xxxHollywoodCharlestownWVAxxx for my anniversary

I didn't think I would be returning to Charlestown anytime soon, but today was my anniversary and my wife say, "We haven't been to Charlestown in a long time." So, not having anything else planned in stone, we jumped in the van and headed for Charlestown. Now after all this time, you would think that the games there had settled down. Nay, nay! Upon entering the casino I traveled from pit to pit and discovered, even on this relatively slow night, there was not a single blackjack game less than $25. The main pit was nothing but $100 and $50--I did not check out the high limit pit except the closest to the promenade and it was also $100. Tho only other pit with blackjack was near the buffet and it was all $25. So the wife went to get something to eat and I screwed around with some VP and slots. No good. These are the tightest machines on earth. So even though I have been avoiding the green chip games, there was nothing else, so I waited half an hour for a seat.

The first shoe saw more dealer blackjacks than should ever be permitted. The count did turn positive and I lost 2 hundred dollar stacks to dealer blackjacks. Somewhere in the second shoe I found myself buying in another $300 in chips. Luck was up and down, even though the shoe turned prematurely positive. Finally, with somewhere between a 3 and 4 percent advantage, I pushed two hundred dollars out. I received a 5/3 and the dealer had a 5 upcard. I seldom get this chance to double down on an 8, but there it was and I wasn't going to half step other than the fact that I should have been betting $250 - $300. I had to cash another $100 to make the double down with $50 left over. The ploppy to my right predicted an Ace, and sure enough the dealer dealt me an Ace. Everyone congratulated me on my decision to double down. I don't remember what the dealer had, but he made an 18 and I won. The next hand I lowered my bet to $100, and don't you know, I hit a blackjack, which ended the shoe. So I cashed in an even $1,000 for a $300 win. Happy anniversary!

We just got back a few minutes ago. I sure do like it when all ends well. How soon we forget those nightmare sessions, and I've had my share. Note to self: "Playing at higher levels than you feel comfortable at causes you to under-bet your advantage. Better to avoid casinos where they have no $5, $10 or $15 games." But I guess I can forgive myself. After all, it wasn't my idea, and it was our anniversary. How many players could turn around and walk out without giving it a shot?

PS--I am absolutely amazed that xxxHollywoodxxx can continue to keep it games at such high stakes and fill so many tables without burning out half its customers. Maybe they are burning out, and what we see from week to week are new sheep for the shearers. There just can't be that many people coming from mainly 60 miles around who have the bankrolls to sustain these $25 to $100 games for long.

Aslan,
you're forgetting that Fairfax and MoCo are two of the richest counties in the country. Not to mention that xHollywoodx has a monopoly right now over them pretty much. Also most players stupidly think $200-400 will be enough to play a $25 game It's too bad you couldn't go to AC. It was EMPTY Tuesday night and Wed mid day.

Shoot, CTown was touting that 12 of the richest county in the nation are within 60 miles of their casino. I have seen one $15 once in the non-smoking pit, but that was the only time I did not see $25 and up for table limits. I went up for Veteran's Day, and they staffed the casino like it was a normal weekday - Crowds everywhere, and only 4 blackjack tables open. Hope they learn from that experience for the next "minor" federal holiday.

-B

Yeah, I know, but I just don't get the impression that the people I see at Ctown are the wealthy from Fairfax and Mont Co. Maybe some of the Asians are owners of restaurants (I did meet the owner of a Thai rest. in Herndon VA on my last trip), but by and large the people seem like ordinary folks on ordinary incomes. I wonder what the expected annual losses are for a ploppy with only 3/4 basic strategy, which is the typical player at Ctown? It can't be too good.