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OP
My Vegas TR (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter mashoo
- Start date
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mashoo
3 of a Kind
Shake shack
Wha? I can drive down the road anytime to get Shake Shack.
GET SOME IN-N-OUT YOU DAMN HEATHEN.
Poker Zombie
Royal Flush
Having done the In-n-Out thing, I gotta say they are so 2000s. Not that I think any chain burger comes close to a solid home-grilled burger, or a good dive-bar burger like Miller's Bar in Dearborn Michigan.
But if you insist on the best of the rest, opinions vary by state:
No sir, Any spotted flamingos are welcome into my sanctuary.
Once you get back and settled let me know and I will send you some $.
Thank you
David
In-N-Out is more of a "can't get it locally" thing for me, not objectively better than the locally available options - except for BK, of course. How did that crap win 3 states?
Sorry for the derail, @mashoo - loving the real-time TR, you're getting me excited for my LV trip later this year.
Having done the In-n-Out thing, I gotta say they are so 2000s. Not that I think any chain burger comes close to a solid home-grilled burger, or a good dive-bar burger like Miller's Bar in Dearborn Michigan.
But if you insist on the best of the rest, opinions vary by state:
Must be dated. We have both 5 guys and in and out in Oregon now (although in and out is very limited).
We have Whataburger in Texas and we are not ready to share!
OP
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mashoo
3 of a Kind
Alright, let's go.
DrStrange
4 of a Kind
In my mind, What-a-burger and Culvers are the best burger, though five guys is as good (but more expensive). Five guys have the best fries.
I'd pay a little not to eat at in-n-out (like, I'll buy your drink to go eat somewhere else.) Sure it is better than the biggest chains, but it is a five minute drive to eat at What-a-burger or five guys. Well worth paying $2 not to eat at in-n-out.
Culvers best, then Freddy's have the best desert.
Grats on getting ahead on your first day. That makes the rest of the trip oh so much better.
Take all their money, send 'em to the airport crying -=- DrStrange
I'd pay a little not to eat at in-n-out (like, I'll buy your drink to go eat somewhere else.) Sure it is better than the biggest chains, but it is a five minute drive to eat at What-a-burger or five guys. Well worth paying $2 not to eat at in-n-out.
Culvers best, then Freddy's have the best desert.
Grats on getting ahead on your first day. That makes the rest of the trip oh so much better.
Take all their money, send 'em to the airport crying -=- DrStrange
SWEATER
3 of a Kind
PH?! The smoke and slot noise doesn’t bother you? Bellagio is right across the street!
another cool quick place to eat is JABurrito that is located between the linq and the flamingo. sushi wrapped in tortillas
OP
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mashoo
3 of a Kind
Not really lol. I'll be heading over to either Aria or Bellagio and maybe take a shot at 2/5
SWEATER
3 of a Kind
Bellagio 2/5 is a 500 cap game, not much of a step up from 1/2! GL!
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mashoo
3 of a Kind
1/2 but no good. In for $600 out for $280. I'll admit I played bad, tried to force too many hands and wasn't letting the game come to me.
Recouped and went to Momofuku and DIDN'T TAKE PICS. Honestly, if you go, get the pork and shrimp buns. Like, multiple orders of them. Multiple.
On my way to Aria. I'm fresh and focused.
SWEATER
3 of a Kind
RUN GOOD!
maxim_666666
Flush
I'm waiting for news!
OP
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mashoo
3 of a Kind
Ok what a roller coaster of the past 24 hours.
Tl;dr : ended the trip a $700 loser. And a bit of an eye opener on how I actually feel about poker.
After the bad session at PHo, went to Aria. Got seated at a table and was focused and ready. Table dynamics deemed it mediocre so I asked to switch tables but nothing open immediate. I decide to play PLO. 1/2 with a $5 bring in. I play tight and snug knowing I'm not the most experienced but I wanted to play at a fun table without the iPad watching headphone music YouTube watching players.
I buy-in for $300, win two 'smaller' pots in this game and get a double up when I get
. I raised UTG and get 3! by the sb. Flop comes 
. Sb jams. I call, get asked if I want to run it twice and I decline. Gimme the variance lol. I get shown 
. Board comes out 
. Yes, runner runner and I get called a "fucking moron" lol. I start getting badgered about "why not run it twice when you know you're behind". I honestly just chuckle and say to this reg that I'm on vacation and wanted to gamble. This interaction will be addressed later.
Moving on, I get dealt
in the bb and utg raises. The whole table calls and I complete. Flop is 
. I check to the pfr raiser but it gets checked through. Turn brings . Sb bets pot and I jam for $600.Yes I don't have the nuts but I played scared on the flop. I thought nut straight would bet for sure to protect against flush draws. Without a bet on the flop, and having a blocker to the nuts, I figure I have the best hand to jam the turn. CO thinks a long time and calls. Button calls. Sb calls. Board runs out 
. I show my hand, sb shows 
xx and co shows 
. Button doesn't show and co scoops.
I leave aria and decide to go to Caesars. I end up at a good, fun table, drinking and good action. Two action players call it quits and only really one guy splashing much. Bust hand comes up. 1/2 game and the action player utg raises blind to $12. I call with
in hj. Button calls and we see a flop of 
. Utg bets $50, I decide to jam for $200, hoping to get x or 
x hands to call down, over pairs and sets to gamble it up. Button calls and utg folds 
face up. Button shows 
and I do not hit my straight flush.
After I decide to chill and hang with my buddy to play some small stakes craps. I kinda reflect and am gonna put my thoughts on poker.
I was blessed to have a game at Flamingo that was filled with action, friendly players, we're all drinking and having a good time. Chatting and just an awesome time and atmosphere. It had the same feel as my home games where we're playing for fun, drinks are had and the game isn't taken super seriously. Good gambling atmosphere.
The infestation of players wearing headphones, watching YouTube, playing ofcp on their iPad and not saying any words other than "how much is it?" while taking out one headphone in their ear is ruining the game.
Now look, I'm at best a serious recreational who wants to play their best and gamble it up with a fun table and atmosphere. I'm fine when players politely decline my offering of a beer but are happy to have small chit chat. I don't expect anyone to become my best friend at the table. It's just so boring when the game isn't social. It doesn't have to be a party but it wouldn't hurt to loosen up you know? Keeping things light and social at the table will open up action and get the gamble going imo.
I'm that guy who will offer to pay for beers at the table for my neighbors. I'm trying to get the fun environment going. Maybe I'm in the wrong. I know there are players who play poker for income. Sure, headphones help when you're in a casino all the time but hell, does having a chat with me kill you? I don't know.
I do know that I'm less inclined to come back to Vegas for poker. My home game which is fun, social, drinks are had, is what's fun for me. That's the kind of game I want to play. Maybe I need to spend more poker time at casinos where there are less iPad's. Flamingo was a blast, it really was. Aria? I ended up having a couple sit to my left, both with iPad's, headphones, playing pineapple against each other. And they're freaking sitting beside each other.
Each poker session after the Flamingo was a loss and the atmosphere of it was terrible. I acknowledge I played bad at PHo, I was forcing it, the action, the gamble, no one wanted to have a beer, etc. I guess I just wanted to play well and gamble but have fun tables. I'm ok with losing at fun tables. Losing to iPad's? I'd rather just go play craps or pai gow.
I'm sorry for the rant and I'm sorry I couldn't pull through for the TR. I appreciate the well wishes and good luck from you guys. On my way back home now.
Tl;dr : ended the trip a $700 loser. And a bit of an eye opener on how I actually feel about poker.
After the bad session at PHo, went to Aria. Got seated at a table and was focused and ready. Table dynamics deemed it mediocre so I asked to switch tables but nothing open immediate. I decide to play PLO. 1/2 with a $5 bring in. I play tight and snug knowing I'm not the most experienced but I wanted to play at a fun table without the iPad watching headphone music YouTube watching players.
I buy-in for $300, win two 'smaller' pots in this game and get a double up when I get
. I raised UTG and get 3! by the sb. Flop comes . Sb jams. I call, get asked if I want to run it twice and I decline. Gimme the variance lol. I get shown . Board comes out . Yes, runner runner and I get called a "fucking moron" lol. I start getting badgered about "why not run it twice when you know you're behind". I honestly just chuckle and say to this reg that I'm on vacation and wanted to gamble. This interaction will be addressed later.Moving on, I get dealt
in the bb and utg raises. The whole table calls and I complete. Flop is . I check to the pfr raiser but it gets checked through. Turn brings . Sb bets pot and I jam for $600.Yes I don't have the nuts but I played scared on the flop. I thought nut straight would bet for sure to protect against flush draws. Without a bet on the flop, and having a blocker to the nuts, I figure I have the best hand to jam the turn. CO thinks a long time and calls. Button calls. Sb calls. Board runs out . I show my hand, sb shows xx and co shows . Button doesn't show and co scoops.I leave aria and decide to go to Caesars. I end up at a good, fun table, drinking and good action. Two action players call it quits and only really one guy splashing much. Bust hand comes up. 1/2 game and the action player utg raises blind to $12. I call with
in hj. Button calls and we see a flop of . Utg bets $50, I decide to jam for $200, hoping to get x or x hands to call down, over pairs and sets to gamble it up. Button calls and utg folds face up. Button shows and I do not hit my straight flush.After I decide to chill and hang with my buddy to play some small stakes craps. I kinda reflect and am gonna put my thoughts on poker.
I was blessed to have a game at Flamingo that was filled with action, friendly players, we're all drinking and having a good time. Chatting and just an awesome time and atmosphere. It had the same feel as my home games where we're playing for fun, drinks are had and the game isn't taken super seriously. Good gambling atmosphere.
The infestation of players wearing headphones, watching YouTube, playing ofcp on their iPad and not saying any words other than "how much is it?" while taking out one headphone in their ear is ruining the game.
Now look, I'm at best a serious recreational who wants to play their best and gamble it up with a fun table and atmosphere. I'm fine when players politely decline my offering of a beer but are happy to have small chit chat. I don't expect anyone to become my best friend at the table. It's just so boring when the game isn't social. It doesn't have to be a party but it wouldn't hurt to loosen up you know? Keeping things light and social at the table will open up action and get the gamble going imo.
I'm that guy who will offer to pay for beers at the table for my neighbors. I'm trying to get the fun environment going. Maybe I'm in the wrong. I know there are players who play poker for income. Sure, headphones help when you're in a casino all the time but hell, does having a chat with me kill you? I don't know.
I do know that I'm less inclined to come back to Vegas for poker. My home game which is fun, social, drinks are had, is what's fun for me. That's the kind of game I want to play. Maybe I need to spend more poker time at casinos where there are less iPad's. Flamingo was a blast, it really was. Aria? I ended up having a couple sit to my left, both with iPad's, headphones, playing pineapple against each other. And they're freaking sitting beside each other.
Each poker session after the Flamingo was a loss and the atmosphere of it was terrible. I acknowledge I played bad at PHo, I was forcing it, the action, the gamble, no one wanted to have a beer, etc. I guess I just wanted to play well and gamble but have fun tables. I'm ok with losing at fun tables. Losing to iPad's? I'd rather just go play craps or pai gow.
I'm sorry for the rant and I'm sorry I couldn't pull through for the TR. I appreciate the well wishes and good luck from you guys. On my way back home now.
Darthhoodie
Flush
Too bad you didn't have a better time, I enjoyed looking at this tread living vicariously through your trip. So for that I thank you!!
As far as poker, my home games are like yours, they are social and fun by design. We all tend to drink a lot and that seems to even the playing field with some of my less experienced players and my ringers.
But, when I go to the casino, I am there to separate people from their money. I am not social, I don't make small talk. I put on a persona that is most unlike my every day personality. It has taken me decades to develop this mind set and it has worked for me. It takes a lot of discipline to sit there for 8+ hours and not chime in to the conversation and take part in the revelry. I love to drink beer and bourbon, but I never drink at the casino table.
I'm not saying this is the only approach, obviously not, but it works for me. Probably because I am not aggressive and ruthless by nature, so this fake persona helps me make the tough decisions at the table. My point is just not to judge casino players for not being fun or social, they are most likely there to make money, not have a good time. The more I buy into this character I have created the more fun it is for me, I love when it gets under peoples skin that I will not talk to them, In my mind it gives me an advantage. Not sure what the point is of my reply, maybe I'm trying to defend the non-talkers at the table, but I did enjoy reading your thread, Thanks again!!
As far as poker, my home games are like yours, they are social and fun by design. We all tend to drink a lot and that seems to even the playing field with some of my less experienced players and my ringers.
But, when I go to the casino, I am there to separate people from their money. I am not social, I don't make small talk. I put on a persona that is most unlike my every day personality. It has taken me decades to develop this mind set and it has worked for me. It takes a lot of discipline to sit there for 8+ hours and not chime in to the conversation and take part in the revelry. I love to drink beer and bourbon, but I never drink at the casino table.
I'm not saying this is the only approach, obviously not, but it works for me. Probably because I am not aggressive and ruthless by nature, so this fake persona helps me make the tough decisions at the table. My point is just not to judge casino players for not being fun or social, they are most likely there to make money, not have a good time. The more I buy into this character I have created the more fun it is for me, I love when it gets under peoples skin that I will not talk to them, In my mind it gives me an advantage. Not sure what the point is of my reply, maybe I'm trying to defend the non-talkers at the table, but I did enjoy reading your thread, Thanks again!!
RowdyRawhide
Full House
Sorry for your poor experience. several years ago after exploding my bankroll in the first few hours of play, and lack of a sociable table at ceasars, I found the 2-4 game at the flamingo and have almost exclusively played limit poker at Vegas since. Limit tables are always more sociable in my experience, yes you'll have a few stiffs, but they're just killing time waiting for a NL or higher stakes limit game to open. You're not gonna pay for your trip playing 2-4 or 3-6, but it'll feel more like a home game if that's what your looking for. My personal favorite limit places at this time are Flamingo and Golden nugget. I have not played any limit off of the strip or Fremont yet, but there are other games out there. I have played 3-6 at the bellagio, and it was fun but not as loose as those others. I did play some NL at the Wynn, the last time I was there and had an enjoyable table for the most part
OP
OP
mashoo
3 of a Kind
@Darthhoodie hey man, I respect the players that play the game for income. I respect the work and studying that goes into the game. I just think that the players that just watch movies on their iPad's or always got headphones in kill the vibe for rec players like myself, who are looking to have fun and gamble with you.
Maybe I'm just looking for entertainment for my money at the tables. I did have fun at PLO other than getting called a moron lol.
This isn't to say that Vegas poker is bad. I just think I've realized what kind of poker I want to play in and it'll be a more social casual kind of game and if it's just my home game or playing at Tony's place in B.C. then I'm happy with that.
Maybe I'm just looking for entertainment for my money at the tables. I did have fun at PLO other than getting called a moron lol.
This isn't to say that Vegas poker is bad. I just think I've realized what kind of poker I want to play in and it'll be a more social casual kind of game and if it's just my home game or playing at Tony's place in B.C. then I'm happy with that.
In my mind, I don't think there will ever be a better poker experience than one where like minded chippers come together and play with several awesome sets over the course of an extended weekend. My intention heading into Tony's meetup last year was to have a lot of fun, whereas if I were headed to a casino I probably would have taken it a lot more seriously. At least you had one fun session on your trip so it's not impossible!
I haven't commented on your Suited Kingdom set yet, and man I should have ordered samples! They look great. I'm going to have to get a custom set of my own made eventually, but I think it will take a long time.
Looking forward to seeing you again Matt
.
I haven't commented on your Suited Kingdom set yet, and man I should have ordered samples! They look great. I'm going to have to get a custom set of my own made eventually, but I think it will take a long time.
Looking forward to seeing you again Matt
.
OP
OP
mashoo
3 of a Kind
I have plans to bring my set out to Tony's meet up this year @Frank . It's meant for small, spread limit games so maybe when it's short handed we'll break it out.
@David O I'm back to work right away, hosting a game Friday and then right back to being out of town. I promise I'll get ya those spotted chips! Pm me with your address!
@David O I'm back to work right away, hosting a game Friday and then right back to being out of town. I promise I'll get ya those spotted chips! Pm me with your address!
sharpcr
Sitting Out
Nice! Glad you enjoyed Harrahs. Some friends and I are staying at Harrahs for 3 nights in April for my Batchelor party. Cant wait! I know what you mean about lame players at Aria with headphones on and such. I stayed there a few months back and played there 3 nights in a row til the sun came up. Saw many grinders/regulars. Some friendly some not so friendly. Got berated only once when I sucked out for a full boat on the river after going all in on the turn against a straight for a $1,000+ pot at $1-$3 no limit. Don’t believe I had ever been yelled at like that at a poker table ever. Some pros were there so that was cool. Not at my table of course. I’ll have to check out the Flamingo tables when I go. Never played there before.
Poker Zombie
Royal Flush
This is why I always cringe when someone asks "Where is the best place to play poker in Vegas?"
People will always jam you with answers like Aria, Bellagio, Wynn, and Venetian. They are right, and they are wrong.
Vegas spreads a lot of poker. Less than it used to during the boom, but still quite a few games. The different games exist because players are looking for different things. Sure, Aria, Bellagio, Wynn and Venetian have big airy rooms and comfy chairs, but they also have the players that want to be serious. Sunglasses and headphones. They're looking for every edge. They walk by craps tables and slot machines like they don't exist. They are all -EV, and they're not here to throw money away. If you are looking for that type of cutthroat game, that's it. But most recreational players aren't.
Flamingo, Excalibur, and before they closed the Linq and the Plaza, had the best entertaining rooms. Lots of talking and drinking. People on vacation. These are budget hotels. They attract budget players into their rooms. They are primarily filled with people from their hotel, because they are not destination card rooms. These people are people that have played in a few home games and want to play on vacation too. They expect the same atmosphere as the home game. Talking and drinking, knowing they don't have to drive anywhere and that the drinks are free. Sure, the rooms aren't as "nice", but these games are for the folding chairs and garage crowd, not the vaulted ceiling and Gasser chair lot.
Sadly, with the decline of recreational poker, there has been a decline in recreational players - and therefore a decline in recreational poker rooms. But they are still there.
And next time someone asks "Where is the best place to play poker in Vegas", you can support me when I divert from the regular mob that proclaims which rooms are the best. Because for me it's about the people, not the chair.
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