It's been a little more than a year since I've been to the DTG. What's the blackjack situation there now? Are the tables open 24/7 again? I heard the $25 double deck game is gone, which was my preferred table. Is blackjack still 3:2 or is it 6:5 now? How are the rules? Thanks in advance. TFK
I played there a few times in early May, both late morning and the evening, at a $5 3/2 table, H17, DAS, and surrender permitted. I was told that they do have blackjack available 24/7, though not sure how many tables are open in the wee hours, or if any other games are available. I also saw that they recently moved all of the operating tables back to the part of the casino they were at when the placed opened.
Here's a list of BJ games in downtown. Looks like the D has one good $5 BJ table. El Cortez and Golden Nugget seem to have the best options. http://www.onlineblackjack.com/downtown-vegas/?sens=&sort_a=&table_id_checker=56&page_num=1
Earlier this year, the only double-deck available was identical to Boyd rules; H17, 3:2 pitch, no DAS...min was $10. I will give them this though - the cut/penetration allowed for about 75-80% of the cards to be in play... best I've seen in quite a while. Rocco - what game at the Nugget are you thinking about? Must be one of the shoes, as their DD is just like Boyd, 4-Queens & DTG - no DAS. The only DD tables downtown that permit DAS are at ElCo ($5 min), Golden Gate ($15 min, goes to $25 at night), Plaza ($25 min) and 'the D' ($50 min.) There used to be a $15 6-deck shoe at the Nugget that was S17, DAS, RSA & LS... I have no idea if they still offer the S17 though.
My wife and I played there in July on a Tuesday around noon. They just had one Blackjack table going. $5 minimum. Blackjack pays 3:2. I think it was an 8-deck shoe. Only one other guy playing when we sat down, but the table was full when we left. I got the impression that the dealer was excited to have people at his table. He had to make one or more comments after every hand...using up his material while he had an audience. Drink service was ok - I think they came around 3 times in about hour. The worst part was waiting between 15 and 20 minutes to cash in my chips when I was done. They only had cashier working.
In July - they had a promotion that if you bought in for 200.00 they would give you a free ace to use whenever you wanted. You didn't have to play the whole 200, just buy in for that amount. They did not have it posted - you had to know to ask. We were there with a group and one of the guys knew about it and asked and all of them got the free ace. It was pretty dead that day in the Casino. I hadn't been there since it was Lady Luck and was surprised at how few people were in there playing.
Nugget has a few DD tables in the high limit area that offer DAS. You can usually get on a $25 dollar table in there as well.
GN has a 6 deck shoe BJ that has DAS, RSA, Surr $10 min that's about .48 house edge. Plus they do about 75% penetration Boyd's 2 deck doesn't allow DAS and they only do 50% pen.
I know...but that GN 6-deck game was $15 the last time I checked it out, but it was S17... but to the point, still no playable DD game at the GN... unless it's in the high-limit room. If I'm going to play a "No DAS DD game", I'll play at Boyd for $5 min - not at GN or 4-Queens for a much higher minimum. The DTG $10 DD game is also "no DAS", but with very good penetration - dealing about 75-80% of the cards. I like that one too (again, if I'm willing to play no DAS two-deck). 6-to-8 deck shoes are what I typically avoid first,,, then CSMs...then DD with no DAS. The El Co $5 DD DAS-allowed, 67% penetration game is, IMO, the best table to be found downtown.
My group played at the Grand last week. During the day, there were only two BJ tables open. They were both $5.00 tables, six decks, dealer hit on soft 17, double after split, etc. I really like the looks of the casino/hotel. However, we were the only group making any noise. Very nice dealers and Pitt crew. Hope they survive.
Played there couple weeks ago in the afternoon. Not many players . Good rules,, $5 ., 3:2 Four of us sat down,, nice dealer and pit boss,,,,, but no luck, Went thru 3 shoes, could not really catch a break.
topcard could you please elaborate on your reasons for avoiding 6 & 8 deck games before CSMs.l only have CSMs here and just assumed that 6 & 8 deck games would be a better game to play.Our CSMs are 6 decks,just think that playing non CSMs would allow you to get a feel of were you were at as the cards played down.Obviosly this method would require trying to sit out a few hands when things go against you.l have full intention of playing these games on my next trip,unless persuaded otherwise.Thanks for any comments.