1. When you watch the other players hands, "play" them for them. Be obnoxious, or friendly, which ever you prefer. "See, never hit a 16 when you see a 10 up!" or "Je-whiz, that could have been a real winner". Blackjack tables are often full of friendly banter, and other times nasty exchanges take place. The pit is used to this, and when you do it it looks natural. They will see you looking at the cards, but give them a different reason to think you are just getting the most for your money by playing other people's hands".
2. You will have to increase your bets when the count calls for it. Again, the pit is looking for people raising their bets at the right time. We have to make our actions look like part of something not related to the count. The pit sees people changing their bets in some type of pattern as little threat because they all know none of them work forever. Let the pit see you changing your bets right from the time you sit down. Bet $5-$10-$25 right off the bat and they will see you as a progression player, not a likely counter. Then you begin working your progression into suiting the count. Learn a few that will allow you to keep the bets small during minus counts or low plus counts, and keep the double up for higher counts.
3. Drink, or appear like you have been drinking. Who would refuse free drinks while on vacation? A counter! If you're a member of AA then there is no way I want you to drink, but you can still look like you have. Rub your eyes to get them red, and take a bottle of whiskey and use it as aftershave. For many counters they find it easier to relax and count after a toddy. I actually make it a part of my counting practice. While I'm flashing through my decks and play indices I reward my efforts with a sip of rye and cola for each perfect "zero" I get at the end, or keeping within my previously achieved time periods for indices. A bit of Pavlov's Dog, but it helps me work in the same environment as I do in a casino. The wife and kids screaming around me almost makes up for the sounds of slot machines.......almost!
4. Don't stay in one place too long! They will get tired of you winning, or at least, not losing, and your chances of getting marked increase. Many players have no choice but to play in the same casino because it is the only one near them, but Vegas players could play all day for 30 minutes up and down the strip and never bring on any heat. I play 4 or 5 places a day all within walking distance of my hotel room for about an hour, hour and a half with breaks in between to keep my sanity.
5. Play for comps. Get a player's card, let them know who your are, and ask for your comps. Do this at each casino you are in. Often the pit boss comes over to watch you when the count is up. Use this as the reason your bet is up. "See my bets? Gotta get my comps! How much do I have to bet to get free rooms here?" Never appear like you don't want people to know who you are or you will be getting twice as much attention than you deserve. Apply for credit, even $1,000 worth, and get on their mailing list. When you move, tell them. Take advantage of every offer you can, because it will cut your travel expenses in half. Once you begin to get the feeling your are going to be made, then quit using the player's card at the table. Give it to your wife/girlfriend/pal to use in the slot machines to make them think you are into something else.
There are many other ways of keeping your secret hidden. Use your imagination. See what the pit is doing and give them different reasons for what you are doing.
