Playing in last position

Hi

I'm very new to counting (and BJ in general). If you remember my other posts, i'm starting off very small until I have all the basics down. I've counted only a few times, but have won every session (3).

When i'm playing in last position and making "odd" plays due to indicies and the present TC, some players get upset and feel its my fault that they're losing, (cause i affect the dealer's cards)

My first instinct is to say smart ass remark back to them, but that would usually come off as very confrontational and don't want to draw undue attention to myself. I don't really care what the others think of me, but because the casino is small, i'll probably be seeing the same people over and over and don't want to get a reputation (good or bad) at all. I'd rather not be known, but if i have to, I want to be "that guy who is quiet", or "i don't know his name but he is nice".

How should i handle this? I'm used to poker, where table image is very important, but I can just tell someone off if they are giving me a hard time.

My BJ image is that of a small stakes idiot. I am currently playing the minimum as by basic unit and using a small spread. I ask questions about spliting and doubling (eg, Am i supposed to split 6s? ) and sometimes try to double on my 3rd card.

How should i handle these situations where players are noticing my play? I try to seen "unaware", but I also don't want regulars bitching about my play, becasue that will draw attention.

I just got up and moved to another table but there are 3 tables at night, 2 in the day?

Also, what kind of image do you all try to project, or do you bother with this at all? I assume this is what you mean by "cover". I probably don't need to bother with it, with betting such small units, but i figured the practise is good.

Thanks all.

mark

There are a number of ways to handle groans and moans from other players when you make a play they don't like, especially from third base. You could simply ignore them. You could tell them that it's your money in the betting square and you'll play your hand anyway you please. You could point out the times when you "saved the table" with a play, which might ameliorate them a little when you make the play that doesn't save the table. What you should avoid is saying something that marks you as a knowledgeable player. You want other players, the dealer, and especially the pit, to believe you are the dumbest player they ever saw. Check your ego and your pride at the door when playing blackjack.

Cover is a topic that volumes have been written about. Too much for any one post. In general, I would say your best bet is to stay as close as possible to your normal personality, unless you have great acting abilities. Friendliness helps. Being superstitious isn't a bad thing either. It all depends on your personality. Observe the way other non-counting players behave and do what you can to imitate them.

Trying to look like an idiot might be good cover to start with, but if the casino is small, the pit personnel will pretty soon figure out that you're not actually an idiot. Once they do, pretending to be one will make you more noticeable, not less. The problem with being an idiot is that if you play perfect BS, you're likely to get some floor people realizing that your act and your play aren't coordinated. That may make you more conspicuous, not less.

I'd recommend practicing being able to chat with the other players, the dealer and the floor people without losing the count. Get good at counting without noticeably looking at the cards, or at least with only minimal looking.

If you're going to adopt a persona, look around at people that are gambling for fun. You'll probably notice a couple of basic types (broadly defined). Find one or two that you think work best with your own personality, and use them as your persona. Try to avoid being the strong, intent, silent type, though. I'd say avoid cover plays (unless they're really, really cheap). At your level, they'll almost certainly cost more than they gain.

Just my $0.02 -- worth just about what you paid for it. :-)

- Case