Originally Posted by Gottlob1 View Post
If you are truly proficient at it, a number of profitable situations naturally arise. But, not the straight-forward ones. Say, by watching out for the two or three bigger bettors usually on hand in a big casino with a high-limit section. Often, those guys play in the regular sections for more company. Guys that have already lost tens, or hundreds, of thousands. Guys who already tend to make a lot of big bets on the spur of the moment. Anyway, make the occasional big bet, $500 or $1000, to "set yourselves apart", as having a good time, which you are. Let them make the first bit of small talk, and, before you know it, you're best friends, in the sense that the tiniest bit of facial or other gesture lets the other guy know when to pound it. I mean, a guy who already does that, and, with me betting mostly normally. What tends to happen, after things get rolling, especially with a good table, and group, is that the guy will offer me the odd double-down, and split, at $500 or $1000, or, a couple of purples on the end - the most that I would accept, anyway. Not much for a casino to go on, but, to graciously cut the guy a cheque (check) for the $60,000. No it's not where you let the other guy buy you dinner, or, introduce you to his friends, and family. You never see the guy again. But, you really have to know your cards.
There can be an advantage to playing with players that are betting bigger than you, or that there regular bet is about the same as your max or bigger bet. This is known as playing in the shadow of a bigger player. Even if surveillance is focused on that player, they tend to overlook others at that same table. This is basically how I have been playing for a while now, since my regular games got blown up. Busier weekend nights playing in the shadows.

But there is a real danger to this. If that other player is a fellow AP, card counter or something else, and surveillance is watching him, even the tiniest thing can look like you are collaborating or part of a team play situation, when you are in fact all but strangers.

Also in my experience, scavenging double downs and splits at higher limit tables is something casinos look for. You can get away with this at lower limits but at higher limits, it stands out some. It isn't illegal, and no one will say anything, but there is a good change if you are doing this at higher limits, it will be noted. If you are playing rated, even noted on your account.