Cover Play: Asking Pit Boss for Advice

[Knox]

I like this for several reasons. So the pit boss is hanging around. You would like them to drift away.

Hey PB, 13 v 6 what do I do? Negative count, small bet, my index says hit. I might stay if PB says he/she would. Incorrect play, dealer wins. Now I have a reason to make that index play in the future, and the PB feels bad and wanders off.

2nd benefit: PB thinks I am a weak player.

3rd benefit: PB sees me as humble.

Thoughts? Anyone like this or have tried it?

 

[ihate17]

Used to do this at times

My understanding of both pits and the personalities of blackjack players tells me that this will work often for red chip players but might leave the pit wondering why, with black chip players.

The higher betting player, even if he is a complete moron when it comes to blackjack, seems to think (rightly or wrongly) that he knows exactly what he is doing, and tends not to ask advice. This is a stereotype that most pits believe and I also believe. Under certain circumstances though, I will still use it, though go ahead and do what I want. Recently had a monster count, two max bets on the table and had a 15 and 16 vs dealer 10. Pit had come over because of the size of my bet.
Indice says to stay on my stiffs in that count, but I know I am a big underdog either way. Ask the pit and he says, "you got to hit." I just mumble load enough for him to hear, "but if I bust them both?" and then with a disgusted look, just wave them off, staying. Dealer turned a 4 and busted.
Still, I do not think he thought of me as a lucky idiot, perhaps just someone who got nervous on a big bet. Still I left shortly after.

As a red chipper or even green in a place where green is common, this may help you, especially if you are not a regular.

ihate17

 

[Knox]

Ah, the common refrain, "what do you do with 16?"

I think clumpy and stacks of green make more sense for me than black at this stage of my career. Who knows, some really bad variance and I might get relegated (gasp ) to red chip play!

Good variance to you on your upcoming trip my friend, still trying to line up my "checks" for my trip...

 

[halcyon1234]

I might do this to drive the PC away. If they're hanging around too much, start asking them for advice. A lot. Ask them about stupid things related to blackjack.

"What brand of cards do you use?"
"Why is the felt green?"
"Does the casino pay for orthodics since you walk around all day?"
"Have you met any celebrities?"

Just ask lots of inane questions that the PC probably gets 50 million times a day. Bore him and make him want to politely bow out of you "conversation". He'll want to deflect attention on him off to the dealer, and let her handle you. He'll WANT to ignore you.

If you are going to blackchip, as others mentioned, n00bing it up is suspicious. Instead, work on your best Grandpa Simpson stories. If the crittier is hanging around, start telling him long, boring stories that don't go anywhere. The trick is that YOU must find them interesting, and truly believe that the critter wants to hear it and will enjoy hearing it. They won't, and will look for any opportunity to escape.

 

[shadroch]

Good ways to get the pitboss to avoid your table-
1)offer to buy him a drink,insist when he says no.
2)try to hi-5 him after every dealer bust.
3)stare intently at his butt and smile when he catchs you doing so.
4)try to tip him after a big win.

 

[avs21]

As a red chipper or even green in a place where green is common, this may help you, especially if you are not a regular.

ihate17

I am a red chip player and asking the PB how to play an easy hand actually has helped me get a free room, which doesn't happen often for me since I am a red chip player

I wasn't a regular player also

 

[Knox]

I like to treat the Pit Boss as my own Customer Service Representative.

Always being polite, I like to use them as an information center (any good restaurants or shows you recommend? hint hint how about some Beatles Love comped tix or food). Thanks for changing my ashtray. How about some more chips, a marker or something? Do we have a waitress working this area? I am getting thirsty. Can we shuffle these cards now? I am on a losing streak and we need to change the flow.

 

[rogue1]

Knox-
I like it.

 

[Kasi]

Hey PB, 13 v 6 what do I do? Negative count, small bet, my index says hit.

It'll cost u so little, if u wanna stand on a 13 vs 6 in a TC-5 count instead of hit with a minmum bet, so that later, u can hit it, I don't think anyone will notice!

Unless u'll miss that $1 EV a few thousand or more hands later lol.