Blackjack 1:20 spread?

I'm reading Burning the Tables in Las Vegas by Ian Andersen (2003). He devoted a chapter to the $25 unit player.

The author would bet one-hand of $25 to two-hands of $250 (1:20 spread), and used no playing cover (always made the correct play), and no bet cover (always bet according to the count). He only played shoe games, limited his play to large strip casino's, and kept his playing session brief.

He says he had NO problems at any casino. He played 50 sessions, winning $5,800, or $116 p/hour.

I love the book, and think the guy is brilliant, but my question is.............Is this possible? Can any of the skilled counters within this forum get away with a 1:20 spread with no cover?

Please share your thoughts.

Hopefully that book was in the fiction section ?

Plus this from a book review.

Much of the book is devoted to "casino comportment" (camouflage); but he supplies plenty of information and ideas on disguises; table etiquette to enhance your "new persona" and how to "fly under the radar."

It is possible but it depends on the casino. I've been getting away with a 1-16 spread at a few places for years. Everyone uses some type of cover even if it's just acting like a ploppy. I wong in and start with $50 bets which looks like I am only spreading 1-8. I rathole chips and I never make incorrect plays.

Quote: DanMahowny

Is this possible? Can any of the skilled counters within this forum get away with a 1:20 spread with no cover?

I know of very few serious counters who spread less than 1:20. Every card counting book tells you to spread 1:12 or 1:16 and interestingly enough, the only people in the casino that have bets like this are counters! Gamblers will often bet wild spreads on a whim, without the rigid constraints of a 1:12 or 16 spread, so why shouldn't a counter? If I were the player in Andersen's book (a $25 minimum bettor), I would never consider a spread below 1:32, as it's just not worth the exposure.

At higher stakes, a lower spread may still produce acceptable results, and cover may be necessary when playing under the higher degree of scrutiny that comes with the territory with high-stakes play. At low to medium stakes play (max bet below $500), there's very little room for cover. When I was a nickel counter, my standard spread was $5 or $10 to 2x$150. That's a 1:60 or 1:30 spread. I also wonged out at any TC below -1. When I say I used no playing cover, I mean that I never underbet to avoid heat, and I made all correct playing deviations when the count warranted, including splitting TT. I never received a backoff as a result of this.

Then again, a lot of it has more to do with your personality, body language, ability to interact with strangers, social manipulation ability, awareness of your surroundings, and an understanding of the inner workings of what goes on in the pit (and upstairs, in some cases). I'm sure plenty of people would have been backed off spreading 1:12 on the same games I spread 1:30 on, just as I know that there are guys out there spreading 1:40 in black chips with minimal playing cover (which I could probably pull off for 30 seconds before being immediately 86'ed).

Quote: LonesomeGambler

Then again, a lot of it has more to do with your personality, body language, ability to interact with strangers, social manipulation ability, awareness of your surroundings, and an understanding of the inner workings of what goes on in the pit (and upstairs, in some cases).

Interestingly, the people who are the best and card counting and math are probably deficient in all those above areas. I suppose you could excel in both, but it's rare.

I think you're probably right. I would definitely rate myself a much stronger "people person" (when I need to be, mind you) than I would card counter. Although my people skills when there's no money on the line probably have room for improvement, if we're being honest here.