We arrived at the Monte Carlo on Monday June 12. My wife doesn't play very much poker. She enjoys the Monte Carlo because everyone is always so friendly. She plays 2-4 limit. I usually play 8-16 limit at the Wynn, or 10-20 limit at the Mirage. This entire trip I played 2-4 limit with my wife. We had a blast. I played for 30 hours and made $180. My wife played for 30 hours and made close to $2,000. I didn't see this happening.....

On day 2, she hit a Royal Flush (hearts) at the Monte Carlo. They have a high hand jackpot for quads or better. It payed her $1,454. She held my favourite hand.... J-10 suited. Way to go, dear!

On day 6, she hit a Jack high Straight Flush (Clubs). This payed her $495.

The requirements for a high hand at the Monte Carlo are a minimum of $10 in the pot, and that both the hole cards are used.

On day 5, I hit quad 6's for $103.

The Monte Carlo is a great poker room for 2-4 limit. There is a mix of tourists and locals, but you don't have the young 20 year olds WPT wannabees who play at the MGM. The atmosphere is nice and friendly at the Monte Carlo. It is not intimidating for novice players. I would sincerely recommend the Monte Carlo for anyone who is looking for this type of poker room.

While playing at the Monte Carlo, we met a dealer (John) who works at the TI poker room. The next day my wife and I checked out the TI poker room. We played 2-4 limit there for the next few days. The players were similar to the Monte Carlo. It was a friendly atmosphere. I think most 2-4 limit games are this way. Games seem to be very social which is in contrast to the higher limit games.

Anyone who has tried to teach a spouse how to play poker can relate to this... The worst thing that can happen to a new player is to be ridiculed or singled out for their play. My wife enjoys the game, but would lose interest if the games become intimidating.

If poker is going to continue to grow, we need new players to learn and enjoy the game. I try to keep the game social, tell the players "good hand" when they win a pot, and I don't check-raise at the 2-4 level. I know that check-raising is legal in poker, and I don't condone anyone who check-raises, but I am not at the 2-4 level to impress other players. I am here to encourage my wife to learn and love this game!

Sorry about going off topic.

My wife really enjoyed the TI poker room. It was friendly and welcoming. John was dealing while we were there, and he took the time to talk to us during his break. It was nice to meet you John!

If you are looking for these qualities in a poker room, I encourage you to check out the Monte Carlo and TI.

I hope you enjoyed my report.

Jeff from Ottawa