Considering WSOP 2020 - Need Advice (1 Viewer)

[Anthony Martino]

I've been to Vegas twice, back in 2007 and 2009. So facing over a decade of time passing, certainly things have changed with new properties, Airbnb, parking fees, wi-fi fees, etc.

I need to wait for the WSOP schedule, but based on the 2019 schedule I'm trying to go so I can fit two of the smaller events into my schedule, specifically:

$1,500 Monster Stack

$400 Colossus


I also like the $500 Big 50 (but not sure if they'll do it again since it was a special for the 50 year anniv of the WSOP) and I like the $1,000 Mini Main. But based on the 2019 schedule and my ability to get time off from work, the monster stack and colossus seemed to be the best bet.

I think the structures for these events match my patient play style fairly well, and with the top 15% of the field cashing I feel like I have a decent shot at making the money.

I'd be bringing Jenn along and would budget time with her as well as maybe a cash game session or two.

When I went over a decade ago I used Vegas.com to book hotel and flight, as it seemed to have better deals than sites like Orbitz, Priceline, etc.

There's a variety of factors to consider now, with parking and resort fees or staying at an Airbnb and having to rent a car (and find free parking or pay for parking) or find a shuttle, etc.

Any recommendations from some of our pro-Vegas travelers?

 

[DoubleEagle]

I've been to Vegas twice, back in 2007 and 2009. So facing over a decade of time passing, certainly things have changed with new properties, Airbnb, parking fees, wi-fi fees, etc.

I need to wait for the WSOP schedule, but based on the 2019 schedule I'm trying to go so I can fit two of the smaller events into my schedule, specifically:

$1,500 Monster Stack

$400 Colossus


I also like the $500 Big 50 (but not sure if they'll do it again since it was a special for the 50 year anniv of the WSOP) and I like the $1,000 Mini Main. But based on the 2019 schedule and my ability to get time off from work, the monster stack and colossus seemed to be the best bet.

I think the structures for these events match my patient play style fairly well, and with the top 15% of the field cashing I feel like I have a decent shot at making the money.

I'd be bringing Jenn along and would budget time with her as well as maybe a cash game session or two.

When I went over a decade ago I used Vegas.com to book hotel and flight, as it seemed to have better deals than sites like Orbitz, Priceline, etc.

There's a variety of factors to consider now, with parking and resort fees or staying at an Airbnb and having to rent a car (and find free parking or pay for parking) or find a shuttle, etc.

Any recommendations from some of our pro-Vegas travelers?

WSOP offers special rates at all the Harrah's properties during WSOP. They will post a link when they announce the schedule sometime around Jan. 2020.

 

[DoubleEagle]

dupe

 

[Perthmike]

I just kept booking rooms on total rewards and then cancelling and rebooking everytime I found a cheaper one. I think I got my 7 night stay at PH down to about $750 inclusive of all fees, taxes and resort fees.

I also played plenty of myvegas on the advice of @moose and was able to get a few bogof buffets, cirque tickets and a few free buffets too.

 

[Blacksox1]

Poker players discount for hours played at Palazzo/Venetian. PM me if the website info, is not informative enough. Palazzo > Venetian

 

[moose]

Stay at the Rio for when you plan to play there then move to strip. Your best prices at all Caesars properties will be when you are logged in with your players card. Hopefully your wife has a card too because you can add a companion card when booking. Doesn't matter if you don't have any play on it. Card will be better than any WSOP pricing.

Also myvegas app. You can easily earn some free rooms between now and 2020.

 

[Highli99]

Is it certain that WSOP will be at Rio in 2020? Lot of rumors it is moving. Might be worth waiting awhile before booking anything.

 

[Anthony Martino]

Is it certain that WSOP will be at Rio in 2020? Lot of rumors it is moving. Might be worth waiting awhile before booking anything.

Word is it might go to a convention center on the strip owned by Caesars

I'm not booking anything for awhile, need to wait for schedule to be released, which is usually january

 

[moose]

I always forget about the Caesars rewards Visa because Canadians can't get it but with this card you get upgraded to platinum status for your players card which would give you free parking at Caesars properties. Also you earn reward credits which you can use in Vegas. Currently they are offering a free buffet and 10000 reward credits with sign ups ($100).

 

[Poker Zombie]

My list of must-dos when staying on the strip around the WSOP:

• Limo - Yep, I splurge a little. I also hate standing in line. The line for Uber or a taxi is about 30 minutes, and will cost $40 or so round trip. The limo starts at $70 round trip - that's $1 per minute of not standing. We usually ask the driver to take us to "his" store to pick up some bottled water, and they are always happy to do so. Which brings me to...
• Bottled water - Summer in Vegas. You probably dont need to have your brain dry up before hitting the tables. Stay hydrated, and get water from anyplace that's not on the strip, even if you have to walk a block off strip to do so. Of course, if you have a limo driver, you don't have to walk a block with water...
• Snacks - The WSOP is long, and food options are pricey. I don't know if the suspected move to the Caesars Convention Center will allow more food options, but my guess that everything near ground zero will be expensive, so bring a backpack and fill it with snacks, hand sanitizer, and water. The waitresses are few and far between at the WSOP.
• WSOP Rates - All Caesars properties have special rates during the WSOP, and I believe them to be the best rates. I still look around, because that's what I do, but so far, they've been great (and they don't ask for proof of playing in the WSOP).
• MyVegas - I'm the third one to chime in on this, but it's a good app if you get going on it early enough. Jen too. You are usually limited to 3 rewards, but if Jen has an account that adds up to 6 rewards; nearly a week of not paying full price for dinner.
• Don't drive unless you need to - On the strip, you can walk to everything except the big open desert. If you want to get out of town, rent a car for a day. When we add a desert trip to our intennerary, we use the return limo trip to take us to the car rental facility. A limo to the car rental, because that's how Zombies roll. We then only have to pay for 1 night of parking as we make the trip the last night in Vegas.
• WSOP events are late - do not play in an event Tuesday night thinking you will make your Wednesday morning flight. Chances are high the event will be 2 hours late starting, and they may choose to finish the event on Wednesday night. Plan accordingly.

 

[APatHand]

My list of must-dos when staying on the strip around the WSOP:

• Limo - Yep, I splurge a little. I also hate standing in line. The line for Uber or a taxi is about 30 minutes, and will cost $40 or so round trip. The limo starts at $70 round trip - that's $1 per minute of not standing. We usually ask the driver to take us to "his" store to pick up some bottled water, and they are always happy to do so. Which brings me to...
• Bottled water - Summer in Vegas. You probably dont need to have your brain dry up before hitting the tables. Stay hydrated, and get water from anyplace that's not on the strip, even if you have to walk a block off strip to do so. Of course, if you have a limo driver, you don't have to walk a block with water...
• Snacks - The WSOP is long, and food options are pricey. I don't know if the suspected move to the Caesars Convention Center will allow more food options, but my guess that everything near ground zero will be expensive, so bring a backpack and fill it with snacks, hand sanitizer, and water. The waitresses are few and far between at the WSOP.
• WSOP Rates - All Caesars properties have special rates during the WSOP, and I believe them to be the best rates. I still look around, because that's what I do, but so far, they've been great (and they don't ask for proof of playing in the WSOP).
• MyVegas - I'm the third one to chime in on this, but it's a good app if you get going on it early enough. Jen too. You are usually limited to 3 rewards, but if Jen has an account that adds up to 6 rewards; nearly a week of not paying full price for dinner.
• Don't drive unless you need to - On the strip, you can walk to everything except the big open desert. If you want to get out of town, rent a car for a day. When we add a desert trip to our intennerary, we use the return limo trip to take us to the car rental facility. A limo to the car rental, because that's how Zombies roll. We then only have to pay for 1 night of parking as we make the trip the last night in Vegas.
• WSOP events are late - do not play in an event Tuesday night thinking you will make your Wednesday morning flight. Chances are high the event will be 2 hours late starting, and they may choose to finish the event on Wednesday night. Plan accordingly.

You left out couponing!

 

[APatHand]

Seriously, aside from the 'I played in (a) WSOP event'-factor, I think there are more reasonable tournament opportunities during the same timeframe these days.
Reasonable = less crowded, almost as good of a value, probably better ROI for the average (or below-average) player.

You can't hardly swing a dead cat without hitting a tournament series in May/June/July in Vegas. The Orleans, Golden Nugget, Venetian, Wynn, Binnions (maybe), Planet Hollywood, etc.

 

[Anthony Martino]

I'm open to suggestions

Just really thought these wsop events had good structures and payouts

 

[Poker Zombie]

You left out couponing!

Coupon runs are best when you have a car at your disposal. The American Casino Guide is great if you are looking forward to a low-roller day of adventure. We've used a few Groupons in the past as well, but they don't hit my "must do" list. If you are familiar with other couponing options, please share!