Visitreno

mjames1229 · Joined: 23 Dec 2009 Posts: 407

I will make each post a "day" of the trip.

The entire trip was from May 11 thru May 17, with a Vegas/Reno/Vegas sandwich. I will only post the Reno portion here, and will post the entire version (on my blog) with all photos and links when I am finished.

Sunday, May 12 -

After a brief, uneventful flight into Reno, I contacted my Uncle John and Aunt Barb (who are also in town to bowl the respective Open and Women's National bowling tournaments) for a dinner meet-up. I had suggested Rosie's Cafe at John Ascuaga's Nugget in Sparks to try their version of the Awful Awful, but my aunt and uncle weren't interested.

They instead suggested dinner at the cafe at the Western Village Casino in Sparks. The cafe does serve a lot of decent food, pretty cheaply (I had a 1/2# burger for $7.99). The star of the trip out to Sparks, though, was finding $3 blackjack, double-deck, double on anything, double after split, dealer stays S17. Allowed me to bet progression-style at $10 to start, with my uncle playing a flat $3 and bytching up a storm at every 13 against a dealer 2. I think she may have been dealing those just to aggravate him. Was kind of funny, in a way.

We kissed them goodbye, my wife went back to our room at Harrah's Reno to watch the Survivor Finale (Just, just don't. I tried. I don't get it either) while I went to the National Bowling Stadium to watch some other friends compete and to check in my group. I handled the paperwork for a second team, so I walked to the Silver Legacy to give them their packet of coupons and promo items. I turned a $10 match play coupon into $40 on one machine, then took it to a Blazin' 7s machine for a $200 hit. Made almost $260 with no risk. Nice, eh?

mjames1229 · Joined: 23 Dec 2009 Posts: 407

Monday, May 13 -

My lovely wife and I start with a hearty breakfast at the Hash House A Go Go at Harrah's Reno. Since I don't eat eggs, there aren't a lot of options for me, so I go with a solid standby - the blackberry granola pancake and a side of bacon. My wife has something, too, and we use a $10 off coupon that was in the coupon book given to all bowlers, so the combined price is less than $20.

Since both my wife and I recognize that there won't be much time for gambling today, we do our bender in the morning instead of the usual evening binge.

I start with some dollar video poker, and I may as well have shredded that Benjamin... It would have taken the same amount of time. I then head to a double-deck blackjack table, and over the course of an hour, I am down another hundy... all this by 9:00 AM! I pull out another C and immediately get 88 vs a 6. One card is another 8. I split and the next card is a 3. I double. I've got $40 on the table, and three hands over 17 against a dealer 6... 5... 10. Shoot. Now down $240 when I see my wife stroll by, and she pulls me off the table before I can lose the other $60.

She reminds me that there is a bowlers coupon for a $5 Field bet match play in craps, and a $5 Ace (coupon serves as a match play and an Ace) for blackjack.

Not happy with hemorrhaging money this morning, I sheepishly say that maybe she should play the coupons and I will wait until later. We go to the craps table and nobody is shooting. Well, you need a shooter to place a Field bet, and you need a Pass Line bet to shoot. My wife looks at me.

I sigh and throw my last $60 on the felt.

23 rolls later, my $60 has colored-up to $275... Almost even for the day (for the record, in the midst of that run, both my wife and I lose our Field match plays).

With a "Starting the Day Over" bankroll, I go all-Clark Griswold on that same blackjack dealer (who has moved one table over) with my $5 Ace. I put my nickel on the spot, and with my coupon Ace, I am dealt... an Ace! I immediately put $10 on the spot to split the Ace, and the floor supervisor comes over, almost like she was sweating the action. Apparently nobody that she know of has been dealt an Ace with a coupon Ace on the table. Eventually, she rules that I do have $10 in bets on the spot, and two legitimate Aces on the table, so she has the dealer give me... a pair of Kings. Whoopie!

I take my $20 in winnings and run up to the hotel room before I get a chance to lose it. It seems like the entire trip, I would go way down, make a miraculous comeback, but can't get into positive territory. Granted, "even" is way better than losing, but I could have done without the wild swings.

I get dressed and get to the National Bowling Stadium, first for a practice session, then for our Team tournament squad. This isn't a bowling forum so I will save the boring bowling-speak, but I averaged 220 for three games (which is really good in that setting) and $170 in side action returned $415 to me. I don't count those as gambling winnings (they are a separate category of bowling wins, as I will be 1099ed on my total amount of wins).

When we set this trip up, my wife had planned on bowling the Women's tournament (which is concurrently being held in Reno). But after nursing a sore elbow all season, she finally had an MRI which revealed a torn tendon. She actually had surgery Wednesday (as I type this... one of those things that has really screwed up my week and is delaying this TR). Since her torn tendon was not going to allow her to bowl, my Aunt Barb bowled as a sub. Unfortunately, after me spending the better part of six hours at the Stadium doing my own bowling, I am stuck for three hours at the Convention Center watching my aunt bowl.

My wife and Aunt had left the Stadium earlier so that they could get settled into the Convention Center, so my Uncle and I drove over when we were done, and decided to go to a gas station for some sodas. Just to the left of the front door was a line of five or six penny slots... and four of the machines have players.

Which of these scenarios is more likely?

OR

My uncle and I concluded that there was only one answer... "C'mon...."

After my Aunt completed bowling, my wife and I found the In N Out Burger on the south side of Reno (a 2 x 3, extra toast, Animal Style with Animal Style fries, please). After dinner, we went back to the hotel and basically right to bed, as I had a 5:00 AM wake up call to hit the lanes at 7:00 AM the next day.

mjames1229 · Joined: 23 Dec 2009 Posts: 407

Tuesday, May 14 -

Morning came really early, and my bowling shift was scheduled for 7:00 AM. We bowled two three-game series. My first series of the day was 651, however because it was doubles and my partner (my uncle) bowled like a 70-year old man at seven in the morning, we will cash, but not for a lot. I then bowled my three games of singles like a 70 year old man, destroying a potentially nice 9-game score. My decent 9-game score will still make some money at the end of the tournament, and I did turn $200 in side action into $395, so I guess I am happy. Also happy that the bowling was complete.

Every year, I get so excited about planning Nationals, and every year I can't wait to be done, as it gets in the way of a vacation. Doesn't make sense to me, either.

We were done bowling by 10:00 AM, and eventually all went to the Eldorado to use a free breakfast buffet coupon that the bowlers get. However not all of us arrived before breakfast ended, and the coupon is also worth $5 off at the Tivoli Gardens Cafe, so a group of us ended up there (and as it was, it cost me $100 in VP waiting for them to arrive). I had a surprisingly good burger with pepperjack cheese, bacon, deep fried onions and jalapenos and Russian dressing on a big, fluffy bun.

Ken, Glenn and I (and possibly my Aunt and Uncle) had discussed going to the Reno Aces baseball game, which started at 11:30 AM (it was "Education Day" with events geared at students). Unfortunately, everybody bailed on me but I went to the game anyway (I do love watching baseball). I bought the best seat available, seventh row behind home plate. I was a little surprised to pay $22 for a minor league ball game, but I had bowled well so I decided to treat myself.

It was 80 degrees in the shade, I had a cold beer in my hands, with baseball less than 100 feet in front of me... and fought to stay awake for three hours. It hadn't occurred to me that getting about 4-1/2 hours sleep before bowling for three hours would make me a wee bit tired by early afternoon, and having a beer didn't help. Having Reno running up the score over the Iowa Cubs made for a non-interesting game, too.

I did manage to wake up in time for the game to end, went back to Harrah's to take a proper nap, and met up with my wife. We decided to take a walk aimlessly, and let the wind tell us which casino to end up in.

As the Indian casinos have begun sprouting up in Northern California, Reno's casino industry has taken a beating, causing downtown to fall into an odd mix of vibrant casinos (Circus Circus, Silver Legacy, Eldorado, Harrah's and Cal Neva), closed casinos and vacant storefronts and panhandlers. Well since my last visit to Reno two years ago, one thing that got really cleaned-up was the panhandlers. I did not see one in three days in Reno.

My wife and I walked about a mile of the Truckee river walk, coming across and watching instructors teaching a whitewater rafting class. Being so close to downtown, it was nice to be completely separated from the casinos for a while, and just see all the locals walking, biking, taking their dogs out, etc.

But being tourists, we did end up at the Siena casino to lose some money. The Siena is a hidden gem, but just far enough away from the Big 5 casinos that it doesn't seem to get much action. On this night, we were the only two people playing table games. The Siena does have a promotion where they reimburse up to $200 in slots losses, but the reimbursement comes the next day so we couldn't use it before we left. They said the reimbursement stays for one year, so we might use it next year if we schedule our bowling dates properly (that's right, 50 more weeks until my next trip to Reno!)

After doubling the Siena's monthly revenue, my wife and I decided to head to Rosie's Diner in the John Ascuaga's Nugget to finally try their Awful Awful. I thought it was excellent, but not having had the Nugget Diner's version in a couple of years, I still can't make a comparison about "which is better". Both are damn good.

After dinner I dropped my wife off at the Convention Center so she could watch my Aunt bowl, while I went to the Atlantis and played three hours and lost exactly $1 (and certainly I had a dollar's worth of entertainment). I got the text that everyone was done, so I picked up my wife and headed back to Harrah's. But when I got back to my room, I still had that gamblin' itch (apparently I didn't lose enough at the Atlantis to satisfy the jones).

I headed down into Harrah's casino, and it is good to know that the pattern held. In very short order, I was down about $200 playing a range of slots, VP and a little craps (didn't take long). I dug back into my pocket for a third bill, cringing at my luck, and already kicking myself for the pocket dive.

Considering that I don't really like slots, I did find a penny (and I really hate penny slots) Quick Hit that was kind to me. I hit a 6-Quick Hit progressive of about $75, then the very next spin got me some free games. I cashed out, found a $0.25 Blazin' 7s and had given a little too much of that Quick Hit money back when I hit three mis-matched sevens for $50. Pulled that out and played some dollar VP and won a little more, getting almost even for the night. I breathed a big "Whew" and headed towards the room... until I saw a midi-Baccarat table with two Asian players playing for thousands of dollars per hand.

These two players were doing all of the things that makes the game fascinating to watch... keeping the paper, not playing a few hands (and I never knew this, but the players can have the dealers deal hands that nobody has bet on... but the score is still kept) and handling the cards. The funny thing is that they had an amazing knack of when to bet huge, and when to sit out... and even when to play the Dragon side bet. After not playing the Dragon while I was watching, one player (playing the $2K table max) put $50 on the Dragon, and won the hand 9-0, winning $2000 on his hand and $1500 on the side bet.

I must have watched about 10 hands when the pit critter suggested that I sit down. I was almost embarrassed to, but I did so and played the table minimum of $15, and I just played the player every hand. About an hour later, the two Asians decided to stop playing, and Billy Sherbert-like, the pit boss suggested somewhere private to count the money. He didn't offer to count my money in private, but the dealer did color me for a $75 profit, which was nice, considering I was almost $300 down at one point in the gaming session.

LilyJDragonfly · Joined: 03 Mar 2009 Posts: 425

dfens · Joined: 19 Jul 2012 Posts: 59

Congrats on the craps win! I love craps! With BJ I feel like a machine just reacting to cards. With dice, at least I can change up the betting patterns and still stay withing a 1-4% house edge.

Western Village sounds exciting! Was the $3 blackjack paying 3:2 on naturals? Also, does the players reward card at Western Village the same as Peppermill's players card or does each casino have their own card?

mjames1229 · Joined: 23 Dec 2009 Posts: 407

Mammothgambler · Joined: 25 Dec 2005 Posts: 619

Thanks for the detailed trip report mjames and it sounds like you had a blast!

First off: Congrats on the mixed 7s, and can you tell me the specific location of this Blazing 7s machine at the Silver Legacy? Never seen one with a blue face in there, but then again I think there's a bunch of the Party Spin and other variants I haven't checked out yet, and maybe the second floor if there's any there. Good hearing you were able to get a mixed hit on the quarter Blazers at Harrah's. Can you believe that not one, but two of 'em had progressives that climbed way above $815 this past week? Good on whoever hit 'em! And yes, the penny Quick Hits (and occasionally the 3 reel dollar ones) are a fun change of pace at times!

And thanks for the heads up on Western Village, I haven't ventured that far into Sparks yet but recently heard the Passport card works in the restaurants, so definitely going to check it out.

Great to see your Awful Awful report!

Good to see the area being alive with all the bowling action and that places are giving good discounts. I mentioned it before, but I'm hoping they keep the Harrah's lane intact for a while!

mammothgambler

mjames1229 · Joined: 23 Dec 2009 Posts: 407

mjames1229 · Joined: 23 Dec 2009 Posts: 407

Wednesday, May 15 -

This is when the trip started getting rough.

As my wife and I were packing to leave Reno (she coming home to Milwaukee, me back to Las Vegas for what was supposed to be one more night) I got a phone call from a friend back home. Scott, one of my very best friends (who had been fighting cancer) had been given Last Rights and wasn't going to get through the day. I had seen him ten days earlier (another friend and I had dragged him out of the house for a birthday lunch) and he looked bad... I had presumed the end was coming, but to hear that today is the day was startling. And to top it off, I was on vacation. Very rough mourning a friend (who had been to Reno with me about a half dozen times and twice to Vegas with me) when I was supposed to be having fun.

My wife handled the rest of the packing and the drive to the airport while I called the people I was responsible for, then managed the texts from everyone asking if I had heard. When I turned off the phone in the plane, he was still with us. But by the time I got to Vegas...

Upon arrival in Vegas and once we got the rental car, I checked into the Flamingo. I wasn't in the mood for the "$20 Trick" or the "Very Pleasant Smile and Request Trick", though I believe that I mumbled something about a Strip view. Lo and behold, Scott pulled a couple of strings Up There and I was given a Go room. It was quite lovely, and had a 20th floor view of both Caesers and the Bellagio fountains.

Glenn (who was staying at Harrah's) was going to meet me in about 90 minutes after some naps, but between phones / texts / Facebook messages about my buddy, I never did get a chance to relax. I was sure to be ready at 6:00 PM to check in for my flight on Southwest. And I was still trying to check in at 6:05... and 6:10... and 6:15. After double and triple checking my confirmation number, I called Southwest to find out what might be happening. I finally get through at 6:30 (and now certain to have a C60 seat assignment). The agent very pleasantly had said that my flight wasn't until FRIDAY night.

Hmmm. I am sure my confirmation said Thursday night.

I call back. I get the same agent (which, I am certain is a first in the history of phone banks) and she was quite humorous in telling me that she is really, really sure my flight is Friday night.

See, back after the Great Race last summer, I made a comment on the Vegas Message Board that I wished that I could use Total Rewards Credits in exchange for flights and a user gave me a link where you CAN trade. Once you go to a Caesers property in person for the transaction, you get a voucher number and you have to contact Caesers Passport Travel to make the arrangements. It was the travel agent that errantly made the reservation for Friday, and sent the confirmation that said Thursday.

I was in quite the spot; I didn't have a room set up for Thursday, and had to make arrangements at home too. And, oh yeah, I was still fielding calls and texts about my friend who had died.

I first went to the TR desk at the Flamingo, and I knew I was in trouble when none of the three clerks had ever heard of trading RCs for airfare vouchers. I then went to the front desk to get my reservation extended. Completely non-plussed about my tale of woe, the best I could do was to get a different room for $50 a night. I reserved the room to make sure I had something, but was not planning on paying to fix the travel agent's error.

Once that was done (and way, way past the allotted 90 minute "nap" time), Glenn and I headed off to Tacos El Gordo, in a strip mall near Encore. Wowie! That was good. I had the Taco Adobada and wow. Just wow. For two bucks a piece and a fountain pop... It was probably the best $10 I spent all week.

Now concerned about having enough bankroll for an extra day, I talked Glenn into playing a poker tournament at the Hard Rock, as we could get a lot of play for a finite amount. We join the tournament and go to our table, right below the Godsmack display. Since Godsmack was my friend's favorite band, I saw it as a sign that I was supposed to win the tournament.

Well, almost. Glenn ended up splitting 1st/2nd place. I guess Glenn and Scott were friends, too.

It was a very long day, and I didn't even want to gamble. I went back to the Flamingo, returned a few more phone calls and texts, and tried to use the in-room DVD player to watch a movie. I could get the movie loaded and on the screen with sound, but I couldn't figure out how to maneuver the menus to actually START the movie. I am certainly not afraid of technology (I mean, my DVD player at home as the correct daylight-savings time - give or take a minute, I mean, I am not OCD.

Gotta pause and wash my hands.

Again.

OK, I think I got it.)

So I give up on the DVD and take some time to reflect on Scott. I am normally one to sleep with a room as dark as possible, however in 2006, he and I shared a room at the Stardust for Super Bowl weekend, and he insisted on sleeping with the drapes wide open so he could see "His Town". In his honor, I leave my drapes open and try to remember as much as I can about that trip. I think I get as far as (dream sequence starting...) I took the first flight in and told him I would be in Las Vegas by 9:00 AM, and when I call him to find out why he wasn't at the airport, he says that he just got to bed from the night before.

I know we did a lot more that weekend, but I was asleep before I could remember more.

stan_allen · Joined: 19 Dec 2005 Posts: 1129

Bravo!

That's some serious trip reporting...and I can see how the events with your friend would have colored the whole thing, but you performed admirably.

Love those dramatic swings: the dizzying highs, the terrifying lows...that business with the split and re-split and then a dealer 21? Fie! I've seen that one WAY too many times....but I love how you managed to crawl back up to at least parity most of the time.

Splendid trip reporting; we look forward to your next account.

And, condolences on your loss.

mycran · Joined: 18 Apr 2013 Posts: 38

Great report very good read. Congrats on the bowling!! In my book I count breaking even as a win any day. Sorry for the lose of your close friend ,even when you know whats coming it still hits you hard.

mjames1229 · Joined: 23 Dec 2009 Posts: 407

As promised, here is my full version (seven days of Vegas / Reno / Vegas) including photos and links.

BC Dave, please don't open all the links at once, I don't want to have to buy you another laptop.

Mammothgambler · Joined: 25 Dec 2005 Posts: 619

Great stuff Mjames!

Not to stray too far off course from Reno, but it definitely looks like you hit all the hot spots in LV. The Burger Bar rocks, and it's good seeing other people still also visit Sam's Town. That was my first casino stop and stay on my first trip ever to Vegas back in the day. Still love it, although it's the one place out of all of 'em I've never had a single machine hit or a lick of luck at. I kind of gave up and stopped playing there several years back - almost 8 years of play got me a whopping $5 in free play on my BConnected card! I'll still always it love it there though, although I had to stray away from getting the Mystic Falls Park view rooms - that amanitronics show starts getting too repetitive (and rattles the windows) after about two or three sessions. Have you by chance ever checked out the other Boulder Highway/Henderson Casinos, like the Eastside Cannery, Boulder Station, Sunset Station? The bowling centers at Sam's Town, Sunset Station, and Terrible's Town are awesome.

LOVED the comment about the "Penny Quick Hit ATM Machine." Sometimes, I feel like I'm in a similar situation with the Blazing 7s!

Again, so sorry to hear of the loss of your friend.

Keep the great reports coming!

Mammothgambler

mjames1229 · Joined: 23 Dec 2009 Posts: 407

I bowl May 10 and 11th at the National Bowling Stadium next year.

Only 305 days!