I paid my way through college by working as a casino dealer. Often the afternoon shift would be a bunch of predominately female pensioners sat around a £3 blackjack table. It was very obvious that none of them were actually trying to win, they were all trying desperately hard not to lose their £100 before they had to go at 6pm. The thing is, I don't think any of them actually realised that subconciously, that was what they were doing.
I'd always try and make a little bit of conversation, and try and keep it to subjects that weren't inflammatory, particularly how to play blackjack at least remotely well
But occasionally, a little corker would pop up.
After paying the table out..."you didn't fancy doubling your 11 v my 6?" "No, I prefer to make my money last a bit longer."
But the best one that pretty much had me doubled over was watching every single box be misplayed horribly, whilst waiting for the outcome of the next exposed card to confirm to each other whether or not the decision was correct. Against all 7 boxes, all backed and double-backed (to generate arguments between each hand as to who owns what,ofc) I think 2 hands busted, 2 hands declined a solid split, one hand declined a double where any sane person would bet 10x if permitted and the last box decided to "rectify" previous mistakes by hitting hard 17 to "get the cards back in order" Cue me making an unlikely total. The silence was finally broken by the 3-box who asked: "jeeeesus, who cut this crap?"
That was over 20 years ago, I hope the old dears are still kicking around and playing £3 blackjack somewhere - they seemed to enjoy it so much.
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