One problem with Snyder's writings is that he trashes Spanish 21. But for a knowledgeable player, that game is the best money-maker of all since it has the lowest HE and is the most conducive to counting.
Also higher variance due to redoubling.
..and will lead mostly to disappointment.
Those choices came just from looking for low minimums among SD and DD games with minimal casino advantage, but I concluded that from the sample Current Blackjack News which is from last year. I bought the electronic version of the current one last night, and obviously stuff has changed.
For a red chip player, my first experience in Vegas (second overall, first counting), where is a good starting point?
And as a follow up question to your comments about El Cortez, these games clearly seem to be some of the best (from the numbers on CBJ news) - if I'm only betting 1 to 4 with red chips, do you still anticipate them paying close attention and possibly kicking me out?
Thanks
...you may need a bigger spread than 1:4 really to be playing any sort of a winning game. That said, you may be able to eek out a McDonald's wage (except Mickey Dees has no negative fluctuation) for a period of time. They are pretty pathetic but you may be ok spreading low red. I was flat bet there betting $5-$60 when I first started counting after 2 or 3 days of play. They followed me around to tables, stared at me for the entire session and threatened to put me in their stupid mugshot book that nobody seems to care about or take seriously.
First time counting: The EC is the best it gets. New,slow,mistake prone dealers who cannot spot a counter or cheat. At SD you should be okay if you chip up from 1-4 reds and not jump bets. 2to4 is okay after a win where you are just letting it ride. Starting with a 2red bet is a good way to disguise your spread and can get you to 4reds quicker or drop to 1red if called for. DD calls for a bigger spread but a $25 or higher bet will still get them interested. If affordable, 2 hands off the top at DD will work. Be careful about spreading to 2 hands mid-shoe. Splitting tens, D A-9,8 or other strange plays will get called out. Push the envelope only when you are leaving and not coming back on the same shift/same trip. No matter what you do, they will most likely flat bet you before they say "no more BJ".
You should go to the EC for no other reason than to see what BJ was like in the old days. Those games will be gone one day soon. At least you will have the memories. The Western is about 3 blocks down from the EC. It's another throwback place that should be experianced. Do not walk from the EC to the W at night unless you are the adventurous type. Daytime is fine, though you may meet some red chip hookers along the way.
Have fun and if ever there were dealers to tip it is the EC dealers. They put up with a lot from the locals and they can use the money.
Other than the EC, the best red chip DD is in the burbs. As I said, you will need a car to make it worthwhile.
I'm assuming you didn't know that when you say it "should be experienced."
Now they can drain the down and out locals they depend on of their last $.50 about 3 minutes quicker. How do they pay a $2.00 BJ? Give the player $2.00 and a quarter, dime and nickel and congradulate them? Maybe with the extra revenue they can re-decorate their 5 star restaurant. What a bunch of cheap ass pinheads.
For those interested in pursuing Hi-Opt II in depth, contact me.
