Member-only story
Cards
The Card Counter — 2021 Film with Oscar Issac — Underrated But Generally Accurate
This sleeper film shows the lifestyle of a low-key poker and BJ card counter
The 2021 film, The Card Counter, which stars Oscar Issac and Tiffany Haddish, along with William Defoe, has a generally accurate lifestyle portrayal of the mechanics of a professional gambler.
Oscar Issac, the card counter in question, uses the probabilities of Blackjack and poker to increase his edge.
Here is what I like and can relate to. The card counter makes a specific point of sticking to low wins and not trying to make a ton of money off of the house. That way he preserves his ability to keep coming back.
I do that when I play BJ in the Phoenix and Las Vegas arena. I stick to small wins and keep track of my hourly rate. I try to not overwin. I stick to small gains. I also sprinkle in typical gambling behavior.
For example, I show the casino that I like to play poker, craps, and even some slots. But each time I am using elements of advantage play.