Linus: Terminology

[Linus]

I'm a new newbie. I have seen references made to a casino(s) such as the "Bar-you Coast" and "Barbaric Coast" Could someone tell me what these are?

Thanks.

[Parker]

> I'm a new newbie. I have seen references
> made to a casino(s) such as the
> "Bar-you Coast" and "Barbaric
> Coast" Could someone tell me what these
> are?

> Thanks.

This isn't really hard to figure out. They are referring to the infamous Barbary Coast in Las Vegas, on the strip next to the Flamingo.

All Coast casinos are sweatshops, but this pathetic little joint is the worst. Even flat bettors are at risk of being backed off if they show any knowledge of the game and get lucky and win a few hands.

Some new counters have even played the BC specifically so they could experience what it was like to be backed off. They were not disappointed, and it didn't take long.

All the heat might make some sense if they offered a good game - but the game is mediocre at best. Rules are average, and penetration is poor.

I really don't understand why they bother to offer blackjack at all.

[Linus]

Thanks for your response. I'm not familiar with many of the casinos in LV yet. Maybe someday I'll try it to experience getting backed-off! But I'm not in a big hurry!

[Coug Fan]

My wife and I played our very first hands of casino blackjack at the Bar U Coast about 9 years ago. We were obviously complete newbies and had no idea about BS, etc. My wife told the dealer to slow down because she couldn't "count" the cards fast enough (meaning add). The dealer gave us a strange look and warned us not to use that word unless we wanted to get thrown out. I will have to stop by the next time I am in town and see if I can set a land speed record for a barring. Maybe jump from table min to 10 times that in one move just for fun.

[Norm Wattenberger]

Haven't been to the Barbary Coast in ages. The odd thing about the BC is they used to have the only good Pai Gow Poker game in the city. They allowed you to bank every other hand - giving you an advantage. I played for a couple of hours - and then played BJ without any notice. Thus I failed to be barred at the BC

I'm in a Dylan mood today, so from Bob Dylan's Tarantula:

Bishops disguise as chocolate prisoners & the empty Barbary Coast haunt houses where the bureaucrats-the dreamy Huxley hang oners-the New Awake with money & no place else to & the ex cop who writes verse & thinks of himself as a salami & Gabby-the crippled horror from Telegraph Avenue but who wants to hear of this-who really wants to hear of this "who wants to hear anything?

[Wildcard]

the ability to get a quick Big Mac downstairs.

Didn't they also have (still have?) a decent Chinese restaurant?

[Parker]

> the ability to get a quick Big Mac
> downstairs.

> Didn't they also have (still have?) a decent
> Chinese restaurant?

I don't recall a Chinese restaurant, although the coffee shop has an extensive Chinese section on the menu.

However, they do have an excellent gourmet restaurant, Michael's. Very good, very expensive.

It's sort of the ultimate challenge for a card counter - can you give them enough action to get a comp at Michael's before you get backed off?

[Wildcard]

> However, they do have an excellent gourmet
> restaurant, Michael's. Very good, very
> expensive.

> It's sort of the ultimate challenge for a
> card counter - can you give them enough
> action to get a comp at Michael's before you
> get backed off?

Yes, it's Michael's...how could such a dumpy looking place have such a highly touted gourmet restaurant? I recall the discussions elsewhere about getting that comp.

I'll be in The Meadows next week for a couple of days, I'm tempted to play a shoe or two, but perhaps I'll just "cut the corner" enroute to Bally's tram. If I stop for a while and see anything crazy I'll post about it.

[Moose]

My personal best is 17 mins at the $25, back when the $25 table offered S17.

Curiously, I'm 0-for-2 in my last two 60 minute swings. Get bounced from the Fitz but can't even get tossed from the BC. What's this world coming to?

M.

[Coug Fan]

I figure if I am somewhat obvious about backcounting and then come in with a $100 or so bet mid shoe, I may get tossed before even getting one bet in. We'll have to see.