Gaming Guru

Grand Blackjack to Sizzle in July

The event is another in Grand's successful blackjack tournament series and will be a two-day event on July 9 and 10. An earlier one this year, also for $100,000, attracted a strong field.

"July marks our second big tournament of the young year,"said Bradley Rhines, Vice President of Marketing and Player Development. "We are anticipating just shy of 300 entrants which would be a substantial increase from the 240 we drew last February. For just a $500 buy-in, it's a great chance to win $500, whether you know how to play strategic blackjack or not."

The big money that will go the winner from seven players on the final table will be a guaranteed $50,000 followed by $12,000 for 2nd, $9,000 for 3rd, $7,000 for 4th, $3,500 for 5th, $2,500 for 6th and $1,500 for 7th. Finishers ranked 8th through 36th place will each collect $500.

The buy-in is $500 but it includes besides Saturday tournament play, hotel accommodations for two nights, a welcome reception on Friday in the Gold Card Lounge from 7 to 9 p.m. when table assignments are given out, and a special tournament gift.

Play begins at 10 a.m. in the blackjack pit just outside of LB's restaurant on the first floor followed by the semi-final and final table. There will also be a wild card drawing held before the semi-finals and another that will send one lucky player to the final table. Stick around for the drawings as you have to be present to win the wild card and we know several players who are still kicking themselves for leaving early and who missed out when their name was drawn.

Players who have never played in a big tournament should note that you need not be an expert player to compete. Knowledge of basic strategy is helpful but there are times in tournament play when it is thrown out the window, if one were available. For instance, if you need to reach a certain dollar level and are short, you might double down on cards you never would in regular play, such as a 15 against a dealers up card of ten. Players have been known to double down on a natural 21,or split tens hoping to get more money on the table. It is crazy moves such as these that give everyone a shot at winning and make it a fun competition.

One female competitor made such a wild move in a Grand tournament when on the final table she hit a hard 17 hoping to move up her position on the final table. The dealer gave her a deuce and she jumped from fifth place to second place and earned $22,000 in doing so. She figured she was already in the money so why not take a shot at the big bucks. It worked and she drew loud applause for her bold, unconventional move. Card counting does not come in play but money management does as you pursue a spot in the semi-finals.

For players who have not been to the Grand recently, check out the newly renovated high limit room near LB's.

All of the prize money will be awarded at the end of play Saturday. To reserve a spot in the tournament call VIP Services at 1-800-550-4473 and use the code name "Hot." Players can also make arrangements by contacting a casino host or junket rep.