HowMany
HowMany
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February 13th, 2015 at 5:49:55 AM permalink
Anyone 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.
Greasyjohn
Greasyjohn 
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February 13th, 2015 at 6:09:30 AM permalink
I personally know one guy that has gone. Waiting for replys, this should be fun.
Hunterhill
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February 13th, 2015 at 7:00:14 AM permalink
I have been many times.
Happy days are here again
rainman
rainman
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February 13th, 2015 at 7:20:59 AM permalink
I believe Michael Shackelford has been the belle of the ball at least once, However he was recently blacklisted for sleeping with the enemy.
terapined
terapined
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February 13th, 2015 at 7:47:55 AM permalink
Quote: HowMany

Anyone 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
When somebody doesn't believe me, I could care less. Some get totally bent out of shape when not believed. Weird. I believe very little on all forums
Wizard
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Wizard
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February 13th, 2015 at 8:10:02 AM permalink
I won the Grosjean Cup in the past and then got kicked out.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
Hunterhill
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February 13th, 2015 at 8:13:06 AM permalink
Quote: Wizard

I won the Grosjean Cup in the past and then got kicked out.

I also won the Grosjean cup
Happy days are here again
Romes
Romes
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February 13th, 2015 at 8:15:16 AM permalink
The 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 =).
Playing it correctly means you've already won.
Greasyjohn
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February 13th, 2015 at 8:25:41 AM permalink
Quote: Romes

The 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.
AxelWolf
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February 13th, 2015 at 8:36:18 AM permalink
Quote: Romes

and continue to share my knowledge to make as many players better at the game as humanly possible. .

That's an automatic we regret to inform you letter.

Unless you're almost famous.
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
DRich
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February 13th, 2015 at 8:43:53 AM permalink
I know I don't have the skills to be invited but my wife has been to one as a guest, not a participant.
At my age, a "Life In Prison" sentence is not much of a deterrent.
kewlj
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February 13th, 2015 at 10:19:57 AM permalink
Quote: HowMany

Anyone 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.
Avincow
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February 13th, 2015 at 1:44:06 PM permalink
What I dont understand is why would a blackjack player show his face in a place with a high concentration of other blackjack players. All the books say to not eat at a restaurant with other APs, don't stay in the same hotel room, etc. but yet, you are gunna go a event where it is known that a 100 blackjack players will show up....in a casino?
Hunterhill
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February 13th, 2015 at 1:48:12 PM permalink
The event is not held at a casino. It's in a secret location.
Happy days are here again
Greasyjohn
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February 13th, 2015 at 2:09:49 PM permalink
And it's invitation only with all the guests having been vetted. And don't some show up in costume or incgnito?

Finally, if you haven't been invited, you don't know when or where it is.
Wino
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February 14th, 2015 at 5:34:06 AM permalink
Why is the Wizard no longer welcomed there?
Wanda Wilcox: “I can’t stand people. I hate them.” Chinaski: “Oh, yeah?” Wanda: “You hate them?” Chinaski: “No, but I seem to feel better when they’re not around.” Barfly, starring Mickey Rourke
HowMany
HowMany
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February 14th, 2015 at 6:04:04 AM permalink
Quote: Wino

Why is the Wizard no longer welcomed there?



Because he worked for the Venetian for a short time.
AxelWolf
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February 14th, 2015 at 6:56:05 AM permalink
And 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.
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
Greasyjohn
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February 14th, 2015 at 7:05:47 AM permalink
Quote: AxelWolf

And 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.
Hunterhill
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February 14th, 2015 at 7:08:19 AM permalink
Max Rubin is the one that started the ball.So even though he works both sides it's his party.
Happy days are here again
HowMany
HowMany
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February 14th, 2015 at 7:08:29 AM permalink
I'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.
Greasyjohn
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February 16th, 2015 at 7:04:48 PM permalink
Quote: Hunterhill

Max 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.
AxelWolf
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February 17th, 2015 at 9:22:10 PM permalink
Quote: Greasyjohn

It just can't be that simple. Max Rubin wouldn't condem what he himself does. It wouldn't be defensible.

Yes it can.
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
Wizard
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February 18th, 2015 at 3:27:17 AM permalink
Quote: Greasyjohn

It 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.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
1BB
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February 18th, 2015 at 4:14:07 AM permalink
Quote: HowMany

I'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.
Many people, especially ignorant people, want to punish you for speaking the truth. - Mahatma Ghandi
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