why no big stakes counters in Kansas City

I have played at the Kansas City casinos since 1996. Granted, up until around 2009 with the �$500 buy-in limit�, it was probably not worth it for a big stakes player to fly or drive in for a short trip.

But right now,
Harrahs, Ameristar, and Isle have dd H17 das with pen ranging from 60-70%. CBJN was reporting 80% pen at Isle about 6 months ago. Isle pen appeared to be about 60-75% on my recent trip. There have been several periods where 75% pen was the norm at Harrahs and Ameristar. Penetration has never been much better than 50% at Argosy.

Casinos cannot bar a player for counting cards in MO. They will take countermeasures including changing the pen and table limits. It is difficult for me to evaluate, but in general I think the KC casinos are less likely and slower to take countermeasures than most all other areas of the country.

I never used cover and had no act. I was ided as a card counter at all four casinos, but I kept returning. Sometimes, I would get a 10-30 minutes before countermeasures were taken. Sometimes, I could get as much as an hour (if I waited a few months and looked for a new pit crew). Sometimes (actually many times), the dealers would not understand the pit boss and fail to follow the directions related to penetration. Sometimes, the dealers misunderstood and instead of dealing 25% pen like the pit wanted, would deal 75%. For a long time, the countermeasure was 50% pen. So I could play the 50% pen dd game with a $25-$500 or $1000 range.

I have finally reached the burn out stage. I have a hard time avoiding being recognized and even getting a few bets out before severe countermeasures are taken (2 rounds and shuffle, $50 table max, etc).

How do I know there are not big stakes counters playing there?

I don�t for sure. But when the counter measures are taken, I usually ask the dealer how often they do this (change table limits, reduce penetration, etc), and I usually get the answer �only one or two other players�.

So just wondering, why is one of the few markets where card counting is explicitly legal drawing such few high stakes card counters?

All of the local counters were noted for half-shoes and early shuffles long ago. KC and STL were good for out of town players right after the loss limits were raised but now most casinos are pretty quick with moving the cut card for unknown new players who bet big.

...until you reminded me. Never heard it once during the recession. Ray was the best. Should have been the national anthem for the past few years.

Enjoy,
Cobbson

...of a Johnny Cash song.

This is a very old live recording.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8kRsoAZjpM

...but this was of better quality video and sound. The Man in Black also rates high on my list. You are correct.

Cobbson

...Cash version, A Johnny Cash version -- unfortunately not nearly as good as the original recording from the 1950s. I looked for that on YouTube, but no joy. It was from the end of the original "Tennessee Two" period. I got to see Cash at his last concert before rehab. I don't know what rehab did to him, but he was never as good afterwards. The old pain/spirit/drive/whatever was just gone.

did you get before the penetration got worse?

just curious- my circumstances were probably a little different since I kept my max at about $200 in my early career before getting up to the $500 + after a few years playing.

Did you try to come back on different shifts/days or is the travel cost & time prohibitive?

Don't assume they remember you or have good records.

I stayed away from Isle for about 2 years until late 2010 when CBJN reported 80% dd pen. I returned and spread $25-1000. There were phone calls from the pit- but there seemed to be no effort to evaluate my $25-1000 spread. I think they were looking through their photos of known counters. Ater an hour, I saw the manager with my photo, and he came over and lowered the table limit to $50. I think if they did not have my photo right there on their confirmed list, they would have taken actions for a while.

I am suggesting:
1. Don't give up just becuase they busted you once.
2. If you have a clean players card or an act/cover, you might actually be able to play at least a few hours before the countermesures take effect.

If you send me an email and are interested in returning to KC casinos, I might be able to give you some more specific guidance.

I remember in the late 90s taking trips to LV thinking the games were so much better in LV than Kansas city with so many DD with S17 and good penetration. Not so sure if that is the case any more.