The Cal's BJ tables (8/27/16)

WOO's BJ survey (Jan 2016) shows 3 entries for BJ.

https://wizardofvegas.com/guides/blackjack-survey/

The tables I'm interested in playing are the 15 tables of 2-deck BJ paying 3:2, dealer HITS on S17, no SURR, no DAS, no RSA, with $5 min bet. HE 0.60225

After reading the BJ Forum, I do realize there are some other casinos with better odds for the player. However, my wife likes The Cal, and we'll only have 4 nights to play; daytime is "reserved" for shopping. Does that say enough?

I've not played at a live BJ table before, just online "trainer" games. So I spent the last month or so memorizing simplified basic strategy. Got it down pat. After continuously reading the BJ forum, some of the regular posters encouraged me to consider card counting, but to first upgrade my skills from simplified basic strategy (only 21 cells to memorize) to full basic strategy (220+ cells to memorize).

I thought that would be over my head. But then I discovered that I could also customize a BS sheet to match the conditions at the casino where I play.

https://wizardofodds.com/games/blackjack/strategy/calculator/

Too good to be true. Made my customized BS sheet and printed it out. I've spent the last week memorizing the 270 cells (!!!!), but continued reading the BJ forum. Memorized 270 cells, and even made a blank BS practice sheet (Tks, Romes!).

Then it dawned on me that many casinos do change up their house rules, betting limits, etc.

So my $64 question today: could someone validate if the following conditions currently exist at the Cal?

15 tables of 2-deck BJ paying 3:2, dealer HITS on S17, no SURR, no DAS, no RSA, with $5 min bet.

I understand that I won't have wasted my time memorizing and perfecting one specific BS sheet - at least I know it's possible (and fun, for me, anyway). I'll know how to make a "new" BS customized sheet.

My back-up strategy if my buy-ins don't last long and the BJ stars are not in my favor is to play Deuces Are Wild Video Poker.

Thanks in advance for scouting or feedback info!

If you are referring to the californian that is the setup don't remember the number of two deck blackjack tables. I believe the payoff for blackjack is 3:2.
It was my most recent trip and a friend started chatting up the dealer about what they do with used cards and the pit boss said when we are ready to leave we'll give you something i was expecting a used deck not a brick of playing cards.
One thing i play with a strategy card in front of me never had any issues sometimes when i make an odd move the dealer questions what i did

I compiled a majority of that info for the blackjack survey back in January. Some of it is now dated but the last time I walked through Cal the DD is still $5 (sometimes maybe $10) H17 NDAS. If you can't find a $5 table there, walk across the bridge to Main Street Station. They have the same rules.

El Cortez will have the game for $5 where double after splitting is permitted. You might even find it for $3 during very slow periods. You might find $10 DD DAS at Plaza during the day. Both are H17.

Hoben01 - hey! thanks for taking time to send me your info. I think I will also ask the dealer what they do with used cards - maybe I'll be lucky to get even a used deck as a souvenir for my first time at a BJ table. I have my strategy cards ready! Good to know they didn't make an issue about using the cards! Happy trips, wherever you go!

Hey, Pokeraddict! That's quite a list you folks made in the Jan 2016 BJ survey! Thank you!

Appreciate your input on the Cal - I read somewhere that on busy nights or weekends, the min will go up from $5 to $10. I didn't know that MSS has the same rules - We might try that. I am now curious about El Cortez because of the positive comments. The BJ survey didn't show the $3 possibility during very slow periods, so I might try that. I'm not a card counter yet, so I hope I won't be bothered if I do run a lucky streak.

Definitely agree with others that you should check out the El Cortez. It's one of the best games in the country. With it having DAS you'll have to know both strategies =) so perhaps that can be your big homework for this trip and move to counting on the next.

Also - If you plan to play VP, don't forget to check out Main Street Station. They have pretty good VP (loose deuces, full pay double bonus at $1 denoms, etc).

While I'm not there (yet) I can confirm the rules you posted are the rules I've seen at The Cal for the past 5 years or so.

Quote: LostWages

Hey, Pokeraddict! That's quite a list you folks made in the Jan 2016 BJ survey! Thank you!

Appreciate your input on the Cal - I read somewhere that on busy nights or weekends, the min will go up from $5 to $10. I didn't know that MSS has the same rules - We might try that. I am now curious about El Cortez because of the positive comments. The BJ survey didn't show the $3 possibility during very slow periods, so I might try that. I'm not a card counter yet, so I hope I won't be bothered if I do run a lucky streak.

I've never seen the EC drop the single deck game to $3, and really, if you can find a seat, you should play it regardless. What they appear NOT to do is jack up the minimum when it's busy. The only way you'll get bothered by the pit is if you do one of those "I AM A COUNTER!!!" moves like betting eight times the minimum after one round. Your actual results won't matter much if you're a $5 or $10 bettor.

Here's a dining tip, by the way: should you find yourself in the MSS/Cal area, the Cal coffee shop (Something Cafe) has great food for cheap (try the saimin soup). The MSS Brewpub has great bar food, though it can be noisy in there at times. Definitely have some of their beer. If you're feeling really hungry, hit the MSS buffet--good price and selection, and a pleasant setting.