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Rules for the RIO Invitational Mini-Baccarat Tourney

0 commentsPublished Wednesday, May 10, 2006 by baccarat_guy.

bacc tourney chinese
Originally uploaded by smartbaccarat.

Welcome to the wonderful world of Tournament Baccarat.

PLEASE NOTE : The official language is English.
Please make sure your casino host or translator is available at the table if you need assistance communicating in English.

of course, if you are one of the few tournament participants who actually speak English you
might want to refer to this sheet

Night #1 (or is it morning)

0 commentsPublished by baccarat_guy.

Well.... arrived at the 'Dust around 12:45AM --- don't ever know if I should call it night or morning #1. Only 2 tables were open in the Baccarat pit, a midi-baccarat table and a modified big-baccarat table. Gave a warm hello and hug to Shirley... the pit boss for the Baccarat room on Tuesday and Wednesday (she is 77 years old and was the first female Baccarat dealer in The Vegas... boy, now that is history). Shirley had the pleasure of working for Rosenthal et al at the 'dust. This was the real deal. The mob set things up, and basically "Lefty Rosenthal was running the Stardust Hotel, Tony Spilotro was taking care of the casino and any other problems that might arise, and Allan Glick was off playing golf down at La Costa on the California coast. Everyone seemed to be in place. Rosenthal had understood from day one what was expected of him. Chicago was deadly serious about making the Stardust and their other Las Vegas properties more profitable."

If you are NOT familiar with the real life people, you will recognize that this is basically the Martin Scorsese movie Casino. Not only is this movie very accurate, but it is the story of the Stardust (Tangiers) and Rosnethal (Sam "Ace" Rothstein).

That evening, the midi-baccarat table (in midi-baccarat you face the cards - but DO NOT DEAL the cards from the shoe) had 3 other Chinese players, who didn't seem to want to have any conversation in English. I ordered a Grey Goose Vodka on the rocks and a Perrier water to get my night started. The other players kept wanting me to face the player cards, even though I didn't have the high player wager on the table. I think after I drew a couple of naturals... they must have thought I was some sort of lucky charm.

Anyway, things were choppy.. and not really going anywhere... the shoe ended and everyone left (it was now a bit after 2AM) --- Shirley thought I should give it a break.. and start fresh the next day... I was anxious to start a new shoe... but, she was probably right, and I was a bit hungry any way. Went over to the Coco-Palms (which is relocated to the buffet rooms on early Wednesday morning) and had my favorite early morning meal of fried chicken, crisp bacon and french fries. I never eat like this at home (much more health conscious) --- but, it's Vegas. Had great conversation with Mary and Igor, and we made fun of the cranky poker player who was complaining about the bacon NOT being crisp enough (and Stardust has really crisp bacon) --- they said he always comes in late (often drunk) orders eggs and bacon and always complains... must be one of those cranky old 'dust poker players (he was wearing a party poker jacket).

Well...... back to the RIO and my massive suite, for some early shut-eye around 4AM --- just want to take a quick jacuzzi before setting off to sleep. Have I said that I love The Vegas....

Masquerade Suite 31029

0 commentsPublished by baccarat_guy.

RIO Las Vegas Masquerade Suite 31029
Originally uploaded by smartbaccarat.

OK......... the RIO Masquerade Suite was quite a surprise upgrade. I didn't expect this as I dragged my tired ass into the front lobby of the RIO at 12 midnight. Check out a number of photos from inside the suite. It was sparkling new. Not sure if they redecorated recently, but I could see hardly any signs of wear. As usual, Mark picked me up at the airport (with rum and diet coke all chilled and ready in the back of the car... this tradition started in December on the way from the Stratosphere to Wynn). Mark knows me so well by now, he doesn't hold up a sign... just waits by baggage claim... He provides such a great friendly arrival to The Vegas. I had every intention of staying in my suite at the 'dust, but wanted to check in at the RIO to find out about the Baccarat Tourney times and registration. Ran into the lobby of the RIO around midnight, and check-in went kind of like this : Tipped the guy at the check-in desk $10 and just asked for a room on a high floor (this was a 2 day comp stay, as part of the mini-baccarat tourney). He said he would do better than that --- well... he sure did; the room was great, and I used the large Jacuzzi with a view at least 3 times --- of course, I was all alone this trip, would have been nice if my wife was along. Also, this was midweek, which I think had something to do with it. I gave him another $10 right after he told me it was a Masquerade Suite; figured he went out of his way for me, and $10 per day to upgrade to a Masquerade Suite was well worth it.

Met some crazy folks (long story) on my way up in the elevator to the suite. Unpacked briefly --- checked things out... put my extra cash in the safe... and then back to the limo and off to the 'dust for some Big Baccarat.

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Rules for the RIO Invitational Mini-Baccarat Tourney

Night #1 (or is it morning)

Masquerade Suite 31029

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