Any tips on Comps?

I'm heading to Vegas on Thurs, staying at the Plaza. I'm 22 and I'll be with a bunch of other drunks from my fraternity so I doubt the casinos will go out of their way to court my business. I'm bringing about $500 for two nights, probably play $5 or $10 min. tables. I'm not expecting much but a buffet or two would be nice, right?

If anyone has any tips on what casino/table/polite ways to ask/etc. I'd appreciate the help.

the Chief

If you played solid for your stay at the Plaza at red chip levels, you might once have gotten comp'd a buffet either at Plaza or over at the Upper deck at Las Vegas Club. But with the purse-strings pulled tight by the new Plaza management, I just have my doubts.

But, do keep Upper Deck in mind. After 11pm they have a breakfast special (steak and eggs) for $2.99. Lots of other very reasonable priced meals too.

Binions has $4.99 Prime Rib every evening. Golden Gate has that $.99 Shrimp Cocktail and they also have some very good dinners on their menu (I like the spagetti and meat balls!)

A little pricier but still a good deal is the $13 buffet at Main Street Station. My kids really like that buffet.

Plaza is good, so are Cortez, LLuck, Mainstreet. Use your player's card for two hours and then don't be shy. Say, "Have I earned a meal in this joint yet?" If not ask, "How much more play do I need with my whacko progression betting scheme to get a couple of meals?" Comp City is a MUST READ on this subject BTW. zg

zengrifter stole a little of my thunder, as I was also going to suggest Rubin's 'Comp City.' I have used a number of techniques detailed in the book with much success.

Just a couple of bullet points you might want to keep in mind (with thanks to Mr. Rubin) .. always buy in for at least $100, even if you don't plan on playing through the whole amount. The dealer has to alert the floorperson, who will at least have to glance over and acknowledge that you're sitting there.

BE NICE! A tip or two for the dealer can't hurt, and when the floorperson comes over to get your Player Card info, make a little pleasant chit-chat.

If you do converse with a particular floorperson, and you have an idea they'll be working the next day .. stop at a sports book at a neighboring casino the next morning, make an $11 win bet on the AFC in this Sunday's Pro Bowl, and give the ticket to your floorperson that evening. He/She will probably write you a buffet comp on the spot, and your rating can enjoy some substantial padding.

Don't forget the fun books and coupons - they can add up.

And if you make your way from Fremont Street to the Strip, the Imperial Palace offer some very liberal comps and decent BJ tables.

Enjoy!

Thanks

Thanks, these all sound like obvious moves but I wouldn't have thought of them. I still couldn't get any love, but I think it's because I was too excited/drunk to sit in one spot for more than 15 minutes.

Also, while I was at the craps table: If I played for a few minutes before handing the boss my card they'd just ask what I bought in for. I'd almost triple my actual buy in and I think they'd take my word for it.

thanks again, the Chief

Chief where did you play craps at and at what limits? I am 21 and will be going with some friends with a limited bank roll also. IF you have any advice or tips for me I would really appreciate hearing about them. Thanks Bosco

Here's a tip - DON'T PLAY CRAPS. Only play BJ AFTER you've learned correct basic-strategy or acquired same on a small card for use at the table.
- ZenChief

I have already got basic strategy down pretty good and am still practicing it daily just to make sure. Craps seems fun and I have found the best bets in it which hold nearly the same house edge as BJ with BS, craps seems fun because it does not involve much thinking. I am thinking about learning the optimum strategy for video poker as well for this trip I want ot focus on minimizing my losses. In the fture that will not be the case. I have Play black jack like the pros on the way to me now. What do you think about that book? Bosco4300

Play Blackjack Like the Pro's by Kevin Blackwood is a really good choice for anyone new to blackjack. He explains, basic strategy,and many counting systems with a lot of helpful tips, and advice. Very good choice

Craps at the Plaza

Forgive the old man, Bosco, he refuses to recognize the value of a good time. I was playing craps at the Plaza: $5 min, 5x odds. The dealers there were relaxed and having a good time and didn't mind giving tips (ex: bet $6 instead of $5 on place bets b/c of rounding). Most people at this site recommend heading downtown to play and I completely agree. BTW: I feel obliged to include that I lost ~$250 on craps, and was up ~$500 on BJ.

Aspara- "Ask a sincere question, get a sincere answer" -Chief

[zg, I'm flattered, but please dont adopt my persona; neither of us wants to be confused with the other.]

Nice 500 at blackjack. What minimum? I am thinking I will stay at like $5 a hand.

The only reason I stay away from Craps is the variance. True, the house edge (especially with the odds bets) are close to BJ....but I've found that it takes me a lot larger bankroll to play Craps because of the swings.

I would think that ZG is coming at Craps from an advantage player's point of view in not recommending it. He can improve his percentages at blackjack but it's not easily done with craps!

For the '84 crowd:

I always tried to play at $5 min. tables, but just to give myself options. i was usually betting 10/15. You can only win what you bet, and if you've got BS and you can afford to lose it, I say give it a shot. BTW: my -250/+500 comment earlier was intended to disuede you from craps, not advocate higher bets on BJ, but whatever; just so you know where I'm coming from.

I think Mike is absolutely right about the variance on craps though. And even after the statistical arguments, Its very easy to bet 10 or 15 after each roll, get 100 onto the table and crap out. I had much more trouble controlling myself with craps.

For a vacation player the best tip I could give is when you're up, cash out and spend some money. We went to the Wynn, dropped $260 of the casinos money on dinner (for 3) and we all felt like rock stars. I'd also recommend Coyote Ugly (at New York, NY) once your good and liqoured up. I wasn't impressed by Hooter's; small, crowded, and bad games, but you might give it a shot (there's always the scenery).



Good Luck, Get Drunk, and Rock out with your Cock out - It's Vegas, Baby!

I like AsparChief's avatar - its the expression of one driven mad by progression-betting. zg