Monday, Oct 24, 2016
For those of you who have followed my posts for the past ten years or so, you know that I rarely had any “big hit” pictures, simply because for the past couple of years, I’ve had very few to post. Getting royals, straight flushes, and even quad Aces were few and far between. Well, this trip went the other direction. I hope you’ll indulge me as I post all of them from this trip. I had a pretty good run this time around.
I got in Vegas at about 8 AM and, as my habit, stopped at M first to see if I had any freeplay...nope. Played the new Walking Dead machine, hit a bonus and won $34. Dropped a little in another machine, broke even on a Buffalo Gold machine and walked out with a $20 profit. The drive in to Las Vegas was uneventful, which is always a good thing. This is going to be a 10 day trip, so I’m going to have to be sure to pace myself and starting off with a small profit is a good way to begin.
Headed to Sam's Town where I’m booked for two comped nights and $10 free play. Sam’s is known for their many promotions; however, the only promotion is a Fri and Sat pumpkin swipe—nothing special plus I won’t be here, besides, it’s well known that I never win drawings. Had breakfast at the sports deli...they did a slight remodel. Played at the 10 AM poker tourney and went out shortly after the first break. I didn't gamble the rest of the day there (“paced yourself”)
The atrium at Sam’s Town during the morning hours. A great place for a cup of coffee in the morning.
Went downtown to use up my yearly quarters (my loose change I throw in a jar at the end of the day which I guess was about $50) at the 9/6 Jacks or Better coin-in at the California. I went through all my quarters not catching one full house, flush, or straight. Fortunately, I caught a lot of trips and cashed out $45.
Saw a movie "Keeping up with the Jones" and really liked it: Popcorn, silly, but fun movie.
I forgot my coffee maker at home, so went to Wal-Mart for a new one ($9) and then picked up a burger...took it back to the room and called it an early night and went to sleep at 7 PM...I didn't get much sleep last night—I’m currently dealing with a shoulder injury (Pickleball) and arthritis developed after the injury, so sleep these past few months has been sketchy (getting old sucks!)
As we both know, some days, nothing goes right, and then occasionally everything goes right.
Got up at 3 AM (went to bed at 7). At 5 I went down and played some DDB progressive and 8/5 BP for a while then had a breakfast buffet (the sports book deli was closed for a deep cleaning). Signed up for the poker tournament and today, I did pretty well. Made final table and with 8 people left (there were a total of 48 players), all decided to give 5-8 place $25 and the rest for the 1-4 players.
With only five people left, I was down on chips and in the small blind went all in with 8/9 off suit. Why? Because I was stupid. I was hoping the Big Blind would have a shit hand and it turned out the big blind had Q/9 and called. I was out on the bubble, but I did win $25.
I drove to the Suncoast to check in. Terry and Louise were driving in today and I was going to give them my room for the night as I'm staying another night at Sam's Town. I got a call from them around 2:30 saying they'd meet me at the Suncoast in a little while (they were driving in from Utah after leaving home in Denver where they had stayed the night). I sat at the usual bar tops by the sports book and put in hundred to play 8/5 BP (the only full pay game left there). Things were going poorly and I was down to under $20 when I finally hit quad fives.
Things turned around a little bit and I was back up to $40 when I held J/10/A of spades and the K/Q filled in for my royal. Sweet!
It’s been a long time. You hit one of these ($1000) and the rest of your trip becomes much more comfortable.
Terry and Louise arrived and went up to the room where Terry made arrangements with a realtor to look at houses tomorrow (they’re hoping to stay a month here, which is why they drove) and then went down to the bar once again. All three of us played for a while and I cashed out another $30 profit.
The Suncoast in Summerlin, which is just blocks from the YMCA where we play Pickleball.
The view from my room at the Suncoast. All the rooms have floor to ceiling glass windows.
We went downtown so they could check into the Golden Gate (where they will stay Wed/Thur) and while waiting for them I played a BG (Buffalo Gold) machine. Put in a $20 and got a nice bonus and was up $70 and cashed out a $20 profit after it went cold.
The Four Queens—home of the Chicago Brewing Company
We walked over to Chicago Brewery and had a pizza for dinner (hands down the best pizza in Las Vegas) and then played some 9/6 Jacks (4Q had $20 in free play for me). I used that and was up to $60 but things went south but I still cashed out $20 profit.
I headed back to Sam's and it was too early for bed so I played a BG there and caught a great line hit (Buffalo 2X 2X 2X) for a $147 profit (this was after I dropped $50 on a Game of Thrones). The 8/5 BP progressive was up to $1300, so I played it and after a few minutes was dealt a straight flush. I soon cashed out with another $50 profit and went to bed.
When it’s dealt, there’s no decision to make other than make sure they are all held before hitting the deal button.
It turned out to be a day where I pretty much won money on every game I touched. If only every day went like this. NOW: Let's see if the gaming gods play their usual trick of giving me money one day and taking it back the next--I'd love to experience a two-day winning streak)
Thursday
I spent most the day hanging out with Terry. We had breakfast at Magnolias (Terry used comps). Both he and Louise are fighting colds and Louise stayed in bed a little longer. After breakfast, went to the 9/6 Jacks in 4Q. I lost a hundred and quit. Terry did better cashing out a $50 profit after about an hour or so.
We went back to Golden Gate (GG) so Terry could check up on Louise and I played a BG while waiting for him. Hit a bonus and caught a Buffalo 2X 3X 3X for a very sweet $128 win on a 60-cent bet. Cashed out and waited for Terry to come back down. I have NO idea why I’m winning so consistently on these Buffalo Gold machines, but I’m not complaining. I should note that on all of the penny games I play, it’s Bonus or Bust meaning I play until I hit a bonus and cash out or lose my money played. On video poker, it’s double or nothing. When I put in a hundred, I either double up or lose it, with exceptions—big hits, tired of playing, or going along with the others I’m playing with.
We walked around Fremont Experience a bit and then drove over to see the Golf Pro at the MGM. I parked at Hooters (I refuse to pay MGM their recently instituted $10 parking fee at all their properties—they’ve lost my business) and we walked to it. It was nice to see but no need to go back. I don't golf and it's really just a glorified three story golf range with fancy expensive drinks and food.
We went back downtown, Louise was feeling better. We played some blackjack at GG. I always just bet $5 a hand and take advantage of double downs. The dealer had a 10-win streak. After an hour or so, I won $3 for the session. They wanted me to play Buffalo Gold before we left. I put in a twenty with the usual 60-cent bet and was down to almost my last spin when I hit a four coin bonus with two re-triggers and won $93.
They went up to the room for a moment and while waiting, I played the 8/6 BPDeluxe along the back wall and after being down $30, held one King and the other three popped up for a $100 win. I finished up $73.
Terry and I went to the Main Street Station to play at the bar. We played for about an hour or so, I hit only one quad, but managed to hang in there for a $.50 session win. Terry lost a little bit, but he did make Sapphire (when he went over, a message scrolled across the machine...funny). We checked out the California, which has also done some huge remodeling. They've moved the sports book downstairs and it is very nice; however, to sit in the cushy chairs in the sports book, there's a two-drink minimum...a good idea to keep the bums out. All the bar tops at these new bars have horrible pay schedules.
We walked over to the Plaza where we checked out the new pool area and pickle ball courts on top of the roof. Wow! They did an amazing job. Kudos to the designers for turning what was once a rarely used eyesore into a beautiful pool and recreation center. Downtown is really coming around. Pickleball is a little expensive at $5 an hour (even if you’re staying in the hotel). Most people play about two hours, so $10 is a bit steep, but such nice courts—perfectly fine.
The new Pickleball courts at the Plaza—beautiful!
We had dinner at Magnolias (again Terry using his comps) and I drove back to Suncoast. They've done a lot of remodeling here as well. My favorite 5-play nickel progressive machines have been moved a few yards away. They've completely redone and moved the coffee shop as well as the oyster bar. Yesterday morning I played the progressive nickels ($10K for a dealt royal) and lost a hundred (I play Bonus Aces). Today, I gave it another shot and after about six hands, I caught Aces for a $100 win.
I then walked to the bar to watch the Thursday night football game and play 8/5 Bonus. I put in $50 to double or nothing. Hit a couple of full houses then was dealt four to a straight flush and caught it for my second SF of the trip. I cashed out $145. On my way back to the room, I stopped at another BG. I put in a twenty and caught a bonus and cashed out a $98 ticket. Seems I might have to start playing for more than the minimum 60-cent bet.
Caught four, held one and the perfect 5 of clubs appeared.
Sounds like all I'm doing is winning at Buffalo Gold, but with my strategy of playing a twenty--lose and I leave the machine; catch a bonus and I leave the machine. I did play BG machines about four times and lost the twenty--so it's not all wins; however, overall I'm up quite a bit up on them.
With all the wins and losses today, I went to bet up $250. A two day winning streak—sweet!
Friday
Drove over meet Terry at McDonalds in the “D” around 9 AM. We spent some time over a breakfast of sausage egg McMuffins looking at the AirBRB app as he and Louise are considering trying out some places in the Summerlin area instead of the usual casino hotel rooms. I was surprised how much cheaper it would be going this route. Something to consider in the future when I don’t have comped rooms. Though I’ve completely left all the Caesars’ properties, I have adopted the Boyd properties for my free rooms and food comps. They’re much easier to get and maintain and frankly, being off the Strip is preferable for me.
We walked to the California and each decided to “double or nothing” at a DB game for $50 each. Terry hit quad queens soon and cashed out a $63 profit. Then it was my turn. During these sessions, we were constantly checking the correct play with WIN POKER app on my phone for the correct play. Double Bonus has such difficult and contra-intuit strategy that I could never play this game without it. I managed a couple of full houses when three Aces were dealt. This trip has been unusually lucky for me and sure enough, the final Ace of diamonds popped up for a nice $200 win. Double or nothing? Success!
Aside from a royal, this is the best hand you can get on this game.
We met up with Louise and we walked over to the Four Queens (4Q). I played some 9/6 Jacks while they moved themselves from the Golden Gate to the 4Q, where they will be staying for the next three nights. I also moved out of the Suncoast and will check into the Fiesta later tonight for the next couple of days. They got settled into their new room and met me downstairs where I had managed to still be over my $100 buy in. We all played together hitting the occasional quad but after a long session, I cashed out even.
We had lunch at the Chicago Brewery, and again shared their meat lovers pizza. The ugly deuces progressive we now over $1500, so the three of us sat down at the bar and gave it go. I wasn’t long before Terry caught the deuces for $250. Louise was holding her own but I was having a rough time of it. I was down to $6 when I was dealt a wild royal. Things then picked up and I managed to get my bank back up to $70 where I decided to quit with a manageable $30 loss for the hour-long session.
Terry’s quad deuces good for a nifty $250 win
Louise headed up to her room to rest and Terry and I sat down at an Ultimate Texas Hold ‘em table where he bought in for $200. I enjoy watching this game, but I don’t like to play it. The variance is just to wild for me, but Terry loves it, so I just acted as cheerleader. It really is a fun game, but the constant swing of $40 a hand, when you hold, is just too uncomfortable for me. It’s one of Terry’s favorite games. We actually sat there for quite a long time as he was maintaining pretty well. However, it was getting too cold as I was right under the air conditioner, and it was time for me head out and we said our goodbyes.
I walked to back of Binions in the old tournament area (all the poker tables have now been completely removed) where one of these ultra-discounted LV wear is sold and bought a very nice velour pull-over for $15 and then drove to the Fiesta. I have three nights comped here…no idea why as I only played there once while waiting for a movie, but free nights are always gladly accepted.
The rooms here are basic but actually nice with a large TV and good WI-FI. The hotel casino is very nice with good movies, many restaurants and plenty of full pay video poker. Its only drawback is it’s located so far away on the edge of Henderson. I played some Buffalo Gold and some video poker but this time, my luck had run out and I lost at all of them. I picked up a small snack and took it back to my room and watched the Cubs/Indians game. For the day, I end up breaking even—I’ll that a win!
The Fiesta in Henderson
Saturday
After breakfast, I played in the Sam’s Town Tournament once again and unfortunately was felted just before the first break. I played some 8/5 BP and again managed to hit quad Aces. This is the craziest trip for me. For whatever reason, I’m catching a lot of quad Aces, which in the past have been the elusive for me—sometimes going an entire trip without catching, and now I have managed to get them on four different occasions: three times for $100 each and once for $200. Add the Royal to that and I have a very good vacation developing here.
On bonus poker, Aces are worth $100.
I drove downtown to meet Terry and Louise. We played at the Four Queens for a while and then Terry and I walked over to the California to play some double bonus. Though I didn’t catch any Aces, I did manage to double up my $50 buy in. We spoke with a veteran, who was playing in the next machine for quite a while who gave me some good advice on the VA. As a Vietnam veteran, I have some benefits I can look into at their hospital should I every need.
Louise met up with us and we had an early dinner at the Triple 7s in Main Street Station. All of our food this trip is being paid with comp points (a nice bonus is that when you pay food with comps, you get 40% at all Boyd properties). The food, as always, was excellent and we wanted to grab some spots at the bar to play some full pay Jacks; however, all the spots were filled (football and the World Series), so we found three machines against the wall that had NSU Deuces. We sat down to play. It wasn’t long and Terry, holding one deuce, caught the other three for a $250. Not long after that, I was dealt three deuces and caught the fourth for another win. Finally after another twenty minutes or so, Louise was dealt all four deuces. So, we ALL hit quad deuces and all of us cashed up with a nifty profit. How lucky for us that on this particular time, all the spots at the bar were taken.
My set of deuces. How cool that all three of us caught deuces this time around.
It was time for me to head back to the Fiesta, so we said our goodbyes as tomorrow morning, I leave for Laughlin. Another winning day! In all my years of playing, I don’t remember having a four day winning streak.
Sunday
I got up very early and checked out and drove to Laughlin, which takes about 90 minutes and arrived at 7 AM. The plan was to sign in for the first table when the place opens at 9 AM. In the first hour, there is a high hand $50 bonus. I was surprised to see that a game was still in progress from last night, so I put our name on the list and then got a call from Martin. We agreed to meet at the Riverside for their breakfast buffet as I had plenty of comps there to pay for it.
While standing in line at the Riverside buffet, another customer handed me an extra 2for1 coupon—score! Surprisingly, they honored the coupon and let me take the remaining off my comp account (sort of double dipping). As it was Sunday, it was a brunch. There was a manned special waffle machine, an omelet station, and also lunch food such as BBQ, peel shrimp, and other foods.
The Riverside Hotel and Casino.
After breakfast, we played some Quick Quads. I lost $30, but Martin walked away a winner after being dealt a quad (playing 5-play). We then headed back to the Colorado Belle to play poker.
At 9 AM, they called my name (Martin missed the cut) and I headed to the first 2/4 table. I bought in for $60 and as I’ve mentioned so many times before, I was on a winning streak. After the hour, I won the $50 high hand bonus and I had quite a few good wins along the way. Martin soon joined the table and we played for the next three hours. When the dust settled, I cashed $250 (a $190 profit).
We went back to the Riverside to see a movie, Keeping up with the Joneses (Yes, I saw it again but Martin wanted something light and I enjoyed it). We then walked down to bar overlooking the Colorado River and took a couple seats. I played NSUD for a good hour or so and broke even, but at least managed to pack up quite of few slot points. I headed back to the Colorado Belle where I’ll be staying the night. Five straight days ending with a profit—very nice!
Monday
I was expecting the worse when I checked into the Colorado Belle. I received a two night comp and was expected to only stay one night before I move across the street to the Tropicana for the next three nights; however, I was surprised to find that the room was very nice. I was given a river front room, which had been recently remodeled. The bed is soft and comfortable. I would be very happy to continue to stay here (comped, of course). I was up very early and enjoyed just hanging in the room watching the news and then finally headed downstairs to put Martin and my names on the list for the poker room.
The Colorado Belle. Their remodeled rooms are surprisingly very nice.
I played some Buffalo Gold machines. The plan was to put $20 in each of the six machines and cash out at a bonus or a double up or lose it. After all six machines, I had hit three bonuses and walked with a $65 profit. Martin arrived and we had breakfast at their buffet, which is in the Loading Dock Restaurant. I have plenty of comps to use and the breakfast buffet is only $9.99 each. The quality here is superior to the Riverside. I’m going to make this my breakfast choice in the future.
We played poker and today did not go as well. When we left the tables at 12:30, after three and half hours, I had lost my $60 buy-in but did win a $50 Aces cracked bonus, so I was down $10 for the session—not bad.
Martin and I walked next door to the Pioneer to check out the just remodeled deli as we were feeling like a hot dog. The prices at the deli were simply too high ($9.95 for a pastrami hot dog—the only wiener on the menu) so we passed. We walked across the street to the Tropicana so I could check in. The plan was to move over there, but I like my room at the Colorado Belle more and will stay there and leave my room at the Trop for Tue and Wed night.
The Pioneer Hotel (really more like a large motel as you can park at your room). It’s very old school Vegas.
It was back to the Riverside and another movie. This time it was Jack Reacher with Tom Cruise. It was as expected: lots of action and a brooding, tense Cruise, but we enjoyed the movie a lot. The thought was to go over to the Aquarius, where Martin is staying and play a little there. I decided to play $50 in 8/5 DB and $50 in NSU Deuces. Well, I lost all of that making my gambling for today pretty much even. There were six Buffalo Gold machines. Martin put in a $20, hit a small bonus and cashed out an $8 win. I put in a $20 and lost it. A lady on the end machine left after catching a couple of good line hits. I put a twenty in that machine and soon caught a great line hit for $65. I then caught a bonus and won another $84. After a little more playing, I cashed out a ticket for $164—daily winning streak intact—six days and counting.
I headed back to the Colorado Belle and watched some Monday Night Football then to sleep.
Tuesday
I packed up my things and moved them over to the Tropicana, my final stop for this trip. When I double book a place and don’t stay in one of them, I wonder what housecleaning must think when they come into the room and see all my bathroom sundries out and my computer on the desk, but no towels used, and the bed undisturbed. My guess is they assume I checked in and gambled the entire night.
The Tropicana does not include Internet as they use a third party for WI-FI. Thankfully, my iphone has the hotspot feature I can use anywhere, so paying for Internet is no longer an issue. I drove across the street back to the Colorado Belle to sign Martin and me up for the first poker session and then played a few games. Buffalo Gold, which has been so generous to me throughout this trip, finally decided to take some of its money back.
Martin met me and we had breakfast at the Pints Brewery (the Loading Dock restaurant and its terrific $9.99 breakfast buffet is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday (a rarity for a restaurant in a casino). I had the ham steak and eggs (the ham all but covers the plate) and Martin had an omelet. I’ve played so much poker when I’m in Laughlin that all our food for this entire trip was covered with slot points. The poker room gives $1.25 an hour in comps, which mounts up over time considering I tend to play 5 to 8 hours a day.
We played poker until 12:30 (neither of us caught any bonuses), and Martin, who was ahead for the session called it a trip and he needed to drive back to San Diego as he has to work tomorrow. I played for another two or three hours and ended up even. It was time to put in some play at the Tropicana. After all, I wanted to keep the free room offers coming and they frown on that if you stay free for three nights and don’t give them any play.
The Tropicana, which has been giving me three night comps regularly.
I had been winning every day of this trip…until now. As expected the gaming gods decided it was time to give back some of my winnings. I tried all kinds of games hoping to catch something. Video poker was a bust, penny machines were a bust, and I even tried some old school slot pull-the-handle machines and couldn’t score a win. Normally, this would have upset me (no one likes to lose), however, I’ve done so well this trip that I was okay with it. I finally gave up, picked up a Subway Spicy Italian (my favorite) and went up to room and watched the World Series before calling it a night. My daily win steak comes to an end.
Wednesday
My final day in Laughlin started out as they all do. Go over to the Belle and get on the first table list. Then it was over to the Riverside for their breakfast buffet (still had enough points to pay) and finally down to the river view bar where they have Ugly Deuces. I put in a hundred and though I got plenty of opportunities, I could not catch the quad deuces and finally lost.
I was back to the Belle and more poker. After the first hour, I didn’t win a hand (so four days of play and I won the high hand bonus once…not bad). Fortunately, things began picking up and I started winning and when I left the table at 12:30, I was up $52 for the session. I was dealt two black Aces (if cracked—meaning losing the hand—I would have won a bonus $100); however, the flop was three clubs. With the pot over the requisite $20, I began checking hoping someone would pick up a hand. The player in the 8 seat had two pair (as I learned later) so all I needed to do is fade a club on the river. I told the dealer: “do NOT put a club on the river”. Final card—the 3 of clubs. At least I won the pot.
I quit the game because Terry and Louise, who I had said goodbye in Las Vegas, had suddenly found themselves without a room for Wednesday night and Las Vegas was jammed with a huge convention, so Terry booked a room at the Aquarius here in Laughlin. I drove over there to meet them. They got situated in their room and Louise worked on some blogs while Terry and I drove over to Bullhead City. I showed him where the Pickleball courts were located in the event he’d like to play tomorrow and then we checked out some potential rentals. The trip was a bust and most rentals were already taken or they wanted too long a commitment.
The entrance to the Riverview Resort in Bullhead just across the river from Laughlin.
When we came back, we sat down at the full pay bank of machines. I played NSU Deuces and Terry went for the 10/7 Bonus Poker and the 10/6 Double Double Bonus Poker. Both of us lost. We met up with Louise and went to the Belle for dinner in the Pints Brewery and to watch game 7 of the World Series. We all had the excellent Cuban sandwich. I drove them back to the Aquarius and then I went back to the Tropicana. I thought I’d give one last shot at winning something. Today was 3X points so I figured I offer up on last $100 to the gaming gods. I sat down at the 7/5 Bonus poker progressives (the only two 8/5 BP triple plays were being bogarded by a couple). I was soon dealt quad deuces (of course on this machine) and I fluctuated up and down and finally quit at my $100 breaking even.
I noticed that a penny game with a bonus game had a teddy bear (a small jackpot) very close to being hit, so I sat down and gave it a shot. To my surprise after about four spins, the bonus appeared and I did manage to win the teddy bear, which was good for $123. I played a little more and cashed out with a $100 profit for the night. I considered playing it, but thought better of it. It’s always nice to leave a trip on a final win. It just leaves a better feeling, so I went up to room to watch the remaining World Series. Little did I know it would go 10 innings with a 17 minute rain delay—but one of the best games ever.
It’s back to San Diego early tomorrow.
Post Script: After I got home, I got a text from Terry. He drove Louise over to Bullhead to show here the Pickleball courts and the Riverview Resort we had been at yesterday with no luck. They happened to walk into the club house to have a look and met a lady—bottom line—they found a place and rented it for the next month. Serendipity!
For those of you who have followed my posts for the past ten years or so, you know that I rarely had any “big hit” pictures, simply because for the past couple of years, I’ve had very few to post. Getting royals, straight flushes, and even quad Aces were few and far between. Well, this trip went the other direction. I hope you’ll indulge me as I post all of them from this trip. I had a pretty good run this time around.
I got in Vegas at about 8 AM and, as my habit, stopped at M first to see if I had any freeplay...nope. Played the new Walking Dead machine, hit a bonus and won $34. Dropped a little in another machine, broke even on a Buffalo Gold machine and walked out with a $20 profit. The drive in to Las Vegas was uneventful, which is always a good thing. This is going to be a 10 day trip, so I’m going to have to be sure to pace myself and starting off with a small profit is a good way to begin.
Headed to Sam's Town where I’m booked for two comped nights and $10 free play. Sam’s is known for their many promotions; however, the only promotion is a Fri and Sat pumpkin swipe—nothing special plus I won’t be here, besides, it’s well known that I never win drawings. Had breakfast at the sports deli...they did a slight remodel. Played at the 10 AM poker tourney and went out shortly after the first break. I didn't gamble the rest of the day there (“paced yourself”)
The atrium at Sam’s Town during the morning hours. A great place for a cup of coffee in the morning.
Went downtown to use up my yearly quarters (my loose change I throw in a jar at the end of the day which I guess was about $50) at the 9/6 Jacks or Better coin-in at the California. I went through all my quarters not catching one full house, flush, or straight. Fortunately, I caught a lot of trips and cashed out $45.
Saw a movie "Keeping up with the Jones" and really liked it: Popcorn, silly, but fun movie.
I forgot my coffee maker at home, so went to Wal-Mart for a new one ($9) and then picked up a burger...took it back to the room and called it an early night and went to sleep at 7 PM...I didn't get much sleep last night—I’m currently dealing with a shoulder injury (Pickleball) and arthritis developed after the injury, so sleep these past few months has been sketchy (getting old sucks!)
As we both know, some days, nothing goes right, and then occasionally everything goes right.
Got up at 3 AM (went to bed at 7). At 5 I went down and played some DDB progressive and 8/5 BP for a while then had a breakfast buffet (the sports book deli was closed for a deep cleaning). Signed up for the poker tournament and today, I did pretty well. Made final table and with 8 people left (there were a total of 48 players), all decided to give 5-8 place $25 and the rest for the 1-4 players.
With only five people left, I was down on chips and in the small blind went all in with 8/9 off suit. Why? Because I was stupid. I was hoping the Big Blind would have a shit hand and it turned out the big blind had Q/9 and called. I was out on the bubble, but I did win $25.
I drove to the Suncoast to check in. Terry and Louise were driving in today and I was going to give them my room for the night as I'm staying another night at Sam's Town. I got a call from them around 2:30 saying they'd meet me at the Suncoast in a little while (they were driving in from Utah after leaving home in Denver where they had stayed the night). I sat at the usual bar tops by the sports book and put in hundred to play 8/5 BP (the only full pay game left there). Things were going poorly and I was down to under $20 when I finally hit quad fives.
Things turned around a little bit and I was back up to $40 when I held J/10/A of spades and the K/Q filled in for my royal. Sweet!
It’s been a long time. You hit one of these ($1000) and the rest of your trip becomes much more comfortable.
Terry and Louise arrived and went up to the room where Terry made arrangements with a realtor to look at houses tomorrow (they’re hoping to stay a month here, which is why they drove) and then went down to the bar once again. All three of us played for a while and I cashed out another $30 profit.
The Suncoast in Summerlin, which is just blocks from the YMCA where we play Pickleball.
The view from my room at the Suncoast. All the rooms have floor to ceiling glass windows.
We went downtown so they could check into the Golden Gate (where they will stay Wed/Thur) and while waiting for them I played a BG (Buffalo Gold) machine. Put in a $20 and got a nice bonus and was up $70 and cashed out a $20 profit after it went cold.
The Four Queens—home of the Chicago Brewing Company
We walked over to Chicago Brewery and had a pizza for dinner (hands down the best pizza in Las Vegas) and then played some 9/6 Jacks (4Q had $20 in free play for me). I used that and was up to $60 but things went south but I still cashed out $20 profit.
I headed back to Sam's and it was too early for bed so I played a BG there and caught a great line hit (Buffalo 2X 2X 2X) for a $147 profit (this was after I dropped $50 on a Game of Thrones). The 8/5 BP progressive was up to $1300, so I played it and after a few minutes was dealt a straight flush. I soon cashed out with another $50 profit and went to bed.
When it’s dealt, there’s no decision to make other than make sure they are all held before hitting the deal button.
It turned out to be a day where I pretty much won money on every game I touched. If only every day went like this. NOW: Let's see if the gaming gods play their usual trick of giving me money one day and taking it back the next--I'd love to experience a two-day winning streak)
Thursday
I spent most the day hanging out with Terry. We had breakfast at Magnolias (Terry used comps). Both he and Louise are fighting colds and Louise stayed in bed a little longer. After breakfast, went to the 9/6 Jacks in 4Q. I lost a hundred and quit. Terry did better cashing out a $50 profit after about an hour or so.
We went back to Golden Gate (GG) so Terry could check up on Louise and I played a BG while waiting for him. Hit a bonus and caught a Buffalo 2X 3X 3X for a very sweet $128 win on a 60-cent bet. Cashed out and waited for Terry to come back down. I have NO idea why I’m winning so consistently on these Buffalo Gold machines, but I’m not complaining. I should note that on all of the penny games I play, it’s Bonus or Bust meaning I play until I hit a bonus and cash out or lose my money played. On video poker, it’s double or nothing. When I put in a hundred, I either double up or lose it, with exceptions—big hits, tired of playing, or going along with the others I’m playing with.
We walked around Fremont Experience a bit and then drove over to see the Golf Pro at the MGM. I parked at Hooters (I refuse to pay MGM their recently instituted $10 parking fee at all their properties—they’ve lost my business) and we walked to it. It was nice to see but no need to go back. I don't golf and it's really just a glorified three story golf range with fancy expensive drinks and food.
We went back downtown, Louise was feeling better. We played some blackjack at GG. I always just bet $5 a hand and take advantage of double downs. The dealer had a 10-win streak. After an hour or so, I won $3 for the session. They wanted me to play Buffalo Gold before we left. I put in a twenty with the usual 60-cent bet and was down to almost my last spin when I hit a four coin bonus with two re-triggers and won $93.
They went up to the room for a moment and while waiting, I played the 8/6 BPDeluxe along the back wall and after being down $30, held one King and the other three popped up for a $100 win. I finished up $73.
Terry and I went to the Main Street Station to play at the bar. We played for about an hour or so, I hit only one quad, but managed to hang in there for a $.50 session win. Terry lost a little bit, but he did make Sapphire (when he went over, a message scrolled across the machine...funny). We checked out the California, which has also done some huge remodeling. They've moved the sports book downstairs and it is very nice; however, to sit in the cushy chairs in the sports book, there's a two-drink minimum...a good idea to keep the bums out. All the bar tops at these new bars have horrible pay schedules.
We walked over to the Plaza where we checked out the new pool area and pickle ball courts on top of the roof. Wow! They did an amazing job. Kudos to the designers for turning what was once a rarely used eyesore into a beautiful pool and recreation center. Downtown is really coming around. Pickleball is a little expensive at $5 an hour (even if you’re staying in the hotel). Most people play about two hours, so $10 is a bit steep, but such nice courts—perfectly fine.
The new Pickleball courts at the Plaza—beautiful!
We had dinner at Magnolias (again Terry using his comps) and I drove back to Suncoast. They've done a lot of remodeling here as well. My favorite 5-play nickel progressive machines have been moved a few yards away. They've completely redone and moved the coffee shop as well as the oyster bar. Yesterday morning I played the progressive nickels ($10K for a dealt royal) and lost a hundred (I play Bonus Aces). Today, I gave it another shot and after about six hands, I caught Aces for a $100 win.
I then walked to the bar to watch the Thursday night football game and play 8/5 Bonus. I put in $50 to double or nothing. Hit a couple of full houses then was dealt four to a straight flush and caught it for my second SF of the trip. I cashed out $145. On my way back to the room, I stopped at another BG. I put in a twenty and caught a bonus and cashed out a $98 ticket. Seems I might have to start playing for more than the minimum 60-cent bet.
Caught four, held one and the perfect 5 of clubs appeared.
Sounds like all I'm doing is winning at Buffalo Gold, but with my strategy of playing a twenty--lose and I leave the machine; catch a bonus and I leave the machine. I did play BG machines about four times and lost the twenty--so it's not all wins; however, overall I'm up quite a bit up on them.
With all the wins and losses today, I went to bet up $250. A two day winning streak—sweet!
Friday
Drove over meet Terry at McDonalds in the “D” around 9 AM. We spent some time over a breakfast of sausage egg McMuffins looking at the AirBRB app as he and Louise are considering trying out some places in the Summerlin area instead of the usual casino hotel rooms. I was surprised how much cheaper it would be going this route. Something to consider in the future when I don’t have comped rooms. Though I’ve completely left all the Caesars’ properties, I have adopted the Boyd properties for my free rooms and food comps. They’re much easier to get and maintain and frankly, being off the Strip is preferable for me.
We walked to the California and each decided to “double or nothing” at a DB game for $50 each. Terry hit quad queens soon and cashed out a $63 profit. Then it was my turn. During these sessions, we were constantly checking the correct play with WIN POKER app on my phone for the correct play. Double Bonus has such difficult and contra-intuit strategy that I could never play this game without it. I managed a couple of full houses when three Aces were dealt. This trip has been unusually lucky for me and sure enough, the final Ace of diamonds popped up for a nice $200 win. Double or nothing? Success!
Aside from a royal, this is the best hand you can get on this game.
We met up with Louise and we walked over to the Four Queens (4Q). I played some 9/6 Jacks while they moved themselves from the Golden Gate to the 4Q, where they will be staying for the next three nights. I also moved out of the Suncoast and will check into the Fiesta later tonight for the next couple of days. They got settled into their new room and met me downstairs where I had managed to still be over my $100 buy in. We all played together hitting the occasional quad but after a long session, I cashed out even.
We had lunch at the Chicago Brewery, and again shared their meat lovers pizza. The ugly deuces progressive we now over $1500, so the three of us sat down at the bar and gave it go. I wasn’t long before Terry caught the deuces for $250. Louise was holding her own but I was having a rough time of it. I was down to $6 when I was dealt a wild royal. Things then picked up and I managed to get my bank back up to $70 where I decided to quit with a manageable $30 loss for the hour-long session.
Terry’s quad deuces good for a nifty $250 win
Louise headed up to her room to rest and Terry and I sat down at an Ultimate Texas Hold ‘em table where he bought in for $200. I enjoy watching this game, but I don’t like to play it. The variance is just to wild for me, but Terry loves it, so I just acted as cheerleader. It really is a fun game, but the constant swing of $40 a hand, when you hold, is just too uncomfortable for me. It’s one of Terry’s favorite games. We actually sat there for quite a long time as he was maintaining pretty well. However, it was getting too cold as I was right under the air conditioner, and it was time for me head out and we said our goodbyes.
I walked to back of Binions in the old tournament area (all the poker tables have now been completely removed) where one of these ultra-discounted LV wear is sold and bought a very nice velour pull-over for $15 and then drove to the Fiesta. I have three nights comped here…no idea why as I only played there once while waiting for a movie, but free nights are always gladly accepted.
The rooms here are basic but actually nice with a large TV and good WI-FI. The hotel casino is very nice with good movies, many restaurants and plenty of full pay video poker. Its only drawback is it’s located so far away on the edge of Henderson. I played some Buffalo Gold and some video poker but this time, my luck had run out and I lost at all of them. I picked up a small snack and took it back to my room and watched the Cubs/Indians game. For the day, I end up breaking even—I’ll that a win!
The Fiesta in Henderson
Saturday
After breakfast, I played in the Sam’s Town Tournament once again and unfortunately was felted just before the first break. I played some 8/5 BP and again managed to hit quad Aces. This is the craziest trip for me. For whatever reason, I’m catching a lot of quad Aces, which in the past have been the elusive for me—sometimes going an entire trip without catching, and now I have managed to get them on four different occasions: three times for $100 each and once for $200. Add the Royal to that and I have a very good vacation developing here.
On bonus poker, Aces are worth $100.
I drove downtown to meet Terry and Louise. We played at the Four Queens for a while and then Terry and I walked over to the California to play some double bonus. Though I didn’t catch any Aces, I did manage to double up my $50 buy in. We spoke with a veteran, who was playing in the next machine for quite a while who gave me some good advice on the VA. As a Vietnam veteran, I have some benefits I can look into at their hospital should I every need.
Louise met up with us and we had an early dinner at the Triple 7s in Main Street Station. All of our food this trip is being paid with comp points (a nice bonus is that when you pay food with comps, you get 40% at all Boyd properties). The food, as always, was excellent and we wanted to grab some spots at the bar to play some full pay Jacks; however, all the spots were filled (football and the World Series), so we found three machines against the wall that had NSU Deuces. We sat down to play. It wasn’t long and Terry, holding one deuce, caught the other three for a $250. Not long after that, I was dealt three deuces and caught the fourth for another win. Finally after another twenty minutes or so, Louise was dealt all four deuces. So, we ALL hit quad deuces and all of us cashed up with a nifty profit. How lucky for us that on this particular time, all the spots at the bar were taken.
My set of deuces. How cool that all three of us caught deuces this time around.
It was time for me to head back to the Fiesta, so we said our goodbyes as tomorrow morning, I leave for Laughlin. Another winning day! In all my years of playing, I don’t remember having a four day winning streak.
Sunday
I got up very early and checked out and drove to Laughlin, which takes about 90 minutes and arrived at 7 AM. The plan was to sign in for the first table when the place opens at 9 AM. In the first hour, there is a high hand $50 bonus. I was surprised to see that a game was still in progress from last night, so I put our name on the list and then got a call from Martin. We agreed to meet at the Riverside for their breakfast buffet as I had plenty of comps there to pay for it.
While standing in line at the Riverside buffet, another customer handed me an extra 2for1 coupon—score! Surprisingly, they honored the coupon and let me take the remaining off my comp account (sort of double dipping). As it was Sunday, it was a brunch. There was a manned special waffle machine, an omelet station, and also lunch food such as BBQ, peel shrimp, and other foods.
The Riverside Hotel and Casino.
After breakfast, we played some Quick Quads. I lost $30, but Martin walked away a winner after being dealt a quad (playing 5-play). We then headed back to the Colorado Belle to play poker.
At 9 AM, they called my name (Martin missed the cut) and I headed to the first 2/4 table. I bought in for $60 and as I’ve mentioned so many times before, I was on a winning streak. After the hour, I won the $50 high hand bonus and I had quite a few good wins along the way. Martin soon joined the table and we played for the next three hours. When the dust settled, I cashed $250 (a $190 profit).
We went back to the Riverside to see a movie, Keeping up with the Joneses (Yes, I saw it again but Martin wanted something light and I enjoyed it). We then walked down to bar overlooking the Colorado River and took a couple seats. I played NSUD for a good hour or so and broke even, but at least managed to pack up quite of few slot points. I headed back to the Colorado Belle where I’ll be staying the night. Five straight days ending with a profit—very nice!
Monday
I was expecting the worse when I checked into the Colorado Belle. I received a two night comp and was expected to only stay one night before I move across the street to the Tropicana for the next three nights; however, I was surprised to find that the room was very nice. I was given a river front room, which had been recently remodeled. The bed is soft and comfortable. I would be very happy to continue to stay here (comped, of course). I was up very early and enjoyed just hanging in the room watching the news and then finally headed downstairs to put Martin and my names on the list for the poker room.
The Colorado Belle. Their remodeled rooms are surprisingly very nice.
I played some Buffalo Gold machines. The plan was to put $20 in each of the six machines and cash out at a bonus or a double up or lose it. After all six machines, I had hit three bonuses and walked with a $65 profit. Martin arrived and we had breakfast at their buffet, which is in the Loading Dock Restaurant. I have plenty of comps to use and the breakfast buffet is only $9.99 each. The quality here is superior to the Riverside. I’m going to make this my breakfast choice in the future.
We played poker and today did not go as well. When we left the tables at 12:30, after three and half hours, I had lost my $60 buy-in but did win a $50 Aces cracked bonus, so I was down $10 for the session—not bad.
Martin and I walked next door to the Pioneer to check out the just remodeled deli as we were feeling like a hot dog. The prices at the deli were simply too high ($9.95 for a pastrami hot dog—the only wiener on the menu) so we passed. We walked across the street to the Tropicana so I could check in. The plan was to move over there, but I like my room at the Colorado Belle more and will stay there and leave my room at the Trop for Tue and Wed night.
The Pioneer Hotel (really more like a large motel as you can park at your room). It’s very old school Vegas.
It was back to the Riverside and another movie. This time it was Jack Reacher with Tom Cruise. It was as expected: lots of action and a brooding, tense Cruise, but we enjoyed the movie a lot. The thought was to go over to the Aquarius, where Martin is staying and play a little there. I decided to play $50 in 8/5 DB and $50 in NSU Deuces. Well, I lost all of that making my gambling for today pretty much even. There were six Buffalo Gold machines. Martin put in a $20, hit a small bonus and cashed out an $8 win. I put in a $20 and lost it. A lady on the end machine left after catching a couple of good line hits. I put a twenty in that machine and soon caught a great line hit for $65. I then caught a bonus and won another $84. After a little more playing, I cashed out a ticket for $164—daily winning streak intact—six days and counting.
I headed back to the Colorado Belle and watched some Monday Night Football then to sleep.
Tuesday
I packed up my things and moved them over to the Tropicana, my final stop for this trip. When I double book a place and don’t stay in one of them, I wonder what housecleaning must think when they come into the room and see all my bathroom sundries out and my computer on the desk, but no towels used, and the bed undisturbed. My guess is they assume I checked in and gambled the entire night.
The Tropicana does not include Internet as they use a third party for WI-FI. Thankfully, my iphone has the hotspot feature I can use anywhere, so paying for Internet is no longer an issue. I drove across the street back to the Colorado Belle to sign Martin and me up for the first poker session and then played a few games. Buffalo Gold, which has been so generous to me throughout this trip, finally decided to take some of its money back.
Martin met me and we had breakfast at the Pints Brewery (the Loading Dock restaurant and its terrific $9.99 breakfast buffet is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday (a rarity for a restaurant in a casino). I had the ham steak and eggs (the ham all but covers the plate) and Martin had an omelet. I’ve played so much poker when I’m in Laughlin that all our food for this entire trip was covered with slot points. The poker room gives $1.25 an hour in comps, which mounts up over time considering I tend to play 5 to 8 hours a day.
We played poker until 12:30 (neither of us caught any bonuses), and Martin, who was ahead for the session called it a trip and he needed to drive back to San Diego as he has to work tomorrow. I played for another two or three hours and ended up even. It was time to put in some play at the Tropicana. After all, I wanted to keep the free room offers coming and they frown on that if you stay free for three nights and don’t give them any play.
The Tropicana, which has been giving me three night comps regularly.
I had been winning every day of this trip…until now. As expected the gaming gods decided it was time to give back some of my winnings. I tried all kinds of games hoping to catch something. Video poker was a bust, penny machines were a bust, and I even tried some old school slot pull-the-handle machines and couldn’t score a win. Normally, this would have upset me (no one likes to lose), however, I’ve done so well this trip that I was okay with it. I finally gave up, picked up a Subway Spicy Italian (my favorite) and went up to room and watched the World Series before calling it a night. My daily win steak comes to an end.
Wednesday
My final day in Laughlin started out as they all do. Go over to the Belle and get on the first table list. Then it was over to the Riverside for their breakfast buffet (still had enough points to pay) and finally down to the river view bar where they have Ugly Deuces. I put in a hundred and though I got plenty of opportunities, I could not catch the quad deuces and finally lost.
I was back to the Belle and more poker. After the first hour, I didn’t win a hand (so four days of play and I won the high hand bonus once…not bad). Fortunately, things began picking up and I started winning and when I left the table at 12:30, I was up $52 for the session. I was dealt two black Aces (if cracked—meaning losing the hand—I would have won a bonus $100); however, the flop was three clubs. With the pot over the requisite $20, I began checking hoping someone would pick up a hand. The player in the 8 seat had two pair (as I learned later) so all I needed to do is fade a club on the river. I told the dealer: “do NOT put a club on the river”. Final card—the 3 of clubs. At least I won the pot.
I quit the game because Terry and Louise, who I had said goodbye in Las Vegas, had suddenly found themselves without a room for Wednesday night and Las Vegas was jammed with a huge convention, so Terry booked a room at the Aquarius here in Laughlin. I drove over there to meet them. They got situated in their room and Louise worked on some blogs while Terry and I drove over to Bullhead City. I showed him where the Pickleball courts were located in the event he’d like to play tomorrow and then we checked out some potential rentals. The trip was a bust and most rentals were already taken or they wanted too long a commitment.
The entrance to the Riverview Resort in Bullhead just across the river from Laughlin.
When we came back, we sat down at the full pay bank of machines. I played NSU Deuces and Terry went for the 10/7 Bonus Poker and the 10/6 Double Double Bonus Poker. Both of us lost. We met up with Louise and went to the Belle for dinner in the Pints Brewery and to watch game 7 of the World Series. We all had the excellent Cuban sandwich. I drove them back to the Aquarius and then I went back to the Tropicana. I thought I’d give one last shot at winning something. Today was 3X points so I figured I offer up on last $100 to the gaming gods. I sat down at the 7/5 Bonus poker progressives (the only two 8/5 BP triple plays were being bogarded by a couple). I was soon dealt quad deuces (of course on this machine) and I fluctuated up and down and finally quit at my $100 breaking even.
I noticed that a penny game with a bonus game had a teddy bear (a small jackpot) very close to being hit, so I sat down and gave it a shot. To my surprise after about four spins, the bonus appeared and I did manage to win the teddy bear, which was good for $123. I played a little more and cashed out with a $100 profit for the night. I considered playing it, but thought better of it. It’s always nice to leave a trip on a final win. It just leaves a better feeling, so I went up to room to watch the remaining World Series. Little did I know it would go 10 innings with a 17 minute rain delay—but one of the best games ever.
It’s back to San Diego early tomorrow.
Post Script: After I got home, I got a text from Terry. He drove Louise over to Bullhead to show here the Pickleball courts and the Riverview Resort we had been at yesterday with no luck. They happened to walk into the club house to have a look and met a lady—bottom line—they found a place and rented it for the next month. Serendipity!
