General impressions

I enjoyed the Wiz's review of the Four Queens. Well written and told me most of what I already knew. I've been there twice in the past and plan to make another visit in February. It's good to see it hasn't declined too much. Some thoughts:

* I really like Magnolia's.
* The 6:5 games are new, within the past year. When I last stayed there in November 2008, they didn't have any. When I last played there in February '09, they didn't have any. The LV press has had stories about the Queens and Binion's being sued by various people for being behind on the rent, so I attribute it to that. Oh well, the 'Tez is down the street, if I can stand the smoke.
* Some of the quietest blackjack dealers I've ever had were at the Four Queens. I like a quiet game, but they can take it to extremes. I've also had more "normal" dealers, so it's probably an individual rather than an institutional thing.

I know a lot of people are passionate about this, but for a low limit table I understand why they need to do 6:5. I am a low roller who likes 5 dollar tables downtown, and I obviously play 3/2 if its available. But if I play well, my expected loss is about $3/hr, and for that they give me free drinks. They cant pay a dealer and give 6 people free drinks for 20 bucks an hour. I would rather have 5 dollar tables available to low rollers at 6/5 than to see all tables with a 25 dollar minimum.

Quote: fremont4ever

The 6:5 games are new, within the past year. When I last stayed there in November 2008, they didn't have any. When I last played there in February '09, they didn't have any..

In 2002, Paris (Harrah's property) casino posted the following on their marquee: "SINGLE DECK BLACKJACK! A WHOPPING 6-5 FOR BLACKJACKS!"

My first experience with 6:5 downtown was at the Horseshoe (Harrah's property at the time) in 2004.

--Dorothy

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DG's minimally offensive signature

Quote: DorothyGale

In 2002, Paris (Harrah's property) casino posted the following on their marquee: "SINGLE DECK BLACKJACK! A WHOPPING 6-5 FOR BLACKJACKS!"

I thought it was Bally's that had that sign.

Out of curiousity, I checked my BJ Survey for Strip casinos that paid 3 to 2 on all BJ games. The only two were Palazzo and Encore.

Quote: DorothyGale

In 2002, Paris (Harrah's property) casino posted the following on their marquee: "SINGLE DECK BLACKJACK! A WHOPPING 6-5 FOR BLACKJACKS!"

Just goes to show a little knowledge is a dangerous thing. Most people probably know a BJ pays better than even money, but not how much. So 6-5 looks good even if it stinks.

A friend of mine used to sell computers. H eliked the very ignorant customers because, as he explained, if they don't know anything he could sell them anything and they'd walk away satisfied ("Just for email? Well, then, you'll need extra RAM and a high end video card. Also a laser printer; we sell toner, too.")

Quote: Wizard

Quote: DorothyGale

In 2002, Paris (Harrah's property) casino posted the following on their marquee: "SINGLE DECK BLACKJACK! A WHOPPING 6-5 FOR BLACKJACKS!"

I thought it was Bally's that had that sign.

Well, either way, in 2002, neither were Harrah's properties (Hilton owned them, from what I can gather). I'm all for giving Harrah's a good swift kick in the butt (MGM-M, too), but let's be a little fair about it. :^)

Quote: dutch

I know a lot of people are passionate about this, but for a low limit table I understand why they need to do 6:5. I am a low roller who likes 5 dollar tables downtown, and I obviously play 3/2 if its available. But if I play well, my expected loss is about $3/hr, and for that they give me free drinks. They cant pay a dealer and give 6 people free drinks for 20 bucks an hour. I would rather have 5 dollar tables available to low rollers at 6/5 than to see all tables with a 25 dollar minimum.

Harrah's learned at the Rio that people will play blackjack even if it is 1:1 as long as the dealer has a bikini and you are poolside. I've noticed that downtown some of the new full size blackjack machines with video dealers will let you play for as low as $1 $2 or $3 depending on the casino with full pay 3:2. You can nurse those machines and wait for your drinks.

If you are playing downtown, then just go to the El Cortez. They will let you play single deck games with full 3:2 payout for $5 minimums, and feed you drinks. You can't get better than that. Actually the only three things that differentiate this game from 1960 blackjack is that they don't deal to the bottom of the deck, they don't let you double after you split, and the dealer hits a soft 17.
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The review of Four Queens by the Wiz is very accurate as far as I can tell. The property is a sentimental favorite because it is owned by a garden variety millionaire Vegas resident, and not by a massive corporation or an overseas billionaire. Like the El Cortez it offers a complete Old Vegas experience for people who want a good value overall. The 6:5 blackjack must be new. It is no secret that Terry is having trouble with his $32 million purchase of Binion's across the street which closed in March of 2008 (he agreed on the price almost 6 months earlier). It was a large purchase to close on just as the economy was tanking. The previous owners were losing so much money on Binion's that if Terry had waited a year, they might have nearly given the property away just to stop the red ink.