Low Roller Heat

Guys and Gals,

After reading the free board and joining the Green Chip board, perusing through the archives I decided to give it a shot and see if any of you could offer some practical advice on how to deflect heat. My situation: I'm a low roller who plays at a game with S17, DAS, DOA, NS, 4.75/6 average penetration. I spread 1-12. I understand that a big spread is necessary to beat a shoe game, but I'd like some suggestions on how to deflect heat when it comes to the spread. One dealer last time I played mentioned that I "counted the cards well". Granted, this is the ONLY dealer I've had any issues with that (yelling checks play more than once, etc.), but I thought I'd better see about suggestions now before I head back...thanks for the input!!

I thought I might have been missing something! My max bet is $120 at a $10 table. After reading most of the post the general consensus is that I really should worry about making the correct decisions and avoiding cover except when absolutely necessary. Also, what should you do when confronted with a counter-related comment or question? When the dealer made the 'counter' comment I flat-bet the remainder of the shoe and then looked for greener pastures...should I have thrown something back at them?

Some dealers seem so against anyone making money that you'd think they had stock in the company or something. I've never been a dealer but if I wanted tips, I'd want the players to win. If anyone on here has been a dealer, maybe they can shed some light on why dealers act this way.

Let me respond to:

but I'd like some suggestions on how to deflect heat when it comes to the spread. One dealer last time I played mentioned that I "counted the cards well". Granted, this is the ONLY dealer I've had any issues with that (yelling checks play more than once, etc.),

That is not really heat. The dealer (and perhaps the house) know you count cards.

Did they do anything? Did they cut the Shoe in half, break the Shoe, or tell you not to play?

The reason people have stated that you shouldn�t use cover at low-stakes is that even if they know you are counting (which they will figure out sooner or later), they aren�t very likely to do anything about it.

Now, I don�t want to come across as saying that low-stakes players never get barred. But they get barred very little.

I'd suspect he was looking for tokes. He might have thought that if you were a little nervous you'd place toke bets for him when you raised your own bet.

Backing off a red chipper is just very bad for business. Other players may see the backoff and ask questions. The red chipper himself, who is obviously not a full time pro, may not know that the proper thing to do is walk quietly away. The casino cannot afford to look bad for only a few dollars per hour.

Play correctly and don't worry about cover at your level. As MathProf said, back offs for red chippers is rare, but does happen. If it does then find greener pastures. Usually these types of places are the dumpiest.

When dealers have commented on my counting I ignore them or come up with some other remark like, "I'm adding as fast as I can, but those hands with a lot of Aces throw me off." But usually I just ignore them and leave shortly thereafter. I don't change my betting strategy. The dealers can't back you off. Who cares what they say. If they're so good then what are they doing on that side of the table in a low roller joint that sweats red action. I don't tip and when dealers are hawking for tips, I DON'T TIP!

I had a similar experience at the old Horseshoe in LV. I had one older dealer in particular who commented, "no matter how high the count is when you take insurance I still have to have a BJ." This was about 3-4 hours into a 6-7 hour session. I was using no cover and spreading 1-2 hands on their really good 1D game. The pit knew I was counting and didn't seem to care. (On a subsequent visit, after being BO just watching a game-not playing, a PC told me that he liked me and if it was up to him he'd let me play). Of course this was shortly after the employees health insurance was cancelled because Becky didn't pay the premiums. You never know what's really going on in the minds of some casino employees so just play your game and leave quietly if BO. Hopefully this story also illustrates what playing for longevity will do. I extracted about $10K in just a couple of visits because I used no cover and wasn't afraid of being BO. Now this wonderful casino is Harrah's trash and there a no games worth playing. But there are lots of other casinos left to play.