The Economics of Everyday Things Card Counting (Replay)
Oct 7, 2024
Bill Zender, co-founder of a casino consulting firm and former blackjack expert, shares insights into the world of card counting. He discusses the fascinating journey from novice to skilled player, revealing the misconceptions casinos hold about the technique. The podcast delves into the legal gray areas surrounding card counting and the extreme measures casinos take to protect their profits. Zender also highlights the persistent challenges faced by card counters, including personal encounters with security and the ongoing evolution of casino strategies.
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Ben's Blackjack Journey
- Ben, a professional card counter, initially struggled with blackjack.
- He turned to online forums and books to improve his skills.
Basic Strategy vs. Card Counting
- Basic strategy charts help minimize the house edge in blackjack, but casinos still retain an advantage.
- Card counting offers a way to potentially shift the odds in the player's favor.
Card Counting Basics
- To count cards, assign values to cards (+1 for 2-6, 0 for 7-9, -1 for 10-Ace).
- Keep a running count, betting more with a high count and less with a negative count.
