racquet
racquet
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November 1st, 2019 at 2:44:14 PM permalink
My dream of retiring and playing for a couple of hours a day at a $5, 3/2, six-deck, S17, surrender game nearby, for an untraceable tax-free guaranteed income in my golden years, has been destroyed. Not too long ago, this was a real possibility. Plus, with comps, most of my inexpensive breakfasts and lunches would be free as well. All this, and home in time for tea. Counting cards would keep my mind sharp and delay the onset of dementia or some other mind-numbing illness.

$5 went the way of the dinosaurs a few years ago.

Does anyone know of any S17 game, anywhere?

3/2 blackjack? $15 minimum.

At least surrender is still out there. That's probably because most fools think that insuring a hard 20 (which by itself uses up TWO of the tens you think might be under the dealer's ace) is a wise investment.

All of these changes in the game, while increasing the house edge, kept my dream alive, albeit with greater risk and, probably, extended time at the casino to account for a broader swing of fortune with the decreased odds and larger bets.

But.

Eight decks.

I'm done.

I can't afford a $50 or $100 minimum table in order to get a six deck game. Did I mention I was retired? Fixed income.

How many folks you think are hanging around 1 $100 table at 9 AM on a Tuesday? Every Tuesday. Think I'm going to fly under the radar? Not a chance.

Of all the things they did, eight decks is what killed it for me.

The bastards.
Gandler
Gandler
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November 1st, 2019 at 2:59:54 PM permalink
In AC 25 is generally the minimum for both 3/2 and stand on soft 17.

However, surrender is hard to find in AC in anything below 100.

Maybe retire in a country that has gambling a low cost of living? Especially if you do not have any ties to where you currently live.
DeMango
DeMango
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November 1st, 2019 at 5:00:55 PM permalink
Delete
When a rock is thrown into a pack of dogs, the one that yells the loudest is the one who got hit.
DeMango
DeMango
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November 1st, 2019 at 5:02:26 PM permalink
Is that the only way folks make money in a casino? Go to the land of Munchkin and Dancer and be amazed. Or add a zero to your betting units.
When a rock is thrown into a pack of dogs, the one that yells the loudest is the one who got hit.
heatmap
heatmap
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November 1st, 2019 at 6:23:04 PM permalink
I dont know if you live anywhere near PA but I know that Mount Airy has $5 games but they are 8 decks. They have surrender, and stand on soft 17. The price goes up during popular days but any other time they are cheap. This may be outdated info but occasionally i mention it to people and they agree that they still have $5 tables
FleaStiff
FleaStiff
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November 1st, 2019 at 6:31:04 PM permalink
Quote: racquet

Counting cards would keep my mind sharp and delay the onset of dementia or some other mind-numbing illness.

Good oral hygiene, high quality sleep, melatonin pills and ultrasound will do that.

Quote: racquet

I can't afford a $50 or $100 minimum table in order to get a six deck game. Did I mention I was retired? Fixed income.

Give it a try.
MDawg
MDawg
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November 1st, 2019 at 9:30:07 PM permalink
The two best BJ tables in Vegas, I am still banned from one of them. The other one is at T.I., it is the second best, double deck, stand on soft 17, minimum $50., and the last time I played the dealer was cutting so thin almost the entire deck was played. BEAUTS!

I can't see how dumpy regional casinos or anything in dumpy Atlantic City could have any BJ tables that come anywhere near the low house edge you will find all over Vegas. Who wants comps from dumpy places anyway? By dumpy I don't necessarily mean "Motel 6" I just mean dumpy compared to the top resorts in Vegas.
I tell you it’s wonderful to be here, man. I don’t give a damn who wins or loses. It’s just wonderful to be here with you people. https://wizardofvegas.com/forum/gambling/betting-systems/33908-the-adventures-of-mdawg/
sabre
sabre
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November 1st, 2019 at 11:27:29 PM permalink
Can someone explain to me why someone would be ok playing 6 decks but not 8 decks?
BleedingChipsSlowly
BleedingChipsSlowly
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November 2nd, 2019 at 4:25:41 AM permalink
Favorable counts are more likely when the end of a shoe is near. More decks means you have to play more hands to get to favorable counts, in general. A favorable running count is weighted more in your favor with fewer decks.
“You don’t bring a bone saw to a negotiation.” - Robert Jordan, former U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia
GWAE
GWAE
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November 2nd, 2019 at 4:43:55 AM permalink
Move to PA , we have all that.
Expect the worst and you will never be disappointed. I AM NOT PART OF GWAE RADIO SHOW
billryan
billryan
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November 2nd, 2019 at 6:08:27 AM permalink
Wasn't there just a thread on how low the minimums were in Atlantic City? As someone who moved to Vegas intending to do what the OP wants to do, it can be done but it's a waste of time. So many better plays to be had.
The difference between fiction and reality is that fiction is supposed to make sense.
Gandler
Gandler
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November 2nd, 2019 at 8:05:40 AM permalink
Quote: sabre

Can someone explain to me why someone would be ok playing 6 decks but not 8 decks?



If you are not counting the difference is negligible.

I actually prefer more decks for flat play because less shuffle breaks and longer play time.
TigerWu
TigerWu
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aruzin
November 2nd, 2019 at 8:09:03 AM permalink
I guess someone smarter than I can do the math on this, but I can't imagine that the difference between 6 and 8 decks has any practical bearing whatsoever when you're playing two hours a day for $5 a hand just for fun.

Furthermore, how can that level of play be generating any comps at all? I remember playing on that level like that 15 years ago and that wasn't even good enough for a drink, let alone a whole meal.
DRich
DRich
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November 2nd, 2019 at 9:39:19 AM permalink
Quote: TigerWu

I guess someone smarter than I can do the math on this, but I can't imagine that the difference between 6 and 8 decks has any practical bearing whatsoever when you're playing two hours a day for $5 a hand just for fun.

Furthermore, how can that level of play be generating any comps at all? I remember playing on that level like that 15 years ago and that wasn't even good enough for a drink, let alone a whole meal.



I think a pretty good comp estimate is 1/3 of your average bet per hour. So it would not surprise me if a $5 player would get $1.50 an hour in comps. Playing 8 hours a day should get someone one cheap comped meal per day.
At my age, a "Life In Prison" sentence is not much of a deterrent.
FleaStiff
FleaStiff
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November 2nd, 2019 at 10:37:08 AM permalink
Quote: TigerWu

when you're playing ................... just for fun.

Is that a euphemism for losing?
billryan
billryan
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November 2nd, 2019 at 10:53:34 AM permalink
Quote: Gandler

If you are not counting the difference is negligible.

I actually prefer more decks for flat play because less shuffle breaks and longer play time.




For a non advantage player, the fewer hands per hour is better. It's one of the most insidious things about a CSM. You end up playing more hands against the house edge. The only time the player isn't at a disadvantage is during the shuffle break.
If one can count six decks, they can count eight decks.
The difference between fiction and reality is that fiction is supposed to make sense.
bj4fun
bj4fun
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November 2nd, 2019 at 10:56:40 AM permalink
Quote: heatmap

I dont know if you live anywhere near PA but I know that Mount Airy has $5 games but they are 8 decks. They have surrender, and stand on soft 17. The price goes up during popular days but any other time they are cheap. This may be outdated info but occasionally i mention it to people and they agree that they still have $5 tables



Haven't seen any $5 tables at Mount Airy recently, though $10 is still wide spread with $15 when it gets real busy. 8 Decks but the good PA rules.
billryan
billryan
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November 2nd, 2019 at 10:59:38 AM permalink
Quote: DRich

I think a pretty good comp estimate is 1/3 of your average bet per hour. So it would not surprise me if a $5 player would get $1.50 an hour in comps. Playing 8 hours a day should get someone one cheap comped meal per day.



If you follow Jean Scott, you can pretty much eat for free weekdays with minimal play and risk. It's more about comp sucking than actually gambling but it beats dumpster diving or panhandling.
The difference between fiction and reality is that fiction is supposed to make sense.
MaxPen
MaxPen
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November 2nd, 2019 at 11:09:12 AM permalink
Quote: billryan

If you follow Jean Scott, you can pretty much eat for free weekdays with minimal play and risk. It's more about comp sucking than actually gambling but it beats dumpster diving or panhandling.



This forum has some self proclaimed experts at dumpster diving. I wonder if they would agree with that?
DeMango
DeMango
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November 2nd, 2019 at 11:16:09 AM permalink
Quote: GWAE

Move to PA , we have all that.

Thought it was Washington State according to Sir Munchkin?
When a rock is thrown into a pack of dogs, the one that yells the loudest is the one who got hit.
TomG
TomG
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November 2nd, 2019 at 11:39:25 AM permalink
Quote: DRich

I think a pretty good comp estimate is 1/3 of your average bet per hour. So it would not surprise me if a $5 player would get $1.50 an hour in comps. Playing 8 hours a day should get someone one cheap comped meal per day.



That's about the bare minimum someone should expect. About five to 10 years ago, most of the big off-strip places were advertising comped buffets starting at one hour at $5. Spread $5 to $25 with the count and likely can likely a discretionary comp after one to two hours just by asking.

In Las Vegas there doesn't seem to be much shortage of 3-2 games at six decks or less. Just yesterday: completely empty table at 7:00 on a Friday night at Sante Fe. Dealer hits soft 17
Gandler
Gandler
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November 2nd, 2019 at 11:57:46 AM permalink
Quote: billryan

For a non advantage player, the fewer hands per hour is better. It's one of the most insidious things about a CSM. You end up playing more hands against the house edge. The only time the player isn't at a disadvantage is during the shuffle break.
If one can count six decks, they can count eight decks.



It depends. I would rather just play and go on a winning or losing streak. I do not like to sit at the table for hours and just ride it. I prefer just having more play time and less shuffle time. 8 deck show with 1-3 players is fun for me.
TigerWu
TigerWu
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November 2nd, 2019 at 2:38:45 PM permalink
Quote: FleaStiff

Is that a euphemism for losing?



It's a euphemism for "I don't care if I win or lose."
UP84
UP84
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November 2nd, 2019 at 4:25:03 PM permalink
Quote: billryan

If you follow Jean Scott, you can pretty much eat for free weekdays with minimal play and risk. It's more about comp sucking than actually gambling but it beats dumpster diving or panhandling.



Sure, but not by much.
FleaStiff
FleaStiff
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November 2nd, 2019 at 6:56:00 PM permalink
Quote: billryan

but it beats dumpster diving or panhandling.

Don't equate the two, Dumpster diving is surely the pits, but panhandling at least means i'm working.
jjjoooggg
jjjoooggg
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November 2nd, 2019 at 11:51:39 PM permalink
I met someone who does day trading. Maybe that would be a good retirement.

I have met AC Techs and electricians past 65. Be careful with high voltage. I will be a part time AC Tech til I die. There is such a demand for AC techs that it should easy to find openings
Born in Texas and lived in Texas my whole life.
AZDuffman
AZDuffman
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November 3rd, 2019 at 6:00:12 AM permalink
Quote: jjjoooggg

I met someone who does day trading. Maybe that would be a good retirement.

I have met AC Techs and electricians past 65. Be careful with high voltage. I will be a part time AC Tech til I die. There is such a demand for AC techs that it should easy to find openings



On one hand I would love to day trade. OTOH, I would rather handicap sports and just make a few bets, then kill time in other pursuits. Hard part on Day Trading is it is actual work. You need to specialize 2-3 stocks and handicap them same as a sports bettor handicaps games.
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
ChumpChange
ChumpChange 
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November 4th, 2019 at 5:57:03 AM permalink
I've got a strategy to buy-in 25 units for about $500 at a $15 table and if I win 20 hands ahead I can cash out at around $2,000. Double that for a ($25) $30 table. Not sure that buy-in would last an hour or a day.
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