Joe748 and SD1 took over BJA this week and interviewed 5am, a former poker player turned professional card counter. 5am shares his journey from learning basic strategy as a child to becoming a full-time card counter with over six figures in winnings. He recounts experiences playing internationally, the challenges of variance, and navigating casinos…

Colin and Joe748 tackle more audience questions. They dive deep into topics like how perfect your test-out skills need to be (hint: 98% isn’t good enough), how to handle betting strategies without raising casino suspicions, and whether deviations for different games are worth learning. Colin and Joe discuss real-world scenarios, like what to do whe…

Today we're revisiting a classic interview from 2019 with an AP who goes by the name “Yoshi.” For those who don’t know his story, Yoshi is a card counter who turned $3,000 into $1.2 million in two years of full-time play. He has recently taken an indefinite break from AP to pursue other interests. In this interview we discuss: – The road from begin…

Colin is joined by Loudon Often, SD1, JCnote, Joe748, and Nickels, to discuss the morality of casinos. The discussion is centered around two BJA forum posts—one condemning casinos as “evil” for taking advantage of intoxicated/unskilled players, and a counterpoint that emphasizes that not all casino employees or situations are harmful. They explore …

Colin takes a break from blackjack and talks to legendary high stakes poker pro Phil Galfond about his journey in professional poker. He shares how the game has evolved to advanced solvers and emphasizes the importance of adapting strategies to opponents. Phil also shares insights on the mental challenges of poker, his proudest achievements, and ba…

Today we revisit an interview with BJA Bootcamp Grads "BCD" and "SmurfAP" that many of you may have missed the first time around in 2019. In this podcast we discuss: - How to handle winning and losing as team members - Playing Blackjack after taking a break - Bankroll Goals - Business and PassionOleh Blackjack Apprenticeship

In today's episode, Joe748 and SD1 interview GoFlamesGo, a BJA member who joined in 2020 and quickly transitioned to full-time card counting. GoFlamesGo shares his journey from discovering blackjack during the COVID-19 lockdown to attending a bootcamp and quitting his job to pursue card counting full-time. He recounts his early experiences in casin…

Today Joe748 and SD1 are joined by LightningMcAces and SolidestDawg to discuss their transition from solo card counting to forming a team with an outside investor. LightningMcAces shares his journey from discovering card counting during quarantine to perfecting his skills in 2023. SolidestDawg recounts how the movie "21" inspired him to start card …

In today's podcast, Colin interviews Don Johnson, a former horse jockey, racetrack CEO, and Blackjack Hall of Famer known for winning $15 million in Atlantic City by negotiating favorable lost rebates. Don shares his journey from horse racing to professional blackjack, detailing how he identified and capitalized on advantageous betting conditions. …

We're revisiting a classic episode where BJA Pro "The Phoenix" shares his incredible journey, revealing the side bet that earned him $300,000 in 10 months. He discusses what he's been up to since achieving his financial goals, the events leading to his discovery of the lucrative side bet, and how he almost quit the game altogether. "The Phoenix" al…

In this mailbag episode, Colin and Joe748 sit down with SD1 and address questions about advanced play strategies, including the importance of “wonging out” during negative counts, and the impact of technology on card counting. They also discuss handling verbal abuse at the tables and secure cash management practices. As a bonus, the guys dive into …

In this episode, Colin and Joe748 are joined by SD1. The conversation delves into SD1's transition from part-time to full-time Advantage Player (AP), the pros and cons of this lifestyle change, and his strategies for balancing work and AP play. SD1 shares insights on sales tactics applied to card counting, the value of diversifying AP skills, and t…

RickFromCanada returns with team members Goodyear, Andrea, and Kev to join Colin and Joe748. The group dives into their card counting experiences, discussing the formation of their blackjack team and the professional challenges they’ve faced. Rick details his journey from a novice to a mentor and now a team leader, while the team members share thei…

Today Colin and Joe748 interview Highl0w20, a BJA member who decided to pursue a nomadic lifestyle with his family. Highl0w20 shares his journey of transitioning from a regular job to becoming a blackjack AP, facing setbacks such as backoffs and losing streaks, and eventually achieving financial stability that allowed him to work less and spend mor…

Colin sits down with Peacock, who has been a BJA Member for several years now, is a multiple time Bootcamp attendee, and ran a two man team with another Member. One thing that makes Peacock’s story unique is that he fits in being a card counter around being President of a fairly large-sized company. But he enjoys the hustle of beating the casinos j…

Colin talks with Anthony Curtis, a former professional card counter and Blackjack tournament expert who founded the Las Vegas Advisor and Huntington Press. Anthony discusses his gambling success and his inclusion in the Blackjack Hall of Fame. We also discuss the MGM hack, where Anthony was interviewed by "60 Minutes". The discussion delves into wh…

In today's episode, Joe748 goes solo with Deepgritz, a Blackjack Apprenticeship member who began playing blackjack full-time after attending a bootcamp in April '21. They discuss transitioning into the blackjack world post-retirement, exploring Deepgritz's journey from his first casino visit to becoming a professional blackjack player. They highlig…

We revisit the vault from July 2019 with Andy Uyal, author of ‘The Blackjack Insiders: How Two Pit Bosses Beat the Casinos at Their Own Game.’ In this interview, we'll delve into the dynamics of having a partner for navigating the highs of big wins and the lows of harsh losing streaks, examine the mutual superstitions held by casinos and gamblers a…

Bonus Episode! Joe748 chats with ByrnenDownTheHouse, who just passed the million dollar mark from full time card counting. They discuss strategies for avoiding detection, the emotional rollercoaster of gambling, and the significance of reaching financial milestones. Byrnen offers insights into the life of a card counter, touching on the balance bet…

Today Colin and Joe748 chat with newly minted 7-figure card counter ByrnenDownTheHouse, who shares his journey to hitting the million dollar mark from full time card counting. The conversation delves into the highs and lows of their gambling careers, the psychological resilience required, and the strategies that helped them succeed. They discuss ho…

Colin sits down with Jack Andrews & Gina Fiore to discuss what it takes to make it in the world of professional gambling. Both starting their careers as Card Counters, they've mastered a wide range of advantage play techniques, outsmarting the house time and time again for over 20+ years.Oleh Blackjack Apprenticeship

The author of "The Blackjack Insiders" Andrew Uyal is back on the BJA podcast to talk about: What opening casinos back up could look like. Some advantages card counters have over casinos. How casinos view card counters. What he would do different if he went back to card counting. And whether card counters are good for casinos.…

Today, Colin and Joe748 interview Fez, a BJA member who discusses transitioning from casual to full-time advantage blackjack. He shares his experiences with casino countermeasures and the significance of rounds per hour for effective strategy. Fez also talks about the personal sacrifices involved in professional play and looks forward to diversifyi…

Join us in a heartfelt tribute to SassyRed, a remarkable member of the Blackjack Apprenticeship community. This episode features personal stories and memories shared by Colin, ScottCao, Paradigm, Levimich, Joe748, Nickels, Loudon Ofton, silentassassin, and Spartan. Each speaker brings their unique perspective and experiences with SassyRed, painting…

In this insightful episode, we revisit the world of blackjack with Spartan, alongside the experienced voices of SD1, Colin, and Joe748. Reflecting on the past five years, Spartan shares the evolution of his strategies and insights into card counting, bet spreading, and adapting to different game settings. Alongside SD1's sharp analysis, Colin's sea…

Colin interviews elite professional gambler Gina Fiore. Fiore shares her insights into Card Counting & many other forms of advantage that she has implemented in her 20 years of beating casinos. Her tenacity & strategic intricacies have made her a legend in the gambling world. Gina Fiore Film/TV Gambling & Casino Consultant http://rxgamble.com https…

In episode 114, Colin and Joe748 are joined by RickFromCanada, delving into the dynamics of transitioning from a solo card counting enthusiast to a team bankroller. They explore the hurdles and strategies of forming a team, managing finances, and navigating the casino scene both in Canada and across the border. Rick shares his experiences on tackli…

Venture beyond the familiar felt of the blackjack table. In this episode of the BJA Podcast, Colin engages with Captain Jack on the nuanced transition from card counting to sports betting. Discover a different arena of advantage play as they explore effective strategies, the dynamics of sharp and square books, and the understated art of blending in…

Journey with DoubleTime as he transitions from movie-inspired curiosity to a card counting maestro. Dive into his early struggles, the impact of the 2020 lockdown, and how he mastered the game to claim a 6-figure income on the side. Discover how dedication, finding the right casino conditions, and smart gameplay can transform the odds. It's not jus…

Our latest podcast interview is a former member of the notorious MIT blackjack team and prolific poker player Andy Bloch. In this interview we discuss: - The Mental difference between Blackjack and Poker - Training with the MIT team - Attending Harvard - Being an AP with a familyOleh Blackjack Apprenticeship

In episode 111, Colin invites Advantage Players Joe748 and Nickels back to the mic to dive deeper into the nitty-gritty of professional card counting. This time, they cover topics our community has been buzzing about: from tips on making a casino your local go-to spot, to understanding the nuances of tribal casinos. They also discuss how to manage …

In this episode, Colin is joined once again by established Advantage Players (APs), Joe748 and Nickels, both of whom have extensive experience in the world of card counting and advantage play. Together, they tackle questions from our listeners on a variety of subjects: Mathematical Decisions Behind Doubling, Spanish 21, Bankroll Management and Defi…

Join us as we pay tribute to the late Arnold Snyder, an icon in the world of Blackjack. Hear from notable figures like Max Rubin, Tommy Hyland, Anthony Curtis, and our own StanPodolak as they share personal stories and memorable moments about this influential figure. Dive into this 12-minute journey remembering the legend, his contribution, and the…

Sitting on your phone all day is a waste of time, right? Not if you're BJA member Magnum Wordsmith. In this episode, Colin and Joe748 are joined by the aforementioned Magnum Wordsmith. They discuss topics such as transitioning from playing in a band at casinos to playing blackjack, developing his own system to beat a mobile app, becoming a full-fle…

Have you ever contemplated leaving your job to pursue Card Counting as a profession? Our guest “Plazity” did just that. An accountant-turned-blackjack professional delves into his journey of leaving his office job to pursue a life on the road while playing high stakes Blackjack. In this interview Plazity provides invaluable advice & practical tips …

Our latest Podcast is with Nathaniel Tilton, author of “The Blackjack Life.”For those who haven’t read it, “The Blackjack Life” is an excellent portrayal of how Nathaniel and his teammate spent several years as weekend warrior professional card counters. It illustrates the need for excellent skills, the double life of a card counter who keeps a day…

In this episode, Colin is joined once again by established Advantage Players (APs), Joe748 and SD1, both of whom have earned seven figures over their advantage play careers. Together, they tackle questions from our listeners on a variety of subjects: The advantages and disadvantages of side counts: A look into the complexities of this strategy. Tra…

While in Las Vegas for this year’s Blackjack Ball, I was able to interview Blackjack Hall of Famer, Don Johnson. For those who don’t know his story, you can read up on how he used Loss Rebates (and actually a lot more) to beat Atlantic City for $15 Million. In this podcast, we discuss: – The unique background that laid the foundation for his massiv…

“Jkat” a middle school teacher spent his summer vacation doing something unexpected. Traveling from casino to casino across the country, racking up over $50k in winnings by counting cards at Blackjack. We discuss the challenges and experiences our guest encountered during this unforgettable card counting road trip that took him coast to coast.…

In this episode of the Blackjack Apprenticeship mailbag series, Colin and Joe748 are joined by SD1, a BJA member and successful advantage player with over seven figures in winnings. The trio tackles a range of topics, including the challenges of facial recognition technology, strategies for returning to a casino after being backed off, consideratio…

Steven Bridges is a UK-based professional Street Magician turned Blackjack Card Counter. We had the pleasure of meeting Steven back in 2018 when he attended one of our Blackjack Bootcamps. Since then, he has taken on the exciting challenge of going from beginner to pro in the world of professional card counting. Steven has documented the entire pro…

Attorney Bob Nersesian has a wealth of experience in dealing with casino abuse of players and protecting the rights of Card Counters & Advantage Players. He has won millions of dollars worth of verdicts against casino wrongdoings against patrons over the years. In 2013, he was voted into the Blackjack Hall of Fame, a testament to his contributions …

How do the trials of a married card counting duo compare to the endeavors of the typical solo card counter? Joining Colin and Joe 748 are BJA member Flewster and his wife and they discuss: The heat difference between husband and wife, The flexibility of full time, The effect of card counting on their marriage, Getting in local hours, Second thought…

Three in-depth interviews with contributing authors to Tales From The Felt: An Illustrated Anthology. Including star of Holy Rollers: The True Story of Card Counting Christians Dusty Wisniew, high stakes card counter Joanna Henderson, and high rolling advantage player and BJA Pro SD1. They go behind the scenes and expand upon their already incredib…

If you’ve ever wondered what unfolds in the day-in-day-out life of a professional blackjack player, the new book Tales from the Felt features 21 of the most notorious card counters in the world recounting a memorable moment or experience. Join Colin, Joe748, Loudon Ofton, and book illustrator Scott Samples as they discuss: The idea behind the proje…

With 450 hours and counting in at the blackjack tables so far this year, BJA member and full-time card counter CurlyFry joins Colin and Joe748 to discuss: Betting $250 on a $2500 bankroll, Getting a cruise ship casino to change their rules, Getting backed off on a first date, Playing in Monte Carlo, the advantages and disadvantages of being a femal…

Why can't we all just be friends? In this episode, Colin, Joe748, and Nickels discuss the nuances, difficulties, and value of networking with other card counter and advantage players. They discuss things like: Colin's 7 rules for AP networking, their first encounters with other APs, Networking with casino employees, and more!…

Fresh off a multi-week trip to the US, Youtubing Card Counter Steven Bridges and his teammate Joe98 join Joe748 to discuss: Card Counting after youtube fame, Playing in the US vs the UK, The dynamics of cross continental team play, Cash and international travel, and more!Oleh Blackjack Apprenticeship

Success in card counting can be many things to many people. One thing it won't be, however, is easy. Joining Colin and Joe748 is BJA member and full time card counter SheriffAP. They discuss: choosing a side hustle over a career, training 150 hours in casinos, getting 1000 hours locally, car accidents, getting assaulted by casino personnel, and one…

Joining Colin and Joe748 in episode 92 of the BJA podcast is full time card counter and Blackjack Apprenticeship member PirateAP. They discuss: Receiving pushback on going full time, Playing blackjack like a ploppy, Travel hacks, How to choose casinos when planning a trip, and more!Oleh Blackjack Apprenticeship