Isn't card counting essentially just having a good memory and grasp of statistics, as opposed to sneaking in your own cards or having an accomplice that looks at the other players' hands? Throwing someone out for having the skill is essentially the same as telling a poker player they have too good a poker face and showing them the door.

I dont' understand how/why it's against the rules.

I think it's along the lines of, "We have the right to refuse service to anyone."

If you're counting cards, the usual way (I think) is to watch and/or make small wagers until the odds are in your favor. Then you make a big wager. That pattern calls attention to itself.

Card counters often have an accomplice who strides up and places a wager for the first time when the counter gives a signal. They are more difficult to catch, but still, they often are.

Throwing someone out for having the skill is essentially the same as telling a poker player they have too good a poker face and showing them the door.

Yeah, essentially.

I dont' understand how/why it's against the rules

It's against the rules because they say so.

As far as I'm concerned, the ethical thing to do in a situation like this is to not play -- breaking the rules someone else has every right to set (I mean, we're not talking injury or anything) isn't ethical in my book.

Understandable, sure. Ethical, nope.

I don't think it's unethical to count cards. I think it's unethical to break the casino's rules.

Yeah, essentially.

I agree. However, you've walked into their house to take their money. They get to be insane in defense of their profit. You get to bet elsewhere.

I think it's unethical to break the casino's rules.

Phew, I'd never have that mindset. I barely respect society's rules.

It's like Bobby saying that Jimmy can't play football because he's better than Bobby and it's Bobby's ball.

I agree. However, you've walked into their house to take their money. They get to be insane in defense of their profit. You get to bet elsewhere.

Yes. When they catch you.

It's like Bobby saying that Jimmy can't play football because he's better than Bobby and it's Bobby's ball.

... and Bobby doesn't want to lose all his money to Jimmy, because then Bobby's stockholders will get mad.

I have a friend who can count suits (I do not know the particulars, only that its not quite as accurate but is still forbidden). Once he had a broken down car, twenty bucks, and access to a riverboat casino...

He made enough to pay for dinner and a hotel and then left.

I wouldn't endorse a maxim that anytime someone creates a self-interested rule it's always unethical to breach it.