The Blackjack Apprenticeship Podcast

The Poker Episode: Phil Galfond on High Stakes and Personal Growth | BJA134

Colin takes a break from blackjack and talks to legendary high stakes poker pro Phil Galfond about his journey in professional poker. He shares how the game has evolved to advanced solvers and emphasizes the importance of adapting strategies to opponents. Phil also shares insights on the mental challenges of poker, his proudest achievements, and balancing his passion for the game with family life and business ventures.
If you want to see Colin and Phil compare professional Card Counting and Poker head over to the Blackjack Apprenticeship YouTube channel and watch that video!

[Rebroadcast] Blackjack Players, Bootcamp Grads, and Barbers “BCD” and “SmurfAP” | BJA052

Today we revisit an interview with BJA Bootcamp Grads "BCD" and "SmurfAP" that many of you may have missed the first time around in 2019.
In this podcast we discuss:
- How to handle winning and losing as team members
- Playing Blackjack after taking a break
- Bankroll Goals
- Business and Passion

From Novice to Pro w/ GoFlamesGo | BJA133

In today's episode, Joe748 and SD1 interview GoFlamesGo, a BJA member who joined in 2020 and quickly transitioned to full-time card counting. GoFlamesGo shares his journey from discovering blackjack during the COVID-19 lockdown to attending a bootcamp and quitting his job to pursue card counting full-time. He recounts his early experiences in casinos, the support he received from his family, and the challenges and rewards of being a professional card counter.

Outside Investors and Forming Teams w/ LightningMcAces and SolidestDawg | BJA132

Today Joe748 and SD1 are joined by LightningMcAces and SolidestDawg to discuss their transition from solo card counting to forming a team with an outside investor. LightningMcAces shares his journey from discovering card counting during quarantine to perfecting his skills in 2023. SolidestDawg recounts how the movie "21" inspired him to start card counting and his early experiences. The discussion covers the pros and cons of taking investment, team dynamics, trust issues, handling backoffs, and the financial implications of their career choices.

Beating the House: Don Johnson's $15 Million Blackjack Story | BJA131

In today's podcast, Colin interviews Don Johnson, a former horse jockey, racetrack CEO, and Blackjack Hall of Famer known for winning $15 million in Atlantic City by negotiating favorable lost rebates. Don shares his journey from horse racing to professional blackjack, detailing how he identified and capitalized on advantageous betting conditions. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the game, meeting the right people, and negotiating with casinos to maximize his edge.You can also see this interview in video on the Blackjack Apprenticeship Youtube!

[Rebroadcast] "The Phoenix" and the $300,000 Side Bet | BJA036

We're revisiting a classic episode where BJA Pro "The Phoenix" shares his incredible journey, revealing the side bet that earned him $300,000 in 10 months. He discusses what he's been up to since achieving his financial goals, the events leading to his discovery of the lucrative side bet, and how he almost quit the game altogether. "The Phoenix" also delves into his unique strategy for maintaining a positive atmosphere in the casino and explains how card counters can "create their own luck."

Mailbag Q&A W/ SD1: Investing Outside AP, Wonging Out, and Table Abuse | BJA130

In this mailbag episode, Colin and Joe748 sit down with SD1 and address questions about advanced play strategies, including the importance of “wonging out” during negative counts, and the impact of technology on card counting. They also discuss handling verbal abuse at the tables and secure cash management practices. As a bonus, the guys dive into how they invest the extra income generated from card counting.

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.