T&A PODCAST - Part 2: Steve & Kal Thor Interview

This episode covers dealer mistakes, hole card plays, side bets, backing off strategies, and wild casino stories from experienced advantage players.

KEY TOPICSDealer Tells & Mistakes

• Downtown Vegas dealer who'd ask "are you sure?" revealing no made hand
• Post-COVID rusty dealers making obvious peeking errors
• Lucky Stiff side bet dealer paying unqualified hands (cost casino $3-4K)
• New casinos = inexperienced dealers = more mistakes

Side Bets

• Lucky Ladies +EV at +6.5 true count (Hi-Lo)
• 1000:1 payout for suited queens w/ dealer blackjack
• TIP: Cash out immediately after big wins to avoid surveillance review

Backing Off

• Be unmemorable - don't argue, just leave
• Story: Flat-bet to $25 while "ploppy" betting $1000 allowed to continue
• Dealer's response: "We let you bet $1000 - what does that say about your play?"

Protecting Your Identity

• Slot hand-pay tip: Refuse consent for automatic player's card
• Script: "I do not consent to giving my information for creating a player's card"
• Only legally required to show ID to police, not security

Rated vs Unrated Debate

• Some casinos require cards for premium games
• Hard Rock: unrated players limited to 1 hand, 4x table min
• Weigh short-term comps vs. long-term access

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Look beyond blackjack tables for opportunities
2. Scout new casinos and new table games
3. Side bets = high variance despite +EV
4. Network with other APs for intel
5. Protect identity strategically

CONTACT & RESOURCES

Email: [email protected]
Reddit: r/tapodcast
Use code T21 at Blackjack Apprenticeship

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#Blackjack #AdvantagePlay #CardCounting #Casino #Gambling