How to Impress a Lady

Dealing Blackjack the other night the discussion at the table centered around drinking, vacations, couples, dating, marriage, divorce and the rules of the road surrounding each.  Being newly single again (after 23 years of marriage) one of the guys at my table had some sound advice for me that I am going to pass on to all of you.

During one of the moments as I was shuffling the eight decks of cards, this kind gentleman reached in his pocket and gave me a 3" x 5" card which was titled "How to Impress a Lady", in an easy to read block style font, it read:

"Wine her, Dine her, Call her, Hug her, Support her, Hold her, Surprise her, Compliment her, Smile at her,  Listen to her, Laugh with her, Cry with her, Romance her, Encourage her, Believe in her, Pray with her, Cuddle with her, Shop with her, Give her jewelry, Buy her flowers, Hold her hand, Write love letters to her, Go to the end of the Earth and back again for her."  (I now know where I went wrong, haha)

He then said to turn the card over, I did such and it was titled "How to Impress a Man" and printed in a fancy script font it read:  "Show up naked . . . Bring food . . . Don't block the TV".

Thanks to this kind stranger, I have learned so much and am happy to pass these words of wisdom along to all of you.  You never know where or when you may learn something important as I did the other night while dealing Blackjack.   

Pit Bull vs Golden Retriever

To clarify my intentions quickly, this is not a post about what breed of dog to buy or what kind of pet I like best. No this is instead a personality (people wise) issue.

The other evening I played "pit boss" for a multi-table Las Vegas themed event in a private home. The client requested a "pit boss" to oversee all the dealers (all four of them, lol) and "handle the crowd".   I knew my dealers were on their "A" game and the young crowd (most under 40) to go along with the open bar was my responsibility to "manage".

In a real casino the "pit boss" is usually the gray haired, experienced, scary looking, gruff and serious manager of all the dealers and tables in a large area, commonly called the pit. He (or she) walks around and is feared by most of the managers and dealers, has very little interaction with anyone unless . . .  so the less the "pit boss" interacts with anyone the happier everyone is. "Pit Bosses" are sometimes characterized as pit bulls, for once they get angry (or notice a mistake / irregularity) - everyone best be warned.

I, on the other hand, am more like a golden retriever when it comes to my management style. Not that I lick anyone or am that obedient, but rather the softer approach is usually my preferred tactic.  I prefer to be ones "friend" first, fight fire with sugar, and smile rather than bite

The other night, all the dealers were extremely professional and competent, the guests were wonderful (enjoying without excess the open bar and exquisite food) and the evening went along without any issues.

Playing "pit boss" at a fun event like this allows me to act much more like a golden retriever than a pit bull . . . just the way I prefer my pets as well.

Craps: Lesson 2

For those new to this blog and want to learn how to play craps, go back a few posts and read Craps: Lesson 1 For everyone else, a quick review.  In Lesson 1, we discussed the first bet you make (on the Pass Line) when the puck or button is OFF (more commonly called the "come out roll") as this is the beginning of a shooters roll.

If you remember, your Pass Line bet WINS (even money, or one chip for one chip) on a 7 or 11 and loses on a 2, 3 or 12 on this "come out roll". 

If any other number is rolled the puck is turned ON and placed on that number, we now call that number the POINT.  This changes the game drastically and now your PASS LINE bet becomes that number.  What I mean is, that number must be rolled a second time for you to win or your bet will lose if a seven is rolled before that number. 

For instance, if a six is rolled on the "come out roll", the puck is turned ON and placed on the six and your PASS LINE bet is now the six; the stick-person will usually say "the point is six".  Now, you win if a six is rolled before a seven - that's it.  No other numbers matter; when the point is the six, you win on a six, lose on a seven.

If either the POINT is rolled or a seven rolls (either you win or lose), the puck is then turned OFF and the process starts all over again.

Lesson 3 will discuss the next thing you must do, as soon as a POINT is established. Your next bet is the most important bet you can make at a craps table !  It is called "taking the odds" and you place an additional bet one inch behind your original PASS LINE bet. You will receive true casino odds on this bet.   Lets stop here and stay tuned for LESSON 3.

I have an addiction

ok before anyone gets too worried, it is NOT one of those addictions that are serious nor require medications, support groups or a ten step process,  I wont be invited on the Dr. Phil, Oprah or Jerry Springer shows either.

Now that I have set that record straight, my addiction is Raspberry Milano.  Ok, one more clarification.  It is NOT an infatuation with the one and only Alyssa Milano wearing a raspberry robe, though I could very easily be persuaded to be addicted to her.  That would certainly be a more healthy addiction than the one I am about to confess to but she may not agree.

My (newest) addiction is one of the cookie sort, more accurately a Pepperidge Farm cookie called the Raspberry Milano.  If you have not tried these, dont ! You too will become addicted very quickly.  So I warn you - do not even try them ! 

The package begs us to "indulge in a little raspberry romance . . . " and continues to tell us to "embrace decadent cravings. Reward yourself. Open . . .Taste . . .Delight"

With a package so enticing it is no wonder that I have this addiction. 

If you care to help me with my issue, go buy a package; at least then there will be one less for me to consume.  If you dont care to help, leave them on the groceries shelves, I will be around your neighborhood soon enough to but them all and stock my entire home. 

If neither of those options appeal to you, just let Alyssa know.  She might be the only cure to my addiction.

the Roaring 20's

The age of glamour, jazz, speakeasy's, fashion, crime and sometimes known as the Golden Twenties is a perfect theme for a Casino Night .

Last night event was a Roaring success. All of the guests dressed to the "nine's"; ladies in flapper attire, guys as gangsters, entertainers and bootleggers.  The music was a mix of era's which added to the wonderful atmosphere and the four gaming tables (Craps, two blackjack and a three card poker) were busy all night.   
 
The organization had a silent auction, 50/50 raffle, several "winners" in the casino and a live auction with included an 8 foot gorgeous billiard table and a week in a mountain cabin in North Carolina.  This Brandon Parrish (who wish to remain anonymous) raised more money than ever expected, had more fun than most had had in years and have committed to doing this again next year.

So, when it comes to your next event, think about a Casino Night Theme and the Roaring Twenties; everyone will enjoy ! 

You probably did not know this

CASINO NIGHTS is more than just your typical provider of Las Vegas style table games and professional dealers for your party.

One thing that separates us from the crowd is our connection to so much more.  Yes Casino Nights is actually part of Apollo Amusements and Gameroom SuperStore along with Saturn 5 indoor amusement center in Bradenton Florida.

This allows us to offer YOU the largest selection of video and pinball games, foosball, air hockey, ping pong and even billiards for rental.  All of these can add major FUN at any of your upcoming events.

If you only want to rent a few video games, have an air hockey or foos ball fun filled afternoon, reward your employees (or friends) with an evening of friendly competition without the "formality" of tuxedo wearing dealers, then calling Casino Nights and renting these other FUN games is all you need.

When you call 1-877/FLA-PLAY you get the full array of FUN for any sort of event you may want to plan.  Ask for Steve or John and let us know you have read this blog for an extra discount.

See, this is something you probably did not know. 

Blackjack Tournament

Many of you are familiar with a Texas Hold'em (poker) tournament, where players pay a fee and play until one player has all the chips.  Typically a tournament can last upwards of three or four hours (depending on the number of players and how the blinds are structured).  A big question that is asked at ALL of these tournaments is what do the players do once they are eliminated.  Many times side games are developed and other times players just leave.

CASINO NIGHTS can arrange for either the traditional Texas Hold'em tournament or assist you in planning a Blackjack Tournament.

A BLACKJACK Tournament is run rather differently, can be more FUN and exciting for more players and your organization can actually raise MORE money.  Here is how this works.

1) you need fewer tables than poker; if you expect 100 players you only need four blackjack tables (10-12 if it is poker) saving you hundreds of dollars

2)  the same buy-in concept works as in Texas Hold'em; though only seven (7) players play at each table

3) each round of play consists of TEN blackjack hands only ! Takes about fifteen minutes and the person with the most chips at the end of ten hands is the winner of that round.

4) Numerous rounds are played, allowing more players to play more often.

5) the winners of each round are posted on a board.  Many players can opt to play in several rounds (buying in again to play).  For instance, $ 10 dollars gets one round, $ 25 gets three, $ 50 gets seven etc

6) after a couple of hours and many many "winners", a playoff begins (no buy in required); all previous winners will then play against each other to determine a final winner.

7) prizes can be awarded to the top players, raffle tickets can be issued, or just a winner take all as in poker

8) with this system; the excitement lasts the entire event for more players, play is constant and quick and because each round only takes about fifteen minutes, the timing of your event is more structured.

For more FUN for more guests and potentially MORE MONEY for your organization, a Blackjack Tournament is an option to explore for your next CASINO NIGHTS event.