Just returned from a two-night Grand (Gulfport) package.
Last night I was sitting at third base, playing heads-up
with a dealer cutting off only 1-deck from his 6-deck
shoe. Using KO Preferred. Other players come & go. One
ploppy sticks around and often asks the dealer and myself
for advice. I try to keep it short and generic. Twenty
minutes pass and now the count is in the toilet. Let's
see, time for a bathroom break and return for the shuffle.
"Where's the restrooms?" "Thanks, be back in a minute."
The other player says, "We'll wait for you." "WHAT???"
"NO, please don't wait for me!" Dealer says, "Sure we'll
wait for you." Told the dealer, "Don't want you to get
in trouble with the pit." Dealer says, "No problem. Just
take your time." Ploppy says, "You're my good luck charm."
GREAT! But if I really stretch this out they aren't going
to wait. Wash my hands 3-times. Gotta go back. My chips
are still there. I show up 15-minutes later. Son of a ...
they did wait. Minimum bet. Actually won money on the
shoe. Repeat after me ... I will NEVER EVER offer advice!
SIDEBAR: This was a KO training trip for me. Last visit
to the Gulf Coast a little over a year ago. The quality of
BJ choices has really gone downhill. CSMs and fake 2-deck
pitch with 8-deck shufflers everywhere. And these tables
were PACKED. A couple 8-deck games! I ended up playing
the few 6-deck tables (even though the table had an 8-deck
discard tray. So had to ask). Dealers seemed to be cutting
off 1 - 1.5 decks. Always found a 3rd base seat. Every
one else was playing the fake 2-deck pitch or CSM games.
HOW'D I DO? Got really comfortable counting and just plain
lucky. Kept the bet spread low (1-5 units) until I build
up some confidence. Figured this was an even game. Played
15-hours. Pocketed 102 units. I know ... REAL lucky! I
did want to check out Beau Rivage. Maybe next trip.
