concentration” He drove me to the Fremont downtown. I left my one bag with the bellman and went straight to the tables. Half an hour after landing, I was playing Blackjack.
Las Vegas was very different in those days. Nowadays, the tintinnabulation of the slot machines greets you in the airport and stays with you until you leave. In the old days, the green baize tables ruled. Slot machines were mechanical and much less obtrusive and annoying. You only had to put up with broadcasts of “Emily from Montana just won $200 at Keno.”
I really have no idea how long I played, as it was difficult to keep track of time. At some point, I realized a room would be a good idea. I checked into the Fremont for $14 a night. I was a bit worried in the ride up the elevator as to what a $14 room would look like. I was quite surprised at a clean, reasonable room with a pleasant view of the mountains. I wouldn’t spend much time there anyhow as I played about 14 hours a day. It would be another two days before I shopped for some new clothing. I still had no idea how long this trip would take.
I hit every casino within walking distance. Which was quite a few, even in the ’70s. My favorite by far was Binion’s Horseshoe. Many counters played there and were quite obvious about it. If a stranger made a stupid error, one would quip, “Was that Thorp or Revere” giving himself away. Revere was the other well-known counting author at the time. There was also a Greek Goddess that dealt double-deck at the Horseshoe. She made it difficult to concentrate, but improved the atmosphere.
I’ll not bore you with all my ups and downs. I will say that the chart bounced all over the place. Not the nice, consistent increase that I had hoped for.
I think my first barring was the sixth or seventh day. The Four Queens said no more Blackjack. I was quite surprised as I played very low stakes at the 4Q and hadn’t played there that much at all as I didn’t really like the place. It did not bother me much at the time. I walked back “home” to the Horseshoe. Sitting at a table full of counters, I whispered quietly (apparently not quietly enough) that I had just been barred at the 4Q. The Greek Goddess sarcastically asked “YOU?” Now that hurt.
The barring did not alter my play or betting. I really had no concept of cover (avoiding barrings). I did spread my play
© 2009 Norman Wattenberger
