JOHN HUSTLER: WORLD SERIES OF BLACKJACK

[JOHN HUSTLER]

A guy was telling me about a world series of blackjack program being televised on tv. Is that true? He also told me he saw Wong finished last in one tournament. Can you image that?

[Parker]

> A guy was telling me about a world series of
> blackjack program being televised on tv. Is
> that true? He also told me he saw Wong
> finished last in one tournament. Can you
> image that?

Depends on what you consider "televised." It was carried by GSN, the "Game Show Network." A few cable systems carry it, or of course, you can pick it up with a satellite dish.

Stanford Wong did not win his table, and so did not advance to the next round. Tournament play is totally different from regular blackjack, and there is a high degree of variance. You can be the world's best tournament player and still come in last, behind some newbie who is playing in his first tournament ever. It's simply a matter of getting good cards. Some might call it "luck."

[Ouchez]

> A guy was telling me about a world series of
> blackjack program being televised on tv. Is
> that true? He also told me he saw Wong
> finished last in one tournament. Can you
> image that?

helpless to make certain moves that are not allowed. If you don't get the cards you might as well be Wild Bill sitting with his back to Jack McCall.

Wong is one of the greats but may want to step out of the limelight. It is rumored that there is much jockeying and politics going on as to who will become his heir apparent.

Best,
Ouchez.

[Viktor Nacht]

> Some might call it "luck."

The closer in skill the competitors are, the stronger luck becomes as a factor. This is true of any almost game of course, but it is an unusual situation for any advantage player to be in...nearly relying on luck alone!

Similar to another thread on poker vs. blackjack conditions, tournament players count on the lack of skill of their opponents to get edge over the tournament. Tournament strategy is a completely different beast, but also very fun and challenging.

Good Cards,

V

[charlie_t_jr]

When is last Monday's episode repeated? Or have I missed it?

[bfbagain]

[Ouchez]

pre-the new gambling era, and I did love the area so much. I was very aware of the history and I could actually sense the spirits of those that went before.

At first I did not like the series, turned off by the foul language which seemed unneeded to that degree. But by the 3rd episode I was hooked and mesmerized. I like the Wild bill character and his close buds, especially the guy who has gone back to Cheyenne. I also am very fond of Seth and his side kick.

This is for sure and for certain one raw series, nothing has ever been done like it.

But how I do love it....

Best,
Ouchez.

[charlie_t_jr]

> pre-the new gambling era, and I did love the
> area so much. I was very aware of the
> history and I could actually sense the
> spirits of those that went before.

> At first I did not like the series, turned
> off by the foul language which seemed
> unneeded to that degree. But by the 3rd
> episode I was hooked and mesmerized. I like
> the Wild bill character and his close buds,
> especially the guy who has gone back to
> Cheyenne. I also am very fond of Seth and
> his side kick.

> This is for sure and for certain one raw
> series, nothing has ever been done like it.

> But how I do love it....

> Best,
> Ouchez.

And apologys to Parker....but I just watched last weeks Deadwood episode today. New casino saloon in town and the new owner asking if his "doped" up dealer was still in shape to deal "Deuces". What game is that?

Also it was kind of funny, as the new saloon was offering craps...and the one guy wanted to try and "shoot the craps".

Also the language is very tough, and kind of took away from the realism of the show, but I heard a comment on radio this week, that research went into the show, and the language was actually that bad back then. Any comments?

[Ouchez]

> And apologys to Parker....but I just watched
> last weeks Deadwood episode today. New
> casino saloon in town and the new owner
> asking if his "doped" up dealer
> was still in shape to deal
> "Deuces". What game is that?

> Also it was kind of funny, as the new saloon
> was offering craps...and the one guy wanted
> to try and "shoot the craps".

> Also the language is very tough, and kind of
> took away from the realism of the show, but
> I heard a comment on radio this week, that
> research went into the show, and the
> language was actually that bad back then.
> Any comments?

Glad you watched the show. "Shoot the craps" not exactly as we talk today but that term may have been pulled out of letters or publications of the times.

As to language, I do know that the west of those days was populated by a very wild and not to law abiding group of folks, men and women. Prostitution was an accepted and flourishing business. I am sure the language was just as rough.

The Whoring trade was the only thing that kept Deadwood going through the 60's, that is 1960's and early 70's as the cops and most people looked the other way. The town would be packed up on the weekends with customers. The only business in town. Then a do-gooder caused a commotion about it and it was eventually moved against by the law. This led to Deadwood becoming a town of empty storefronts and little commerce. It was not until gambling was re-introduced in the early 1980's that it came back to life again. A storefront that I could have bought in 1981 for $10,000 sold 3 years later for 1 million. The West can still be a very wild and gritty place, but I do find it also a most moving and emotional place. That is very true of Deadwood.

Regards,
Ouchez.

[Parker]

> Also the language is very tough, and kind of
> took away from the realism of the show, but
> I heard a comment on radio this week, that
> research went into the show, and the
> language was actually that bad back then.
> Any comments?

Those early frontier towns were pretty rough places, inhabited by equally rough people. I have no doubt that the language used was as depicted. Hell, you hear worse language on any US Navy ship, unless things have changed radically in the last 25 years.

Anyway, this view of the old west isn't anything new or unique. Remember "Unforgiven" with Clint Eastwood? The characters talked in a similar manner, and were equally grungy in their appearance.

I was surprised that they didn't zoom in on Wild Bill's cards when he was shot. It has been fairly well documented that he was holding two pair, "black aces and eights." This has since become commonly known as the "dead man's hand," and some poker players will always fold rather than play such a hand. Imagine that . . . superstitious gamblers.

Also, Wild Bill made it his habit to always sit with his back to a wall, facing the entrance. On that fateful day the only seat open at the table was the one with its back to the door. The rest, as they say, is history.

[Ouchez]

[Parker]

Some historians have surmised that he was suffering from glaucoma.

I don't know. I met him once, but I was very young at the time.

[bfbagain]

From what I understand, Wild Bill wasn't shot until he had been in Deadwood 6 months!

HBO decided to kill him the fourth week. The way I understand it HBO will broadcast 12 episodes this season, and they signed a contract for another twelve....for next season.

All things considered, this is a little unusual for HBO.

The one thing you can be sure of, is that however Deadwood is being portrayed, it is real close to being accurate. This is HBO's MO.

Also, my brother in law was a real old west history buff and so far, other than the 6 mo. killing of Wild Bill being early in the show, everything appears to be real.

Between the Sopranos and Deadwood, HBO will own Sunday nights, at least in my house!

cheers
bfb