Reader of AVP for 18 months, first trip report. This was a family spring break trip, so I will post two sections, Poker and Family Fun. (also means not a lot of poker, but a fun time was had by all) Arrived Monday 17th, left Sat 22nd. Stayed at Comped room at Hard Rock Monday and Tuesday, stayed at our time share Wed-Sat. Hard Rock is opeing a poker room this summer across from the Pink Taco. Pit dealer thought it would be 20 tables. I look forward to seeing it.

POKER: Only got in some poker, but played in three rooms, Luxor, MGM, and Orleans.

Luxor – Only played about an hour. Easy to get to from the parking lot, small room. Got there @ 3pm on Tuesday the 18th. They had 2 tables of 1-2 NL, sat down right away. Nothing special to report, nice dealer, quick drink, high hand jackpot for each hour. Would play again to get a better feel for the room, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to do so.

MGM – My favorite room for 1-2NL. Played 5 hours Wednesday 19th. The waiting list was 5, and quickly grew to 15, so they open a new table in about 12 min. The lady at the check in desk has never been friendly, but seams to be efficient. Sat down with the usual mix of young gun wana be’s, older tourists, and semi-serious players. Bought in for $200. No hands of note, just good starters that missed the flop. Down to $120 when the following happened. I am on the button in a limped pot with A 2 unsuited, I call, SB calls, BB checks. 6 to the flop. Flop A27 no flush. 3rd position bets $10, I raise to $25, he re-raises to $60. I think for a while and go all in for my last $93. He calls with A7 and I need to re-buy. Maybe I should have seen it coming, but I didn’t. Rest of session uneventful, and I ended down for the session. Nothing was working and I have to say it wasn’t much fun. I can have fun while losing, but not his time.

One dealer of note, was Ronie. Flop of K Q 10 9 X, small bet called on river and Player 1 shows JK, and Player 2 raises his cards high to look at them and is ready to muck J9 when the player next to him says that the J makes a split pot. Ronie used a touch of humor and directness to remind the offending player that that was not good etiquette. All the table got the point and she did not make a spectacle. I thought it was good game management.

Orleans – Played 3.5 hours Thursday night at 11pm. Larger room than I expected. I had never been to the Orleans before. I was 5th on the list and in 15 min. they open a new must move table. I asked the Floor what the must move rule was and he said if they still had a list after one hour, they would cancel the move. This table did not have auto shuffle, which I prefer, but the dealer was efficient. (the other tables did have auto shufflers) Two guys at the table were playing for the 1st time live and it showed. One called to river with 2nd pair, low kicker on 3 way re-raised pot. He lost his buy in quick and reloaded. Just then I had to move, bummer!! New table had the normal mix of players, but no newbee’s. Nothing special, and I cashed out up…… $3.00. Room had a large bad beat $71,000 for AAAQQ beat by quads. I would defiantly return to the room.

FAMILY FUN – Random thoughts…Wife, Son’s 17 and 11, so a difficult mix at the best to satisfy all. Good reviews for Circus Circus, got a deal for $17 all day pass. The place was VERY clean, safe and was a good value. Rides for all ages.

Really enjoyed the IMEX at Luxor. Went to Dinosaurs and Sea Creatures. Each was 45 min, package deal at counter made cost $7.50 each.

Also went to Hoover Dam, paid $7.50 for the exhibit hall, but you can pass and still have a great trip. The new bridge just below the dam is going to be incredible. Stop and go traffic for the last 6 miles to the dam, so plan extra time. The new bridge should reduce the traffic jam.

Went to ICE at the Riviera. Show was OK, but the kids really enjoyed it. The theater has not been redone for the show, so 1/3 of the audience sits at tightly spaced tables 90 degrees from the stage. It is billed as competition/similar to Circ shows, but I don’t think so.

Also went to Pole Position Go Cart Racing next to the Palms. Very cool, but very expensive. They have an indoor track with 45mph electric carts. $5 first time fee, plus $25 a race. We only did one race, and you need that just to get a feel for it. If I went back I would pay for two races so I could enjoy the 2nd race.

Had a great family trip, but I also enjoy Vegas as an adults only trip.