From: ualxn@mcl.mcl.ucsb.edu (Alex)
Newsgroups: rec.gambling
Subject: Re: Big Winners/Big Losers (& trip report too)
Date: 9 Apr 92 08:55:11 GMT

This is sort of a related subject:

And a poor excuse for a trip report (sorry Matt :)

I was recently in Vegas for Spring Break from March 24-26.  During our short
stay at the Dunes, I played more blackjack than I care to keep track of, both
in the Oasis Casino as well as Circus^2, Frontier, Slots-A-Fun, Excalibur, and 
a few spots downtown.  All single deck, generally $2 or $5 tables, fairly good
rules.  Matt posted the technical details a few days ago.

My frustrations came about from the unbelievably bad luck I got with the cards.
I practiced for hours at home, sharpening up my counting skills and drilling
basic strategy.  At the Dunes, I found a number of friendly dealers who were
willing to deal all the way down to 2 cards, even on very positive decks.  
Needless to say, they walked away with a pocket full of tips.  I was counting
fairly accurately and raising and lowering with the count with little or no
heat, mostly due to my stupid, ignorant, fun-loving, bring-me-another-gin 
cover attitude.  And somehow, I COULD NOT WIN!  

Example:  Really, really late (or early) at the Dunes.  Single deck, $5 table,
two other people playing.  Dealer prepares to deal the third round with the deckat +5.  I increase my bet from $5 to $15 and put out a tip.  I get a jack and
a king, just as I'm supposed to.  Dealer has a 4 showing.  I feel good.

First player stands.  I stand.  Player to my left draws a five then stands.
Dealer turns over a queen in the hole.  That's a 14.  I'm really happy now.

Then the dealer pulls an ace and a 6 to beat me.  

Why????  For some reason, I couldn't win with a twenty to save my life.  The
dealer either pushed or beat me at least 18 times!!!!  Not just at the Dunes,
but everywhere I went!!  Also, doubling an 11 against a dealer bust card with
a super positive deck; dealer draws to a 19, I have a 4 in the hole. AAARRRGGHH!

I did get a bit frustrated and I probably didn't practice ideal money management(as in get up and leave when the gambling gods are frowning), but I did still
have a good time and at least the food was cheap.  And the occasional Hot Babe
wandering by made the trip worthwhile.

I keep telling myself that it was just a bad run of the cards and skill will
even it all out in the end.  I'm sure that one day I'll get a great run of
luck and I'll make it all back and then some.  But it's really tough to sit 
there and raise your bet at the correct times and watch the dealer slaughter
you.  It's even tougher to sit there watching some ignorant fool to your 
right draw out four cards that could help you and then leave you with a deck
full of... well you get the picture.  But for some unknown reason I keep going
back.

Just a side note, the Oasis no longer offers surrender as a few other folks
have already stated.  And the "great single deck game at the Tropicana" is
nowhere to be found in the middle of the week.  And Caesar's still gives out
free decks of cards at the cashiers window if you ask nicely.

Oh well, I've rambled enough.  See you at the tables...

--------------------------------------------------
   /\         |\   |         "My Brain Hurts!"
  /  \        | \  |
 /----\  LEX  |  \ | ATHANSON
/      \      |   \|
                            ualxn@mcl.ucsb.edu
                          University of California
                               Santa Barbara