Giving a New Player Your Second Spot
Only one casino in AC has this rule, the Borgata, and regardless of how long you've been at the table or how much you've won or lost, if someone comes up to the table and says they want to play but can't find a spot, the floorperson will tell whoever is playing two hands that they need to give one up. If multiple people are playing two hands, then it's usually the last one to sit down that has to give up a hand. Sometimes a couple will come up an try to get two spots together at the same table, forcing two players to each give up a spot.
For the last several years that the Borgata has been open, it's had me stumped as to why they continue with this rule. It always causes anger and resentment between the existing player and the newcomer, especially when the existing player is on a streak. Unfortunately, there are alot of people that take advantage of this rule and observe how well the players are doing before they try to force their way into the game. I've even seen some people leave their "losing" spot at one table, walk away for several minutes and then come back demanding a spot at a different table.
My personal feeling is that this rule is ridiculous. There is no reason why new players "deserve" a spot at a game. If a game you want to play is full - move on! Go play another game or find another casino.
Any other thoughts on this?
I think it's common courtesy not to hog two seats when the casino is busy, and a rather sad commentary that there needs to be a rule about it.
This is why I mostly play craps lol
Drop back to one circle if you are asked.
Quote: DJTeddyBearI think it's common courtesy not to hog two seats when the casino is busy, and a rather sad commentary that there needs to be a rule about it.
Agree completely. Sounds like the OP wants peer validation on her selfish behavior. I bet she straddles the white line in traffic too and complains when other drivers want her to stick to a lane.
Bottom line, she could probably play as many betting circles as she pleases IF she were tipping well enough.
What's the justification exactly for why the OP's table minimum or greater bet is worth less than someone else's? Why is this "selfish?"
Quote: sunrise089I guess I'm the only person who agrees with the OP. I think the "double minimum for two spots" rule is stupid, and I'm surprised otherwise fair and levelheaded members like those who posted above would make analogies like subway seats and (!) traffic lanes. I think the better analogy is airplane seats - if I buy 2 $200 tickets so I can spread out I sure don't see the need to give one up to a person who doesn't want to walk to his seat further back in the plane.
What's the justification exactly for why the OP's table minimum or greater bet is worth less than someone else's? Why is this "selfish?"
Your logic is flawed. I'm sure in your analogy you meant that if you paid DOUBLE for two airline seats (2x$400), then you can spread out as you wish. This is generally the casino rule. Double the table minimum for two circles. If you feel your ego on the airplane needs its own seat and you're willing pay double to stretch out while others stand, and accept their scorn, then I guess that's the kind of person you are. News stories pop up from time to time about someone so fat they're asked to buy two seats, but that person never volunteers to purchase FOUR seats just so they can stretch out.
I doubt you ever ride a public bus, but if you did, would you tell a pregnant woman "Sorry. I paid the driver 4 fares so I could stretch out. You'll just have to deal with it."? Bus won't let you do it, neither will casinos.
Quote: sunrise089if I buy 2 $200 tickets so I can spread out I sure don't see the need to give one up to a person who doesn't want to walk to his seat further back in the plane.
Sure, but you assume there's another seat farther back on the plane. I think this is a situation where no other seats exist in the casino at a given type of table game. To better match this situation, you'd have to assume that the plane was over sold by 1 seat and the extra passenger was requesting your second seat.
To me, a more appropriate analogy would be this: You get on line the night before tickets go on sale for the "Wizard of Vegas on Ice" because you want a good seat. The next morning a security guard tells you that people who just arrived who want to get in line near the front, but they couldn't get there the night before to secure a good spot. Security has decided that they will alternate the newcomers with the people who camped out overnight. Would this be fair?
I don't play slots, so I have to ask this: If you wanted to play at a specific type of slot machine and there was only 8 machines, two of which were being played by one person, would you get a slot attendant and have them tell the person to give up one of the machines?
Just an added note - I am a regular at the Borgata, but if I see there are no spots open, I will not ask someone to give up a spot, even if I see that 6 spots are taken by 3 people at each table. I'll play something else and then return later to see if there is an opening. But, based on the responses that many of you gave - I should just tell the floorperson I want them to make someone give up a spot. While I'm at it, should I make sure to request the spot of the player with the most chips?
It's great they're saving gas, but can't they do it in the right lane?
But if I'd been playing two spots and had to give one up and the guy taking it got "my" trips, no amount of telling myself "the cards don't exist until they're dealt," would keep me from being incensed at the interloper, and the pit boss who put him there.
On the other hand, if I wanted to play and all the spots were taken, I'd be grateful to be given a spot taken from a player betting on two or more spots, if the player agreed to give it to me or offered it. If he didn't, well, I wouldn't feel kindly but I'd understand. First come, first served.
Quote: weaselmanWhen riding on a local train, I like taking two seats that face each other, so that I can sit on one and rest my feet on the other. But sometimes, when the train is full, annoying people start asking me to give up one of the seats, as if they did not notice that I was there first. Sometimes, even a couple will show up, and make both me and my friend give up their second seats. On some trains the conductor is too busy or too lazy to come and ask me to free up the seat for the annoying people, and the rule "one seat per person" is not posted, so I can just tell them to go to hell. If you like to sit while riding, and all seats are taken, go find another train!
Although I agree with your ironical statement, the analogy is flawed. While in the train you only pay the ticket for only one seat, in the casino you pay for both spots if you spread.
Quote: weaselmanWhen riding on a local train, I like taking two seats that face each other, so that I can sit on one and rest my feet on the other. But sometimes, when the train is full, annoying people start asking me to give up one of the seats, as if they did not notice that I was there first. Sometimes, even a couple will show up, and make both me and my friend give up their second seats. On some trains the conductor is too busy or too lazy to come and ask me to free up the seat for the annoying people, and the rule "one seat per person" is not posted, so I can just tell them to go to hell. If you like to sit while riding, and all seats are taken, go find another train!
Maybe it is just me, but I find occupying two seats on a crowded train to be selfish. Call me annoying, but I think you should give up one of them to a standing passenger. I think what you do in this situation says a lot about the kind of human being you are. I guess I'm an annoying one.
As far as the casino is concerned, I have never payed in a place that asks the player playing 2 spots to give up a spot, as long as the person playing 2 spots is playing double the minimums. Thats the way it should be. If you are gonna keep someone from sitting because you want to take up 2 spots, you better be playing higher than the min. Just my opinion. And I think this is a fair rule after all the Casino is in the service industry, they are trying to make everyone happy.....If they dont have anything to gain by you playing 2 spots why make another person wait and maybe leave.
But the "I got there first" argument by the OP is just ridicules LOL. BY that logic 3 guys could go into a casino play 6 wide at a $5 table for $30 total and take up all 3 $5 tables "just becasue they got there first" do you really think that's in the casinos best interest?
Quote: NorthJerseyGirlOk, so you all think I'm selfish because I want to continue playing two spots, but your analogies don't quite hit the mark. If I was on public transporation where payment was made for a seat, then the purchaser is entitled to a seat, regardless of it's location.
That was not my analogy. On my local train you play fare to get from station A to station B. If there are available seats, you can use them, if not, you ride standing. I think, this is a perfect analogy for playing two spots.
It is not like buying two airplane tickets - in that case, yeah, you have pa paid for two seats, so you can use them. But in a "first come first served" scenario, if you come first, you get served once. Not as many times as you please.
You are not "paying" for two spots by placing two bets like you would by buying two plane tickets. You are not tipping twice. You are not spending twice as much in the shops. You are not bringing two spouses who kill time on the slots while you are playing a low edge blackjack, when you are done playing, both spots will become empty and stop making money for the casino etc.
Quote:
Just an added note - I am a regular at the Borgata, but if I see there are no spots open, I will not ask someone to give up a spot, even if I see that 6 spots are taken by 3 people at each table.
Do you draw a line anywhere? What if one guy is playing all six spots? Is it still ok with you?
How about one person on two entire tables?
Quote:But, based on the responses that many of you gave - I should just tell the floorperson I want them to make someone give up a spot. While I'm at it, should I make sure to request the spot of the player with the most chips?
It is up to you. Nobody said what you should do in this situation. The discussion was about what you should do when you are playing two spots, and there is somebody else who wants to play.
Personally, I never tell the floorperson. If a guy isn't considerate enough to just give up his second spot when he sees me standing by, I might ask him. If he refuses, I call him a jerk in my mind and move on. I won't escalate it to the authorities.
Similarly, I have never had a floorperson tell me to give up my second spot (granted, I don't play more than one very often, as I don't see much point in it to begin with), because I would give it up myself as soon as I notice that it is needed by someone.
Quote: MangoJAlthough I agree with your ironical statement, the analogy is flawed. While in the train you only pay the ticket for only one seat, in the casino you pay for both spots if you spread.
Not really. On the train, you don't pay for any seats at all. I am talking about my local train, I know there are other possibilities. You pay to get from A to B. If seats are available, you can use them, if not you ride standing, and your fare does not decrease because of that, meaning that the cost of the seat is not included into the fare.
In the casino on the other hand, you are not "paying for both spots" either. The spots are free, just like the seats on the train.
Quote: WizardMaybe it is just me, but I find occupying two seats on a crowded train to be selfish. Call me annoying, but I think you should give up one of them to a standing passenger. I think what you do in this situation says a lot about the kind of human being you are. I guess I'm an annoying one.
Wizard, I hope you are only pretending that you did not get the sarcasm of my post ...:)
In fact, I've seen signs, I believe in NYC subways, that able-bodied people are requested to stand and allow older/frailer people to take the seat.
The plane analogy doesn't work either. If you want to pay for two seats, go ahead. Those are reserved seats and you're paying for the privilege. In fact, some airlines try to charge overly obese people double fare for that exact reason. On a side note, if you want a bigger seat, just go for First Class.
If a casino has a rule that the minimum is double when playing two spots, then there should be no need to feel obligated to give up a spot. If the casino has no such rule, then it's rude to hog a second spot.
FYI: If two people are playing two spots and you ask the floor person for a spot, it's up to the floor person who has to give up a spot if neither volunteer.
Quote: NorthJerseyGirlI was wondering how everyone feels about being forced to give up one of your two hands (@ a Blackjack, 3-Card, and 4-Card table) to a new player that wants to play but can't find an open spot.
My personal feeling is that this rule is ridiculous. There is no reason why new players "deserve" a spot at a game. If a game you want to play is full - move on! Go play another game or find another casino.
Any other thoughts on this?
"Find another casino?" Isn't that the last thing the casino wants you to do? That's probably why they prefer more bodies at the tables.
I noticed a few analogies, but one stood out; the one about waiting in line all night for tickets to a concert, only for "newcomers" to be given an equal chance at the good seats. For decades, some promoters have held ticket lotteries (the usual method: if there are N people in line, someone will pick a random number from 1 to N, and everybody from there to the end of the line are moved to the front), although (a) this is usually to prevent scalpers from hiring people to wait in line for them, and (b) it doesn't work with online ticket sales.
One thing I don't understand: why is playing two hands such a big deal? Is it that much different from just doubling your bet on one hand (other than reducing the variance while counting the same amount of money towards comps)? Am I missing something obvious?
Here's a crazy idea; give a player the ability to bet on another player's hand. (The only problem is, you have to live with the other player's stupid decisions - "Why did you double on a hard 12?!")
"For the love of God, sir, there are two seats!"
"I like to put my feet up."
- Smithers, "discussing" with Mr. Burns why Burns won't let Smithers into his escape pod during some nuclear plant emergency, The Simpsons
Quote: NorthJerseyGirlI was wondering how everyone feels about being forced to give up one of your two hands (@ a Blackjack, 3-Card, and 4-Card table) to a new player that wants to play but can't find an open spot.
Only one casino in AC has this rule, the Borgata, and regardless of how long you've been at the table or how much you've won or lost, if someone comes up to the table and says they want to play but can't find a spot, the floorperson will tell whoever is playing two hands that they need to give one up. If multiple people are playing two hands, then it's usually the last one to sit down that has to give up a hand. Sometimes a couple will come up an try to get two spots together at the same table, forcing two players to each give up a spot.
For the last several years that the Borgata has been open, it's had me stumped as to why they continue with this rule. It always causes anger and resentment between the existing player and the newcomer, especially when the existing player is on a streak. Unfortunately, there are alot of people that take advantage of this rule and observe how well the players are doing before they try to force their way into the game. I've even seen some people leave their "losing" spot at one table, walk away for several minutes and then come back demanding a spot at a different table.
My personal feeling is that this rule is ridiculous. There is no reason why new players "deserve" a spot at a game. If a game you want to play is full - move on! Go play another game or find another casino.
Any other thoughts on this?
How strict is the Borg with that rule? Has a person betting black ever had to give up a spot to a $5 player?
I don't play in AC due to the lousy rules, although I visit a couple of times a year. When I did play at the Borg, the heat always seemed to come rather quickly. I can't tell you the number of times I've been half-shoed there.
Quote: DJTeddyBearThe train analogy? Just because it's not posted doesn't give you license to hog two seats. It's just common courtesy to not hog seats when people are standing.
Yes, that was exactly the point of the analogy.
Quote:If a casino has a rule that the minimum is double when playing two spots, then there should be no need to feel obligated to give up a spot.
I think, there still should be. Your courtesy "obligation" is to other players, not to the casino. The other players do not care how much you are betting.
Quote:If the casino has no such rule, then it's rude to hog a second spot.
I think, whether or not the rule exists is irrelevant. It may or may not be against the casino rules, but it is rude either way. Some casinos just have rules to prohibit or reduce the rude behavior of their players, and some do not.
Quote: AlanSome people are just far more considerate than others. 'nuff said.
I thought you were supposed to learn to share in kindergarten.
Quote: DJTeddyBearIf you want to pay for two seats, go ahead. [...] In fact, some airlines try to charge overly obese people double fare for that exact reason.
But they won't guarantee that the two seats will be adjacent.
Quote: ThatDonGuy
One thing I don't understand: why is playing two hands such a big deal? Is it that much different from just doubling your bet on one hand (other than reducing the variance while counting the same amount of money towards comps)? Am I missing something obvious?
AFAIK, It only makes sense if you want to reduce variance. But the point is you don't want that. In a negative expectation game, the variance is your friend, because it increases your probability of winning (yes, the probability of losing more goes up too, but if you don't like that, you can just bet less. I can't think of a rationale reason for anyone to want to bet more in a negative expectation game and be unwilling to raise variance at the same time).
Quote:Here's a crazy idea; give a player the ability to bet on another player's hand. (The only problem is, you have to live with the other player's stupid decisions - "Why did you double on a hard 12?!")
In blackjack, it is actually allowed in some (many? most?) casinos.
Quote:
"For the love of God, sir, there are two seats!"
"I like to put my feet up."
- Smithers, "discussing" with Mr. Burns why Burns won't let Smithers into his escape pod during some nuclear plant emergency, The Simpsons
Damn! So, I was not the first one who thought of this :(
Serioulsy though, I can see where there would be a slight advantage to playing two hands instead of one because you get to see some more cards. Espexially on Texas Hold'em Bonus. But don't block another customer to gain that advantage and don't be surley about it.
Quote: NorthJerseyGirlTo me, a more appropriate analogy would be this: You get on line the night before tickets go on sale for the "Wizard of Vegas on Ice" because you want a good seat.
How many hands do I have to play simultaneously to get those tickets comped?
Sorry; show title was just too good not to call attention to. *blushes*
My point is, betting double is the price you pay to play two spots, preventing someone else from playing at that secondspot. Similar to purchasing two airline seats.Quote: weaselmanI think, there still should be. Your courtesy "obligation" is to other players, not to the casino. The other players do not care how much you are betting.Quote: DJTeddyBearIf a casino has a rule that the minimum is double when playing two spots, then there should be no need to feel obligated to give up a spot.
If they force you to bet at double the minimum AND give up a seat, then there are problems.
I don't know about the airline you use, but Continental lets you pick seats before purchasing, and has a 24 hour no hassle refund policy.Quote: kpBut they won't guarantee that the two seats will be adjacent.Quote: DJTeddyBearIf you want to pay for two seats, go ahead. [...] In fact, some airlines try to charge overly obese people double fare for that exact reason.
So you CAN guarantee that they'll be together.
Quote: DJTeddyBearMy point is, betting double is the price you pay to play two spots, preventing someone else from playing at that secondspot. Similar to purchasing two airline seats.
It is not similar. Betting is not the same as paying. Not even similar.
You bet more money because you hope to win more or because you like the thrill or for whatever other reason ... Who says you actually would bet the minimum if there was no rule?
Betting is not the price of the game it is the game.
Quote:If they force you to bet at double the minimum AND give up a seat, then there are problems.
I don't see any problems. What are they? They don't "force" you to bet double minimum. They just say that the minimum is twice as high in that case. It is their right to set the minimum (and other rules) however they like.
Giving up the extra spot has nothing to do with how much you are betting. It is simply common courtesy.
Having said that I will always give up my second hand. But I have yet to be told why, especially on a slow day at a almost empty table, I should have to double my bet on each spot. Have had dealers or pit bosses tell me I might burn cards on first hand just to win second hand. Not sure that would have a positive EV even if I busted a $1 hand to try and win a $100 hand.
No double bet if playing 2 slot machines. Same if betting 2 roulette numbers, etc, Anybody got a VALID reason other than they think I will do it ?????
I think you misunderstood.
I don't think it's right to hog two spots, under any circumstance.
However, if the casino makes a rule that it's OK provided you play with minimums that are double, then that's their choice and their rules.
And under such rules, a player betting two spots should not be required to give up the second spot.
If the player looking to take someone's second spot doesn't like being refused, go to a casino that doesn't have that rule.
If a player wishing to use two spots doesn't like being required to give one up, go to a casino with the double minimum rule.
The general consensus, I think, from the players who play 2+ spots and don't want to give up a spot, is the other person (whoever wants to play) could find another table, another casino, what have you. My question is, would you feel the same way if there were no other spots, no other tables, no other casinos available?
I know it's a limited scenario, but if you're playing at some of the Indian casinos here in Arizona, due to the location of some of them, there would be no other choices available to you. So, imagine the following: you drive 40 minutes to a casino to play blackjack. When you get there, there's one table open, and that one table is full, except for one player playing two hands. Would you a) like to have that seat so you can play, b) wait around until someone left (knowing that this isn't really an option as the people waited so long, and there are no other casinos around, so they don't ever leave, or at least not for hours), or c) just go back home?
I think not!
Quote: buzzpaffCan anybody show me a house rule or gaming reg that says I have to pay double to bet 2 hands ??
I think not!
Here in Arizona, they do have in in their house rules that playing 2 spots requires betting at least double the minimum per spot, and playing 3 spots requires betting the maximum per spot.
Last time I was at Casino AZ (McKellips), I asked about taking a spot at the $5 table (guy was playing $10 on two as per the rules), and dealer said he has priority unless there is absolutely no other seat available in the casino. I thought this was fair. (My friends and I will sometimes commandeer a $5 table with 3x2x$10 per spot, so it's nice to have that priority.)Quote: konceptumHere in Arizona, they do have in in their house rules that playing 2 spots requires betting at least double the minimum per spot, and playing 3 spots requires betting the maximum per spot.
I don’t think it should be required for someone playing 2 hands to give one up if someone walks up and wants to sit and play. It seems like it’s a courteous thing to give up the extra spot if you’re the one playing two hands, but if I’m the one wanting to join in a table and I see someone playing two hands, I don’t expect him/her to give it up to me and I’m not bothered if they don’t. I also would not ask them if I can take their spot, I think that would be rude. Also if I am playing 2 hands and I notice that someone walks up, I keep playing but feel kinda uncomfortable like maybe they’re eyeballing me or breathing down my neck for me to give up the spot.Quote: NorthJerseyGirlMy personal feeling is that this rule is ridiculous. There is no reason why new players "deserve" a spot at a game. If a game you want to play is full - move on! Go play another game or find another casino.
Any other thoughts on this?
So I think to make it a rule to give up your extra hand so someone could sit down is silly. I’m guessing that maybe casinos don’t make this a rule from a financial standpoint. If I’m playing the $25 on the extra hand and I’m sitting at a $10 table, the person wanting to sit down is most likely only going to play $10 a hand, so the casino in a way is taking the gamble that they’re making more money off of the 2-hand player.
I don’t think you’re in the wrong at all. It’s funny how people can sit there and point fingers and say “you’re being selfish” like it’s a great sin. This may be bold of me to say but I don’t think that being selfish is always a bad thing. Isn’t almost anything we do in life for selfish purposes? Is it really my responsibility to consider others above myself? Abraham Lincoln has said something along the lines that even doing good things for others comes from a selfish place. Here’s a good article on the topic.Quote: NorthJerseyGirlOk, so you all think I'm selfish because I want to continue playing two spots
This has never happened to me yet but if I were playing 2 spots at once and someone asked me if they could take my extra spot I would think they were being rude and I would be thoroughly irritated.Quote: vert1276So I guess it could go either way...It's just common courtesy to give up a spot if someone asks for it......Also it is common courtesy to not ask someone to give up one of their spots becasue they were there first! I can see both sides I guess?....Personally? I would not have the heart to tell someone "I was here first go find your own seat" LOL But hey that's just me!
Also, in regards to the double the minimum if playing 2 or more hands, I did not know this for a long time but the maximum they make you double to at the casinos I've played at in Vegas is $25. So if I'm sitting at a $25 minimum table I can play 2 hands at once at just $25 a hand without being required to go any higher.
Quote: konceptumHere in Arizona, they do have in in their house rules that playing 2 spots requires betting at least double the minimum per spot, and playing 3 spots requires betting the maximum per spot.
Dinner in Vegas is on me if that rule is in print. Sounds like a figment of a pit bosses imagination. Play one spot at $5 OK
Play 2 spots at $10 Unfair Play 3 spots at $1,000 No Way.
Sounds like unwritten non-binding house rule. And different rules whether they like you or not. A stand alone slot had a jackpot in excess of $50,000. Usually it paid out in the $20,000 + range. It was near BJ pit and when this guy quit they put a reserved sigb on it. I asked and was it was to be held for an hour while he ate, After 2 hours I requested that I wanted to play. But when I finished the
shoe, the slot machine had an out-of-order sign. Not saying those rules in AZ are not true, but dinners on me if you get a copy of the
house rules on your next visit, Just ask for the BJ rules but don't be surprised if I am right.
Quote: buzzpaffDinner in Vegas is on me if that rule is in print. Sounds like a figment of a pit bosses imagination. Play one spot at $5 OK
Play 2 spots at $10 Unfair Play 3 spots at $1,000 No Way.
Sounds like unwritten non-binding house rule. And different rules whether they like you or not. A stand alone slot had a jackpot in excess of $50,000. Usually it paid out in the $20,000 + range. It was near BJ pit and when this guy quit they put a reserved sigb on it. I asked and was it was to be held for an hour while he ate, After 2 hours I requested that I wanted to play. But when I finished the
shoe, the slot machine had an out-of-order sign. Not saying those rules in AZ are not true, but dinners on me if you get a copy of the
house rules on your next visit, Just ask for the BJ rules but don't be surprised if I am right.
No need for dinner. I'm not a big fan of the casinos here in Arizona since they don't have craps, and don't visit them that often, but then next time I do, I will ask. Who do I ask for the rules? Pit boss? The max bet here in Arizona is only $500, but still, I've never seen anyone playing 3 spots.
It's two spots at 2x, and three spots at 5x. That's written down and posted behind every pit at the major Phx casinos. (Gilas and CAzs anyway).Quote: konceptumNo need for dinner. I'm not a big fan of the casinos here in Arizona since they don't have craps, and don't visit them that often, but then next time I do, I will ask. Who do I ask for the rules? Pit boss? The max bet here in Arizona is only $500, but still, I've never seen anyone playing 3 spots.
As a serious offer, konceptum if you want to meet up at one of the Casinos Arizona, dinner _is_ on me. I have a $45 comp that is expired and not in my name that I want to try and use. Generous offer, I know :)
I think the rule about betting 2x the minimum for two spots, and 3x-5x for three is reasonable. I think the player betting more than one spot should bet more than the minimum, because he may be keeping a high roller from playing, or slowing down play if one sits down anyway in an empty spot.
I often do bet two spots in blackjack, to reduce variance, slow down the game, and keep smokers away from me. If the casino were crowded and another player asked to have one of my spots I would allow it if he asked nicely and didn't show any signs of being a smoker. If he asked nicely, but did smoke, I would give it to him if he agreed to not smoke at the table.
In Macau they have no such rule. Often I will play all seven spots at the table minimum. However, there is never a shortage of empty spots there.
Also, the sarcasm about taking two seats on a public train did go over my head. Sorry about that.
Quote: WizardLet me chime in on this one.
I think the rule about betting 2x the minimum for two spots, and 3x-5x for three is reasonable. I think the player betting more than one spot should bet more than the minimum, because he may be keeping a high roller from playing, or slowing down play if one sits down anyway in an empty spot.
I often do bet two spots in blackjack, to reduce variance, slow down the game, and keep smokers away from me. If the casino were crowded and another player asked to have one of my spots I would allow it if he asked nicely and didn't show any signs of being a smoker. If he asked nicely, but did smoke, I would give it to him if he agreed to not smoke at the table.
In Macau they have no such rule. Often I will play all seven spots at the table minimum. However, there is never a shortage of empty spots there.
Also, the sarcasm about taking two seats on a public train did go over my head. Sorry about that.
Explain to me why on a Tuesday morning, with only me and one other player at a table, I have to bet $10 for 2 spots instead of $5 on each.
Quote: buzzpaffExplain to me why on a Tuesday morning, with only me and one other player at a table, I have to bet $10 for 2 spots instead of $5 on each.
Large businesses, like casinos, tend to be bureaucratic. No employee will ever get in trouble by following policy at such places.
Some large businesses promote initiative, with policies serving more as guidelines than absolute rules. Even so discretion tends to be found at higher levels. So a dealer would recite policy or maybe call the pit boos. The pit boss might decide it's better to have you play two hands at whatever level you like.
Quote: buzzpaffExplain to me why on a Tuesday morning, with only me and one other player at a table, I have to bet $10 for 2 spots instead of $5 on each.
Of course in that situation it seems unreasonable. However, the rule is there to keep minimum-bet players from occupying too many spots during the busy times. Most dealers and supervisors probably prefer hard and fast rules as opposed to arguing with players over breaking them.
