The Blackjack Apprenticeship Podcast

Joe748 and SD1 interview BJA Member “Paradigm” about his journey from discovering blackjack and card counting as a hobby to ultimately making the leap from a career in the medical field to becoming a full-time advantage player. Paradigm shares insights on his cautious approach, the impact of COVID on his training, the realities and challenges of professional AP life, and offers practical advice for anyone considering a similar path. They cover the value of networking, the emotional rollercoaster of AP swings, and maintaining flexibility between professional and personal ambitions.

In this month's rebroadcast we're going DEEP into the vault to our talk with Ultimate in the early days of the BJA podcast. It's a great episode that still holds up! In this Podcast we discuss: - How he went from home gambling nights with his friends to studying card counting - How he fit his training around working a full-time job (and life) - His trip to the US for a Blackjack Bootcamp, followed by a 300 hour card counting adventure! - The highlights and lowlights of the US and its casinos Until next time, keep generating EV!

Joe748 and SD1 are back to answer community questions from the Blackjack Apprenticeship forum, YouTube, Spotify, and beyond. They cover everything from taking advantage of favorable casino situations, playing conditions in Reno and Vegas, and chip inventory strategies, to evading backoffs and reporting gambling income. 

Greg and Nick, co-founders of Frequent Miler, specialize in helping travelers navigate the world of credit card rewards for luxurious experiences at minimal costs. They dive into strategies for maximizing credit card points through everyday spending, avoiding common pitfalls, and using airline transfer partners for exceptional value. Their discussion also draws parallels between casino advantage play and the art of mastering points and miles. Listeners will uncover creative ways to leverage rewards for travel and gain insights into effective credit card management.

The week we're revisiting an episode from 2019 with multiple six-figure card counter "ambj21" We discuss: – Losing 80% of your bankroll – Playing as an investment vs playing for survival – Balancing Advantage Play while raising a family – Putting your money where your values are

In today's episode, Joe748 and SD1 sit down with BPWannaBe, a part-time card counter who's earnings are in multiple six figures while juggling a full-time job and family commitments. He shares the ups and downs of his journey—from learning about card counting while playing poker full-time, early setbacks and massive downswings, to climbing out of a $75K hole and eventually crushing high-stakes games. They dive into both his approach to blackjack and insights from his day job working in the slot machine industry. 

In today's mailbag Joe748 and SD1 answer more questions from the BJA forum, Youtube and socials. They cover the use of betting camouflage techniques, the risks and strategies of using someone else’s player card, and the etiquette of dealing with other card counters at the table. Additionally, they share insights from their personal experiences at blackjack bootcamps and discuss advanced blackjack strategies and ethical dilemmas encountered at the casino. 

Today Joe748 and SD1 are joined by renowned sleep expert Mollie Eastman, creator of Sleep is a Skill. Mollie dives deep into the science of sleep, circadian rhythm, and how environments like casinos—and modern life in general—can disrupt our biological clocks. From practical tips to insights on meal timing, blue light exposure, and the power of red light therapy we're looking to improve our sleep and our performance at the tables.    See more of Mollie's work at her website Sleep is a Skill. 

SassyRed was a remarkable member of the BJA community, let's revisit her very first appearance on the BJA Podcast this week. Part 2 of this conversation focuses on emotional swings as an AP and is also available to our members on the member only podcast player. In this interview we discuss: - How a life of travel helps prepare you for the AP life - How to handle desperate casino patrons - The importance of setting attainable goals - Advice for milking comps

Richard Munchkin, a Blackjack Hall of Famer and co-host of Gambling with an Edge, shares captivating tales from his extensive career in advantage play. He recounts how he juggled college life while earning from backgammon and poker. Richard dives into the complexities of shuffle tracking and the delicate balance of anonymity at casinos. He reflects on his humorous yet risky currency exchange adventures in post-Wall Poland and the importance of reputation and networking in the high-stakes gambling world.