OK, we are less than 4 weeks away from Vegas. 4 weeks! After this week, I need a week in Vegas, with my wife gone for a week in Europe and then coming back with the stomach flu. Nice.
So, to start off, what are our superstitions in Vegas? What I mean by this is - what will you (or won't you do) at the table? In the casino? You may call these "idiosyncracies", or "priniciples" - but you'll soon see what I mean..
Craps:
1. I always want to have a spot at the end of the table, preferably in the "straight out" position. Next best thing is to have a spot right next to the dealer (not the stickan). I'll do the hook ok. I really do not like the play when I am 1 or 2 away from the box man.
2. Open table? Hell yes! Absolutely.
3. I prefer to have the dealers on my left (and the boxman on the right) if I am at the head of the table.
4. I will not tip the dealers on the pass line anymore. In 2006, I think, I lost 12 straight pass line bets when I put something for the dealers on the line. No more. I will throw a dollar on the field on the come out instead of the line.
5. Within a roll, I will always throw the dice the same way. Right hand low, lef thand lob, whatever. Whatever I started with when I got the dice, I will not change. However, once I seven out and then the dice come back to me, I will change my method of throwing.
6. If I stumble or balk when picking up the dice, I will do a Ben Crane - set the dice down, reset, and start the routine over again.
7. Hitting chips at the end of the table? Hell yes! I even aim for them (if Wiz isn't there as a target).
8. I love the hard 4 and 10, don't bet the hard 6 and 8. This is foolish, I know....
9. Dice choice? I will pick two dice that add up to 8. If I don't have that (say, 3 1's, a 2 and a 5), I will jiggle the dice to get an 8.
Blackjack
1. I don't like to sit at 3rd base. Too much pressure. I actually love 1st base.
2. From about 2003-2007, I hated cutting. Now, I don't mind it so much. And I do believe in "thin to win".
3. I need to start asking for 2 less than I desire. For instance, if I have 14, I will ask for a 5. The cards can hear you, think you want a 5, and will give you a 6 or 7. Ha! I tricked them!
4. I love the long wipe of the hand across the cards to signify "stay" - especially if I have 20 vs a dealer 5. Really, Mr. Einstein? You are staying? Yes sir!
5. Unlike craps, I am a little leery of open blackjack tables.
6. Insurance? Mer is not on this trip to guide me. I am not a crazy zealot against insurance. I will take it when I have a feeling.
Pai Gow (Poker)
1. I pick up the 7 cards and try to place them in the same hand when I start winning. I will change hands on a losing streak.
2. I love the "Jeff Zahn" method of exposing one card at a time, and then letting a big sigh when the 7th card does not pair my hand, or fill a straight or a flush. This is from my dad who always, always did this when picking up his hand in bridge. The 13th card was never good for him.
3. I am not afraid to ask the dealer for help.
UTH
Still too new to have superstitions yet here. We will have to develop some on this trip. Unlike blackjack, I don't mind sitting at 3rd base. In fact, I will sit on the corners at this table.
Sports Book
1. One-stop shopping. I try to make one trip for a group of games. One trip to get 8 tickets.
2. I will order the tickets by tip-off time; earliest tip-off goes in front.
Roulette
1. I don't like sitting at the end of the table (near the column bets). Like to be as near to the wheel as possible.
Slots
1. If I have to, I will only play slots with a handle - and I will use the handle.
4 comments:
great post. a couple of thoughts:
Craps:
1. I've changed my dice choice. I used to grab for the dice that added up to an 8, but I started to never roll an eight. So now I grab for the dice that add to a seven.
2. I love being next to the stick man. Something about whispering in his ear about a $2 Yo or $5 on the hard 10 is exciting. I'm growing tired of launching these wagers from the end of the table.
BJ
1. I heart third base. I like the elbow room.
2. I make sure that I wish everyone good luck when they have an ace. And shout "Backdoor" if they have a ten. Yup, still do it.
3. I will avoid a table that has a young couple present. One of the two has no clue how to play, with a good chance that they are both clueless. And its so depressing when it is the guy that is the dumbass.
4. The dealer change to the asian female who doesn't speak english is a must pick up and leave.
Roulette
1. I'm always polite and let others place their wagers first. I hate those idiots that have no patience and plow through everyone.
2. I always watch the ball. Some people just sit there. I like to watch and then get all excited when it bounces out of my number.
3. Hold hands with girls that are sitting next to me when I have $500 on black...wait that's not me.
UTH
I'm trying to think about something, but I can't.
Craps
1. I try to have only one hand ever touch the chips.
2. I rarely place a come bet immediately after the point has been established.
3. I like the low running toss, and KEEP your hands up.
4. There is nothing worse than someone who asks the same question a jagillion times. Just get up and leave.
BJ
1. First or third base. I really have no preference.
2. I WILL NOT PLAY AT A TABLE THAT HAS THE DAMN CONTINUOUS SHUFFLING MACHINE. AVOID AVOID AVOID
3. I love the aggressive double down on 8 against a dealer 5, or should I say, I love watching Wiz take this action.
4. I love watching people go ballistic when someone doesn't follow the book (I'm not being critical here, but for whatever reason, it usually doesn't bother me that much)
5. I hate folks standing behind and commentating. Sit down or shut up.
UTH
1. I look forward to some idiot criticizing my all in 4x with Q8 off suit ...
2. ...and then telling me I'm a fool for not playing the Trips.
Tiles
1. I love this game early in the morning.
2. I will not play this game after 11AM or if there are several people at the table. I'm still a newbie here and want to respect the flow of the game.
Pai Gow Poker:
1. Touch your wedding ring in between hands for luck.
2. Only play by yourself, at 2 in the morning with a black dealer you swear must be an angel after you've had 15 beers, a few glasses of wine and God knows how many Marlboro Lights.
3. Avoid losing the previously mentioned ring on your way to the bathroom.
Black Jack:
1. If I'm playing, get up and leave. If there was a way for you to be the dealer like in Pai Gow, this would be an excellent opportunity.
Sportsbook:
1. Never wear flip flops when Maryland is playing.
2. Never go to the Nugget.
- I have my "core" first round basketball and NBA bets already decided by the time the plane touches down in Nevada.
- I always like to start out with some easy Black Jack as the first thing I gamble on. No reason, just feels right to ease into it with BJ.
- I like to have a few drinks in me by the time I hit the craps table for the first time. And of course I haven't rolled in this millenium.
- I will getup from a table if there are people that really don't know how to play BJ. Its just not worth it.
- I love betting a dolla yo, even though it is a stupid bet.
- For some reason I enjoy shopping lines early in the morning of a game between different casinos.
- Craps I love to bet the "nine" and just say "forty five, forty five" endlessly. In honor of you know who.
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