Backround: I have played almost exclusively limit (online up to $3/6 and live low stuff to $4/8) but have switched to NL in the past few months. Never played live NL before this week.

I decided to test out my fledgling NL skills while visiting a variety of rooms, some I had played before in my previous limit incarnation, some not. In general I found the play at $1/2 $200 buy-in NL to be supremely horrible. A few decent players but most people ranged from not so hot to amazingly bad. I am no great skakes myself at this point (or maybe ever), but even I could see that. All in all I enjoyed NL much more then limit and even with a few dumbo, why the heck did I do that moments I ended up well up for my three day trip. Should have been much more up, but I got tired and made some poor decisions on my last day. Note to self, do not play NL unless brain is fully functional and do not try to bluff the old lady with the fur coat and bejewled fingers out of a hand when AQ misses. Even though the flop is K J 7, she paired that 7 and she ain't budging.

First up, went to try to strange $50 buy-in 1/1/2 game at Luxor. Hated the structure. Why have three blinds with such a low buy-in? The room is ok, not too distinctive but pleasant enough. I played very cautiously to get the feel for things, caught no cards, and did not hang around too long.

Next up went to Excaliber to try their $1/3 NL. The location is worse then before. Very smoky and very noisy from the slots. Play was moderately aggressive but in general not very good. Totally card dead and still adjusting to live NL so I looked like the table rock. I would not recommend the place anymore, mostly because it was the smokiest room I was in this trip, which bothers me, but the play is pretty bad. I ended up leaving down and discouraged by my awful cards and the stale cigarette smoke smell.

Next afternoon, went to try the new Venetian room and loved it. Chairs were so comfortable, room was just a very pleasant place to play. There were a couple of decent players, a couple of LAGs, and a drunk maniac who everyone was salivating after. When he collapsed, broke but not dejected, he was replaced by an older gentleman who was fond of raising crap hands preflop, betting them huge even when he did not hit, and then rebuying. More salivation by the rest. I was dying to hit a flop, any flop, and did make some money from the fellow, but those darned cards made it an uphill battle. Sigh.

Up next was Bally's. Here I finally got some cards to work with (not great but I did hit a flop or two for a change!) and ended up winning $550 for the evening. Play was very loose and passive. Not hard to get paid off. The room was pleasant enough. The players were having fun and not taking things too seriously. Enjoyed it and would go back for sure.

I also played a little at MGM during the day. Did not stay. Players were generally decent at my table and seemed rather serious. Got lucky early on when I doubled my buy-in with AK, but watched it slide back down a bit before deciding the waters were better elsewhere. I'm sure it is better at night, but I never made it back. I don't love the room as much as some. It is a little sterile for my taste.

Last room I played was Monte Carlo. I like the room. The management is friendly and the room is comfortable. Play was again pretty bad at my table, but by then I was tired. After playing well and going up $250 over my $200 buy-in, I got reckless and lost the $250 and more besides. Got fed up with my stupidity and decided NL is more fun, but time for a little lazy $2/4 limit to pass some time without having to think too much.

I really enjoyed my intro to NL and had a fun trip. I ended up winning plenty but not as much as I could have or should have if I had not dome some very silly things. I am learning though......I hope!