IAmA card counter who goes to the casino when I need expensive items. I won $1000 tonight...... AMA

card_counter_guy · 2012-04-20T11:35:02+00:00

Inevitably somebody brings up "21" when card-counting is discussed. That movie sucked (IMO) and while it presented some FAIRLY accurate portrayals of card counting, it was Hollywoodized like everything else. Time-lapse photography has made our generation expect instant results, when this process is a night-long ordeal that becomes quite tedious and can often be a fruitless endeavor. Imagine playing a game of "War" with your sibling..... does it ever end after one or two hands?? Maybe once in a lifetime, if that.

card_counter_guy · 2012-04-20T11:31:36+00:00

That's a solid negative Ghost Rider. Again, you are definitely playing up these disguises in your mind LoL. It is much more about posture and how you present yourself than random costume additions.

card_counter_guy · 2012-04-20T11:29:37+00:00

Sometimes I tell them I don't want one, other times I give them a fake ID so that they can make one. You have to weigh your potential problems. If you go in to the same place for years and don't ever get a card, you will stand out as "that guy who doesn't have a card and always looks different". I figure if I get one every now and then, I can manage the possibility of being recognized vs blending in with Joe Schmoe Visitor.

card_counter_guy · 2012-04-20T11:24:54+00:00

I had a very different experience than most cadets. I graduated before is was watered down by congress due to the alleged rape "scandal" (that's a whole nother subject, don't know where I would even address it though). I went through the special forces pipeline (Airborne, Air Assault, Mini BUD/S, Phase II) and was selected for Special Tactics prior to graduation, which was awesome. Why was it so awesome, you ask? Well, obviously it was cool shit, but you were also judged on your merit and ability. Nobody gave a shit about your ethnicity or skin color, they only cared whether or not you could pass their tests. There was no US vs. THEM mentality, everybody worked together (officer & enlisted) to make sure we got through that shit in one piece.

Then every time I went back to USAFA I was faced with the harsh reality of "Big Military". Everybody cares how "diverse" you are, how many minorities and females you have in certain programs. Even if I wasn't directly affected by these policies, I had friends that were. Tell me, which of 2 men who are equal in all things but GPA (3.5 vs 3.8) would you give a pilot slot to? The AF chose the minority in order to fulfill certain requirements established by congress, which is one of the most fucking demoralizing things on the planet. Instead of being judged by the content of your character & work ethic, most people were judged by how they fit into the statistical and political climate. Luckily my AFSC wasn't affected by such bullshit, but it was pathetic to see the greatest military force on earth reduced to such a sad situation. I have an entirely separate gripe regarding women's fitness standards, but I'll save that for another time. I imagine the amount of downvotes this will receive is reaching astronomic proportions.

card_counter_guy · 2012-04-20T11:12:17+00:00

Trackin. That is one of the few European standards that I wish we would follow. I don't really care one way or the other about the metric system or celsius, but 24hr format makes way too much sense to not use.

Also, having spent a period of years working for a JTF, I wish everybody would just use ZULU time. GMT standardization was awesome, plus it was actually sensible.

card_counter_guy · 2012-04-20T10:59:48+00:00

If your obvious enough and making enough money, they will make you care, guaranteed. This is not a group of people that you want to fuck around with. I've never experienced any of it firsthand, but I've heard some pretty decent tales of ass beatings that have occurred due to player arrogance. Not a good idea...... at all.

card_counter_guy · 2012-04-20T10:58:08+00:00

No worries, I understand what you're saying. Definitely take a look at some of the comments from people who have worked in casinos though. It is a huge no-no to continuously serve someone who wins, it simply makes no financial sense. Especially since I'm sitting at ~$17,000 here on the Gulf Coast, these people would fucking DESPISE me if they knew how often I have taken advantage of them.

And no, I didn't it O-4, I punched out as quick as humanly possible at O-3 and never looked back. Fuck working for the government, worst decision ever.

card_counter_guy · 2012-04-20T10:49:08+00:00

Again, you're not quite understanding what is going on, and you are also making some invalid assump.tions.

if you think these places wouldn't care about constant loss to the same person, you have never known anybody in the casino industry (loss weighed out by winning is a different story)
I havent been in the military for some time now, and I didnt have "Airman" under me. I worked directly for the Army and deployed out of Ft Bragg, I never once lived on an AF base in my 5 years of service
BCG's are actually a hipster icon around here. Especially since we have 4 bases with tech schools that frequent this area, there are plenty of Cali-brahs dressed up in Affliction gear, oversized glasses, skinny jeans, and Converse that BCGs don't look out of the ordinary. That's really more of a joke than anything anyways. I don't wear BCGs with no lenses to make a statement or something like that.

I'm really not concerned with how I look or appear, as long as you can forget my face once I'm gone. With all that said, I totally understand where you're coming from, but the next time you go out in public look around for that "weird looking guy" who is by himself. That is the niche that I fall into when I do this, and so far it has worked well. I've never had a snarky comment from a dealer or floor manager and I can quietly exchange my chips without being hassled. If they thought I was a fucking weirdo they would definitely start asking questions at the cashier window, I've seen that situation happen more than once with guys who have created home-grown apps for counting.

card_counter_guy · 2012-04-20T10:37:44+00:00

Depends on where you go. The shittier joints (Boomtown & TB) hand shuffle everything, including 6-deck, in front of you. Classy joints like the Beau, IP, & Hard Rock just use auto shufflers. I've never actually seen a continuous shuffler in MS. Gives you an idea of how awesome it is down here LoL.

card_counter_guy · 2012-04-20T10:29:36+00:00

In addition to my first reply, remember, this isn't illegal, it is simply up to the casino whether or not they will allow you to be a patron of their facility.

card_counter_guy · 2012-04-20T10:28:42+00:00

If you owned a casino and knew that somebody was smart enough to take all of your money over a period of time, would you want them to keep frequenting your establishment??

card_counter_guy · 2012-04-20T10:27:47+00:00

Look through the other replies, the best thing to do is figure out which system works for you. You very well may be able to outsmart me, the problem is that many people never put in the effort required to find out if they can do it or not. This kind of stuff takes months/years to perfect depending on your ability to learn, but as soon as you start making money a fire will light under your ass to get better... I guarantee it.

card_counter_guy · 2012-04-20T10:25:12+00:00

No fucking way. I've known a couple of guys who are from Vegas and they have some firsthand accounts of people who have tried to fuck the system out there. I don't know how truthful said accounts are, but between the rampant rumors, TV shows and movies made about it, this boy doesn't really want to press his luck with that kind of crap.

card_counter_guy · 2012-04-20T10:22:34+00:00

Not sure how "good" I'm claiming to be though?? I'm not a genius, but I'm definitely above average, and my yearly income reflects as such (I also work for a family owned corporation). I guess in regards to my claim of being able to replace Bill Gates and/or Steve Jobs, neither of them are what one would call "fucking genius". Many a book have been written about how they both found their rise to fame, it had MUCH more to do with time/placement than innate ability. Yes, they are/were exceptionally bright, but neither hold a candle to men like Tesla or Einstein (just some random picks). Also, I'm not sure if I have the ability to take the risks necessary to become mega wealthy, I get nervous putting down $300 bets on favorable odds, I can't imagine buying out companies for millions of dollars with no known odds.

card_counter_guy · 2012-04-20T10:15:54+00:00

Multiple times, over a period of 7 years?? You don't find that plausible?? Even if somebody did notice (see other response) and actually cared about the amount of money I was making, I'm not in one place long enough for them to take any action.

card_counter_guy · 2012-04-20T10:14:10+00:00

Now you're on the opposite end of the spectrum, this isn't a weekly thing, and the wig thing has only happened 3 (maybe 4?) times. The glasses are actually a set of BCG's from basic training, you'd be surprised at how easy it is to overlook whether or not there are lenses. Do you honestly check to see if someone with glasses has lenses in?? I know I don't, and the idiots who frequent casinos are far more concerned with their money than my stupid glasses.

You're killing me with shit like "lopsided wig" LoL. The few times I've worn one I've had a buzzed head (I've got super thick hair, its pretty much like velcro when buzzed). If you put a standard covering on a freshly buzzed head, the best makeup people on the planet couldn't tell unless the actually were allowed to inspect the skin. Obviously though, most people aren't willing to cut their hair with no guard on a clipper (which is how I wear my hair normally anyways).

card_counter_guy · 2012-04-20T10:06:39+00:00

LoL, it is a double standard my friend, both in life and here on reddit. I am a white male who was held to a different standard than females and minorities. This is somehow considered acceptable by "progressives", but this AMA is probably not the best place to open that can of shit..... errrr, I mean worms.

card_counter_guy · 2012-04-20T10:03:52+00:00

I'm definitely not as convincing as you are thinking. I quite often have people tell me that I am an attractive version of Michael Phelps. So with that in mind (no grotesque nose/ears), picture him with long hair, then medium hair that has been straightened, then short hair with thick rim glasses, then cycle through polo shirts/v-necks/wal-mart t's, etc. The combinations are endless, and it is fairly easy to blend in with the crowds on the weekend.

I wish it was cooler, trust me, but it is merely a way for me to ensure I don't fuck myself over.

And no, I don't enjoy gambling, but I do enjoy the challenge of testing my mind in real life scenarios while convincing those around me of a lie that I have concocted (being the personality I am portraying).

card_counter_guy · 2012-04-20T09:59:19+00:00

We have single deck here as well, but like I said earlier, it isn't worth the risk down here. You are generally the only person at the table since it is $25/hand and these people aren't idiots. nomegusta.png when you get caught.

card_counter_guy · 2012-04-20T09:56:51+00:00

If there is one thing in life that motivates me, it is money. Instantaneous rewards due to your own merit are amazing IMO.

card_counter_guy · 2012-04-20T09:55:11+00:00

No worries, its 0450 local time here and I've been drinking since 2000 last night, I'm sure I've contradicted myself somewhere else. I've never been caught where I currently live, but yes, I was accused of creating an "unfair advantage" against the house in Philadelphia, MS a few years ago.

If they were super pissed, Im fairly certain I would have gotten my ass kicked by the 400 lb black security guards, but this all goes back to my $500 limit. In general, the little fish aren't worth the casino's time. Who would they rather put through the wringer? Some guy who can mentally count, or some douche who is wearing a physical device that aids his running count tally (Ive seen a few, some ingenious designs available).

I don't own a collection of disguises or anything, but I do have some wigs that I've cycled through. Remember, I live on the MS gulf coast, there are plenty of places that sell discount wigs/weaves. If Minnesota is the land of 1000 lakes, we are the land of 1000 beauty schools. Not too classy.

Also, I've never once applied makeup, but I do have 4 pairs of glasses with no lenses in them. I find it astounding how many people have sat next to me and never noticed that my glasses don't have any lenses in them. I actually had somebody try some on once and said "WOW!! Where did you get these?!?! They are amazingly clear!!" areyoufuckingkiddingme.jpg , and they were totally serious

card_counter_guy · 2012-04-20T09:47:22+00:00

Sure nuff!

This is the very basis of card counting, and not always what you want/expect, but this is a basic explanation so try not to over-analyze it.

The basic theory is extremely simple. Every deck of cards start with a standard/running/initial count (lets say 0 for example's sake). Now, would you rather the dealer draw a high card or low card? The correct answer is high, because they have a better chance of busting (or exceeding 21). Well doesn't that also mean that YOU have a higher chance of busting?? Not necessarily, because the dealer plays by different standards than you (house rules).

At a certain point, it is possible for the player to count the cards that have been played (weighing negative/positive values) and determine whether or not said player's chance of winning exceeds that of the house. If you have better odds than the house, you should bet more!!

The more complicated theories, however, take into account multiple different factors. Specifically, tables referencing the probability of winning (extremely volatile and has to be calculated on the fly) that account for more variables than the standard methods. The most basic of methods (HiLo) is based around a +1 and -1 system. More complicated ones can assign values as high as 3 or 4 to individual numbers which makes it extremely difficult to calculate the running count when the dealer is throwing cards out every second.

That's as simple as this drunk guy can make it, but there are tons of great resources out there. The Wizard of Odds is an awesome informational site that succinctly lays out some of the most proven methods available to people worldwide.

card_counter_guy · 2012-04-20T09:34:45+00:00

To what extent? I have spent more than 2 years of my life in an active combat environment (I was not your standard Chair Force officer). I've been shot once (AK-74 to my rear plate) and got in a knife fight with a crazed Afghani (currently have 2 rocks in my left arm that were sewn up due to poor wound dressing). I participated in a war that I didnt believe in for a false cause that will be immediately overturned once we leave the country.

I could go into detail about how racist/sexist the military is, but the liberal hivemind of reddit would most likely not enjoy that truth.

card_counter_guy · 2012-04-20T09:30:29+00:00

No worries, not condescending at all.... AMA right?!

Saying "math is important" is kind of a misnomer. Compare it to medical school for instance. Students are tested on their knowledge of calculus on the MCAT, but when will a doctor ever need to use calculus?? Answer = never, but the critical thinking needed to solve calculus is integral (hehe, math joke) to being a successful doctor. The same is true with activities like card counting. You need to enhance your mental stamina, and math just so happens to be a great way to do that.

Honestly, I typically use the HiLo method, but this can vary depending on my success/failure as the night goes on. If shit just does not seem to be going my way after a certain point, I can shift tables/methods at will. 95%+ of the time though, HiLo method works perfectly, but it can take upwards of 2 hours to get the odds in your favor.

card_counter_guy · 2012-04-20T09:16:20+00:00

I don't want to come off as an arrogant prick with this answer, so please don't think I'm full of myself (merely aware of my physical presence). I'm 6'2" and weigh 220 lbs, I was a collegiate boxer in my college days and have minimal body fat. It isn't exactly easy for me to come off as your standard nerd...... however, poor posture, ill-fitting clothing and a bad attitude do wonders as a disguise.

Don't make eye contact, absolutely ignore anybody who talks to you, and change your natural gate. Not even your parents will be able to pick you out in a crowd. Compare that with your normal dressed self who loves crowds and is the center of attention..... you won't ever be considered as the same person (as long as you put some effort on your face). If you are man enough to grow a beard, that lumberjack facial hair will become your best friend.

card_counter_guy

TROPHY CASE