Flat betting in front of the pit for cover?

[Cardcounter]

There are times when the pit will come around to the tables to do fills, change cards, and generally observe the players. At these times when you know that the pit is looking straight at you regardless of what the count is I think it is a good idea to flat bet and give up expected value. In my mind that is better than playing your hands incorrecly. When the pit isn't looking is the time to spread your bets.

 

[Sonny]

There are times when the pit will come around to the tables to do fills, change cards, and generally observe the players. At these times when you know that the pit is looking straight at you regardless of what the count is I think it is a good idea to flat bet and give up expected value.

I wouldn’t worry about those times. You are completely safe during a table fill. It takes a pit boss, a floorman, a dealer, a security guard and a surveillance tech to get the job done properly. I can assure you that they are not watching any of the players during this hectic time. Their attention is completely focused on the float. Casinos are pretty serious about their money.

When they change the decks, most of the time the bosses seem to watch the spread but then leave before the wash to get the other tables switched out. Obviously you can’t be playing while they’re spreading, checking, washing and shuffling so you don’t have anything to hide. This is often a good time to find another table that is ready to deal since the process can take a long time.

In general I try not to change my play too much if a pit boss comes over to my table. It looks mighty suspicious if you suddenly start flat betting the minimum every time he shows up. I’ll try to chat him up or somehow distract him from the game while I play, but I don’t like to tone down my bets too much. I want him to get used to seeing me spread. If he gets too sweaty then I will just leave and come back during another shift instead of trying to play a weak game for his benefit. That’s just my style. I prefer to play aggressively or not at all.

-Sonny-