Smart Baccarat

Yes, sometimes you just have to do it! After Foo convinced me to travel to The Vegas to spend some "quality" time with him for 24 hours, and help set him up @ Palazzo; I was a bit unconvinced that my mind and/or body could really deal with a one day trip to The Vegas.

Well, turns out, that my first trip to Vegas for 2009 @ the beginning of February (AKA, the "Pimp Daddy Trip" -- need to post some stories 'bout that soon..) on a fare sale ($92+ tax $130'ish all-in) had me arriving in Vegas on Friday night @ 11PM and departing on Sunday morning at 6AM. I had meant to book the return for Monday, but alas, I didn't and I was unable to change the return flight; even though it was within the Delta 24 hour change window. (Turns out, all of the cheap fare buckets for Monday returns were long gone). I lamented about this, and in the end, was able to get a 25K mile Delta free (roundtrip) ticket (with no fees for last minute booking, since it was coming out of Ellen's Platinum Medallion Account). Of course, NOW, I had a one way ticket left to use that was only applicable to return me to Vegas (BOS-LAS). Oh, the dilemma.

All of this played perfectly into Foo's master plan of convincing me to come out to Vegas, as I already had a ticket TO VEGAS, and only need a return home. Lo and behold, I was able to pick-up a Southwest return ticket on the nonstop from Vegas to Manchester, NH (LAS-MHT) for a mere $137+tax.

The plans were in motion, but still wasn't convinced the body was ready for it.

Yep, it was going to be a 30 hour trip to THE VEGAS!

Departure was the 6.30AM BOS-SLC-LAS on Delta flight with a swift sub 40 minute connection. Timed everything perfectly with a pick-up from my house at 5AM from Dave. We like to punish each other with flight drop offs at very early hours. Used elite security (next to CLEAR) because of my Crown Room Membership (purchased as a companion off of Ellen's Platinum Delta Medallion Status). Arrived at the gate just in time for zone 1 boarding, which was great, as my exit row was zone 1. Flights were on time, and pretty perfect. Exit row coach seating was fine, and IFE was available on the DL 757 from BOS-SLC. Used my expired drink coupons to have two Woodford Reserves (yes, Woodford, and only on Delta) with a single rock for the flight, and watched the pilot and next two episodes of season 1 - Sopranos on my iphone; with a mophie attached to extend the battery. A very nice flight attendant (definitely in her 50's) was totally hitting on me, and making fun of my expired drink coupons. She kept saying "I knew they were expired......" -- but, I'm gonna let you get away with it... actually, I'm just gonna tear them up and give you the drinks... she stopped by later in the flight to offer me another cocktail, but two was more than enough; along with a few club sodas.

Arrival in Vegas was uneventful, and on time. Was happy to see that both trams from terminal D were operating, so there was no wait for the tram. Went to check-in at Encore, which was very red, just like everything else at Encore.



It was just about noon, and I was using a pretty decent offer from Encore, considering I haven't had any play at Wynn since the opening. It was a $129 room rate with $150 in FREEPLAY, so effectively a free room.

Of course, my requested smoking room wasn't available (this always seems to be the case), but the check-in agent felt bad about not getting me into my room immediately as this was a one day trip. To make up for the lack of a smoking room, she decided to "upgrade" me to the top floor, floor 63. Not really sure this is really an "upgrade" even though, she made of point of saying she wasn't even going to ask her supervisor. So, after waiting a few more moments (their computer servers were having issues), and then the check-in person having to go "manually" make my key, I was almost on the way.

Since this was my first stay @ Encore (or Wynn, for that matter), I asked the nice lady to have a 1L bottle of Pellegrino, ice, and limes sent up to my suite. She didn't flinch, and called in the request right away. So, I was on my way to floor 63 of the Encore Resort Tower.

The room (well, they call it a suite) was very nice, extremely well done.



It even came with a view of the Stardust, which was great at bringing back many incredible old memories......



Pellegrino arrived moments after I got to my suite/room, and after getting over the shock of the auto-gratuity and additional service charge, I thanked the very nice server. She did make a point of telling me that the gratuity was already charged. As if, I wouldn't have figured that out by the $18 total price on the check for a single 1L bottle of Pellegrino. Amazing thing, this is even more expensive than at Palazzo (by around $5) --- so, I guess they need to make $$ somewhere. Only complaint, if you want to call it that, is that they delivered lemon slices, not lime slices with the water. Personally, they should have delivered both.

While we're on the subject of Encore versus Palazzo comparisons, I'll mention a few.

Requested turn down before leaving my suite in the evening, and it was not performed. Also, did my late night chicken wing order (around 4AM), at which time I order DRY deep fried buffalo wings with the sauce on the side. I'm very specific about the sauce being on the side, and the order taker repeated the order back. Unfortunately, the wings arrived within a half hour, but drenched in hot sauce. A little annoying, since it took another 30 minutes for a replacement. Though, I must say, the presentation for the french fries was really nice.

Even with these very minor service setbacks, I must say, I totally love Encore. Why, it has a small casino feel, and the dice tables are right outside of the elevator bank to the resort tower. And, it works well. Nice functional suites. Lovely casino floor, lots of sunlight! Actually, that's it.. there is just so much light in Encore during the day, it's incredibly refreshing.

Would I stay here again? Absolutely! Do I like it more than Palazzo? Well, that's not completely fair, and I didn't get a chance to check out the gym or spa. But, I love the vibe and the aesthetic of the property. It just feels clean, open and LUCKY! (I can't believe I said that) --- more on the gambling action a bit later.

Went over to the Mirage, and to my wicked happy surprise, got in a cab (yeah, I was in a rush) where the driver was playing my favorite opera, Turandot. I noticed it immediately, and it turned out that it was a recording with Sutherland and Pavorati.

Got to Mirage to meet Lion, but it turned out, that I was supposed to be meeting him at M. This was a total senior moment on my part. I saw the text with "M", and just translated that into Mirage, as I knew he was checking into Mirage that day.

Well, killed some time watching the dice tables, playing a bit of $1/$2 Top Dollar; and Lion, being the gentleman that he is, arrived to pick me up and wisk me off to M.

I was very excited to be going over to M Resort. The newest hotel/resort/casino in Las Vegas. Being a Vegas history buff, I've always been fascinated about the old, pre-Harrah's RIO that was open by the Marnell's (who are opening M). At the time, the RIO was cutting edge, and was considered way off strip. Something that was never tried before. Well, M is even further off strip --- and opening at a rather difficult time for Vegas; but being that this is a small Marnell property, I have high hopes.

First impressions, wow, I just love the scale. Very well done, and not too big. Place just has an incredible vibe. (Between Encore and M, I felt like I was in VIBE HEAVEN!) Employees are terrific, including the cocktail servers on the casino floor. Great classy details, such as proper glassware (including funky martini glasses) on the casino floor. Hosts very available and very focused on customer service (as was everyone we interacted with). An example was a slot tech who was in the process of unlocking a machine after a jackpot overhearing one of us (not me) lamenting over not being able to get a particular single malt scotch. He immediately took the initiative to call for a supervisor, and bingo, scotch problem solved.

The Loft Suites are incredible. Really lovely interiors, just the right amount of furniture bordering on slightly minimalist. In the late afternoon light pours into the duplex suite, really lovely. This is most definitely a suite for entertaining. Also, if I recall correctly, Bulgari bath accessories! Nice!

the downstairs living room of the suite


stairs to level 2


awesome marble table, with Lion and Foo



love this Loft Suite powder room sink



view from upstairs, the amount of sunlight is amazing



Veloce is the fine dining restaurant on the top floor (16th floor) of M. What an incredible setup. Sweeping view of the strip in the distance from all seating in the dining room. And, the "automat" automated wine service machines in the bar (these are also in another wine bar in the hotel). Basically, tons of glasses on top of the machines, and then you use a "debit" type card to "self-dispense" your wine (in three different pour sizes starting with 1oz). Another feature is that they comp wine debit cards, so you can have easy access to wine currency. There are also cocktail waitresses in the bar, but it's great to be able to pour your own win (and no gratuity).

Love the wine "auto-mat"


Speciality drinks (such as "I'll have what she is having") are great and totally underpriced for a place of this level. $8.50 per specialty drink.

Only problem, is that we had a wait a while for our table, even though we had a reservation, but we loved hanging in the bar. (and Chandler our cocktail server was a hoot, to say the least! I Chandler!) Dinner was terrific. They have an awesome sushi bar, and we started with sushi/sashimi (including uni), bluepoint oysters, kobe beef sliders, and gourmet popcorn shrimp. All around entrees were terrific, I had the pepper filet; and it was incredible. Also tasted the veal chop and rack of lamb, both excellent.

Wine service was excellent, with a great sommelier. They have great glassware, and were constantly on top of making sure we had the proper glasses for our cold sake (appetizers) and red wine. Wine was decanted flawlessly, into a lovely crystal decanter. For the life of me, I can't recall the red we were drinking that evening, but it will eventually come to me. Waiters always knew who was drinking sparkling water (Pellegrino) and still water (Panna); and never made any mistakes.

Service was very polished for a brand new restaurant. (actually, amazingly so... if it wasn't for the wait, it probably could be considered very close to perfect)

Desserts were interesting, though we only sampled the coconut "lolipops" --- once again, great drink list to go with dessert. They have a "homemade" Limoncello, as well as a Limoncello cocktail. Both were very good, with the cocktail being a bit too sweet. I keep picturing an old Italian man in the basement, making the house Limoncello.

Pricing was incredible for a restaurant of this caliber. In addition, they don't rape you on cocktails or wine. Really nice! --- great to see your comp dollars going twice as far as they do on the strip. Value, beauty and service! It's a winning combination!

amazing view from our dinner table, with the strip in the distance.



I can't wait to go back... oh, and the topper! $5 dice! (and $5 3/2 blackjack)! (and I swear they had a $10 2 deck pitch game that was 3/2 --- but I "might" be mistaken, as I don't really pay too much attention to BJ)

The pre-Harrah's RIO VIBE IS BACK! Long live M Resort!

I can't help but think, that the M Resort executives are peering at all of the soon to be bankrupt hotels on the strip in the distance, and laughing.

Actually, and stay with me on this for a moment,

But, peering out the window at the strip in the distance, during dinner, I couldn't help but think of Star Wars and Death Star.

The Death Star was the code name of an unspeakably powerful and horrific weapon developed by the Empire. The immense space station carried a weapon capable of destroying entire planets.

Well, after seeing the City Center monstrosity, all I could think of was DEATH STAR!

MAYBE, the Jedi warriors are being launched from M-Resort to destroy MGM-Mirage and Harrah's and allow for us to regain the OLD VEGAS! or, just a more gambler friendly Vegas....

Finished up the evening with a bit of fun gambling at M-Resort, and then called it a night, being dropped off by AK and Andrew at Encore. I wandered around a bit, but realized that I needed to get some rest (it was after 3AM, and I had been up for over 24 hours at this point).

Went back to my Encore suite, ordered a bit of room service, and watched some mindless TV to end a wonderful whirlwind of a day.

Of course, I was up just a few hours later and was ready to hit the casino floor. Got my $150 FREEPLAY loaded very quickly at the Red Card desk, and immediately play some 3-play $1 STP short pay video poker. I was hoping for some good CHI, but the machine was just sucking $100 bills, and sucking... and sucking.. so, after 2 glasses of champagne and a few sparkling waters, I decided I needed to hit the dice tables.

$10 dice, with standard 3X/4X/5X strip odds. Great, and I do mean great dealers. (even greater after another glass of Champagne) It was up and down for a bit, and then it started to go up very nicely. My rolls were pretty decent, as well as this one other lady shooter, and this other dude who would hunch over (stick left) and always knock over my odds (I was stick right). Once I was up a few, I knew I should leave, but I really wanted to make a score (I really should know better). Needless to say, that didn't happen, and it was a losing session. At which point, I did what every proper degenerate gambler would do..... take a final shot at the $25 Top Dollar machines ($50 per spin). Hit the bonus at the second spin, and really thought I was in the money. Heck, all I need was like a 100 unit bonus to really make some cash. Instead, I wound up with a 35 unit bonus ($875), played it to around $750, and immediately cashed out. Thankfully, I had recovered my dice loses. What a way to end a whirlwind (3+ hour gambling session).

Went to the Encore Resort Store to pick up some presents, including something sexy for Ellen and a shirt for Joe (my trainer). I'm always promising Joe a present from Vegas, so I figured a nice Encore shirt would do the trick.

Back up to the room, and quickly arranged my limited stuff (it was only a 30 hour trip), and re-packed my backpack. Called down to speak to a host to see if my action warranted anything. Turns out, my 2+ hours of dice was worth $100 in food and beverage credits. Though, I only had around $50 on my room folio (Pellegrino and chicken wings). Luckily, the host said she would carry the $50 forward to my next visit, and gave me her name and email to contact her for my next reservation. Very nice! Impressive, Wynn really does like table players (well, at least a little bit!). Called down to the front desk to check-out, and was on my way to Burger Bar @ Mandalay Place. In addition, requesting a 1PM check-out was no issue (though, this was a midweek stay).

Was very glad to have a final lunch @ Burger Bar with Lion, Foo, AK, and Andrew. It was a great relaxed time (like the entire stay), and I had more than enough time to enjoy lunch before my flight. I had an angus burger topped with Foie Gras, super yum and highly recommended. I also had cole slaw and a side of sweet potato fries!

Lion wisked me off to the MaCarran, and after a stopping by the kiosk to print out my Southwest boarding pass (of which, I checked in online on my iphone); I was off to the gate and a rather quick (due to nice winds) slightly over 4 hour nonstop from Vegas to Manchester, NH!

Wow, what a trip! Too short, but most definitely worth it!

Labels: craps, dice, encore, las vegas, m resort, top dollar, vegas

I must say, they did such a nice bar setup in our suite. I'm all about the glassware, and they were very good about making sure we were always supplied with sufficient quantities of proper drinking vessels.

I also wanted to mention, that I had a number of requests that were handled very well by the Palazzo resort concierge Helen (mostly via email) before our arrival. This included pre-blocking a concierge level suite. In addition, the concierge wasn't able to get us a smoking Bella Suite, but got approval for us to smoke in our non-smoking suite and proceeded to send ashtrays (approximately 10) to the suite. I must say, the ventilation and air circulation was so good, the room always smelled fresh, even though we were smoking in the suite.

Alex picked us up in his convertible rental car, and we proceed to the Golden Nugget.

We arrive at the GN for dinner with quietlion and Andy. This was such a nice treat, and I was very happy to be sharing my birthday dinner amongst such fine company.

I started with some oysters on the half shell, and had a very nice medium rare 8oz filet mignon sans butter. Numerous vegetables were ordered and shared among everyone at the table. We started off with a Laurent-Perrier Rose Champagne, which was a perfect compliment to my oysters. The wine with dinner was Darioush 2004 Shiraz, which was exceptional, and went very well with the variety of entrees ordered at the table. Of special note was the quail appetizer, which Richard had suggested, and I tried a piece of from Alex's plate -- it was very nice.

After dinner, we took a nice walk down Fremont street, so that we would have time to enjoy our cigars. Cigars included Davidoff Grand Cru No 4 and some Cubans Dave had brought me back from his trip to Cancun.

We got back to the Nugget and were just hanging around in front of a dice table. Alex mentioned we should give it a whirl, and both stick left positions were wide open... so, why not. Alex stood immediate stick left, with me to his left. When the dice finally came to me, I was one fire! 6 Points (ok, it might have been 5) --- tons of numbers, back to back hard 10's --- it was by far my best roll in the past year. And, what did I do, I fuck'ed it up. Yeah, I won hundreds... but it should have been thousands..... (Alex won around $700 since he was being pretty aggressive on the 4 & 10). But, I was just so distracted by our friends, and arranging for the "Georgia Girls" to meet us. I was on the line for $10 and backing up full (Vegas) odds, with the 6 & 8 for an average of $24 each, and the occasional 4 & 10. For the life of me (well, actually, because I was distracted) --- I still don't know why I didn't press up my pass line bet (to secure more odds) after the 2nd or 3rd point rolled. But, how can I complain, it was my birthday..... and I had a great roll at the dice table. During all this, there were also goodbyes to Dave and Merf who were fading fast... so, as you can see --- lots of distractions, but at least I can say it was a conservative controlled roll. And, after my roll (which had to be at least 20 minutes) --- Alex and I colored up; with the "Georgia Girls" arriving just moments before.

I really wish I had a picture to show, but these girls really dressed themselves up for the town; but heck, it was their first night out in Vegas.

We went to the bar and Richard picked up drinks for us to bring back to the split level suite, and we all hung around for a while. Just after we got to the suite, Lisa (MissL) arrived, and I met her downstairs and we proceeded to pick up 2 splits of Champagne (Laurent-Perrier) to bring up to the suite to toast our birthdays. My birthday of 26th June was just about ending, and Lisa's was about to begin on the 27th of June --- so, we had a toast at a time appropriate to celebrate both of our birthdays.

After a bit more relaxing and hanging out, Alex, myself and Lisa left with the "Georgia Girls" with a plan to potentially go to Pure. But, we hit a wicked horrible traffic jam (like 30 minutes) -- and we were all beat (especially me, who had been up since 4AM Eastern Time for the flight to Vegas). I decided to just go back to Palazzo, and Lisa got off there, with the intent to walk back to Paris, just hours before her return flight to Phoenix.

It was a great arrival in Vegas --- and a great way to celebrate my xx birthday!

Thanks to EVERYONE for sharing it with me, and making this a very special and memorable birthday!

Labels: baccarat_king, dice, golden nugget, palazzo, quietlion, vic and anthony's

My love of casino games is mostly limited to baccarat and dice. By far, my favorite game is dice. I just love the action and excitement around an active craps table. There are few casino games where you can hit such highs and lows in a rather short period of time. In addition, for the most part, everyone is on the "same" team and nothing compares to the "group" feeling when you have a bunch of people at a table rooting for the shooter (not counting the few darksiders, of course).

Last weekend in Atlantic City, we I played around 6-7 dice sessions mostly at Showboat, with one quite memorable session at Caesars. After my buy-in of $300, my money was disappearing pretty fast at this choppy table... and then Harv decided to show me how to really roll 'dem bones. Since his description of the action is amazing (might be because he doesn't consume as much champagne as I do... hmmmmm.... ) I prefer to just let him tell the story. Eric (my brother in law) was also along for this wild ride.

I also want to further emphasize that I was a BELIEVER IN HARV from the moment he started to roll, and did back up my pass line bet with FULL 5X ODDS!

We search around for a craps table that has room for all three of us. After walking around a bit, we find one that has three spots on the end, stick left. I usually like to be immediate stick left, since you have the shorter throw, but beggars can’t be choosers, eh? So I ask Michael what he is buying in for, he says $300. I usually buy in for $100, but what the hay, I just won $350 (well, I’m only down to $150, since I lost $200 back to the machine). The table is really choppy, no one can get a good roll, and soon I’m down around $150. I’m thinking, if I could just hold on to throw the dice again. I make a few don’t bets and win a few, but just as soon as I win there, someone hits a seven. All the while we are talking, saying that we just need that one “hot roll” and we’ll be okay. I’m now under $100 and I’m thinking Cath is going to be pissed that I just lost $300. Now Michael is shooting and I bet $15 on the don’t. He sets a point and after a few rolls sevens out. Nothing personal.

So I get the dice, 8. I place my odds (sorry, only $25 on a 5x table), place the 6 for $12 and drop a $5/$1 two-way hard 8, leaving me with $25. Next roll, 8 (easy), WINNAH! Next one, a six, I think. A few more rolls, WINNAH, 6, the easy way! Next point, 9. A few more number, WINNAH, 9! We are hooting it up! Michael is going crazy, I see him pulling cash out of his pocket, $50, full odds, buy the 4 & 10 for $25. After another 8, I throw a hard four, then after a few more rolls a hard 10 (making Michael very happy). Heck, give me all the hardways for $1! I’m still on the 6 & 8 for $12 and I throw a hard 8. PARLAY THE HARD 8! Next point, 6. another $5/$1 two-way hard 6. After a few more rolls, I see one die that shows a “3”, what does the other one say?!?!?!? I hear the guy on the other end call, “SIX!!!” HARD SIX!!! WOOHOO! $10 pass, $30 odds and $45 for the hardway, YEA! I shoot another 9. I never hit my hard 8 or another hard 6, I end up sevening out. I immediately color up, as does Michael and Eric. I get $240, loss of $60, not bad. Michael, since he “believed” in me, was taking full odds behind me and said he recovered his losses, Eric said he lost about as much as I did. What a ride!

Labels: atlantic city, caesars, craps, dice, gambling, showboat