Colin and Joe748 tackle more audience questions. They dive deep into topics like how perfect your test-out skills need to be (hint: 98% isn’t good enough), how to handle betting strategies without raising casino suspicions, and whether deviations for different games are worth learning. Colin and Joe discuss real-world scenarios, like what to do when you encounter another card counter at the table and how to wong in and out without drawing attention. Finally, they explore how larger vs. smaller c...
Oct 09, 2024•44 min•Ep. 140
Today we're revisiting a classic interview from 2019 with an AP who goes by the name “Yoshi.” For those who don’t know his story, Yoshi is a card counter who turned $3,000 into $1.2 million in two years of full-time play. He has recently taken an indefinite break from AP to pursue other interests. In this interview we discuss: – The road from beginner to pro – What led to his decision to step away from advantage play. – His perspective looking back at the last 2 years – His advice for other card...
Sep 25, 2024•48 min•Ep. 139
Colin is joined by Loudon Often, SD1, JCnote, Joe748, and Nickels, to discuss the morality of casinos. The discussion is centered around two BJA forum posts—one condemning casinos as “evil” for taking advantage of intoxicated/unskilled players, and a counterpoint that emphasizes that not all casino employees or situations are harmful. They explore whether casinos are inherently immoral, the ethics of profiting off vulnerable players, and the role of advantage players in the system.
Sep 12, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 138
Colin takes a break from blackjack and talks to legendary high stakes poker pro Phil Galfond about his journey in professional poker. He shares how the game has evolved to advanced solvers and emphasizes the importance of adapting strategies to opponents. Phil also shares insights on the mental challenges of poker, his proudest achievements, and balancing his passion for the game with family life and business ventures. If you want to see Colin and Phil compare professional Card Counting and Poke...
Sep 04, 2024•27 min•Ep. 137
Today we revisit an interview with BJA Bootcamp Grads "BCD" and "SmurfAP" that many of you may have missed the first time around in 2019. In this podcast we discuss: - How to handle winning and losing as team members - Playing Blackjack after taking a break - Bankroll Goals - Business and Passion
Aug 14, 2024•37 min•Ep. 136
In today's episode, Joe748 and SD1 interview GoFlamesGo, a BJA member who joined in 2020 and quickly transitioned to full-time card counting. GoFlamesGo shares his journey from discovering blackjack during the COVID-19 lockdown to attending a bootcamp and quitting his job to pursue card counting full-time. He recounts his early experiences in casinos, the support he received from his family, and the challenges and rewards of being a professional card counter.
Jul 31, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 135
Today Joe748 and SD1 are joined by LightningMcAces and SolidestDawg to discuss their transition from solo card counting to forming a team with an outside investor. LightningMcAces shares his journey from discovering card counting during quarantine to perfecting his skills in 2023. SolidestDawg recounts how the movie "21" inspired him to start card counting and his early experiences. The discussion covers the pros and cons of taking investment, team dynamics, trust issues, handling backoffs, and ...
Jul 24, 2024•54 min•Ep. 134
In today's podcast, Colin interviews Don Johnson, a former horse jockey, racetrack CEO, and Blackjack Hall of Famer known for winning $15 million in Atlantic City by negotiating favorable lost rebates. Don shares his journey from horse racing to professional blackjack, detailing how he identified and capitalized on advantageous betting conditions. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the game, meeting the right people, and negotiating with casinos to maximize his edge. You can also see ...
Jul 10, 2024•45 min•Ep. 133
We're revisiting a classic episode where BJA Pro "The Phoenix" shares his incredible journey, revealing the side bet that earned him $300,000 in 10 months. He discusses what he's been up to since achieving his financial goals, the events leading to his discovery of the lucrative side bet, and how he almost quit the game altogether. "The Phoenix" also delves into his unique strategy for maintaining a positive atmosphere in the casino and explains how card counters can "create their own luck."...
Jun 27, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 132
In this mailbag episode, Colin and Joe748 sit down with SD1 and address questions about advanced play strategies, including the importance of “wonging out” during negative counts, and the impact of technology on card counting. They also discuss handling verbal abuse at the tables and secure cash management practices. As a bonus, the guys dive into how they invest the extra income generated from card counting.
Jun 20, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 131
In this episode, Colin and Joe748 are joined by SD1. The conversation delves into SD1's transition from part-time to full-time Advantage Player (AP), the pros and cons of this lifestyle change, and his strategies for balancing work and AP play. SD1 shares insights on sales tactics applied to card counting, the value of diversifying AP skills, and the importance of a supportive community in the AP world.
Jun 13, 2024•45 min•Ep. 130
RickFromCanada returns with team members Goodyear, Andrea, and Kev to join Colin and Joe748. The group dives into their card counting experiences, discussing the formation of their blackjack team and the professional challenges they’ve faced. Rick details his journey from a novice to a mentor and now a team leader, while the team members share their initial hesitations, the learning process, and how camaraderie has been crucial in managing the ups and downs of high-stakes gambling.
Jun 05, 2024•55 min•Ep. 129
Today Colin and Joe748 interview Highl0w20, a BJA member who decided to pursue a nomadic lifestyle with his family. Highl0w20 shares his journey of transitioning from a regular job to becoming a blackjack AP, facing setbacks such as backoffs and losing streaks, and eventually achieving financial stability that allowed him to work less and spend more time with his family. The episode delves into the practicalities and emotional aspects of living an unconventional life on the road while counting c...
May 22, 2024•36 min•Ep. 128
Colin sits down with Peacock, who has been a BJA Member for several years now, is a multiple time Bootcamp attendee, and ran a two man team with another Member. One thing that makes Peacock’s story unique is that he fits in being a card counter around being President of a fairly large-sized company. But he enjoys the hustle of beating the casinos just as much as the next AP. In this podcast we discuss: - What would possess an executive to become a card counter - What his training and testout pro...
May 15, 2024•49 min•Ep. 127
Colin talks with Anthony Curtis, a former professional card counter and Blackjack tournament expert who founded the Las Vegas Advisor and Huntington Press. Anthony discusses his gambling success and his inclusion in the Blackjack Hall of Fame. We also discuss the MGM hack, where Anthony was interviewed by "60 Minutes". The discussion delves into why MGM and Caesars made different decisions regarding the payment of ransom in hacks they experienced, with insights into the complexities and conseque...
Apr 25, 2024•43 min•Ep. 126
In today's episode, Joe748 goes solo with Deepgritz, a Blackjack Apprenticeship member who began playing blackjack full-time after attending a bootcamp in April '21. They discuss transitioning into the blackjack world post-retirement, exploring Deepgritz's journey from his first casino visit to becoming a professional blackjack player. They highlight the similarities between competitive chess, which Deepgritz played for 45 years, and blackjack, focusing on the mental aspects and decision-making ...
Apr 10, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 125
We revisit the vault from July 2019 with Andy Uyal, author of ‘The Blackjack Insiders: How Two Pit Bosses Beat the Casinos at Their Own Game.’ In this interview, we'll delve into the dynamics of having a partner for navigating the highs of big wins and the lows of harsh losing streaks, examine the mutual superstitions held by casinos and gamblers alike, explore the strategy of playing during times when staff capable of backing players off are not present, discuss the level of suspicion that back...
Apr 01, 2024•54 min•Ep. 124
Bonus Episode! Joe748 chats with ByrnenDownTheHouse, who just passed the million dollar mark from full time card counting. They discuss strategies for avoiding detection, the emotional rollercoaster of gambling, and the significance of reaching financial milestones. Byrnen offers insights into the life of a card counter, touching on the balance between the thrill of winning and the psychological challenges of the profession and reveals the complexity and dedication behind professional gambling....
Mar 21, 2024•33 min•Ep. 123
Today Colin and Joe748 chat with newly minted 7-figure card counter ByrnenDownTheHouse, who shares his journey to hitting the million dollar mark from full time card counting. The conversation delves into the highs and lows of their gambling careers, the psychological resilience required, and the strategies that helped them succeed. They discuss how they've navigated the challenges of the game, including using alcohol as a part of the act while playing, and reflect on personal growth and life be...
Mar 13, 2024•48 min•Ep. 122
Colin sits down with Jack Andrews & Gina Fiore to discuss what it takes to make it in the world of professional gambling. Both starting their careers as Card Counters, they've mastered a wide range of advantage play techniques, outsmarting the house time and time again for over 20+ years.
Mar 06, 2024•38 min•Ep. 121
The author of "The Blackjack Insiders" Andrew Uyal is back on the BJA podcast to talk about: What opening casinos back up could look like. Some advantages card counters have over casinos. How casinos view card counters. What he would do different if he went back to card counting. And whether card counters are good for casinos.
Feb 14, 2024•49 min•Ep. 120
Today, Colin and Joe748 interview Fez, a BJA member who discusses transitioning from casual to full-time advantage blackjack. He shares his experiences with casino countermeasures and the significance of rounds per hour for effective strategy. Fez also talks about the personal sacrifices involved in professional play and looks forward to diversifying in the future.
Jan 25, 2024•56 min•Ep. 119
Join us in a heartfelt tribute to SassyRed, a remarkable member of the Blackjack Apprenticeship community. This episode features personal stories and memories shared by Colin, ScottCao, Paradigm, Levimich, Joe748, Nickels, Loudon Ofton, silentassassin, and Spartan. Each speaker brings their unique perspective and experiences with SassyRed, painting a vivid picture of her impact both at the blackjack table and in life. Tune in to celebrate the legacy of a true BJA legend.
Jan 19, 2024•13 min•Ep. 117
In this insightful episode, we revisit the world of blackjack with Spartan, alongside the experienced voices of SD1, Colin, and Joe748. Reflecting on the past five years, Spartan shares the evolution of his strategies and insights into card counting, bet spreading, and adapting to different game settings. Alongside SD1's sharp analysis, Colin's seasoned perspectives, and Joe748's practical wisdom, this discussion offers a comprehensive look into the nuanced world of professional blackjack. Join ...
Dec 15, 2023•36 min•Ep. 116
Colin interviews elite professional gambler Gina Fiore. Fiore shares her insights into Card Counting & many other forms of advantage that she has implemented in her 20 years of beating casinos. Her tenacity & strategic intricacies have made her a legend in the gambling world. Gina Fiore Film/TV Gambling & Casino Consultant http://rxgamble.com https://twitter.com/rxgamble Check out Unabated.com (aff link): https://unabated.com/?ref=colincolin Check out the Unabated Youtube Channel: ht...
Dec 07, 2023•50 min•Ep. 115
In episode 114, Colin and Joe748 are joined by RickFromCanada, delving into the dynamics of transitioning from a solo card counting enthusiast to a team bankroller. They explore the hurdles and strategies of forming a team, managing finances, and navigating the casino scene both in Canada and across the border. Rick shares his experiences on tackling challenges like playing unrated to avoid bans, handling trespassing issues, and ensuring effective money management while on the road. From thrilli...
Nov 01, 2023•57 min•Ep. 114
Venture beyond the familiar felt of the blackjack table. In this episode of the BJA Podcast, Colin engages with Captain Jack on the nuanced transition from card counting to sports betting. Discover a different arena of advantage play as they explore effective strategies, the dynamics of sharp and square books, and the understated art of blending in before exposing your edge. It's a conversation filled with practical insights for those curious about what lies outside the deck. Check out Unabated....
Oct 21, 2023•48 min•Ep. 114
Journey with DoubleTime as he transitions from movie-inspired curiosity to a card counting maestro. Dive into his early struggles, the impact of the 2020 lockdown, and how he mastered the game to claim a 6-figure income on the side. Discover how dedication, finding the right casino conditions, and smart gameplay can transform the odds. It's not just about luck; it's strategy.
Sep 23, 2023•31 min•Ep. 113
Our latest podcast interview is a former member of the notorious MIT blackjack team and prolific poker player Andy Bloch. In this interview we discuss: - The Mental difference between Blackjack and Poker - Training with the MIT team - Attending Harvard - Being an AP with a family
Sep 07, 2023•1 hr•Ep. 112
In episode 111, Colin invites Advantage Players Joe748 and Nickels back to the mic to dive deeper into the nitty-gritty of professional card counting. This time, they cover topics our community has been buzzing about: from tips on making a casino your local go-to spot, to understanding the nuances of tribal casinos. They also discuss how to manage your sleep schedule for optimal performance, address regional differences in games across the U.S., and explore logistical questions regarding backoff...
Sep 01, 2023•38 min•Ep. 111
