The Blackjack Apprenticeship Podcast October Q&A: Handling Heat, Bankroll Management, Future of APing | BJA170
Oct 22, 2025
Explore strategies for navigating high-minimum blackjack games and effective chip inventory management to avoid CTRs. Discover the challenges of increasing betting spreads with smaller bankrolls and the evolving landscape of card counting in the face of technology. Learn the significance of deviations in gameplay and when they might draw extra scrutiny. The hosts also debate the future viability of advantage play amidst cashless trends and evolving casino policies, while sharing personal experiences to overcome nerves at the table.
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Don't Overbuy Into High-Minimum Games
- Don't buy in for the maximum table stack; buy enough to cover two hands and some play (e.g., two $200 hands = ~$600 buy-in).
- If management instantly flags large buys, consider flat betting or testing with smaller buy-ins first.
Quantify Negative Cost Before Testing
- Calculate the negative-cost of cover before testing a high-minimum game; Joe estimates ~ $150 per shoe in negatives for a $200 min.
- Pay that cost to test and evaluate long-term value if it's your local game.
Build Chip Inventory And Mix Cash
- Build a chip inventory gradually to avoid large cash buys that trigger instant attention or CTRs.
- Mix chip usage with occasional cash buy-ins and be prepared to walk if losses grow too large.