T&A: Tens And Aces. An AP Blackjack podcast. Turning the tables from Las Vegas to Local Casinos

This Is the Video Version of episode 126. Enjoy!

In this installment of our attempt at imaginary radio, something that we like to call The Tens and Aces Podcast, host Mike AP sits down with returning guest Chris and his playing partner “Bad Steve” for one of the most candid, technical, and brutally honest AP conversations ever recorded on Tens & Aces. Steve walks through his origin story — from growing up with nothing, to learning basic strategy in college, to joining early teams that paid him certainty‑equivalent hourly rates while he played underage. He explains how he built a bankroll, got backed off everywhere, attended a blackjack science seminar, learned EV and risk‑of‑ruin math from a legendary AP mentor, and eventually moved into advanced plays like hole‑carding, next‑card knowledge, and exploiting dealer procedures. The three dig into the psychology of casinos, why APs are a rounding error yet still hunted, and how ego, pride, and incompetence shape surveillance decisions. They share stories of disguises, misdirection, obscure deviations, misdeal opportunities, shuffle‑tracking, and the soft‑skills that separate elite APs from basic counters. Networking, trust, and the emotional toll of variance take center stage as Steve describes losing huge sums while still having a massive edge — and why most new APs underestimate the psychological cost. The crew breaks down bankroll swings, team dynamics, bad intel, and the importance of character when trusting someone with tens of thousands in chips. This episode closes with reflections on how AP thinking transfers to business, why some brilliant people choose crime over legitimate opportunity, and a reminder that more of this marathon interview is coming soon. In Part 1 of this multi‑episode interview, Mike AP sits down with professional advantage players Chris and “Bad Steve” to explore the real world of blackjack AP — from card counting and hole‑carding to shuffle‑tracking, misdeal exploitation, and advanced casino‑beating techniques. Topics include: • Steve’s AP origin story and early team play • Building a bankroll and surviving backoffs • Hole‑carding, next‑card knowledge, and obscure deviations • Casino psychology, surveillance mistakes, and ego‑driven decisions • Networking, trust, and the dark side of AP misinformation • Bankroll swings, variance, and the emotional cost of professional play • How AP skills translate to business and real‑world opportunity If you’re serious about blackjack, AP networking, or understanding the mindset behind long‑term advantage play, this episode is essential listening — and just the beginning of a much deeper conversation. Now, are you ready for some T&A? Contact information for Networking Chris & Steve: Blackalaskandiamond@hotmail.com

This is an almost 4 minute preview clip of our upcoming episode with AP playing partners Steve and Chris.

Video preview of the upcoming episode of Tens and Aces Podcast...

Here's a little T&A for Christmas! Sorry, this was supposed to have been published on Christmas, but apparently, I consumed too much Eggnog and I didn't "publish" haha. anyway, here you go!

In this installment of our little experiment in imaginary radio, something that we like to call the Tens and Aces Podcast, we sit down with an advantage player who goes simply by “X” — a former athlete turned blackjack assassin whose journey from lacrosse fields to casino felt is anything but ordinary. What starts as a girlfriend‑sparked nudge (“you need direction”) turns into a full‑blown descent into the rabbit hole of Blackjack, Card Counting, and Advantage Play. X breaks down his obsessive year‑long training regimen — three to four hours a day with nothing but notebooks, fake bankrolls, and rage‑inducing variance — before ever stepping foot back into a casino. From a $2,200 starting bankroll to nearly 700 hours and over $50K in earnings, he recounts the highs, the brutal lows, and the psychological warfare of staying sane while the math does whatever the hell it wants. The conversation hits everything: emotional tilt, ploppy chaos, surrender stigma, insurance debates, back‑offs, sweaty shops, graveyard shifts, networking, traveling play, and the bizarre cast of characters who populate casino life — including rappers, degenerates, and the occasional rent‑money hero. It’s raw, funny, honest, and packed with real‑world insight into what it actually takes to grind out an edge in a casino ecosystem designed to chew you up. If you love stories from the trenches of Blackjack, Casino culture, and Advantage Play, listen up, because we're about to give you some T&A! Key Topics Covered • X’s “superhero origin story” in Blackjack • Transition from athlete to Advantage Player • Training for card counting without software • Building a bankroll from $2,200 • Emotional control, tilt, and mental toughness • Understanding variance and staying below EV • First back‑offs and navigating sweaty casinos • Playing graveyard vs. day shifts • Networking through BJA, regional chats, and AP communities • Using cover, table selection, and shift rotation • Ploppy behavior: insurance myths, surrender stigma, “bus card” drama • Stories from Vegas, rent‑money gamblers, and celebrity encounters • The importance of scouting, penetration, and dealer speed • Why promotions and side plays matter • Long‑term goals: hitting $100K and expanding beyond counting Highlights & Quotes • “I wasn’t stepping foot in a casino unless I was a threat.” • “Losing fake money in my bedroom pissed me off more than it should have.” • “Ploppies keep the lights on — but man, they make it hard.” • “My girlfriend made me a $10K trophy. Then I lost $17K in two weeks.” • “First rule of Fight Club: don’t yell ‘Mike AP!’ at the table.” Key Words: Blackjack, Card Counting, Casino Advantage Play, AP Blackjack, Counting Cards, Blackjack Apprenticeship, Back‑offs, Casino Stories, Blackjack Podcast, Advantage Player Lifestyle, EV, Variance, Penetration, Double Deck, Shoe Game, Blackjack Strategy

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This is a bonus episode of the podcast. Something I'm going to call a "Quick hit" episode. These episodes may be about AP play, or they might be about something else random that we feel like talking about. Nothing overtly political or controversial, just some fun bonus conversation for you to listen to while driving to your next stop. Here's the first edition of our "quick hit" episodes. Please let us know whether you like this kind of bonus content. After all, we're here to serve you! Don't worry, there's a full episode of T&A coming soon!

T&A PODCAST - Part 2: Steve & Kal Thor Interview This episode covers dealer mistakes, hole card plays, side bets, backing off strategies, and wild casino stories from experienced advantage players. KEY TOPICS Dealer Tells & Mistakes Side Bets TIP:Backing Off Protecting Your Identity Rated vs Unrated Debate KEY TAKEAWAYS CONTACT & RESOURCES Email: tensandaces21@gmail.com Reddit: r/tapodcast Use code T21 at Blackjack Apprenticeship SUPPORT THE SHOW Subscribe for $4.99/month: Video episodes, ad-free audio, 3-day early access Main podcast always 100% FREE! LINK TO SUBSCRIBE #Blackjack #AdvantagePlay #CardCounting #Casino #Gambling

T&A Podcast - Episode Summary This is Part 2 of an interview with Chris, a professional advantage player, hosted by Mike AP on the Tens and Aces (T&A) Podcast. The episode dives deep into advanced card counting systems, casino experiences, and practical advice for aspiring advantage players. Chris discusses his transition from the Hi-Lo counting system to the more advanced CAC2 (a level-two count system), explaining the substantial advantages it provides. The conversation covers practical casino experiences including dealing with trolls online, handling casino cage disputes, tipping strategies, and the realities of professional blackjack play. The episode also celebrates the podcast's 5th anniversary (launched October 9, 2020). Hi-Lo vs. CAC2 ComparisonPerformance MetricsWin Rate DifferencesDouble Deck AdvantagesSystem DetailsPredictionCage Dispute Story: Back CountingBetting RampsSession Management"If you can master that count, I think it's actually a great count. And I could foresee in the reasonable future CAC2 actually replacing Hi-Lo as the gold standard of counting." Resources mentioned CVCXBJA PBSCAC2 Counting SystemNorm WattenbergerInvest in proper toolsKnow your legal rightsStay calm but firmConsider advanced systemsFactor tipping into EVUse cover strategicallyLeave when possibleThe episode includes a special announcement celebrating the 5th anniversary of the T&A Podcast (launched October 9, 2020), with host Mike AP thanking listeners and encouraging ratings and reviews. Podcast: Tens and Aces (T&A) Podcast Host: Mike AP Guest: Chris (Professional Advantage Player) Episode Type: Part 2 of Interview Recording Date: June 2025 (5th anniversary celebration mentioned)

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 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".

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.

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 episode, we talk to blackjack AP and blackjack dealer, "Spy AP."

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 episode of our attempt at imaginary radio, we bring you a blackjack basic strategy deviation tutorial for Hit 17 games!

In this transmission of our attempt at imaginary radio, we bring you the Tens and Aces Podcast. This is an interview from 2021 with an AP named Workhorse. We improved the audio and added a few things for this updated version. The original version, Episode 16 is still available as well, but only as an archived episode that is only available to paid subscribers.

Here is a new episode of the podcast with an updated Blackjack basic strategy tutorial. #blackjack #tutorial #gambling #casino #advantageplay #Cardcounting