The Cal: BJ & VP

I browsed through the 3 pages under Boyd Gaming Casinos, but did not find a thread about playing BJ or VP at The Cal. Perhaps there' s a thread somewhere else - I'll keep on looking.

We'll be visiting there this coming October for a few days.

Can anyone share experiences or suggestions about playing:

1. 3:2 Blackjack at one of their tables, $5 bets

2. Video Poker Deuces are Wild, $0.25 machines (max play at $1.25 per hand)

I did check out the website of vpfree2 for locations of the VP Deuces are Wild machines, and I've read the Wizard of Vegas's Blackjack survey. I also have the Wizard's BJ strategy card, and I've printed out the Wizard's Simple Strategy for Deuces are Wild.

Quote: LostWages

I browsed through the 3 pages under Boyd Gaming Casinos, but did not find a thread about playing BJ or VP at The Cal. Perhaps there' s a thread somewhere else - I'll keep on looking.

We'll be visiting there this coming October for a few days.

Can anyone share experiences or suggestions about playing:

1. 3:2 Blackjack at one of their tables, $5 bets

2. Video Poker Deuces are Wild, $0.25 machines (max play at $1.25 per hand)

I did check out the website of vpfree2 for locations of the VP Deuces are Wild machines, and I've read the Wizard of Vegas's Blackjack survey. I also have the Wizard's BJ strategy card, and I've printed out the Wizard's Simple Strategy for Deuces are Wild.

I don't know about their blackjack but if you're going to play Deuces Wild for quarters, or any video poker for quarters for that matter, and you're going to choose between the Cal or Main Street, remember that they give scratchers for natural 4-of-a-kind at Main Street. And I'm pretty sure the points are reduced in both casinos for the better pay table of Deuces (NSU). Just so you know.

Could you explain to me what are "scratchers"? Thanks for the tips!

Quote: LostWages

Could you explain to me what are "scratchers"? Thanks for the tips!

On natural 4 of a kinds or better, you get a scratch of card worth a minimum of $2.00.

Tks - learning something everyday (hour) on this forum . . .

Even if they were all $2, (and you can win up to $5000), it adds about 0.4% to the return on most JoB type games. Haven't plugged it into DW though.

Quote: Ibeatyouraces

Even if they were all $2, (and you can win up to $5000), it adds about 0.4% to the return on most JoB type games. Haven't plugged it into DW though.

For natural quads, natural straight flushes, and natural royals at $2 per scratchoff, it adds 0.30% to NSUD at the quarter level. VPFree2 doesn't mention reduced points for one of the banks at MSS, but that info might be dated too.

http://www.vpfree2.com/casino/main-street-station-casino

Different scratchers are issued for quarter and above denominations (usually $2) and dime and below denominations (usually $1)

I just came back from Vegas and walked through the casino., The bar at the back of the casino has been completely refurbished (they are working through the entire casino). It is GORGEOUS but they are paying for it by installing 7-5 JoB. :-(

Was very sad to see this and worry about pay table cuts across downtown.

rs actuary - thanks for your share, sorry I replied late. Getting excited for my first encounter at a BJ table in Vegas!