Masters of Blackjack 2008, Fallsview Niagara Falls!

Hi,

I am an avid BJ player, but this will be my first BJ tournament!

Masters of Blackjack - Qualifying Round.
Location: Fallsview Casino, Niagara Falls.
Buy-In: $250
Date: Oct 29th, 2008.

Can anyone offer any advice, strategy, comments on this tournament? The rules can be found at http://www.fallsviewcasinoresort.com/files/gaming/rules/MOBJ_Rules.pdf (Page 2 for the Qualifying Round Rules).

By the looks of the rules, each round lasts "about" an hour and the top 2 from each table advance to the semi-finals... is this a timed round? or a designated amount of hands per round?

Thanks!
:joker:

 

Hmmmmmm - very interesting question that doesn't appear to be addressed in their rules. They do mention the shoe size and penetration, which brings up a third possibility that a game lasts until the cards run out (although that would be rather strange).

Anyone been there and can chime in with the answer?

 

Hey Hey.... just called the Casino.... i

It's 21 hands per round.

Round 1 - 7 Players, Top 2 move to Round 2 (Semi-Final).
Round 2 (Semi-Finals) - 7 Players, 1 player advances to Final Round.
Round 3 - Final Round.

Any suggestions or tips?

 

I just called them, too. Booked with a waiting list for October.

 

LeftNut...

I just got off the phone with the Casino...

They still have availability for the October 29th Qualifier.

Casino Toll Free # 1-877-777-9178

:joker:

 

Thanks for the tip! I did try again within a half-hour of your post but got the same story as I did before. When I mentioned "a guy I know just called and was told there are spots available", she put me on hold for about 5 minutes, then returned and explained that she couldn't find the right person to clarify things. She took my phone number and said she'd call back when she had answers. Nothing further yet..............

 

Maybe they are holding back spots for PAC Members (which is free to sign up for at the casino). Though, I don't know why they would do that... Interesting.

Well... if they keep telling you that its full, I'll let you know after the tournament on the 29th if in fact it was full.

:joker:

 

Only 2 days away from tourny time.... getting excited!

I understand if they are initially trying to fill the tourny with PAC Members (PAC = casino membership)... but if there are only 2 days to go and still vacancies available why not make it easy for EVERYONE to register!

Wouldn't they want a full tourny?

:joker:

 

Agreed 100%. They never did call me back.

The best of luck, skill, and great cards (when you need 'em most) to those who are participating!

 

24 hours and counting...

:joker:

 

More Tourney Details

In my experience, this tourney is always filled so, while that may not condone it, that may explain why they are catering to PAC members. I've also found that they hold back on rebuys until after they've asked their preferred players.

More format details for those preparing:
Entry Fee: $250 CDN
168 players, if full

First round:
24 tables of 7 players each divided into 3 sessions.
Sessions filled sequentially as players register
$2000 bank roll, $500 max, $25 min. 7 players. 2 advance.
1 wildcard into the second round
rebuys into the 3rd session are possible but not common since
the tourney is usually full.

Second round:
7 tables of 7 players each.
$2000 bank roll, $500 max, $25 min. 7 players. 1 advances.

Final table:
$5000 bank roll, $2500 max, $100 min. 7 players.
Prizes: $25000, $5000, $3000, $1500, $750, $500, $250 CDN
Prizes are tax free for Canadians, not sure about others.

General:
No surrender; split up to 4 hands; no double down on black jack;
double for less is allowed; double down card is dealt face up;
no secret bet; precise betting within the table limits is allowed
(smallest chip is $2.50); each round is 21 hands; chips
must be separated by denomination but not stacked in any
particular way; chips counted after hands 15 and 20.

Good luck to everyone going. I'll be wearing a Red Hat golf shirt. Say hi if you run into me!

 

Thanks for the updates!!!

$25,000 would be a nice payday... make up for the vacation time I'm using from work to play!

:joker:

 

I believe the first round sessions are at:

2pm, 3pm and 4pm, with registration from 12-2pm EST.

 

I believe it's actually 3, 4, and 5 pm. Round 2 at about 6:15. Final immediately after that. Usually 7:30 or so.

 

You are correct.

:joker:

 

For easier future reference, I took the liberty to update the Calendar with the details generously posted on this thread by gronbog. No, I'm not going to attend - just helping members have more easily available information.

 

So, what happened?