First time at a decent sized Encore tourney today: the staff is clearly learning, but they _are_ learning.
Balcony tables are super-loud, can barely hear bets. Tables and especially balconies in the corner rarely got served in the first couple of hours as the drink staff seemed under staffed at beginning; our table asked for water >4 times and only got 1 bottle on the 5th, even though even the dealer asked on the 4th. The waitress got defensive and said people would take their bottles before they got to back. Floor manager started taking packs of waters around to back corners at our table's suggestion, which was great, and then waitress started coming around in the middle hours, but then they ran out again on water+ after registration closed.
Unfortunately (and this is a _MUCH_ bigger deal): one of our dealers didn't seem to understand the difference between an ante and a big blind, actually got in an argument with the BB at my table because he _insisted_ a BB was dead in the water and not part of the bet. (By this I mean he said it wasn't included in the total; obviously it's committed regardless.) BB asked a floor manager after he folded his next set, and even tho he said the floor manager confirmed the dealer and he kept arguing, said that's standard and it's the way it's been since he started there. NOT accurate, not fun, super stressful.
- Other dealers were ok, though.
- Management definitely trying to handle first big tourney week.
- Food isn't cheap but the cobb salad is decently sized and decent. Would be great to get better comp rates for tourney play.
- Getting in and out of this place is not easy when it's busy, turning lanes end up blocked up for multiple lights; give yourself extra time to get in and out.
Keep working it, Encore Boston, I can tell you all are trying, and have got lots of potential.
