Episode 116: Spy Vs Spy 2025

In this transmission of our attempt at imaginary radio, something that we like to call the Tens and Aces podcast, host Mike AP sits down with two blackjack Advantage Players (APs), Steve and Calthor, to share their vastly different journeys in the game.Steve's AP Path: A recently retired 56-year-old, Steve shares how he transformed a 35-year blackjack hobby into a profitable, entertaining side hustle. He discusses his experience as a double deck specialist who plays rated to maximize comps and longevity, and his philosophy of aggressively chasing wins over pure Expected Value (EV)—a strategy the host warns is mathematically risky in the long run.Calthor's AP Rollercoaster: The 25-year-old AP, Calthor, details his rapid rise to becoming a full-time player, including recovering from a traumatic brain injury which he is using card counting to help rebuild neural pathways. He also shares his pivot to the lucrative world of online advantage play (AP) after moving across the country, his success with a coordinated AP team, and a wild story of discovering and exploiting a "broken" online slot machine that earned him over $44,000 before the casino fixed it.AP Strategies and Pitfalls: The conversation covers the pros and cons of playing rated, the danger of new online casino scams and loyalty program changes, and the value of having a trusted AP team.The episode is followed by the host's music selection, including the original track "Counting Cards in the Dark".

Today marks the 5th anniversary of this podcast! Thanks for listening!

In this transmission of our attempt at imaginary radio, something that we like to call the Tens and Aces podcast, host Mike AP sits down with two blackjack Advantage Players (APs), Steve and Calthorpe, to share their vastly different journeys in the game.Steve's AP Path: A recently retired 56-year-old, Steve shares how he transformed a 35-year blackjack hobby into a profitable, entertaining side hustle. He discusses his experience as a double deck specialist who plays rated to maximize comps and longevity, and his philosophy of aggressively chasing wins over pure Expected Value (EV)—a strategy the host warns is mathematically risky in the long run.Calthorpe's AP Rollercoaster: The 25-year-old AP, Calthorpe, details his rapid rise to becoming a full-time player, including recovering from a traumatic brain injury which he is using card counting to help rebuild neural pathways. He also shares his pivot to the lucrative world of online advantage play (AP) after moving across the country, his success with a coordinated AP team, and a wild story of discovering and exploiting a "broken" online slot machine that earned him over $44,000 before the casino fixed it.AP Strategies and Pitfalls: The conversation covers the pros and cons of playing rated, the danger of new online casino scams and loyalty program changes, and the value of having a trusted AP team.The episode is followed by the host's music selection, including the original track "Counting Cards in the Dark".

In this episode of T&A: The Tens and Aces Podcast, host Mike AP sits down with seasoned advantage player Nichols to discuss the realities of playing blackjack professionally, managing variance, and maintaining a strong mindset. They explore practical tips for coping with losing streaks, the importance of perspective, and the mental discipline needed for success. The conversation delves into the psychological traits common among advantage players, such as critical thinking and strategic mindset, as well as ethical considerations and the art of finding loopholes in the game. Additionally, Nichols shares personal insights and reflections on balancing gambling with life. Whether you're a veteran AP or just starting your journey, this episode offers valuable advice and candid stories from the front lines of advantage play.The importance of viewing results in the context of long-term sample sizes.Acknowledging that losses are part of the game but keeping perspective helps maintain morale.The value of zooming out on your results to see the big picture and avoid frustration during losing streaks.Tips for beginners: taking breaks when stressed, testing your game regularly, and avoiding chasing losses.Finding the right balance between playing enough hours and avoiding negative feedback loops.The dangers of overbetting and under betting — sticking to EV positive plays.Maintaining focus on expected value rather than short-term results, especially when gambling is your primary income.The importance of having safety nets, such as savings, to reduce pressure.The mindset of advantage players: strategic, analytical, and sometimes Machiavellian.Psychological traits: giftedness, critical thinking, confidence, and sometimes narcissism.The need to mask true intentions and maintain a work mode during play.Managing interactions with casino staff and security, such as using loopholes related to ID scanners and buy-ins.The role of network knowledge in navigating casino policies and avoiding suspicion.How to handle ID scanners by being creative or blending into crowds.When and how to build chip inventories to avoid suspicious buy-ins.Using perceived action and social presence to reduce detection.Calculations for EV when taking side action (e.g., in craps) without sacrificing profitability.Focus on enjoying life beyond material possessions; avoid the hedonic treadmill.Practical advice on saving money, paying taxes, and planning for long-term financial stability.Emphasizing the importance of relationships and meaningful experiences over material gains.The analogy of AP as similar to strategic game theory, like the Prisoner’s Dilemma, balancing cooperation and self-interest.

Podcast Episode Summary:In this episode of The Tens & Aces Podcast, host Mike AP interviews Agent 21, a blackjack dealer and advantage player (AP). They discuss Agent 21’s background, how he got into blackjack — inspired by movies and early experiences dealing — and his journey of learning card counting and basic strategy. The conversation delves into the perspective of being both a dealer and an AP, sharing insightful observations on casino operations, signs of card counting, dealer and floor behaviors, and how casinos track players. They also explore memorable moments at the tables, notable players they've encountered, and the challenges of evading casino back-offs. The episode offers a candid look into the world of blackjack from both sides of the table, highlighting strategies, stories, and the balancing act of playing smart in the casino environment.Detailed Show Notes:Episode Title: Inside Blackjack: Dealer & Advantage Player Perspectives with Agent 21Intro & Welcome:Host Mike AP introduces the episode and the guest, Agent 21, a blackjack dealer and advantage player.Brief overview of the show's theme: real-life stories from pros and players navigating blackjack’s ups and downs.Guest Background & How He Got Into Blackjack:Inspired by the movie 21 and childhood poker lessons from his dad.Started dealing blackjack at 18 after researching how to become a dealer.First dealer job provided decent earnings with tips, through a combination of dealing and playing.Learning & Playing Blackjack:Studied basic strategy and card counting through videos and practice.First attempts to gamble involved basic strategy; full card counting took time to develop.Managed bankroll carefully, understanding variance in blackjack.Being Both Dealer & Advantage Player:Insights into how his dealer experience helps him recognize signs of card counting and dealer behaviors.Observations on dealer monotony, distracted floor staff, and signs of suspicious play like splitting tens.Recognizes that most dealers/ floors have limited training on detecting APs, but sharp staff can catch skilled players quickly.Casino Operations & Tracking Players:Casinos track patterns such as chips, bet sizes, buy-ins, and player behavior.Use of software/hardware to profile players (e.g., RN for refused name, chip locations).Techniques to evade detection: changing appearance, masks, disguises, and varying betting patterns.Notable Casino Stories & Encounters:Seen players double down on terrible hands for entertainment, e.g., a hard 16 vs. 10.Encounters with high-profile players, including NFL and NBA athletes, and wealthy high-stakes gamblers.Experience with back-offs—sometimes on the player, sometimes on other tables or from management.Strategies for avoiding back-offs: changing look, playing unrated, waiting periods.Casino Back-Off & Disguises:Missed a back-off that occurred during play but avoided detection later.Using disguises and countermeasures to re-enter casinos after being backed off.Memorable Moments & Observations:A player lost $30,000 in two hours but casually tossed a tip and left, exemplifying high-stakes reckless gambling.Dealer frustration with poor play and dealer advice given on the floor.The delicate balance of tipping dealers versus playing smartly.Pros & Cons of the Casino Environment:High action players are strategically filtered through minimum bets and table limits.Tipping can influence dealer cooperation and how long they keep you in play.The complex internal politics: dealers, floor, management, and players’ interests.Closing & Final Thoughts:Agent 21’s future plans: balancing school, blackjack, and ongoing interest in playing.Reflection on how COVID-19 and quarantine impact their casino activity.Appreciation for the role of skill and adaptation in blackjack success.

The 2025 Seattle Mariners season was a historic success, highlighted by their first AL West Division title since 2001. Key offensive standouts included Cal Raleigh's MVP-caliber season with a franchise-record 60+home runs and 130+ RBIs, along with Julio Rodríguez's speed and power, Along with Randy Arozarena and mid-season additions Geno Suarez and Josh Nayler . The pitching staff, led by Bryan Woo's breakout year and the veteran rotation of Logan Gilbert and George Kirby, proved dominant, with Andrés Muñoz securing 38 saves. The Mariners currently, as of 9/24/25, own an 89-69 record, securing the #2 seed in the playoffs and a first-round bye.

Summary: In this episode, host Mike AP welcomes Midwest Mike, a rising advantage player (AP) in the blackjack community. Midwest Mike shares his unique journey from Michigan to the West Coast and back, chronicling his rapid ascent in the world of card counting. He discusses his origins, the role of luck versus skill, and his methodical approach to building a bankroll from $10,000 to $78,000. Midwest Mike emphasizes the importance of both technical skill and table presence, highlighting how his outgoing personality and sales background have been as vital as mastering the math. Listeners will hear about the highs and lows of AP life: grueling casino sessions, memorable back-off stories, emotional swings, and the lessons learned from networking with other APs. The episode wraps with advice for new card counters, stressing the value of developing a strong act alongside a winning game for long-term success.Key Takeaways:Midwest Mike started card counting after watching documentaries and training with Blackjack Apprenticeship, initially practicing basic strategy and running count before refining his skills.He built his bankroll from $10k to $78k, experiencing both lucky upswings and significant losses.Early on, his inconsistent bet spread limited his profits until feedback from fellow APs prompted him to be more disciplined with his betting.Midwest Mike credits much of his longevity and success to his extroverted personality and ability to blend in, using his social skills to build rapport with dealers and pit bosses.He details the emotional toll and lifestyle challenges of full-time AP play, especially when traveling.His biggest advice for new players: Work as much on your table act and persona as your technical skills. Being able to interact naturally and confidently is crucial for longevity.Notable Stories:Getting backed off at Snoqualmie before fully mastering the game.Playing marathon sessions and befriending casino staff in Washington.Navigating back-offs in the Midwest, including a memorable $10k losing session.The importance of networking with other APs and learning from their feedback.Advice for Listeners:Perfect your game, but also build your cover and interpersonal skills.Practice playing under real casino conditions, not just at home.Accept the emotional swings and keep a long-term focus.

BONUS EPISODE: As some of you might know, I'm a pretty big baseball fan. I know some of you are as well. So, I'm placing this Baseball podcast I made in this feed also. If you're not into baseball, that's cool. We have a brand new interview episode of T&A coming out later this week or early next week. Well, Until then, I'll see you down the felt. But, If you want to hear some baseball talk, listen up!

In this transmission of the Tens and Aces Podcast, we present a Stand 17 deviations audio tutorial. Listen up, because we're about to give you some T&A!

In this transmission of our attempt at imaginary radio, a little something that we like to call the Tens and Aces Podcast features a roundtable discussion hosted by Mike AP, focusing on the mental and physical well-being of Advantage Players (APs). The conversation includes insights from guests Colin Jones, Stan the Caddy, and Nichols, exploring the importance of health in the context of gambling. The episode emphasizes the need for APs to maintain good mental and physical health despite the challenges faced while traveling and playing. The discussions reflect on personal experiences and strategies to maintain a healthy lifestyle while pursuing Advantage Play, highlighting the significance of a balanced attitude and routine, especially after recent tragic losses in the community. The hosts share their backgrounds in the industry and touching anecdotes to underscore how establishing a healthy structure can enhance performance as players. This rerun features upgraded audio quality, providing valuable advice for both new and seasoned players alike.