Newbie question about spotters and BP's.

[Mr_Bill]

As I understand it, spotters sit at the table and play until the count goes high and then call in the BP. It seems to me (only playing on computer sims) that the count doesn't stay high for very long, maybe only a hand or two.

Question, unless the BP is standing right there at the table, how does he have time to make it over to the table, sit down, and bet before the count changes again? I guess this would work OK for large shoes where the strings of high or low counts would last a little longer, but aren't large shoes to be avoided if possible?

Am I missing something?

Thanks!

Mr. Bill

 

[SystemsTrader]

Spotters can either be sitting at the table or standing behind and backcounting. Large shoes are very good for backcounting because you can get long runs of positive cards. I've had as many as ten rounds with a nearly full table. BP have plenty of time to walk over and get to the table.

 

[Sonny]

As I understand it, spotters sit at the table and play until the count goes high and then call in the BP.

Yup, except sometimes the spotters just stand behind the table without playing. It saves a bit of money that way.

It seems to me (only playing on computer sims) that the count doesn't stay high for very long, maybe only a hand or two.

It depends on the game. Obviously a BP wouldn’t get many hands in a SD game, but a DD or 6D game can give several good hands of play (or even the rest of the shoe) before it cools off.

Question, unless the BP is standing right there at the table, how does he have time to make it over to the table, sit down, and bet before the count changes again?

That’s all part of the team’s plan. If they have several BPs then there will always be a BP nearby. Otherwise, the spotters might decide to play at tables that are on the same side of the pit so that they are all easily accessible. If necessary, the spotters can take a long time to make their bets, start a conversation with the other players or the dealer (or pit crew), buy in again, color up some chips, order a drink, or do something else in order to “stall” the game until the BP gets there.

I guess this would work OK for large shoes where the strings of high or low counts would last a little longer, but aren't large shoes to be avoided if possible?

The shoe games are the best place for a team to work. The casinos usually watch their pitch games (SD and DD) very closely so any blatant team play will be spotted immediately. It is much easier to “blend in” with the shoe games because you are usually playing several hands in a row (not winning two hands then leaving) and the crowds are often easy to disappear into. Backcounting is the best way for a counter to beat the shoe games so the team method fits perfectly.

Ken Uston wrote several entertaining books about his team's play back in the 70s. Million Dollar Blackjack is one of the best since it also has chapters teaching other AP techniques.

-Sonny-

 

[Mr_Bill]

Thanks for answering my questions, everyone!!!

Mr. Bill

 

[Automatic Monkey]

As I understand it, spotters sit at the table and play until the count goes high and then call in the BP. It seems to me (only playing on computer sims) that the count doesn't stay high for very long, maybe only a hand or two...

Depends. Playing 8D, it can stay high for a long time.

The spotters can also do things like buy in or color up chips, and that will give the BP plenty of time to get over for the next hand.