I got into Vegas for a week of work (and of course play). Since my limit game was rusty I figured I'd check out the 2/4 and 3/6 game at Monte Carlo, since I'd been there before, liked the vibe, and because they offered a high hand jackpot... but more about that later.

I played at the Bellagio, MGM, and Mirage. I mention all of these at once, because I did not get much in the way of cards and as a result the sessions I had weren't all that great. MGM is popular with younger kids, but I didn't like it that much because some players sort of had an attitude. One guy called my flush draw turn semi bluff and he was going on about reading me like a book by calling my bet with his second pair. Relax kid you've only been playing for six months and you're suddenly shit hot? Geez. The Mirage is okay too but it has a reputation being tougher, particular its 6/12 game... it did not disappoint although on one occasion it wasn't too bad. The Bellagio speaks for itself - not bad worth checking out, although I don't know if it is my favorite room.

I sort of went off the beaten tourist path and checked out the Orleans. There were hardly any tourists and mostly grizzled older locals here. For all the doom and gloom about it being a tougher room, it was not to be the case at my $4/$8 table. I mean one time some guy limped in early position and it was folded around to me in the BB with J5. Flop misses me completely and I bet and the guy turns over AK and folds! It didn't have the tourist vibe, so I didn't like it as much, but it's worth checking out if you want to do something a little different and maybe make some money.

Highlights include the poker room at Caesar's. I played there on a couple of occasions... quite big, quite new, quite nice. Nice vibe and players are generally friendly. I like it. One time I got AK diamonds and flopped nut flush draw... my flush came in on the turn, and the turn gets capped. WTF? I hear people whispering gee this is a big pot (6/12 and you're allowed five raises to cap). Turns out I was up against a smaller flush... woo hoo. On another session, the player on my right was an action junkie and drinking and kept doing a live straddle which was fine for him except that I was dealt (and won with) monster hands (AA and KK). I love it when that happens. :-)

Wynn is a good room too, but it's not as big as Caesar's. Chances are if you go to Wynn you'll end up having to wait for a seat. But the 4/8 game is beatable and the room is worth checking out for the vibe and decor. I also played some 1/2 no limit and ended up doubling my stack. That got me feeling buzzed for a few hours. But I don't like no limit as much, because you'll often find yourself put into virtual coinflip situations for all of your stack whereever you play (e.g. all in with AKs overcards with nut flush draw on the flop or all in with QQ versus nut flush draw on flop). Nonetheless I still like the Wynn - it feels like a real poker room and is definitely worth checking out.

But on to Monte Carlo... I was playing 2/4 and then 3/6 but got stuck for various reasons (losing to a set with AA etc). Then about two and a half hours in, that was when I came across The Hand.

I got dealt QJ diamonds in the small blind. I complete and the flop comes with two diamonds - something like Ad 10d 8 can't remember exactly but that's not important because I remember thinking sweet I have an open ended straight draw, a flush draw, and a straight flush draw! I led out on the flop, get a caller and then BOOM - guess what happens on the turn. I proceed to bet the turn and river... I look at the player to my left and he goes, 'gee you don't have Aces do you?'. Upon turning over the cards, the dealer screams out 'ROYAL FLUSH'!

Yes, a royal flush. That made my day - Monte Carlo paid out a BIG bonus (well into four digit territory) for the Royal. Everybody on the table shook my hand and they announced my hand to everyone and everyone applauded. After making me fill out some forms, they gave me a big stack of $25 chips... imagine seeing stacks of $25 chips at a 3/6 table. They even had a security guard escort me to the cashier ('would you please escort this gentlemen to the cashier please'). I tipped the dealer a second time at a different table, say thanks, and walk away... then some old guy yells out and gives me the thumbs up (I ended up tipping the dealer $150).

The remainder of my Monte Carlo session was a blur and I couldn't concentrate - I was in shock! It felt kind of weird walking around with a fat stash of $100 bills burning a hole in your pocket. On the following Monday morning I go to the bank and deposit my loot and the teller asks me if I had a good weekend!

One doesn't expect to win the high hand jackpot, but just purely on the grounds that they have it is enough for anyone wanting to give low limit poker a try at Monte Carlo (besides being a nice room). I recommend it.

That hand made my day, my week, my trip. I had a couple of sessions that weren't all that hot but who cares? It's nice when you can win big on the first day, and freeroll the rest of the way with impunity. And yes, I ended up in the black even not accounting for the bonus.

I love Vegas. :-)