Jeff: Best places to play BJ in Vegas

[Jeff]

Hi,

I'm new at the game and going on a 5 day trip to Vegas this Tuesday and planning on sticking to basic strategy charts. Anyone know the best casino's for multideck blackjack no higher than $5 minimum? Or are you supposed to walk in and ask dealers during the game if they hit on soft 17's, allow double on anything after splitting or re-splitting? Will you be laughed out if you ask about surrender? Thanks!

[Parker]

You might try asking about Las Vegas conditions on (surprise!) the Las Vegas page.

However, in any casino, the soft 17 rule is printed right on the felt, usually "Dealer Stands On All 17's" or "Dealer Must Hit Soft 17."

Nearly all games in Las Vegas are double any two cards, and resplitting to 4 hands is allowed. However, there is no shame in asking a dealer or pit critter about the rules before you start playing.

[onetoomany]

Your best chance at finding lower minimums are usually during the day (morning and afternoon times), particularly on weekdays. Evening crowds, especially on weekends, usually cause the casino to raise their table minimums.

The smaller places will often have lower minimums, but since they are smaller the few tables they have may be crowded. And don't forget about the places downtown near Fremont Street, they often have what you are looking for.

The dealers I've run into were generally helpful, you probably can't ask a question they haven't already heard, and they see many first-time visitors, so feel free to ask.

Keep in mind that some of the lower table minimum games will be the dreaded 6:5 blackjack games, they should be avoided, as you will be taken advantage of.