L.A. Times slams Vegas 6/5 Blackjack

[Davydave]

http://travel.latimes.com/articles/a...?single_page=y


Blackjack players beware, some casinos are trying to change the rules on us!

[The Judge]

This is the kind of shit that happens when competition between the casinos is reduced due to the near monopoly status that companies like Harrah's have gained by their recent buyouts. BTW, Davy, I'm moving this thread to the Bettors Mall forum.

[domafia]

good article, dave. worthy of printing out to keep for reference next time i'm out that way.

[The Judge]

Some more good advice from another article from the LA Times:

What to do:
Try to find a table where you can combine the most number of these rules: Dealer stands on soft 17 (an ace-6 combination); player can re-split pairs including aces; player can double-down after splitting; house offers late surrender; and, if possible, play with the least number of decks.

Spend the $2 or so to pick up a laminated "basic strategy" guide from any casino gift shop. This is the mathematically correct way to play the game. Don't play on hunches, guesses or intuition.

Get a player's club card from each casino and use it. Being comped room, food, beverages, entertainment or merchandise helps offset losses.

Purchase a copy of the Current Blackjack News, or consult any online tracking service to see the house advantage at any table in Vegas. The cost of one bulletin is the same as one bet.


What not to do:
Play when a blackjack game pays only 6-5. Insist on a 3-2 payout.

Play a "special" single-deck game, especially Super Fun 21. Payouts are always 6-5. Some rip-off versions offer even money on blackjack. Avoid these at all costs.

Play at a table with a continuous shuffle machine. You'll lose 20% faster and be at a disadvantage on every hand.

Play where you can double-down only on 10 or 11. You should be able to double-down on any two cards.


BTW, the best table in town is downtown at the Four Queens:
Single-deck
3-2 payoff on blackjack
dealer hits soft 17
double-down on any two cards
double after splitting
$10 minimum bet
With these rules, on a $10 bet, you stand to lose 18 cents.

[OldMan]

Good article Judge.... I sure hope Tunica and the Gulf Coast don't go this way.

OldMan

[CiscoKid]

Man,

Yeah, Oldman, I like Tunica and I hope AC stays as is.

I will be in AC this weekend and will let you guys know if I see any of this 6/5 crap

The CiscoKid

[njtrader]

what casino you hittin in AC?

[CiscoKid]

Hey Trader,

Sorry for the delay, my wife and I will be playing mostly at Ceasers and Ballys, as well as the Trop.

The CiscoKid

[CiscoKid]

Well, I am happy to say that the 6/5 demon has not hit AC yet.

All thought this was a baaaaaad weekend for me, thats two in a row, I did find plenty of good tables in Ballys, and I even had a go at a few tables in Ceasers and at Wild, Wild West.

Big note, the NJ gaming commission has approved and passed a smoking ban that will go in effect as of April 15th.

Basically all casinos must designate 3/4th of the casino floor as non- smoking which means you can only smoke in 1/4 of the casino floor

For those of use who don't smoke, this is will be great

GLTA,

The CiscoKid