Pretty sure Wizard has been invited in the past. I don't think RWM is a member here (not active, anyway). KJ- have you ever attended, or been invited?
No doubt, the Blackjack Ball is chock full of highly skilled players, but I wonder if world's greatest blackjack player is someone nobody has ever heard of, and will never attend the Blackjack Ball.
Quote: HowManyAnyone here ever been to the Blackjack Ball?
Pretty sure Wizard has been invited in the past. I don't think RWM is a member here (not active, anyway). KJ- have you ever attended, or been invited?
No doubt, the Blackjack Ball is chock full of highly skilled players, but I wonder if world's greatest blackjack player is someone nobody has ever heard of, and will never attend the Blackjack Ball.
Bob Dancer went and has a pretty good detailed review on his blog.
Cant link because his website is blocked on my computer at work.
Can also read Bob Dancer on Anthony Curtis Las Vegas advisor web site
I also won the Grosjean cupQuote: WizardI won the Grosjean Cup in the past and then got kicked out.
...One day, I will attend =).
Quote: RomesThe famous Blackjack Ball... I know why I want to attend this, but I'm not 100% sure where the passion I have to attend this comes from. Perhaps to be around peers and the best of the best at something I love. My goal is to one day attend, but alas, I fear that day may not be soon. I will continue to put my hours in, document and detail every piece of my play, and continue to share my knowledge to make as many players better at the game as humanly possible. Perhaps one day my contributions and detailed records will build enough credentials to warrant such a prize.
...One day, I will attend =).
I would think one would have to form relationships with the attendees, gather in their circles, follow their pursuits, become known to some of them and trusted.
That's an automatic we regret to inform you letter.Quote: Romesand continue to share my knowledge to make as many players better at the game as humanly possible. .
Unless you're almost famous.
Quote: HowManyAnyone here ever been to the Blackjack Ball?
Pretty sure Wizard has been invited in the past. I don't think RWM is a member here (not active, anyway). KJ- have you ever attended, or been invited?
Nope. Never been invited and I don't expect to. I don't hang out and 'hob nob' with that circle of big boys. I am just a small time, for the most part 'solo player' that stays to myself and my small circle.
I also have a bit of a problem with the whole Max Rubin scenario. I am told Max is a great guy and I don't doubt that, but I still find the situation to be very hypocritical. Especially when he blackballs others for having a similar association with casinos.
I though RWM was a member. Maybe I am mistaken.
Finally, if you haven't been invited, you don't know when or where it is.
Quote: WinoWhy is the Wizard no longer welcomed there?
Because he worked for the Venetian for a short time.
I think we all know the answer to that.
Quote: AxelWolfAnd that seems hypocritical to me, doesn't MR. Dancer attend the Ball? Doesn't he, hasn't he consulted with casinos?
I think we all know the answer to that.
I'd like to know the difference between Max Rubin's, Bob Dancer and Wizard's involvement with casinos that blacklisted one but not the others.
I don't trust him. Something about the guy seems shady to me. I can't point to any one thing, except gut instinct- that feeling that "something doesn't feel right" (re- Malcom Gladwell's book "Blink").
My dog loves people. However every now and then when she meets someone, she'll back up and growl. I'd make a very large wager that if Max Rubin ever visited my home, my dog would growl.
Quote: HunterhillMax Rubin is the one that started the ball.So even though he works both sides it's his party.
It just can't be that simple. Max Rubin wouldn't condem what he himself does. It wouldn't be defensible.
Yes it can.Quote: GreasyjohnIt just can't be that simple. Max Rubin wouldn't condem what he himself does. It wouldn't be defensible.
Quote: GreasyjohnIt just can't be that simple. Max Rubin wouldn't condem what he himself does. It wouldn't be defensible.
It is that simple. It is his party so his rules.
Quote: HowManyI'm a recreational counter, so I'll never be invited to the Blackjack Ball, and I never met Max Rubin, BUT-
I don't trust him. Something about the guy seems shady to me. I can't point to any one thing, except gut instinct- that feeling that "something doesn't feel right" (re- Malcom Gladwell's book "Blink").
My dog loves people. However every now and then when she meets someone, she'll back up and growl. I'd make a very large wager that if Max Rubin ever visited my home, my dog would growl.
Many share your concern, especially since it's been said that Mr. Rubin has worked for at least one casino as a counter catcher. That makes me wonder how many successful pros are out there with equal or more talent than those who attend the ball. I know some who would go nowhere near that event. The ones that attend have obviously worked out any trust issues.