Where did the fun go in Vegas?
I have to say, there is nothing better than Vegas. Sun during the day, and poker felt at night. I travel to Vegas a minimum of 4 times a year to have a good time. It helps that I have been fortunate to cash in (not all of course) the tourneys I play, well enough to pay for my trip, or close to it.
What I am missing as of late is the games where folks go to have a good time as well as play cards. These were mostly the low buy ins which is fine by me. Places like Bills, O'Sheas and the Linq were always entertaining regardless of the outcome of the tourney. Mostly people who are more concerned of having fun, making friends while playing the game we love.
I understand this is not for all and that is fine. I prefer a game with some social interaction, not like the last one I played at Harrah's where, I kid you not, besides myself making comments, not a word as said for 2 orbits. Boring.
Again, this might be what some want but not me. I hope I'm able to find a decent, friendly game on my next trip to Sin City, not a table full of Caesars statues.
I don't know about late night tournaments because by the time it Is night out I usually have a couple of drinks inside of me. if I do play a tournament I want to be sober. But if you want to play in a lively late night cash game I suggest aria, bellagio, or the mirage. Like I said by this time everyone should of had a couple of drinks in them which should open their social interaction and their wallets.
@robvegaspoker Thanks Rob, I think you're right about the lower buy ins. I'll give TI a try next trip, thanks!
Noticed that recently too. In most of the rooms I played in last trip, there were always a couple guys (at a 1/2 cash table) with hoodies/headphones there to 'work', not socialize. Maybe it was the season (it was winter) but I don't remember the games being such a constant grind. Even some of the 'tourists' were serious, drinking coffee and watching the game like a hawk with their $60 stacks. I miss those old drunken games at Bill's were you don't care if you lose $40 cause it was entertaining at least.
I found Aria/Bellagio to be grindy lately, especially late at night when all the rec players have busted. Maybe weekends are good.
One note: The TI cash games are not as loose. They are running an hours promo so it's attracting a lot of grinders.
I would say the Mirage is best for the 1/2 cash games to have some fun and to socialise.
We always play there at night and the hoodies soon move on when we all have a laugh.
I have to agree with the others that it is getting more serious these days. Treasure Island is good for the low stakes tournies at 11am.
I just came back from my last Vegas trip and had a very good time playing both cash games and the 8 pm tournament at Bally's poker room. Most of the players were out there to have a good time and I only saw very few grinders. The poker room manager also was a friendly fella and hooked me up with an iPhone 6 charger since I forgot to pack mine. It didn't hurt that I was up $600 in the 1-3 cash games either :)
@Goodshoe great thread. Anyone have tips on early morning daily tournaments in the $40-$120 range? Traveling with wife and she's a night owl so I'll get my best playing in the early hours.
@Goodshoe thanks! I'm staying at mgm so will send check that one out
@morgan5 Try Treasure Island at 11am as well, as the atmosphere is fund & friendly. The mirage is also good but is closed until mid may I believe? You would be surprised who drinks in the mornings. I keep to these 2 rooms when drinking with friends and like the Venetian & Bellagio to play higher stakes.