How to backcount if tables always full?

On a recent trip to a casino (AC style casino), I walked around, tried backcounting, and the whole thing. The problem was that this casino would only open tables on an as needed basis. So in effect all the tables were always full with 7 players. With the economy the way it is I can see why there would be less dealers in play in the first place, which leads to less tables open, which leads to more people at each table.

My questions. What good is backcounting if even once the count gets high there is nowhere to sit?

Also, It can take awhile for the count to reach a respectable level. Maybe because I am new, but doesn't just walking around and stopping to count, walking around, stopping, etc... Doesn't this routine look weird after awhile? Don't they start to wonder "why isn't this person siting down to play. After all no one comes to a casino just to walk around all this time".

And a more general question. What is the MAX amount of time to stand there and count before you need to leave (5 minutes, 10 minutes?). I know that is general, just wondering. thanks.

On a recent trip to a casino (AC style casino), I walked around, tried backcounting, and the whole thing. The problem was that this casino would only open tables on an as needed basis. So in effect all the tables were always full with 7 players. With the economy the way it is I can see why there would be less dealers in play in the first place, which leads to less tables open, which leads to more people at each table.

My questions. What good is backcounting if even once the count gets high there is nowhere to sit?

No good. You need to go when the tables are less full. This applies whether or not you are backcounting.

Also, It can take awhile for the count to reach a respectable level. Maybe because I am new, but doesn't just walking around and stopping to count, walking around, stopping, etc... Doesn't this routine look weird after awhile? Don't they start to wonder "why isn't this person siting down to play. After all no one comes to a casino just to walk around all this time".

Looking and walking around are probably not the problem. It's all of sudden sitting and betting big that will probably draw attention.

And a more general question. What is the MAX amount of time to stand there and count before you need to leave (5 minutes, 10 minutes?). I know that is general, just wondering. thanks.

I usually hang around a casino for a hour or so before moving on. If I haven't actually played, I may hang around longer.

I have encountered the same problem when I first went to the casinos too. I used to go either on the weekend or on a weekday night. I then tried going late at night arriving around 11pm or going early in the morning arriving around 9 or 10 am. These two times seemed to have a lot of open spaces at the tables. Once it hit around 5 or 6 pm I noticed a larger amount of people and it was significantly harder to backcount and find an open space. Just a few things I noticed hope this helps you out.

There is no point in backcounting a game if there is no way for you to jump in on the game when the count is favorable. If the tables are completely full, you will need to play elsewhere, or play after the before/after the casino is too busy. If the tables are nearly full (only one or two spots open), I will sometimes lower my standards in terms of what count I will wong in. If I would normally jump in with a 0.5% edge, I may go ahead and place a smaller bet if I have a 0.0% edge since I want to have the spot available if the count continues to go up. Another option might be to hire a spotter to actually sit and play at one of the full tables. Of course, the logistics of them leaving the game and getting you in the table to play their vacated spots can be a bit tricky and may be difficult to pull off smoothly more than once or twice in a single session.

Walking around and hawking tables does feel awkward at first, and in all likelyhood looks awkward to anyone who happens to notice. This is where a busy environment is helpful to you since you can more easily blend in with the crowds. You need to look like you're doing something besides backcounting. Watch a few spins of the roulette wheel, watch a couple hands on a carnival game, or just stand back and watch TV some of the time. If you can do this while backcounting a BJ table, even better.

For max amount of time, I'm not sure whether you're asking about how long you should stay in a single casino or if you're asking about when to decide to give up on a shoe.

In terms of your session length, it depends greatly on where you are playing and on the current conditions. Generally speaking, if it's a larger casino with several tables and pits, you can stay longer than you could if it were a small place with just a few tables in one pit. If it's crowded, you can go unnoticed longer than if it's not crowded. If your bets are big enough for them to take notice, you may only want to wong into a game once or twice before moving on. If your bets are comparable to everyone else and you just blend in, you can play longer.

In terms of when to give up on a shoe, if the Hi-Lo TC drops to -1 or worse, it's usually time to start looking for another shoe with a fresh shuffle.