Page 14 - May 2003 • Southern California Gaming Guide

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GAMING GUIDE
Find The Right Table
When you rst walk into a casino, walk around the blackjack area. Determine if you want to play a sin- gle-deck or multi-deck game and at what stakes. Single and double deck games are usually hand-
held, while four or more decks are dealt from a shoe. Single-deck blackjack is usually better than multiple
deck blackjack for card count- ers, basic strategists, and the novice. Additional decks make busts less likely, but Blackjacks are also less frequent. Some casi- nos give you no choice and have only multi-deck games. And, nd a table that has players who are smiling and have chips in front of them — a good sign.
Don’t Worry About Inexperienced Players
You may nd yourself cringing and getting annoyed when someone splits their 10s or makes some other basic strategy mistake. Don’t worry about it.
Sometimes a fellow player will not hit his 16 against a dealer’s 10 and you wind up losing on your hand because of it. Other times that same mistake will work
in your favor.
Don’t Be Afraid
Don’t be afraid to take your hits. You have hit your hard 16s two times in a row and
lost against a deal- er’s up card of 10? So what? Next time you get a hard 16
against a 10, hit it again. Basic strategy works in the long run. Don’t ever abandon it. I often see people afraid to take their hits. They
lose in the long run.
Tip The Dealer When You Are Winning
Besides being a courtesy, tipping a dealer who is dealing you winning hands can turn your dealer into an ally
who is willing to help you. For example, if you happen to motion for a hit which may not be prudent, a dealer who is on your side will always hesitate and may even ask you if you really want that hit.
Don’t Continue Playing at a Table When You Are Losing
This may be obvious common sense, but many players, when confronted with a losing table, continue to play there, thinking their luck will change. Don’t do it. Some dealers are simply hot and they will continue to be so. Get up and move to another table.
Our Blackjack “expert”, Gus Pappas (not his real name) plays regularly on the East Coast. More of a player than an educator, Pappas’ favorite Southern California blackjack game (single-deck) is at Barona Valley Ranch Resort and Casino.
7. Don’t demand comps
from your player’s
club host. Ask. I
am amazed at the
audacity of some
players who make
outrageous demands
on player’s clubs
because they feel
they “have it coming.”
Player’s clubs reward frequent play, and love to comp players when they can. Ask (nicely) and you shall (usually) receive.
8. And nally, be of good cheer and you will enjoy your play at the casino. Think positive, be temperate, and have fun!
9. A closing word about tipping casino personnel: Do it! Most front-line service personnel, drink servers, slot attendants, and dealers, are paid low wages.
While there is never any obligation to tip, it’s always good luck to spread your good luck around!
The “Unknown Gamer” writes for the Southern California Gaming Guide and plays mostly in Southern California tribal casinos.
So let’s talk about player courtesy and etiquette. I bet you all have you pet peeves. What about smokers who don’t use ashtrays, and blow their exhale all over you? What about the lookie-lous behind you (often on high-stakes play)? And what about table game players who sit down at a table in play who don’t know the rules?
As with anything in life, and certainly at the casino, the Golden Rule prevails: “Do unto others as you would have them do to you!” And in case that line is not easily translatable, here are some Casino Do’s and Don’ts according to yours truly:
1. If the casino is crowded, limit your play to just one machine. (This has got to be a given always when playing video poker.)
2. When you take a break and ask your next-seat neighbor to watch your seat, let her know when you’ll return, or if it’s going to be longer than ve minutes, get a casino host to reserve your seat.
3. When playing table games, know the rules before you sit down to play. Some casinos have novice tables where you can play and learn.
4. Smokers, please be aware to always put your cigarettes out completely so they don’t burn down to the lter in the ashtray. Be aware of your smoke ow.
5. Never comment on the quality or quantity of play of a fellow player.
6. Do not ask dealers for advice on a hand. Dealers don’t want to be put in the position of being wrong if you lose.
Page 14 May 2003