Mid Shoe Entry Blackjack
In addition to courtesy to players, some casinos bar mid-shoe entry to prevent a card-counting technique called 'back counting' or 'Wonging.' Back counters watch a game, then sit down to play only. Check to see if the table has a sign that says, “No Mid-Shoe Entry.” If it does, and the shoe is in progress, you can go ahead and sit down, but don’t try to wager until the shoe is finished and the dealer starts reshuffling. Use basic strategy. This should probably be the number one rule.
Published Thursday, Apr. 23, 2020, 7:58 am
Join AFP's 100,000+ followers on Facebook
Purchase a subscription to AFP Subscribe to AFP podcasts on iTunes
News, press releases, letters to the editor: augustafreepress2@gmail.com
Advertising inquiries: freepress@ntelos.net
(©fresnel6 – stock.adobe.com)One of the best American heist drama movies which was directed by Robert Luketic and released in 2008 was “21. It is a fact-based story about the greatest blackjack card counting heist. Amazingly, a group of six students, known as the MIT Blackjack Team, executed this heist.
What do you get when you put a group of math geniuses together for an extracurricular group? With some coaching, they discover that blackjack is the only beatable casino game. We will look at how a group of students broke the bank in Vegas, and the steps taken by casinos to deter card counting.
Under the guidance of their mathematics professor, a group of students mastered the game of blackjack. Through card counting techniques and subtle signals, the team took Las Vegas by surprise with their strategic gameplay. Predicting the cards in play based on those that played, gives players the upper hand in placing bets.
This genius group of players used their mathematical expertise to turn their skills into a science. By writing computer programs, they could create real-life simulations.
After spending nearly every weekend in various casinos, they used acquired data to update their simulation. This practice continued as their skills continued to grow.
The team used new members to “mule” funds around when they went to the various casinos. For the final part of their training, new members were sent into a casino ahead of the rest. Their job was to observe the tables long enough to signal the team members.
This classic comedy movie focuses on a memorable weekend in Las Vegas. Over the weekend in question, the team walked away with over $400,000 from one casino.
Although frowned upon, card counting is not illegal or technically considered cheating. Since casinos are private establishments, the owners have full rights to deny access to any suspicious players. Since the house always wins, they generally don’t like it when players have the upper hand.
Casinos have implemented countermeasures to deter card counting at their establishments. The following practices for part of the strategy against card counting:
- Strategic shuffling: The most prominent sign of card counting is a large bet spread. Casinos take this as a sign to shuffle the deck to throw the player off.
- Identification records: Through the implementation of facial recognition, an establishment can keep a record of flagged card counters to spot them quickly, should they return.
- Limiting deck penetration: Many casinos might be hesitant to employ this method as it slows the game down and lowers the table’s profits. This method requires that a dealer only distributes 3 or 4 decks out of the six that they’re holding. Continuous Shuffle machines (CSM) provide a solution to this problem. These machines shuffle the cards automatically, allowing gameplay to proceed fluidly.
- Engaging with counters: A simple but effective method of engaging with clients by talking to them or having a host draw their attention can be enough to distract a counter into losing track of the decks.
- Not allowing mid-shoe entry: Some casinos implement this rule to prevent counters from jumping in and back-counting.
- Computer analytics: Some casinos consult with experienced card counters to try and learn which behaviors are indications of a card counter. This analysis allows casinos to employ more effective deterrent and preventative methods.
The movie “21” brought many of the tactics employed by card counters to light. Casino security systems have evolved since the era depicted in the film and continue to do so as card counters up their game and devise new strategies.
The original MIT Blackjack Team, who executed the heist, have gone on to pursue lucrative careers. They range from software developer to professional blackjack consultant.
There’s even a top business litigation attorney amongst them. Their once serendipitous lives are now part of a legendary story for blackjack.
Share this:
Related
Mid Shoe Entry Blackjack Poker
Hot Reads: Today
- Melissa Colby: Libraries have a responsibility to be open for the literacy of our children (3801)
- COVID-19 News: Positive tests trending down over past week in Virginia (2700)
- Virginia DMV offering new driver privilege cards beginning Jan. 2 (2665)
- Update: 394 COVID-19 positives among inmates, staff at Augusta Correctional Center (1321)
- Big Brother in disguise: The rise of a new, technological world order (1203)
Mid Shoe Entry Blackjack No Deposit
Hot Reads: This Week
- Judge: Charlottesville Police officer used excessive, unreasonable force (4877)
- Climate literacy: The key to solving the climate crisis, building green jobs and sustainable economies (4747)
- Melissa Colby: Libraries have a responsibility to be open for the literacy of our children (3801)
- Harrisonburg suspect had just received $8M settlement in wrongful conviction case (3441)
- Fighting COVID with nutrition and healthy living: Expert advice from Virginia Tech nutritionist (3050)