Back to the Scene of the Crime

By Carl Van Eton

Courtesy of  Public Domain Pictires

Having played blackjack for a living for more than 20 years, it never ceases to amaze me when I meet a player who upon learning that I both use and teach card counting asks me, "Isn't card counting illegal?"  My response is usually one of, "I have yet to see a casino post a sign that reads, "Please Check Your Brain at the Door."

Since when is learning how to master a game a crime?  While professional poker players are treated like rock stars nowadays, card counters are given all the respect of cockroaches.  Granted, the casinos don't like it when the public tries to do to them what they do to everyone else, which is exploit a mathematical advantage.  But to treat any player like dirt just because they exhibit skill...in my opinion, that should be considered a criminal act.