awesome trip report
very well written

cannot wait to read the other reports

thanx for sharing

Thank you Sir ...I know they're long but it's more of a catharsis exercise for me

Day3:

Started out like any other day for me when I’m in town, so that means a trip to Blueberry Hill for breakfast, to’hell with the likes of Flay or Bouchon We meandered through Binions, 4 Queens, etc reliving the old days. It was getting chilly/windy and since Don had only packed shorts, it was time to find a little something to hold in the heat. After finding an $11 logo’d hoodie, we were on our way. I stopped by the cigar shop on 4th street but no Luis until Monday. I did however pick up a VERY nice Romeo Juliet…man what a GREAT smoke!

We took Vegas Blvd. back down to the heart of the strip, parking at Caesars so I could show Don around yet another room. He was BLOWN AWAY by the casino, the shops, everything! He just couldn’t believe the magnitude, the opulence, or the overall feel of the place. We headed back to one of my favorite locations when in town, and that was the Fuente shop for a smoke and a drink. We ran through a couple of Fat Tires while I polished off my Juliet, can a better time really be had? I couldn’t believe the number of people ordering $20 Mojitos…:shock: Before heading back to the car, we checked out the poker room and once again Don was just blown away, a good day! It was time to head over to TI, so away we went….of course using anything other than the boulevard.

We arrived just about 5pm, in time for a few introductions like SantaClaus, Sabs and Granger, great people! Of course LVM had to fill the time with a mixed game and of course I allowed myself to get talked into sitting down. At least I was able to swing 2/4 instead of 3/6. After 50 minutes or so, I ended up $4 ahead so I can’t complain at all!!!

We had 3 tables for the AVP tourney and even more waiting in the wings! OD busted early behind another player so at least he wasn’t first! Of course, neither was I but 3rd pretty much sucks too! With pocket 8s utg, I raised to 150 and got 5 callers. We see a flop of 267 rainbow. Great flop for me, so I lead out with a pot sized bet that only gets called by LVM. The turn brings a ten and I check. He leads out for a 1k bet which I promptly push on. He “Hellmuth calls” and has me drawing dead against his nut straight, holding 98o…..NINE EIGHT OFF…?!?!?! So after that monkey-move, I bought back in as an alternate and got re-seated during 50/100. I played a little better this time around but with shots of Goldschlager, YagerBombs and Kamikazes, decisions weren’t what they really should’ve been. But hell, this wasn’t about tournament play for me, it was more of an AVP party with a poker game thrown in for fun….at least for me . I busted on 300/600 with some hand that didn’t hold up, what do you want from me, a memory?

It was still early and Don was a tad upset with me that I’d opted for this game instead of the $550 Venetian. I can understand his position but we “talked it out” and put it behind us.

With an evening ahead of us and nightly tournaments already underway, I decided the best course of action was heading back to the Mirage for some 7-Card action! This time I sat in the game with $100 behind and was the youngest at the table by an easy 20 years! I had a great time chatting up the old-timers and even made a friend or two. Had a great time and picked up pots easily in this NO BLUFF game. It was VERY straight forward poker. I ended up paying off a couple of hands I didn’t need to considering the table dynamics but finished off the night $48 down after 4+ hours of play. I think I’ve found the new “make my money last” game in Vegas. I had a great time but was only rolled up once, though I did get paid off . I also started off 3 flushed with no clubs out and couldn’t catch to save my life. Overall, I like the game and will most likely be playing more while in town.

I was ready to call it a night but Don wanted a drink so we headed back to TI and sat in some bar in the middle of the casino. He drank and I smoked another cigar. We decided to grab a little grub before heading out, so we went to Pho’s; great food at a good price, really good way to cap off the night. Somewhere around 2:30 we ended up back at the apartment and promptly crashed. 3 days down and now I have to gear up for work and a conference on Monday and Tuesday. We shift over to IP on Sunday and I have reservations at CraftSteak followed by Love. Nice way to celebrate the bday, like the rest of this whole trip isn’t

There won’t be much to report over the next couple of days but I will keep up with restaurant and show reviews as well as any gaming that takes place. See ya on the back side of Sunday!

Great report. Too bad about the $3K tourny at the Wynn. You are correct the Wynn is an awesome hotel. Great cash game action.

Great read, can't wait to hear about the rest of the trip!

good read so far, can't wait to see what's next.

Glad to see you made the AVP meetup, I'm sure your backer probably didn't really comprehend the crazy bunch of degens we are, but sometimes you just need to kick back with friends!!!

I love stud, it's actually my game of choice, I played a bunch of 2-5 Stud 8 in AZ, and have played at the Mirage, you think you were the youngest player by 20 years, when I played (1 month after my 21st) I think I was the youngest player by at least a half a century!!!

Keep 'em coming

Does the waitress bring oxygen instead of drinks to the Mirage stud tables???

great read so far man. looking forward to more.

Thanks guys, glad you're enjoying the ride

And yes, they bring O2 refills right to the table

@minton

Yeah, you nailed that on the head but I couldn't miss the meet or the tourney. I honestly can't believe I skipped my favorite tournament in the universe but you can see where my priorities were

Day 4:

I’d decided early on to celebrate my bday on Sunday due to having to attend the conference on Monday/Tuesday, so that was the plan. But first, we had to shift bases from the corporate apartment to IP. We’d left at what I thought would’ve been a good time but after getting stuck in traffic on the strip (so Don could sight-see) we finally arrived at IP around 2:45 and was promptly greeted by the LONGEST check-in line I’d ever seen in my life. It took us nearly 45 minutes to make it through the line and facing a failed “$20 dollar trick” since they only had one type of room with 2 beds, I had to make a decision. Could you really be considered “balla” by springing for a penthouse suite at IP? Well, I’m not sure I know the answer to that question but I do know it’s MUCH better to have separate rooms, each with a king bed and its’ own bathroom, hell mine even had a jacuzzi

After getting settled in, I was left with just enough time to get cleaned up and head over to CraftSteak for dinner. Let me just start by saying this, I had the most AMAZING $400 dollar dinner I’ve EVER had in my life! It’s the ONLY $400 dollar dinner I’ve ever had in my life, but amazing nonetheless. The service and atmosphere was impeccable except for the loud party next to me and the music was a little loud with the restaurant empty but that subsided as it filled up…and filled up it did in no time! I started out with a key lime martini and although I really don’t like martinis, this thing was tasty as hell. I eventually had 2 more during the course of dinner. Rimmed with a graham cracker/sugar concoction, the thing actually tasted like the pie! I started out with the lobster bisque and was blown away! Large chunks of meat set off the healthy portion, although a few pieces were slightly chewy, it no way diminished the dish. Best bisque evar! Then came the real decision, I knew I was having a fillet but I’ve been dying to try Kobe beef. I ended up figuring that you only turn 40 once (unless the Buddhists are right) and opted for the Japanese fillet. Words cannot describe how UNREAL the piece of beef was. I took my time savoring every morsel. I may never have it again but could die a happy man with that taste forever burned in my memory! If you ever get the chance, don’t pass it up! I capped off the meal with a chocolate and coconut sorbet that went down like an icy-soft mounds bar, YUMMY!

Dinner was being followed up by ‘Love’ at The Mirage. I took the tram back up to the IP stop and hoofed it on over to the casino so I could pick up my ticket. I don’t know how to put into words how FREAKIN’ COOL this show was. If you’re a fan of The Beatles, you DO NOT want to pass this up! A few notes for anyone looking to take in the show…you don’t need to sit up front to have a great time. As a matter of fact, I’d even suggest a seat higher up in the arena, as you can take in more of the show without missing anything. There’s something to be said about being able to look into the eyes of the performers but not having to look around to see it all would’ve been better. I’d also suggest getting a program. Again, not that you can’t follow the show without one, but I think it would enhance the experience. And speaking of enhancing the experience (not that I advocate the use of drugs) but take your choice; peyote, shrooms, vitamin D or even some hydro would REALLY make this show pop. Once again, like the program, it’s not needed, but it would enhance the experience

I made a quick stop by TI and amazingly enough LVM, Poker Muffin, Sabs and Eric (sorry, I forgot your screen name) were still playing the $3/6 mixed game! Damn degenerates .

After another long day and facing an early rise on Monday, I headed back to my top-level suite at IP to crash. I can’t think of a more memorable bday celebration in my life! My only regret is that my wife wasn’t here to share in the fun, I miss her already!

Day 5:

I had to be up in time for a 6:30am conference call with the East Coast. After that, I had to dive right into conference mode. A long day of keynotes, featured speakers, breakout sessions, warm (not hot) coffee and nasty tasting water, I was ready to rip my hair out! The day was capped off with dinner at Ming with my co-workers who surprised me with a cake to celebrate my actual bday, nice! Doesn’t come close to CraftSteak but it was a nice way to cap another long day. There’s not much more to report as I won’t bore you with the conference details. I doubt there’ll be much tomorrow either as it’s filled with more conference frivolity; although I may play the Venetian 8pm….who knows. See ya on the backside of Tuesday!

Great report keeps on going. Maybe we will run into one another on Tuesday night at TI. Good luck in the WPT events in Reno.

these trip reports are sooo awesome
written so well

i can't wait to see LOVE
not this time maybe next

Thanks again, glad it's being well received

@Clem2754

I'm looking for a game to play as for the past 3 days, it's been all business....I'm going through withdrawls!

Day 6:

Not much to report really….most of the entire day was filled with conference activities and I know y’all don’t want to hear about that . I did start to have poker withdrawals so I decided to head over to TI and check out the action. It didn’t look like much was happening on the tournament front when from a distance I hear, “Stray….Stray….” When I finally woke up from the fugue, I realized it was Danette calling my name, so I sat down for a nice talk about 7-card stud and poker in general. I was also informed that the 7pm tourney had 4 tables so I decided to jump in for some fun. Games are always fun there, hard to find anything that rubs me wrong! Had some fun conversation with a couple from the London area, Steve and Diane…who wouldn’t let up about my “pocket-book.” She really had some fun with that one! But I had the last “laugh” when she got all-in with pocket queens against AKo and KK (which held up). Karma’s gonna git ya I was really happy with my play and even happier with being able to accurately put people on cards several times. I also think I’ve found my new favorite pastime, sitting in any casino-floor bar while sucking down a nice cigar, a good drink and taking in the scenery.

I ended up making the final table (paying 6 spots) in full on push or fold mode during level 6. I chatted up a chop to no avail . Shortly thereafter I pushed with KQo and didn’t get any help against pocket 9s, I was out in 8th, whatcha gonnna do? The conference is over save for a short session tomorrow morning then it’s back to the corporate apartment to do some laundry and pack up for the trip to Reno, although that may change. They’re not getting the numbers I expected for the WPT events at the Grand Sierra and as odd as it may seem having been in Vegas for 6 days, I haven’t done nearly as much as I’d like. So as we’re all aware of what happens when we make plans….things may change! Don is having a blast and we may potentially stay here as he’s more than enjoying the Vegas thrill and I can play at the Bellagio, Venetian and Wynn for just about the same as I would’ve in Reno. We’ll know tomorrow, then so will you .

I vote for staying in Vegas, it sounds like you are having a great time, why change? For those of us living vicariously through you, thanks for the frequent posts, it makes it much more bearable for the rest of us!

@sabbath93

Happy to do so! Like I mentioned before, it's a cathartic process for me

I realize some of it may be mundane but journaling is not something I normally do, nor is carrying a man-purse, but I'm definitely getting more used to it

As for staying in Vegas, we've made the call and we're staying here to enjoy the electric ambiance...so be prepared for more of the same reports as the next few days pass! Most likely will be playing in the TI Head Hunters game tonite

As I like to say here in the Caribbean - EXCELLENTE! I'm looking forward to hearing of your debachary in the higher end poker rooms the next few days in lieu of Reno. I believe you're making the right decision.

Let the TI crew I said hello. I miss that bunch or crazy fools from last August.

@Bucabear

Not often you run into someone from Anguilla. I like that island. Been a couple years since I've been down there.

Sorry for the threadjack (on my first post, no less). Back to the debauchery!

Day 7:

Don has gotten the bug, and he’s been bit BIG TIME! With the help of a few lessons from dealers, he’s shifted from 7-Card Stud and Limit Hold ‘Em to NL. And OMG has he succumbed to the beast we all love to hate! I really didn’t feel like leaving Vegas and since the WPT tournaments in Reno haven’t gotten the numbers I’d thought, I suggested we stay in Vegas as there are more than enough “high-dollar” buy-ins that would take care of the rest of the money we’d agreed on me spending. Little did I know Don had his own thoughts as well! I had to head off to a couple of roundtable discussions that would wrap up the conference from 8am-10am. As I headed downstairs, I ran smack dab into Don, coming from the tables/bars

Don plays the stock market heavily and every morning he’s been venturing out trying to find a ticker so he can follow his “day trades.” While we were staying at IP he finally found a bar at the Flamingo that would put the channel on he wanted and he could sit back and drink…all at 6:30am

I’d watched him the last 2 days and it was amazing to see how his demeanor changed at the tables, he’s full of the card life all over again! I counted out the remaining $4900 and handed it over. I made a few quick calls canceling the room in Reno, the airline tickets and extending the rental car. Since I had the corporate apartment booked for the entire time, having a place to crash wasn’t an issue! When I finished up the conference, I headed back upstairs to pack up, get the room inspected and have our baggage drug downstairs. I was extremely under whelmed with the “penthouse” accommodations (although the extra space was nice) and made my concerns known at checkout with a comment card attached to a list of feedback. As long as you keep in mind what IP is and keep your accommodation expectations low, you won’t be let down! After retrieving the car we headed down to our Las Vegas corporate office so I could drop off some conference swag as well as a brand new recovery machine my colleague talked a vendor into letting him walk away with for the local training center SWEET SCORE!

I made a quick stop downtown to pick up a few more sticks from Luis at Bad Habits, and then it was back to the apartment for some laundry, etc after a quick stop for some grocery supplies. I dropped stuff off, got things going then headed over to In ‘N Out for a quick bite. Man, I can’t believe it took me 7 days to get a tasty burger! Now I know my decision to stick around town was a good one. Settled in and research done, it was nearing time to head off into the night and PH was the destination of choice!

It’s amazing to see what they’ve done with the casino and the shops! Hell, it even rains in the Desert Passage! I had to take a walk back that way so I could check out the Goddard Gallery, man do I dig that place. The only drawback I can mention is the HARD pressured sales, just a turn-off; makes me want to buy the piece from somewhere else . I was also disappointed not to see the Beatles show at the Theatre, I ‘Love’ that show, pun intended! After looking around we stopped in the karaoke bar as they were setting up for a quick beer before the start of the tourney.

I decided to play the $60 tournament and they ended up having a good turnout, with 71 players/rebuys total. At my first table, there was a guy who was pretty lit and had heavy money on several basketball games. As long as we rooted for him, he’d buy the drinks at the table. Funny thing is, they’re free, and since he was drinking non-stop he should’ve realized that but no deal. When he left for the bathroom, he flipped me a $20 to pay for our drinks but got back before they came. When they arrived, he was caught off guard that all he had to do was tip…:lol: He was getting the scores to his game when he learned that Houston not only didn’t cover the spread, but outright lost the game, so much for the new windows he promised his wife! He commented that you can’t cry over spilt milk to which I replied, “Yup, otherwise I’d be upset about that broken condom.” Man I love jokes that work on multiple levels

I was doing fairly well but with quickly escalating blinds one can get “short” quick. I’d decided to flip from late position with an early pusher. My 5s held up to the river when he paired his ace, oh well. On the very next hand, I push my remaining 700 chips into the middle with pocket aces, damn that loss of ammunition! Both blinds call and we see a 3-way flop that is a dangerous mixture of flush and straight cards. The sb leads out and the bb calls. Just damn! On the turn the sb finally makes a bet big enough to chase off the bb and we table our cards. He has 2 pair and I’m drawing thin until the river pairs the board and I take in the 2100 pot. I work my stack back up and they consolidate tables and I get moved around more than a hooker’s underwear!

Karaoke had been going strong with a young lady banging on the piano “belting” out tunes that would make garage bands cringe! When someone at the table commented about how he liked the songs I replied that it sounded like two cats f’ing, which got a few laughs. When the drunk brit at our table joined in the song I commented, “now it’s 3 Tomorrow looks to have us checking out the Bellagio and the WSOP store at the Rio then I’m sure we’ll find some action on a table somewhere. See ya then!

Drinks, Cigars, and In-N-Out......damn you!!!

Have fun in vegas, a acquaintance of mine just landed in Reno yesterday and said no one is there, if he didn't have a preregistered prize pack for the tourney there he'd probably hop in a car and relocate to vegas for the weekend.

Bet on the 12's to beat the 5's that way you have some action on the tourney!!!

Have fun and keep em coming

@minton

Thanks man!

I think we made the right decision!

I picked up a few more Romeo's along with a couple of Partagas'....some really nice smokes!!! I can't say it enough, stop by 'Bad Habits' and ask for George during the weekend and Luis during the week

I have updates but the last two nights have been VERY late nights and early rises the next day...

Suffice to say this:

For Thursday I played at the Flamingo buying in for $300...I cashed out 6 hours later for $900 And to boot, I got another line on Cubans outta CA

For Friday, I played in the Caesars $330...started with 74 runners, paying 9. PokerMuffin and I both made the final table. I busted 7th after 8 1/2 hours for $1042 after tip-out and she busted 6th for about $200 more

Saturday I'm playing the Venetian $550

@StrayBullet Your in the groove now.Good luck at the Venetian. Where is "Bad Habits"? I like a good cigar while in Vegas. Keep us updated."BE SAFE"

Good luck in the Venetian tourney today!

OpTech, it' at 4th and Fremont, just a few doors down from the Harley store...be sure to talk to George or Luis and ask for the special sticks in the safe

@LasVegasMichael

Thanks

After 10 hours, I busted in 8th for $1862....details to follow

Back to back final tables in the 2 best tournaments in town, not too shabby if I do say so myself!

Day 8:

Although Don cut our original deal short, he seemed to feel kind of bad, so he told me that he’d put me into the $330 Caesars on Friday and the $550 Venetian on Saturday. But what he really wanted was to put me into some cash games as he thought that’s where I could make him the most money. I tried, to no avail, to explain the difference between cash and tournament games but he wasn’t having any of it, “they’re both NL, right?” LOL .

As mentioned, Don plays the stock market and is quite familiar with “pump&dump” schemes, so what did his little brain do overnight? He hatched a plan to do the same at the poker tables. Little did he know that there’s been a term already coined for that mess at the poker tables, it’s called collusion! He’d even devised a way we could signal each other, etc. Obviously I had to talk him down from his plan, gently though as he’s a bit eccentric and I had to spend several more days with him in town. I explained the ins and outs of his idea, the possible negative outcomes, the fact that we weren’t going to make thousands of dollars at the $1/2 tables and if we moved up in limits to make more it increased the chances of getting caught. Needless to say, but I’ll say it anyway; I didn’t collude with Don while in the $1/2 game at the Flamingo. Please don’t mention the rake as I busted that bitch right in the mouth !

First things first though, we headed out from the apartment for Rio and the WSOP store so Don could pick up some memorabilia, hell, even I picked up another tee-shirt. That was a quick stop before heading over to IP to valet the car and have some lunch at Margaritaville, one of my new favorite haunts on the strip. Good food, great drinks and awesome views! Can a man possibly need more? OK, I know…sex, but I’ll be home at midnight on Monday and hopefully my wife will be awake . After lunch, we moseyed on over to Flamingo to play in the aforementioned $1/2 game.

Don and I got seated at different tables to start and I grinded out a decent profit of about $150. Nothing to memorable, just playing the basics and picking up pots when I could, avoiding 2 players at the table. I did play a sneaky set of queens, suckering in two players for a very nice pot! After a few hours, Don got moved to our table and I went on a tear, although most of it was through Dons’ buy-ins !

Don had staked me the $300 buy-in and most of my wins came from him, so the $880 went back to him, which still didn’t make up for the $1000 that he’d brought out! I did keep a few “collectible” chips from the room, so I consider it cheap learning session. But I do know this, if the table doesn’t have a donator, it can be a real grind. A profit can still be made but it’s a battle to come out ahead if you don’t have someone stacking off and buying back in!

We were both starving by this point and Don wanted a steak, so with the many options to our avail, and not looking forward to repeating a $400 dollar solo dinner, I decided to try out somewhere I hadn’t been, Hugo’s Cellar at the 4 Queens! Let me start by saying this, I’m not trying to compare CraftSteak to Hugo’s as I know they’re in two different classes but it’s hard to follow up the meal I had on my bday to this one; hell, I may be ruined for life now after my dinner at CraftSteak!

The ambiance and service was impeccable! We had 2 separate servers, Jeff and Victor as well as the busy but personable Sommelier, who was extremely knowledgeable – but aren’t they all? I opted for a key lime martini that didn’t come anywhere close to comparing with the ones at CraftSteak, but good in its’ own right. We started out with escargot for Don and the lobster bisque for me. Both were extremely forgettable but that was the only low-point. The escargot seemed like it’d been left over and not prepared in a manner I nor Don was used to. The bisque tasted more like a cream soup with lobster pieces added in as an afterthought. Dinner noticeably improved with the tableside salad prepared by Victor. Very nice display and great tasting to boot! As hungry as we were, we could’ve stopped right there. But no, after cleansing out palates with the provided sorbet (nice touch) Don opted for the duckling and I had the fillet. I added a half-bottle of Pinot based on the recommendation of the Sommelier which didn’t let-down. Once again, no disappointments here, but there are much better steaks that can be had for the same price at other places around town, but again a decent piece of beef. Don was very impressed with the duck. The provided dessert was a nice touch; I don’t think I’d ever seen bigger strawberries in my life! Victor also asked if this was a special occasion so I mentioned by birthday had passed a few days ago and he replied with, ‘close enough” as he scuttled off for a nice little mousse-cake with a candle, nice sir! We escaped with a $200 tab and was back at the apartment by midnight, fat as cows going to the slaughter house.

I’m 2 days behind with reports now but as mentioned I made back-to-back final tables in the Caesars $330 on Friday and the Venetian $550 on Saturday. I’ll have to refer to my little notebook for the details but will be providing detailed hands played, fitting some actual poker content into the trip finally; I know LVM will be happy . It’s more than a little odd having to hand over most of the winnings but I didn’t pay for the buy-ins, so how can I complain? ESPECIALLY considering the fact that I was prepared to hand it all over as make-up for the original $5k spent on travel and the Wynn Classic, but Don would have none of that. We split the profit after paying back the buy-in, so I did bank a little coin! I think I’ll buy that Michael Goddard I originally wanted after all .

It’s Sunday as I write this and we plan on playing in the Bellagio $2/5 where once again Don will stake me the $500 buy-in. It’s amazing to see the bug this guy has caught. Equally amazing is watching him fall back into routines 30 years old. He “stepped up” to the Venetian $5/10 yesterday after getting “bored” in the $2/5. He got his clock cleaned…maybe he’ll listen to me now, !

Day 9:

We got a bit of a late start and after clearing out the cobwebs, we headed down to Caesars to register in the noon $330. At the last minute he decided to register as well, so after getting a player’s card, we were all set. We went back to the slow as hell coffee shop in the food court for a jolt and a quick bite. After that painful experience we had to swim like salmon thru all the hoops junkies to make our way back into the poker room; man this place is sheer madness during March . 74 runners total made it in before cutoff and as seems to be the standard, 67% of the prize pool would be allocated to 1-3. I started out more aggressive even with the better structure and was happier with my overall play but as expected my stack was tied to a yo-yo.

Feeling froggy but not absorbing the fact I’d been check-raised twice by the player 2 to my left, I was quickly put in my place. I lost a decent sized pot when I open-raised and said player flat-called from the blinds. He checked and I made a standard continuation bet that he check-raised. I was committed to call and lost a race with 77 versus his KQs. Not more than a few hands later the same sequence of action went down when I bet out with 83o, this time mucking to his check-raise leaving my in a bad way. In hindsight, considering the money in the middle, I should’ve just called and took my chances, silly fold. I don’t recall the exact level but the blinds compared to my stack had me open-pushing with JcTc. Low and behold, I was once again called by my nemesis who had fallen in love with KQ again. I flopped an insight straight draw with a backdoor flush draw. I turned an open-ended straight flush draw and filled the flush on the river.

That turn of events got me back to around 3k in chips. I then tripled up with pocket queens….what; doesn’t anyone believe I can have a real hand? Catching pocket aces shortly after that doubled me up and I was back in business I took out a short-stack who pushed with AJ, and with a couple of more minor wins I was sitting on a 30k stack. All of this took place from level 1 through level 5, taking breaks between every set of 2-40 minute levels. Just before level 6, we’d taken on a new player to the table who was extremely loose-stupid. Case in point, he open-limped then called a 4k push with K6s, amazing! An orbit or so later, I led out from the button with pocket tens and aggro-idiot pushed from the sb. I tanked but eventually made the call based on my observations and he reluctantly tabled 24o. I won and he was sent packing. During level 6 I was moved to a new table, with fellow AVP’er, “PokerMuffin” on my left. We were also down to 4 tables.

Playing cautious-stupid in my new surroundings, I flat-called an open-bet from late position with AKo on my bb. Without fully taking stack-sizes into account, I thought a check-raise would get the job done on the innocuous flop, but no; I was called by pocket 5s and got no help. I then won holding AK again when a player pushed with K6, got those lost chips right back. I have no notes for level 7 which at 40 minute levels is a really bad turn of events. The saving grace is we were down to 3 tables. During level 8 we got down to the final two tables.

I open-raised with As3s on the button and faced a push by the bb; I had to make the call. I got a flush-draw on the flop. Turned an open-ended straight-draw, and then caught my ace on the river. At some point, I had to be ahead, right? Flush with chips, I got to see a flop holding K5o from the bb for no extra money. The flop contained straight cards along with a 5, it went check-check. When another 5 appeared on the turn, I check-raised and he eventually made the call. A jack fell on the river, completing a back-door flush. I felt my only option, considering my stack and the money in the middle was to push, he tanked. I really didn’t want a call but the longer he took the more comfortable I became. He finally made the call and I immediately tabled my cards. He was genuinely surprised when he realized I had him covered and was sent packing. I never did see his cards, but damn was I curious!

Blinds are at 800/1600/100 during level 8 I think and I’m now sitting on a nice stack with around 80k in chips. The player on my left has approximately 20k in chips and even with the table standard raise of 5k, he decides to open-push. I can’t place him on kings or aces and since I had woken up with pocket queens, I think I had an easy decision. I made the call and he tables AQo. I’m in great shape through the flop and on the turn I start counting my newly found chips. But all for naught, as that bastard of a ace falls on the river and I went on a 50k chip swing. Instead of being over 100k in chips, I’m knocked back down to around 52k; whatcha gonna do? A player went noticeably absent from the table and after re-appearing it turned out he was watching the wrong clock and went on break. He’d lost both his blinds and upon sitting back down he open-pushed my blind. I called with AQ and won against A9.

We were 11 players for the longest time, 6 at our table and 5 at the other. I couldn’t get any traction and facing a player who woke up aggressive 3 to my right didn’t make matters any easier. Most of the chips were on the other table, and when another player was busted, it was me who was moved to even things out. I immediately negotiated a “save for 10th" and we all ponied up $30 so the next player busted would essentially get their money back. The aggressive player from the other table ended up busting and we formed up the final table drawing for new seats. Although two players busted quickly and without any clear chip-leaders a chop wouldn’t be had; even though we all would’ve netted $3k each. I think that’s the first time PokerMuffin couldn’t get a deal done .

At 1500/3000/300, I came over the top of a 10k raise by the same player who’d busted my queens, I took it down. At 3k/6k/500 I open-pushed with AQ and took down another. It was hard to get traction at the final table facing larger stacks and sub-par starting hands out of position. I was sitting on about 75k or so and facing a raise to 20k from utg and a flat-call by a stack who had us both covered, I woke up with AhKh in the bb. Although based on the replies posted in the strategy section, I took the right line, a very good option would’ve been a stop-n-go. I mistakenly thought I had some folding equity, albeit it slight. I pushed, utg snap-called and the big-stack tanked. He eventually folded, showing AQo. The villain turned over pocket jacks. The flop blanked. The turn produced the most beautiful king I’d ever seen but the river brought another jack and I was done in 7th position.

Don was sitting in the $2/5 game so I decided to take a walk in search of food and drink. I ended up at Margaritaville on the top level chowing down on a burger and washing it down with multiple Bahama Mamas . Tomorrow is a new day!

Day 10:

Saturday was reserved for the Venetian $550 which is my favorite regular tournament, hands down! 10k in chips and 40 minute levels really provide a ton of play! We started with 96 runners and again, the top 3 drag 67% of the prize pool. 9 players total will get paid. I started out the day with breakfast at Blueberry Hill and once again, came away prepared to take on the day! We parked at TI then walked over to the Venetian, in part to walk off the breakfast and for ease of escape to the freeway. After getting Don a players card and registering for the tourney, he backed me once again, we took a stroll down the shops checking out random kitsch . About 10 minutes before start time, we made our way back to the poker room to find our seats, Don at 38 and me at 39.

It took 45 minutes to get drinks delivered to the table with Fiji water not available, nor cappuccino as the machine was being “worked on.” I need to not let little things get to me as it can affect my play. I had an abysmal start, but at least I got to watch the table and assess players, at least someone was getting cards! I did open-raise once during level 1 with pocket kings and called in 3 spots. With an ace on the flop, I correctly shut-down. During level 2 I raised from utg with 9sTs and got called by an active player I recognized from somewhere…I flop an open-ended straight but the board also produces two to the flush. I lead out for 500 and am flat-called. A queen on the turn gives me a made hand, it goes check-check. When a 2 harmlessly falls on the river, I bet 1000 and am insta-called with a hand I never see. I tabled the straight and took down the pot. He visibly shook his head. Even after 40 minutes of essentially “non play” I still get called down raising utg, what we think and what they think are more often than not, two different things.

Very next orbit I bet 300 with pocket aces. It’s raised to 800 by an active player who’s shown good hands every time, a very well respected player at the table. It’s then flat-called by one of the blinds. Heads-up, I very likely flat-call in this spot to disguise my hand. In this case, with 3 of us in currently, I don’t like my chances as much. On the other hand, I know 3-betting in this spot will essentially be playing my hand exposed. I do the only thing I still think is correct and that was to raise. In hindsight, I think an over-bet might get looked up, at least it gives a player to pause due to the size. Most of the time, I’m not getting called anyway. I re-raise to 2000 and both players muck, the good player showing pocket queens He gets some kudos but we all agree that we knew what I had, but I lie and say it was kings…they know anyway!

I had to fold 99 and AQs due to heavy action, this was a TOUGH table to start! We head into level 4-6 with 83 players left.

I’ve been chatting-up 2 players, Kevin and his buddy, one on each side. As I mentioned in another thread, it’s amazing what you can learn when you get someone to talk. Sometime during this period, Kevin’s buddy is busted and replaced with John Strzemp. We get a new addition to my immediate right as well, another player who’ll fit right n with the “fun end’ of the table . Kevin had stacked a guy open-betting with Q2s, he got a couple of callers. It got heads up then all-in by the river, the other guy couldn’t get away from pocket aces and we all had a good laugh about how he played ‘em! Kevin would eventually take down several pots with Q2 . I raised to 600 with AKo from utg and am called by the same player who’d I beat earlier with 9Ts. Heads-up to an all little, rainbow flop. I make a standard continuation bet and am called again. On the turn, I give up and fold like a cheap Wal-Mart chair when he bets.

On the next orbit, I raise from early position with pocket jacks and am only called by the bb, the new player (my new “friend”) on my right. I’ve been watching him and know he can make a play with air, likes to fire if he thinks weakness is afoot, and likes weak aces, etc. The flop comes down KdQd4 and I flat-call his 600 bet. The turn completes nothing and it goes check-check. The river makes the potential straight as well as filling the potential flush. He fires out 2000 and I think for a good bit before adding it all up and making the “nut up” call. He tables A6o and my jacks take it down! I got some curious looks and a few congratulations on the call. I thanked ‘em and avoided talking about the specifics of why, no need to teach at the table. I raise over the same player later on with AKo and take down one of the fe pots I was able to wrangle from the table. When we come back from break, I’ll have 11k chips with blinds at 400/800/75 (M 5.5). Even with the generous structure, the outlook can become bleak. The way I see it, there’s nearly 2k in the middle, dead money. If I can pick up those chips, then I’ve added 20% to my stack! We go into level 7 with 49 players remaining and blinds at 400/800/75.

We got a really attractive female player added to the table on my right and the guys at the other end of the table were simply beside themselves not trying to stare! She was married, but its Vegas right?! She’d moved to the table pretty short and when it was on her blind, she pushed. I did some quick math and although it was marginal, I made the call, blind. I tabled 59o to her Q9 and lost the race . I gave up my sb then pushed utg with AQo and took down the pot. I caught 84 in the bb on the next orbit and took down the pot against the stacked lady I dumped my sb again then raced with AKo against 5s and won. I caught AKo again and took down the pot with an uncontested shove! That got me back to around 10k in chips but not in any kinds shape to take on the escalating blinds!

Pretty “young” thang, pushed on me again from the sb and I woke up with 7d8d. The dead-money this time around, really wasn’t laying me the right odds, but what the hell, they were so pretty! I made the call and lost the race against KQo. I hope I was thinking with the right head . On level 8, I had 8500 chips with blinds at 600/1200/100. I made a crying call from my bb when a short-stack pushed and found myself with KTo versus his K4o and my hand is good. I win another hand with AKo and then raced with AKo yet again against 10s and won. Just like that, I was at 27k chips. At level 9 we were down to 30 players, blinds at 800/1600/200. I get AJ utg and take it down uncontested. The the BIGGEST arse I’ve EVER encountered at ANT table I’ve EVER played sat down on my immediate right. This guy was so full of himself, he put Hellmuth to shame! He muttered to himself after every hand and let us all know just had bad we were!

I was doing my usual talking it up routine and shutting up when I’m in a hand, we get involved while I hold pocket 10s. He raised to 5k and I pushed. He went on to muttering and trying to get me to talk, but nada. He eventually folded, I scooped the pot and then went back to talking, informing him I don’t talk when engaged. He’d called me a chatterbox which made me laugh a little inside! Levels 10-12 are ahead and I have 27k with blinds at 1k/2k/200. I push utg with 8d6d and take down the MUCH needed chips! I push with 77 from late position after a limper who I later target. I push with AJ after the same limper and before level, I’m up to 35k in chips. After the same limper and the flat-call by the arse, I push with Ah9h I take down another pot. The same cutie on my right was still hanging around, and once again pushed on my blind when the table folded to her. I called with JsTs for an extra 12k, against her KQo. I flop open-ended and a flush draw, but y’all know what that means, she’s got 2-pair. The turn gives me nothing but the river makes my flush and I get some of those call-chips back. 12 minutes left in level 11 and there are 13 players left.

Arse player became the table target, and don’t think it can’t happen. It’s not a high-buy in tournament but it can attract some very good players. He’s taking down pots pretty well as we have 7 left at our table and 5 at the other. He then took a big hit when he got looked up by a player holding AQ, notching his AJ, nothing! He was really pissed and kept mumbling deepwater, deepwater. He took another hit before the other table lost another player and we needed to be balanced, he was chosen to move. As he was, I said, “deepwater” and called me a douche bag The entire table had a good laugh as he left. Within minutes he was causing trouble at his new table and not shortly thereafter, pushed blind from utg and got called by a better hand. His bust made us 10 left and he the bubble boy! We all cheered as he left I immediately negotiated a “save for 10th" and everyone readily agreed to my surprise! That essentially busts the bubble as only 9 of the final table 10 would get paid. Now, tenth out gets his money back essentially by taking the money out of 1st- 3rd. This was helped along by John Strzemp who I told, “you have more pull than I do.” He kinda laughed it off but no one else at the table even had a clue. We go the deal done, 10th would get $500 back and the rest would play out.

Although I brought up a deal once or twice, it was nixed by John. More than a few times, others took up the cause, talking about it on break, etc but I kept saying that once John had said no, he meant it. I also said he’s a pro and wouldn’t discuss it at all. They scoffed when I said he’s a pro and laughed it off. John stuck to his guns and never did a deal. He went out 5th or 6th and certainly didn’t need the paltry payout, but it would’ve been more had be chopped.

Tenth busted then I caught AhQh in the bb and called a raise to 12k with a caller in the middle, blinds were at 2k/4k/500. I whiffed on the flop and shut-down due to the action. When action went to 3k/6k/1k, I had 52k chips left. Jeff from Detroit, another player I’d been conversing with the entire game, got all-in with pocket jacks and John called him from the bb with pocket tens; what more could you want. I guess you could ask for a ten not to fall on the flop, but that wouldn’t have mattered in this case, because that’s exactly what happened! John flopped a set and Jeff got no help! He was one pissed off unit! I’d stayed afloat by taking pots when Jeff and I were involved in the blinds. I also took pots when “the kid” on my left and I were involved in the blinds. I found out he was new to Vegas and first time ever tournament! I then took advantage and snagged pots very often from him.

Eventually though, I drifted down to around 35k in chips and considering the 17k in the middle would add 50% to my stack, it was time to push when I could! I finally got a chance when the table folded to my button, which didn’t happen very often at all! I knew I could get “the kid” to lay down his sb but it was John who worried me in the bb. He’d seen me play the entire time and was strong with his blind defense. I still thought I had enough to force him off most hands, making it a tough decision. I’d decided before it got to me, that if it got to me, I’d push with any two cards. And that’s exactly what I did with 27o. I took the same action I always do when I act. The sb predictably folded and John went into the tank. He visibly talked through the math and eventually made the call, tabling Th7h All I could say was, “nice call and good y’all.” I didn’t get any help and cashed out in 8th.

Even now, I’m still surprised at his call but not upset at it at others had demonstrated. I handled it very well and went on my way. I was hoping to talk to him about it later as Don wanted to stay and watch the final table and I was hungry! When I got back, he’d busted in 5th or 6th. I’m hoping to contact him through the Wynn, so we’ll see. After tipping out and paying back the buy-in, we split $1200. Not too bad for a free ride . Back-to-back final tables in the best weekly tournaments in Vegas, not too bad

I think we called it a night after 10 hours of play and some grub, I was done. Don had watched the final table and the last three, chopped it up for $10k each, a nice score. And one I’m sorry I missed out on, but I still think I played about as best I could. Pierre slipped Don $200, but that’s a story for another day. We’re off to the apartment after a long day of cards. Oh, I guess I have to add that Don busted out fairly in the tournament, the jumped into a $2/5 game at the Venetian. He thought the game was moving too slow, so he moved to a $5/10 game By the time he found me at the final table he was down over $2,000, not including the tourney buy-ins.

Day 11:

Finally, some real sleep with no timed destination…!!! He wanted to see the Bellagio and also wanted to play in another $2/5 game so it’s a plan. We got going around 1pm and stopped by Pop’s for s couple cheese-steaks before starting the day. With that done, it was off to Caesars to park, taking the back way and avoiding the strip, which is jammed up for a holiday . The room is already packed to the gills and end up waiting a short time before they opened a new table. Don and I both take seats with $500 behind and off we go. Amazing they don’t have any cup holders or any good water. The dye on the blue chips comes off on everything and they’re run low on ‘em and now add coins into the mix. The brush was organized-chaos, but decently run. Can’t complain too much.

Don blew his stack with 45 minutes, even after winning a couple of pots, amazing how he “plays.” He lost again to quads, the 4th time on the trip, so that didn’t help! I realized that the game was way over my head and after he wandered back to the room, I cashed out the $500, and about $50 or so to the plus-side. He told me to hold onto for it for later, not a bad deal at all. He wanted to play blackjack, single deck and that meant IP. We walked down, stopping along the way at Margaritaville for a Bahama Mama

When I got into the room, the Sunday Head-Hunters tournament was underway and I was talking with OD and his wife who were at the same table. It’s a $150 buy-in but they had seats open. I knew Don was busy, so what the hell…after some prodding I jumped in but didn’t get at the same table as OD. It was still only level 1 and with blinds at 25/50 with a 5k chips stack over 30 minute levels, it’s hard to pass up. I immediately went into talk mode to learn what I could. My table was a blast and Carol was hard to keep up with, funny woman! At one point, a young woman who busted out wanted to buy back in but Chris informed her that she only had one head; hilarity ensued in variations that won’t and can’t translate here Needless to say, the table lightened up a ton!

When the lady to my left was short, she pushed and I raised, adding an extra 1.5x her bet with KdQd. I was flat-called by an older player in position, curious! When I whiffed the flop, save for an inside straight draw and backdoor flush draw, I knew I was crushed. I checked and he bet. Before folding, I announced, “A9 or AJ?” When the cards came, he tabled AJ for top pair. At least I’m getting better at that part of the game. I was fairly active rising up and down but not recovering from the early hit. We went on break and I needed to fill up on drink and return some as well When we got back, I went to task, We take a flop multi-way getting a few look in the bb with 8To that I only hope to hit hard! The flop was 8h9dTh, so I hit it hard but that was about as dangerous as it gets! I led out from the blind, might as well see where I’m at. The player to my right pushes, as does a late position player. With the money in the middle and what I had behind, I knew I was in a bad way but I had outs! If not, I’ll be out quickly and onto something else on my last night in town! Well, when the dust settled the first pusher had the bottom end of the straight and a straight flush draw. The other caller had the nut flush draw. No help on the turn, then on the river, the 9h falls completing the straight flush and the older gentleman busts us both and rakes huge!

I wait o hear from Don as I drink and light another cigar in the bar at TI in the center of the casino floor, what a nice atmosphere and view! When he calls, he’s ready to eat and down another $2k at the blackjack tables. We end up downtown in search of some cheap prime rib and settle on Tony Roma’s at about 10:20. We had just barely caught he start of the Fremont Experience and Don was amazed yet again on the trip. I sat back and watched the crowd. After about 15 minutes, our “deli-counter” number got called and we were seated. We had the wrong times on the prime rib dinner, so opted for the $10.99 steak and lobster deal. What a blast! I had another drink, while enjoying my first “on the cheap” meals in Vegas The apple crisp ala mode ROCKED!!! Great meal and I think the ancient server had the hots for Don! He was up for some more blackjack and who was I to say no. We decided to stay downtown and try out the Golden Nugget where we’d eaten a few nights back at the Cellar.

Don was up and down, varying his bets the whole time on the single deck game. He wasn’t there long but had been chatting it up with the dealer and drinking pretty good, although in no way drunk, etc at least by Vegas standards! He was up about $14 dollars or so when the dealer refused his action. He wasn’t being tossed out, he was asked to quit playing blackjack, unreal I had been up in the cigar bar earlier enjoying a smoke and some talk with people from Orlando while poker played on ESPN in the background. Don was shocked, as was I. I’d never seen that actually happen!

We left the casino and he was worried about the cameras following him and not being allowed to play anywhere now We went over to Binions and he settled in for a long session, especially after the day we had. He ended up down another $2k or so around 2am when I called it quits. We had a great time with a group from Canada and another from Michigan. Turned out to be a great day, save for him dropping all that cash in the pit. We got back around 2:30am and crashed knowing we had to pack and clear out of the apartment before catching our 5:30 flight the next afternoon.

Day 12:

I went up and talked to Cindy a bit before finishing up laundry and cleaning up the apartment. After getting packed up cleaned up, it was out the door. I dropped off the key and we were on our way. He wanted to play a few more hands of blackjack and I really wanted to hit Metro Pizza for lunch. I gave in as we didn’t get out of the apartment until noon. We arrived at IP around 12:30 and we went right to work. I meandered and found myself planted in front of a video poker machine. I popped in a $100 and after 10 or so hands, I hit quads. I cashed out $32.50 ahead and considered my self lucky! Don on the other hand, had dropped another $2500 at the tables but at least he was getting clocked for his play. Hopefully he’ll get some sweet offers! Around 2:30 or so we retrieved the car from valet and scooted off to turn in the car. We get to the airport and find out the flight has been delayed until 7pm from the original 5:30 departure! My first bad beat

We camp out in the bar, walking the length of the terminal several times before settling on a couple of slices before boarding the long flight home! They have some good news finally and we’ll actually take off at 6pm, only 30 minutes late. It lands, they depart, we board and get the exit row seats for the extra room. Just about 1:30am on Tuesday morning, we arrive back in Tampa. We go our separate ways as he has a car waiting for him and my truck is waiting in long term. I’m home before I know, heavier in the wallet and experience! What a way to spend my 40th birthday!

I'm going to be in Vegas April 11-25th for the WPT events.

How in the hell did you keep track of all of this stuff? I tried last year and couldn't do it. Great report by the way. Between yours and the IMOP reports I may not even post a report this year as I am totally outclassed!

Recap:

Arrived late on Thursday night and registered for the $3k Wynn Classic event on Friday.

Played the event on Friday and played jacks like an arse, then went out when I knew T2o was good, acting one street too late.

Saturday was supposed to be the Venetian $550 but I opted to party at TI with AVP meet and tournament, much to the dismay of my backer, Don.

Sunday we move from the corporate apartment to IP where the conference is being held. I have a $400 dollar meal at CraftSteak followed by great seats at Love.

Monday and Tuesday are conference days but we did eat together at Ming.

Wednesday we abandon the Reno plan and original staking deal as Don has been bitten with the NL bug, he’s graduated from Stud to Limit to NL.

Thursday, we play at the Flamingo $1/2 and Don stakes me $300. I cash out $580 ahead after 6 hours but most came from him, I give him it all back. Ate at Margaritaville I think.

Friday, I played in the $330 Caesars Deep-stack and came in 7th out of 74 runners; I think we split $700-800 after tip/buy-in. Ate at Hugo’s Cellar, wasn’t near as good as CraftSteak but still a good experience.

Saturday, I played in the $550 Venetian Deep-stack and came in 8th out of 96 runners; I think we split $1200 after tip/buy-in. Don drops $2500 over $2/5 and $5/10.

Sunday, staked $500 for the 2/5 Bellagio and was in over my head, I cashed out $50 or so ahead when I realize it’s time to leave the game. I bust from the Head-Hunters tourney at TI, oh well . Don dropped his $500 as well as another $2k or so at the blackjack tables.

Monday, we pack up and leave while Don dumps another $2k in the pit at IP.

@O_B_Careful

Thanks and good luck!

As for keeping track, I keep a small notepad with me and make notes on break, etc. away from the table. Hell, I've even made 'em right at the table, feigning hoops betting But be prepared with your back story! Even telling players you're keeping track of your own hands can make them weary!

Thanks for the undates Stray, living vicariously is important!

Thank you for such a great report, It has kept me entertained at work! Crazy Black Jack action, great report!

Thanks again

Great report. Just finished picking it up from the mid point. Didn't realize you stayed in Vegas instead of going to Reno. Sounds like we will be in Vegas at the same point in July. We may have to cross paths.

Glad it was enjoyed

@Clem2754

I hope we do, otherwise we may have to meet at Hard Rock one of these days! Hell, we could even have our own FL AVP Meet

Any plans on playing in the $1000 mtt at Hard Rock this week? I'm still undecided...