Las Vegas suggestions

Another odd question from me.

My wife and I are going to Vegas to watch my son in a competition there during a weekend March. I've never been to Vegas and would like the chance to play BJ. My bankroll currently is only $6000, but baring some big losses, I'll be adding to it before hand. I won't have a lot of time to play as my wife doesn't like the casinos and hates sitting in hotel rooms by herself. However, I should be able to grab some time.

Any suggestions on the type of games I should think about playing? I really prefer DD, but if the rules aren't good or the minimums too high, I can just as easily play 6D. I can look through my copies of CBJN to find the different rules etc... but since I've never been to Vegas I don't have a good idea as to time of day, crowds etc... For example I'd rather play with fewer people with poorer penetration than play with a bit better penetration but have a full table.

I was in St. Louis last weekend and played at the Queen Casino on Friday night. It was incredibly crowded which was not only not as fun, but the few positive count fluctuations in the 6D games were very diluted by all the players. I went back the next afternoon and was able to play at several tables for quite a while head to head with the dealer. It was much more fun and happened to be much more profitable.

If cost is not an issue your wife may be happiest with venues known for their extensive luxury shopping malls and Spas that can consume a lot of her time. After all, it will just be for the weekend. There are "center strip" properties that are reasonably priced, e.g. Ballys, Imperial Palace. Rooms that are so cheap as to be practically free are available, but inappropriate for a dude with spose in tow; e.g. Stratosphere, Terribles.

Be sure to get your reservations and travel plans in order soon, as March is a busy month in L.V. due to those still fleeing winter elsewhere combined with the lure of the annual "March Madness"

As for playing BJ, I suggest sticking to places like the Station Casinos or one of the many other "Locals Joints" in Henderson, North Vegas, or on the Boulder Highway, etc. where $10 DD games are ubiquitous, and your bankroll will easily support them.

Much less heat will be found at 6 deckers on the strip with good rules and acceptable penetration, but not for less than $25 minimums. With a modest spread of perhaps 8 to 1 there'll be no discernible heat and R.O.R. considerations will let you handle a short stretch of those god Six Deckers for just a few days.

Get the CBJN on March 3rd.