Episode 140: Spy Me A Blackjack

Episode SummaryIn this episode of the Tens and Aces Podcast, host Mike AP sits down with young advantage player Spy AP to discuss his journey from a 15-year-old inspired by the movie "21" to a profitable, professional card counter. Spy shares his origin story playing in Washington state casinos, the intense practice required to master basic strategy and deck estimation, and the realities of early wins and losses. They dive deep into managing casino heat, the unique challenges of being a young AP with a "baby face," and essential cover plays to avoid backoffs and ID checks.Spy also reveals the process of forming a blackjack team, getting officially "tested out" by Loudon Often, and the lucrative lessons learned during a three-week trip to San Diego and Las Vegas. Finally, stick around for our new listener voicemail segment, featuring a wild story about a degenerate gambler friend, a misplayed pair of twos, and the chaos that followed at the blackjack table.Intro & Community AnnouncementsWelcome to the Tens and Aces Podcast.Join the conversation and episode threads on our Reddit community: r/TApodcast.Spy AP’s Origin StoryDiscovering card counting at age 15 through the movie "21".Hitting Washington state casinos at 18, losing his first bankroll, and deciding to beat the game.Mastering the Craft of Card CountingHow Blackjack Apprenticeship (BJA) and Steven Bridges' YouTube vlogs fueled Spy’s training.The hours spent mastering counting down a deck and perfecting basic strategy using the BJA mobile app.The First Big Win & Bankroll BuildingReturning to the tables with a $1,000 bankroll and walking away with an early $500 win at a double-deck game in Lakewood.The illusion of easy money and the harsh reality of variance.Casino Heat, ID Checks, & Cover PlayThe challenges of being a young card counter who constantly gets carded.Spy's top cover plays for looking more mature: wearing a suit, nice watches, and bringing a date to the casino.Aggressive Backoffs & Casino ParanoiaA crazy story involving a confiscated player’s card and real police in a Southern California casino.A discussion on why casinos waste money sweating low-stakes counters and altering game rules to their own detriment.Surviving the Casino EnvironmentThe gloomy reality of casino culture.Why APs must unplug, step into nature, and reset their dopamine to maintain a sharp game and avoid becoming "robotic."Advantage Play Beyond BlackjackWhy you should never just beeline for the blackjack tables.Scouting for other EV (Expected Value) opportunities, including casino promotions, "match play" coupons, and advantage slots.Forming a Blackjack TeamBouncing back from early bankroll depletion by networking on Reddit.Forming a three-man team, pooling resources, and passing a rigorous checkout with Loudon Often.The San Diego & Vegas TripExpectations vs. reality on a major team trip.Dealing with sweaty casinos in San Diego and grinding out $15,000 in EV over three weeks.New Segment: Listener VoicemailA listener shares a hilarious and frustrating table story about a degenerate gambler friend.What happens when a ploppy refuses to split a pair of 2s against a dealer 4, ending in a heated confrontation and a dropped slur at the table.Mike AP’s thoughts on how bad players can inadvertently provide great cover for card counters.⁠Blackjack Apprenticeship⁠Reddit Community: r/TApodcastSteven Bridges (YouTube)NOTE: Originally Episode 93 and interview conducted in 2024