I was in Vegas for Automotive week and consider myself a strong amateur. I won't make a living at Poker, but I'm patient enough to wait for my flops. Did not play any tournaments as we have those available in Florida but not traditional poker (long story). You'll find the locals at most tables waiting on the sweet "fish" dinners. You can use this to your advantage at the 1/2 or 2/5 NL tables. Don't be afraid to look and talk the part of the tourist. Call most blinds but avoid gong up against the sharks when they start pre flop raises, these guys aren't looking to steal $2 blinds.

The Aladdin is great. Very friendly, nice action, and they offer jackpots for quads or straight flushs. Here I limped in several times and allowed the tourists to bid the pot up. At one showdown I had trips and bet $10 into a $160 pot looking confused. Aces over Kings said "I'll have to put you all in ($180)" which I gladly did.

Ballys is a loud crowded room with good dealers and managers. Holding top pair with Ace kicker I bet $40 on the turn. The local with $700 in front of him raised to $140, which I called. The river opened up the flush or straight draw. I checked, dealer repeated check. Local asked "he checked?" which the dealer heard as "Check' and confirmed as I flipped up my A-10. Local then said he had wanted to bet. Dealer was about to call over floorman when I said, "No problem sir, please, check or bet". I knew I had him with the pair of tens, he mucked his cards.

Mirage is a very active room with a lot of older, tighter locals. One young buck came in firing from pre flop, but I knew better. I didn't raise him but called every bet, winning $300 with a pair of 6's.

The Wynn is a bit dark and the drink service slow but they have a lot of action. The better players stick to the 2/5 NL so I did ok at the 1/2 NL.

Binions is unimpressive. I played there just for the history. I was waiting for the NL game so I sat at a 2/4 table, When the dealer called for the showdown at the turn the other 3 players flipped their cards. Not too sharp.

Bellagio is the best and brightest room on the strip. at the 2/5 NL table every pot was $200-400+. I like the buy in policy. $200 min and max at a time. Keeps someone from sitting down with $1000 and pushing the table around. One guy lost $800 in about 20 minutes, $200 at a time. Remember, you can see most flops but thats where you have to know to let go. You simply can't chase in Vegas and expect to make money.

Show note: La Reve was ok but O at the Bellagio is the one to see. You won't believe your eyes! Also, best dinner show is the patio at Todd English's "Olives" near the Bellagio. They begin seating at 5pm but get in line by 4:40pm to get a table on the patio. Best view of the water show at the Bellagio!

Don't forget to tip well anywhere you go, Instant Karma!