www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Can someone please tell me where I can find the rules, and perhaps odds info, on the Rummy game played in many of the casinos?? Didn't have much luck with a site search.

Also would be interested in the typical table stakes on blackjack at places like the Horseshoe or the Amon.

Thanks,

MR

when i played, it was the same as blackjack in the states, except there were no blackjacks.....everything paid heads up.....also the dealer doesnt get his 2nd card til all the players are done hitting.....which was weird so u gotta take hits for the team a lot...unlike in the states where dealer has his second card before players get their hits....i personally didnt like the game and cashed out after like 10 hands up 20,000 colones, so im no pro....i strictly play nolimit hold em, and i didnt find a table to play at while i was there.....there were low stakes games at the horseshoe, but nothing to waste ur time on. in my opinion. by the way u can call me money

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When I'm sitting at the Cigar Bar having a beer at Zona Blue, I think to myself, "What would Tony Soprano do?"

It's actually Rommy.
Of course Vegas Bob would be your best resource on this subject but I'll add what I can.

It's been 6 months since I've played rommy but as I recall the main differences between rommy and blackjack are:
1. BJ pays even money.
2. The player gets paid 3 to 1 for 3 of a kind or a 3-card straight.
3. The surrender rules are a little more broad with rommy (like down to 14 against an Ace).

The table stakes vary from 1000 colones ($2.20) or $5 on up. If you buy in with dollars you get dollars when you cash out. Same for colones.

No rules here but some info.
http://www.wagerlover.com/casinos-in-costarica.htm
http://www.ildado.com/land_casinos_costa_rica.html

Notes to Money:
When the dealer gets his/her 2nd card makes no difference. The cards are shuffled and come out random.

"Taking hits for the team"?
Whether you're using Basic Strategy, card counting or just blind luck you play your hand they way it needs to be played. It ain't a team sport unless you're using a counter and a Big Player.

Thanks for the input guys. I saw it listed as both Rummy and Rommy. I went with Rummy as the DR spells it that way on their site. Might be fun to give it a try.

I play basic strategy BJ and can count. But I'm very rusty at counting. The odds don't sound too great if they are playing a big shoe. Unless maybe if you are counting.

If one can't find a decent Holdem game I'll never find an Omaha 8 game

thanks,

MR

There is no real information written about Rommy because it is only played ,to the best of my knowledge, in Costa Rica. I am told that it was initially invented by Shelby,the owner of the Colonial Casino, in order to avoid some old law many years ago. Though I play both Rommy and Blackjack regularly here,I recommend that casual,or even skilled BJ players stick to BJ. BJ is played at the Horseshoe and Paradise Casinos only. All other casinos offer rommy only. Played perfectly,rommy has a significantly higher house advantage (I won't bother you with the numbers) than BJ because the lack of a blackjack paying 3/2 (or possibly being a push) significantly outweighs the givebacks. (such as rommies paying 3-1,resplit aces unlimited times and taking as many cards as you want including doubling down) Whatever you do,do NOT play at the DR.The reasons have been well documented here by myself and others. I hope this helps you enjoy yourself while here in CR.

O8 is actually quite popular here go to the radisson hotel they usually have a game going 2-4 or 5-10-15, its omaha hilo and holdem, the game alternates with dealer changes.

VegasBob thanks for the education on Rommy. I will probably stick to BJ at the Horseshoe as I am staying at the DR. Just found the CRT site Sunday and learned about the Horseshoe Monday while doing a search. Thought I might be stuck at the DR for gambling but looks like there are choices nearby. From what I gather the BJ is a four or six deck shoe?? Dampens the odds a bit. But at least it is BJ.

Rasclat thanks for Omaha Hi/Lo info. I am kind of surprised O8 is played much in this Holdem' crazy world. Can not typically find a O8 game here in the Colorado Mountain town casinos.

I love this site!!

Thanks,

MR

Are there any craps games with lower minimums than $5 found at the Horseshoe? I used to deal, and enjoy playing all of the odds and, occasionally, making irresponsible bets. I only like to do that at a lower-limit table, a la El Cortez in 'Vegas. Any knowledge?

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SlickWings


Seems like I spend half my life drinking, gambling, and mongering. The other half... I waste.

I used to play Craps at the Colonial Casino and the minimum bet was 500 colones. The old man, Circus, taught me how to play craps but after awhile we seemed to be betting against each other.

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Live today as it was your last day, for tomorrow may never come.