Comments on: Self-Bar @ Sycuan Casino, CA

By: Grumpy

Grumpy — Thu, 17 May 2012 15:26:29 +0000

I loved your story about the rude pit bosses at Sycuan. I had played blackjack at that casino everyday for 2 months 4 hours a day,when I asked for a 10 comp I was told by a tall plain looking female with a hairdo from the 60′s that I did not qualify. I gave her my card and said this is worthless. I did not know about barring yourself. They still send me free play coupons, but I refuse to set foot in that casino again. I used to be a regular at their sports bar,where everyone was great.

By: stephenhow

stephenhow — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:08:08 +0000

I know there’s plenty of +EV in counting BJ or Spanish21, but I look for easier ways to extract EV from a game. That means my attention span and memory are way too short for counting. But, I’ll keep it in mind. Never say never. Thanks for the ideas.

By: Overcast

Overcast — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:36:10 +0000

Hi Stephen,

I’ve enjoyed reading your site. One question I have concerns Spanish21. Having counted and indulged in other forms of advantage play over the years, I have yet to see a strategy for Spanish21 that pushes the limits on what advantage is possible. I’m thinking a multi-level, true-count adjusted strategy, indices, optimal bet spreads and table departures in negative counts.

If you are up for the challenge, it might be a cool project.

Regards,
OC

By: FoolsGold

FoolsGold — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:11:16 +0000

I have a tendancy to over-toke also. I’ve been dubbed George at many a craps table and a number of BJ dealers have gleefully called out “toking up a black” when I’ve been winning.

My companion once won several bets on Banker but toked each one all the while motioning for more cards because the Banker hand was not up to 21 yet. And whats more, this being in an Indian casino, she had had to pay for her cocktails.

By: stephenhow

stephenhow — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:43:09 +0000

“Advantage play” is in quotes. Low-limit degeneracy and constant toking leads to persistent losing sessions.

By: FoolsGold

FoolsGold — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:01:10 +0000

I’m a bit puzzled as to how “advantage play” leads to persistent losing sessions.
Also puzzled by why you would do it at mnimum bet amounts.

As to buying a surrender bets, I’m of mixed emotions on that. I do realize that these were either friends or atleast acquaintances with whom you had been sharing your views and who were not opposed to discussions about their style of play, however, I do think the casino has a right to ban such side bets even though the casino’s real motivation is financial rather than player comfort.

I do not like chatter at the craps table. I do not care for excessive chatter at the blackjack table. If someone knows what they are talking about regarding basic strategy thats fine, otherwise I don’t want to hear chip-ratting or tongue wagging.

Well, congratulations on your self-ban. I’m sure the dealers regret your action and both the dealers and the players miss you.

By: Ted

Ted — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 03:25:22 +0000

Great story! Isn’t that how it always ends up, though? They don’t realize that they are in the customer service business. Especially when you are dealing with people’s many, you have to be extraordinarily polite. You made the right move. There are better things to do and better places to gamble.