Our annual trade show trip that just happens to be held in Sin City. We invited one of our poker friends to join us along with my daughter and boyfriend. My friend, Richard, has never been to Vegas so he was definately looking forward to this. My daughter and boyfriend, John, left on Sat. morning, we left that evening after a busy day at work from Houston. We landed around 11pm, the airport was not crowded like usual. We always get a rental car since the trade show is at South Point and we like to visit a lot of casinos when we go.
Our first night we stayed at Texas Station, two free nights off of coupons. Played BJ for three hours, had to give action for the comped room, made $85. Next morning dropped off Richard at Golden Nugget to meet bus for Hoover Dam tour. The rest of us we went to Mt. Charleston for skiing. Nice mountain for a day ski trip. Played a little more BJ while waiting for family made $70, this paid for the ski trip. On the way back to TS we went to see the new Aliante Station. Very nice casino. Played BJ with my wife, together we lost $250. Not good. Went back to TS packed our luggage and went to Hard Rock. Stayed there Sun - comp, Mon - $59, Tues - comp. My daughter and BF stayed the second night alone. Checked in to HR did the $20 sandwich and she gave us the upgrade and handed us the $20 back. I ended up giving her a $10 bill anyway, very nice girl. Played 1-2NL for a few hours lost $180. Should have gone to bed like my wife and friend. I was not playing well, bad reads, folded when I should have called and called when I should have folded.
Day two.
Went to Venetian. John and Richard wanted to play in the noon tourney. My wife and I wanted to play cash. Bought in a 1-2 NL and my wife joined me. A few bad players so I was up for most of session. One memorable hand, I raise from middle position with 10,10, button calls. Two clubs on the flop, turn 10C, he makes his flush. River nicely pairs the board, I think I made about $300 on that hand. Ended up cashing out + 582 for the session. My wife - $60. That night we met my cousin for dinner at Main Street Station. Did the downtown run of BJ: Binions, Four Queens, Fitzgeralds, and El Cortez for a positive $405. Played a little 1-2NL at Golden Nugget very loose table. Several people ordering shots and beers. I ended up ordering tequila, then suddenly table broke up. Went back to HR and my wife played $25BJ and made $370. Dinner at the HR diner. $7.77 gamblers special was well worth it.
Day three
Attended trade show at South Point. Played BJ afterwards lost $220. Later the three of us went to MGM. Richard chopped the 7pm three ways. My wife and I played 1-2NL. Her first hand of Q,Q got cracked on the river by A,J so she lost a quick $200. Her table had a lot of calling stations so she moved to my table. My table was full but two people, seats 9 - 10 kept leaving the table for extended periods, then come back post blinds and leave immediately. This was a little annoying but what can you do. A few hit and run artists at my table. Several other people would play for one orbit then move to the next table. Very weird environment, also very loud because of Studio 54. I made $30, my wife -$270. Walked to NYNY for $25BJ lost a quick $400, dealer was on fire. Left to go back to HR, wife played $25BJ made $480.
Day four:
Met my friend who was a rhythmic dice thrower at the Monte Carlo. Not much happening so decided to go to Gold Coast. Craps tables crowded so we played BJ + $140. Met up with dice throwers at Sahara. Missed their good rolls - $45. Played 1-2NL at Planet Hollywood me + $410 wife + $270.
Day five
Moved luggage to Planet Hollywood to stay with my daughter. Played the noon tourney, about 30 players. Was doing well and made final table. Got caught pushing K,J against Q,Q. Crippled me and was out in 9th. My wife was in a three way chop for 1st. + $250. Ate lunch at Cheeseburgers in the Miracle Mile shops. Way overpriced meal. Three cheeseburgers, one fries, three sodas $55 ouch. Did some last minute shopping around town then headed for Palms. Bad BJ session - $300. Went to Red Rock, another bad BJ session - $200. Then played 1-2NL. Lots of locals with very bad plays that ended up getting lucky. I do not think I will play there again. Me - $165 wife + $200. We then left for the airport to catch the red eye back home.
Overall very good trip. After paying for hotels, rental car, food, skiing, and gifts we were up $200 for five days. We are planning a trip in July for a BJ seminar and the cash games during the world series.