Vegas Pentathlon
February 6th, 2011 at 11:09:05 PM
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New to the forum... wasn't sure this was in the right sub-forum - but wanted your guy's input.
Every year buddies and I go to Las Vegas - this year (next week) will be our seventh time.
We started this Vegas Pentathlon and the winner gets his name on a plaque that we hand off each year.
Rules:
We typically play at the Plaza, in an afternoon - where we can monopolize tables.
Each player starts with $25 per event. He must risk at least half of his stack ($12.50). Once he does this - he may stop at any time.
Time limit per event is 30 minutes. After all events, the winner is determined by the total amount of money left. The winner also receives $5 from each other player.
We play five games: Blackjack, Video Poker, Roulette, Craps, Slots - the order of the games are determined on the fly except that slots are last. This is due to the first year a guy hit a $400 slot to effectively end the competition before it started. Luck factor = last.
I am wondering the best way to go about this competition. The year I won it, I played it safe while the others lost their rolls.
Blackjack: we start at the beginning of a new shoe. Typically I will play half of my $25 and then stop unless the shoe is up (I am a partial counter). I know this is probably optimal because the other contestants will wager their entire stack.
Video Poker: according to the WoO Video Poker, I play very optimally. Unless I hit something big, I play until I have bet half of my stack.
Roulette: I have typically played half of my stack right away on Black or Red. If I win, I sit tight to see what others do. I may wager if someone else hits a number.
Craps: I typically do a hit-and-run involving field bets. I have pretty decent luck with them. (I wish I could say that I have a "feel" but realistically...)
Slots: I will play $1 slots and hope for a biggie.
My adversaries:
-Two are "all-or-nothing" types
-One is mathematically inclined (loves this site)
Any advice guys???
Thanks much!
-Andy
Every year buddies and I go to Las Vegas - this year (next week) will be our seventh time.
We started this Vegas Pentathlon and the winner gets his name on a plaque that we hand off each year.
Rules:
We typically play at the Plaza, in an afternoon - where we can monopolize tables.
Each player starts with $25 per event. He must risk at least half of his stack ($12.50). Once he does this - he may stop at any time.
Time limit per event is 30 minutes. After all events, the winner is determined by the total amount of money left. The winner also receives $5 from each other player.
We play five games: Blackjack, Video Poker, Roulette, Craps, Slots - the order of the games are determined on the fly except that slots are last. This is due to the first year a guy hit a $400 slot to effectively end the competition before it started. Luck factor = last.
I am wondering the best way to go about this competition. The year I won it, I played it safe while the others lost their rolls.
Blackjack: we start at the beginning of a new shoe. Typically I will play half of my $25 and then stop unless the shoe is up (I am a partial counter). I know this is probably optimal because the other contestants will wager their entire stack.
Video Poker: according to the WoO Video Poker, I play very optimally. Unless I hit something big, I play until I have bet half of my stack.
Roulette: I have typically played half of my stack right away on Black or Red. If I win, I sit tight to see what others do. I may wager if someone else hits a number.
Craps: I typically do a hit-and-run involving field bets. I have pretty decent luck with them. (I wish I could say that I have a "feel" but realistically...)
Slots: I will play $1 slots and hope for a biggie.
My adversaries:
-Two are "all-or-nothing" types
-One is mathematically inclined (loves this site)
Any advice guys???
Thanks much!
-Andy
February 6th, 2011 at 11:11:45 PM
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Ya may want to rethink the Plaza
I have a bewitched egg that I use to play VP with and I have net over 900k with it.
February 7th, 2011 at 3:05:14 AM
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>We typically play at the Plaza, in an afternoon - where we can monopolize tables.
Didn't that close or something. Anyway, I'd rotate the event around different casinos. Five half drunk gamblers having a contest ... you will be welcome anywhere, not just at a dump!
>Blackjack: Typically I will play half of my $25 and then stop unless the shoe is up
Optimal play, I think, would be to be able to Split and DoubleDown but as your half hour limit is approaching, go for broke!
>Video Poker: Unless I hit something big, I play until I have bet half of my stack.
At VP, just keep going until your time is up.
>Roulette: I have typically played half of my stack right away on Black or Red. If I win, I sit tight
I'd do Red/Black and 2nd dozen. Don't try to conserve your bankroll. I know its 5.26 percent but one of those guys might hit a number.
>Craps: I typically do a hit-and-run involving field bets. I have pretty decent luck with them.
Pass Line with odds. Field is a high edge for thirty minutes.
>Slots: I will play $1 slots and hope for a biggie.
Slots? When you get to the required 12.50... stop and tell everyone its time they had another round of drinks. I think there is some double diamond low but frequent payout slot, so select wisely.
Didn't that close or something. Anyway, I'd rotate the event around different casinos. Five half drunk gamblers having a contest ... you will be welcome anywhere, not just at a dump!
>Blackjack: Typically I will play half of my $25 and then stop unless the shoe is up
Optimal play, I think, would be to be able to Split and DoubleDown but as your half hour limit is approaching, go for broke!
>Video Poker: Unless I hit something big, I play until I have bet half of my stack.
At VP, just keep going until your time is up.
>Roulette: I have typically played half of my stack right away on Black or Red. If I win, I sit tight
I'd do Red/Black and 2nd dozen. Don't try to conserve your bankroll. I know its 5.26 percent but one of those guys might hit a number.
>Craps: I typically do a hit-and-run involving field bets. I have pretty decent luck with them.
Pass Line with odds. Field is a high edge for thirty minutes.
>Slots: I will play $1 slots and hope for a biggie.
Slots? When you get to the required 12.50... stop and tell everyone its time they had another round of drinks. I think there is some double diamond low but frequent payout slot, so select wisely.
February 7th, 2011 at 6:00:15 AM
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Yeah, I'm not sure if the Plaza slowed. My buddy said he got a room comped to him for this upcoming week...
February 7th, 2011 at 7:06:06 AM
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Quote: akatdrakeYeah, I'm not sure if the Plaza slowed. My buddy said he got a room comped to him for this upcoming week...
1. The Plaza hotel is closed for renovations.
2. The Plaza's table games were moved, at least for a while, to the Vegas Club. Are you sure they're back?
"So as the clock ticked and the day passed, opportunity met preparation, and luck happened." - Maurice Clarett
February 7th, 2011 at 10:51:15 AM
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Can you put winnings/savings from prior events back in action?
If so, I would recommend only risking the minimum on VP and Roulette and keep the left over for added action on the low HA games like BJ (with a positive count) and Craps (flat bet the Don't Pass, no odds to lower volatility). If you find you are well behind, or getting down to the felt before the slot round, then consider shooting the moon on a place bet on the four, six, eight or ten, AND an equal amount on the cooresponding Hardway. If the 30 mins are up, you can still take these two bets down (if they haven't already hit).
Good Luck, and Have Fun!
If so, I would recommend only risking the minimum on VP and Roulette and keep the left over for added action on the low HA games like BJ (with a positive count) and Craps (flat bet the Don't Pass, no odds to lower volatility). If you find you are well behind, or getting down to the felt before the slot round, then consider shooting the moon on a place bet on the four, six, eight or ten, AND an equal amount on the cooresponding Hardway. If the 30 mins are up, you can still take these two bets down (if they haven't already hit).
Good Luck, and Have Fun!
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication - Leonardo da Vinci
February 7th, 2011 at 3:31:08 PM
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I talked to my buddy and he said we got comped at the Las Vegas Club - so that's where it will be located at this year - or else at the Nugget.
We cannot put the winnings/savings toward another event.
Thanks fellas :):)
We cannot put the winnings/savings toward another event.
Thanks fellas :):)
