The greatest summer we ever spent was eight weeks in 1991 (or thereabouts) at the old Maxim where they dealt a single-deck game all the way to the bottom and if they ran out of cards they just reshuffled the deck and kept dealing. The only card you didn’t see was the burn card. I learned a little known technique called "end-play" at this game. I got to play with some of the great card counters of those days, the greatest of which was the late Paul Keen, a man every BJ authority went to in order to check their statistics and facts. He was the only card counter I ever met who could actually follow cards through a shuffle in a six-deck game. (You never heard of him? Savor this: Ken Uston used to go to him for advice!)

In that Maxim game you could spread your bets from $5 to $500 in one giant leap if you wish and no casino suit cared that you were counting or leaping your bets like Superman leapt off tall buildings in a single bound. During that summer we averaged over eight hours of play a day, each of us playing two hands. It was an amazing game with these rules:

• Dealer stood on soft 17
• BJ paid 3 to 2
• Double on any first two cards
• Double after splits
• Resplit twice
• Surrender on any first two cards
• Free $1 coupon good at any store or restaurant at Maxim with every blackjack of $5 and over

And by heaven a full range of other comps to boot.

We started that summer as red-chip players; we ended it as black- and purple-chip players making those $500 bets with impunity and fearlessness. AP had to sew our winnings in my suit from toe to collar since I was afraid to carry so much cash in a suitcase. (You’ve seen those movies where the giant suitcase is filled with hundred-dollar stacks after the great bank robbery.)

I’ve never run into a game like that since. I mean even basic strategy players had an edge at the game. A basic strategy player could start at $500 a hand if he wanted to!

Four weeks after we left Vegas, the Maxim shut down that game. Ones first thought would be that the card counters went nuts and took all the money – but that is far from the truth. Here’s what actually happened in those eight weeks we spent in the Maxim heaven:

1. Only four single-deck tables were open. These were not always populated by card counters. There was a multitude of non-basic-strategy ploppies taking up those seats day and night.
2. There were four double-deck games with normal penetration and traditional Vegas rules, but no surrender. These were always packed with the usual gang of suspects.
3. There were about eight six-deck games as well with no surrender and normal Vegas rules. These were always packed too.
4. The craps games (I recall three tables) were packed with players. Some heavy action here with players making all the Crazy Crapper Bets. In fact, when professional wrestling came to town those big guys would come to the Maxim.
5. The slot aisles were filled with the wives, husbands, and friends of the table-game players.
6. There was even a small poker "room" with a table that was always filled to capacity.

In short, the Maxim was hopping! Money was flowing in torrents at all these table-games and in all those slot machines. It was hard to get a hotel room – even in the deadly heat of a Las Vegas summer. Those single-deck games lured the players in – even the worst players came because they figured they had a chance to win at such a great game; even if they had no idea how to play such a great game or any blackjack game for that matter. And when they couldn’t get a seat at the single-deck game, did those players leave? Hell, no, they went to the other tables to play.

The Maxim was the place to be that summer.

Then it ended. The Maxim went back to the normal Vegas games, the crowds departed, the Maxim went bankrupt in a couple of years; closed its doors and was then sold to the Westin chain.

But for that summer, it was the only and the greatest game in town!

If you wish to contribute your reports or observations, we need to receive them by the 24^th of the month for the next month. Write to: fscobe@optonline.net

Played exclusively at Trump Plaza July 16-19. Wow! The floodgates were open! All dealers are 70-75 percent plus in penetration. Found two dealers that were 90 percent plus. UNREAL!!!!!!!!!!

I pounded the place for my highest trip total ever! And I am a black chipper exclusively. Then they gave me a 42-inch plasma as a gift!  The gates are open Frank. This is my 5th year at this and it is just UNREAL!
 
A dealer of 22 years there (who doesn’t know me from ADAM) told me they are not even backing off counters anymore. They want all the business they can get. This is a huge change from last month when it was 65 percent penetration and constant aggressive pit bosses. 
 
I'll be back there in a month. Get it while it’s hot! There are some rumors that they are in deep $$$$ troubles.
 
AC RICH

Like the US economy things are picking up a bit in AC, it seems to me. The busses are fuller, there are more people on the boardwalk and the casinos have a bigger buzz. Went to one boardwalk place which had three dice tables working, all full on a weekday afternoon.

Still plenty of seats at the BJ tables. But here you have to pick your spots. Several casinos now have different rules at different tables, not by limits but by location. So be sure to check out all the tables before you play and one just might be a bit better deal.

Best rules still at the higher stakes tables, but that means more heat too. As a given, plan to play $50 tables to get the old rules, though sometimes they relax one place, but then some are giving that 6-5 at other games at the same time. But having said the above, I toured the Boardwalk establishments at an early weekday hour and acres upon acres of idle slot machines confronted me. Not a good sign, especially in "high" season of the summer.

Want to share a couple of things from the dice table on the last two trips in June and July. Pit people are a bit less uptight about crossing the center line at the dice tables, but observance is still there. More traffic means that they have other things on their mind and to watch out for – which helps. But as crowds grow so does the percentage of amateur players who have no idea what the game is about. This slows the game down, creates a lot of unneeded noise, and jams the rails which make our shooting tougher. I have had more than one run in with the stickmen about space.

On the boardwalk, you can find several casinos which have 12-foot tables with normal bounce. Tens are tougher to ferret out. The five-dollar tables are disappearing as things heat up, or go off at around 11AM when the second table opens up. Comps also are getting tighter.

Despite being a Command Player (whatever that means) I only got the free buffet plus players discounted room (in all fairness they comped the room after I played).  Summer also brings all sorts to the gaming tables and the boardwalk. It strikes me that almost all the female visitors to AC age 12-25 are math challenged. They think that 22 goes into 15 evenly!

My own personal fortunes continue up and down. Had a horrendous streak, nothing over four to five throws and a lot of one and two and seven-out. Took breaks, did not help. Passed the dice even, ziparoonie. Got in over my budget limit. Then took a final beer break (ordered hemlock but they were fresh out).

Well one last try, and it came together.

I got up to 30 throws and I sensed a presence at the table. I really concentrate when I am doing well and try not to notice anything but the felt and cubes, but this was huge. I lift my head, and there looking at me are no less than four suits! What to do? A weak smile does not cut it. A scowl and then what? I bagged it. Seven throws later I sevened out and they left after having said nothing. Got back to even plus, and played the rest of the day making and losing nothing but basking in my great roll.

I went to Atlantic City during the first week of July and I will give you some of my observations.

The first thing that caught my wife’s eye while we were approaching Atlantic City was a sign that said everybody loses at Bally's and Caesars. I remarked what a terrible bill board to have up coming into a gambling city. I further investigated and found that these casinos are having labor-management problems, which is never a good situation.

We stayed at the Taj Mahal in the new Chairman Tower for three days. This is in my opinion the best hotel in the city. The ocean view is great and the rooms are elegant. Every employee we met was friendly and helpful, wanting to give you great service. They have a food court if you feel like getting a quick meal and it is all done very well.

The other part of our stay was at Bally's. This hotel needs some changes. We were promised a premium room in the tower but it was overbooked so they put us in the section called the Douglas rooms. The rooms are clean but shaped like a bowling lane so very narrow and the view was of a cement wall!

Taj Mahal: I usually play at the $25 tables but went to the $15 just because it was open. Dealer cut was great; over 80 percent on every shoe. Great place to play Golden Touch Blackjack. They are hitting on soft 17 but the cut and friendly dealers make it a good place to play. Did very well and got no heat from anybody varying my play based on the count. Best time to play is 1am to 7am.

Hilton: Some tables are hitting soft 17 and some are not; so read the signs at each table. Pit bosses watch chips constantly and seem to be very concerned about who is winning. Not a bad place to play but expect a lot of interest if you win. Take smaller wins if you want to go unnoticed. Casino could use some more promotion as it was one of the few casinos that wasn't really busy at a busy time of the season.   

Bally's: Played at $15 tables and did well. Good place to play Golden Touch Blackjack. It was busy with a lot of tables. Pit bosses are too busy to worry about watching one table. Do get some seedy people that hang around so be aware of this. Machine shuffled but a decent cut always 75 percent or more when I was playing.

Bally's Wild West didn't have any tables open so might be the reason Bally’s tables were crowded.

Claridge: Not a bad place to play; it closes early, usually by 1am, but good cuts and no heat. Be warned a lot of new players play here because of low minimums. Should be up-graded in the rankings in my opinion.

Showboat: If you can find a table you might be able to play! This used to be a great casino but it is all just slots big day trip place ... really should be avoided. 

New casino Revel is coming along well next to Showboat ... do not know the opening date but looks to be a year away and hopefully it will give AC a shot in the arm. Also, Atlantic City casinos are advertising all the time up here in the Boston area giving out good deals so the Harrah’s casinos and Trump casinos will have junket crowds every week during the summer.

I hope this helps!

Best Regards,

Bubba from Boston      

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Here are our ratings for August 2009. We thank many of our readers for helping us to stay as updated as possible. There may be some disagreements in ratings among our correspondents but all these reports are based on individuals’ experience. A word to the wise: it’s always best to check out the casinos for yourselves.

BALLY’S PARK PLACE: Not a premier place any more. No mid-shoe entry in high roller room and on a few of the main $50 tables in casino. Mixed reviews about how deep the penetration is but we found it in the 75 percent area. All 8-deck games except for the high roller room action. The hitting on soft 17 is now a fact all over the place. Crews are friendly. Hotel has declined a lot. Two stars: * *

BORGATA: No change from last issue. The casino where Patricia DeMauro had her spectacular 154-number craps roll. Penetration is around 70 to 75 percent on all games, including the six deckers which still make up most of the casino. Craps has long tables, 14-footers, and very bouncy, and not worth playing unless you like to see dice flying off the tables or gaze upon beautiful cocktail servers ducking out of the way or if you see Patricia DeMauro at the table. Go elsewhere for craps, except for Taj which has mimicked Borgata’s craps tables. This is a happening place and caters to a swinging young crowd. Okay casino for Golden Touch Blackjack. Three stars: * * *

CAESARS: Labor problems – the unions want more even as AC is heading into the toilet. Down, down, down the BJ games go as well. So many more tables hitting soft 17 now. Directly across from Caesars is The Pier, which is a pleasure to walk through – a must see attraction in AC with some of the finest restaurants and views. Caesars itself also has excellent restaurants. Cheerful place and worthy of the name it bears. Hotel/casino rating is A. They are going deeper at blackjack too but that H17 detracts from this somewhat. You can expect about 75 percent penetration with most of the dealers. The main floor of eight-deckers has some of the upper-limit tables ($25 and $50) with no mid-shoe entry. All the games in the high roller pit are also no mid-shoe entry with $100 and higher minimums. Table game action has improved and that is very noticeable in the blackjack pits – which are all 8-deck games. Six-deck games in high roller room have 80 percent penetration, as do the eight-deckers on the main casino floor. The craps games here are good with 12-foot tables and friendly crews. The tables are high so smaller controlled shooters should wear their "special shoes." Two stars: * *

CLARIDGE: Penetration is now better and the BJ crews are friendlier. We’ve been really down on this casino for about four years now but it is time to reevaluate it. Penetration is about 75 percent. There are early mornings when no tables are opened. Two and one half stars: * * ½ *

HARRAH’S: No change from last issue. Harrah’s has ruined more good casinos in this country than hoof-and-mouth disease has ruined more things having "hoofs" and mouths. In Tunica it took the best casino in the country, the Horseshoe, and made it mediocre; did the same for the Grand in Tunica and Rio in Vegas. All Harrah’s properties are slot machine heavens – for slot players, and table game hell for table-game players. Hitting soft 17 now. Penetration now ranges somewhat below the 75 percent area. Resplitting allowed except aces. No midshoe entry in the high roller room of 6-deck action, with the rest of the casino being 8-decks. But we must warn you; this is a big slot place. Sadly, Harrah’s properties in Las Vegas and in Tunica are getting awfully bad reports about how some of the boxmen treat customers who practice a careful shot at craps and there is overwhelming paranoia at the blackjack games as well. So beware when outside AC. Harrah’s prefers slot customers and all their casinos tend month after month to be adding more machines. One star: *

HILTON: No change from last issue. Wild swings in penetration on blackjack and many more eight-deck games. Penetration getting worse even as you read this. Place is in trouble. The hitting of soft 17 brings this place down a peg as well. Resplitting allowed except aces. High roller room is 6-decks; rest of the casino is 8-decks with a few $25/$50 6-deckers on occasion. No mid-shoe entry on the six-deckers. High table minimums, especially on weekends, a lot of $25 tables, rare $10 tables. Penetration about 70 percent. For craps, we are dealing with 14-foot tables and a couple of 12 footers. Two stars: * *

RESORTS: No change from last issue. Might be going, going, gone before you know it. Getting a little better with blackjack though. But more tables are hitting soft 17. Not really worth playing. Two stars: * *

SHOWBOAT: Another Harrah’s disaster. High roller room got some good reports but the rest of the casino is becoming one big slot machine. Harrah’s has changed this into a slot joint. Where are the table games? Had been one of the best and now is one of the worst blackjack games in AC. Great rooms; good restaurants and that about sums it up. One star: *

TROPICANA: No change from last issue. Sold? Maybe. Down hill? Yes. Goodbye 4-deck games! Hello 8-deck games. Casino and hotel are getting a little seedy. Its new name is now "Slopicana." One star: *

TRUMP MARINA: No change from last issue. Okay, mixed reports. Rooms are clean; hotel is well kept, with great restaurants. On blackjack they are hitting soft 17 on main floor, but not in the high roller room. Six-deck games in high roller room and eight-deck games on the main floor have penetration at 80 percent mark, but you won’t find any dealers going much deeper. Games are mostly $15/$25 and up, especially on weekends. No mid-shoe entry on the six-deckers but you can jump in and out on the eight-deckers. Hitting on soft 17. Craps tables are 12-footers with 5X odds and good crews. Two and one half stars: * * ½ *

TRUMP PLAZA: Attention! About face! Our reports now indicate that the Plaza has changed its tune in every way – at least in blackjack. The penetration is 80 percent at a minimum – the pits seem unconcerned about counters. No midshoe entry on games outside high-roller pit but you can find $25 (a few) to $50 minimums on these. Allows resplits, except aces. All tables are $10 and higher. Craps tables are 12-footers. A real big smattering of low-pants wearing steely-eyed low-lifes in this place – that regrettable fact has not changed one bit. Three and one-half stars: * * * ½ *

TRUMP TAJ MAHAL: Now they are hitting soft 17 except in $25 or higher games. First they screwed up the craps tables so the dice go flying off the table every third roll and now they have decided to give the blackjack games a wicked colonoscopy with barbed wire. Great hotel and great restaurants and great entertainment. Also, generally great dealers and pit personnel. Too bad it isn’t the place to play any more. Two stars: * *

WILD, WILD WEST: No change; no gold-rush either. The silver rush is over too. This place is over as well. Seems like more often than not on "off" hours there are no table games in this place. Another Harrah’s wipe out! All eight-deck games with H17 – insane. This is a part of Bally’s Park Place and Harrah’s is looking to sell this complex like a pan of fool’s gold. Penetration is about 75 percent on all games. For craps this is a fun place to play with one 5X odds table and one 2X odds table. I remember when this place had many more tables. Crews are very friendly. One star: *