First Formal Trip Report
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September 3rd, 2014 at 9:42:39 AM
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Hello forums. I’d like to (as will become customary) thank the Wizard for his awesome sites and bringing a unique group of people together! This will be the first formal ‘trip report’ I've given, but after reading AceOfSpades and others (AB21, etc) I find I really enjoy them, so I hope I can pass that along to others. As long as they’re enjoyed I’ll plan to continue doing them in the future as well! I’m finding it tough… What I like most about the reports of others is the level of detail / pictures / etc. However, I’m finding that the more details I give I see just how easy it would be to put me in a small group of people playing specific places at specific times. So for that, I must be a bit ambiguous, but want to try to give as much detail as possible at the same time. If you’re familiar or figure out the region I was playing in please don’t mention it by name. So here goes nothing…
edit - If you'd like to know more about me/my play check out my hello forums thread here
A small road trip away there exists few shops that I really enjoy visiting. Great rules (S17 and surrender), great PEN, and limits starting as low as $5 shoe games (I’m a red chipper). So about once a month (sometimes more sometimes less) I like to run out to them for an afternoon/evening. I really didn't mind the drive out as it was a great day for a scenic drive:
After arriving I like to relax for a few minutes before jumping in to a game. So I walked the floor, checking out the action in the pits, taking note of playing conditions (diff dealer PEN, potential flashers – on all table games, how intently the PB’s are watching the BJ games, big players at small min tables that would detract heat from me, etc). Also, after the drive, I like to claim my territory and prepare for battle with a nice bathroom break reviewing indexes, particular casino rules, etc. So feeling refreshed and ready, I head to the pit to jump in on one of two tables that had good PEN, and a nice surprise, a beatable side bet =)
I buy in and with some decent variance am off and running up a hundred or so after a couple shoes:
The battle was mostly back and forth, but I was getting the better of the game because of some good variance. I was about even on my bigger bets, but winning my table min bets. Then the following hand happened with 2 hands of about half max bet out (TC = +2.5):
Dealers Up Card: 5
Hand 1: 10-9
Hand 2: 2-2
Hand #1 stays.
Hand #2 splits, draws another 2, re-split, and draws an 8.
Hand #2A, 2-8, doubles and draws a 10 for 20.
Hand #2B, 2-5, hits and draws a 10 for 17, stays.
Hand #2C, 2-9, doubles and draws a 3 for 14.
After all the doubles/splits/etc before the dealer plays their hand out the TC is a little more than +3, and I have 3 max bets out essentially. The dealer turns over another 5 and my heart drops, as I’ve been in this situation before and I know what’s more than likely coming… To my surprise the dealer pulls ANOTHER 5 for 15, and the RC is another +2! Come on monkey! Nope, the dealer strokes the 6 for 21 and I lose all 4 hands. Variance, you wench! That killed all of my profit but only put me down about 12 units on the trip. I take some solace in the fact that that was the exact position I’m playing for. Instead of having a small bet out I had essentially 3 max bets out to a dealer 5 where the TC = +3. My feelings are more “Okay, let’s do that again!” I play on and variance is again shining on me as I’m winning a few more of my decent bets than losing, and I continue to seem to win more min bets than I lose. This continued for another hour or so, but after winning a couple marginal bets I found myself up ~$200 so I decided to take a food break. It was nothing special on the food front, just quick and easy. I usually don’t stay out at these shops, so I know I have a limited amount of time until I’m heading home later in the evening. Thus, back to the action =D.
Session two started off great. Counts were up, winning big bets, only myself and 2 other players at the table (and one of the only other tables that still had the Lucky Ladies side bets). Being as I’m not playing professionally I do tip. Call it cover, but I like to do so more often when I have a bigger bet out. So the TC crept up a little above +3. I put out a sizeable bet, a dealer toke, and a 2 dollar bet on the lucky ladies (I only bet it hard when you should… TC >= +6.5). Even so, I get dealt Qc-Qc for a quick 25-1 $50 on the LL and a win on the hand! I ended up hitting another suited pair 20 for $25 in a nice positive count later too. Overall I was probably up $50 from the LL. Note again that I very rarely play it, but at least do so in good positive counts.
It doesn’t happen all too often, but about every other shoe was a nice positive count. I generally lost 4-5 units in the negative shoes (sitting out when the TC <= -1). While variance is a fickle bitch, tonight my patience was rewarded. I kept my losses to a minimum in the negative shoes, one of which got to a TC -15! Then, during the positive shoes, mostly TC ~+1-3, I would win my decent bets. So the trip is going as planned for once! Then came the last couple shoes of the evening…
Right out the gate I win a min bet and the RC goes up to +8, making the TC ~1.5. I double my bet and win again, this time the RC is up to +14, making the TC ~2.5. As I work up my spread I win the majority of my bets until the TC is +6 with only 2 decks left (but one full deck to play since it was great PEN). So I’m at 2 hands of max bets, when the following occurs:
Dealers Up Card: 3
Hand 1: 7-4
Hand 2: 6-6
Hand #1 doubles and draws a 10 for 21.
Hand #2 splits, draws another 6, re-split, and draws ANOTHER 6. When I go to split again I’m unfortunately informed that it’s 3 hands max, which must have recently changed because I thought it was 4. I protested just slightly to make sure, then stayed on my 12 to dealer 3 (TC was still about +5 getting to me).
Hand #2A, 6-6, stay.
Hand #2B, 6-9, stay.
Hand #2C, 6-5, doubles and draws a 9 for 20.
At this point I have 6 max bets on the table to a dealer 3 in a TC = +5. The dealer turns over a 10. Spectacular, one part of the desired equation is fulfilled. Now just draw the picture from the heavy deck! The dealer pulls a deuce for 15. I immediately start having flashbacks of the big split hand earlier. Even with my heart pounding I remain calm enough to keep the RC as the dealer pulls that deuce and I anticipate the next card… a monkey! Dealer break, and I pack in 6 max bets on one hand =D (not to mention if you notice the TC is still +5 and about one or two more rounds left to play)!
After the next two rounds I push and win 1 more max bet. Great shoe! I was contemplating coloring up, but the dealer cut off what looked like 5-8 cards less than a deck, so I figured I’d see the direction the new shoe would head. Another positive shoe hitting about a maximum of TC +2.5, but it was hovering at TC +2 most of the shoe. I picked up another nice little amount and was now ready to call it a night!
On a quick side note, I had been rat holing the entire evening at appropriate times. My right pocket was filled with quarters, but so many that I actually lost track and wasn’t sure just how much I had. I just knew it was very full. So I cash out and they record me as doubling my buy in, I tip the dealer, and I walk with my hand in my pocket to go find out just how much I’m up. I figured I had about a grand total, including my buy in, which would make for a little more than a triple up! Heck yeah! Well, here’s what I dug out of my pocket =)
All told I had $1,561 for a staggering profit of $1,261 in about 5-6 hours. I’m well aware of my EV for this particular game with my spread, and where these results fall. I’ve actually been having some poor variance the couple trips before this, so of course it felt nice to be on the ~53% side of things.
As far as the rest of the trip, since again I’m not doing this professionally, I threw $200 at some low limit craps!
I was just playing don’t pass and don’t come with odds. Was doing well the first couple shooters and then I got destroyed the next few shooters (even after sitting out when they made a couple points). I usually do well in craps, or at least play for a while, but this was clearly a blackjack trip as I lost that $200 in less than an hour.
Time to call it a night and head home!
edit - If you'd like to know more about me/my play check out my hello forums thread here
A small road trip away there exists few shops that I really enjoy visiting. Great rules (S17 and surrender), great PEN, and limits starting as low as $5 shoe games (I’m a red chipper). So about once a month (sometimes more sometimes less) I like to run out to them for an afternoon/evening. I really didn't mind the drive out as it was a great day for a scenic drive:
After arriving I like to relax for a few minutes before jumping in to a game. So I walked the floor, checking out the action in the pits, taking note of playing conditions (diff dealer PEN, potential flashers – on all table games, how intently the PB’s are watching the BJ games, big players at small min tables that would detract heat from me, etc). Also, after the drive, I like to claim my territory and prepare for battle with a nice bathroom break reviewing indexes, particular casino rules, etc. So feeling refreshed and ready, I head to the pit to jump in on one of two tables that had good PEN, and a nice surprise, a beatable side bet =)
I buy in and with some decent variance am off and running up a hundred or so after a couple shoes:
The battle was mostly back and forth, but I was getting the better of the game because of some good variance. I was about even on my bigger bets, but winning my table min bets. Then the following hand happened with 2 hands of about half max bet out (TC = +2.5):
Dealers Up Card: 5
Hand 1: 10-9
Hand 2: 2-2
Hand #1 stays.
Hand #2 splits, draws another 2, re-split, and draws an 8.
Hand #2A, 2-8, doubles and draws a 10 for 20.
Hand #2B, 2-5, hits and draws a 10 for 17, stays.
Hand #2C, 2-9, doubles and draws a 3 for 14.
After all the doubles/splits/etc before the dealer plays their hand out the TC is a little more than +3, and I have 3 max bets out essentially. The dealer turns over another 5 and my heart drops, as I’ve been in this situation before and I know what’s more than likely coming… To my surprise the dealer pulls ANOTHER 5 for 15, and the RC is another +2! Come on monkey! Nope, the dealer strokes the 6 for 21 and I lose all 4 hands. Variance, you wench! That killed all of my profit but only put me down about 12 units on the trip. I take some solace in the fact that that was the exact position I’m playing for. Instead of having a small bet out I had essentially 3 max bets out to a dealer 5 where the TC = +3. My feelings are more “Okay, let’s do that again!” I play on and variance is again shining on me as I’m winning a few more of my decent bets than losing, and I continue to seem to win more min bets than I lose. This continued for another hour or so, but after winning a couple marginal bets I found myself up ~$200 so I decided to take a food break. It was nothing special on the food front, just quick and easy. I usually don’t stay out at these shops, so I know I have a limited amount of time until I’m heading home later in the evening. Thus, back to the action =D.
Session two started off great. Counts were up, winning big bets, only myself and 2 other players at the table (and one of the only other tables that still had the Lucky Ladies side bets). Being as I’m not playing professionally I do tip. Call it cover, but I like to do so more often when I have a bigger bet out. So the TC crept up a little above +3. I put out a sizeable bet, a dealer toke, and a 2 dollar bet on the lucky ladies (I only bet it hard when you should… TC >= +6.5). Even so, I get dealt Qc-Qc for a quick 25-1 $50 on the LL and a win on the hand! I ended up hitting another suited pair 20 for $25 in a nice positive count later too. Overall I was probably up $50 from the LL. Note again that I very rarely play it, but at least do so in good positive counts.
It doesn’t happen all too often, but about every other shoe was a nice positive count. I generally lost 4-5 units in the negative shoes (sitting out when the TC <= -1). While variance is a fickle bitch, tonight my patience was rewarded. I kept my losses to a minimum in the negative shoes, one of which got to a TC -15! Then, during the positive shoes, mostly TC ~+1-3, I would win my decent bets. So the trip is going as planned for once! Then came the last couple shoes of the evening…
Right out the gate I win a min bet and the RC goes up to +8, making the TC ~1.5. I double my bet and win again, this time the RC is up to +14, making the TC ~2.5. As I work up my spread I win the majority of my bets until the TC is +6 with only 2 decks left (but one full deck to play since it was great PEN). So I’m at 2 hands of max bets, when the following occurs:
Dealers Up Card: 3
Hand 1: 7-4
Hand 2: 6-6
Hand #1 doubles and draws a 10 for 21.
Hand #2 splits, draws another 6, re-split, and draws ANOTHER 6. When I go to split again I’m unfortunately informed that it’s 3 hands max, which must have recently changed because I thought it was 4. I protested just slightly to make sure, then stayed on my 12 to dealer 3 (TC was still about +5 getting to me).
Hand #2A, 6-6, stay.
Hand #2B, 6-9, stay.
Hand #2C, 6-5, doubles and draws a 9 for 20.
At this point I have 6 max bets on the table to a dealer 3 in a TC = +5. The dealer turns over a 10. Spectacular, one part of the desired equation is fulfilled. Now just draw the picture from the heavy deck! The dealer pulls a deuce for 15. I immediately start having flashbacks of the big split hand earlier. Even with my heart pounding I remain calm enough to keep the RC as the dealer pulls that deuce and I anticipate the next card… a monkey! Dealer break, and I pack in 6 max bets on one hand =D (not to mention if you notice the TC is still +5 and about one or two more rounds left to play)!
After the next two rounds I push and win 1 more max bet. Great shoe! I was contemplating coloring up, but the dealer cut off what looked like 5-8 cards less than a deck, so I figured I’d see the direction the new shoe would head. Another positive shoe hitting about a maximum of TC +2.5, but it was hovering at TC +2 most of the shoe. I picked up another nice little amount and was now ready to call it a night!
On a quick side note, I had been rat holing the entire evening at appropriate times. My right pocket was filled with quarters, but so many that I actually lost track and wasn’t sure just how much I had. I just knew it was very full. So I cash out and they record me as doubling my buy in, I tip the dealer, and I walk with my hand in my pocket to go find out just how much I’m up. I figured I had about a grand total, including my buy in, which would make for a little more than a triple up! Heck yeah! Well, here’s what I dug out of my pocket =)
All told I had $1,561 for a staggering profit of $1,261 in about 5-6 hours. I’m well aware of my EV for this particular game with my spread, and where these results fall. I’ve actually been having some poor variance the couple trips before this, so of course it felt nice to be on the ~53% side of things.
As far as the rest of the trip, since again I’m not doing this professionally, I threw $200 at some low limit craps!
I was just playing don’t pass and don’t come with odds. Was doing well the first couple shooters and then I got destroyed the next few shooters (even after sitting out when they made a couple points). I usually do well in craps, or at least play for a while, but this was clearly a blackjack trip as I lost that $200 in less than an hour.
Time to call it a night and head home!
Playing it correctly means you've already won.
September 3rd, 2014 at 9:55:17 AM
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Nice report.
September 3rd, 2014 at 9:58:11 AM
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I recognize that girl at the Craps table, she's always got that sad look like that! Guess I can Blackmail ya now!
j/k , congrats on a good day!
the next time Dame Fortune toys with your heart, your soul and your wallet, raise your glass and praise her thus: “Thanks for nothing, you cold-hearted, evil, damnable, nefarious, low-life, malicious monster from Hell!” She is, after all, stone deaf. ... Arnold Snyder
September 3rd, 2014 at 10:00:32 AM
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Romes - excellent first TR - I enjoyed the level of details and photos (the shop looks familiar to me but, of course, will not hazard a guess)
How often do you play?
How often do you play?
September 3rd, 2014 at 10:09:39 AM
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Quote: aceofspadesRomes - excellent first TR - I enjoyed the level of details and photos (the shop looks familiar to me but, of course, will not hazard a guess)
How often do you play?
Thanks! Your reports actually inspired me AOS! I just also released my "hello forums" thread in the Blackjack section which describes me in more detail. Check it out here
Playing it correctly means you've already won.
September 3rd, 2014 at 11:58:13 AM
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Great read Romes. Thanks for the TR.
I started doing most of my TRs in my blog. Makes it easy to find all my trips and reread as desired. The drawback is there isn't as much discussion on the report.
I recognized the 'jersey' barriers in your road photo. ;-)
I started doing most of my TRs in my blog. Makes it easy to find all my trips and reread as desired. The drawback is there isn't as much discussion on the report.
I recognized the 'jersey' barriers in your road photo. ;-)
Always borrow money from a pessimist; They don't expect to get paid back !
Be yourself and speak your thoughts. Those who matter won't mind, and those that mind, don't matter!
September 3rd, 2014 at 12:21:04 PM
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Quote: RaleighCrapsGreat read Romes. Thanks for the TR.
I started doing most of my TRs in my blog. Makes it easy to find all my trips and reread as desired. The drawback is there isn't as much discussion on the report.
I recognized the 'jersey' barriers in your road photo. ;-)
I'm glad you enjoyed it! Also, if you click your name, you can click your threads or posts to see all of your threads, for re-reading, bookkeeping, etc =D.
For example, your threads: https://wizardofvegas.com/member/raleighcraps/threads/
Playing it correctly means you've already won.
September 3rd, 2014 at 12:59:36 PM
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Quote: RomesI'm glad you enjoyed it! Also, if you click your name, you can click your threads or posts to see all of your threads
blogs are better if you start a lot of threads IMO.
the next time Dame Fortune toys with your heart, your soul and your wallet, raise your glass and praise her thus: “Thanks for nothing, you cold-hearted, evil, damnable, nefarious, low-life, malicious monster from Hell!” She is, after all, stone deaf. ... Arnold Snyder
September 3rd, 2014 at 8:40:53 PM
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Quote: RomesI'm glad you enjoyed it! Also, if you click your name, you can click your threads or posts to see all of your threads, for re-reading, bookkeeping, etc =D.
For example, your threads: https://wizardofvegas.com/member/raleighcraps/threads/
Yes,I was aware of that functionality, but it is nice you mention it, in case others did not know about it.
My main reason for moving my TR to my blog was a token of respect for our host. He has indicated craps is not one of his favorite casino game. Since my TR are mostly about craps, and the board had been getting a lot of craps threads, I decided on the blog to keep the craps noise down a bit.
In any case, your TR has pics and a lot more detail than I was including, and that would not work very well in the blog, so carry on soldier. Looking forward to your next round.
Always borrow money from a pessimist; They don't expect to get paid back !
Be yourself and speak your thoughts. Those who matter won't mind, and those that mind, don't matter!
September 3rd, 2014 at 8:42:54 PM
permalink
Quote: RaleighCrapsYes,I was aware of that functionality, but it is nice you mention it, in case others did not know about it.
My main reason for moving my TR to my blog was a token of respect for our host. He has indicated craps is not one of his favorite casino game. Since my TR are mostly about craps, and the board had been getting a lot of craps threads, I decided on the blog to keep the craps noise down a bit.
In any case, your TR has pics and a lot more detail than I was including, and that would not work very well in the blog, so carry on soldier. Looking forward to your next round.
Raleigh although I am not a craps player - I think if you posted your TR's as threads with some pics you could get a lot of interest. I love gambling stories so I would tune in
September 4th, 2014 at 5:35:08 AM
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Quote: RaleighCrapsYes,I was aware of that functionality, but it is nice you mention it, in case others did not know about it.
My main reason for moving my TR to my blog was a token of respect for our host. He has indicated craps is not one of his favorite casino game. Since my TR are mostly about craps, and the board had been getting a lot of craps threads, I decided on the blog to keep the craps noise down a bit.
In any case, your TR has pics and a lot more detail than I was including, and that would not work very well in the blog, so carry on soldier. Looking forward to your next round.
There is a trip reports sub forum now so I would stick them in there. I like to read trip reports but I always forget to look in the blog area.
Expect the worst and you will never be disappointed.
I AM NOT PART OF GWAE RADIO SHOW
September 4th, 2014 at 6:49:17 AM
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Quote: aceofspadesRaleigh although I am not a craps player - I think if you posted your TR's as threads with some pics you could get a lot of interest. I love gambling stories so I would tune in
Quote: GWAEThere is a trip reports sub forum now so I would stick them in there. I like to read trip reports but I always forget to look in the blog area.
I agree, I would also enjoy reading your craps TR's. Craps is my fun game I like playing, so I'd be interested in how you play, how you usually do, etc. Throw some pics in and it makes everything better =).
Playing it correctly means you've already won.
September 4th, 2014 at 3:18:13 PM
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Ding, ding, ding!Quote: GWAEThere is a trip reports sub forum now so I would stick them in there. I like to read trip reports but I always forget to look in the blog area.
I so rarely check the blogs...
I think the last time I did, was when the Wiz nearly cashed in his chips.
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/ —————————————————————————————————————
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
September 4th, 2014 at 5:21:35 PM
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Quote: RomesI agree, I would also enjoy reading your craps TR's. Craps is my fun game I like playing, so I'd be interested in how you play, how you usually do, etc. Throw some pics in and it makes everything better =).
Well, now you did teach me something. I did not know there was a trips section, even though I now see this thread is posted in the Trip Reports section.... Hazard of just using the most recent post view all the time........
Unfortunately, my trip reports are probably going to be much less exciting, unless I manage to do really well with day trading next year. My retirement income does not come close to the disposable income I had when I was working. I experienced a great run two trips ago, but then lost heavily on the last trip, so playing craps at my old level would not be wise now.
Always borrow money from a pessimist; They don't expect to get paid back !
Be yourself and speak your thoughts. Those who matter won't mind, and those that mind, don't matter!
September 7th, 2014 at 5:22:15 PM
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Nice trip report, really enjoyed it. I too think I recognize the shop and have enjoyed my time there. Keep them coming...
September 11th, 2014 at 2:01:10 PM
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Quote: bj4funNice trip report, really enjoyed it. I too think I recognize the shop and have enjoyed my time there. Keep them coming...
Thanks! I plan to make another trip this weekend, with a report =). If anyone who recognizes the area wants to meet up feel free to PM me.
Playing it correctly means you've already won.
