LV Travelogue (and a small favor to ask)

Hello all,

I haven't been here in a while but I got back from my first trip to Vegas about 2 weeks ago (yeah, it took me that long to recover) and decided to share some snippets/observations with you.
I was on vacation so didn't really use my 'advantage play' prowess to full extent; I was just thrilled to find $3 tables and drink myself to death.
One thing that kinda drove me crazy was that dealers in LV do not show the 'exposed card' until they've dealt the second hand to the players. I know it doesn't matter either way but I just couldn't get used to it. The only other place I've played before was AC and they always flip over the 'exposed card' first and then deal the second round.
I tried counting cards (hi-lo + tracking aces) and I have to admit that it was pretty easy when playing double deck. I've also tried playing single deck (never have before) and it was fun to actually hold the cards. However, I found it more difficult to count cards because of the way the players place/throw them on the table (quite a bit of rubbernecking involved). Another thing that's different in AC is that dealers usually show 'burn cards' all the time (even if they don't, you can ask them and then they'll just start showing it every single time from then on). I was playing at the single deck table and at that time really wasn't counting and was quite tipsy but I asked to see the 'burn card' because I figured it was going to benefit another person at the table (khm khm) and the dealer told me that they're not allowed to show it. Is that true? I know that in AC they don't care much about card counting (and besides why would they, the rules are pretty lousy) and that in LV they tend to be a bit more vigilant about it but I didn't know they care that much.
I stayed at the Golden Nugget and wasn't very impressed at all (to say the least). My choices were GN, MGM Grand and Monte Carlo but since I read a lot about downtown I figured I was going to find best games there so then why not just stay there as well. I think next time I'll stay on the strip and just take a cab downtown.
I spent a lot of time at El Cortez. I think it's really not fair that the place gets such a bad rap. I've walked around alone and never had any issues whatsoever. I really liked the atmosphere, it was kinda old school and definitely 'eclectic' and 'eccentric'. There was something homey about it.
Anyhow (this is the 'favor part'), I was wondering if any of you go there on a regular basis? You can send me a pm if you'd rather not talk about it on the forum. I just have a couple of questions to ask; i.e. I'm kinda looking for someone who might be a bit of a fixture there and was wondering if you could help.
Thanks.

Did you ever think that the EC might get a bad rap because some folks want to keep it to themselves. Who wants a bunch of touristas ruining the place.

Oh, c'mon no need to call people names.
If I wanted to be a bona fide tourist, I'd go see one of those crappy shows on the strip, or I'd catch 'the Light Show' on Fremont Street or 'the Water Show' at the Bellagio.
I was surprised the place was pretty empty on a Friday night...When I sat down I kept asking how come there aren't that many people here and the guy next to me said 'because this place is a shithole'. I told him that he's not being very nice.
Btw, do you live in LV?

No. I live in NY,but will be spending quite a bit of time in Nevada the next few months.

El Cortez

I spend a lot of time at the EC. They give me $50 in free play for cashing each SSA check, and good monthly coupons for better restaurants than one would expect. It is a VP paradise, and good for red chip BJ play, but very sweaty.

Can I come with you?
Do you work? How the heck can you take off just like that? *green with envy*

Work hard,stay in school,eat your veggies,take your vitamins and say your prayers.Then,someday,you too can be a casino bum.
By the way- it helps if you don't have kids. No braces,no piano lessons,no college funds,no weddings.Best of all- no alimony.

Good answer are you saying that it is real good place to play at and AP want to keep it to themself ? So what you read here you do that opposite of the advice of the poster because they want to keep the good games to themself. It sorts of reminds me of the Seinfield eposide were George done everthing the opposite and was succesful. I think now I am begining to figure out this forum. It's like the Riddler writing these messages you really have to analaze them close. A lot of double meanings.

I don't see any kids in my future--at least not in a 3 mile radius (neighbors are allowed to have them, if they must). I do work hard, done with school, love veggies, take B12 supplements (would that suffice?) but alas, don't pray much. Does meditation count? Do I get to be a casino bum now?

I also prefer it if the dealer's up card is first, as it allows for faster decision-making on the play.

... but I got over it.

Thank you!
At first I just couldn't deal with it and kept whining and complaining to every single dealer (to no avail) but after a couple of days, I've accepted it. Didn't get used to it mind you, but have made peace with it.
I completely agree that it's easier/faster to make decisions because you've already seen the exposed card while the dealer's still doing his thing and that kinda gives you enough time to reevaluate your strategy and devise your course of action.
So none of you call El Cortez your home?
I'm looking for a guy I saw there a couple of weeks ago.

Ratty Little Asian guy,smokes Tareytons,plays the Royal Match?

Errrm...no.
I was thinking more along the lines of a not so subtle card counter.

What does he look like/what was he doing? Im in the Cortez every now and then.

Well, he looked like a normal guy. Now I wish he had a glass eye, or a unibrow or an extra finger or two…At least it would be a whole lot easier to track him down.
What was he doing? He was counting cards---duuuh!
The Black Swan, says you? It’s sitting on my nightstand along with The Drunkard’s Walk (and a copy of Nausea in French strangely) but I have yet to read it. I’ve developed some strange allergies lately….written word, mostly. However, that does not apply to People magazine; I read it religiously and it makes me shooper shmart!
So nice of you guys to participate in my little quest. Unfortunately I haven’t thought this through so I haven’t prepared any prizes but do let me know when you head to AC—I’ll meet you there and buy you a drink. God, this has got to be one of my least favorite ploppyisms: “C’mon get yourself something to drink; it’s on me”. Aaarrgh.