Here’s my theory: The Poker (and to a lesser extent, the Gambling) Gods are just setting me up for huge wins in Las Vegas. That’s got to be the reason behind my recent trials at the tables. In other words, I’m due to win once I get to Vegas.
That’s my theory and I’m sticking to it.
In preparation for Vegas, I’m taking this whole week off. I’m up against the max vacation I can acrue, in fact the company “owes” me 5 days already this year for time that I’ve marked as vacation when in reality I never took it. I still will have to “take” a vacation day per month just to keep it up. This doesn’t even include my personal days.
Anyway, I got to thinking last week that I may as well just take Tuesday and Wednesday off to prepare. I’ve got homework I’ll have to churn out since I’ll be gone for half the week, so I’ll spend some time doing that. I’ve also got two Party bonuses that I can potentially clear, although I’m not going to lose sleep over it if I don’t.
We’re really getting psyched about hitting Vegas. My wife has literally never stepped foot in a casino. So what did she say to me the other night? “I want to learn to play craps.” Oh boy. My sister-in-law went to Vegas for the first time last fall with my brother and went to the Barbary Coast and took the craps lesson and cannot stop talking about it. She loved it and that it was just great that they gave her a free $5 to play with. 
Now my wife wants to go. On Thursday, look for me at the Barbary Coast, or anywhere else they offer cheap craps with a lesson because I’ve never played either (hints?).
I made sure to cash out some extra to cover her gambling too.
I figured that she’d be content to not gamble, or at least do some simple baccarat or pai gow or something where you can play for a long time with relatively low house advantage (yes, I know craps is too, but I don’t know jack about it, yet…).
Nope, because craps isn’t all she wants to play.
She also wants to play poker.
She’s never played HE. At all. I’ve explained it to her and such, and she quickly grasped the basic concept of position, but still has trouble with how much to bet. I’ll get her on some play money tables or something this week.
Therefore, after playing some craps (or before, depending on timing and such), on Thursday you’ll also find me at the Luxor so she can go to HE class they have that turns into a 1/2 game. I’ll sit in the 4/8 or the NLHE game that they’re evidently spreading now. I’ve never played NLHE live, so that could be interesting.
I better check my Neteller balance again, I’ve still got time for a cashout…
Anyway, this does have potential. Yeah, I have the potential to lose twice as much, but then again, I’ll probably have more casino time that I had originally planned. Since she has never been to a casino, I asked her if she wanted to go see Hoover Dam. She said, “I have no desire to see any tourist things other than the strip.” OK, we’ve now got that established. She plans on hitting a spa (does the Plaza have a spa? is it any good?) on Saturday morning while I throw away $60 or so at some tourney or something. We’ll also be at the tequila blowout that night, but other than that, I’m not exactly what my plans are going to be.
Just remember though, if you’re playing with me, I’m due to win. I’m due!!
I plan to spend most of the weekend at the Craps table (after Friday), so I’ll be happy to help out. It’s actually the best game to play with a group of people.
Check out http://www.online-craps-strategy.com/craps_strategy_systems.htm for strategy tips. I like the 3 point molly and the simple “right” betting.
Craps. Very nice.
I’m a fellow poker player and general casino hound whose been lurking on your blog for a few weeks. I couldn’t resist stepping in right now and giving my thoughts on craps.
Craps is by far the most enjoyable table game to play at a casino. If you don’t waste money on the shitty prop bets and just play smart, you can play for quite some time. Also, if the table gets red hot, as it tends to do a little less than it gets ice cold, you can make money in a hurry. I was playing at a $5 table in Tunica one morning and the table got so hot that I left with $1200 in about 90 minutes.
Good luck and have fun! You won’t experience comraderie like you do at the craps tables.
Or, you could learn to bet wrong. (Don’t be fooled by the name, it’s actually the best way to play
I swear by it and it can be fun, too. Although it’s a little more fun to be cheering with the table. By the way, the Boardwalk has a $3 Craps table.
I think I also remember Fitzgeralds downtdown having $3 craps as well. But it’s been a while back
Craps is 10X more fun playing with a group of people that you know. Since my wife is content with playing slots, I rarely play Craps in Vegas….
Until this week.
Two.
More.
Days.
Chris,
I am staying at Barbary Coast…..call my cell phone when you’re downstairs and I’ll bet the bones with you………I arrive late Thursday afternoon.
Easy Craps: http://krigman.casinocitytimes.com/articles/5625.html
Betting the pass line on a craps table can be the simplest and best gambling in a casino. (Other than poker). It is one of the few games where if you win chances are the whole table won. Great crowd atmosphere and easy going enviroment. As long as you stay away from the side betting you should get some of the best odds in the casino on your bets.
Casino Royale, across from the Mirage, has a $3 craps table. Not sure about lessons. Ah, good low-rolling memories of that place.
http://www.cheapovegas.com/vegas_casino_full.php?hotel_id=1013
Cheapo craps in Vegas can be found downtown at the El Cortez ($2 table, I believe) and Slots-A-Fun on the North Strip next door to Westward Ho! (a $1 table if I remember correctly.) These are table limits from this March and should still be valid. I recommend avoiding the mini-craps tables you’ll find at Boardwalk and other places; go for the real thing and you’ll have a lot more fun. Also, I’ve had more success on the full tables. Not sure exactly why.
I learned to play taking a lesson at the Stardust one morning after playing the poker tourney, but you can find them just about anywhere in town if you get in early enough. The strategy Hdouble linked to is the one I play, and I find it not only easy but profitable.
See you in Vegas!
Oh, and watch out for that Luxor NLHE game. $50 min/max buy-in, three blinds ($1/1/2). It’s weird. You can re-buy up to $100 once you are under $50, though, so take advantage of that as soon as your blinds pass you. Strange mix of good players and fish. Consider yourself forewarned.