Split, Double, Destroy - "Loudon Ofton" Archives - Blackjack Apprenticeship

Blackjack Hall of Fame

By David Drury The Blackjack Hall of Fame at Barona Casino in San Diego, California stands as a curious testament to the giants who mastered the game of 21 and/or paved the way for its continued mastery. The shrine is more than curious; it is paradoxical. Unlike the “Winners Wall” […]

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Why Was Ben Affleck Banned from Blackjack at Hard Rock Casino?

by David Drury Every celebrity plays poker. Poker is good for celebrity. You get to show your face around town; you have something to keep you busy in Vegas while the wife is keeping up with the Kardashians; you boost public perception for throwing your snazzy fedora in the ring […]

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Split Double Destroy – (Card Counting) Job Skills 101

It took the strangest job in the world to help me understand every job in the world. At least every job I’ve ever done; editor, reporter, chart filer, information enterer, warehouse broom pusher, newspaper delivery boy. Blackjack forced me to rethink the way I go about work.

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Split Double Destroy – My Most Aggressive Backoff

Once and only once did someone put their hands on me in an aggressive manner in an attempt to backroom me. Who could have guessed as I slipped into the casino that night I would soon be in the strong black arms of a woman named Tanya?

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Split Double Destroy – Disguises

I never check bags, but I do like to pack enough in my carry-on to achieve multiple “looks” on trips. The goal is to not necessarily to hide my identity, but to present a character whom the casinos will not associate with my identity.

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