Using a Video Poker Strategy Card

Electronic devices-bad.
Strategy cards-good.

The reason that it's ok to use a strategy card in BJ is that despite making the absolutely perfect computer play, you're still playing a negative expectation game. That's why the casino doesnt have a problem with this other than if you slow down the pace of the game too much.

The reason to be discrete in using a strategy card at VP is that depending on the game, it may in fact be an over 100% theo return. Once again, if you come off too sharp and have results that coincide with your apparence and demeanor, you could be tresspassed for no legitimate reason other than the casino thinking you're "too good". While the chances of it happening are low, it still begs the question as to why tempt fate? Use the card but be discrete.

There are too many stories of people getting bounced for lesser reasons than using a strategy card....

Dan

No electronics. Nothing that could help with counting is my take on it. Static things like cards are fine.

On the issue of BJ and cell phones, I seem to recall that there was an app or two floating that would assist a card counter. It had nothing to do with viewing basic strategy. Nonetheless, electronic devices are prohibited. I don't know chapter and verse on the law but this predates cell phones.

I am very familiar with the cell phone/apps. they were banned -- and the NGC suggested that casinos ban them -- because they had multi functions of counting, figuring odds, assisting in strategy, the whole ball of wax. its not a "law" it is a rule that each casino sets for itself. even here in Calif cell phones cannot be used at BJ tables and signs are posted in the various casinos and card rooms. though come to think of it, I dont recall seeing the signs at Rincon though they are obvious at Hollywood Park in their BJ section.

I guess I got the wrong info, as I was told they banned startegy cards at the same time to be "fair to everyone."

edited to add: in fact, I was told that "to be fair to everyone" ALL electronic devices were banned from BJ tables including anything with an earphone for music.

Wouldn't conspicuously using a strategy card come off as not too sharp and be less suspicious rather than hiding your card and sneaking looks like a fan dance peepshow?

You are the only non-gambler I know that offers gambling opinions in a gambling forum, not to mention you are a non-gambler that admits to owning multiple strategy cards. If you don't gamble then you should not be giving opinions on gambling. If you are suddenly a small time gambler then you don't have enough personal gambling experiences to speak on the topic.

Do you sit around a bar having drinks with all of the drinkers and then tell them you don't drink? If you aren't a proud gambler then just leave the forum.

The earliest card counters used hidden devices, rather than trying to remember their counts.

I've used to use a book of paper matches to keep track of Aces during an experiment to see if knowing how many aces were left would be beneficial for the "Aces" side bet. Also, one of the boats had a promotion for "double on BJ" during the first hour. Thought it would be beneficial, but don't know if it was truly profitable for "us", since it was a shoe game without deep penetration.

I originally learned Revere's, but learned and use Knock Out for it's simplicity. I no longer try to play BJ, I was just not good enough to make a living, and vastly underfunded.

Had a friend who "built" a tiny abacus, had on his key chain, and used it for counting. Really was kind of a cool looking key chain he made. Seemed to have it down pretty good too.

Another who used a rosary and carried a Bible. "Prayed" before every bet. Was very funny to watch him play, never for long, and when leaving the table would bless the dealer for helping his church.

Seen many devices over the years used by card counters. Early pocket computers, switches built into shoes or hidden elsewhere, cameras and transmitters a team used to peak at hole cards, and more. Even daubed decks.

since we're on the subject... I played with a card counter once who hit Buffalo Bills at Primm for a couple of grand. they didn't stop him but when he boosted his average bet from $10 to $100 a couple of times they warned him to "stop that." The first couple of times there was no problem. At the time Primm was owned by MGM and I guess two thousand wasnt enough of a loss to bother them. he was a coworker and I just followed what he did.

That's why I won't let my wife go to a male gynecologist.


Is it possible to gamble without taking a risk?