Heard it on the river: In defense of dealers and bad beats in blackjack

The summer heat must be getting to players and during my recent forays in casinos I have witnessed several episodes of players gone wild. And dealers are the targeted recipients, much to my chagrin.

Therefore I take up my cudgel on behalf of dealers everywhere in Mississippi, the friendliest bunch of guys and gals anywhere in the casino universe. For boors, drunks and just miserable losers, the dealer is not your enemy. Yes, it is their job to rake in your losing bucks, but that should not make them targets for your frustrations.

Remember, casino dealers can be an ally and not your adversary because either directly or indirectly, casino dealers can influence whether you win or lose at the tables in Tunica and elsewhere. This is particularly true in blackjack, where I witness the most incidents. A friendly dealer can help your play by reminding you of certain bets, or the correct odds, especially so in craps where a lot of beginners get lost wandering around the green felt field.

Or, if you have a dispute that requires a decision from the pit boss, the dealer can assist by siding with you. Congenial dealers can make your playing more enjoyable so when you next sit down at a table game, remember, get the dealer on your side from the git go. Not blowing smoke in their faces and tipping also helps.

BAD BEAT…while most commonly associated with poker; a bad beat can occur in blackjack even if there is no payoff. Playing in the regular Sunday afternoon blackjack tournament at HOLLYWOOD I witnessed the following. A gentleman sitting at first base on the table was down to the last dealt hand and held a 19 with the dealer showing an 8. This player also had to catch up with the chip leader and had to get more chips in action to catch up. What to do? He puzzled over the issue for several moments and then slid the remainder of his chips alongside his original max bet and doubled down on the 19. Yup, you know what happened. He caught a deuce for a 21 total and it looked like a winner. WRONG. The dealer has two eights for a 16 and it looked like a sure bust. Guess what? He caught a five. We've all had our share of bad luck but that bad beat was just too much.

By the way, tournament poker is a lot of fun and the competition is fierce so give it a shot. Locally SAM'S TOWN on Tuesdays and HOLLYWOOD on Sundays, have low buy-in tournaments that are very competitive, as is the one at PEARL RIVER RESORT on Tuesdays. BIG Tuesdays hourly giveaways continue at both GOLDEN MOON and SILVER STAR casinos with $10,000 in bonus bet prizes. Get a coupon in Jackpot for 10 free drawing tickets.

THE FITZ can't wait until March 17 for the usual St. Patrick's Day celebration and, instead, is holding its own celebration Sept. 22, halfway to the traditional date. Whatever works. There is going to be $10,000 in promo cash giveaways, two bands, green beer and beads, green felt toppers an Irish buffet and more. Oct. 5-6 Fitz is also holding another in its popular ULTIMATE BLACKJACK TOURNAMENT series and for a buy-in of $500 you get a shot at $75,000 in prize money, two room nights and comp breakfasts as well as a nice tournament gift.

The ISLE OF CAPRI also has a nice blackjack tournament going for Sept. 15-16 with $50,000 on the line for only a $100 buy-in. Call 800-789-5825. First place prize is $10,000 in cash and $10,000 in promo chips. You can also win free gas for up to 20 years in the casino's GAS FOR LIFE promo during September.

A new Italian restaurant is coming to Tunica. Stay tuned.

REMINDER…don't forget the DELTA RIVER CRUISIN' CAR SHOW at Sam's Town this weekend (Sept.14-16). About 1,000 cars made before 1979 will be on display at this free event. Still time to get in Sam's Town $50 K Open Slot tournament on Oct. 5-6 for a $200 buy-in.

At SOUTHLAND PARK in West Memphis virtual blackjack tables offer surrender and stand on soft 17 bets, the only game around with these player friendly wagers.

Visit with us as the GOODTIMES RADIO SHOW takes to the road with remote broadcasts at the Fitz on Saturday Sept. 22 and at Hollywood on Oct. 6. We might even make you famous for five minutes. Listen in at WMC79 a.m. at 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Or go to goodtimesradio.com.

LAISSEZ BON TEMPS ROULER!