T&A: Tens And Aces. An AP Blackjack podcast. Turning the tables from Las Vegas to Local Casinos

In this episode, the now-infamous Snowman joins the show as he and I dive into the mailbag and answer your questions.What you're hearing is a significantly improved version of the original recording from November 2020, back when we were recording over Skype and doing our best to stay sane during pandemic lockdowns. If we're being honest, this entire AP Podcast project started out of pure boredom. There wasn't much to do, but I had a bunch of friends with great stories, so we started sharing them. Somehow, that little lockdown experiment grew into what Tens & Aces is today.The original audio quality of this episode made me cringe a bit when I revisited it in 2026, so I dusted off some of the ninja-level audio editing skills I've picked up over the years and cleaned it up as best I could. The sound is better now, but the real reason I wanted to bring this one back is because the content remains one of my favorite episodes we've ever done.So why not give it a listen?Thank you for all of your support over the years. We couldn't have done this without you, and we're just getting started. Here's to many more years ahead!I'm also using this episode as a test of our new podcast feed after some jackass decided to attempt to get the show's feed taken down because he wasn't a fan of certain truths being discussed. We stand by the truth with our integrity 100% intact. He remains standing in his web of lies and toxicity. He's shown his true self to this community with his continued actions. But, like we've said in the past, the best way to get rid of a troll is to ignore the. So, let's get back to doing exactly that! We'll leave it at that!Anyway... here we go...

This is one of our favorite episodes that we've done in the fairly recent past. We're currently going though episodes and re-editing them. Throughout this summer, we'll be posting updated versions of legacy episodes as well as mixing in some new content as well.This one touches on aspects of AP besides blackjack play. We've gotten some great feedback regarding this episode, so if you haven't yet heard it, here you go. If you have, maybe listen again?

SHOW NOTESIn 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 playersKEY 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/A1BlackjackUse coupon code: TA21Patreon members get access to blackjack training resources, downloadable flashcards, bankroll challenge content, and information on additional advantage play opportunities.

The Blackjack Roundtable is a new Subreddit on Reddit. It's a free, inclusive community for beginners and experienced players alike. It's a place to network and share stories and ideas about Blackjack and other AP and non-AP play.You can find us on Reddit at:https://www.reddit.com/r/blackjackroundtable/

Note: We fixed a few technical issues with the original version. Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused! Episode SummaryIn part two of this roundtable episode, Mike and guests dive deep into the practical and philosophical side of advantage play, starting with casino ID checks, heat, and longevity strategies. They swap stories about random ID requests, navigating casino policies, using alternative IDs, and how rated play and comps can sometimes buy a longer leash. The conversation shifts into travel EV—road trip logistics, using comps strategically, living out of your car, rental car hacks, free rooms, and balancing bankroll preservation with comfort.From there, the group gets into rat-holing, chip palming, cover plays, and the blurry line between practical camouflage and outright theatrics. That sparks a wider discussion on disguises, personas, social engineering, and where each player draws the ethical line. Along the way are great stories about exploitable casino promotions, clueless casino management, side bet opportunities, and the joy of finding casinos stepping over dollars to pick up pennies.The second half explores the double-edged sword of information sharing. The crew debates YouTube and Social Media content, and that leads into a thoughtful discussion about slot AP, secrecy, monetizing information, community gatekeeping, and why some opportunities react very differently to exposure than card counting does. It’s equal parts practical shop talk, philosophy, and hilarious degeneracy.Show NotesCasino ID checks, age verification, and handling “random” checksRated vs unrated play and how comps can affect longevityTravel cost-saving strategies for AP road tripsUsing comp properties as a base for regional casino runsSleeping in cars, truck stop showers, rental car hacks, and Vegas travel EVDomestic Tranquility Index: using casino comps to keep partners happyRat-holing strategies, chip palming, shift changes, and camouflageCover plays, gambler acts, and making surveillance see what you want them to seeThe ethics (and comedy) of disguises, personas, and undercover playCrazy casino promotions and exploitable coupon storiesCasino management mistakes, side bets, and why casinos sweat the wrong thingsJackpot procedures, surveillance attention, and when to leave the tableYouTube, TikTok, AP influencers, and whether exposure helps or hurtsFreeloading back-counters and table etiquette among APsSlot AP secrecy, monetization, and whether selling information burns opportunitiesReddit toxicity, moderated communities, and why scarce edges create territorial behaviorMemorable moments:“Gold miners or miners?”The old-man Hollywood prosthetic AP disguise storyBlind Luck as the greatest AP content channel name never launchedA casino promo worth nearly pure EV… because management didn’t listenGoing full max spread after a floor says, “We don’t get card counters here”The philosophical debate: where is the line between cover and absurdity?