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

T&A PODCAST - Part 2: Steve & Kal Thor InterviewThis episode covers dealer mistakes, hole card plays, side bets, backing off strategies, and wild casino stories from experienced advantage players.KEY TOPICSDealer Tells & MistakesDowntown Vegas dealer who'd ask "are you sure?" revealing no made handPost-COVID rusty dealers making obvious peeking errorsLucky Stiff side bet dealer paying unqualified hands (cost casino $3-4K)New casinos = inexperienced dealers = more mistakesSide BetsLucky Ladies +EV at +6.5 true count (Hi-Lo)1000:1 payout for suited queens w/ dealer blackjackTIP: Cash out immediately after big wins to avoid surveillance reviewBacking OffBe unmemorable - don't argue, just leaveStory: Flat-bet to $25 while "ploppy" betting $1000 allowed to continueDealer's response: "We let you bet $1000 - what does that say about your play?"Protecting Your IdentitySlot hand-pay tip: Refuse consent for automatic player's cardScript: "I do not consent to giving my information for creating a player's card"Only legally required to show ID to police, not securityRated vs Unrated DebateSome casinos require cards for premium gamesHard Rock: unrated players limited to 1 hand, 4x table minWeigh short-term comps vs. long-term accessKEY TAKEAWAYSLook beyond blackjack tables for opportunitiesScout new casinos and new table gamesSide bets = high variance despite +EVNetwork with other APs for intelProtect identity strategicallyCONTACT & RESOURCESEmail: [email protected]: r/tapodcastUse code T21 at Blackjack ApprenticeshipSUPPORT THE SHOWSubscribe for $4.99/month: Video episodes, ad-free audio, 3-day early accessMain podcast always 100% FREE!LINK TO SUBSCRIBE#Blackjack #AdvantagePlay #CardCounting #Casino #Gambling

In this episode of our experiment in imaginary radio, something that we like to call The Tens and Aces Podcast, we submit part two of our recent conversation with advantage player "Nickels" and discuss Blackjack, advantage play and so much more. If this is the type of thing you'd like to hear, listen up, because we're about to give you some T&A!

In this episode of our attempt at imaginary radio, we present an interview with former guest and friend of the show, Chris. He's a full-time professional Blackjack Player and Advantage Player. #Blackjack#Card Counting#Advantage Play#Gambling#Casinos

This is one of our favorite episodes that we've done in the fairly recent past. We're currently going though episodes and re-editing them. Throughout this summer, we'll be posting updated versions of legacy episodes as well as mixing in some new content as well.This one touches on aspects of AP besides blackjack play. We've gotten some great feedback regarding this episode, so if you haven't yet heard it, here you go. If you have, maybe listen again?

In this transmission of our attempt at imaginary radio, we bring you part two of the mailbag episode with BJA Pro, Nickels as he and I try an tackle more questions that were sent in from the listeners. NOTE:Some of this was originally recorded and published in 2021 as Episode 15 of the Podcast. Updated in July 2026. We added some things here and there as well. Our apologies for the poor audio quality as it was recorded via Skype and before we had a clue about audio production! We fixed it the best we could, and it absolutely sounds better, we think. But, audio aside- there is still some entertaining and useful AP content here! We'll see you down the felt! - Mike AP

SHOW NOTESIn Episode 137, Mike AP sits down with A1 Blackjack—former math teacher, blackjack instructor, content creator, and advantage player. A1 shares how a simple curiosity about card counting evolved into a full-time career teaching blackjack, creating content, and exploring other forms of advantage play.The conversation covers his journey from practicing deck counts in his basement to building one of the largest blackjack-focused social media audiences online. A1 discusses working with Blackjack Apprenticeship, developing training tools and flashcards, and why perfection - not just proficiency - is critical for aspiring card counters.The discussion also dives into the world of slot advantage play, how experienced APs identify profitable opportunities, and why many successful APs diversify beyond blackjack. Along the way, A1 shares stories about networking with well-known APs, getting backed off casinos, content creation, sponsorships, and the realities of making a living in the AP world.TOPICS COVERED• A1's AP origin story and discovering card counting• Learning blackjack through BJA content and self-study• Building deck-counting and deck-estimation skills• Creating blackjack training videos and social media content• Growing a large YouTube and Instagram audience• Developing blackjack flashcards and educational tools• Working with Blackjack Apprenticeship• Transitioning from teaching math to full-time AP content creation• Introduction to slot advantage play• Casino comps, RTP, and profitable machine opportunities• Stories of casino back-offs and heat• Networking with Spartan, Math Prof, and other APs• Why perfection matters in blackjack• Advice for new advantage playersKEY TAKEAWAYS:• Card counting is simple in theory but difficult to execute perfectly in live casino conditions.• Successful APs often expand beyond blackjack into other advantage opportunities..• Networking with experienced players can dramatically accelerate your learning curve.• The best APs focus on eliminating mistakes and continually improving their game.• Advantage play can create opportunities far beyond the casino floor, including education, content creation, and community building.SPECIAL OFFER FOR OUR LISTENERS:A1 is offering podcast listeners 50% off their first month on his Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/cw/A1BlackjackUse coupon code: TA21Patreon members get access to blackjack training resources, downloadable flashcards, bankroll challenge content, and information on additional advantage play opportunities.

In this episode, the now-infamous Snowman joins the show as he and I dive into the mailbag and answer your questions.What you're hearing is a significantly improved version of the original recording from November 2020, back when we were recording over Skype and doing our best to stay sane during pandemic lockdowns. If we're being honest, this entire AP Podcast project started out of pure boredom. There wasn't much to do, but I had a bunch of friends with great stories, so we started sharing them. Somehow, that little lockdown experiment grew into what Tens & Aces is today.The original audio quality of this episode made me cringe a bit when I revisited it in 2026, so I dusted off some of the ninja-level audio editing skills I've picked up over the years and cleaned it up as best I could. The sound is better now, but the real reason I wanted to bring this one back is because the content remains one of my favorite episodes we've ever done.So why not give it a listen?Thank you for all of your support over the years. We couldn't have done this without you, and we're just getting started. Here's to many more years ahead!I'm also using this episode as a test of our new podcast feed after some jackass decided to attempt to get the show's feed taken down because he wasn't a fan of certain truths being discussed. We stand by the truth with our integrity 100% intact. He remains standing in his web of lies and toxicity. He's shown his true self to this community with his continued actions. But, like we've said in the past, the best way to get rid of a troll is to ignore the. So, let's get back to doing exactly that! We'll leave it at that!Anyway... here we go...

Note: We fixed a few technical issues with the original version. Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused! Episode SummaryIn part two of this roundtable episode, Mike and guests dive deep into the practical and philosophical side of advantage play, starting with casino ID checks, heat, and longevity strategies. They swap stories about random ID requests, navigating casino policies, using alternative IDs, and how rated play and comps can sometimes buy a longer leash. The conversation shifts into travel EV—road trip logistics, using comps strategically, living out of your car, rental car hacks, free rooms, and balancing bankroll preservation with comfort.From there, the group gets into rat-holing, chip palming, cover plays, and the blurry line between practical camouflage and outright theatrics. That sparks a wider discussion on disguises, personas, social engineering, and where each player draws the ethical line. Along the way are great stories about exploitable casino promotions, clueless casino management, side bet opportunities, and the joy of finding casinos stepping over dollars to pick up pennies.The second half explores the double-edged sword of information sharing. The crew debates YouTube and Social Media content, and that leads into a thoughtful discussion about slot AP, secrecy, monetizing information, community gatekeeping, and why some opportunities react very differently to exposure than card counting does. It’s equal parts practical shop talk, philosophy, and hilarious degeneracy.Show NotesCasino ID checks, age verification, and handling “random” checksRated vs unrated play and how comps can affect longevityTravel cost-saving strategies for AP road tripsUsing comp properties as a base for regional casino runsSleeping in cars, truck stop showers, rental car hacks, and Vegas travel EVDomestic Tranquility Index: using casino comps to keep partners happyRat-holing strategies, chip palming, shift changes, and camouflageCover plays, gambler acts, and making surveillance see what you want them to seeThe ethics (and comedy) of disguises, personas, and undercover playCrazy casino promotions and exploitable coupon storiesCasino management mistakes, side bets, and why casinos sweat the wrong thingsJackpot procedures, surveillance attention, and when to leave the tableYouTube, TikTok, AP influencers, and whether exposure helps or hurtsFreeloading back-counters and table etiquette among APsSlot AP secrecy, monetization, and whether selling information burns opportunitiesReddit toxicity, moderated communities, and why scarce edges create territorial behaviorMemorable moments:“Gold miners or miners?”The old-man Hollywood prosthetic AP disguise storyBlind Luck as the greatest AP content channel name never launchedA casino promo worth nearly pure EV… because management didn’t listenGoing full max spread after a floor says, “We don’t get card counters here”The philosophical debate: where is the line between cover and absurdity?

In this transmission of our experiment in imaginary radio, something we like to call, T&A: The Tens and Aces Podcast, we present a fresh new episode with friend of the show and former guest, Blackjack Advantage Player "Rainman" and we catch up with all that's going down in his world! S, if this is the type of thing you'd like to hear, listen up, because we're about to give you some T&A! #63

In this episode of T&A: The Tens and Aces Podcast, host Mike AP sits down with seasoned advantage player Nichols to discuss the realities of playing blackjack professionally, managing variance, and maintaining a strong mindset. They explore practical tips for coping with losing streaks, the importance of perspective, and the mental discipline needed for success. The conversation delves into the psychological traits common among advantage players, such as critical thinking and strategic mindset, as well as ethical considerations and the art of finding loopholes in the game. Additionally, Nichols shares personal insights and reflections on balancing gambling with life. Whether you're a veteran AP or just starting your journey, this episode offers valuable advice and candid stories from the front lines of advantage play.The importance of viewing results in the context of long-term sample sizes.Acknowledging that losses are part of the game but keeping perspective helps maintain morale.The value of zooming out on your results to see the big picture and avoid frustration during losing streaks.Tips for beginners: taking breaks when stressed, testing your game regularly, and avoiding chasing losses.Finding the right balance between playing enough hours and avoiding negative feedback loops.The dangers of overbetting and under betting — sticking to EV positive plays.Maintaining focus on expected value rather than short-term results, especially when gambling is your primary income.The importance of having safety nets, such as savings, to reduce pressure.The mindset of advantage players: strategic, analytical, and sometimes Machiavellian.Psychological traits: giftedness, critical thinking, confidence, and sometimes narcissism.The need to mask true intentions and maintain a work mode during play.Managing interactions with casino staff and security, such as using loopholes related to ID scanners and buy-ins.The role of network knowledge in navigating casino policies and avoiding suspicion.How to handle ID scanners by being creative or blending into crowds.When and how to build chip inventories to avoid suspicious buy-ins.Using perceived action and social presence to reduce detection.Calculations for EV when taking side action (e.g., in craps) without sacrificing profitability.Focus on enjoying life beyond material possessions; avoid the hedonic treadmill.Practical advice on saving money, paying taxes, and planning for long-term financial stability.Emphasizing the importance of relationships and meaningful experiences over material gains.The analogy of AP as similar to strategic game theory, like the Prisoner’s Dilemma, balancing cooperation and self-interest.

In Episode 134 of The Tens and Aces Podcast, host Mike AP sits down with Doug, an advantage player (AP), software developer, and founder of savvyscrath.com. Doug’s incredible journey connects multiple worlds—online and live poker, blackjack, machine advantage play, comp hustling, and even a tech-driven edge in lottery scratcher ticket prediction. This episode explores how data, networking, and innovation can transform gambling into a measurable skill—and even a profession.Doug began in the golden age of internet poker, grinding on Full Tilt Poker and PokerStars before the 2011 “Black Friday” crackdown reshaped the landscape. Transitioning to live poker, Doug’s curiosity led him into blackjack apprenticeship, where he honed card counting skills and gained real-world experience as a banker at a California card room—a unique legal structure where players compete against each other, not the house.Doug dives deep into the quirks of California card rooms, explaining how they operate legally under player-banker rules. However, growing pressure from tribal casinos and regulatory shifts have forced many to close. His insider perspective reveals how policy changes can reshape entire ecosystems of legal AP opportunities.Never content with one niche, Doug advanced into machine advantage play and comp hustling—leveraging casino promotions and rewards for profit. He even built small teams to sign up players for bonuses, showing how creative networking and data collection unlock hidden value in casinos.Doug stresses that advantage players shouldn’t define themselves solely as card counters: diversification is survival.Doug’s crown achievement is a groundbreaking data-driven lottery system. His platform, ⁠savvyscrath.com⁠, tracks state lottery data—sales, ticket availability, and prize pools—to calculate real-time expected value (EV) for scratcher games in over 19 U.S. states.Key innovations include:Automated analysis of public lottery dataDynamic probability models to find “+EV” ticketsModel Context Protocol (MCP): a proprietary AI interface allowing conversational data queries for personalized strategy insightsDoug’s system effectively turns government-released data into actionable advantage play—bridging gambling, analytics, and software engineering.Doug shares how AI is reshaping discovery and marketing, but warns about hidden bias in search results and AI outputs driven by affiliate marketing. True advantage play now includes data skepticism—learning to question information sources and use AI as a lens to uncover niche opportunities others overlook.Echoing Richard Munchkin’s mantra that “Your network is your net worth,” Doug emphasizes the power of connections in the AP world. Information-sharing circles can be the difference between profit and burnout. For Doug, advantage play is not a hustle—it’s a mindset applied to everything from travel and spending to career optimization.Doug recalls buying his first scratcher on his 18th birthday, netting a $150 win—an early glimpse of the edge-seeking determination that defines his career. His nostalgic storytelling blends humor and insight, contrasting the analog gambling days with today’s data-driven ecosystem.Diversify your edge: Don’t rely solely on one AP method—adapt and expand.Leverage tech: Data tools and AI open new, overlooked profit zones.Stay networked: Collaboration and relationships multiply opportunity.Adopt the AP mindset: View everyday life through the lens of efficiency and edge-finding.advantage play podcast, blackjack, card counting, online poker history, California card rooms, machine advantage play, comp hustling, lottery scratcher analytics, savvyscrath.com, Doug advantage player, Mike AP podcast, Tens and Aces Episode 134, data-driven gambling, AI in casino strategy, Model Context Protocol MCP, AP mindset, gambling technology trends, blackjack apprenticeship

In this gloriously unhinged deep‑dive into the Badlands of advantage play Blackjack, host Mike AP sits down with Chris and Steve for Part 3 of their marathon four‑hour blackjack saga. What starts as a chat about obscure deviations quickly spirals into a full‑blown AP therapy session: bankroll trauma, emotional damage, tribal‑casino war stories, Reddit bans, ploppy encounters, and the eternal truth that blackjack is basically a never‑ending boxing match where the casino is a heavyweight assassin and you’re… well… you.The trio break down the real AP lifestyle — the wins, the losses, the “I just lost a house in one shoe” moments, the existential 2 a.m. parking‑lot stare‑downs, and the weird joy of using a deviation you practiced for months. They roast bad games, bad advice, bad risk‑of‑ruin math, and bad casino behavior. They also pitch a heartfelt recruitment ad for women APs (“please, for the love of God, email us”), share tales of side‑bet degeneracy, and explain why giving up your ID too early is the AP equivalent of tattooing your SSN on your forehead.If you love blackjack, advantage play, card counting, casino psychology, EV nerdery, and stories from the trenches, this episode is your buffet. If you’re a ploppy… buckle up.SHOW NOTES📬 Contact information "BAD CHRIS" & "BAD STEVE" [email protected] [email protected]• Why obscure deviations are fun and worth learning even when they’re worth 0.0000003 EV• Respecting the casino as a trained assassin trying to murder your bankroll• Bankroll reality: why most APs fail and why $50k is the real “starter kit” in Chris's opinion• Variance as a living demon that eats your soul• The emotional journey from “I lost $7k!!!” to “lol that’s cute”• Risk of ruin: why 10% is insanity and 2% is still spicy• Game selection as the true AP superpower• Why women APs are unicorns and also terrifyingly effective• The art of not giving your ID unless absolutely necessary• Tales of tribal casinos, trespass forms, and signing “eat shit”• Ploppy interactions: unsolicited advice, confusion, and delicious irony• Buying other players’ blackjacks, side‑bet shenanigans, and EV thievery• Getting cheated by a “fair” casino and the joy of being told to pound sand• Reddit bans, hockey fights, and the dangers of saying “hit him in the jibs”• Backoffs, flaps, and the sweet moment when the pit tells you you’re “too good”• Why APs leave the table when someone else hits a big side bet• Team play, shared bankrolls, and the “pigs get slaughtered” problem• The eternal truth: blackjack is one long shoe, and the casino doesn’t care about your feelings• Blackjack podcast• Card counting stories• Advantage play strategy• AP lifestyle• Casino backoff stories• Blackjack deviations explained• Professional gambler interviews