OG Episode: Mailbag Questions answered (UPDATED 6/10/26)

In this episode, the now-infamous Snowman joins the show as he and I dive into the mailbag and answer your questions.What you're hearing is a significantly improved version of the original recording from November 2020, back when we were recording over Skype and doing our best to stay sane during pandemic lockdowns. If we're being honest, this entire AP Podcast project started out of pure boredom. There wasn't much to do, but I had a bunch of friends with great stories, so we started sharing them. Somehow, that little lockdown experiment grew into what Tens & Aces is today.The original audio quality of this episode made me cringe a bit when I revisited it in 2026, so I dusted off some of the ninja-level audio editing skills I've picked up over the years and cleaned it up as best I could. The sound is better now, but the real reason I wanted to bring this one back is because the content remains one of my favorite episodes we've ever done.So why not give it a listen?Thank you for all of your support over the years. We couldn't have done this without you, and we're just getting started. Here's to many more years ahead!I'm also using this episode as a test of our new podcast feed after some jackass decided to attempt to get the show's feed taken down because he wasn't a fan of certain truths being discussed. We stand by the truth with our integrity 100% intact. He remains standing in his web of lies and toxicity. He's shown his true self to this community with his continued actions. But, like we've said in the past, the best way to get rid of a troll is to ignore the. So, let's get back to doing exactly that! We'll leave it at that!Anyway... here we go...

Episode 3: Please forgive to relative low audio quality of this episode! I was brand new to all of this back then! In this episode of T&A, my good friend and fellow AP,  The Snowman and I try our hand at answering a handful questions that many of you listeners to the show have sent in.

What happens when five advantage players with completely different backgrounds sit down to talk shop? In this episode of the Tens and Aces Podcast, host Mike AP is joined by Xipo, Loki, LimaTime, and Skeleton to sit down and discuss the reality of life on the felt, along with other AP endovors. From Martingale mishaps and the legality of using another person’s player’s card to the psychological warfare of "hiding in plain sight," this episode covers the full spectrum of the journey. The group dives into creating cover personas, leveraging online resources and tools, such as the Blackjack Apprenticeship (BJA) community to battle loneliness, the hidden value of AP on cruise ships, and why the house kicking you out is the ultimate proof of concept. The "Smart Gambler" Cover: LimaTime explains how his professional background helps him blend in. By playing up the "successful guy with too much money" stereotype, he avoids the "young counter" profile that attracts pit boss scrutiny.Player's Cards & Legality: The panel tackles a sensitive topic: Is it fraud to use someone else's player's card? A discussion on breaking "casino rules" vs. breaking the law, the syndicates trying to "bust out" promotions, and why most casinos usually just cancel your comps.The Loneliness of the Road: Why networking via the Blackjack Apprenticeship app, Discord, Reddit and other online communities is vital for modern players to stay mentally on top of their games and battle the loneliness that often accompanies AP play, as compared to the isolation players faced 20+ years ago before before social media and the proliferation of supportive on-line communities.Family Misconceptions: Dealing with family who don't understand the math. The guys discuss explaining swingy sessions, the difference between losing and "bad counting," and the reality that you can't pay a phone bill with Expected Value (EV).Casino Logic (or Lack Thereof): Stories of casinos backing off losing players or "ploppies" simply because they were uncomfortable with the action, proving that the house isn't always as sharp as they think.AP on the High Seas: Loki and Xipo discuss the opportunities and limitations of AP on cruise ships. They cover the reality of the games, leveraging "conditional promotions" to pay for family trips, and why keeping these plays under "lock and key" is essential for longevity.War Stories & Game Protection: A look at how License Plate Readers (LPR) can get your grandmother banned, the rare beauty of spotting a hole carding opportunity, and the legendary "they got us" back-off prank.TO SUPPORT THE SHOW BY BECOMING A PAID SUBSCRIBERFOR THE PRICE OF ONE CUP OF COFFEECLICK HERE -----------] anchor.fm/ta21Key Terms in This Episode:#CardCounting #Blackjack #AdvantagePlay #CasinoComps #CoverPersona #APLife #TensAndAces #BlackjackApprenticeship #BJA #ExpectedValue #CruiseShipAP #CasinoSurveillance #MikeAPIf you enjoyed this round table of advantage players, make sure to subscribe so you can have Part 2 of this conversation sent automatically to your feed when it's released.Resources Mentioned:Blackjack Apprenticeship (BJA): Training, community, and player networking.Tens and Aces Podcast: Real stories from real advantage players.

Note: We fixed a few technical issues with the original version. Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused! Episode SummaryIn part two of this roundtable episode, Mike and guests dive deep into the practical and philosophical side of advantage play, starting with casino ID checks, heat, and longevity strategies. They swap stories about random ID requests, navigating casino policies, using alternative IDs, and how rated play and comps can sometimes buy a longer leash. The conversation shifts into travel EV—road trip logistics, using comps strategically, living out of your car, rental car hacks, free rooms, and balancing bankroll preservation with comfort.From there, the group gets into rat-holing, chip palming, cover plays, and the blurry line between practical camouflage and outright theatrics. That sparks a wider discussion on disguises, personas, social engineering, and where each player draws the ethical line. Along the way are great stories about exploitable casino promotions, clueless casino management, side bet opportunities, and the joy of finding casinos stepping over dollars to pick up pennies.The second half explores the double-edged sword of information sharing. The crew debates YouTube and Social Media content, and that leads into a thoughtful discussion about slot AP, secrecy, monetizing information, community gatekeeping, and why some opportunities react very differently to exposure than card counting does. It’s equal parts practical shop talk, philosophy, and hilarious degeneracy.Show NotesCasino ID checks, age verification, and handling “random” checksRated vs unrated play and how comps can affect longevityTravel cost-saving strategies for AP road tripsUsing comp properties as a base for regional casino runsSleeping in cars, truck stop showers, rental car hacks, and Vegas travel EVDomestic Tranquility Index: using casino comps to keep partners happyRat-holing strategies, chip palming, shift changes, and camouflageCover plays, gambler acts, and making surveillance see what you want them to seeThe ethics (and comedy) of disguises, personas, and undercover playCrazy casino promotions and exploitable coupon storiesCasino management mistakes, side bets, and why casinos sweat the wrong thingsJackpot procedures, surveillance attention, and when to leave the tableYouTube, TikTok, AP influencers, and whether exposure helps or hurtsFreeloading back-counters and table etiquette among APsSlot AP secrecy, monetization, and whether selling information burns opportunitiesReddit toxicity, moderated communities, and why scarce edges create territorial behaviorMemorable moments:“Gold miners or miners?”The old-man Hollywood prosthetic AP disguise storyBlind Luck as the greatest AP content channel name never launchedA casino promo worth nearly pure EV… because management didn’t listenGoing full max spread after a floor says, “We don’t get card counters here”The philosophical debate: where is the line between cover and absurdity?

In this episode of Tens and Aces, host Mike AP sits down with returning guest Xipo, an advantage player and veteran software developer, to break down one of the most talked-about controversies in the blackjack community. Well, at least on Reddit and other online places of note in the AP community.At the center of the discussion is a dispute involving Blackjack Tools and Blackjack Apprenticeship, raising serious questions about intellectual property, proprietary datasets, and software integrity in the world of advantage play.With over 30 years of experience in software development and cybersecurity, Xipo walks through the technical evidence—from identical outputs at extreme decimal precision to suspicious code changes and AI-generated patterns that may suggest attempts to obscure underlying data sources.But this episode goes beyond code.Mike and Xipo explore the broader implications for the AP community: trust between players, the value of paid vs free platforms, and the ethics of building tools in a space built on shared knowledge. They also discuss how AI tools like ChatGPT and other LLMs are changing the way software is written—and how those tools leave detectable fingerprints.Despite the controversy, the conversation remains balanced—acknowledging innovation in competing tools while emphasizing the importance of transparency, originality, and respect for the work that powers successful advantage play.Whether you're a card counter, aspiring AP, or just interested in the intersection of gambling, software, and ethics—this episode delivers a rare, insider-level breakdown.EPISODE TOPICSblackjack advantage playBlackjack Apprenticeshipblackjack tools controversyAP software toolsblackjack EV calculatorcard counting strategygambling software analysisAI in coding (ChatGPT, LLM)intellectual property disputeblackjack community discussioncasino advantage play podcastEV optimization blackjack tools

In this transmission of our experiment in imaginary radio, something we like to call, T&A: The Tens and Aces Podcast, we present a fresh new episode with friend of the show and former guest, Blackjack Advantage Player "Rainman" and we catch up with all that's going down in his world! S, if this is the type of thing you'd like to hear, listen up, because we're about to give you some T&A! #63

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.

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.

In Episode 134 of The Tens and Aces Podcast, host Mike AP sits down with Doug, an advantage player (AP), software developer, and founder of savvyscrath.com. Doug’s incredible journey connects multiple worlds—online and live poker, blackjack, machine advantage play, comp hustling, and even a tech-driven edge in lottery scratcher ticket prediction. This episode explores how data, networking, and innovation can transform gambling into a measurable skill—and even a profession.Doug began in the golden age of internet poker, grinding on Full Tilt Poker and PokerStars before the 2011 “Black Friday” crackdown reshaped the landscape. Transitioning to live poker, Doug’s curiosity led him into blackjack apprenticeship, where he honed card counting skills and gained real-world experience as a banker at a California card room—a unique legal structure where players compete against each other, not the house.Doug dives deep into the quirks of California card rooms, explaining how they operate legally under player-banker rules. However, growing pressure from tribal casinos and regulatory shifts have forced many to close. His insider perspective reveals how policy changes can reshape entire ecosystems of legal AP opportunities.Never content with one niche, Doug advanced into machine advantage play and comp hustling—leveraging casino promotions and rewards for profit. He even built small teams to sign up players for bonuses, showing how creative networking and data collection unlock hidden value in casinos.Doug stresses that advantage players shouldn’t define themselves solely as card counters: diversification is survival.Doug’s crown achievement is a groundbreaking data-driven lottery system. His platform, ⁠savvyscrath.com⁠, tracks state lottery data—sales, ticket availability, and prize pools—to calculate real-time expected value (EV) for scratcher games in over 19 U.S. states.Key innovations include:Automated analysis of public lottery dataDynamic probability models to find “+EV” ticketsModel Context Protocol (MCP): a proprietary AI interface allowing conversational data queries for personalized strategy insightsDoug’s system effectively turns government-released data into actionable advantage play—bridging gambling, analytics, and software engineering.Doug shares how AI is reshaping discovery and marketing, but warns about hidden bias in search results and AI outputs driven by affiliate marketing. True advantage play now includes data skepticism—learning to question information sources and use AI as a lens to uncover niche opportunities others overlook.Echoing Richard Munchkin’s mantra that “Your network is your net worth,” Doug emphasizes the power of connections in the AP world. Information-sharing circles can be the difference between profit and burnout. For Doug, advantage play is not a hustle—it’s a mindset applied to everything from travel and spending to career optimization.Doug recalls buying his first scratcher on his 18th birthday, netting a $150 win—an early glimpse of the edge-seeking determination that defines his career. His nostalgic storytelling blends humor and insight, contrasting the analog gambling days with today’s data-driven ecosystem.Diversify your edge: Don’t rely solely on one AP method—adapt and expand.Leverage tech: Data tools and AI open new, overlooked profit zones.Stay networked: Collaboration and relationships multiply opportunity.Adopt the AP mindset: View everyday life through the lens of efficiency and edge-finding.advantage play podcast, blackjack, card counting, online poker history, California card rooms, machine advantage play, comp hustling, lottery scratcher analytics, savvyscrath.com, Doug advantage player, Mike AP podcast, Tens and Aces Episode 134, data-driven gambling, AI in casino strategy, Model Context Protocol MCP, AP mindset, gambling technology trends, blackjack apprenticeship

Episode 132: Call To Arms | The Tens and Aces PodcastIn this quick little dispatch of The Tens and Aces Podcast, we’re issuing a Call To Arms for the advantage play blackjack community and listeners of this podcast.The world of advantage gambling isn’t just about strategy, bankrolls, and EV—it’s also about people. And lately, the community has been facing a growing challenge: toxicity, trolls, and internal division.The reason this matters to the community and to the creators of this podcast: The rise of negativity and trolling within the gambling and advantage play spaceHow online culture is impacting real-world relationships among playersThe hidden cost of division in a community that depends on trust and shared knowledgeWhy strong communities are essential for long-term success in blackjack and beyondPractical ways to deal with trolls, protect your mindset, and stay focused on your edgeHow we can rebuild a culture of respect, trust, and brotherhoodLet's help each other out!This episode isn’t just about calling out the problem—it’s about leading the solution.If you're serious about advantage play blackjack, you already know: mindset and community are just as important as counting cards. It’s time to protect both.