I just got back from Vegas and it was the 1st trip since I've been serious about BJ. We stayed on the strip and I had a couple days to scout the games looking through more educated eyes. I found lots of CSM's and 6/5 BJ's but still there were some playable games out there. First night around 1AM, I found a decent DD at Barbary Coast, which I played one-on-one while hoping to see mins drop around 3AM at Caesars, Bellagio, etc.. At 3AM nothing changed, so I called it a day but it was great to be able to count easily in an actual casino after a lot of practicing and hard work. Next day, I checked out games at a few more places and found some great 6D games at the Monte Carlo. I played for a couple hours with 75-80% pen, $5 mins, late surrender. I was spreading 1-4 and came away ahead again feeling comfortable counting at the tables. Later that day, I went back to the BC - same DD game, different dealer. The pen was only 50% so it wasn't as good as the night before. Shortly after we left the BC, a big lightning storm hit and we were instructed to stay in a "sturdy building and not be out on the strip" so that ended my play. All-in-all it was great experience for me as I got more playing time at better games than I normally can play. I took this pretty impressive pic from our hotel room later that evening. Pretty strong lightning bolt.
Vegas - different perspective
- Thread starter bigbjfan
- Start date
zengrifter
Banned
Barbaric Coast is pretty much the worst 2D game in LV, second only to the 2D 6:5 game at... I forget the name. In the future plan your attack a little better and know where you'll play. zg
E-town-guy
Well-Known Member
Very nice picture. Why didn't you spread more than 1-4? Unless you're wonging 1-4 spread even with those rules won't be enough to turn a decent profit. Plus red chip action isn't usually a big concern for the casino even if you're counting. Next time try 1-20!
zengrifter
Banned
1-4 on shoes is a loser UNLESS you avoid all neg-counts. zg
This was my 1st real opportunity to count after a lot of practicing and I wanted to just get the feel of a casino environment without the risk of losing lots of $$$. Everything worked out just as I have read in the books and here online. I won a little, which is why I agree with all of you in higher spreads next time. It was really cool to put down a larger bet when the count was high and get a BJ or tens! I wasn't at all concerned with heat because of my red chip betting, especially when the guy next to me was betting greens and slowly losing it all. The pit boss was always right next to him trying to keep him from leaving.
I really need to try Wonging next time as well.
I really need to try Wonging next time as well.
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Sonny
Well-Known Member
I think he may have been trying to get some inexpensive practice. He mentioned that it was his first time counting in a casino so maybe he wasn’t confident enough to risk a 1-20 spread just yet.E-town-guy said:
I remember my first time counting in a casino. This was back when the Chumash Casino was just a few dumpy tables under a big tent. I was too nervous to play so I stood behind the table and backcounted until I felt more comfortable. I don’t think I played at all that first day. I was too chicken to risk my hard-earned 100 unit bankroll on my unconfirmed skills. Luckily I was able to find some decent SD and DD games in Vegas where I could get away with a small spread and still have a chance of winning some money. I would guess that most player’s don’t have that luxury.
It sounds like Bigbjfan got some good practice and is just about ready to hit 'em hard. Go get 'em!
-Sonny-
