Just back from my first trip to LV since June. I try to avoid it during the triple-digit months.
First sign that games continue to deteriorate was the Oct CBJN. Several reports of worsening pen. The higher-end em-gee-em casinos got most of my play. They had the best games and took big bets well. Playing on grave in the morning was very difficult due to the small number of tables open everywhere. Mirage had few tables open even on days. Otherwise, the Strip was tough to play - a lot of walking with little table time. One day, I managed only 2 hours of table time during an 8 hour stretch. Wasted an hour at Ven/Pal, backcounting 8 deckers and nary a one went positive. Speaking of bad games, I saw a 8D, H17, 6:5 game at Mandalay Bay with a $50 minimum and 2 suckers at the table!
Off strip casinos had some good games, but sweatier than in the past. GVR called out checks play at $100 and pit made a phone call at $200. RR also at $200 - on a $50 table! Palace made the phone call at $100. No phone calls, but stared down at Em. And no back-offs - guess I got out in time...
Anyway, think it's going to be a while before I go back. My local casinos are so much easier to play efficiently, despite some recent worsening of conditions, too.
KJ - you should have stayed in Philly!
First sign that games continue to deteriorate was the Oct CBJN. Several reports of worsening pen. The higher-end em-gee-em casinos got most of my play. They had the best games and took big bets well. Playing on grave in the morning was very difficult due to the small number of tables open everywhere. Mirage had few tables open even on days. Otherwise, the Strip was tough to play - a lot of walking with little table time. One day, I managed only 2 hours of table time during an 8 hour stretch. Wasted an hour at Ven/Pal, backcounting 8 deckers and nary a one went positive. Speaking of bad games, I saw a 8D, H17, 6:5 game at Mandalay Bay with a $50 minimum and 2 suckers at the table!
Off strip casinos had some good games, but sweatier than in the past. GVR called out checks play at $100 and pit made a phone call at $200. RR also at $200 - on a $50 table! Palace made the phone call at $100. No phone calls, but stared down at Em. And no back-offs - guess I got out in time...
Anyway, think it's going to be a while before I go back. My local casinos are so much easier to play efficiently, despite some recent worsening of conditions, too.
KJ - you should have stayed in Philly!