The Blackjack Apprenticeship Podcast

Five Years Later with SD1: The Revenge Tour | BJA129

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 the importance of a supportive community in the AP world.

RickFromCanada's Million Dollar Card Counting Team | BJA128

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 their initial hesitations, the learning process, and how camaraderie has been crucial in managing the ups and downs of high-stakes gambling.

Counting Cards Across America: Highl0w20's Discusses the RV AP Life | BJA127

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 more time with his family. The episode delves into the practicalities and emotional aspects of living an unconventional life on the road while counting cards.

[Rebroadcast] Mixing a High Profile Corporate Life and a Successful AP Career with BJA Member “Peacock” | BJA040

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 just as much as the next AP.
In this podcast we discuss:
- What would possess an executive to become a card counter
- What his training and testout process were like
- What the board of his company thinks of his “hobby”
- What motivates him now as an AP
- Playing outside the US- What he would do differently (if he did it all over again) 

Anthony Curtis on Tournament Strategy and the Infamous MGM Hack | BJA126

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 why MGM and Caesars made different decisions regarding the payment of ransom in hacks they experienced, with insights into the complexities and consequences of such incidents in the context of Las Vegas casinos.

From Competitive Chess to Blackjack Pro w/ Deepgritz | BJA125

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 highlight the similarities between competitive chess, which Deepgritz played for 45 years, and blackjack, focusing on the mental aspects and decision-making skills required for both.

[Reboradcast] Author of “The Blackjack Insiders” Andy Uyal | BJA055

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 alike, explore the strategy of playing during times when staff capable of backing players off are not present, discuss the level of suspicion that back counting arouses, and share some dining recommendations from a contributor to 'Las Vegas Advisor'.

Burning Questions: Bonus Q&A With ByrnenDownTheHouse | BJA122

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 between the thrill of winning and the psychological challenges of the profession and reveals the complexity and dedication behind professional gambling.

Hitting the Million Dollar Mark with ByrnenDownTheHouse | BJA121

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 how they've navigated the challenges of the game, including using alcohol as a part of the act while playing, and reflect on personal growth and life beyond the blackjack table. Burnin' also expresses gratitude for the supportive community and hopes to inspire others with his story.

Beating Casinos: Inside the World of Advantage Gamblers | BJA120

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.