I was reading how some people don't start counting until the 1st base player gets their second card, and then they count the cards in pairs. I happen to count every card as it is dealt. Thus, I am watching EVERY SINGLE CARD getting dealt. Even after I bust, I continue to watch every single card get dealt. Is this flagging me as a counter no matter how much "cover" I employ in other ways? I try to act disinterested as I watch every card, but I am still staring.
Looking at every card as it's dealt
- Thread starter Dschddny
- Start date
Titaniumman
Well-Known Member
If it feels good, do it.
I usually count the cards in pairs as the second card hits first base, but that's just a matter of preference.
Do what feels comfortable for you, as long as you're not obvious. Maybe, since so many of us count them in pairs, you are going to be less suspicious looking.
I usually count the cards in pairs as the second card hits first base, but that's just a matter of preference.
Do what feels comfortable for you, as long as you're not obvious. Maybe, since so many of us count them in pairs, you are going to be less suspicious looking.
Re: If it feels good, do it.
I find it much easier and less taxing to count cards in pairs.... However, I rarely play face up games anymore. As a result, I count in pairs and trips when people throw in their busted hands. Also, when the dealer has BJ, if you're ony used to counting one at a time in a face down game you may not be able to count all the hands as they are thrown in. Most people are interested in the second card as it comes out. If you stare then you won't be spotted. If you look like you are tracking EVERY card as it comes out then maybe.........
I find it much easier and less taxing to count cards in pairs.... However, I rarely play face up games anymore. As a result, I count in pairs and trips when people throw in their busted hands. Also, when the dealer has BJ, if you're ony used to counting one at a time in a face down game you may not be able to count all the hands as they are thrown in. Most people are interested in the second card as it comes out. If you stare then you won't be spotted. If you look like you are tracking EVERY card as it comes out then maybe.........
Your using a single card running count,which I used to do, but now I just count the cards in pairs. You might call it a double card running count. The reason being is (for me) it takes less energy,not because I think I might look more like a card counter using a single card running count. If you notice most ploppies watch the dealer anyhow,it's the natural thing to do,...after all,in a sense the dealer is the entertainer. I feel that keeping a running count is the best way(professional way) to stay ahead of the game and actually looks more natural than the newbie who tries to count all the cards when players are making decisions. A running count gives me a head start because I'm already there. I dont have to "back track",which looks much more counterish than a running count.
ladykiller
Active Member
The key is to not move your head as the cards are dealt. Try and keep your head pointing at your cards or tilted off to somewhere else. Keep the count with your eyes, don't move your head/body as the cards fly out. Also try speed counting a table of cards that are out, just after the dealer finishes dealing, before 1st base has a chance to act. This will also help you when trying to back count shoes as it is essential to count a lot of cards quickly to not appear to be a back counter.
Felix Rue-de-Guerre
Well-Known Member
Funny, I have no set way of counting anymore. Sometimes I count as dealt, sometimes it's pairs. The only time I find myself counting every card as it's dealt is if there is a screamin' fast dealer. I think this is a vestigial reflex from when I couldn't count very fast, and the cards could be swept away before I finished on a dealer natural. This is true of the shoe games I most often play.
Pitch games I always count a card the instant I see it. But I can't play them very often.
However, I will be digging into some nice SD and DD games very soon. I really need the practice with those buggers. My prediction... The first time the dealer gets and Ace up at +1 or +2, I will fail to take insurance... also, I will put out a high bet at least once when it's time to shuffle. The self-directd anger of these bone-headed moves will fuel an awareness for the rest of the day that will keep me from doing it again. This happens to me every single trip away from shoe-land. Even when I make a point of being aware of it beforehand.
-Felix
Pitch games I always count a card the instant I see it. But I can't play them very often.
However, I will be digging into some nice SD and DD games very soon. I really need the practice with those buggers. My prediction... The first time the dealer gets and Ace up at +1 or +2, I will fail to take insurance... also, I will put out a high bet at least once when it's time to shuffle. The self-directd anger of these bone-headed moves will fuel an awareness for the rest of the day that will keep me from doing it again. This happens to me every single trip away from shoe-land. Even when I make a point of being aware of it beforehand.
-Felix
Automatic Monkey
Banned
I too play mostly shoe and have to do a lot of compensation when I go to a pitch game, especially SD. SD is totally different, different indexes and BS, different spreads. However occasionally putting a big bet out on a shuffle hand is not the end of the world, probably worth it for the cover.
a simple solution
Sitting at either end (or next to the end) of the table will avoid head bobbing,besides who likes being stuck in the middle
I sure dont. If you're also a poker player (I am) you'll notice many players also watch the dealer when pitching cards. There's nothing that strange about it.
Sitting at either end (or next to the end) of the table will avoid head bobbing,besides who likes being stuck in the middle
I sure dont. If you're also a poker player (I am) you'll notice many players also watch the dealer when pitching cards. There's nothing that strange about it.Stealth Bomber
Well-Known Member
The best seat.
The most advantageous seat is one position up stream from 3rd base. 1) The "tennis match" head turning problem is eliminated. 2) The pack gets dealt deeper before having to make play decisions. 3) There is a left and right side option for spreading to 2 or 3 hands when the time is right.
The most advantageous seat is one position up stream from 3rd base. 1) The "tennis match" head turning problem is eliminated. 2) The pack gets dealt deeper before having to make play decisions. 3) There is a left and right side option for spreading to 2 or 3 hands when the time is right.
Automatic Monkey
Banned
Re: The best seat.
There's something to be said for that. But I like the first base side. It makes it easier for me to see cards in the shoe. Sometimes I can see a bunch of cards at the end of the shoe when the dealer puts them in after the shuffle, and sometimes I can see a card when the cut card is inserted.
There's something to be said for that. But I like the first base side. It makes it easier for me to see cards in the shoe. Sometimes I can see a bunch of cards at the end of the shoe when the dealer puts them in after the shuffle, and sometimes I can see a card when the cut card is inserted.
Stealth Bomber
Well-Known Member
Re: The best seat.
Good point. 1B is certainly the place to be while on shoe with a sloppy D.
Always nice when you know you're first card is going to be an ace.
Good point. 1B is certainly the place to be while on shoe with a sloppy D.
Always nice when you know you're first card is going to be an ace.
My Opinion
I know that many floor people do watch players to see if they are watching the cards or not. Some ploppies only look at their cards and the dealers. Some ploppies look at all the cards. All card counters look at all the cards. My advice to you would be to learn to count in pairs. It is much easier to count that way and it allows you to look at things happening around you as the first cards are dealt out.
I know that many floor people do watch players to see if they are watching the cards or not. Some ploppies only look at their cards and the dealers. Some ploppies look at all the cards. All card counters look at all the cards. My advice to you would be to learn to count in pairs. It is much easier to count that way and it allows you to look at things happening around you as the first cards are dealt out.
