T&A: Tens And Aces. An AP Blackjack podcast. Turning the tables from Las Vegas to Local Casinos

Episode: 123 Crows Vs. Florida Man

This is a bonus episode of the podcast. Something I'm going to call a "Quick hit" episode. These episodes may be about AP play, or they might be about something else random that we feel like talking about. Nothing overtly political or controversial, just some fun bonus conversation for you to listen to while driving to your next stop. Here's the first edition of our "quick hit" episodes. Please let us know whether you like this kind of bonus content. After all, we're here to serve you! Don't worry, there's a full episode of T&A coming soon!

Re-feed of MW Mike Interview to refresh listeners for a soon to be released NEW Episode with him.

[NEW] Episode with this guest is coming soon! This is being re-released for those who may not have heard this first visit with MW Mike. Summary: In this episode, host Mike AP welcomes Midwest Mike, a rising advantage player (AP) in the blackjack community. Midwest Mike shares his unique journey from Michigan to the West Coast and back, chronicling his rapid ascent in the world of card counting. He discusses his origins, the role of luck versus skill, and his methodical approach to building a bankroll from $10,000 to $78,000. Midwest Mike emphasizes the importance of both technical skill and table presence, highlighting how his outgoing personality and sales background have been as vital as mastering the math. Listeners will hear about the highs and lows of AP life: grueling casino sessions, memorable back-off stories, emotional swings, and the lessons learned from networking with other APs. The episode wraps with advice for new card counters, stressing the value of developing a strong act alongside a winning game for long-term success. Key Takeaways: * Midwest Mike started card counting after watching documentaries and training with Blackjack Apprenticeship, initially practicing basic strategy and running count before refining his skills. * He built his bankroll from $10k to $78k, experiencing both lucky upswings and significant losses. * Early on, his inconsistent bet spread limited his profits until feedback from fellow APs prompted him to be more disciplined with his betting. * Midwest Mike credits much of his longevity and success to his extroverted personality and ability to blend in, using his social skills to build rapport with dealers and pit bosses. * He details the emotional toll and lifestyle challenges of full-time AP play, especially when traveling. * His biggest advice for new players: Work as much on your table act and persona as your technical skills. Being able to interact naturally and confidently is crucial for longevity. Notable Stories: * Getting backed off at Snoqualmie before fully mastering the game. * Playing marathon sessions and befriending casino staff in Washington. * Navigating back-offs in the Midwest, including a memorable $10k losing session. * The importance of networking with other APs and learning from their feedback. Advice for Listeners: * Perfect your game, but also build your cover and interpersonal skills. * Practice playing under real casino conditions, not just at home. * Accept the emotional swings and keep a long-term focus.

Episode 122: Feed Two Birds With One Scone (Part 2 With Calthor And Steve)

T&A PODCAST - PART 2: STEVE & KAL THOR INTERVIEW This episode covers dealer mistakes, hole card plays, side bets, backing off strategies, and wild casino stories from experienced advantage players. KEY TOPICS DEALER TELLS & MISTAKES * Downtown Vegas dealer who'd ask "are you sure?" revealing no made hand * Post-COVID rusty dealers making obvious peeking errors * Lucky Stiff side bet dealer paying unqualified hands (cost casino $3-4K) * New casinos = inexperienced dealers = more mistakes SIDE BETS * Lucky Ladies +EV at +6.5 true count (Hi-Lo) * 1000:1 payout for suited queens w/ dealer blackjack * TIP: Cash out immediately after big wins to avoid surveillance review BACKING OFF * Be unmemorable - don't argue, just leave * Story: Flat-bet to $25 while "ploppy" betting $1000 allowed to continue * Dealer's response: "We let you bet $1000 - what does that say about your play?" PROTECTING YOUR IDENTITY * Slot hand-pay tip: Refuse consent for automatic player's card * Script: "I do not consent to giving my information for creating a player's card" * Only legally required to show ID to police, not security RATED VS UNRATED DEBATE * Some casinos require cards for premium games * Hard Rock: unrated players limited to 1 hand, 4x table min * Weigh short-term comps vs. long-term access KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Look beyond blackjack tables for opportunities 2. Scout new casinos and new table games 3. Side bets = high variance despite +EV 4. Network with other APs for intel 5. Protect identity strategically CONTACT & RESOURCES Email: tensandaces21@gmail.com Reddit: r/tapodcast Use code T21 at Blackjack Apprenticeship SUPPORT THE SHOW Subscribe for $4.99/month: Video episodes, ad-free audio, 3-day early access Main podcast always 100% FREE! LINK TO SUBSCRIBE [https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/ta21/] #Blackjack #AdvantagePlay #CardCounting #Casino #Gambling

Episode 121: A Flying F On A Rolling Donut At Tim Hortons (Updated 10/20/25)

100% optional $4.99/Month all-access T&A Membership LINK https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/ta21/subscribe T&A Podcast - Episode Summary This is Part 2 of an interview with Chris, a professional advantage player. The episode dives deep into advanced card counting systems, casino experiences, and practical advice for aspiring advantage players. Chris discusses his transition from the Hi-Lo counting system to the more advanced CAC2 (a level-two count system), explaining the substantial advantages it provides. The conversation covers practical casino experiences, including dealing with trolls online, handling casino cage disputes, tipping strategies, and the realities of professional blackjack play. * Hi-Lo vs. CAC2 Comparison: Chris explains why he switched from the popular Hi-Lo system to CAC2, a level-two counting system * Performance Metrics: CAC2 shows approximately 2-2.5% average advantage compared to Hi-Lo's 0.75-1% * Win Rate Differences: On a 6-deck game ($25-$2000 spread), CAC2 produces $611/hour vs Hi-Lo's $177/hour * Double Deck Advantages: On double deck games, CAC2 shows 3.13% EV with $1,640/hour vs Hi-Lo's 3.3% EV with $700/hour * System Details: CAC2 is available on qfit.com for approximately $100 * Prediction: Chris believes CAC2 could eventually replace Hi-Lo as the gold standard * Dealing with inexperienced players asking for free simulation advice * The importance of investing in proper tools (CVCX, Blackjack Apprenticeship software) * Cage Dispute Story: Chris shares a detailed account of refusing to provide ID for a $1,500 cashout (below the $10,000 legal threshold) * Importance of knowing your legal rights vs. casino policies * Back Counting: Chris's partner can allegedly back count up to 4 tables simultaneously * Betting Ramps: Different optimal ramps for Hi-Lo vs. CAC2 * Session Management: Importance of staying calm but firm in disputes * Strategy of betting tips alongside your bet (only costs the EV, not the full amount) * Using tips strategically for cover or dealer goodwill * Dealers often taught basic strategy for games different from what they deal * Differences between tribal and commercial casinos * Chris's partner is described as "one of the best players still playing in the world" * Expertise in multiple advantage play techniques beyond counting * Importance of partnering with skilled players * "If you can master that count, I think it's actually a great count. And I could foresee in the reasonable future CAC2 actually replacing Hi-Lo as the gold standard of counting." RESOURCES MENTIONED 1. CVCX (Casino Vérité Blackjack) - Professional simulation software 2. BJA PBS (Blackjack Apprenticeship Pro Betting Software) - Recently upgraded 3. CAC2 Counting System - Available at qfit.com for ~$100 4. Norm Wattenberger - Creator of CVCX and owner of qfit.com .

Episode 120: Doh!

In this transmission of our attempt at imaginary radio, something that we like to call the Tens and Aces podcast, host Mike AP sits down with two blackjack Advantage Players (APs), Steve and Calthor, to share their vastly different journeys in the game. * Steve's AP Path: A recently retired 56-year-old, Steve shares how he transformed a 35-year blackjack hobby into a profitable, entertaining side hustle. He discusses his experience as a double deck specialist who plays rated to maximize comps and longevity, and his philosophy of aggressively chasing wins over pure Expected Value (EV)—a strategy the host warns is mathematically risky in the long run. * Calthor's AP Rollercoaster: The 25-year-old AP, Calthor, details his rapid rise to becoming a full-time player, including recovering from a traumatic brain injury which he is using card counting to help rebuild neural pathways. He also shares his pivot to the lucrative world of online advantage play (AP) after moving across the country, his success with a coordinated AP team, and a wild story of discovering and exploiting a "broken" online slot machine that earned him over $44,000 before the casino fixed it. * AP Strategies and Pitfalls: The conversation covers the pros and cons of playing rated, the danger of new online casino scams and loyalty program changes, and the value of having a trusted AP team. The episode is followed by the host's music selection, including the original track "Counting Cards in the Dark".