Midwest Mike recounts a marathon gambling trip, during which he logged an extraordinary 350 hours at the tables in just a month. Far surpassing the 40 hours a month that most consider "full-time" for an advantage player in blackjack . He shares stories of remarkable variance, including wins totaling $52,000 and a grueling $10,000 losing streak, ultimately leaving a casino with a substantial profit despite a "polite back off" after 90 hours of play. The episode shifts focus to networking and the unpredictable value of making connections at the tables. In one memorable story, Mike strikes up a rapport with a fellow player, the CEO of a telecom company and big-time high roller. This relationship brings unexpected opportunities, including personal hosts, comped hotel rooms in Vegas, and recognition at other casinos. Conversations emphasize how genuine connections can create long-term opportunities beyond immediate gains.Mike also describes an awkward and intense experience at a northern Michigan casino, where he deals with odd staff behavior, uncomfortable dealer comments, and ultimately gets trespassed after a significant win. Rather than reacting with hostility, Mike handles the situation with humor and composure, even joking about being a "sex addict" when pushed toward a back room, turning a tense situation into a story of defiance and levity. These stories show the unpredictable nature of casino life, both in terms of profit swings and personal encounters.SHOW NOTES* Midwest Mike updates the audience about his AP play after a long hiatus from the podcast. *Reflection on the grind350 hours of play in a month, average session over 9 hours; balancing time between playing and communication.*MW Mike ended the trip up $52,000.Polite back offs and trespasses become routine; biggest win cited as $30,000 at one property.*Endured a painful $10,000 losing streak, but finished significantly ahead at the end of the run.*Networking StoriesEarly morning session leads to meeting a high roller/CEO packing $20,000 in chips. This chance meeting results in Vegas offers, access to high-limit rooms, private hosts, and VIP treatment.*The importance of rapportnetworking seen as long-term investment, sometimes an immediate game, sometimes a relationship for future value*.Casino Adventures and LessonsNorthern Michigan experience:Awkward staff, personal comments, changing dealers every 30 minutes.Humorous handling of being labeled an addict and dealing with “red flag” status by the pit boss.Final hours—down $7,000, but returns and wins back $7,500 before being trespassed after a dramatic standoff and witty banter with security.*Dealing with casino staff.Strategy and Table DynamicsDiscussion of card counting, betting spreads, and casino countermeasures.Insights into casino myths (e.g., using apps for live card counting) and player stereotypes.Continual act refinements: blending the professionalism of a businessperson with gambling skills. *Reflections and Closing ThoughtsLessons on adapting to casino environments, learning from awkward or tense moments.The long-haul approach to networking and gambling never knowing when a connection will pay off.A closing reminderMaintaining composure, humor, and adaptability are as valuable as the math behind advantage play. This episode is a candid, entertaining look at the unpredictable lifestyle of a professional card counter, emphasizing both the major swings and the subtle, unexpected wins gained through relationships and resilienceLINKSSUBSCRIBE to the Pod!anchor. fm/ta21
This is a bonus episode of the podcast. Something I'm going to call a "Quick hit" episode. These episodes may be about AP play, or they might be about something else random that we feel like talking about. Nothing overtly political or controversial, just some fun bonus conversation for you to listen to while driving to your next stop. Here's the first edition of our "quick hit" episodes. Please let us know whether you like this kind of bonus content. After all, we're here to serve you! Don't worry, there's a full episode of T&A coming soon!
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 handPost-COVID rusty dealers making obvious peeking errorsLucky Stiff side bet dealer paying unqualified hands (cost casino $3-4K)New casinos = inexperienced dealers = more mistakesSide BetsLucky Ladies +EV at +6.5 true count (Hi-Lo)1000:1 payout for suited queens w/ dealer blackjackTIP: Cash out immediately after big wins to avoid surveillance reviewBacking OffBe unmemorable - don't argue, just leaveStory: Flat-bet to $25 while "ploppy" betting $1000 allowed to continueDealer'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 cardScript: "I do not consent to giving my information for creating a player's card"Only legally required to show ID to police, not securityRated vs Unrated DebateSome casinos require cards for premium gamesHard Rock: unrated players limited to 1 hand, 4x table minWeigh short-term comps vs. long-term accessKEY TAKEAWAYSLook beyond blackjack tables for opportunitiesScout new casinos and new table gamesSide bets = high variance despite +EVNetwork with other APs for intelProtect identity strategicallyCONTACT & RESOURCESEmail: tensandaces21@gmail.comReddit: r/tapodcastUse code T21 at Blackjack ApprenticeshipSUPPORT THE SHOWSubscribe for $4.99/month: Video episodes, ad-free audio, 3-day early accessMain podcast always 100% FREE!LINK TO SUBSCRIBE#Blackjack #AdvantagePlay #CardCounting #Casino #Gambling
100% optional $4.99/Month all-access T&A Membership LINKhttps://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/ta21/subscribeT&A Podcast - Episode SummaryThis 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 systemPerformance 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/hourDouble Deck Advantages: On double deck games, CAC2 shows 3.13% EV with $1,640/hour vs Hi-Lo's 3.3% EV with $700/hourSystem Details: CAC2 is available on qfit.com for approximately $100Prediction: Chris believes CAC2 could eventually replace Hi-Lo as the gold standardDealing with inexperienced players asking for free simulation adviceThe 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 policiesBack Counting: Chris's partner can allegedly back count up to 4 tables simultaneouslyBetting Ramps: Different optimal ramps for Hi-Lo vs. CAC2Session Management: Importance of staying calm but firm in disputesStrategy of betting tips alongside your bet (only costs the EV, not the full amount)Using tips strategically for cover or dealer goodwillDealers often taught basic strategy for games different from what they dealDifferences between tribal and commercial casinosChris's partner is described as "one of the best players still playing in the world"Expertise in multiple advantage play techniques beyond countingImportance 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 MENTIONEDCVCX (Casino Vérité Blackjack) - Professional simulation softwareBJA PBS (Blackjack Apprenticeship Pro Betting Software) - Recently upgradedCAC2 Counting System - Available at qfit.com for ~$100Norm Wattenberger - Creator of CVCX and owner of qfit.com.
In this transmission of our attempt at imaginary radio, something that we like to call the Tens and Aces podcast, host Mike AP sits down with two blackjack Advantage Players (APs), Steve and Calthor, to share their vastly different journeys in the game.Steve's AP Path: A recently retired 56-year-old, Steve shares how he transformed a 35-year blackjack hobby into a profitable, entertaining side hustle. He discusses his experience as a double deck specialist who plays rated to maximize comps and longevity, and his philosophy of aggressively chasing wins over pure Expected Value (EV)—a strategy the host warns is mathematically risky in the long run.Calthor's AP Rollercoaster: The 25-year-old AP, Calthor, details his rapid rise to becoming a full-time player, including recovering from a traumatic brain injury which he is using card counting to help rebuild neural pathways. He also shares his pivot to the lucrative world of online advantage play (AP) after moving across the country, his success with a coordinated AP team, and a wild story of discovering and exploiting a "broken" online slot machine that earned him over $44,000 before the casino fixed it.AP Strategies and Pitfalls: The conversation covers the pros and cons of playing rated, the danger of new online casino scams and loyalty program changes, and the value of having a trusted AP team.The episode is followed by the host's music selection, including the original track "Counting Cards in the Dark".
In this episode of T&A: The Tens and Aces Podcast, host Mike AP sits down with seasoned advantage player Nichols to discuss the realities of playing blackjack professionally, managing variance, and maintaining a strong mindset. They explore practical tips for coping with losing streaks, the importance of perspective, and the mental discipline needed for success. The conversation delves into the psychological traits common among advantage players, such as critical thinking and strategic mindset, as well as ethical considerations and the art of finding loopholes in the game. Additionally, Nichols shares personal insights and reflections on balancing gambling with life. Whether you're a veteran AP or just starting your journey, this episode offers valuable advice and candid stories from the front lines of advantage play.The importance of viewing results in the context of long-term sample sizes.Acknowledging that losses are part of the game but keeping perspective helps maintain morale.The value of zooming out on your results to see the big picture and avoid frustration during losing streaks.Tips for beginners: taking breaks when stressed, testing your game regularly, and avoiding chasing losses.Finding the right balance between playing enough hours and avoiding negative feedback loops.The dangers of overbetting and under betting — sticking to EV positive plays.Maintaining focus on expected value rather than short-term results, especially when gambling is your primary income.The importance of having safety nets, such as savings, to reduce pressure.The mindset of advantage players: strategic, analytical, and sometimes Machiavellian.Psychological traits: giftedness, critical thinking, confidence, and sometimes narcissism.The need to mask true intentions and maintain a work mode during play.Managing interactions with casino staff and security, such as using loopholes related to ID scanners and buy-ins.The role of network knowledge in navigating casino policies and avoiding suspicion.How to handle ID scanners by being creative or blending into crowds.When and how to build chip inventories to avoid suspicious buy-ins.Using perceived action and social presence to reduce detection.Calculations for EV when taking side action (e.g., in craps) without sacrificing profitability.Focus on enjoying life beyond material possessions; avoid the hedonic treadmill.Practical advice on saving money, paying taxes, and planning for long-term financial stability.Emphasizing the importance of relationships and meaningful experiences over material gains.The analogy of AP as similar to strategic game theory, like the Prisoner’s Dilemma, balancing cooperation and self-interest.
Podcast Episode Summary:In this episode of The Tens & Aces Podcast, host Mike AP interviews Agent 21, a blackjack dealer and advantage player (AP). They discuss Agent 21’s background, how he got into blackjack — inspired by movies and early experiences dealing — and his journey of learning card counting and basic strategy. The conversation delves into the perspective of being both a dealer and an AP, sharing insightful observations on casino operations, signs of card counting, dealer and floor behaviors, and how casinos track players. They also explore memorable moments at the tables, notable players they've encountered, and the challenges of evading casino back-offs. The episode offers a candid look into the world of blackjack from both sides of the table, highlighting strategies, stories, and the balancing act of playing smart in the casino environment.Detailed Show Notes:Episode Title: Inside Blackjack: Dealer & Advantage Player Perspectives with Agent 21Intro & Welcome:Host Mike AP introduces the episode and the guest, Agent 21, a blackjack dealer and advantage player.Brief overview of the show's theme: real-life stories from pros and players navigating blackjack’s ups and downs.Guest Background & How He Got Into Blackjack:Inspired by the movie 21 and childhood poker lessons from his dad.Started dealing blackjack at 18 after researching how to become a dealer.First dealer job provided decent earnings with tips, through a combination of dealing and playing.Learning & Playing Blackjack:Studied basic strategy and card counting through videos and practice.First attempts to gamble involved basic strategy; full card counting took time to develop.Managed bankroll carefully, understanding variance in blackjack.Being Both Dealer & Advantage Player:Insights into how his dealer experience helps him recognize signs of card counting and dealer behaviors.Observations on dealer monotony, distracted floor staff, and signs of suspicious play like splitting tens.Recognizes that most dealers/ floors have limited training on detecting APs, but sharp staff can catch skilled players quickly.Casino Operations & Tracking Players:Casinos track patterns such as chips, bet sizes, buy-ins, and player behavior.Use of software/hardware to profile players (e.g., RN for refused name, chip locations).Techniques to evade detection: changing appearance, masks, disguises, and varying betting patterns.Notable Casino Stories & Encounters:Seen players double down on terrible hands for entertainment, e.g., a hard 16 vs. 10.Encounters with high-profile players, including NFL and NBA athletes, and wealthy high-stakes gamblers.Experience with back-offs—sometimes on the player, sometimes on other tables or from management.Strategies for avoiding back-offs: changing look, playing unrated, waiting periods.Casino Back-Off & Disguises:Missed a back-off that occurred during play but avoided detection later.Using disguises and countermeasures to re-enter casinos after being backed off.Memorable Moments & Observations:A player lost $30,000 in two hours but casually tossed a tip and left, exemplifying high-stakes reckless gambling.Dealer frustration with poor play and dealer advice given on the floor.The delicate balance of tipping dealers versus playing smartly.Pros & Cons of the Casino Environment:High action players are strategically filtered through minimum bets and table limits.Tipping can influence dealer cooperation and how long they keep you in play.The complex internal politics: dealers, floor, management, and players’ interests.Closing & Final Thoughts:Agent 21’s future plans: balancing school, blackjack, and ongoing interest in playing.Reflection on how COVID-19 and quarantine impact their casino activity.Appreciation for the role of skill and adaptation in blackjack success.
In this episode of our attempt at imaginary radio, we bring you a blackjack basic strategy deviation tutorial for Hit 17 games!
Here is a new episode of the podcast with an updated Blackjack basic strategy tutorial.#blackjack #tutorial #gambling #casino #advantageplay #Cardcounting
In this episode of our attempt at imaginary radio, something that we like to call the Tens and Aces Podcast, we present an episode with a roundtable discussion with five advantage Players "talking shop" sharing stories about blackjack, life on the road and all that comes with the life of an advantage player. If this is the type of thing you'd like to hear, we're about to give you some T&A!#Blackjack #AP #Advantage Play #Gambling #Stories #Casino
The copyright bots took down my original episode for 2021, over four years later. So, I republised this episode, removed the offending material the bots didn't like and added a little new stuff to boot! In this episode of our attempt at a transmission of imaginary radio, it's a bit of a departure from our previous episodes of the podcast. It's a recording of our host, Mike, standing back and backcounting a table and listening to all the Ploppy-talk and somewhat engaging them as well as he does his thing watching the table. Later, Mike added play by play commentary as he listened back to the Shenanigans between said ploppies.
This is a Casino News Episode of the Tens and Aces Blackjack Podcast. Listen Up, Because we're about to give you some T&A!
This is a Valentine's Day edition of The Tens & Aces Podcast, Casino News show. In this Episode, Maddie and Jessica tackle a recent AP's lawsuit against a Casino and give an example of an older occurrence where a player sued a casino and win a substantial settlement, as well as the fall out of that historic case. Since it's Valentine's Day, I play some love songs I wrote at the end, just because I can! See You down the felt!
West Of The Rockies Episode 2. Maddie and Mike discuss the "Fates" and the "Furies" of Greek Mythology. Not an AP Episode, but curious minds might enjoy nonetheless.
In this episode, we present an 80 year-old Advantage player ,Joe! Joe was a guest on the shindig about two years ago. Now he's back with us to update us on how his AP Blackjack journey has been going over the past two years,
Another episode of our attempt at imaginary radio, something we like to call the Tens and Aces Blackjack Podcast. In this episode we talk with an advantage player named Joe. There are some new elements to the beginning of episode, as well as the end. The bulk of the episode is a re-airing of an interview we did with him in early 2023, so that we can lay the groundwork for our next episode that is releasing in a few days with an update on Joe's AP life as he celebrates his recent 80's birthday. Stay tuned for that! For, now... listen up! Here's some T&A!
This is our very first attempt at making a non Blackjack Podcast. This is the very first episode of new Podcast, "West of the Rockies" hosted by Mike AP. It's a show that we think AP's will enjoy. It's a show about Science, Interesting Stories, History, Oddities in and out of our world. It's informative and hopefully entertaining as well. Don't worry, T&A isn't going anywhere, We're still going to be making content for this show as well, but In the meantime, we present the very first episode of WOTR!
Today's episode is our attempt at imaginary radio, something we like to call, T&A, the Tens & Aces Blackjack Podcast. In this episode, we have part two of our conversation with an AP named Spy AP. So, if this is the type of thing you'd like to hear, listen up, because we're about to give you some T&A!
Here's a *BONUS* episode of imaginary radio! It's a Q&A Episode from the Tens & Aces Podcast archives, with friend of the show, Nubs as the guest co-host.
Abdul Kareem
Really enjoying the T&A podcast — it’s a rare gem for anyone interested in the real grind of advantage play in Blackjack. It’s not just about luck; it’s about strategy, discipline, and knowing when to push through the negative variance. Speaking of games of skill and luck, I recently stumbled upon Lucky 101 https://lucky101.pk/ , a fun app where you can play and even earn money. It’s a great way to test your luck and strategy in a different setting!
Jay Pea
What is the app that you use to practice?