The Blackjack Apprenticeship Podcast

SD1 and Joe748 kick off the first mailbag episode of 2026, answering a wide range of questions from the BJA community. They dig into topics like deck estimation, one hand vs. two hands, advanced counting systems, session length, loss limits, CTRs, new tax laws, and whether double‑deck is worth playing with crowded tables. They also talk about comps, resizing bets mid‑session, and the reality of playing infrequently with a “rechargeable bankroll.”

Jump over to YT and sub to our new podcast channel @BJAPodcast

Joe748 and SD1 sit down with longtime card counter JoeMiner, who shares his 30‑plus‑year blackjack journey—from his early days in the 90s to his modern approach as a retired AP. Joe talks about how the game has changed, transitioning from double deck to 6 and 8 deck, how aging has affected his play, and how joining BJA reignited his passion. He recounts memorable backoffs, training challenges, and what it’s like to operate as an older counter in today’s casinos.

Don't forget, we now have a BJA Podcast YouTube channel - @BJAPodcast. Head over and give us a subscribe to help the algorithm learn that we're worthy of promotion!

Joe748 and SD1 answer more questions form BJA Forums and socials about casinos not cashing your chips out, choosing the most profitable blackjack games, and whether other players’ decisions affect your results. They also explain how to handle back-room situations and the smartest ways to store or move money when you're working with large bankrolls. 

Joining Colin and Joe748 in episode 92 of the BJA podcast is full time card counter and Blackjack Apprenticeship member PirateAP. They discuss: Receiving pushback on going full time, Playing blackjack like a ploppy, Travel hacks, How to choose casinos when planning a trip, and more!

Joe748 and SD1 sit down with BJA member Bluejack to talk about his journey into card counting. Bluejack shares how he went from discovering  BJA, starting out slow, and eventually moving into high-stakes double-deck play. He discusses heat, avoiding ID, backoffs, huge wins, painful downswings, and the importance of networking with other APs.

Colin hosts a roundtable with Nickels, StanPodolak, and Stephen Bridges about the recent Blackjack Ball; what it is, how it’s evolved, competitions, memorable conversations with legendary APs, and Colin’s induction into the Blackjack Hall of Fame. They reflect on community, the growing “new guard,” and how the event balances serious skill with a fun vibe.

That's right guys, Colin is officially in the Blackjack Hall of Fame!

SD1 and Joe748 discuss strategies for handling high-minimum games, managing chip inventories to avoid CTRs, how to approach betting spreads with small bankrolls and the future of card counting amid changing casino environments, and whether new technologies like AI or cashless systems might threaten the game.

In this episode, Colin and Joe748 are joined by full time card counter Markopolo212, and they discuss: Starting with a small bankroll, Almost losing his whole bankroll after hundreds of hours, Attending a bootcamp, Regrets from playing double deck, the midwest meetup, and more.

Joe748 and SD1 sit down with full-time APs and BJA Members 6FootShoe and FloorModelRolex to trace their paths from dealer/health coach to road-warriors and card counters. They unpack big wins and brutal downswings, team play and trips, the realities of heat and mid-shoe back-offs, and the systems, discipline, and teamwork it takes to turn EV into AV at the tables.

In this episode originally aired on 9/28/21, Colin and Joe748 are joined by a former casino employee and current AP that goes by 'Phantom'. Their discussion includes: The skill level of the average casino employee, What could trigger a call to surveillance, How he protected the game from card counters as a floor supervisor, Casino backoff procedures, and much more!