Blackjack Question about card counting

Is it only the extremely high bets that gives them away? Is it the duration and the amount of buyins also a clue?

I’ve thought about learning how to count, and was wondering if there was a way to always fly under the radar.

What stops them from backing off a regular gambler who’s running hot?

 

There are some youtube counters that use a hidden camera to video their games. Steven Bridges comes to mind. Maybe watch a few of them to see what they go up against.

 

Here's one for you. I can't post the link but look for the youtube title

Why 1 in 100 counters succeed: Exposing 5 Costly Blunders
Blackjack Apprenticeship

 

I love his videos. Watching him is what made me question it.

I’ll definitely check that out. I was watching their videos of the 2 girls going to vegas, and they got backed off mostly fairly quickly. I’m assuming it’s the betting style and the fact they keep whipping out thousands to keep buying back in that gets them noticed.

I just don’t want to risk getting banned/trespassed at my local casinos if I do decide to try my luck at counting cards. I know the safe way is to not count at home, but my ability to travel is hindered by being a single parent + job obligations (though I could go to some of the casinos in neighboring states, but again, don’t want to risk getting banned from local-ish casinos).

 

It would appear that almost all the counters eventually get backed off, at least from the videos I've watched so keep your "local casino nose clean" might be a good thing.

 

For sure. Just wondering what makes them stick out and how to avoid it, if possible. I know Steven tried playing all loosey goosey and still got backed off, but I feel like if he wasn’t max betting at a high count, or the BJA girls not betting (true count * $100) - $100 they may have played longer / gone unnoticed. It seems like all of these counters try to cash in quickly rather than play the long game. Am I wrong with that assumption?

 

That makes sense. I've not watched all the different counter videos but there has to be something going on that the casino sees and investigates. You (hardly ever) never hear of a non-counter getting backed off.

 

If you’re counting cards and want to stay under the radar, keep your bets chill and don’t go all-in when the count’s hot. Just play like a regular gambler—don’t draw attention by acting super focused or celebrating wins. The key is to be subtle, not flashy. If you’re winning consistently, casinos might start watching you, but if you’re just running hot for a session, they usually won’t care. Play cool, and they won’t bother you.

 

That's what I was figuring, but just wanted others perspectives. I haven't begun my card counting journey yet, so when I sit at the tables (typically $15 min, though it's 6 to 5 which... whatever, a win is a win IMO), and leave after I'm up $50 or more. I'd like to see if I could do a $200-$500 extra per month off of playing. I feel like I have a good grasp of basic strategy (though far from perfect as I don't practice it and just review it before I play).

 

They say a dealer busts about every 10 hands, wait for the dealer not to bust for 8 hands then start to play sticking low and waiting for the dealer bust.

other than that, play roulette it’s more fun

 

how many wins you would try to get before waiting again. and only with martingale ? waiting game is huge