Two stories.

One. This relates to Ken's story. I'm sitting at a blackjack table when one of those lucky impulse players wanders by and slaps a C-note down on an empty spot. Sizing this young fellow up, I take him to be a fellow low-roller who happens to be $100 and 4 beers ahead of the casinos tonight. Wow, he sez, I've just got this feeling and his winnings go on our table for one gol-dang bet. "Cash plays!" calls out the dealer and she presents Mr. Lucky with two aces and pulls a ten for herself! Its very very plain that our worthy bettor never dreamed of putting out $200 on this adventure. Stunned look, wallet fumble and a pile of twenties join Ben Franklin for the only play for aces 12 vs. house 10. I'll wager you can finish this story without me can't you?

Here's a story I hadn't thought about until reading Paul Sax's post. http://www.thechipboard.com/cgi-bin/tcb/tcb.pl?read=415870 I visited the Venetian very shortly after it opened. Wanted to check out the canal/gondolas/Bridge of Sighs deal, play some 21 and continue my weekday tour of the strip. Entered in the shopping area like Caesars and B and window shopped, saw the boats and stuff and headed for the casino. Umm, gee, more shops. Down the passageways and around the corner and more shops. Gawd, can they really sell this many womens shoes in one town... how do I get outta here! Over some more bridges and more Eyetalians and finally a map of the place. Who made this stinkin' map, Amerigo Vespuci! Nuts! Through a portal and now I'm in some arena thing of about ten acres (okay, maybe .5) and not a dealer or pit critter in sight yet. Fianlly, finally make it to the casino. Take refuge at a BJ table get my chips and order a black coffee. The dealer beats me heads-up the first eight straight hands and I pick up my chips and run off before my drink even shows up. Wonder now if I cashed in $400 worth of red chips for $20 getting shut of that big old barn. Never been back. Stupid place.