (6-30-26 updated)
T&A: Tens And Aces. An AP Blackjack podcast. Turning the tables from Las Vegas to Local CasinosShow Notes
SHOW NOTES In Episode 137, Mike AP sits down with A1 Blackjack—former math teacher, blackjack instructor, content creator, and advantage player. A1 shares how a simple curiosity about card counting evolved into a full-time career teaching blackjack, creating content, and exploring other forms of advantage play. The conversation covers his journey from practicing deck counts in his basement to building one of the largest blackjack-focused social media audiences online. A1 discusses working with Blackjack Apprenticeship, developing training tools and flashcards, and why perfection - not just proficiency - is critical for aspiring card counters. The discussion also dives into the world of slot advantage play, how experienced APs identify profitable opportunities, and why many successful APs diversify beyond blackjack. Along the way, A1 shares stories about networking with well-known APs, getting backed off casinos, content creation, sponsorships, and the realities of making a living in the AP world. TOPICS COVERED • A1's AP origin story and discovering card counting• Learning blackjack through BJA content and self-study• Building deck-counting and deck-estimation skills• Creating blackjack training videos and social media content• Growing a large YouTube and Instagram audience • Developing blackjack flashcards and educational tools• Working with Blackjack Apprenticeship • Transitioning from teaching math to full-time AP content creation• Introduction to slot advantage play• Casino comps, RTP, and profitable machine opportunities • Stories of casino back-offs and heat• Networking with Spartan, Math Prof, and other APs • Why perfection matters in blackjack• Advice for new advantage players KEY TAKEAWAYS: • Card counting is simple in theory but difficult to execute perfectly in live casino conditions .• Successful APs often expand beyond blackjack into other advantage opportunities. .• Networking with experienced players can dramatically accelerate your learning curve. • The best APs focus on eliminating mistakes and continually improving their game. • Advantage play can create opportunities far beyond the casino floor, including education, content creation, and community building. SPECIAL OFFER FOR OUR LISTENERS: A1 is offering podcast listeners 50% off their first month on his Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/cw/A1Blackjack Use coupon code: TA21 Patreon members get access to blackjack training resources, downloadable flashcards, bankroll challenge content, and information on additional advantage play opportunities.
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!