This post will be about how the trip went but not too much concerning the dice rolling as it was OK but not exceptional. The GTC principles that are taught in class saved us a lot of dollars.

Went to get the rent car, loaded the trunk, but could not find the keys. The attendant could not find the keys either. Another set of keys could not be located. Not a good omen. They things got better–the company upgraded us to a nicer car at no increase in cost. Things were looking up.

Alligator Rose and Doc are members of a newsletter that is all about Vegas. They tell all that is happening in Vegas– progress on Casinos being built, where to get a good deal on a meal, or a big discounted hotel room, you name it. Got an email that all members of this newsletter could get a free room for 2 nights at a place where we had never stayed before. It will not be named but it is located just north ( actually almost in) City Center. A real high dollar place. We decided to give it a try as the price was right!!!

To say the room was big and super fancy would be an understatement–way above out pay grade. It was bigger than some of the apartments we had when we first got married. We had a little kitchen area with a microwave, dish washer, small stocked refrigerator, coffee pot–the works. The bath room had a large tub for Rose, a shower for Doc, 2 sinks, and a water closet. We stayed the two nights there, then moved to one of our usual haunts. We thought we had comped rooms for all 4 nights of our stay, but the first place added a daily $28 resort fee, which we found out as we checked out. So $56 for nights of hotel–still a good deal

Day one–arrived around 4:00 pm and by the time we got to the hotel it was time to grab a bite to eat. So no rolling the first day–as usual. We played a little BJ and Pow Gai poker and both were up a few dollars. Headed to the room as we were both exhausted.

Day two–headed down to the craps tables about 8:30 AM and the only table open was about empty. Got positions and the dice came to Doc first. The table was not good so I only made a pass line bet. Got lucky and made my point and we colored up and left. Never played at the fancy place again so we are probably not welcome back which is just as well.

Went across the street. Again I got the dice first and had a profitable 18. Rose did not want to roll. I took another turn with an 8 and we left. Tables were full at two favorite places next door so we headed downtown.

Started out real slow–Rose had a 6 Doc a 4. Rose followed with a nice 12 and Doc, the high for the trip a 28. Rose followed with a very profitable 18. Really did bang out the 6’s and 8’s. Moved around the rest of the day with mixed results.

They things begin to get bad. We hit a few in the teens, but mostly we simply did not hit out numbers. It happens and that is why we have a healthy 401g. It always gets us through the bad times. That was it for the day. Spend most of the rest of the day doing some shopping. When it is not working it is time for 2 things—do something else (did I mention shopping) and of course Doc’s nap.

Day 3 we met up with some friends in the morning. We met up with a couple we have know for many years–they don’t roll any more but are good people. Really enjoyed the company. Again rolling not going well. Rose and I went to play some BJ using speed count–Doc got up $150 and wham bam I was up only $100 and left. Went looking for Pai Gow but there was none. Rose had a $100 bet up as I walked up, got a double down, the dealer busted–a $200 win. She won $600 for the session.

I must say our dice were looking good but 2 things were happening—we weren’t hitting out numbers and too many short rolls.

When we got to out second hotel, we got up the next morning and there as the table was the Afgan GTC member–Missouri Rick. He gave Rose a big hug. He was back from his duty, as a civilian medic, for a certification class–in Vegas of course. As I write this he has already headed back.

Our last morning got off the elevator pulling our luggage and first person we ran into was non other than the famous Pit Boss. Visited with him. It was time to head to the airport, but not until we used our $75 worth of casino chips—chips you can play until to lose. Turned them into $100 and off we went.

We always like to think about what we learned from any given trip. First if you are tired don’t roll–especially on the day of arrival. We did that very well. Secondly if it isn’t working, try something else where you have the advantage—BJ, VP, or other game you enjoy for small stakes and short duration. In other words play smart.

Bottom line for the first time is about 5 trips we lost a little money at the table–about 4 portraits of Ben Franklyn. Considering we probably had $800 or $900 in comps it was a fair trade and we saw with some great friends doing what we like to do.

See everyone in AC.

Alligator Rose and Doc

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