T&A: Tens And Aces. An AP Blackjack podcast. Turning the tables from Las Vegas to Local Casinos

Mike AP

A podcast about the real lives and experiences of advantage players of the game of Blackjack. We'll share both positive and negative stories, because as any Blackjack pro knows, the positive and negative variance of this game and how to take advantage of the positive situations while working our way through the negative one, is what rising above mere gambling and winning long-term in this game is all about. Blackjack is, along with Poker, one of the few games in a casino that a disciplined and skilled player can have a long term edge playing. Are you ready for some T&A?

  1. Jul 2

    Episode 137: Math Teacher Gone Wild (6-30-26 updated)

    SHOW NOTES In Episode 137, Mike AP sits down with A1 Blackjack—former math teacher, blackjack instructor, content creator, and advantage player. A1 shares how a simple curiosity about card counting evolved into a full-time career teaching blackjack, creating content, and exploring other forms of advantage play. The conversation covers his journey from practicing deck counts in his basement to building one of the largest blackjack-focused social media audiences online. A1 discusses working with Blackjack Apprenticeship, developing training tools and flashcards, and why perfection - not just proficiency - is critical for aspiring card counters. The discussion also dives into the world of slot advantage play, how experienced APs identify profitable opportunities, and why many successful APs diversify beyond blackjack. Along the way, A1 shares stories about networking with well-known APs, getting backed off casinos, content creation, sponsorships, and the realities of making a living in the AP world. TOPICS COVERED • A1's AP origin story and discovering card counting• Learning blackjack through BJA content and self-study• Building deck-counting and deck-estimation skills• Creating blackjack training videos and social media content• Growing a large YouTube and Instagram audience • Developing blackjack flashcards and educational tools• Working with Blackjack Apprenticeship • Transitioning from teaching math to full-time AP content creation• Introduction to slot advantage play• Casino comps, RTP, and profitable machine opportunities • Stories of casino back-offs and heat• Networking with Spartan, Math Prof, and other APs • Why perfection matters in blackjack• Advice for new advantage players KEY TAKEAWAYS: • Card counting is simple in theory but difficult to execute perfectly in live casino conditions .• Successful APs often expand beyond blackjack into other advantage opportunities. .• Networking with experienced players can dramatically accelerate your learning curve. • The best APs focus on eliminating mistakes and continually improving their game. • Advantage play can create opportunities far beyond the casino floor, including education, content creation, and community building. SPECIAL OFFER FOR OUR LISTENERS: A1 is offering podcast listeners 50% off their first month on his Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/cw/A1Blackjack Use coupon code: TA21 Patreon members get access to blackjack training resources, downloadable flashcards, bankroll challenge content, and information on additional advantage play opportunities.

    Episode 137: Math Teacher Gone Wild (6-30-26 updated)
  2. Jun 11

    Episode 136: OG Mailbag With Snowman

    In this episode, the now-infamous Snowman joins the show as he and I dive into the mailbag and answer your questions. What you're hearing is a significantly improved version of the original recording from November 2020, back when we were recording over Skype and doing our best to stay sane during pandemic lockdowns. If we're being honest, this entire AP Podcast project started out of pure boredom. There wasn't much to do, but I had a bunch of friends with great stories, so we started sharing them. Somehow, that little lockdown experiment grew into what Tens & Aces is today. The original audio quality of this episode made me cringe a bit when I revisited it in 2026, so I dusted off some of the ninja-level audio editing skills I've picked up over the years and cleaned it up as best I could. The sound is better now, but the real reason I wanted to bring this one back is because the content remains one of my favorite episodes we've ever done. So why not give it a listen? Thank you for all of your support over the years. We couldn't have done this without you, and we're just getting started. Here's to many more years ahead! I'm also using this episode as a test of our new podcast feed after some jackass decided to attempt to get the show's feed taken down because he wasn't a fan of certain truths being discussed. We stand by the truth with our integrity 100% intact. He remains standing in his web of lies and toxicity. He's shown his true self to this community with his continued actions. But, like we've said in the past, the best way to get rid of a troll is to ignore the. So, let's get back to doing exactly that! We'll leave it at that! Anyway... here we go...

    Episode 136: OG Mailbag With Snowman
  3. Jun 6

    Episode 130: Five Guys, One Chat (Updated 6/5/26)

    What happens when five advantage players with completely different backgrounds sit down to talk shop? In this episode of the Tens and Aces Podcast, host Mike AP is joined by Xipo, Loki, LimaTime, and Skeleton to sit down and discuss the reality of life on the felt, along with other AP endovors. From Martingale mishaps and the legality of using another person’s player’s card to the psychological warfare of "hiding in plain sight," this episode covers the full spectrum of the journey. The group dives into creating cover personas, leveraging online resources and tools, such as the Blackjack Apprenticeship (BJA) community to battle loneliness, the hidden value of AP on cruise ships, and why the house kicking you out is the ultimate proof of concept. The "Smart Gambler" Cover: LimaTime explains how his professional background helps him blend in. By playing up the "successful guy with too much money" stereotype, he avoids the "young counter" profile that attracts pit boss scrutiny. Player's Cards & Legality: The panel tackles a sensitive topic: Is it fraud to use someone else's player's card? A discussion on breaking "casino rules" vs. breaking the law, the syndicates trying to "bust out" promotions, and why most casinos usually just cancel your comps. The Loneliness of the Road: Why networking via the Blackjack Apprenticeship app, Discord, Reddit and other online communities is vital for modern players to stay mentally on top of their games and battle the loneliness that often accompanies AP play, as compared to the isolation players faced 20+ years ago before before social media and the proliferation of supportive on-line communities. Family Misconceptions: Dealing with family who don't understand the math. The guys discuss explaining swingy sessions, the difference between losing and "bad counting," and the reality that you can't pay a phone bill with Expected Value (EV). Casino Logic (or Lack Thereof): Stories of casinos backing off losing players or "ploppies" simply because they were uncomfortable with the action, proving that the house isn't always as sharp as they think. AP on the High Seas: Loki and Xipo discuss the opportunities and limitations of AP on cruise ships. They cover the reality of the games, leveraging "conditional promotions" to pay for family trips, and why keeping these plays under "lock and key" is essential for longevity.War Stories & Game Protection: A look at how License Plate Readers (LPR) can get your grandmother banned, the rare beauty of spotting a hole carding opportunity, and the legendary "they got us" back-off prank. TO SUPPORT THE SHOW BY BECOMING A PAID SUBSCRIBER FOR THE PRICE OF ONE CUP OF COFFEE CLICK HERE -----------] anchor.fm/ta21 Key Terms in This Episode:#CardCounting #Blackjack #AdvantagePlay #CasinoComps #CoverPersona #APLife #TensAndAces #BlackjackApprenticeship #BJA #ExpectedValue #CruiseShipAP #CasinoSurveillance #MikeAP If you enjoyed this round table of advantage players, make sure to subscribe so you can have Part 2 of this conversation sent automatically to your feed when it's released. Resources Mentioned: Blackjack Apprenticeship (BJA): Training, community, and player networking.Tens and Aces Podcast: Real stories from real advantage players.

    Episode 130: Five Guys, One Chat (Updated 6/5/26)
4.5
out of 5
45 Ratings

About

A podcast about the real lives and experiences of advantage players of the game of Blackjack. We'll share both positive and negative stories, because as any Blackjack pro knows, the positive and negative variance of this game and how to take advantage of the positive situations while working our way through the negative one, is what rising above mere gambling and winning long-term in this game is all about. Blackjack is, along with Poker, one of the few games in a casino that a disciplined and skilled player can have a long term edge playing. Are you ready for some T&A?

You Might Also Like