Visit to Horseshoe Casino in the Chicago/Hammond area

Just came from the Horseshoe Casino in the Chicago/Hammond, Ind. area.
All tables are 8 decks and NO MID SHOE ENTRY. I thought this was rather humorious after seeing a commercial for the local Jack Binions Horseshoe where there new slogin is "Jack Binions, we make it right for the gambler"

(the 3 neighboring casinos, Trump, Majestic Star and Harrahs all offer 6 decks).

They were all 6-deck tables as of last week.

(the 3 neighboring casinos, Trump, Majestic Star and Harrahs all offer 6 decks).

Trump and Majestic also have 8-deck games, and some with CSM's. Harrah's is all 6-decks except for some CSM's.

Have fun with "No mid-shoe entry"

Have fun with "No mid-shoe entry"

That's incorrect. Even $50 minimum tables initially allow mid-shoe entry. It is only when a player requests it, and the other players agree to it, that the pit will put a NME sign on the table. If the players want it removed, the pit will remove it.

BTW, the low-limit tables on the first floor, while all 8-deck, never have NME.

Horseshoe has a horrible game for counters. I doubt much has changed since I last visited a couple months ago: The 6-deck games in the high-limit pit have HORRIBLE penetration, typically 2 decks cut off, but best I saw was about 1.6 cut off (I also saw 2.5 off). Table minimum in there was $50. The tables were crowded.

It is true that games were NoMidshoe only if players request it, but players almost always requested it! Virtually every table was NoMidshoe, and if you sat out a hand, you could not get back in. NoMidshoe and crowds and horrible pen makes Wonging unrealistic. Oh, and did I mention that you'll get toke hustled to death? On a meager $600 or so win, I heard the dealer comment to the floor after I walked away. The regulars were winning more, but they were all regulars. I would say that the games are better at Blue Chip, Majestic Star, Harrah's EC, Empress Joliet, and Hollywood Aurora.

The only good thing about Horseshoe was some snack food they had in the pit, but they gave me evil stares when I ate some, even though I had played for an hour.

First of all, when it comes to Chicagoland, Jimmer knows precisely that which he speaks. He is the CBJN reporter here, and nothing escapes his discerning eye. But if it does, he hears from me.

The Horseshoe has been the benchmark for poor penetration for a couple of years in this area. Having said this, I must also mention that they have some very experienced dealers at work who will give better than average pen, both on the 8D and 6D games. The HR salon has $25 minimums on the day shift, and during the week will keep a couple of them open at night. The Horseshoe also has the highest table limits in the midwest at $10,000 on their $50 and $100 miniumum tables. You are correct in suggesting a better game can be found at almost any casino around Chicago. Aurora, Trump, and Majestic Star will allow you to play two boxes at table minimums on $25 tables with better pen than you will typically find at the Horseshoe. The better choice for a low roller would be the Empress.

The Binion's Steakhouse menu is the best in the area....even better than Aurora's Fairbank's Steakhouse. The view at sunset is outstanding, and service is excellent. Fairbank's has one of the best winelists in the area, but I prefer the chef at Binion's and their portions are huge.

If you want to play optimally in Chicago, you have to visit during the day. The games are a little better than Atlantic City, but comparable. If you want a good game, visit the Michigan City store. Be forewarned that they have the best table game protection in the area to thwart counters, and do not hesitate to half shoe you if you are a suspected skilled player.

The Asian buffet is for VIP card holders only at Binion's. That would explain the concerned looks you receive. I wouldn't let it bother me. Some other stores are more generous with the Asian buffet, but the food is better at Horseshoe.

As to 'giving a good gamble'.... the Horseshoe is the closest casino to the Loop and is always packed, no matter how poor the games may be. I see this demographic allowing them to keep their lousy games just the same for the future without any concern for losing business. Harrah's, Trump, and Majestic Star make some changes occasionally to loosen up the conditons, but for now, all are watching their bottom line closely. Make an effort to choose your boarding time wisely, and you will be rewarded.

scobee

Oh, and did I mention that you'll get toke hustled to death? On a meager $600 or so win, I heard the dealer comment to the floor after I walked away.

You were correct in walking away. If I were running a casino, I'd fire the first dealer who expected a tip simply for dealing good cards to the player.

Virtually every table was NoMidshoe, and if you sat out a hand, you could not get back in.

If you're playing high limit, and you're sitting out when TC = -1, it's better to sit out the rest of the shoe anyway. Most of the time, the shoe doesn't turn positive, and if it does, it might only last for a hand or two, in which case you'd sit out again. This can be annoying to the other players, who might be betting more heavily and can be quite vocal about your jumping in and out of hands. You don't need that kind of attention in high limit.

I would say that the games are better at Blue Chip, Majestic Star, Harrah's EC, Empress Joliet, and Hollywood Aurora.

We are in 100% agreement on this.

The only good thing about Horseshoe was some snack food they had in the pit, but they gave me evil stares when I ate some, even though I had played for an hour

The free chow is supposed to be for "Inner Circle" members, but go for it anyway! You deserved it.

First of all, when it comes to Chicagoland, Jimmer knows precisely that which he speaks.

Thanks for the complement, but it won't change the ground rules for any future golf: give me 1 stroke on the par 3's, 2 on the par 4's, and 3 on the par 5's. Plus, I get to start from the ladies' tees. And, there will be a 10 stroke limit per hole.

That'll make it an even match.

Even Tiger Woods would blanche at that game. Who do you think you are playing, adhoc?

I am thinking I will allow you a maximum of 10 on any hole, but no strokes on par threes. The other holes we can negotiate.

I didn't realize that there was a 'Joliet Grifter' on these pages. The next thing you will be telling me is that I have to play with Lady Precepts.

Let's start a thread for golf on the other page and see what happens. I'll bet you a dinner at Binion's that adhoc will tell us his game is lousy and he needs strokes...

scobee