We have looked at some of the factors that can work in the favour of the card counter, all of which can be turned around. A stereotypical counter will also show one or more of the following traits:

1 Chooses a seat at the first or last seat of the table to gain maximum view of the cards dealt without moving their head.

2 Tries to obscure their face with glasses, baseball bat or a hooded top.

3 Often plays alone.

4 Chat is kept to a minimum.

5 Doesn’t tip.

6 Doesn’t drink.

As the casino can turn playing conditions against the player, the player can attempt to camouflage some of their give away traits. They may hog a drink all night, be vocal and chatty, tip big when they win big, but most important, limit their exposure in one place to a few shifts on each visit to your area. One of the first hints of the presence of a counter is their demeanour.

Countering the counter is about identifying them first by either their personal behaviour or their playing technique. A few very basic tactics can be used to shake up a counters play, but you need to think of the effect on the rest of the table or indeed the casino. Shuffling the shoe more often gives less penetration for the advantage player to use to get the most benefit. This can also annoy the other guests as they are constantly being made to wait. Changing table limits can also disuade a possible counter as long as you don’t have any other players near your top band. Above all, friendly distraction and, where allowed, complimentary drinks can flush people out. A seasoned counter, the dangerous variety, will know when you are on to them and will want to move away before you have confirmed your suspicion.

Good communication, light banter and passive personal observation can act as a gentle barrier to the professional player and increase the fun for the other 99.9% of the casino audience. Always remember though, counters pose less of a risk than cheat and thieves do.