Where to start. I met some buddies for a weekend of poker and we stayed at the MGM. All of us are in our thirties but mentally are probably in our teens. We played a mix of limit, NL and a tournament.

I am a big fan of the 1/2 NL game at the MGM. It's loud, it's raucous but that's exactly why I live my quiet home for a weekend. The sportsbook on one side, the bar on the other can be distracting for some but I enjoyed it. The room is loaded with 20-year olds who like to gamble it up. I talked with a lot of different people - ranging from a little drunk to downright hammered - and it was a great time. The play quality is fair, but not terribly difficult at that level. I made a nice profit having spent most of my trip there. The one disappoint for me is no Omaha at all. They had a HORSE interest list and even though they had 7 players immediately, it never got rolling. One of my friends played a 4/8 with half kill and the competition was modest. The 6/12 game was a step up in competition - he lost that but chalked it up to a learning experience.

We spent a little time at Caesars. My friends played the noon tournament and one of them got to the final table and was involved in a six way deal to split the prize. I played a few hands of 3/6, but the table fell apart. Caesar's poker room is like playing in a tomb - maybe that's the idea, but it is not for someone looking for excitement.

I spent one 6 hour stretch playing the $50 baby NL game at the Luxor. Interesting game, although the max buy-in makes it difficult to do anything until you get a bigger stack. The competition is easy.

On the last day of the trip, we decided to check out the Wynn. The wait staff was appropriate for the Wynn - very attractive. I suspect they have to step on the scale before each shift to make sure they don't go over 105. The room was veryh subdued - almost a culture shock compared to the MGM - but it was definitely a classy operation. The NL game is uncapped so we just goofed around at the 4/8 limit tables. It was very soft. I took down a few pots on hands I had no business being in, and some of the older folks gave me dirty looks. One guy was my buddy until I took a bad hand or two from him. I think one trip to the Wynn was enough for me.

If you're young and prefer a room with a little of action (not necessarily at the table), try the MGM. It is loud, fun and the tables are top quality.

Vegas rocks. Can't wait to go back.