[sorbus]

Your original comment is being downvoted because it doesn't explain why the comment it says to be unhelpful is (or at least that's my best guess; I obviously don't know the intent of every downvoter). HN tends to frown on comments which add nothing to the discussion. Also, if you're a "demonstrable expert" then you should be able to actually explain why the original one was unhelpful rather than just asserting that as fact and expecting everyone to believe you.

[mquander]

"Actually explain?" Come on, read it. It says "casinos make money, but if you count cards, you make money." It's a worthless statement and it has nothing to do with the comment it replies to.

I downvoted dtby's comment because the reasonable way to deal with worthless comments is to downvote them, not post a followup saying "This comment is completely unhelpful."

[sethg]

Let me elaborate on my previous comment, then:

In the absence of security countermeasures on the casino end, counting cards is not very difficult. You need to be able to do some mental arithmetic in a distraction-filled environment, and you need the self-discipline to follow the technique even when your guts are telling you otherwise, but lots of people have those character traits.

So if a casino does not take active measures to distinguish the blackjack players who are counting cards (who need to be kicked out) from the blackjack players who are just lucky (who need to be courted until their luck runs out), then lots of people, not just the generic “you”, will show up and gradually bleed the house dry.

[burgerbrain]

...And you are still not telling us anything that anybody doesn't already know.

[scott_s]

I thought it was clearly to explain this: but it's still pretty crazy how much effort casinos will put out to thwart non-mechanical card counters.

[dtby]

I didn't explain why it was (demonstrably) summarily unhelpful because I assumed it was clear to anyone with a basis in logic, without even a nod to the fact that I happen to know how it works in practice beyond the theory.

In case anyone happens to continue to be confused: see, also: No true Scotsman.

[jodrellblank]

If it's so clear to anyone why the post was unhelpful, then why would we vote up your comment saying that? What does it add?

You don't only get downvoted for being incorrect.

[dtby]

It's exceptionally unclear why people executes their down votes. I consider it worth my while to point out: "No you're not crazy, this really is as pointless as you think."

If it seemed like I care about getting down voted, I assure that's only ancillary.

[scott_s]

No you're not crazy, this really is as pointless as you think.

I had no idea that was the point you were trying to make. But I still don't know the reasoning behind your claim - to me, it makes sense for casinos to spend money looking for and kicking out card counters.

[chopsueyar]

PG, do you see this? Turn the numbers back on, please.