Table Games Blackjack Conditions

We are heading to LV the first week of Sept, staying at the MGM... where is the best $25 dollar game? I imagine that we will just play Bac at the MGM due to poor conditions.

 

As I never really play on the strip anymore, I can't be sure - but the best games used to be:
2-deck, 3:2 S17 DAS permitted at both the Mirage & TI @ $25 min.
6-deck shoe at MGM - 3:2, DAS, LS, RSA, S17 @ $25.

Someone else will have to confirm whether or not these games are still available.

 

Yeah, that godawful 21+3 Extreme (12.89% for 8 decks) is on nearly all their tables. But it's smart for them to offer it, some casual players play 3 card poker too after all.

I would guess it's gone due to the lack of play. Unless I'm missing something, that may be one of the most boring side bets that I've heard of.

In CET's case, with a 12.89% edge for the side bet (~20X higher than the base game), it's definitely worth the evaluation time.

 

Nope...you're not missing anything...it's simply a second hand (bet equal to your real hand) that is an automatic hard-18.
It may be boring but it's quite effective with negative remaining-decks.

 

The one I am by far the most familiar with is the 21+3 sidebet mentioned above that is very common in CET casinos - been that way at local places for a long time and more recently added in Vegas. It really takes very little time for the dealers to handle those bets - usually just sweeping them off the table after the initial cards are dealt. Far, far more differences in speed from one dealer to another dealing the normal game than you see impacted by having that sidebet included. I am someone who likes really fast dealers and a fast game and I get easily frustrated by slow dealers but I have never been bothered at all by the time added with that sidebet (and they have it on most of the local casino tables where I play too so I have played lots of hands on tables with that bet and there is almost always someone playing it.) That said - generally the reaction I get from blackjack players is that they want a slower game either because it means their expected loss per hour is then less or because it makes counting easier. I understand you are looking at it from the casino's perspective - but clearly the increase in house edge way overcomes any "time" loss created by the added sidebet.

 

True, but you also have to remember it's often a very small bet on these side bets, and often not the whole table is playing. So even with the much higher house edge (I wouldn't call it 20x because the average BJ player doesn't play perfect BS, or even close to it, whereas you can't misplay a side bet. So it's probably closer to 6x the house edge for most BJ players), it's taking away time from a $10 - $25 game. I guess it also depends on the dealer's speed; I've seen some 'complicated' side bets where the dealers would routinely spend at least 5 seconds per side bet trying to figure out if it won, and then the pay table..

 

I can't speak for Mirage or TI, but the $25 3:2 game at MGM was $50 last time I went. I think you're referring to that one table in the only 3:2 pit. All around, the overall blackjack conditions for BJ at MGM is absolute garbage. The 6-decks are $50, and the DD are $100.

 

Should mention that the main floor at the Golden Gate is no longer CSM, but 8-deck shoes (they do use automatic shufflers). Floor person told me that happened a few months ago.

 

Thanks for that update. I did notice that when I was there in July but forgot to update this thread!
I know a lot of players don't like CSMs, but for me, they are preferable to an 8-deck shoe (or 6-deck, for that matter).
The only downside is the "more-hands-per-hour" factor - but I continue to see that as something which is entirely in the player's control.

 

Just got back - Pretty busy weekend in Vegas.

Played a $10 3:2 at NYNY Friday afternoon. I sat down at a $10 table and asked the dealer if this was 6:5, which he confirmed and I asked if there were and if there were any 3:2 to which he said, sure, four tables down! I meandered over to the low rise table and confirmed 3:2 with surrender. Cashed out with a nice little profit and in the end only one BJ my way the entire session!

Found a fun table at Bally's saturday night $15 3:2 surrender and did well with a few BJ's and some nice DD's and splits.

Those gains thankfully offset an 0-12 opening at Cromwell Friday morning - my new worst ever BJ start. Prior to that I had a 0-9 once at Monte Carlo. It was close to being a depressing weekend but, ended with no blood anywhere.

 

I admit I am a bit surprised. That must be a recently added table, because a table with those rules at that level did not exist at NYNY as recently as a few months ago. Was it H17 or S17?

 

H17 - can't remember decks but, not a CSM. Not sure if the table was new as it was the one they allow for disabled people in wheelchairs etc.

It was weird watching the tables around it with 6:5 and people playing but, only a few at this one.

 

A thread like this is difficult to maintain because the casinos are constantly changing up the games. You go to find the game and is isn't running or has been changed. A general category of liberal casinos ongoing is a more viable option.
I will say the higher end games even on the strip have the best rules, at $25 a hand minimum or higher on weekends and much higher on game nights or holidays.

 

I was pleasantly surprised to find that the party pit at Planet Hollywood was paying 3-2 during the early evening last week on their $25 game!

 

This is important. Everyone reporting something at a particular location is essentially taking a photograph of a movie.

I think you have to go with general trends when looking for good BJ tables. I only go to Vegas once a year, but after a lot of years I have a decent sense of what Bellagio, MGM Grand, Golden Nugget or El Cortez are likely to be offering. It often happens that I am disappointed, but I am also often pleasantly surprised to find a decent table where I don't expect it.

I think if you are willing to play a $25 minimum table, you should never have to look too hard to find some good rules. If you can't, you need to go someplace else.

The wizardofvegas blackjack survey is always a useful place to start, but it hasn't been updated since January. I hope it comes back.

 

Does anyone, off the top of their head, know the BJ minimums at MSS and DTG?
Thanks in advance!

 

I was there a couple weeks ago and played a $5 blackjack table at DTG during the week (Wed/Thurs). Went to MSS on election night and played a $5 craps table, but unfortunately didn't notice what the blackjack minimums were. I think you can find $5 blackjack at the D at least in the mornings, and pretty much all the time at the Golden Gate.

 

Thank you H2S, for your quick reply regarding the DTG!

Still debating on which hotel downtown to stay at.. Want a place with $5 BJ, not not too loud and not too expensive. We have some demands

 

You can always find $5 BJ at El Cortez - single and double deck. Not too loud, not too expensive either...

 

MSS has $5 two deck...3:2 H17 no DAS. Same game at DTG is $10.
Plenty of $5 3:2 shoes throughout downtown. There are a few 6:5 tables scattered here & there, so keep your eyes open.
Good luck!