Ratings for MP's & similar regression strategies

[Riggs]

I apologize because I am sure this has been addressed somewhere -- if it has, a link to the topic would be much appreciated.

I am wondering what kind of rating a player gets when betting something like $204 across for a couple of rolls then down to $44. (Question applies to any kind of regression strategy.) If casinos give credit for the initial bet I can see this as being a nice side benefit of this sort of strategy.

Thanks in advance!

[amish dude]

A fellow player said your 1st bet is the basics of how they rate you

[Mad Professor]

Hi Riggs,

That's a GREAT question.

The simple answer is, it depends; so let me explain.

~Much of your player-rating depends on who is rating your play, and whether or not you have a good or bad history with them.

That is, there is quite a bit of built-in flexibility to how a TGS rates a player, and how he 'averages' that player's action when he enters it in the computer.

~For example, if you are on good terms with him or her; they will likely rate you at the full-ride amount of $204-Across...and sometimes even bump that figure up when a hot hand is occurring, and your post-regression Inside-bets have been pressed-up far beyond your initial $204 gross-wager value.

~On the other hand, a 'neutral' TGS would calculate your average spread-value at around $125. That is based on a few rolls at $204...and several rolls in the $44 to $60 range.

~A 'negative' TGS would likely rate you at around $80 per hand, but would also 'pause' your rating when you aren't betting (because you are only betting on skilled D-I's, and not every random-rolling Tom, Dick, or Rick).

~Additionally, when I use the MP-$204 in a crowded multi-table pit, I move around a LOT; so player-ratings can be spotty. However, that can work either for you or against you.

~For example, IF the player-rating computer 'allows' you to have action at multiple tables (like having duplicate Players Cards inserted into two or more slot-machines at the same time...which some systems are setup to permit ); then you can continue being rated at multiple tables (thus multiplying your rating by several-fold).

However, some systems don't allow that on their table-games computers; so it automatically closes-out your rating at one table if you start getting rated at another.

~On the other hand, if you aren't on exceptionally good terms with the TGS's; then you shouldn't be surprised if they all keep your rating on pause at ALL of the tables as you move from layout to layout (based on the thinking that, "That P.i.t.A. will only be here for one hand before he disappears again; so I won't even rate him!").



MP

[freak]

Hummm... We have very inconsistent action. Sometimes I have $110 inside. Sometimes I have $4 on the hard ways. And we tend to table hop a good bit. After the run in with Sylwia I do wonder how our action is getting rated. There is no incentive I can see for the TGS to rate us on the favorable side of our action.

[Mad Professor]

Well that's another good point, Freak.

Let's talk about that for a sec.

Instead of not knowing how you are being rated: ASK!

Let me give you a couple of things to work with.

When a TGS is hovering over the rating-computer, nonchalantly ask:

"Hey ___ (TGS's first name); what do you have my average in at?

If you like the answer, your reply is something like, "Yeah, that sounds about right. Thanks."

If you don't like the answer, your reply can be something like, "Hmmm, that feels a little light...I'd really like to get some cheese on that comped burger I'm working on getting...can you help me out a bit?"

Always keep the conversation light, and don't make it so the TGS feels compelled to defend his rating; instead, turn it into a situation where they'll WANT to use their rating-discretion for good instead of evil.

If the TGS came up through the ranks, and especially if they are a dual-rate (dealer/box/TGS), and they know you tip well (and you aren't a high-stroke major pain-in-the-ass); then they will likely rate you fairly (or even higher than your play deserves). ...but they sometimes need a little good-natured prompting.

On the other hand, if they regard you as a barely-tolerable flea; then your rating will barely register on the Ritcher-comp-scale (if at all).

I prefer not to wait until the end of a session before asking how they rated me (past-tense) as opposed to how they are rating me now (present tense); because they can easily up-scale a rating on a player's session that is still open in the computer (each session creates a separate 'drillable' file in their data-base)...as opposed to trying to go back in and changing one that is already closed (which usually requires a TGM/Pit Boss override).

Again, when dealeing with front-line table-staff, always keep the comp-conversation cordial, polite, and light. If you want to have a more serious conversation about your rating (and what you think your play deserves); talk to your casino-host.


MP

[freak]

Good to know. The only time I've ever asked is AFTER we finish. During does seem better. But I worry about asking in front of the whole table. Is that what you are suggesting? Or do you pull them to the side and ask privately?

[Riggs]

Good stuff. I appreciate the info!

Another thing I worry about is if I went with the big bet/regression on DI/good shooters but say just a $6 6 & 8 and pass line single odds, how will they figure it all out.

Better to talk with pit person as I buy in?

[Mad Professor]

Hi Freak,

It all depends on what you are comfortable with.

I usually do it while a TGS is finishing up entering a new player's buy-in into the computer. If you are at SR-1, you can just lean in a bit and ask. If you want to do it 'in private' by walking around the table, beckoning the TGS over, and asking there; that's fine too.

What works best is if you are already talking to him/her about something else (last night's ballgame, etc); then it's easier to slip that into the conversation on an, "Oh by the way..." side-bar.

Again it all depends on what you are comfortable with; but you would be surprised at how comfortable you actually get at it, once you do it a time or three.


Edited to add:

Riggs, no, there's no need to give them a heads-up...better to let them figure it out first, and then, ONLY if your rating needs 'fixing' do you need to intervene.


Re-edited again to note:

A GREAT time to ask about your rating is when you have your bets at their initial pre-regression amount, or when they are pressed-up quite high on a hot hand.


MP

[freak]

Re-edited again to note:

A GREAT time to ask about your rating is when you have your bets at their initial pre-regression amount, or when they are pressed-up quite high on a hot hand.


MP

Agreed. However just like the dice seem to know the only number I'm NOT on, the TGS always seems to come by when I'm in a pause or low bet mode versus a full press. This game. THIS GAME!

[shunkaha]

My guess, Cherokee will not always play nice... they are the ONLY house in that market for hundreds of miles and they know it. Once you begin to get free table bets you'll know if they are being fair about it or not. In my opinion the Harrah's based properties tend to comp a tad lighter than pretty much everyone else. The same level of play that used to get me between $50 - 100 a week at Penn National properties got me about $20 or less at Harrah's, the level at which I got $10 at MGM, Fitz, and Sam's Town... I wasn't even on the map for Harrah's.

So, take it for what its worth but my guess Harrah's comps according to these principles:
1] If they don't have to fight for players, there is less reason to reward them with freebies [having a lock on the NC market unless you drive to MS or WV] and
2] seemingly not comping as well to begin with [in Tunica the 2 most lucrative casinos are probably HS and Harrah's]

If they don't have a reason to feel like you're going to go elsewhere they will act accordingly... its like the theory some ppl have that once you're married to him/her, there is no need to look nice, be in shape, or even give a crap... because they have you and you aren't going anywhere. All that said, Harrah's will give you a room or food even if they give you nothing else... but those things cost them nothing really.

[heavy]

Harrah's table game ratings should come with a spit cup.