Hello everyone,
I just want to post a quick update on my findings and results in Laughlin. This was my first counting trip.
Thanks for the advice about places to play. I played at the Pioneer, Flamingo and checked out the River Side.
The Pioneer was pretty slow and the 2 times I played there I was with one or two other people or just myself and the dealer. BJ payed 3:2, and Double on any 2 cards, H17, noDAS. The big thing I noticed was the 55%-60% penetration.
The Flamingo had approximately 70% pen. and same rules as the Pioneer. Before my trip I wondered if I would be able to tell the difference in penetration, but it was very obvious although I still have a lot to learn with estimating.
The River Side had a lot of 1D tables, but they were packed so I stayed away.
Overall my experience was very positive and rewarding. I left Laughlin up 15 units (I only played $5 tables). It was awesome ramping bets when I knew there was an advantage. I did get killed in one session at the Pioneer when the count shot way up (+9) at one point. I had my max bet out 2 times in a row and the dealer got blackjack both times. On the next hand, I have 20 and she drew to a 3 card 21. But, at least I fell back on "the count was up, I played it correctly" although it did sting a bit.
I did realize I need A LOT more practice. When playing at a table with more than 2 or 3 people I would easily lose the count. Especially if the dealer had 21 and everyone flips up their cards at once...that killed me. But, since practicing BS I was able to flat bet and ride out the deck and not get killed because of raising my bet on "gut feelings".
On a side note, the Flamingo was purchased by MGM (I believe). Players do not get rated unless betting a minimum of $15, which left me out. The Pioneer will rate people on a $3 table... I'm sure someone else knows the details, but there were like 5 or 6 casinos purchased by MGM and some other company. This might be old news, but news to me...
Thanks again for the help and I'm looking forward to going again in the near future!
I just want to post a quick update on my findings and results in Laughlin. This was my first counting trip.
Thanks for the advice about places to play. I played at the Pioneer, Flamingo and checked out the River Side.
The Pioneer was pretty slow and the 2 times I played there I was with one or two other people or just myself and the dealer. BJ payed 3:2, and Double on any 2 cards, H17, noDAS. The big thing I noticed was the 55%-60% penetration.
The Flamingo had approximately 70% pen. and same rules as the Pioneer. Before my trip I wondered if I would be able to tell the difference in penetration, but it was very obvious although I still have a lot to learn with estimating.
The River Side had a lot of 1D tables, but they were packed so I stayed away.
Overall my experience was very positive and rewarding. I left Laughlin up 15 units (I only played $5 tables). It was awesome ramping bets when I knew there was an advantage. I did get killed in one session at the Pioneer when the count shot way up (+9) at one point. I had my max bet out 2 times in a row and the dealer got blackjack both times. On the next hand, I have 20 and she drew to a 3 card 21. But, at least I fell back on "the count was up, I played it correctly" although it did sting a bit.
I did realize I need A LOT more practice. When playing at a table with more than 2 or 3 people I would easily lose the count. Especially if the dealer had 21 and everyone flips up their cards at once...that killed me. But, since practicing BS I was able to flat bet and ride out the deck and not get killed because of raising my bet on "gut feelings".
On a side note, the Flamingo was purchased by MGM (I believe). Players do not get rated unless betting a minimum of $15, which left me out. The Pioneer will rate people on a $3 table... I'm sure someone else knows the details, but there were like 5 or 6 casinos purchased by MGM and some other company. This might be old news, but news to me...
Thanks again for the help and I'm looking forward to going again in the near future!