Table Games First live Blackjack experience

Today I was out of town for work and stopped at a casino that has real BJ tables. My local casino only has electronic BJ and the last time I played at a real table was 20 years ago (betting $5 per hand with no clue what I was doing).

I was a bit nervous but I quickly said that it was my first time playing at a real table and everyone was pretty good about it. The dealer was friendly and advised me of the hand signals etc so I felt comfortable very quickly. I've been too chicken to sit at a real table when I've had the chance but I'm glad I finally did it.

The table min was $10 and max was $100. Good rules from what I understand, 3:2, S17. I bought in for $500 and played about 1 hour. I bet $25 - $100 per hand, tipped $5 on each Blackjack (had 3 in total). Left up $585 and had a blast. Wished I could have stayed longer but probably would have lost it all!

Now I can't wait to go to Vegas and play, I will never feel uncomfortable at a real table now. Thanks to those who have encouraged new players to just go for it. I felt like a pro once I learned the proper hand signals etc for splitting, doubling hit, stand etc. Much different than playing electronic and way more fun!‎

 

Ah, this all makes sense now. Your local joint is Woodbine, and you were playing either at Brantford or Casino Niagara (not Fallsview), right?

First off, congrats! You've got a good score of a grand and change which is currently good for about 800 USD on the exchange rate (which has definitely gotten lower). Table play is definitely more fun (in my opinion) than electronic play. My only pointers to you when it comes to playing again (and especially when it comes to playing in Vegas) would be as follows...

- Learn basic strategy. One hundred thousand percent, master basic strategy. I played blackjack for about four years before I learned basic strategy and I honestly feel like anything I lost in that time, I completely deserved to lose. It's really easy to learn - spend an hour or so playing on a basic strategy trainer (look it up on Google) and you'll get the hang of it. Really, you might be able to play about 70% of your hands reasonably well on logic (obviously staying on a 20, doubling on 11, and hitting low totals like a 7). But it will honestly make the biggest difference for you to know to double A4 against 6, split 7's against 2-7, and stand on 15 v 5. Even if you're just playing for fun, I'm begging you to take the time to master basic strategy, because your money will last much longer - and many of those "shoulda got that one" moments just won't happen.

- Be patient when looking for tables in Vegas. So many of the lower limit blackjack tables are 6:5, and this is a substantial disadvantage to you as a player. Have the patience to keep looking for a table that pays 3:2, you'll be glad you did.

 

I've been learning BJ online playing it on my vegas for free for a few years. I got the basic strategy card a few months ago and it has made a huge difference. I know it very well now so I figured I was ready for a real table. My local is London, we have 2 electronic tables which I really don't want to play now that I've played the real thing.

I will never play 6:5, I've read all about that on this board. Thanks for the advice, I appreciate it.

 

Hey Pal, Congrats!

Where did you play?

Cheers

 

Its been 20 years? It must have felt good to get back on the horse again.
With a nice win you are definitely hooked now.

Definitely be patient but it mostly due to the people. Its rare to find them as friendly in Vegas as you experienced especially at the higher limit table. Too many people think they are professional BJ players and if you don't play by their rules you won't find it fun.

 

Hey Char thanks! I played in Sarnia, not my first choice but it's just where I happened to be close to. I knew they have live tables so I figured today was the day to give it a try. One day soon I'm going to Caesars Windsor solo and spend some time playing. I've been wanting to do that for awhile and now I feel comfortable doing it.

 

That's cool, wife and I plan to go to Niagara end of March.... I miss the tables..lol

 

I wish my Wife liked to gamble but she is not a fan. She only likes video roulette in Vegas at $1 a spin and free drinks. I was thinking Niagara but I want to see if I can get back in the good books with CET so Windsor it is.

 

My wife plays a bit of slots loves the pools ( in Vegas)... Niagara bit of slots and mostly shopping.