Coupon basic strategy?

[Sonny]

Here's a small clipping by Anthony Curtis from the new LVA newsletter:

> Coupon-playing basic strategy calls for always trying to get the coupon down
> on a busy table, and definitely playing to the left of a single player.

Is this just a matter of etiquette? Is there an actual advantage to playing full tables or to the left of any players if you are only playing BS with a coupon? My BJ IQ was a mere 156 (a lucky guess on #27), so maybe I'm missing something here.

-Sonny-

 

[Sentry]

Yes, that is just etiquette, intended to make one the least nuisance possible while on a coupon run. It all depends on your goal. Ordinarily, I use coupons to boost my EV for a game I would be playing anyway. When I have a coupon at a place that offers unattractive games, I'll use the hit and run approach. What we are trying to do here is not look like the opportunistic vultures we are and keep the casino and the other players happy, so these kind of offers will be available in the future.

As for basic strategy for coupons, it depends again on your goal and style of play, the rules offered, and your tolerance for risk. In some instances, casinos allow you to double (or split) for cash with a match play coupon. I welcome an opportunity to double for more, others may balk at the prospect.

One thing you may want to consider is using your matchplay coupons at the Craps table on the Pass, or don't Pass line. The house odds are low, and you'll never have to hit a hard 16.

Sentry