I used to play at the El Cortez, and that may still be where I spend my BJ bankroll next week. But with the elimination of single-deck at the El, I'm wondering if my money might be better spent elsewhere. Where do you play blackjack downtown?
I used to play at the El Cortez, and that may still be where I spend my BJ bankroll next week. But with the elimination of single-deck at the El, I'm wondering if my money might be better spent elsewhere. Where do you play blackjack downtown?
Originally posted by: John Hearn
I used to play at the El Cortez, and that may still be where I spend my BJ bankroll next week. But with the elimination of single-deck at the El, I'm wondering if my money might be better spent elsewhere. Where do you play blackjack downtown?
I've found the most fun games at the Plaza. But since it's hard to find 3:2 games anywhere except at high limits and with terrible rules, I've learned not to bother--the few decent games are crowded and usually have $25 minimums. Again, I've found some decent games at the Plaza
Forget Boyd casinos, which means Fremont, California, and Main Street Station. That's 3:2 land, and with their get-nothing (quite literally) players' club, no one should set foot therein.
Don't even try the Four Queens--they force you to make an awful side bet on every hand! (That was the case in August; that may have changed. Even if it has, the pit there is VERY smoky and noisy, with unhinged drunks everywhere.)
Circa might be OK, but you'll run into the high-limit problem; furthermore, it's unpleasantly LOUD LOUD LOUD in there. I actively hate it.
The Golden Gate is smaller and much quieter, and I've found some decent games there.
Oh, and just to pile on--the D is almost as goddamn noisy as Circa, and the games there absolutely suck. Downtown Grand used to have some goodish games, but they have 6:5 disease now, Their coffee shop thingy--i forget its name--has some of the best food downtown. Take advantage of the play $25 get half off promo. They also have (or had) a late-night burger bargain--it's really good
Quite honestly, I find playing blackjack downtown annoying and these days, expensive, so I reserve downtown for lodging, VP, and good Thai food.
Correction: Boyd casinos are 6:5 land.
Originally posted by: Kevin Lewis
I've found the most fun games at the Plaza. But since it's hard to find 3:2 games anywhere except at high limits and with terrible rules, I've learned not to bother--the few decent games are crowded and usually have $25 minimums. Again, I've found some decent games at the Plaza
Forget Boyd casinos, which means Fremont, California, and Main Street Station. That's 3:2 land, and with their get-nothing (quite literally) players' club, no one should set foot therein.
Don't even try the Four Queens--they force you to make an awful side bet on every hand! (That was the case in August; that may have changed. Even if it has, the pit there is VERY smoky and noisy, with unhinged drunks everywhere.)
Circa might be OK, but you'll run into the high-limit problem; furthermore, it's unpleasantly LOUD LOUD LOUD in there. I actively hate it.
The Golden Gate is smaller and much quieter, and I've found some decent games there.
Wife is the blackjack player in the family, and she likes the GG for the more chill atmosphere. Also, some of the lowest limits she has found.....last time it was $15, but that was Nov. '23, so not sure about now.
That was my experience as well; June 2024, they even had a $10 game during midweek, but it was dealt by a chimpanzee with terrible body odor and instead of cocktail service, you got a stale Ritz cracker, once an hour.
It's a shame what happened at the El Corpse. They've changed from the best joint downtown to one of the worst. And God do they scrutinize you like you're on a WANTED poster if you ever win $25.
I was in Circa this morning and saw 2 Blackjack tables open with $10 minimums
and 3/2 payout for a blackjack
Originally posted by: Kevin Lewis
That was my experience as well; June 2024, they even had a $10 game during midweek, but it was dealt by a chimpanzee with terrible body odor and instead of cocktail service, you got a stale Ritz cracker, once an hour.
It's a shame what happened at the El Corpse. They've changed from the best joint downtown to one of the worst. And God do they scrutinize you like you're on a WANTED poster if you ever win $25.
Yeah, not great at the EC. Wife and I went their last spring for our coupon run and got out of there faster than you would believe. The smoke, and we went in the morning, was absolutely nauseating.
Play during the day at Plaza, $10 during the week and $15 weekends I think. Always my favorite spot. And like Kevin, any Derek Stevens property (The D, Circa, GG) is unbelievably loud.
When my friends from New York are in town, one night we have dinner at Hugo's Cellar and then head over to the Golden Gate for BJ. Its a bit loud but its 3:2 and good rules.
