Playing Style Preference

Hey everybody! I was just curious as to how some people prefer to AP the game. I an Anderson mentions that there's a stealthy method in which people play short sessions, don't get rated and keep a low profile. The other type of player establishes relationships with hosts and has the benefits of comps, but being that they're more well-known they may be more vulnerable to being caught. Which style suits you, and why do you use it instead of the other?

Quote: Minty

Hey everybody! I was just curious as to how some people prefer to AP the game. I an Anderson mentions that there's a stealthy method in which people play short sessions, don't get rated and keep a low profile. The other type of player establishes relationships with hosts and has the benefits of comps, but being that they're more well-known they may be more vulnerable to being caught. Which style suits you, and why do you use it instead of the other?

Generally a low-limit player (green chips; max bet in the $300 range) will use the first strategy, whereas a high-limit player (black chips, max bet $500 or more) goes for the second strategy.

I say "generally" because there are no hard and fast rules. But in general, a black chip player is going to be getting a lot more attention for a couple reasons. First, if you are playing unrated at that level, it is a pretty big red flag because you are giving up a fair amount of value in comps. You can say that playing unrated is always a red flag, but at that level it really stands out. Secondly, if you're "up to something" (which you are), the potential for damage to the casino is higher the higher your bet. So if you are betting big, they will have pit bosses on you pretty quickly asking if you have a card, do you want a card, hey can we get you a card? So the idea behind Andersen's strategy is that you're going to be getting a lot of attention anyway, and you have to work on your "act," your cover, and your relationship with casino personnel. You can afford more cover at this betting level because your hourly average is going to be pretty high.

Compare the above paragraph to the green chip or lower player, and you can slip under the radar if you play short sessions and get in and out (this is kewlj's style, if you have read any of his posts). You could absolutely try this approach with bigger units, but it will just be harder to fly under the radar. With this unit size, your hourly will be low enough that cover plays will really start to hamper the whole reason you're there (to make money).

Anyway, I've never been a big player, so I don't actually have experience with a top bet much more than $300. But I have read the book as well and I hope I helped explain the differences in the two strategies, and how bet size is the main driver to choose between the two.

That was very helpful, and I appreciate the explanation, thanks!