The Blackjack Apprenticeship Podcast

[Rebroadcast] Insights From International Blackjack Pro “Ultimate” | BJA027

In this month's rebroadcast we're going DEEP into the vault to our talk with Ultimate in the early days of the BJA podcast. It's a great episode that still holds up!
In this Podcast we discuss:
- How he went from home gambling nights with his friends to studying card counting
- How he fit his training around working a full-time job (and life)
- His trip to the US for a Blackjack Bootcamp, followed by a 300 hour card counting adventure!
- The highlights and lowlights of the US and its casinos
Until next time, keep generating EV!

May Mailbag Q&A: Casino Green Flags, Reporting Winnings, Chip Inventory | BJA157

Joe748 and SD1 are back to answer community questions from the Blackjack Apprenticeship forum, YouTube, Spotify, and beyond. They cover everything from taking advantage of favorable casino situations, playing conditions in Reno and Vegas, and chip inventory strategies, to evading backoffs and reporting gambling income. 

AP Life Skills: Maximizing Your Edge With Credit Card Rewards | BJA156

Greg and Nick from Frequent Miler join Joe748 and SD1 to reveal how everyday spending APs already do can also pay for travel, hotels, and more. They break down how to start earning credit card points, avoid rookie mistakes, and use airline transfer partners for outsized value—like flying Delta for a fraction of the cost. They dig into the parallels between casino advantage play and mastering the points and miles game. 
Learn more about maximizing credit card rewards with Greg and Nick at https://frequentmiler.com/

[Rebroadcast] Interview with Veteran Blackjack Apprentice ‘ambj21’ | BJA053

The week we're revisiting an episode from 2019 with multiple six-figure card counter "ambj21"
We discuss:
– Losing 80% of your bankroll
– Playing as an investment vs playing for survival
– Balancing Advantage Play while raising a family
– Putting your money where your values are

BPWannaBe’s Journey: From Slot Machine Designer to Six-Figure Card Counter | BJA155

In today's episode, Joe748 and SD1 sit down with BPWannaBe, a part-time card counter who's earnings are in multiple six figures while juggling a full-time job and family commitments. He shares the ups and downs of his journey—from learning about card counting while playing poker full-time, early setbacks and massive downswings, to climbing out of a $75K hole and eventually crushing high-stakes games. They dive into both his approach to blackjack and insights from his day job working in the slot machine industry. 

April Mailbag Q&A: Etiquette, Camouflage Techniques, Backoff Nuances | BJA154

In today's mailbag Joe748 and SD1 answer more questions from the BJA forum, Youtube and socials. They cover the use of betting camouflage techniques, the risks and strategies of using someone else’s player card, and the etiquette of dealing with other card counters at the table. Additionally, they share insights from their personal experiences at blackjack bootcamps and discuss advanced blackjack strategies and ethical dilemmas encountered at the casino. 

AP Life Skills: How to Get Enough Sleep on the Road | BJA153

Today Joe748 and SD1 are joined by renowned sleep expert Mollie Eastman, creator of Sleep is a Skill. Mollie dives deep into the science of sleep, circadian rhythm, and how environments like casinos—and modern life in general—can disrupt our biological clocks. From practical tips to insights on meal timing, blue light exposure, and the power of red light therapy we're looking to improve our sleep and our performance at the tables. 
 
See more of Mollie's work at her website Sleep is a Skill. 

[Rebroadcast] Part 1: The Life of Card Counter ‘SassyRed’ | BJA048

SassyRed was a remarkable member of the BJA community, let's revisit her very first appearance on the BJA Podcast this week. Part 2 of this conversation focuses on emotional swings as an AP and is also available to our members on the member only podcast player.
In this interview we discuss:
- How a life of travel helps prepare you for the AP life
- How to handle desperate casino patrons
- The importance of setting attainable goals
- Advice for milking comps

Richard Munchkin: Stories and Exploits from a Blackjack Hall of Famer | BJA152

In this special episode, Colin interviews Richard Munchkin — legendary advantage player, Blackjack Hall of Famer, and co-host of the Gambling with an Edge podcast. Richard shares incredible stories from his decades-long career, including how he put himself through college with backgammon and poker, broke into advantage play, mastered shuffle tracking and sequencing, and even smuggled casino winnings out of Poland. Beyond the exploits, Richard reflects on the real challenges of advantage play — from family sacrifices to the power of reputation and a strong network. This is a rare behind-the-scenes look at one of the most respected names in advantage play.If you'd like to see Richard instead of just listening to him, click here for the BJA Youtube video!

March Mailbag Q&A: Best Counting System, Negative Variance, and Bankroll Size | BJA151

Today, Joe748 and SD1 catch up after a successful Blackjack Bootcamp and dive into questions from the BJA forum and YouTube. Topics range from choosing the best card counting system to managing burnout and bankroll expectations. Both guys provide honest insight into the realities—glamorous and not—of life on the road as an advantage player.