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July 6-9. Hours & Hours of BJ

Discussion in 'Vegas Trip Reports' started by fireguye8, Jul 10, 2013.

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  1. fireguye8

    fireguye8 Tourist

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    My Trip Report

    This is my first trip report to so be gentle. I have read so many good ones and have “wasted” so many hours of my life reading other posts I figured it was finally time that I contributed something to the board. This was my 3rd solo trip. I primarily play BJ, and this trip it was all I played. I have two VERY different styles of Vegas trips. The solo ones where I will gamble until my eyes bleed and the ones with my wife where I am lucky to get 2-4 hours per day of playing time. This trip I would play until I couldn’t see and then have someone else play for me! In 3 nights and 4 days I put in a total of 33 hours @ $200 per hand at the BJ table. But I am getting ahead of myself.

    I was originally scheduled to leave for Vegas Sunday the 7th in the afternoon/evening flying Southwest out of Tucson, however by the 4th of July I was ready to go. After a few drinks at home with some friends and an additional $89.00 to the airline my flight was changed to the 6AM flight out of Tucson the morning of the 6th. $89 for an extra 20 hours in Vegas is very cheap considering what could go wrong with the gaming.

    Day 1:

    Since I, in a slightly buzzed state, decided to change my flight at the last minute it was only an additional $17dollars to buy the SWA business select ticket that comes with a free drink and double/triple the amount of frequent flyer miles. So I bit the bullet and put out the extra $17 and ended up with the A1 boarding pass. The flight was uneventful and since it was 5 o’clock somewhere I used my drink coupon for a 6:30AM drink. Landed in Vegas first one off the plane to the cab line and to TI for only $14dollars. I called TI Friday and was lucky enough to be able to get one comped room night on Saturday as the rest of my trip was already booked that Tropicana. I was even able to check into my room at 8:00 AM, not too bad considering it was a holiday weekend and everywhere was either pretty expensive or sold out. Dropped of the suitcase in the room and headed down stairs to where else but the BJ table.

    Like I said earlier when I come to Vegas solo I am hear to gamble and drink. This may not be the best idea but I always have a good time. I like to play two hands at $100 per hand and then press from there when and if things are going well. My usual buy in most would consider inadequate for the amount per hand. I like to buy in for 2K. Once that is gone it is time to get up and take a break/find another table. I was lucky enough to turn my 2K buy in into about 4.5K in the first 3 hours. At this point I was hungry and a little drunk as I forgot to get breakfast. Off to find some food. I can’t even remember where I had lunch as it most not have been that memorable. After lunch I sat down for another session at the tables and managed to tread water for about 4-5 hours. Never really losing and never really winning. I think I walked away from that table down about $500 went back up to the room to take a nap before the awesome dinner I had planned. Got in a 2 hour nap which for me in Vegas is a miracle.

    Went down stairs played some more BJ and had another winning session of 1K. Then for the first time since 8:30 that morning I left TI and headed across the street to V/P for dinner. The restaurant of choice for tonight was going to Carnevino. I had called ahead earlier in the day to see if they had a “riserva” steak and I was in luck! The last two trips I had struck out. This is one of my favorite steaks ever. If you had never had the fortune of trying this incredible cut of meat and you are a dry aged steak fan you have to try it.

    They are not on the menu, I think, and they only have a limited amount. In my experience you call about 1-3PM on the day you want one and if they have it you are set and if not you are SOL. Most Vegas steakhouses offer a dry aged piece of meat somewhere in the 30-50 day range. The riserva steak at Carnevino is dry aged for 12-15 MONTHS! This gives it an incredible rich flavor with a hint of an almost blue cheese finish and a ham like texture. It is really hard to explain and impossible to compare to a normal steak but it is worth every penny! Anyway enough about steak. Finished off a great meal a few drinks at the bar so I could get enough energy built back up to walk out.

    I headed back to TI to my favorite DD S17 pitch game on the strip. Played a few more hours lost my 2K buy in and went up to the room at about 2:00AM. Had to crash early as I had been up for almost 24 hours and had 3 more days to go! Not a bad 1st day in Vegas. 12 hours at BJ table 1K up and 1 incredible meal down.

    Day 2:

    I have never been able to sleep in Vegas – EVER. I was up and ready to go by 7. Looks like it will be another long day. If I knew how today was going to hit my bankroll I would have never gotten out of bed.

    Went downstairs and saw some of the same people from the night before still at the tables. I decided I would grab some food at the buffett before I sat down for another marathon day at the BJ table. I ate until I felt sick, then I thought about asking for wheelchair so I could get to the BJ table without having to walk. But alas I sucked it up and walked across the casino floor to my favorite table and managed to lose my 2K buy in, in about 5 minutes.

    I decided it was time to reset. Went up to my room packed up and jumped in a cab to the Tropicana my home base for the next 2 nights. This was my other risk this trip. Prior to booking my room at the Trop I had never even set foot in the property. I have also read some negative reviews about the casino and hotel on this forum. However, this trip I was really looking to try something new so I figured I was solo and I would give it a try. This was probably my best decision of the trip.

    Prior to arriving I called a host and after speaking with him on the phone he was gracious enough to trust my word over the phone about my gaming and comp me up front for 2 nights in one of the “Club Deluxe Plus Rooms.” I fully expected to get the typical we will charge you casino rate and evaluate your play at the end of the trip speech that you get when you don’t have any history with a property. I took his up front comp as a sign of good things to come.

    I attempted to check in at about 10:00 and was told my room would not be available until 1:00. While it would have been nice to drop my stuff off I checked it with the bell desk and went to find a BJ table. I managed to lose about 6K in 3 hours. My room was still not ready and it was a little past 1. I kindly asked the pit boss if since I could not check into my room if he would give me a comp voucher to one of the restaurants. He made a call and presented me with a $50.00 voucher to the Beach Café. Nothing to exciting, my lunch was not bad but not memorable either. After lunch I was able to get into my room and I was pleasantly surprised. The room was larger and cleaner then I expected.

    After getting settled I decided that I would wage some BJ war on the Tropicana and attempt to recoup some of my money. Not a good idea. I still could not catch a break. It was the worst streak of BJ I have ever experienced. 4-5 hours later and another 6K gone it was time for another incredible Vegas meal. So if your keeping track after the winning 2 sessions at TI I am down 11K for the trip. This is a wild game.

    Dinner tonight had me walking across the street to craftsteak at the MGM Grand. This is another one of my favorite meals in Vegas and I try to hit it whenever I can. If you get a chance the 14oz Domestic Wagyu Skirt Steak is one of the best things on the menu! I didn’t believe it at first either but everytime we go there it is recommended by a different server. I finally tried it this trip and it is one of the best things I have ever eaten. For those of you that travel solo they will also do ½ sized portions of the sides and appetizers.

    After dinner I walked back to the Trop and decided to give it one last good run at the BJ tables. More of the same, I quickly dumped another 5K. I cannot remember the last time I have had a run that has been this bad. Up to the room for a movie and then some much needed sleep.

    Day two had me at 6 hours of BJ and now town a total of 16K for the trip. I did not have a single winning session the whole day and I played 9 sessions.

    Day 3:

    Up early again. Down to the casino floor by 7. Yesterday almost demolished my entire trip bankroll. I was down to only 4K left with 2 days left on my trip. Like any gambler I figured I had to be at the bottom of my roller coaster ride and Day 3 would start the ride back to the top.

    I had been playing almost exclusively double deck pitch games the entire trip and decided I would switch it up. I sat down at a $5 dollar table with a group of tourists who after about 5 minutes of watching the play I could tell they had no idea how to play the “right” way. I figured if this is not changing it up nothing is. I bought in for a grossly in-adequate 1K and started playing 2 spots at $100 per hand. I was on fire. I could not lose a hand. I played at that table for the next 7 hours without a break and ended up turning my 1K buy into 14K. This was the rebound of the century. It was a great group of people and our table had a blasts. Multiple rounds of Patron shots were ordered for everyone throughout this epic session. Things started to finally cool off and I walked from the table and cashed out with 12K. Grabbed a muffin for “lunch” at Starbucks at 3ish and then went up to take a nap before dinner.

    There was a new restaurant that had just opened up where Rick Moonen Upstairs used to be. It is called Rx Boiler Room and is a steam-punk themed gastro pub type thing. Anyway this place was super cool the creativity in the cocktails and the dishes were awesome. I had the chicken pot pie bites, bacon wrapped bacon-n-egg, and the braised oxtail. Everything was good but the bacon wrapped bacon-n-egg is to die for. I left and headed back the Trop but the Boiler room I will 100% be back when I come in August with my wife. It may be my new favorite Vegas restaurant. Everything on the menu is creative and a twist on comfort food.

    When I got back to the Tropicana the same spot I was sitting at earlier when I had my rebound was open. I decided to see if my luck would continue and the winning streak would keep going. Nothing special on this session played for another 4 hours before I headed up to bed. Left the table up another 1K.

    Day 3 had me at 11 hours of BJ with a win of 13K leaving me only 3K down for the entire trip. This is incredible. From down 16k to only 3K. I will take that any way I can get it!

    Day 4:

    Departure day. I was able to sleep a little longer today. Ordered room service and hung out in the room until around 11. My flight was leaving around 5:00 and I did not want to give back any money from yesterday. Eventually though I gave in and headed down stairs to the BJ table.

    Bought in for 2K and played it until it was time to catch the cab to the airport. I ended up cashing out 4K leaving me down only 1K for the ENTIRE TRIP!!! I know it was a losing trip but the comeback from the low was the biggest “WIN” I have ever had! It left my bankroll intact for the August Birthday trip that we have planned. The flight home was uneventful.

    Day 4 had me at 5 hours of BJ and 2K win leaving me only 1K down for the trip!

    Thanks for taking the time to read my report. Pretty boring by most standards. This trip was a blast though the food was incredible the highs and lows were awesome. I am headed back in August with the wife and a group of friends for a birthday trip and I will be sure to write that one up as well. The trip’s with the wife and friends are good but completely different. I am lucky if I get to play 3-4 hours a day as we do shows, pools, food, and everything else Vegas has to offer. I enjoy both trips immensely but for different reasons.

    Good Luck Everyone!
     
  2. Joe

    Joe VIP Whale

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    Nice comeback!

    So, how about posting some prices for those steak dinners?
     
  3. Kickin

    Kickin Flea

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    Awesome report! What an epic comeback. I play the same amounts at BJ and know what a steep climb that is when you're that far down. Simply amazing.

    Love the dining reports too. I always mean to try that riserva at carnevino but never make it up there. But the domestic wagyu skirt is the same steak a bartender at craftsteak recommended for me a while back and I loved it.

    Congrats on the epic comeback and all around awesome trip! Thanks for writing about it.
     
  4. fireguye8

    fireguye8 Tourist

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    Carnevino = 2 Drinks, 1 App, 1 Side, Riservia Steak $225 before tip
    Craftsteak = 2 Drinks, 1 App, 2 sides, Steak $175 before tip
    Rx Boiler Room = 2 Drinks, 3 Small plates, $100 before tip
     
  5. Joe

    Joe VIP Whale

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    Thank you for posting that info.:thumbsup:
     
  6. fireguye8

    fireguye8 Tourist

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    On the same note that Riserva steak and The Wagyu Skirt steak could easily be split. I have done dinner at both palces with the wife for $250-300 and left very full and happy.
     
  7. craps1

    craps1 Low-Roller

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    Thanks for posting. Nice comeback! What size cut did you have of the riserva?
     
  8. fireguye8

    fireguye8 Tourist

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    This trip was the 1.5 inch NY. I have had the 2 inch Rib Eye and I would go with the Rib Eye over the NY if you had the choice for both.
     
  9. 44inarow

    44inarow VIP Whale

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    I've been desperately waiting for someone to post about Rx Boiler Room. The whole concept sounded great to me, as did the bits of the menu that had been mentioned in the press over the last few weeks; as much as I was looking forward to it, though, I was afraid I'd wind up disappointed. But it sounds like I'm definitely keeping this place on the itinerary for next week!
     
  10. fireguye8

    fireguye8 Tourist

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    It is worth going to. I ordered only off the dips and bites menu. Everything I had was great. The dishes are smaller. I ordered three items and was full by the end. If you had 2 people you could probably try 4-5 things.

    The cocktails were more like science projects. I had a cherry infused bourbon cocktail (can't remember the name) where the bourbon was actually infused with cherry smoke from a machine. Pretty crazy to watch.

    You have to try the Bacon wrapped Bacon-n-Egg. It is amazing. It starts with a small cracker that has a guacamole puree and a tomato jelly on top of that is a thicker cut of ham bacon with a sunny side up quail egg on top. Then the ham bacon is wrapped with a standard piece of bacon. It comes with three on plate. It was incredible.

    On my next trip (August) I plan on trying some other items deeper into the menu. The cocktail/beer menu is given to you on an IPAD when you walk in. While I was there Rick Moonen went to every guest and talked about the menu and concept gathering feedback. He said that the cocktail menu and food menu would change at least twice a year. Kind of a summer and winter menu.
     
  11. r00k13

    r00k13 Tourist

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    Very nice come back. I was in town the same day as you and also posted my first trip report. Good thing you made a come back and had a winning session, mine was sort of a come back but lost it all back. Good to hear the details on your play, very exciting report.

    Have to ask, craft steak wagyu or carnevino riserva?
     
  12. LV_Bound

    LV_Bound VIP Whale

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    Wow, amazing come back!!!!:nworthy:

    With those bets there really isn't a need to be staying at Tropicana or to be paying for any of your meals.
     
  13. fireguye8

    fireguye8 Tourist

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    Both are so good but so different. I would be hard pressed to pick one. The Riserva is almost not steak like. Really two completely different items. Kind of like comparing apples and oranges.
     
  14. johnnyd75

    johnnyd75 Tourist

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    Have you heard back from the Tropicana host for future offers? I play a little below your level, so I wanted to get an idea of what to expect from Tropicana relative to MGM or V/P properties. Congrats on the comeback - I'm extremely envious!
     
  15. BlueBellThunder

    BlueBellThunder VIP Whale

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    Great trip report. I think at the level you play CET would take good care of you. I'm a low rolling slot player, my bankroll for a Vegas trip is usually $2000. I play slots and $5 or 10 blackjack and craps. I usually get 5 nights comped at Paris or PH. Since I live in New Jersey I also go to Atlantic City a few times a year for overnight trips and never pay for a room at CET properties. You might want to look into it. Once I was comped 5 nights at Caesars, their rooms are really nice.
     
  16. Tubbs

    Tubbs High-Roller

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    Very nice gambling TR thanks. Congrats on the great comeback.

    What's the BJ like at Trop? I'm sure the $5 table was poor rules, what about the table(s) where you lost the big $?
     
  17. Royal Flusher

    Royal Flusher Savvy Gambler

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    Really enjoyed your trip report.
     
  18. fireguye8

    fireguye8 Tourist

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    DD Pitch Game Dealer S17, RSA, DAS what I would call good rules. $100 min in the high limit room.

    They also have a DD Pitch games at H17 on the floor for $25

    The $5 Dollar game was not that bad. Standard 6 deck shoe, 3:2 BJ, DAS, RSA, etc.
     
  19. fireguye8

    fireguye8 Tourist

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    Check out the Thread "Tropicana Comps" over in the comp section! Answered this in detail over there.
     
  20. Kimsa70

    Kimsa70 High-Roller

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    Great trip report! Amazing comeback! I'm definitely gonna try the Rx Boiler Room - sounds delicious!
     
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