Wet Feet

[JR]

Reno trip--arrived BTown at 11pm--played 1 deck for 3 hrs (+ 5 units), sleep, next day-- played 5 hours in the pm (+ 10 units), drove to Atlantis to play 1 deck for 1 hr (- 1 unit), Peppermill for 1 hr (- 2 units), back to BTown to play 3 hrs in the wee hrs (+ 2 units), sleep, moved hotels, out to Sparks to play at Nugget, Silver Club, and Western Village--say 3 hours total (+ 8 units), sleep, next day--played DOA 2 deck games at various venues 'in town' due to lack of 1 deck game to be found except for a few tables in Cal Neva--total of 8 hours (+ 8 units), back to BTown for comped steak & lobster buffet (due to wife's slots and non AP BJ play) played 2 hrs (-1 unit), sleep, 3rd day played all over the place including 1st ever BJ tournament--$20 buy-in and lost pitifully, total play about 6 hours (+ 1 unit). Played only $20 of matchplays which is unusual for me as in Vegas I have lots and lots to play.

Here are some of my observations--I found the 2 deck game to be as beneficial in terms of ease of play as the 1 deck game and this was good to know as my intention had been to just play 1 deck since there is so much in Reno. The only 'heat' I experienced was when I was 'almost' dead sure that the PC's in about 3 of the places were 'staring' at me for minutes on end--but not up close--just back at their post so to speak--I would just glance at them and otherwise give no reaction whatsoever. Also, this 'staring' occurred when I played for extended periods of time--over 1 hour at the same table--I think I will move around more the next time out. I thought the whole atmosphere in BTown was very relaxed and the staff were extrordinarily friendly and no 'staring' either. In the 1 hour of play at the Peppermill--both dealers I had were upnoxious. The new "Phoenix", as I understand it used to be the Flamingo, seemed to be a nice middle of the road place with a relaxed atmosphere also and was probably my 2nd favorite venue after BTown.

So, all in all, for the 1st time out, I think it went quite well. Any/all comments will be appreciated.

 

[learning to count]

Sounds like you had a great time. Was the penetration ro5,6 or 7. Were you able to get heads up games and what time of the day was the best time to play. Were you playing red or green. What count are ya using????

As far as heat I dont think they were really on to you and if they were so what. What I mean is your were not winning black chips were you? When we go in to single deck clubs we usually do well and it is obvious we are skilled players. They always stare. THey get froggy if we start getting out of hand such as spreading two dollars to 35 dollars. Then they may start prefferential shuffles when we jump our bets. As far as agressive behavior such as being barred or trespassed I have never seen it at low limit games. I have seen it at the black chip tables. I have never been to northern nevada. One of these days.

 

[JR]

I have been wondering how the 'rule of (x) works?? I've seen it written about but don't know how it works so could someone explain that to me? As far as pen goes, for the 1 deck, if there were 4 or more players, then 2 rounds and that's it; for the 2 deck game, the deck was dealt down to at least 65% and a lot of times it was more but I can't remember just how much at which casinos and of course varied somewhat amongst dealers. Re: heads up play--it was available in the wee hours and also at other times and again this varied from casino to casino. Of course, on Fri and Sat evenings when the place is jumping, then it was harder to find empty or near empty tables and if I did start out at one, invariably other players would soon join in.

I was using the Hi-Lo count and employing as many of the indices as I could remember while 'on the go'. Mainly the ones like 16 v 10, 12 v 2, 13 v 2, etc, but the one that I seemed to have a hard time with that comes up quite often is ins and it seemed like I wouldn't be thinking of it and then the dealer would ask and my brain wouldn't kick in in time before ins was closed. Got to work on that one.

I was betting & spreading very conservatively so you're probably right about the PC's 'just looking'. Anyways, am looking forward to Vegas in 3 weeks to try again.

 

[learning to count]

Rule of six. A policy followed by many casinos at single deck. They require a dealer to deal five rounds to one player, four rounds to two players, three rounds to three players and two rounds to four players. Some casinos carry this rule to the extreme and only deal one round to five or more players.*

Basically in order to get a good game at single deck you need a heads up game and to get a minimum of five rounds dealt to you. If you find such a game and they will tolerate a 1-6 or better 7 spread. Then you can get good pen at single deck by playing two hands in pos counts or just play two hands any way. My personal experience is a lot of ro5 games heads up. ro6 is out there and can be found. ro7 is rare but I have played at healthy games;but not the norm. I suggest betting healthy at first so they think that be your normal betting height is healthy. I usually will start with 3 or 4 units and bet minimum at neg counts after and spread to max at the appropriate TC. I have been successful at the touchy heat joints. They will really get nervous if you start with a single unit bet then jump to max and win win win! Oh and single deck dont play more than an hour to an hour and a half at the same joint. IF YOUR LOSING THEN HELL HANG OUT LONGER. LTC

*PER BJ21.COM GLOSSARY/STANFORD WONG.

 

[JR]

Thanks for the explanation and by the way...I always enjoy reading your posts.