Pros / Cons of Playing on a Holiday Weekend

Hello all,

First, a quick introduction. I've enjoyed playing blackjack sporadically for a few years, just following basic strategy. I’m not looking to play blackjack professionally, but I enjoy winning more than losing (who doesn't, right?). Thus, a couple of months ago I decided to incorporate a Hi/Lo count into my game. Obviously I’m still going to lose plenty of sessions, but I want to give myself the best opportunity for winning when I play.

So, I practiced quite a bit at home, and after a few weeks, I felt competent keeping the count. Since then, I’ve had three sessions at casinos and feel good about my ability to keep a count in a live environment.

I am planning to hit up the “local” casino one day this weekend (it’s a decent sized tribal shop a couple hours from where I live). As it’s Memorial Day weekend, I suspect it will be more crowded than usual. I'll be playing early in the day--not at night. I’m interested in your thoughts on the pros/cons of playing on a holiday weekend.

For what it’s worth, I typically play $10-15 tables and spread up to $75 when the TC is +4. I’ll play $25 tables on occasion, but I’m definitely more of a red chipper. The main floor of the “local” shop has a 6-deck, machine shuffled, shoe game: H17, DAS, double any 2, no surrender, no resplit aces, pen of about 75%.

My initial thoughts are that the cons would include fewer hands per hour due to the tables being full, fewer low limit tables, and difficulty finding an open table.

As far as pros are concerned, would there be less heat due to the PBs being extra busy because of the large crowds?

What are your thoughts/experiences with playing on a holiday weekend?

Welcome CallSaul!

You are playing a mediocre game with mediocre penetration and spreading 1-5 at a $15 dollar game. Are you sure you can't split aces or did you mean that you can split but only receive one card on each ace? Without evaluating your casino I can't speak to the amount of heat. I can say that under these conditions there is typically little to no heat at most places.

I do not play weekends or holidays but not because of heat. For a counter, hands per hour is very important with more being better. Wonging is also very important, at least wonging out. The added crowds will dramatically reduce both of these in many cases, perhaps to the point of not being worth the effort.

Now can I call you if I need a lawyer? I may need one who knows forum law. :-) Are you still in Albuquerque at 505-842-5662? Watch everyone google it now. :-) Glad to have you aboard!

Quote: 1BB

Welcome CallSaul!

You are playing a mediocre game with mediocre penetration and spreading 1-5 at a $15 dollar game. Are you sure you can't split aces or did you mean that you can split but only receive one card on each ace?

Thanks for the welcome! You can split aces, you just can't re-split them. As you suggested, you just get one card per ace -- but even if that second card is another ace, you can't re-split...you're stuck with a 12.

Quote: 1BB

I do not play weekends or holidays but not because of heat. For a counter, hands per hour is very important with more being better. Wonging is also very important, at least wonging out. The added crowds will dramatically reduce both of these in many cases, perhaps to the point of not being worth the effort.

Makes sense.

Quote: 1BB

Now can I call you if I need a lawyer? I may need one who knows forum law. :-) Are you still in Albuquerque at 505-842-5662? Watch everyone google it now. :-) Glad to have you aboard!

Ha! Glad you got the reference...

Cons: Fewer if any low limit games. Crowded tables, makes wonging in and/or out difficult. crowded tables means the game slows to a craw = fewer rounds per hour = less EV per hour. Casino's draw the criminal element as well and crowed times like holiday weekends draws all the pickpockets, thieves and scammer, so you need to be alert.

Pro: You can play in the shadow of larger bettors, so your play may be unnoticed. This becomes more important the higher stakes that you play. If you play at a level where your top wager is mid black or higher, your play may be significant enough that YOU are the guy they are watching during slower times. But on holiday weekends, you can play that same level (or sometimes even bump up a level) and be playing unnoticed in the shadow of larger players.

add on: I too really enjoy the show. Season 1 was way too short. What was it like 7 episodes? Looking forward and hoping for a season 2.

Saul:

Love your program, one of my favorites. Can't wait to see what happens next season. Stay cool in Albequerque. IF I get in legal trouble, I BETTER CALL SAUL.

Thanks for the thoughts and tips. And nice to see some fellow fans on here. Season 1 was WAY too short. Can't wait for #2.

Due to a busy work schedule, I don't have time to play as much as I'd like and I am often stuck playing at busier times (e.g., weekends and evenings). Thus, I'll probably brave the crowds Sunday.

Quote: CallSaul

What are your thoughts/experiences with playing on a holiday weekend?

Is it busy?

If there is less than 1 open blackjack table per 200 people in the place, my opinion is that it's too crowded to find a game to play.

(Yes, I look at those "maximum occupancy" signs, and pay attention to how many slots they advertise having.)