Basic Strategy Alternate Reality Universe

So... several days in Western Washington turned into an unexpected tour of indian casinos. Good thing I brought my bankroll...

While I plan on writing on my experiences extensively, I was absolutely shocked at the level of poor play that I witnessed. Not just poor play but downright ignorance on basic strategy, and other players becoming infuriated when I followed BS.

For example, last night players were getting all over my ass for hitting 12 against dealer 2s and 3s, and consistently hitting 15, 16, and soft 18 against high cards - splitting 9s against anything but 7,10 and ace. AND SO ON, AND SO FORTH.

Personally, I try to stay out of other people's play unless specifically asked, and even then offer input only sparingly. I am there to play my hands and no one else's - and if someone else has really poor play, I don't attempt to chase them, I will get up and leave the table instead.

I am always puzzled when someone with CLEARLY little understanding of the game will sit down and literally BURN their money with foolish play. However, I have always chalked this up to one's personal ability to do with their own money what they wish, regardless of how foolish.

But I have never had those same players all over my ass and rude about statistically perfect play. It was really weird and definitely affected my overall enjoyment of my play.

And it was consistent. No matter where I went, this is how it went down. I felt like I walked down some kind of trippy star trek type of alternate reality universe every time I sat down. Really strange.

- - -

On a side note, since I do not know how long it will be before I have time to write about my trip in detail, I just wanted to mention that if you are in the Seattle area, the Tulalip Casino in Marysville is a really beautiful, nice place. It has been frequently rated the "Number 1" casino in the area and after playing there several times, I can see why.

On the flipside, the Muckleshoot casino in Auburn is a disgusting shithole. It may be the biggest over here, but it's really quite seedy and I will never go back. On my way out the door I was happy to discard my players card in the garbage and give my promotional t-shirt to a homeless dude.

 

bad play

THAT IS TRUE MOST EVERYWHERE WITH PLAYERS GETTING ON YOU ABOUT THE RIGHT PLAYS -IT IS TRULY AMAZING AND YOU CANNOT HELP THEM EITHER-SOMETIMES I GET ANGRY WITH THEM EVEN THO I KNOW THEY ARE MENTALLY CHALLENGED:laugh::laugh:
THE CASINOS WERE NOT BUILT FROM THE GOOD PLAYERS-HELL EVEN AT THE HIGH ROLLER ROOMS THEY ARE THERE ALSO :laugh::laugh:
WE BLACKJACK PLAYERS ARE A STUBBORN BUNCH AT THE LEAST

 

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

 

Jeff,

as to the insults, get used to it and learn to deal with it, or just quit playing.

I have seen things get very ugly at the tables and I have come very, very close to sinking my fangs into other players throats,,,,really. In fact I had to step away from the game for a few months to prevent the above from happening. I wanted to see blood, too often.

The vast majority of players are stupid, ignorant, and crude. But the losers are a very good thing for AP's, they keep the casinos fat and confident and that can be a real good thing. Who cares if they lose all their money, not me.

Often the S-Holes have the best games and the pretty places the worst, what are you looking for Do you like pretty places or fine BJ games?

Sometimes you can have both

CP

 

I understand. However, this joint was seedy and scary. My wife and I were uncomfortable and mildly concerned for our safety. The dealers there were terrible and barely spoke english. It was really, REALLY bad. Trust me.

what totally killed me was that if these morons had been playing BS correctly, a huge percentage of losing hands could have been converted for the entire table. It was just a bit disheartening, I guess. The only problem with blackjack is that even if I learn to count and play perfect deviations, it's still the moron ploppie next to me that can screw the whole table.

It's even worse when those so-called geniuses win... and they are more than happy to give you that look that says... "See? I know everything and YOU'RE stupid."

I had some guy last night that was so annoyed with my error-free BS play that he wouldn't let me cut the cards. Like I freaking cared, but it became highly enjoyable watching him burn his $4500 while I basically held even.

Of course, it was MY fault he was losing, playing 14-16 vs dealer 10 and A without taking a hit.

What a dolt.

But I hear you about growing a thicker skin. I'm thinking about witty comebacks, I like the one about bankrolling me. I have also thought about either carrying a few extra BS cards or even making some up and the next time someone gives me crap just telling them to memorize the chart and schedule an appointment to talk. until then, they need to STFU.

 

Jeff

Best to not engage in a sarcastic or mean spirited conversation at the table, you NEVER know who you may be dealing with.

Best to just keep to yourself, unless it is just a fun, good time table, then enjoy. Be careful.

If it gets to the point it is no longer enjoyable, then walk away.

CP

 

So lemme get this straight.

If some joker is getting all over me about flawless BS play, I have two options: shut up and take it or leave?

That sounds as much "fun" as splitting 8s with a dealer 10 showing.

What do you mean "You NEVER know who you may be dealing with." Do you mean the individual could be violent?

 

yes

WHENEVER THERE IS ALCOHOL AND STUPIDITY(BAD MIX)
I BELIEVE HE IS JUST SAYING NOT ESCALATE ANY PROBLEM THAT MAY ARISE IN THAT ENVIRONMENT
-BUT HOLD YOUR GROUND AT THE TABLE AND LET SECURITY HANDLE IT

WHEN THE OTHER PLAYERS ARE GETTING THE BEST OF YOU MENTALLY YOUR MIND IS NOT THE GAME EITHER MENTALLY HANDLE IT OR LEAVE(MOST TIMES THEY WILL LEAVE)

 

True.

And leaving is eventually what I ended up doing.

 

I just feel like I let this jerk get the best of me in a lot of ways, and I am trying to prepare myself for the next one.

 

j. dubya;
first, you went to the wrong casinos in western wa. tribals are not the place to go. state licenced, (without slots) provide a better bang for your buck with match plays, better rules and a higher quality of players (that is why they are there). non tribals provide the tourneys that are on going daily. pretty tough to argue the fact that three players from everett (iron horse players, non tribal) are in the final round at winstar.

 

Good info to know. This was my first opportunity to play in Western WA and only got to 5, and was purposely trying to hit some larger places just to check them out.

I generally do not play the match since it only seems like a way for the house to take my money faster than their 1%. If anyone disagrees I would love to hear their thoughts on this.

I will check out Iron Horse next time I am in town. As I recall, TBJPA held an even there not too long ago that I missed.

Do you have a top 5 list? Getting casino information of the web was difficult, I am guessing that must be a regulated activity because there's very little out there. I originally went to Tulalip because I had heard it to be a nice facility and KIRO (CBS Affiliate) had ranked it the top Western WA Casino. It was relatively close so I figured why not.

I did well there so went back once.

 

I think.....

what she meant by match was not a side bet but something like a matchplay coupon which gives the player a HUGH advantage when you play them.

Matchplay coupon is a no-cost coupon which makes your bet double (up to a certain max amount, usually $25) and is usually given out in a promo book when you sign up for a players card or the like or might be found in a monthly promo coupon booklet/newpaper.

Dan

 

Bad Players

When encountering rude, bad players, I like to min bet and split 10's. Do this once or twice and they leave, and you can get back to playing your game.

 

Ah. Gotcha. I had a few of those too, but they unfortunately didn't work out on this trip.

 

Ahh... never thought about this one. Of course, I was playing quarters so that could become an expensive chase. But still a good idea. If they think my BS is messed up, REALLY show them I am an idiot.

Of course, considering how they were playing, they might have praised me for my excellent play!

 

Hey, Jeff D.

About stupid play V optimum play.

YOU stay and take the insults as long as you 're winning, or your potential is there.

Smile, nod and agree as you continue to win and outplay the dolts. I swear to heaven it works.

Or, if it's not to be, then it's not to be. Same as trying a cold table, cold deck, minus 100 count. Wong out, as the sayin goes.

If it's a good enough "game" to be in, then stay in. Use my favorite strategy, pretend your drunk.

 

match plays

Of course Marichal was refering to match play coupons. The non tribal casinos in W Washington typically give you at least one every day, the amount depending on the casino. Since these casinos are basically card rooms, 15 tables, no slots, they depend on getting players in the door. Tournaments and match plays are two of the ways they do this. As far as a top 5, we never play the tribals, although Tulalip's Tuesday nght tournament is supposed to be decent, it is just to far for us for a relatively small pay out. My favorite is Iron Horse in Everett with 5 tournaments each week(TBJPA was at Iron Horse Auburn) but their black jack game is not great--barely 50% penetration. Rarely are you going to get idiot ploppys criticizing your game and the dealers are great, friendly and professional. I also like the Great American Casinos. We have not been back in Muckleshoot since they canceled their BJ tournament. We don't like it there either. Why should we put up with smoking and slot macines when there are so many other alternatives?

 

That is all great information... thank you!

50% penetration... ewwww... they must have a large contingent of advantage players.