Wednesday nite and after being in town for 48 hours, I've finally held cards in me wee hands

I knew I'd finish my "all day" class early and since I only have 1 class to conduct on Thursday, it was prime time to hit the tables. After being on my feet, literally ALL DAY, the last thing I wanted to do was walk, so allow me a small suggestion, PLAN YOUR PARKING! The drive from Sunset Station isn't bad at all, and I used Trop and Koval but the parking garage was sheer chaos. After finally finding a spot, the walk thru the garage to the entrance and all the way to the back of the joint was just plain silly!

I didn't know if I needed a players card or not, so I decided to stop off and get one before heading back to the room, got a "nice" key chain for my troubles but not needed for play in the room, cest la vie...I left the Station around 4:30, leaving myself ample time, unfortuantely, too ample. I was registered and wandering aimlessly just after 5pm. I was suprised to see how empty the room was but it was early and mid-week, guess I shouldn't be shocked.

I found myself out on the strip, north of MGM...MORE WALKING Didn't go far but I did check out the Coca-Cola store, some pretty cool stuff in there if you're into "Coke" but I damn sure wasn't trying Black! Scoped out the 1/2 Price Ticket place, didn't know it existed and will defintely have to see if it's worth the last minute wait on my next trip. Spied some "strangess" as I as passed a water jet massage and oxygen bar storefront on my way back...just plain odd. Made the nightly call to the wife before the 3 hour time difference caught up to me and I was ready for cards.

Waddled my way back to the room just in time to hook up with my local poker buddy (we have a corporate office out here) and her friend, will be looking forward to talking cards and playing more with 'em!

Tourney kicked off just after 6pm, 32 whole runners (capped at 60), $125 ($100 in the pool) for T3k and 30min blinds, 4 get paid. This tourney definitely wasn't on my list to play but Cindy likes the room and suggested playing there, so what the hell, right They take alternates for the 1st 3 levels, if you bust out, you can essentially buy back in but with only 4 paying, doesn't seem too logical.

More tourists/convention'rs than regulars for sure but still not my idea of a "good tourney." Cindy's friend John and I end up at the same table, should be interesting.

1st hand the table folds to me on the button and I raise to 150 with QTo. Old Man Australia calls from the SB and we're heads up. Flop is rags, 2 suited and I make a 250 continuation bet and get called. Blank turn and he checks to me again, I just feel like I'm getting called down, so I check behind, don't think I can shake 'em. River is an Ace and he thinks long and hard about betting out, but decides the better of it. I don't think for too long and check behind as well, he tables his T3o and scoops....we're off the races!

I decide to "fall back" and feel out the table, nothing much but info gathering for the next orbit. Guy on my right is yacking it up and turns out he's on his way to CA to play in the big tourney at the Commerce. Guy to his left is a local and tighter than a frog's arse Seat 5 and 9 are QUIET and serious, oh well. John is in 9 and a young, aggressive Esfandiari (?sp) look-alike is in seat 8. I'm in 3 and Old Man Australia is in 4.

Serious seat 8 raises to 150 and in the bb, I look down at AKo, I decide to flat call. Flop is King-rags, 2-suited. I fully expect him to cbet so I check and as expected, he leads out. Not too worried about the flush but I check-raise and he's none too happy but lays it down. John gives me a nod.

Next orbit (50/100) and it's just me and talkie-mc-talk talk, my bb v sb. Flop is Ace-rags but I've connected with my 3. He checks to me, no raise pf so I need to find out where I'm at and fire out 150. I get flat-called. Turn is a blank and I check behind this time. River is a beautfiul 3 and he wakes up, firing out 300. I raise another 500 and get paid off with his pocket 9s.

Our table is pretty damn active and people are busting left and right. At one -point we're down to 6 players with 9 and 9 at the other 2 tables. It took a bit of time for us to get Bob's (nice guy) attention but once we finally do, it's balanced out.

John busts out calling the young magician, queen-high flush is no good, the magician has a king-high, ouch....maybe it was the sunglasses, sorry John

Seat is filled by a PokerStars jacketed youngin' and promptly busts out when he open pushes with A2o, getting called by another replacement player who tables pocket 3s, taking it down with a flopped set.....young ps is none too happy....

With all the action at the table, I don't get a chance to do too much, taking down a pot open raising with KQs and open raising from the button with garbage, thanks Old Man Australia and Young Magician!

Nearly 90 minutes in, just about at 1st break, blinds moving to 200/400 and I'm under 4k in chips. From EP1, I look down to find AKs and make a standard raise to 600. Table folds around to tight-local in the bb and he's cutting chips for a raise. Figuring it's a good shot at doubling up and coupled with the blinds going up, I'd pretty much made up my mind to play out the hand. I move my hand to my chips as he's thinking about the raise to see if he'll pick up on my attempt at letting him know I'm coming along for the ride.

Guess it didn't matter...he raises, I push and he's obviously calling as he announces he's behind. He tables Jacks and we're outta the blocks. I don't get any help and my arse is bounced and the remaining players take their break. Oh well, I'm happy with the play

I talk with Cindy a bit about plans for the rest of the week, say goodbye to John who's at the limit tables and slink on back to the Station.

I liked the room, plenty of space between the tables, close restroom, and nice staff, drinks we're coming around VERY quickly. I didn't like the marble ring around the table, found it to be very odd and a tad uncomfortable. Chairs were ok and the dealers were nice and very efficient, but all I have to compare is FL poker, so you make the call.

Hope ya enjoyed it, I did and can't wait to hit the games tomorrow!

lakeoffire says

Thats too bad, JJ vs AK...but what can you do? Sounds like a colorful room. If your back in Vegas try the Aladdin tournaments, they are pretty soft. Great post!

04/12/07

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