An Open Letter to Casino Management

I have just finished reading Bill Zender's new book "Casino-ology". The book consolidates in one volume various articles written by Zender. In a nutshell, the time, effort and cost expended in persuit of ways to thwart the limited number of advantage players, in particular, card counters, is costing your casino a fortune, both in real dollars and goodwill. Zender includes detailed studies as to the real effect shallow penetration, complex and too frequent shuffles, barring of non-counters just on a winning streak, the real effect of less than full pay for blackjack and many other topics. The book also discusses dice and other game management

In these hard economic times I suggest you read and seriously consider Zender's recommedations. A copy of the book as a gift to your superior would surely be a feather in your cap. In addition, it would show some intellectual curiousity on your part.

Respectfully to all my friends in management,
Cobbson

Unfortunately you are adressing morons with high egos who think they know it all. I would be surprised and happy if only 10% of the casino execs read this book, however I am not sure 10% of them can read...

I to have read Zender's latest work.

As long as someone's nephew's job depends on harassment of Card Counters Zender's words will go unheeded.

Believe it not, that same strain of moron is rampant in federal and state governments.

..I was in a casino today and noticed a change in procedure during a change of dealer. Although no other rules were improved, such as no mid-round entry, the improvement that I did see caught me off guard as the old procedure is more or less universal in Las Vegas.

Naturally, I can't say for sure, but maybe somebody read Zender's book afterall.

Cobbson

How many more idiots are now regular Blackjack losers out there, since they saw the movie, '21'. In that boring craphouse of a movie, a voice tells us that splitting 8's V 10 is a sucker play. Seeing as computer sims decades ago proved that the player loses less, long-term when he splits those; then whose idea was it to put that crap out for the public? Can somebody tell us the truth here, I ask forlornly?

Was that one example of Casino-money input in that movie? Not to mention deliberately perpetrating another myth: high true counts happen HEAPS when Ben and his smug little gang play. The fact is those sort of high counts might happen once or twice in a regular cardcounter's entire life! More casino-money input, seducing the unwary with deliberate bullshit?

Alienated, you make some good points in your post. It seems obvious that in today's tough-rules and scrutiny, blackjack new card counters are taking on a tough gig. Good luck to all those newcomers using '21' as some sort of template, because you sure as hell are gonna need a lot of luck going your way to show a profit.

I cannot prove anything, (I wish) so I only have my opinion, and it is this:
Some casino money was invested in '21' - which was produced for the expess purpose of luring new (young) vast numbers of BJ players, like moths to the flame of large, easy bucks to be made for the smart guy.
I believe few would-be card counters are ever going to reach the level of skill required to make a successful career out of it. If that is true, as I say, then perpetraying myths like those in the movie surely works grandly in favor of a steep rise in the casinos' cash accounts, since that movie. Am I right, casinos?

"In that boring craphouse of a movie, a voice tells us that splitting 8's V 10 is a sucker play."

The confusion in the movie may come from the fact that MIT was playing ONLY in positive shoes and mostly with the LS rule in Vegas. Any GBP would then Surrender 8-8 vs A cause the Hi-Lo TC for such a play is +1, so clearly, splitting would be the wrong move.

"high true counts happen HEAPS when Ben and his smug little gang play."

Would you really like to watch a movie about LOW True Counts ? The movie shoes the 15-20% of the hands that the team was playing and this is unfortunately the way Hollywood does things. Don't get me wrong, this movie is far from perfect but many inaccuracies may be very well where people do not expect them to be ...

I honostly hope this movie will produce millions of wannabe counters. The true ones will have an easier life.

Some folks actually enjoy the sport and are willing to pay for the entertainment value. On the other hand, what serious counters are trying to accomplish is work. Perhaps they are the real idiots when it comes to the game of blackjack.

The fun stopped long ago,
Cobbson

Cobb, If the BJ fun stopped long ago, why the hell are ya still at it?

Just five percent of daily US casino patrons leave the casino carrying more cash than when they arrived. (2007 survey.) That makes 95% of people in a casino on any given day losers. 95% L-O-S-E-R-S.

Or to put it another way, the average idiot is a 20/1 outsider to win today, whatever game that idiot is spending his/her hardearned on. We can leave the serious-idiot regular slots players out of this chat because, like fundamental christians, they are gone well beyond reason.

You probably noticed all those hordes of golden oldies putting their pensions down the slots in LV regularly. Are they the folk you were referring to; those willing to pay for the 'entertainment value?' It remains a mystery to me how, or why anyone can be 'entertained' by slots, which I call, "A pox on humanity." Just one of life's many, many mysteries I guess...

I refer to idiots as idiots, only because of idiotic behavior - such as someone actually believing they can beat the slots, even though author John Scarne himself said long ago, "It can't be done." Try telling that to a serious slots idiot!

Same goes for the other casino games. Casinos win because of their inbuilt house edge on every game. It works so great that of all the idiots flocking there today, 95% of them leave with less cash. (A lot less!)

Then enter us chosen ones. We are different. We know about house edges, how they work, and how they are gonna getcha cash in the end, (but only if you are an idiot.) We know how to count cards, look smug, add and subtract figures in our brains while chatting with other idiots; pretend we are idiots too, and try to fool the pitcritters. Sometimes, the planets align, we succeed and we WIN something. Then we walk out as one of God's chosen 5%!

OK, I got off the track there. To your post's last point where you are referring to counters: "Perhaps they are the real idiots when it comes to the game of blackjack."

Interesting how you use the term 'they' rather than 'we', which seems to imply you are not one of 'us'. Now surely that couldn't possibly mean that you have become an... idiot? Please say it ain't so, Cobbson.

...I have read that there are perhaps 100 card counters in the world, playing on teams and individually, that can do damage to a casino's bottom line. There are maybe another 1,000 or so, also worldwide, that manage to make a living from it. Most of the posters on these boards have an interest developing counting and casino related skills. They visit the local casino perhaps weekly or even several times a week. Many go monthly or only a couple of times a year for that big planned trip to Vegas, A.C. or the Gulf. For these folks it is a hobby, albeit an off-the-wall-hobby. It is in fact "fun".

There are still others that play on a regular basis, some limiting themselves to Nevada or even just Las Vegas or some other major gaming location, others traveling far and wide. The discipline required to get out there and do your best is no different than a 9 to 5 job or operating one's own business. It's a challange for sure and a game in which wins and losses in dollars is how the score is kept. It can be very interesting because of new experiences and new people popping-up out of nowhere every day. But it is nonetheless "work", in every sense of the word. The "fun" becomes "work". Even the BSing that is done to present your image, that was once a lot of kicks, becomes work. Why do it then if it's no longer fun? For the same reason a coal miner goes into the dusty, dirty, dangerous mine every day of his life. Just to make a buck. And besides, we eat very well !

Cobbson

P.S. I do get pleasure from participating in BJ21.

Cobbson, Your stated figures of only 1,100 top-notch world-class successful BJ card counters out there internationally, surely makes depressing reading for all those Rainman/MIT wannabees who might read that here. But on the other hand, it's good they hear the truth from someone such as BJC hisself. It's my guess that figure may even be less now, with more scrutiny, tougher rules etc, as time marches on.

It's true folks, and BJC had the guts to tell the truth here, even if the truth hurts...for some. Now I'm going to write here the reason why you won't find what BJC said in many (or any) BJ card counting book.

To become one of those Illustrious 1,100 or so, is not the impossible
dream those figures would seem, although it's close. But for any individual to achieve those lofty heights is improbable and unlikely, but not impossible. It might be like a 17-year-old starting out with a dream to reach #1, or top 10 in the world at tennis, within 3 years. What mental attributes would be needed for eventual success?

Many similar attributes would be required from a very-ambitious card counter. Here is my list:

1 Self belief. 2 Belief in your ultimate, absolute, unfailing success. 3 Ability to focus awareness, no matter distractions.
4 Self-discipline. 5 Persistence. 6 Patience. 7 Confidence. 8. Skill
9 Courage. 10 Attitude. 11 Awareness. 12 Clear mind, control of thoughts. 13 Motivated and Committed, long-term.

I knew such a one, who was very successful in the late 90's and he nowadays hangs out in Asia. He gave me this list in 1999 after I requested it. He said there are probably more attributes required, but these are the main ones. He also said such a career may not last long if the temptation to overindulge in 'the good life' is not controlled, such as sex, drugs, alcohol, even food etc., which is all covered under 'discipline.'

The last thing I remember him saying about this list is words to this effect: Each of these qualities must be developed to a very high degree. If just one (or more) do not reach the required level, you ain't gonna make it. I asked what the level was. He said around 95% of the maximum possible, for EACH.

And that was the reason I never made it. I was not able to sustain all. It is especially difficult for someone with other serious commitments, such as job, wife, family, etc., while learning.

So there you have it. Who can commit to the likes of those extremely high ideals, for a lengthy period? Few make top 10 at tennis either. Good luck.

Your post jogged my memory Cobb. Thanks, and maybe this may help others.

"Now I'm going to write here the reason why you won't find what BJC said in many (or any) BJ card counting book."

Casino-ology Bill Zender 2008 Pgs. 174-175

Clarification: The 1,000 number refers to counters earning a living. There are many, many counters that show a lesser win year after year.

Cobbson

Many years ago I tried playing full time for about a 6 month period but the lifestyle was not for me and especially not for my family. It would have been, as said earlier, work and not fun.

For about a decade now I get in 300-500 hours each year, earn or win a nice suppliment to my income and the fun of beating the casino at it's own game does not seem to wear out.

I am where I want to be on the blackjack ladder and am happy as a result and I wonder if 1,000 make a living at the game, just how many more there are who play it as a very profitable hobby.

than there are from playing blackjack. Slots are just another gamble that serious players shouldn't ignore. The odds against winning are higher but the occasional wins could dwarf blackjack winnings. A small percentage of your bankroll should be allocated to playing slots. Those who don't have an adequate bj bankroll could improve their chances of getting one by play slots. The biggest drawback of bj is that you can only win what you bet. Example" One dollar bet made me $10,000 at a slot machine. Not a bad return on one dollar.

"For about a decade now I get in 300-500 hours each year, earn or win a nice suppliment to my income and the fun of beating the casino at it's own game does not seem to wear out."

My sentiments exactly, although I don't play quite that much.

"I am where I want to be on the blackjack ladder and am happy as a result and I wonder if 1,000 make a living at the game, just how many more there are who play it as a very profitable hobby."

Me too, and sometimes I think we don't get the respect we deserve:)

Only another player can appreciate what is involved, whether you are a casual player or professional.

Good luck,

Cobbson

Yeah, good point Jomoats. You're probably right about the millionaires. The fact there are big winners is the dream that fuels countless others to feed the monsters. Unfortunately, few have your uncommon sense and can set aside a SMALL portion of their bankroll for a punt on a mega-longshot.

What's far more common is slots addiction with its potential for disaster, which I have seen with a relative, and others. Not pretty.
I know addiction can take many forms but I have particular dislike for slots; firstly because their manufacturers employ people who design the things to be as alluring, seductive and ADDICTIVE as is humanly possible. That includes noise, lights, colors and movement.

Their motto may well be: "God would not have made sheep if He didn't want them shorn."

I don't get it. Sure, one "could" win big at slots, just like one "could" win big at the lottery. Does that mean I should take a portion of my bankroll and buy Lotto tix? If I have a confirmed and unquestioned disadvantage at slots, why should I take part of my already limited bj bankroll and dump it into these machines, where I am supposed to lose? It seems counter-productive to me. I've only been counting for a year now, but maybe my mathematical advantage has made me too snobbish toward any game that I'm expected to lose.