BLACKJACK CHALLENGE: Card Counting Vs Progressive Betting

In our newest Blackjack Card Counting Challenge, watch as two card counters and a progressive bettor each bring their unique strategies to the table in Las Vegas. Starting with equal bankrolls of $10,000, they navigate through a single shoe of blackjack, testing their methods against each other. Follow the Running Count at the start of each round to see how it influences their betting decisions. Will traditional card counting prove its effectiveness, or will the progressive or min-to-max strategies yield unexpected results? Tune in to find out in this intriguing blackjack battle.
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[@tonneblack5168]

Classic: Splitting 10's four times, then getting lousy cards and losing. Happened to me many times! Good memories!

[@royjonzejr]

And then the whole table yells at you because "you screwed up the cards and made the dealer not bust"

[@ALENOG77]

You dont split a winning hand lol those guy doesn’t know how to play

[@ALENOG77]

Yes exactly i would tell him to get the f out if the table i d i o t

[@royjonzejr]

@@ALENOG77 Your expected value is better if you split 10s against a 6 when the true count is +4 or higher. It's a mathematical fact.

[@vusun123]

@@royjonzejrno points explaining to someone who doesn’t want to learn deviations. It’s like stand 16 against 10 when the count is positive, but they always refer to the book that is always hit 16 against 10.

[@nicholi2789]

As someone who is still learning and devouring all your content. These simulations at full table speed are a tremendous help for me to be able to practice at real speed.

[@74enoch]

Love this format… it verifies I’m totally unprepared for the casino.😂

[@k1ng_chamberlain]

Same I was always a step behind when he started taking busted hands. Even then I wouldn’t have been paying attention to my hand lol

[@belchicola]

"The lovely Grace 'The Gorilla'" *immediately stacks up $800* LOL

[@daleprokop1268]

love the splits to a dealer 21. Its almost poetic

[@prisonmike1139]

Hey Colin, love these blackjack simulation type videos. Keep it coming

[@badmiketeddy]

i do too. We need these once a week at least! would watch them every time

[@A1-BJ]

​@badmiketeddy they are so good! These are my favorite that he does! ♠️

[@MurderMostFowl]

I agree! It was very entertaining

[@MondoLeStraka]

Not that my count is off, [+- 1 card] once in a while, But these really help me keep the count accurate.

[@josda1000]

Thank you SD1 for being tonight's Key Grip.

[@Bigal321]

I’ve been binge watching your videos for the last week and have got into card counting big time. I’m half way through memorizing basic strategy and can’t wait to start learning to count. I can’t wait to be able to buy a membership to really learn some things!

[@samweiss3248]

Love this format. It'd be cool to see different levels of counting strategies compared. For example, Hi-Lo vs Zen vs Wong Halves vs Revere RAPC (levels 1 to 4 respectively). It'd be fun to see exactly when each level would differ in betting and playing deviations.

[@chuckecheese4124]

Finally, I was able to watch this video. Thanks, Colin and the gang for this production, great content and fun.

[@jacklister962]

Hope you are doing well Colin, I am really enjoying all your videos as a new viewer. Love the passion and dedication behind them.

[@chopperskier]

I love this video... I can keep watching it as I learn more and more... and work on honing the next skill in the building process!

[@dre_der]

absolutely love this... please keep these types coming. very helpful

[@mikecavooto8133]

This was extremely helpful! New to the channel, I can't wait for more!

[@cass0073]

This was great, TY. I was able to count along in real time and keep up through the entire shoe, but still not good enough to make the playing decisions quickly or keep track of payouts and deviations.

[@hawk0909]

Excellent format. Great practice for me! Keep them coming!

[@falashlaba20]

That was very fun to follow along and count. I'm still a little slow, but i'm getting there. Haven't looked into deviations yet, so it was nice to see the splitting of tens on the high counts. Once I can count more naturally I'll look into those.

[@tison7208]

its been a while since ive seen these videos. glad it popped up on my feed today!

[@Artycryptoastucespoursel-yi4nq]

Thanks for those kind of videos,it really helps us to train on real timing !

[@cr8zie]

Love the video! Goes to show you that legit card counting is such a grind and a very, very tiny population of the world can successfully pull it off over a long period of time. You have to put really put in the hours, stay true to the bet spread according to the count, AND learn deviations. A huge factor is also keeping your emotions in check after a huge loss (or win), and not let that affect you going forward.

[@gingerbeardman8497]

I really enjoy these videos, it reinforces how much varience you can experience in the game and i need that (im a beginner AP with about 50 hours of at home practice and about 97.5% accuracy on basic strategy on the bja app). So far in live play ive only seen 1 shoe with a high enough count to raise bets more than 2 or 3 units (with about 12 hours of live play) and i got crushed on that shoe, funny enough ive been profitable on the negative shoes

[@sebastiandierks7919]

12:31 Collin should work on his dealer abilities, he doesn't take any money xD

[@Armored_Muskrat]

These are great, more please!

[@levipatton1152]

These are a ton of fun. Nice work 🍻

[@skunkieblackjack]

Keep up the great work, Colin!

[@masterzen107]

Love these types of videos!

[@bjbobcat3066]

Great video!! Thank you!

[@fibonacci5643]

love these videos, helps me practice keeping the count!

[@Blackjackapprenticeship]

We like them too so we're glad they help!

[@A1-BJ]

Fantastic video! ♠️ Fun to play along as always. I think you need a new key grip next time, though! 😉

[@blackjackandmore6774]

First I’d like to say that vest is pretty awesome and looks good on you Second I really liked seeing you guys play hands and the out comes as you go Last please keep posting awesome videos like this ❤

[@samweirich5973]

Serious question: since we know that IF the true count gets hot for a particular shoe, then it will usually occur towards the middle or end of the shoe (this is why some casinos cut the shoe towards the middle to effectively neutralize counting). If this is true then why bother counting? Just find a casino that cuts the shoe towards the back (deep penetration), and when the shoe is about halfway done, enter the shoe and do a moderate bet progression. Yes, I'm aware that sometimes the true count can get hot towards the beginning of the shoe, but that scenario is generally rare. EDIT: @ 10:58, as expected, the running count is 19 at the halfway point in the shoe (estimate 3 decks remaining), this means the true count is about 6. Loudon does a series of splits and hits 10s (and stands). Dealer has 69 for a total of 15, hits and catches a Jack and busts. Loudon wins BIGLY. So yes, the true count of 6 gave Loudon the advantage and he was relatively assured to have won this hand. But again, this happened towards the middle of the shoe. Logically, wouldn't have been better for Loudon to have just waited for the middle of the shoe before entering? THis would have saved him all those losing bets at the beginning of the shoe.

[@richardlee1785]

Interesting video! Thanks.

[@user-ec7ce1fz4r]

That four card split with a dealer blackjack is just… unreal.

[@VegasPaladin]

This dealer needs more training. Terrible procedure! 😄😄

[@gustavosass7591]

Great video!

[@MondoLeStraka]

@9:39 He ruined the order of the CARDS!!! THAT'S WHY EVERYBODY LOST!! OH NO!! Lol.

[@vinicius.piassa]

I loved this gameplay videos. A suggestion for the next one is comparing a player betting on those crazy side bets vs a professional card counter

[@guibox3]

I see the side bets as deviations. If the side bets pay big for suited and unsuited face cards, than it makes sense to play those bets when the true count is +4 or higher. The odds of you getting a 20 are in your favor.

[@YoureASquidYoureAKid]

Going to the boat on Saturday! I need all the luck!

[@donclarence3644]

Hey Colin, I have no interest in actually card counting as it's not possible where I'm from (Sweden). But I really enjoy the concept of it and the videos you've been putting out to the point that I've been binge watching every single one of them the past couple of weeks, so thank you

[@basketballgamesnbanba1423]

You can play blackjack in Goteborg , there is a casino

[@happygrass5]

That was a super cool video

[@louisvuittondonvg9040]

More of these vids!!!

[@sebastiandierks7919]

Hey Collin, I just came back yesterday from a three-week card counting trip. My third trip I did so far, I made over 3000 Euros. Although I had an over 5000 Euro losing streak in the middle of it, but got it all back and more in the second half of the trip. All three trips were positive AV overall :) Thanks for teaching me all this stuff, I put it to good use. I really like this type of video!

[@jake12381]

Did you get backed off at any of the casinos in Europe?

[@sebastiandierks7919]

@@jake12381 No, actually I didn't. I'm pretty sure they know by now that I'm couting as I have played many hours and kept coming back and they give me bad pen, and when I enter they immediately call surveillance. But for some reason they don't back me off, and the rules are really good so it's still profitable even with bad pen.

[@jacobs6674]

I'm loving these videos, the high speed is something I love to practice. I am curious on the counting when you sit down and some of the deck is already discarded. What's the best way to find the count once it's already started?

[@Blackjackapprenticeship]

Generally we're going to want to wait until a new shoe so we have have an accurate count.

[@JoEmAmMaSoN]

I’m signing up Colin, got my bankroll

[@koolklem7889]

Please make longer videos. I could see u guys playing all night 👌

[@JO5H.]

Hi Colin, appreciate your videos they are educating and entertaining. I have a question what are your thoughts on playing blackjack with a bedding style using reverse martingale?

[@Blackjackapprenticeship]

No version of martingale creates positive equity in the long run.

[@gsomethingsomething2658]

It's hard to see the point of these because as you say, "Anything can happen in one shoe." That aside, your content is truly exceptional :)

[@AndyJason]

Please talk about no hole-card blackjack strategy,especially U.K. version.thank you so much🙏🏻

[@Happyduck1995]

I got a few right but others I completely lost count. Back to practicing. 😅

[@idleghawkeye1414]

I can ever count or keep track of my cards but not both at moment at the pace this is played

[@Blackjackapprenticeship]

Everyone starts out in the same position, it just takes time and practice!

[@GenXisT]

So, I know you're supposed to split 10s v 6 at TC4 but I'm never doing that again IRL. it's a massive red flag ( apparently ) and it's a good way for them to backcount you prior to the inevitable back off. I'll eat the bit of EV and just avail myself to keep playing rather than being kicked out. My opinion, of course! LOVE the vids!

[@uzbekstanic6812]

Man up

[@irobot380qbxo2]

It would be interesting to see the same setup but with a person who follows perfect basic strategy, and maybe with a more conservative progression, such as the D'Alembert

[@billzbounce]

Trivial Note: Love the Music.

[@redeye2629]

Need some insight on plus 1 and minus 1. Been too long ago thanks

[@jessewright8556]

I have a question. I was using your training app. I had a hard 13 and the dealer had a 2. Basic strategy says to stand, so i did and was told i was wrong. True count was 0. What did ind wrong?

[@alexmacdonald9182]

do you know which southern california casinos have the best deck penetration?

[@georgegonzalez2253]

The goat.

[@MondoLeStraka]

Grace "The Gorilla". Lol.

[@arte9855]

I see you found one of those shufflers that works overtime for the house. Has anyone else notice that the cards seem to be coming up with a lot more 21 combinations? Electronic shufflers setting up the cards to have more 21 combinations?

[@Sammmeow]

No. The shuffler can't know the precise card you will cut to, and can't set up a shoe that can take into effect how each player will play, and players coming and going during a shoe.

[@sophiasavanna1329]

Great video but would have liked to see the table max 5 or 10k like in the casino, then the martingale better would have actually came in 2nd place in the winning bc her highest progress would have been $3200 and she won that bet... keep up the good work!

[@Blackjackapprenticeship]

Yeah, interesting point. But regardless, progressive betting is a foolish strategy. We were just having some fun.

[@heckflorian7991]

Thanks Colin for these wonderful video. Nice training for me. And very funny. Good job.

[@bjroad2728]

I have a question. When the count is high I see a lot of counters bet 2 hands. My question is for example when someone bets 2 hand if $300 vs 1 hand of $600. With the exception of table maximum why bet 2 hands of $300 instead of 1 hand of $600?

[@EaganChris]

I played along using my system which does not include counting but does include the Martingale at the right times! For the first hand, I finished with $21,600! Giving me a $11,600 Profit!!!! Playing Graces hand I came up with $15,750 for a $5,750 Profit!!! And JCnote's hand came in at $13,100 so a $3,100 Profit!!

[@MiroslavDestanov]

What happens if you need to split or double with highest stake and you loose?You will loose a lot of money.

[@EaganChris]

@@MiroslavDestanov This works even with Splits and double downs as well... That's why you do it!! The problem is most people double every ten and 11. That's wrong only some 11's get doubled!!

[@EaganChris]

@@MiroslavDestanov I just told you what i made playing their hands, that includes double downs and splits

[@EaganChris]

@@MiroslavDestanov Another thing is his table max is way to low for a $100 table!!! it's not $1,000! It's more like $5,000-$10,000! ;)

[@elpumamelga5853]

Muchos te vemos de latinoamerica , prodrias subtitular tus videos . saludos de argentina .

[@zolboobatbold3792]

Practical question. What if the majority of high cards were in the first half of the shoe? The count would always be negative. In this case the player wouldn't increase their bet (because the count is neg.)even though they have the advantage?

[@michaelbraun6504]

Allow to me to answer that question, by asking you one in return? How is the player to know that all the high cards are in the first half of the shoe?

[@bobbythreet-btdrummer418]

@@michaelbraun6504 by counting. LOL. If I'm understanding your question, you know how many high cards there are, right. You counted them and you see that most if not all are gone and you have a half of a deck left. Therefore, you know that the majority of the high cards were in the first half of the shoe.

[@user-qk7kt9ts2x]

I don't know but this might help for me as a beginner, can you do a challenge like this one where the players card count loud so we can hear how they count?

[@Blackjackapprenticeship]

We're working on some new content right now and that's one of the videos we want to make. Hang out and it'll show up down the line (:

[@milberto2729]

it would be way way better to make the call as the basic strategy said, so that we have a real view of how the things should have worked out. Even a bad call leads the odds way more towards the croupier other than the players

[@JLgacy]

why does the casino show the first delt card up first and here in video your showing 2nd delt dealer card to table and first card hidden till after action does that matter at all?

[@Blackjackapprenticeship]

Doesn't matter, and depends on the casino.

[@modoe6619]

I would've dip already lol

[@williammadisondavis]

If you’re splitting that many 10’s, doesn’t that lower your running / true count and eventually it lessens your edge? Should you sometimes expect to not split split, say after 3 splits and realizing the count is low and no longer favors you?

[@goatedonthedotes8324]

Yes. But the count was really high and with not many decks left. Also, dealer had a 6 upcard, which is the worst hand. It was a PERFECT scenario to keep splitting like that

[@Blackjackapprenticeship]

The deviation indices tell you exactly when to do this and when to stop.

[@sevenfootman6808]

Splitting 10’s is going to get a lot of attention on big bets and will get you backed off sooner or immediately. Plus it’s tough to beat 20, why not just take the win?

[@Blackjackapprenticeship]

Playing decisions were optimal since I wasn't going to back them off. You can always decide for yourself if you want to give up some EV by not splitting 10's.

[@remus5]

Stupid question. Can you start counting mid shoe? Or do have to start counting at the beginning of the shoe for an accurate count?

[@Blackjackapprenticeship]

You want to start at a new shoe

[@MarshallDWells]

ive been learning a little bit but it seems like it would be super easy to tell if someones counting cards, Min bets consistently through a large first part of the shoe, playing basic strategy then making deviations that work and insurance that tends to be right, and large bet increases towards the end. It seems so easy to tell that its a mental roadblock for wanting to sink more time in. to it. Id be so self conscious itd feel like it was glaring, but id like to learn more. Does it seem more obvious because Im aware of it?

[@Blackjackapprenticeship]

There is a mental factor in the game; knowing you're being watched, knowing you might be backed off, knowing that the right moves mathematically may upset less educated players at the table. Getting comfortable with that generally comes with time.

[@user-xn2bg8wh5v]

What do you think, about playing video blackjack?

[@Blackjackapprenticeship]

People AP all the different machines as well but it's an entirely other subject. We don't get into it ourselves since we purely train card counting, though it is mentioned in some podcasts from players that also AP machines too.

[@Scott_Bremer]

Hi Colin, do you sell basic strategy cards that includes variations?

[@Blackjackapprenticeship]

Those come with our Training Kits.

[@ianman15]

I split 10s if I am playing alone at the table and the dealer has a 4, 5 or 6 showing. Most of the time it works out in my favor.

[@slideman1249]

It’s still idiotic tbh why split a hand that only 1 number can beat

[@BelleFong2023]

Hello, is it impossible to count cards if it is an automatic shuffler? Should we not gamble like this?

[@Buffalo_Soldier]

You count as long as there is no shuffle. The moment deck is shuffled, coubt gets to 0. Does authomatic shuffler shuffle every round? I have 0 experience with games, just like the mathy part.

[@jerryp6001]

I think the 11:55 mark....before then is a perfect example of something in my head. One player splits tens...loses. next hand.... splits tens ..wins. You can have 2 players...both counting...both playing perfectly...wildly different outcomes... For any particular shoe Hey counter 1, how did you do. Won $5k. Hey counter 2, how did you do. Lost $5k. Yes...better to look at them over a long period of time...more hands...probably evens out. But amy particular shoe or string... could be completely different. No it doesn't matter if 2 counters are sitting next to each other at the same table ...but just illustrates the randomness and "luck" for any person, for any shoe.

[@codysteevis9536]

Hey Colin, I recently visited mystic lake casino in MN and sat down at a 5$ table to generate some EV. After I bought in, I was told there is a 25-cent non-refundable fee per hand to play. I immediately laughed out loud and asked to color up. I was wondering if you'd maybe want to make a video talking about the house edge % and expected loss at such tables. Cheers and thanks for all you do to help aspiring AP's! ~Cody

[@Blackjackapprenticeship]

We talk about ante games here! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gIi4hKZsh9KLm6csi=Xb7pQ8WONZmfYPA0

[@wildcatterry17]

10:15 Surveillance alerted. Player splitting tens against a 6. Check play to see if counting.

[@SolarCasper]

@Blackjack Apprenticeship As a beginner dealer I have to ask why did you pay the Blackjack at 6:10? You had a Queen and I was taught that you don't pay it until you draw your own card to make sure you don't have a blackjack of your own

[@MurderMostFowl]

A natural blackjack is a push against dealer BJ and wins against any drawn 21, so the player is paid immediately.

[@tommarsden661]

He already checked his down card and knew he didn’t have BJ.

[@sebastiandierks7919]

8:37 Loudon should bet 400 right? Or maybe even 500 if you think it's 3.5 decks remaining (more like 3.75 though).

[@eddiefoster2357]

I was thinking the same thing.

[@ianeagle40nil]

Do you not get paid extra for ‘5 & under’ ?

[@joeoleary9010]

Would be much better if you *also* showed a running total of each player's account, you know, to see who's ahead?

[@1voluntaryist]

This is a "no-brainer" for anyone not "math-challenged", vis-a-vie the double up to catch up system. Both counting systems win, not the other. The reason we spread our bets is for cover, but sometimes it might be because of a small BR that is subject to run out with a negative run. In the early '60s, before heat, I went from minimum to max on short money, and busted out repeatedly. I knew better, but then I was young, 19, and reckless. (I drove 120 mph in my muscle car.) I got drafted during the "Nam" war, got out more mature and more conservative. If it wasn't for my poker/BJ winnings (I hit the Gibraltar casino) I wouldn't have able to stand living under military control. The extra money (4 x) monthly allowed me to escape off base for 72 hours every 6 shifts, and live well, like a free person, not like a slave.

[@killuasa8399]

man i am really rusty counting along i could either count or do basic strategy but not both

[@coreyhahn2887]

It’s wild how even when counting you can still loose money, the casino will back you off for having the slightest edge meanwhile will assist you with putting your life on the table 😂

[@awkward_juckedup_dude]

how many decks are? 6?

[@the_jeremiah]

SO I have been studying and learning to Count. I used to play Martingale prior to my realization that it was pretty terrible. Out of curiosity, would it be worth Martingaling during the negative counts to provide cover for your raised bets in the Positive count? I think it would just be giving up EV in the long run.

[@Blackjackapprenticeship]

It'll give you crazy variance.

[@A1-BJ]

No.

[@the_jeremiah]

@@Blackjackapprenticeship SO it will only increase Variance.. not affect EV? I figured it would reduce my EV per hour. I appreciate the Response.

[@tj3688]

How about if you martingale when the count is positive? Great cover for raising your bets> They'll just think you're a martingale player.

[@A1-BJ]

@tj3688 that's not the best idea for two reasons: 1. You might not have a big enough bet out there when the count is positive. And 2, after a couple loosing hands in a row, your bet might be too big and you'd be over betting your bankroll. Bankroll management is paramount.

[@user-og4fk6os1r]

Is the running count wrong after that first round? I get -3 but you have -2. Am I doing something wrong?

[@user-og4fk6os1r]

Yeah I must've had too many casino cocktails. 😂

[@quintenfranks8024]

1:45 me to myself every time I think of Harambe 😓

[@japoneze6507]

Every +10 is a dealer blackjack?

[@skylrboles8404]

10:00 and it’s time for the Greg special

[@mikir1741]

This a re-upload?

[@MX-CO]

Anybody based in reno? Ive been doing well alone but I would like to try teaming up

[@AdrewV.]

Can someone explain to me why the cards have holes

[@SolidSn1p0r]

Many casinos, particularly those in Las Vegas alter the decks of cards they sell to tourists - either by punching holes through the middle of cards or trimming their edges - to prevent cheaters from returning to the game tables after buying the cards and then slipping the favorable cards into their hands when playing.

[@AdrewV.]

@@SolidSn1p0r thank you for the information

[@freddonoso2299]

I'd love to see a win progression betting system instead of a martingale. Still not an advantage play, but far better than raising bets on a losing streak

[@slideman1249]

Martingale is better than that dog 💩 atleast from my experience

[@VezeTech]

If you’re splitting tens just take the split 20’s, yes, it’s possible it will be in your favor to keep splitting but splitting on strong more than hand twice is just asking for disaster

[@bentyler2167]

At 12:38 min maxer surrender you gave him 500 then only took half his bet meaning he got a free surrender

[@davids5342]

You should collaborate a tournament that is a real tournament. If it’s somehow legal and we all just play for prize money, the casino tournaments are crap. The blackjack games are turning to crap. We just wanna wait to show our skill.

[@WinWitWon]

wait in your intro the guy hits a black jack but you only pay 1/1?