Invited to a counter trap?

[Automatic Monkey]

There's a big store that I've relieved of about $4K in the past two months, all using a player card. Now this week I've gotten an invite to a BJ tournament in June, big prizes, free buy-in, one day only.

Reading this flyer, I get a funny feeling. The way it's written, in an amateurish, icky style that seems more a product of a casino security department than the slick flawless output of a casino sales department. This place gives no heat at all. What I'm guessing they are doing is: they have no real anti-counter people in their surveillance department, too cheap and ignorant for that, so they put on this shindig, invite everyone who gives a lot of BJ action and hire a consultant for the day, an anti-counter expert who will evaluate everyone's play and anyone determined to be a counter will be banned by mail. The comps they could erase will more than offset the prize money they will actually pay and the consultant's fee. I do believe they have set a trap for me.

So there are three ways I can think of offhand to play this:

1) Enter the tournament and play a progression, no counting at all. It's a free buy-in, and I'll be rated a progression player rather than a counter and be welcome for a long time.

2) Go to the casino the day of the tournament and play everywhere but the tournament, confident that all eyes will be on the tournament players and off me.

3) Steer clear of the casino when this kind of activity is going on.

Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

 

[Tom]

I think you're waaaay too paranoid.

besides card counting is useless against tournament play. I suggest playing in the tournament and try to win it. Why create your own heat when nothings there?

 

[Hal Jordan]

I like option number one. If it will only cost you a bit of time, the reward of longevity would more than compensate. The longer the store is open, the more you can shop.

HJ

 

[Mr.Pill]

Re: I think you're waaaay too paranoid.

I tend to agree with Tom.

Tournament play is all about betting and luck. With only 30 - 42 hands to be played, counting will not have much if any impact on your end result.

Pill

 

[phantom007]

Play and Count to your hearts content....

I really doubt this is a trap. The average tourney player is not a CC nor a BJ expert. As you likely know, CC is of little value in "short trials", such as a 1-day tourney. Conversely, the ave. tourney WINNER may often be one of the experts, but likely more due to money management skills than just to CC.

Also, in tournaments, you may find yourself having to make some normally stupid plays (DD 17 v. 10) if you are in a "hail mary" situation. Doubt the tourney would be an EASY place to spot a CC.

Good Cards.

phantom007.

 

[Mr.Pill]

Re: I think you're waaaay too paranoid. *LINK*

And on that note of the usefulness of CCing in tournament play see what LV Tournament Pro had to say at the BJInsider site. (Link below).

I would agree with the others that tournament play is such a short run thing (30-42 hands) that card counting during one will not gain you anything. It's all about betting and luck!

Pill

 

[Stealth Bomber]

I'd like to know what exactly is in the flyer that has you worried so much.

Given your level of worry, use number 1) with perfect $ mngmt for some tourney action and possible cover play.

 

[Sentry]

Go for it. I don't know if you've ever played a tournament before, but (at least) at the end, there is careful supervision from the pit. Most of this is to assure that the game runs by the rules, and with no dealer fowl-ups. Don't mistake that for heat. Tournament play is so unusual, that I doubt they'd be able to spot a counter unless this is a very elaborate conspiracy.

Looking at it from a risk/reward balance, I'd recommend it. If you feel otherwise when you get there, there is no penalty for early withdrawal. Whatever happens, post your findings if you decide to attend.

Sentry