Vegace

Oh yesss. I wish you a great trip with lots of blackjacks and double downs. I hope you’ll post lots of pictures for us.

Have a great trip AoS! Is the family coming along this time?

Gneisssss

OK so I used my frequent flier miles to travel first class on American -- the steward was taking orders for breakfast and I was the last to order -- everyone before me ordered the cheese omelet with fried potatoes - so that sounded good to me so I ordered the same -- the steward informed me that oatmeal was the only breakfast now available - I was perplexed having just heard everyone else order the cheese omelet -- he stated they all ordered it when they checked-in online -- I informed him I was never sent a 24-hour check-in email so I had no way to order it -- so I asked what the options were - he replied - I told you oatmeal sir -- so I asked if there were any other options and he said no - so I said "I guess I am having the oatmeal" -- less than 10 seconds later he can back and informed me someone just canceled their cheese omelet - HOW? HOW did they just cancel it when he went right from taking my order to the galley -- who knows who cares - ended up with the cheese omelet -- the first class seat had no footrest and reclined only about 25˚ -- I slept most of the way but now need a chiropractic adjustment LOL

A friend of mine that resides in Vegas surprised me by picking me up at the airport - we then had lunch at BBD at Palace Station - a burger place that originated on Long Island - good burger -- I then hit Walmart and stocked up on room supplies

Just checked in at the hotel and going to take a shower and a short nap (since I've been up since 4am EST)

airport:


hotel:

Quote: Ayecarumba

Have a great trip AoS! Is the family coming along this time?

Nah - just me but might have friend or two come up from San Diego

Good luck Ace! Win lots on National Blackjack Day. I turn 40 that day.

Please give us a great trip report to follow.

I just had an incident with Delta airlines that I took all the way to their CEO. I was rewarded with three international first class tickets currently valued at over $9,000.

Quote: DRich

Please give us a great trip report to follow.

I just had an incident with Delta airlines that I took all the way to their CEO. I was rewarded with three international first class tickets currently valued at over $9,000.

WOW! Care to share the details (or summary)?

And yes, I will be reporting as always - right now just relaxing a bit so not much to report...yet

Quote: aceofspades

OK so I used my frequent flier miles to travel first class on American -- the steward was taking orders for breakfast and I was the last to order -- everyone before me ordered the cheese omelet with fried potatoes - so that sounded good to me so I ordered the same -- the steward informed me that oatmeal was the only breakfast now available - I was perplexed having just heard everyone else order the cheese omelet -- he stated they all ordered it when they checked-in online -- I informed him I was never sent a 24-hour check-in email so I had no way to order it -- so I asked what the options were - he replied - I told you oatmeal sir -- so I asked if there were any other options and he said no - so I said "I guess I am having the oatmeal" -- less than 10 seconds later he can back and informed me someone just canceled their cheese omelet - HOW? HOW did they just cancel it when he went right from taking my order to the galley -- who knows who cares - ended up with the cheese omelet -- the first class seat had no footrest and reclined only about 25˚ -- I slept most of the way but now need a chiropractic adjustment LOL

Yikes! Sounds like today's first class is 1990's coach!

Good luck, Ace. Here's hoping you break the bank!

Quote: Joeman

Yikes! Sounds like today's first class is 1990's coach!

Good luck, Ace. Here's hoping you break the bank!

From your lips...

Will you be playing BJ this time?
Last time you only played for
one day, if I recall correctly.

Quote: EvenBob

Will you be playing BJ this time?
Last time you only played for
one day, if I recall correctly.

The last time was a two day trip to AC and I got destroyed knots immediately - I was there with a group of about 15 people so I decided to just hang out thereafter

As for Vegas - my last trip here was about one year ago and I was not back in the board yet

The plan is to play some cards this trip

never flew first class but I would be pissed if my first time was like that.

If you’re hungry for steak, Park MGM has a new steakhouse called Bavette. It’s LEGIT.

I miss this Ace, where did he go.

Quote: aceofspades

[

Ok here is how it all went down

Played at a 6D table 100min. -- the shoe started out with some give and take but then insane variance on double downs took over...in that shoe I was "blessed" with double down opportunities 10 times...however, I did not win one of those doubles

Shoe ended losing the 1500 I was up
__________

Moved to the main casino area and sat down to a 6d 50min game -- 3 of the dealer's first four hands were natural blackjacks -- exit Ace stage right down 300 for the trip

__________

Went to the other side of the pit where the dealer's specialty seemed to be pulling 4 to 7 cars 21s -- lost another 700 here thus down 1k for the trip

__________

Moved back into the high limit room cursing EvenBob under my breath...lol

A dealer I enjoy playing with had an empty table and she could see I was raging -- she attempted to corral my dramatic side and have me think positively -- however, she proceeded to score herself 8 blackjacks in the shoe (I was luckily able to push one of them) -- lost another 1k that shoe and now down 2k for the trip

_________

Switched tables and began getting some funds back..that is, until a young guy and his girlfriend joined in midshoe -- things went south from there (with the girlfriend questioning my plays on various hands (ie surrender 15 v. King) as the dealer proceeded to make 21 more often than not -- at this point I had lost another 1k and was now down 3k for the trip

__________

Guy and girlfriend left the table after losing his buyin...
Dealer change brought some positive speed counts my way and I got 1k back to be down 2k for the trip

__________

Took a mini-break and then played some 2D 100min head's up and, after two shuffles, had secured another 500 back to my side of the table


Trip is now -1500

Dinner break

https://wizardofvegas.com/forum/gambling/blackjack/16164-viva-ace-vega/6/#post300183

Quote: aceofspades

I informed him I was never sent a 24-hour check-in email so I had no way to order it

This would not have helped because they close the order window at 24 hours in advance of flight. You could have ordered it at the time you booked your ticket (on the website), or 30 days up to 24 hours in advance.

So obviously there are a set number of those dishes loaded onto the plane.... they can't whip one up if an extra one is ordered. More than likely, the pilot meal was the omelet and he just gave you one of the pilot meals.

I just checked out of Park MGM this morning! We just missed each other. ;)

And I'll be there Friday!

I liked Park MGM. I just had a standard king room. A little small, but much nicer than the old Monte Carlo rooms. And I had a view of the T Mobile Arena which was pretty cool last night during the hockey game.

I’d stay there again if they give me another 4 nights for free.

The same in-flight meal scenario happened to Elaine on Seinfeld, although she was in coach.

What supplies did you get for the room in Walmart? I thought at your level of play they would take care of toiletries and e.g. water bottles, no?

Quote: ams288

I just checked out of Park MGM this morning! We just missed each other. ;)

Awww we could've had a drink and discussed politics :)

Quote: ams288

I liked Park MGM. I just had a standard king room. A little small, but much nicer than the old Monte Carlo rooms. And I had a view of the T Mobile Arena which was pretty cool last night during the hockey game.

I’d stay there again if they give me another 4 nights for free.

I must be in the room you checked out of

Just had dinner with a friend over at the Gold Coast steakhouse - sat at the bar - the bartender was friendly and the food was good especially the white chocolate walnut bread

Now...You wanted pics - you got pics!

Will we meet this Ace on this Vegas visit:

"Moved back into the high limit room cursing EvenBob under my breath...lol
A dealer I enjoy playing with had an empty table and she could see I was raging -- she attempted to corral my dramatic side and have me think positively -- however, she proceeded to score herself 8 blackjacks in the shoe (I was luckily able to push one of them) -- lost another 1k that shoe and now down 2k for the trip"

Sniff, I miss those schaden days..

Quote: EvenBob

Will we meet this Ace on this Vegas visit:

"Moved back into the high limit room cursing EvenBob under my breath...lol
A dealer I enjoy playing with had an empty table and she could see I was raging -- she attempted to corral my dramatic side and have me think positively -- however, she proceeded to score herself 8 blackjacks in the shoe (I was luckily able to push one of them) -- lost another 1k that shoe and now down 2k for the trip"

Sniff, I miss those schaden days..

Those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it

OK played my first session - sat down in the high Limit room at Park MGM with a friendly Ethiopian dealer and an affable pit boss -- I bought it in and started with a couple wins in a row - pressed it up to 2 chips and dealt a natural - kept the press up and denied the next two hands -- a couple of back and forth hands and I was dealt a 5,5 v dealer 9 so I split (LOL) kidding, I doubled and dealt a Queen - dealer turned over a 10 - BAM! I won the next 5 of 7 hands and halfway through the shoe decided to go back to the room and relax as I have been up since 4am EST

Trip is +1200

Still waiting to hear what was purchased at the Vegas Walmart as I am always looking for travel/efficiency tips

Quote: sodawater

Still waiting to hear what was purchased at the Vegas Walmart as I am always looking for travel/efficiency tips

2 bottles of 2 liter Coke Zero
12 bottles of water
4 16oz. cans of Sugar free Red Bull

Total ~$20

Approximate cost on the Strip $1,000,000

No fridge is a dealbreaker even for comped rooms. Others will bring one up to your room free, if you tell them for Medical reasons like blood sugar. Tough finding tasty sugar free selections in vending, so Walmart to the rescue!
Three Walmart’s in greater Biloxi area!

Quote: aceofspades

2 bottles of 2 liter Coke Zero, 12 bottles of water, 4 16oz. cans of Sugar free Red Bull
Total ~$20
Approximate cost on the Strip $1,000,000

It seems quite a few gamblers hit walmart for such things as coffee, coffee makers, favorite this or that.
The Seminoles charge a fifteen dollar charitable donation per tiny little water bottle. Can't imagine ever paying that much.

Anyone know if that "convenient" store in Vegas is still in business? A lot of limousine drivers on airport to hotel runs will make detours there because they stock everything and let drivers go to the head of the line.

The more rigamarole casinos go to for someone to get comped to their favorite "X", the easier it is to just bring your own.

Quote: FleaStiff

It seems quite a few gamblers hit walmart for such things as coffee, coffee makers, favorite this or that.

I often read trip reports with a Walmart shopping visit but I have yet to read one where they used the pickup service. That would seem to be the ideal way to quickly get in and out and I suspect you could time it to be ready close to after your flight arrives.

There may be some differences, but it looks like the pickup option is available from 8 AM to 8 PM, and there is a $30 minimum.

with possible flight delays and some purchases perhaps not meeting the minimum, it might not be wise.

Quote: rsactuary

This would not have helped because they close the order window at 24 hours in advance of flight. You could have ordered it at the time you booked your ticket (on the website), or 30 days up to 24 hours in advance.

So obviously there are a set number of those dishes loaded onto the plane.... they can't whip one up if an extra one is ordered. More than likely, the pilot meal was the omelet and he just gave you one of the pilot meals.

I have run into this exact scenario many times on flights. The closer you sit to the front the better the chance of getting your desired meal.

I some trips coming up and I am in row 4 for three of them. I would not be surprised if this happens to me again. I find it more disturbing when they run out of Crown Royal.

Quote: DRich

I have run into this exact scenario many times on flights. The closer you sit to the front the better the chance of getting your desired meal.

I some trips coming up and I am in row 4 for three of them. I would not be surprised if this happens to me again. I find it more disturbing when they run out of Crown Royal.

The thing is the steward took orders in reverse from the back of first class to the front

So after playing last night I wandered around the Park MGM and had a nice conversation with a security guard in the new EATALY section of the Park MGM. He told me he believes Park MGM was redone to appeal to millennials but he is not sure millennials are really going to gamble. He stated he hopes that the property does not abandon the low rollers that made the original Monte Carlo a fun and relaxed place to play. The guard then told me about all the new features of the property and was very knowledgeable – it is great to see that employees of all levels really know the property they work for – it adds to the experience.
Thereafter, I headed to the Park and enjoyed the cool evening air.

Quote: aceofspades

The thing is the steward took orders in reverse from the back of first class to the front

Wow I've never seen that. I always thought it was just common protocol that they take orders front to back and if you're closer to the back you may not have a choice.

I've only ever flown first on Delta though.

Quote: aceofspades

He stated he hopes that the property does [not] abandon the low rollers that made the original Monte Carlo a fun and relaxed place to play.

I love the renovation that they did, but I found some of the quirks a bit annoying.

Good:
1. The new restaurants I tried Primrose for brunch and Bavette for dinner were both pretty good, and I love the Eataly addition.

2. I love that they had $10 low limit tables even though they were 6/5. Just like what the security guard said, I hope Park MGM keeps it affordable because the old Monte Carlo was a hoot with $5 blackjacks on weekday mornings and getting a killer buzz off of fumes from the night before and a bloody mary.

3. The room upgrades are definitely a huge PLUS, but I'm not sure if I'm a big fan of the sliding bathroom door.

Bad and some personal nostalgia:

1. Other than the VIP check in area, the automated check in process was a bit annoying. The process was not terribly bad, but Park MGM has to realize that not all baby boomers are so tech-savvy with their automated check ins. I get that there are runners helping you, but when you have a rush it takes so much longer for foreigners and baby boomers to get help and free up a kiosks.

2. After 9PM, bell hops were nowhere to be found. I had to ask a security to call the bell to have somebody help.

3. The layout of the casino seems a bit eccentric. This may be just me, but I felt like the casino floor was awkwardly. The tables and slots were in areas that felt a bit out of place. I'm the last to care, but I didn't get a good "feng shui" feel in the casino.

4. I miss The PUB. I know they have a sportsbook/bar now, but I really miss the old Monte Carlo Pub. I've enjoyed wasted countless Sunday mornings getting hammered and ripping my football parlay betting tickets.

5. I also miss the haydays of Diablos Cantina in the mid 2000s. The place was crawling with fellow degens drinking the night away.

Quote: aceofspades

The thing is the steward took orders in reverse from the back of first class to the front

On American, they start at the back on odd numbered flights, and at the front on even numbered flights. This is a holdover from the days when they allowed smoking and the smokers were always at the back.

With the ability to pre-order, I've seen them start at the back less.

Quote: SiegfriedRoy

Quote: aceofspades

He stated he hopes that the property does [not] abandon the low rollers that made the original Monte Carlo a fun and relaxed place to play.

*EXCERPT*
3. The layout of the casino seems a bit eccentric. This may be just me, but I felt like the casino floor was awkwardly. The tables and slots were in areas that felt a bit out of place. I'm the last to care, but I didn't get a good "feng shui" feel in the casino.

5. I also miss the haydays of Diablos Cantina in the mid 2000s. The place was crawling with fellow degens drinking the night away.

3. Yes the way the casino is laid out takes some getting used to

5. As far as Diablo's, I never went there but it always looked like a good time - any debaucherous stories you can relay to us?

Quote: aceofspades

5. As far as Diablo's, I never went there but it always looked like a good time - any debaucherous stories you can relay to us?

It's pretty standard and you might find it a bit boring, but here it goes...
Diablos used to have an upstairs dance floor/bar area and was kind of the place to go before hitting the clubs. Just like how Drai's used to be an afterparty place, we used to go to Diablos as a prelude to hitting the clubs. The group of guys would pre-pre-party in our hotel room, and then we'd pre-party at the casino floor downing a few drinks while gambling, and then we'd go to Diablos with several drinks deep. Diablos went through some serious ups and downs, but during the haydays, they'd have a line out the door and would charge cover. We used to make a reservation (to eat) towards the end of the night like at 9PM, and we'd get seated at the table for free. We'd look through the menu and one of my friends would ask for a vegan menu (which they didn't have). He'd give a disappointed face, and we tell he waitress sorry that we're going to eat somewhere else. We'd then sneak upstairs to the dance floor for free. The clientele were always fun and "loose." Oftentimes, we'd mingle with a group of women visiting and we'd have some fun through out the night with them, and sometimes some of us would get lucky that night. The turnover there was terrible. I felt like they had a new hostess almost every month or so. Nobody recognized us when we pulled the same shenanigans every few months or so. I'd have to admit that there was one particular night that I got a bit toasty and remember nothing else but waking up from the bushes right next to it. Those days are over obviously. However, it's fun to think back.

Quote: aceofspades

So after playing last night I wandered around the Park MGM and had a nice conversation with a security guard in the new EATALY section of the Park MGM. He told me he believes Park MGM was redone to appeal to millennials but he is not sure millennials are really going to gamble.

I don't know many millennials, but I think if casinos want to appeal to them they're going to have to focus on bars, restaurants, clubs, and low roller video-based skill gaming. Not table games or slots. Those electronic roulette and craps games seem to be popular with some younger people I know, and if they can find a way to monetize video-game-type games and make them popular, they'll be set. Also, most millennials don't have a lot of money (as most people didn't at that age), so they can't expect to have $15, $25, or even $10 minimums for games. Keep it cheap and lure them with good food and drink and popular music.

Blazing 7's blackjack table at Caesars (no idea of the rules) is packed with people waiting for seats - is there some sort of "must hit" progressive on the game?

Anyone...?

Quote: aceofspades

Blazing 7's blackjack table at Caesars (no idea of the rules) is packed with people waiting for seats - is there some sort of "must hit" progressive on the game?

Anyone...?

Caesars in Atlantic City also has the Blazing 7's side bet on its blackjack tables. In AC, the side bet is fixed at $5. We must be dealt two sevens-of-diamonds when the dealer has a seven-of-diamonds up to win the Blazing 7's "Mega" progressive jackpot. On Sunday, the Mega was above $100,000.

There are other payouts for lesser wins. The payouts are "for 1."

I don't think the Atlantic City players are as eager to play it as those in Las Vegas.

See https://wizardofodds.com/games/blackjack/side-bets/blazing-7s/.

Quote: ChesterDog

Caesars in Atlantic City also has the Blazing 7's side bet on its blackjack tables. In AC, the side bet is fixed at $5. We must be dealt two sevens-of-diamonds when the dealer has a seven-of-diamonds up to win the Blazing 7's "Mega" progressive jackpot. On Sunday, the Mega was above $100,000.

There are other payouts for lesser wins. The payouts are "for 1."

I don't think the Atlantic City players are as eager to play it as those in Las Vegas.

See https://wizardofodds.com/games/blackjack/side-bets/blazing-7s/.

I had never seen it before - it must be popular since that was the most crowded game in the original Caesars Palace table pit as I walked through

Sleep was interesting last night as my body could not figure out what time zone it was in.  I woke up at 3am wide awake after just falling asleep at midnight -- I managed to sleep on and off again until 6am when it was no use - I got up and watched tv and surfed the internet.  About 10am I made my way downstairs in search of Starbucks - alas, the line at the Park MGM Starbucks was a bit much for my tastes and I walked to catch the tram over to Bellagio -- of course, a visit to the famous conservatory was in order

The line for Starbucks at Caesars was shorter thanks to the Diamond/7 Stars line and I was able to grab a Venti Cold Brew with sugar free vanilla syrup and, for the first time, I tried the breakfast protein bites - egg, bacon and gruyere - they were delicious and hit the spot

Around about this time I got a text from my friend and joined him in heading to the outlet stores near downtown - I am not one to buy anything at an outlet store ever since years ago when I bought a leather jacket and, upon eventually wearing it, realized one sleeve was about 2" longer than the other -- fool me once!We then headed to the Fashion Show mall and checked out the scene - it is certainly a confusing mall with half floors galore.  Thereafter I retreated to my hotel room and relaxed for a bit watching some YouTube but snapped a couple of photos of the Vdara and some nice decor in the Crystals Shops

After relaxing in the room I felt the pangs of hunger and decided to try EATALY at the Park MGM - The meatballs, sauce and bread were delicious and I would highly recommend checking EATALY out if you are ever in the Park MGM feeling good and hungry.

It was then that I decided to try my luck at the tables agin and headed to the High Limit room - I played with the same dealer as last night while the same friendly pit boss oversaw the game -- I started off losing the first 3 hands and was finally dealt a 20 only to  push the dealer, who then proceeded to deal himself a natural 3 out of the next 6 hands -- it was not looking good as I was quickly down $500 -- however, a double down Ace, 4 v dealer 6 proved fruitful as I drew a 6 for 21 -- the hands got better and better and soon thereafter I had the $500 back on my side of the table -- I surrendered a 15 v 10, a 16 v 9 and another 16 v 9 before finally getting a split 2, 2 v dealer 5 -- on the first 2 I was dealt an 8, doubled and drew an Ace for 21 - the second 2 was ugly as I was dealt a 10 for 12 - all was not lost as the dealer, on cue, turned over a 10 for 15 and dealt himself Queen for 25 -- a couple of hands later the shoe ended and I was another $600 to the goodTrip is now +1800I am calling it a night and intend to get some rest for the upcoming weekend in Vegas Baby!!!

Quote: aceofspades

Sleep was interesting last night as my body could not figure out what time zone it was in.  I woke up at 3am wide awake after just falling asleep at midnight -- I managed to sleep on and off again until 6am when it was no use

I feel the same way. I get even more discombobulated when I add drinking to the wee hours of the morning in the mix.

Quote: aceofspades

however, a double down Ace, 4 v dealer 6 proved fruitful as I drew a 6 for 21 -- the hands got better and better and soon thereafter I had the $500 back on my side of the table -- I surrendered a 15 v 10, a 16 v 9 and another 16 v 9 before finally getting a split 2, 2 v dealer 5 -- on the first 2 I was dealt an 8, doubled and drew an Ace for 21 - the second 2 was ugly as I was dealt a 10 for 12 - all was not lost as the dealer, on cue, turned over a 10 for 15 and dealt himself Queen for 25 -- a couple of hands later the shoe ended and I was another $600 to the goodTrip is now +1800

Poetic Justice! I love it when the cards fall like it should. I'm glad for you. What amount would you say would be your happy stopping point for gambling? Up $3K, $4K, $8K, $10K???

Quote: SiegfriedRoy

I feel the same way. I get even more discombobulated when I add drinking to the wee hours of the morning in the mix.




Poetic Justice! I love it when the cards fall like it should. I'm glad for you. What amount would you say would be your happy stopping point for gambling? Up $3K, $4K, $8K, $10K???

Why would he stop if he still has time on the trip and came to play? The idea is to play for fun.

Quote: sodawater

Why would he stop if he still has time on the trip and came to play? The idea is to play for fun.

People have a stopping point. Maybe you don’t. Most people do unless you want to degen gamble for the rest of the trip.