Barona and Chumash Casino's

[BlackBandit]

Hey guys, I'm not really new to the forums, as I would always read everything posted, just never created an account until now. I've been counting now for 7 months and am going to be living in San Diego soon... was wondering what all the casinos down there are like, I heard Barona is a favorite, but was curious about the heat from that place. I've already read all about the rules there, but if anyone could let me know anything they know about the place it would be greatly appreciated.

I also have been hitting up the Chumash Casino up by Santa Barbara for the last 6 months... if anyone has any questions on that just shoot it my way.. i know the place like the back of my hand.. literally

-bandit

[Gordon Gekko]

I guess the only question I have is why do you play Chumash? I suggest you research the archives on "How to find a playable game". I can't remember the last time Chumash had a decent game. I did see Social Distortion there last year and it was a kick-ass show.

gg

[EasyRhino]

Barona isn't too sweaty. But there is seldom good penetration.

There are also 6 or 9 or so other casinos in the county.

[Mimosine]

i played chumash 3 weeks ago, it is really an awful game. PM me if you know something different.

as far as SD goes, you should consider: Barona, Golden Acorn, Valley View and Pala. Viejas and Sycuan are horrible from a player's perspective both on rules and pen the last time i was there.... i can swap more info, if indeed you have something useful to share about chumash.

Chumash sent me some coupons that i have to use, but the thought of driving that far for their game is only tolerable by the view on the way up....

[BlackBandit]

Agreed that the Chumash isn't the best, but at the same time, I can't complain because it is only a few blocks from where I live...

[ihate17]

In most cases San Diego casinos have other casinos close enough to them that they must compete with each other in comps or game choices or both to lure players in.
You will find this extremely different than the Chumash operation where they take the attitude that there are no other casinos to compete with so we can offer you the world's worst comp rate combined with inferior blackjack. In many ways the Chumash is right because there is no other casino within 5 hours drive.

ihate17

[7410sb]

I enjoy playing at the chumash. It's only about 30 mins from santa barbara, where i live. The game they offer is 6 deck, H17, DAS and blackjack pays 3:2. They usually have about 4 5$ tables open during the day, and more in the evening. They can get pretty full at times. Most people playing them don't have a clue though.. You can always find a 10$ or 25$ table open. Alot of the time they are empty. I've been going weekly for the past few months. I usually do pretty good. The last 3 times I've gone I have played for about 3 hours each day and have walked out 150$ up. I just play basic strategy. Oh and believe it or not, most of the dealers DO know basic strategy.

[Mimosine]

Originally Posted by 7410sb

I just play basic strategy.

from a BS perspective it isn't the best game because the rules aren't that hot, but from a counter's perspective it is a poor game. pen is about 66% consistently - bad for counter's, OK for BS players, since it SLOWS the game down. 2 deck chop on a 6D H17 game with no LS. only worth playing with a strong wong strategy.

[ihate17]

Originally Posted by Mimosine

from a BS perspective it isn't the best game because the rules aren't that hot, but from a counter's perspective it is a poor game. pen is about 66% consistently - bad for counter's, OK for BS players, since it SLOWS the game down. 2 deck chop on a 6D H17 game with no LS. only worth playing with a strong wong strategy.

From my last peak at the Chumash, they actually have improved their pen since my last visit 6 months ago. Of course I only looked at one shift but 1.5 seemed like the norm, but still nothing to write home about.

Since every blackjack table at the Chumash has an ASM, the house loses nearly nothing by offering bad pen when compared to a hand shuffle game.

ihate17

[JulieCA]

I've been playing at Chumash quite a bit lately because I've been in the area on other business.

I'm still practicing my counting, so I'm a BS player. The penetration is still bad - very few dealers are penetrating at less than 70% on the 6D game.

There are a LOT of ploppies, especially in the summer and especially after 5:00 or 6:00 p.m. I generally try to play there early in the day and leave by about 4:00.