Amateur Poker Association & Tour

Poker Forum => Live Poker => Topic started by: ThinkerJE on June 14, 2007, 13:00:07 PM

Title: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: ThinkerJE on June 14, 2007, 13:00:07 PM
Booked it, packed it and I"m off to Vegas!!!

Well I flight tomorrow morning actually, but I am staying in a hotel in Surrey overnight before the 10 hour flight.  Therefore I have about a 3 hour drive this afternoon and wanted to start this before I left.

I intend to update my progress here and let you know how things are going.

At the moment I will definitely be playing in one WSOP event, (either $1,500 or $2,000 Hold em) and also plan to play most of the hold em events at the binions"s poker classic.  Apart from that I will look to see what sats are on and any other games that are happening.

Been looking forward to this trip for ages and can"t wait to get there and start playing.

Hopefully I will have some stories to tell and good poker play to report.  I don"t intend to use this as a bad beat forum so if I start going off on one then let me know.

Cheers

James.

Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: Bodddders on June 14, 2007, 14:05:16 PM
Good luck James, you lucky Ba.........

Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: kinboshi on June 14, 2007, 15:04:56 PM
Best of luck fella.  (http://blondepoker.com/forum/Smileys/default/thumbs.gif)
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: RioRodent on June 14, 2007, 15:53:22 PM
Good luck James.

I"ll be there Wednesday, we"ll have to get together for a drink and swap bad beat stories!!  :o

Cheers,
Alan

Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: nosey-p on June 14, 2007, 16:33:00 PM
ALL THE BEST
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: jacklevel06 on June 14, 2007, 16:38:45 PM
Good luck james .
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: Dewi_cool on June 14, 2007, 18:33:45 PM
Good Luck James & Alan, dont drink too much ;)
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: Cazzaline on June 14, 2007, 18:39:26 PM
Good Luck both of you - hope you do well  :)
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: technolog on June 14, 2007, 21:40:41 PM

Good luck James, you lucky Ba.........




What he said...

Good luck both. Looking forward to some reverse bad beat stories  ;D
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: ThinkerJE on June 16, 2007, 03:00:16 AM
I"m here, this place is fantastic!!!

Update since yesterday.

Journey to hotel was terrible, hit traffic on M6 & M25, took 4 hours to get there and then did not sleep too good as it was so humid.  Not what you need before a 10hr flight.

Arrived at Gatwick about 8.30am, THE WORST AIRPORT IN THE UK!!!  Organisation is non exsistent and the infrastructure simply cannot handle the amount of passengers.  Also hand baggage was too heavy so had to switch some stuff around.  Slight delay on the flight, but we took off about 12noon UK time.  Flight was good, Virgin Atlantic are really hot on service and the food is tasty, free booze too.  Didn"t fancy any films so it was re runs of Phoenix Nights, Fools & Horses, Extras & the usual US sitcom stuff.  British sitcoms done well are very very good, whereas I just don"t get US sitcoms, not since Fraiser & Seinfeld anyway.  Lots of forms to fill in.  Tried to get some sleep but couldn"t so I was feeling very drained when we landed.

Long queue at immigration.  Fingerprint scans and mug shots taken, but the people are very friendly.  No wait for suitcase or taxi.  The taxi driver was a likeable chap named Denny, who was a massive James Bond fan.  As soon as he heard my english tones he was off, quoting lines from films and asking trivia questions (for example Dr No is the onlt Bond film without a theme tune).  He also pointed out the main sights like casinos, bars, strip joints etc.  He also gave me a free pass to some Playboy club (normally costs $50 to get in), would be rude not to use it...

Oh by the way it is soooooo hot, I have never felt heat like this.  105 degrees today and it will be even hotter tomorrow!!!

Staying at Circus Circus, room is massive and facilities are great, I cannot imagine what the better hotels must be like.

I was tired when we landed by as soon as I felt the heat I got my second wind and I am buzzing now.  Had a walk around and my initial impressions are;

1  SLOTS - millions of them.
2  PORN - its everywhere!!!  There are dispensers on the street and I think I was comped by a pimp???
3  FAT PEOPLE - I know that I am carrying a few pounds above my fighting weight, but really, everything in America IS bigger.
4  MORE SLOTS!!!

Hopefully as the trip progresses I will be able to have some other lasting memories of Vegas than those above, but I have only been here 5 hours.

Anyway plan is to check out Binions tomorrow.  The first Poker event I plan to play being the $200 NLHE 6 handed at Binions on Sunday.  Might also take a trip to the Rio, star spotting and seing what action is about.

I am still wired so I am off out for a bite to eat.  There is a STT at Circus at 9pm, really fast struture, but it could be a laugh.  So I may play that if I haven"t fallen asleep by then.



Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: Rich on June 16, 2007, 06:56:58 AM
Good read, look forward to hearing how you get on! gl and keep us informed
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: ThinkerJE on June 16, 2007, 12:54:28 PM
Ok, this is really weird...

So I went out and there was no much action at Circus so I took stroll down the strip to check out some of the other casinos.  Wow these building"s are impessive.  The Wynn & the Mirage especially took my eye, it is difficult to walk down the street with so much happening around you.  Crossing the street is interesting as well, you wait for the green man like in England, but sometimes you seem to be waiting forever.  Then all of a sudden everyone charges across the street.

I also liked Treasure Island, but I had just missed the start of their poker tournanment and I didn"t fancy playing cash.  Instead I hit this bar, armed with my 2 4 1 drinks offer and had a few beers.  It was a lively place with drunk Americans being dragged on stage to dance to MC Hammer, these people are not shy and where getting down and busting some moves (as they say on the street?).  Tempted as I was to show the septics how to do it, I was pretty tired by now and instead headed back to the hotel for some kip.  I felt realy sad heading home as everyone else seemed just to be going out, but I had been up for 26 hours straight.

Now this is the weird bit.  I feel asleep about 11pm ish.  I was dead to the world and entered a really deep sleep.  Then I awake at 4 and feel great, the best I have been in ages.  I jump in the shower and get ready to go out.  I then look outside to discover it is dark, it must be 4am.  So the question is what day is it?  I am really confused?  I cannot feel this good after only 5 hours sleep so therefore it must be Sunday already.  But that means I slept without waking for 30 hours!!!  So is it Saturday or Sunday?
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: APAT on June 16, 2007, 12:58:48 PM
lol....great read James.  I suspect there are some interesting installments to follow!!  Manage your bankroll carefully but above all else, have a great time.
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: nosey-p on June 16, 2007, 13:06:14 PM
The Mirage is a great hotel, I stead there last year

keep the reports coming in
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: ThinkerJE on June 16, 2007, 13:24:08 PM
So it is definitely Saturday.  How do I feel this good after only 5 hours kip?  Anway off for some breakfast now then to Binion"s this afternoon for their 2pm tournament and to absorb the history of the place.
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: APAT on June 16, 2007, 13:30:32 PM

So it is definitely Saturday.  How do I feel this good after only 5 hours kip?  Anway off for some breakfast now then to Binion"s this afternoon for their 2pm tournament and to absorb the history of the place.


I was in Benny"s Bullpin for the last ever WSOP final there.  There is incredible poker history in that old building.
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: Bodddders on June 16, 2007, 14:18:42 PM
Great stuff James keep um coming. GL at the tables.


Apat  -- any chance of putting a face to the name (if James dosent mind)
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: FlyingPig73 on June 16, 2007, 17:45:36 PM
Nice one James,,,, Keep up the good reports.....

Best of luck....

As someone who has an interest in construction, I loved this place, I had a sore neck for a couple of days, I was always looking up at the buildings..... I found it amazing that you think "I will goto that Hotel" but you dont realise how far away it is, becuase of the size of the building and the car park it looks like you are close, but it takes 15 minutes to get there...,,

Hope you do well at the tables....
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: APAT on June 16, 2007, 18:06:46 PM

Great stuff James keep um coming. GL at the tables.


Apat  -- any chance of putting a face to the name (if James dosent mind)


(http://lh5.google.com/image/www.apat.com/RmGTwYHSs8I/AAAAAAAAEvc/hdgrHnd5vgk/DPP_0107.JPG?imgmax=288)

APAT mod James, pictured in Dublin two weeks ago.
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: janc on June 17, 2007, 20:52:59 PM
Enjoying reading this,
take a look at the 9pm torney at the fitz its usually very loose for the 1st hour and you can make some decent money there. good luck.
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: ThinkerJE on June 18, 2007, 05:26:24 AM
Ok latest news from LV.

As I was up early I headed of to Binion"s early to play in their 10am tournament.  $50 NLHE freezeout, pretty fast structure so not ideal but an introduction to poker in the states.  Very first hand I get pocket rockets in middle position, raise to 3x BB and get no callers.  No sure if I wanted action or not.  I show to create my rock like image and no one bats an eyelid.  Only other hand I play is J2 in BB (no raise).  Jack high flop, I bet to find out where I am, get 2 callers and so shutdown.  Have to fold to a bet on the river.  Only about 8 BB"s now, commit halve my stack with AK and get called and re raised!!!  Have to call, up against JJ & KJ off, no king and I am out in 69th out of 81 runners.  No complaints, the structure dictated the play and move on to check out he poker history of Binion"s.

Binon"s poker room is quite simply magnificant.  It has an old school feel and I felt shivers down my spine when I walked into the place.  The hall of fame & the wall of champions are in pride of place in the poker room.  The poker classic events have gone down well, lots of runners and big prize pools.

Downtown Vegas & Fremont street is very much the poor relation of the glitz of the strip.  It looks run down and in need of repair, has a very seedy vibe to it.

Now to the 2pm $10k guaranteed NLHE (1 rebuy) tournament at Binion"s.  143 runners turned up meaning the total prize pool was nearer to $12k.  Buy in $70 plus $40 rebuy (any time during the first hour).  2,000 starting chips with 1,500 rebuy chips, I took the rebuy straight away to get full value for all my chips.

Up to 4,475 at first break, got AK & QQ with no action, found K2 hearts in BB (no raise), flop 4 flush, call small bet & turn another heart.  Manage to extract value bet on the end.  Just keeping out of trouble at the moment.

Chip leader at second break.  Big hand was when in middle position and 2 limpers, find AK and put in big raise to take it down.  Call from passive lady limper leaving her only 1,250 left (pot 4,500).  Jack high rainbow board, she leads out for 400?!?!  I know she has hit but with so much in the pot and I must have outs so I move all in and she turns over the worst hand AJ.  River King to knock her out and win big pot for me.  Nearly donked it all off during a ThinkerJE blow up moment last hand before break, but they folded.

25,000 chips at third break, well above average with 29 left, top 14 get paid.  This is mostly due to another suck out.  Raise 40% of my stack with AK spades, matey with more chips goes all in.  I have to call, he flips over QQ and we are off to the races.  Flop Q J 8 (oh no), turn 10 (yeah), river 9 (double yeah).  This was a crazy table, with stuff like this happening all the time.

So far I have played well and I am happy with my play UNTIL MY EXIT HAND, which was quite honestly dreadful. I finished 24th, after over 4 hours of good play, with this shameful play.  Matey UTG min raises, all fold, SB calls, me in BB find KJ off, getting great odds, I call.  Flop J 10 8 (2 diamonds), I think for a longer than normal period when it is checked to me and decide te check-raise is the play to make (MUPPET!!!).  Anyway matey bets big, SB folds, I push and get insta called by AA (cilla black or what!!!).  The min raise is so fishy I should have got away from this big time.  I am so mad at myself , I hit the bar for some beer and then headed back for some kip.

I played ok, got lucky alot, but made a stupid error when it mattered most.  Will learn from this and not do it again...

Lots more to tell you about including today"s poker classic event.  However need to get ready a off to late night tournament at Ceasars so will update when  get back.

No bad beats, just bad play.



Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: ThinkerJE on June 18, 2007, 05:42:38 AM


Great stuff James keep um coming. GL at the tables.


Apat  -- any chance of putting a face to the name (if James dosent mind)


(http://lh5.google.com/image/www.apat.com/RmGTwYHSs8I/AAAAAAAAEvc/hdgrHnd5vgk/DPP_0107.JPG?imgmax=288)

APAT mod James, pictured in Dublin two weeks ago.


Cheers Des.

Not my greatest photo, although Lord Lichfield would struggle to take a good one.
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: frosty on June 18, 2007, 06:33:15 AM
James,

Excellent read, keeping me entertained in rain drenched India.  Unlucky on your first few tables, i"m sure fortunes will change.

All the best

Frosty
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: MAIR on June 18, 2007, 07:53:25 AM
Excellent report - thoroughly enjoying reading.

Best of luck to you James.


Mary
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: ThinkerJE on June 18, 2007, 13:47:52 PM
Okay, it is 5.18am local time and I have just got back to my room.  More on that later, but first to update from where I left off.

After my bad play at Binion"s I headed back to the hotel, furious with myself, the plan being to grab a pizza, quick change and off out to get drunk.  Well I managed to get the pizza, but then made the mistake of resting my head for 5 mins at about 9pm.  Next thing I know I wake up at 4am, having been asleep for 7 hours (must be this time zone thingy).

Some general observations at poker at Binion"s.  The standard of play was very varied.  Some good players, some not good players, some professional players, some very amateur players (not APAT standard).  The tournaments are run very very well.  Play starts on time, breaks are as advertised and level changes are announced to all by the TD.  The dealers are top notch aswell.  A couple that stood out were Norris (the most experienced dealer in Vegas - still showing the youngsters how to do it), Mike (former addict turned fastest dealer in Vegas) & Keith (Chris Moneymaker"s biggest fan - won"t hear a bad word said against him).  Great characters and add to the special place Binion"s is.

I was not the only person to benefit from sick suck outs on our "crazy" table.  There were at least 5 or 6 that occurred.  2 examples are below.

Last hand before break, short stack all in UTG.  All in from Hijack with slighter more chips, button flat calls and does BB.  2 all ins & side pot that gets checked down.  Board 7 9 10 6 8 !!!  Chop chop 4 way...

All in from late position, folded to BB who calls with K 7 (made alot of dodgy calls and then proceeded to tell the table how he only called cause they were suited, I had to bite my lip!!!).  All in matey shows A 8, flop 10 3 7 (standard), turn 8 (the best hand pre flop re gains the lead), river 7 (sick sick sick...).

I have never seen a table with as many crazy suck outs as that.

Other random thoughts about Vegas.

People think that I am Austrailian (it is starting to annoy me).
All you can eat breakfasts rule.  Fuel up for the day for $10.
All the sports books only cover US sports, so I am knackered for Royal Ascot this week.
Tipping - everybody in Vegas gets tipped, it is expected.  The service is good and all the people are smiley smiley, but to be expected is wrong surely???
Slots - still don"t get them but to give them a go I put $1 on a machine hit the button and won $10, cashed out job done.  My first (and only to date) cash is on the slots, hope this is not the case at the end of the 2 weeks.
Test match special on BBC online is even better than the text updates we have to put up with at work.
Toilets flush differently in Vegas - far too much suction for my liking.

Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: APAT on June 18, 2007, 13:55:07 PM
Good updates James.  What is your poker schedule looking like for the remainder of your stay or are you "going with the flow"?
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: ThinkerJE on June 18, 2007, 14:07:16 PM
Now onto Sunday.  I woke early and headed for breakfast at 7am sharp (when it opens) as I was hank marvin.  Over an hour later I was re fuelled and raring to go.  Plan today was to play the $200 6 handed NLHE at Binion"s Poker Classic.  Registartion started at 2pm with cards in the air at 4pm.  So I had some time to kill.  I bought an all day bus ticket (great value at $5 for 24 hours) and headed south down the strip.  I walked round most of the casinos but two stood out.  The Wynn is fantastic, oozes class everywhere and doesn"t still slots in your face like other casinos do.  his had been my favourite place in Vegas for about 45 mins until I arrived at the Bellagio.  Wow this was even better, class everywhere, money everywhere and a top card room.  Cue first name drop - I spotted Sammy Farha in the special poker room with a stack of chips and an unlite cigarette, playing heads up.  I ound not identify who he was playing or for what stakes (although I imagine they were huge).  So now the Bellagio is my favourite place in Vegas, for about 11 hours until I went to Ceasar"s Place late on Sunday (more on this later).  I then hopped on the bus to fremont and registered for the poker tournament.

6 handed is very different, the blinds come round so fast and with running antes aswell, you need to get grooving sooner rather than later.  I was pleased with how I played in the comp.  No mistakes (for a change), and some good play at times.  The only thing being that the table was quite passive (limping and calling) so I should have picked up on this ealier and got alot more aggresive. 

5,350 at first break (starting stack 5k).  Nothing silly, using position and playing my hands strong.  234 runners in total, 60 gone at this stage.

Gone before second break after about 2 hrs 50 mins in total in 109th place.  Short stacked (about 4M only), started moving in in position and winning uncontested.  Found QQ UTG nd want to double up, so raise about half my stack.  Called by SB, don"t want to see A or K.  Flop 10 10 5.  Check, I push, insta call with AA (slow played).  No problems with this, played itself, he would have been mad i he let me flop a queen, not than any of us were folding anyway.  So pleased with my play and move on in better spirits than the day before.  Back on the bus to Circus Circus, quick shower and bite to eat then on to Ceasars for the 11pm poker tournanment.

No bad beats, better play today.
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: ThinkerJE on June 18, 2007, 14:33:17 PM
Right Ceasar"s Palace, as soon as I walked in my new favourite in Vegas (never to be beaten).  They have this pu$$ycat Casino, with gorgeous ladies in lingerie dancing in cages.  All the dealers are also dressed in a skimpy manner (and none of them are blokes).  My eyes nearly popped out!!!  This place is fantastic.  I wasn"t sure if it was right to take photos or not, so I didn"t.  The drinks girls are also by far the sexiest in Vegas aswell.  I have never drank some much diet coke at the poker table (and I don"t mind a $1 tip here).  When I finally could tear myself away from the ladies the poker room is again magnificant.  It is huge with a designated tournamnet area and a cash area.  I register for the 11pm tournament, $120 NLHE freezeout, fairly quick structure but 30 mins clock.  127 runners in total, top 9 pay with about $4.5k to the winner.

3,450 at first break (starting chips 2,500).  Mainly due to this bizzare hand.  I raise in cutoff with A 9 diamonds (happy to take blinds).  BB calls, flop A 10 5 (rainbow, 1 diamond).  Checked to me, I bet out about half my stack (3/4 of pot ish), matey raises (think I am dominated now), but with so much in pot I reluctanly call.  He flips A 7 off, turn 8, river 4.  Double up, not sure if good play or lucky, wierd.

Out before second break after about 2 hrs 25 mins in 59th place.  I have been short stacked for a while, but I feel I am playing it well.  For example hand before my exit I am in SB, all fold to button who limps, I have about 4M and look at a King and move in.  BB folds and bitton calls with 10 6.  King high wins, double up and I have some chips now.  Next hand rasie from chip bully in early position (he has been doing this alot).  I find A K on the button and move all in.  He calls with K 10.  Flop 3 4 5, turn 10, river 3.  I tap the table, say nice hand sir and wish then luck as I exit (class eh, I was steaming inside).  NO BAD BEAT STORIES - just reporting the facts.  I feel I am playing well and making good decisions, just one of those things.  I hit the bar for a beer and an ogle at the ladies, but I am not up for it (I KNOW I FELT THAT BAD), so I get the bus back to Circus Circus with the intention of getting some kip.  On the ride home I calmed down a bit and decided I would like to play some more poker, as I feel I am playing good and I am sure that I am not on tilt.  So I check out the card room at Circus to find a juicy loosey $1 $2 NLHE cash game.  I don"t normally play cash, but I wanted to keep playing and that was where the action was.  I sat down at 2am with $200 and walked away at 5pm with $404.  I played really well all night and made some very good decisions.  This has picked me up no end and I think this may become a regular thing in the early hours, especially if it can help with my tournament buy ins.  So I was up on the evening, but down on the day, but I feel good and I am playing well, onwards and upwards.

NO BAD BEATS - JUST REPORTING THE FACTS
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: ThinkerJE on June 18, 2007, 14:35:29 PM

They have this *****cat Casino, with gorgeous ladies in lingerie dancing in cages.


Mrs Slocum liked to stroke hers on Are you being served...

[Mod comment] Original post amended for readability. Auto-censor glitch noted.
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: ThinkerJE on June 18, 2007, 14:47:35 PM

Good updates James.  What is your poker schedule looking like for the remainder of your stay or are you "going with the flow"?


I have set events I will definitely be playing.  These are as follows;

Wed 20th $150 NLHE - Binion"s
Thurs 21st $200 PLHE - Binion"s
Fri 22nd $100 NLHE - Binion"s
Sat 23rd $1,500 NLHE - WSOP Rio

I may also play the $150 Limit at Binion"s on Tues 19th, not sure yet, don"t play limit much.

Apart from that I will probably play the Caesar"s again, more regular tournaments at Binion"s and there is a deep stacked freezeout at the Wynn that has a fantastic structure (but is $300 buy in though).  I also will play some more cash ($1, $2 only no higher) after today and see how I get on with that.
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: ThinkerJE on June 18, 2007, 14:49:03 PM

James,

Excellent read, keeping me entertained in rain drenched India.  Unlucky on your first few tables, i"m sure fortunes will change.

All the best

Frosty


Cheers Frosty, hope you are well, see you at the next home game.
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: ThinkerJE on June 18, 2007, 15:04:03 PM
Ok you are right up to date.  I am not tired at all now.  I have been up for over 24 hours but somehow you don"t feel it in Vegas.  Plan now is to get some sleep then check out the Rio this afternoon/early evening.  Then Ceasar"s for the dancing girls 11pm tournament with some cash action after that.  Will need to get some sleep though as the Binion"s comp on Wednesday starts at 2pm.

Thanks for all your support

Cheers

James.
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: kinboshi on June 18, 2007, 16:00:39 PM
Excellent stuff James.  Very jealous, and wish I was there in Caesars Palace Vegas as well.

Sounds like you"re playing well and just need a slice of luck.  Either that, or stay away from AK... ;D

Have you not taken any photos?  I"m sure we"d all appreciate them - especially any of Caesars Palace, for example.

Looking forward to the next installment.  Hopefully you"re saving your luck for the big one on Saturday - be nice to do well in that one - and no reason why you shouldn"t.  Talking of Saturday, Ricky Hatton"s fighting Castillo at the Thomas & Mack centre in Vegas.  I"m sure you"ll be playing in the $1.5K event when that"s on though. 

Take care - and enjoy yourself.
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: RioRodent on June 18, 2007, 16:52:14 PM
Nice read James... Your schedule for Thu-Sat is exactly the same as mine, so I"m sure our paths will cross, hopefully at Final Tables!! :)

As you"ve found out, you just have to play the $1/$2 NL cash games... I managed to cover all my buy-ins, food, cabs and most souvenirs/prezzies with profits from cash games last year... and I really don"t consider myself to be much of a cash game player.

I"ll look out for you at Binions on Thursday, this me -

(http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s71/RioRodent/APATIrelandMe.jpg)
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: kinboshi on June 18, 2007, 17:12:54 PM
Such a happy beggar...  ;D
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: RioRodent on June 18, 2007, 18:09:14 PM
Deep in thought... I had 3 final tablists at my table you know, all my powers of concentration were required just to last an hour and a half!!!

Oh, and a little hungover as well.  :(
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: FlyingPig73 on June 18, 2007, 21:28:31 PM
Excellent stuff... Best of luck James,, and the rodent....!!

Really try your hardest to get a sly snap of them dealers and valets, and the Pu$$ypalace... I am sure if you asked nicely you could get your pic taken with them.....Post them on here....

No harm in asking....
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: ThinkerJE on June 18, 2007, 22:30:51 PM

Nice read James... Your schedule for Thu-Sat is exactly the same as mine, so I"m sure our paths will cross, hopefully at Final Tables!! :)

As you"ve found out, you just have to play the $1/$2 NL cash games... I managed to cover all my buy-ins, food, cabs and most souvenirs/prezzies with profits from cash games last year... and I really don"t consider myself to be much of a cash game player.

I"ll look out for you at Binions on Thursday, this me -

(http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s71/RioRodent/APATIrelandMe.jpg)



Cheers Rio, will see you then.
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: H-Man81 on June 19, 2007, 10:29:11 AM
Hey James,

You don"t know me from Adam but just wanted to say good luck with the rest of the poker and let you know I"m thoroughly enjoying keeping up with your Las Vegas adventure.  I was there last March but with the other half on holiday so didn"t fit in as much poker as I may of liked ;-) Is an absolutely amazing place though.  Make sure at some point you head down south strip (I stayed at Luxor) and check out MGM Grand and New York New York as they are amazing hotels.  If for nothing else there is a Coyote Ugly Bar and a Hooters (take the mind of poker for an hour or 2 and see some "sights"!)

Enjoy

Alan
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: nosey-p on June 19, 2007, 11:19:16 AM
Hi James

Do you have to pay tax on your winnings?

I won $900 last year and was told that I had to pay about $270 in tax unless I got a form to say I am a non-American, so I could claim the tax back. Is this the same when you win at a cash table?

Good luck in today's games  

If you go to New York New York check out the piano bar, I think it's called that. I tried to get in the Coyote Ugly but they said I was to good looking so they will be no problem for you  Good luck in today's games  

Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: Paulie_D on June 19, 2007, 11:41:04 AM

Do you have to pay tax on your winnings?

I won $900 last year and was told that I had to pay about $270 in tax unless I got a form to say I am a non-American, so I could claim the tax back. Is this the same when you win at a cash table?


The short answer is NO because the Casino does not track how much you won in a cash game.

For tourneys however, the IRS will require casinos to report Tourney winnings over $599 but some casinos will pay you in Chips and expect you to be "honest" about it. Others, particularly the Harrahs group of properties, will deduct the money and require you to complete an IRS form (W7 I think) before you can get the full amount, and, I hear, ain"t helpful about it. [This is where they got into trouble with the WSOP a little while ago, so they are red-hot now].

That said, I was in Caesars last year and the Poker Room Manager was very helpful when I enquired about this policy and offered to help in any way. Unfortunately, I didn"t need his help as I busted out of the tourney before the cash...Meh!

If you win in an MGM-Mirage group property, they are much more helpful (I"m reliably informed). Here again, I can"t verify as my cash place was less than the reporting limit.

Quote
If you go to New York New York check out the piano bar, I think it's called that. I tried to get in the Coyote Ugly but they said I was to good looking so they will be no problem for you  Good luck in today's games  


It"s called The Bar on Times Square and is a rockin" good time, especially on Friday/Saturday night. Get there early (or reserve ahead and have a good tip ready) if you want a table. Duelling pianos are the bomb.

Or try the Piano Bar at Harrah"s...same thing but with hot, blonde, twin sisters (Yes, really) tinkling the ivories. Whew!

(http://www.insidervlv.com/Entertainment/Images.Casino.Shows/DuelingTwins.jpg)
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: nosey-p on June 19, 2007, 12:02:58 PM
It was in Harrah's where I won. I had to go to Caesars to fill the form in. It took about 2 hours to do but it saved me £150

Will definitely be checking out the piano bar in Harrah's next time I go (next year)  
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: Paulie_D on June 19, 2007, 12:16:27 PM

It was in Harrah's where I won. I had to go to Caesars to fill the form in. It took about 2 hours to do but it saved me £150


See...now is that helpful? You won in one place and had to go elsewhere (off-property) to get the paperwork done.

At least you got paid.

Oh, keep a note of your ITIN (Taxpayer number) as you will need it for any further reportable tourney winnings.
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: MJS on June 21, 2007, 09:15:39 AM
Big Man,

Just got back of hols and have caught up with your reports.  I did send you a text but I guess you haven"t got your phone on.

I said you would love Vegas.  My only fear is that you won"t come back!!  If you do get chance, I would have a go at the card room at the MGM.  They have a $125 tourney on at 6pm every day (3K starting chips and a 40 min clock) which might be worth a punt.  They do have 2 tourney"s on each day but I would avoid the early one as it"s a bit mental, fewer starting chips and quicker structure.

I found the same with the varitey of players.  You can have a local pro on one side and a tourist on the other.  It does add a few more variables into each equation which doesn"t help.  Sounds like your playing well though (except for the thinker blow up ;)).  Just keep playing your game and the results will come mate.  I have every confidence in you.

Next year we will have to try and arrange a few of us (apat and home league) to take the trip out.  Especially now that Binions is providing lower buy in tourney"s.  Having said that though, can you imagine Dougal in Vegas, I think we might lose him?!?

Anyway, time to go.  Keep pluggin" away dude and bring it home.

May all your cards be lucky and your pots be monsters!

Sharpy

P.S.  There is a playboy bar/club at the Palms!  Check it out!
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: ThinkerJE on June 21, 2007, 16:09:33 PM
Ok, sorry for the lack of recent updates, tinernet went down in hotel.  But I will bring you up to date now.

Monday - time to check out the Rio and the WSOP.

I am such a mark.  I walk up to the WSOP entrance and the first thing I notice is Scotty Nguyen walking out.  I am star stuck.  I continue inside and Allen Cunningham walks past.  I am trying to be cool now but it is difficult when so many of your favourite players you see on TV and you respect so much and just hanging around.  I calm down afetr a few minutes and then I am okay when I bump into yet anoter poker superstar.  I will get the name dropping out of the way now;

Hatchem, Citrone, Vaswani, Phan, Greenstein, Sidel, Bloch, Hawkins, Juanda, Men the Master, Kabbaj, Raymer, JP Kelly & Hellmuth.

There were TV cameras all round Hellmuth, he was down to the final 2 tables going for bracelet number 12, didn"t see any antics though, he just kept his head down and played his cards.

Ok, now that is out of the way, my impressions of the Rio.  Mad, I have never seen so many poker tables and so much poker action ever.  There are cash games galore, satellites fill up every few minutes, as well as the WSOP events running at the same time.  The riffling of chips is so loud and gets annoying after about 30 minutes.  I decide to play some single table satellites to try and get into a WSOP event on the cheap.  They have different buy ins and only the winner receives tournanmet chips.  The structure is pretty fast and aggressive, so need to get busy early.  The first satellite was $125 buy in, the winner getting 2 $500 tournament buy in chips and $120 cash.  I finished 8th after about an hour of play.  You only get 1,000 starting chips, and I picked up no hands and got short (only 2M).  Moved in when no action before me and was called by BB.  J 4 vs A Q, flop K J 3 (hope), turn A (damm), river 5.  Didn"t do anything wrong, need to double up early to take the pressure off and allow you time to pick up hands.  I played in another $125 satellite and finished 5th in this one.  I was determined not to let myself get short this time and was prepared to gamble more.  However I got some cards this time.  I find QQ and move in to be called by KK, flop Q (suck out city).  A few hands later I raise on button with KQ, BB moves in and I am priced in to call.  KQ vs A10, flop K Q x (no jack outdraw either).  Second suck out.  I now have chips but still short compared to blinds.  All fold to SB who raises, I find 66 in BB and move all in.  Dwell before reluctant call with A 9.  Flop Ace, River Ace.  Down to 200, all in SB next hand, double up, move in again next hand with KQ to find KK behind, no suck out this time.  No complaints, I don"t think the satellite structure suits my game and I won"t be playing anymore of them.  Hopefully I will make some money in the Binion"s events or playing cash to help cover WSOP buy ins.  I hung around to watch some poker from the rail before leaving to go to Ceasar"s for the 11pm tournament.  Don"t think I will get to the Rio again until Saturday for the $1,500 NLHE bracelet event.

Ok, Ceasar"s, first thing, no pu$$ycat dancers, they only work weekends...

11pm tournament, 111 runners, total prize pool just under $10k.

2,750 at first break (2,500 starting chips).  I was down to 1,200 early on.  I am trying to play more hands in these faster structured tournaments, but kept having to release when not hitting the flop.  Key hand that got me back up was a limp in middle position with Q 10 suited.  BB raises and I call in position (BB has been very active and raising with marginal hands when in the blinds).  Flop K Q J rainbow (K clubs), BB leads out (I sense this is a feeler bet) I move in and get a insta fold.  My read was correct I assume.  Last hand before break, all fold to me in SB with A 5, I make up to disguise my ace, BB checks.  Flop A 10 2, I check, BB bets I call.  Turn Q, I check BB moves all in.  I think for a while and whilst I thought I was ahead I am definitely not now.  I was either behind from the start, or I have let him catch 2 pair.  I fold and he shows A 9, we were both playing the ace sow pre flop.  Pleased with the laydown, feel I am playing well and reading the table.  Need to get busy now as antes kick in.

Don"t make 2nd break as I am out in 46th after about 2 hours 15 minutes.  Key hands laying down 8 8 in BB pre flop to UTG raise, he shows J J.  Moved in when I saw an ace and no action in front of me.  SB wakes up with KK.  So A Q vs K K river ACE (another thinker suck out!!!).  Final hand only 3M and in BB.  Button raise, I find 2 2 and decide I want to race to get chips or go home.  I move in and button dwells before calling with A Q.  Flop A 10 3, turn 7, river Q.  So it goodbye from me.  Again no complaints (I get some many suck outs), don"t think I did anything too bad, probably need to ind a better structured tournament to play, so may give this a miss until the weekend maybe.

Earlier in the day took the bus south down the strip and checked out some of the sights.  The MGM is nice, but did not strike me as much as the Wynn or the Bellagio.  New York, New York & Paris are just to gimmacky for me, if I wanted to go to France (AND I DON"T) I would go to the real thing.  Still not found anywhere to compare with Ceasar"s yet, still my favourite place in Vegas.

After the tournament, got the bus back to Circus Circus to play some cash.  However I had to go back to my room to get some dollars, rested my head for 5 minutes and woke up hours later (must stop doing this).  This poker lark is quite tiring...

NO BAD BEATS - SUCK OUT CITY!!!
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: ThinkerJE on June 21, 2007, 16:38:38 PM
Tuesday, decide to head to Binion"s to play in the limit hold em poker classic.  I don"t normally play limit hold em but the structure is good and it will be a test of my skills to be able to adapt.  166 runners lined up, which was a little bit disappointing as the no limit events have been getting over 300.

1,800 at first break (4,000 starting chips).  I am enjoying the different format even though I have done halve my stack.  I am trying to take flops in position with drawing hands but cannot hit.  You need to hit a flop early in limit to build chips and allow you to see more flops.  There is this maniac on the table who plays every hand, doesn"t know what the betting limits are and keeps sucking out on people.  He has a mounain of chips.  He also says "sorry" when he wins a pot (when was the last time you were sorry to win a pot???).  Difficult to get busy in limit but need to after the break.  Need to find a hand and commit to it through the streets and hope it holds.

800 chips at 2nd break (although I have made it through the 3 levels).  Key hands are when I find 66 in BB.  I am short and decide this is the hand.  I 3 bet it and get 3 callers.  Flop A 5 4 (all spades), turn A, river 3 spades.  Lots of side pot action, assume I am dead as I guy must have an ace and the other a flush.  Trip aces takes the side pot, but I take the main pot as I have the 6 spades (MAD).  The chip mountain maniac mucks his cards and then tells the table he had 8 spades and would have took the lot but mis read his hand.  Got lucky there.  3 hands later I raise with QQ in early position and get 3 callers.  Flop K 10 7 (2 clubs), worried about king and also flush draw so all check.  Turn blank, bet for 1st position (he has be doing this alot to pick up pots), don"t put him on king so call, others fold.  River 3 clubs, he bets again, the only hand he can have to beat me is a low flush as I know he hasn"t got an ace.  I think and decide with so much in there I have to call.  He flips 10 4 clubs for a flush.  Not sure if I played this well, should have bet the flop probably, although he would have called for his draw anyway I think.  Need a miracle now with blinds 200-400, button just passed so have about 6 hands to get the chips in and hopefully at least treble up.

Out in 90th after 3 hours and 50 minutes.  1st hand after break find 99 and move all in, 2 callers, they hold and back up to 2,000.  Next hand AQ and I raise and get 6 callers?!?!?  Board 9 7 3 rainbow, bet then raise then 3 bet before it gets to me, I have to fold.  Down to 1,200.  UTG find an ace, raise, 4 callers this time.  Check to me and I put in my last 400 on a A 10 4 flop (could be worse).  Call then a raise and a call.  2 players in side pot, I must be dead.  Turn J, bet then raise then call.  River J, bet then raise then re rasie then call.  Now I know I am dead unless my other card is another ace.  It wasn"t and AJ takes the lot beating J 10, house over house.  A good tournament, enjoyed playing limit, presented different challenges to no limit and made you play the flops more, an area of my game I need to improve on.  Felt I played ok, only mistake being the QQ hand probably, you are very restricted in limit and need to get chips early.

Back to Circus Circus for some $1, $2 no limit cash action.  Played well, not many hands, grinded away for about 4 hours, never being up or down much.  Then about 3am I had had enough and found that I had $3 more than when I started.  I chucked this to the dealer and called it even on the day.

NO BAD BEATS - NEED TO HIT FLOPS IN LIMIT HOLD EM
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: APAT on June 21, 2007, 16:46:40 PM
No bad beats...I like your mantra James.  Another couple of great posts and your honesty is refreshing.  Fingers crossed for a result shortly.
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: ThinkerJE on June 21, 2007, 17:03:42 PM
Wednesday - It"s back to Binion"s for the $150 NLHE poker classic.

Back to no limit today and really looking forward to this tournament.  The structure is great, the staff and dealers are great, Binion"s is a top place to play.  326 runners in total with a first prize of over $10k.

6,150 at first break (starting chips 4k).  Feel good today and really focussed on my game.  I have been playing really solid and making good decisions.  Only played 2 hands.  Limp in middel position with 6 7 hearts, rasie and 1 call behind, call for value.  Flop 6 7 8 rainbow.  I check raise and get called by the initial raiser.  I bet out on the turn Q and win the pot, he fold 10 10 face up.  The other hand was a make up in SB with J 8 clubs (3 players).  Flop Q 10 4 (2 clubs), I check, BB bets, I call.  Turn blank, check bet call.  River ace of clubs, I bet out, insta fold.  Only other play is cut off raise with K J off, no action, take down blinds.  In good shape, lots of play left and loads of time.  Feel good, DON"T DO ANYTHING STUPID!!!

Out in 170th after 3 hours of play.  Card dead after break, played no hands at all, not even in blinds.  Moved tables, anted down to 4,200.  UTG raises, re raise from middle position.  I find KK in cutoff.  The re rasier plays alot of pots and so may not have that premium hand.  UTG however has not played a hand, he may have aces, but I cannot fold this with my chips.  I move all in.  UTG thinks then moves all in (damm he must have aces), both have more chips than me.  Re raiser has chips and calls for the value declaring he is in 3rd place at the moment.  I say to UTG "You must have aces right?", he says "No", I think wow I am ahead.  KK vs 1010 (UTG, crazy play!!!!  Easy fold everytime for me, especially with his chips) vs JJ (re rasier, don"t blame him for calling with so much in the pot).  In the words of dutch 90"s pop dance duo 2unlimitied, "You ready for this?".  Flop A J 2, turn blank, river blank.  I"m gone and absolutely gutted.  I say nice hand and wish all the players luck but inside I am steaming.  THIS IS NOT A BAD BEAT STORY - JUST REPORTING THE FACTS.  On reflection I was pleased with my play and mostly my patience.  Got no cards for a long period of time.  Never seen some many wilson"s, half wilson"s, 8 3, 9 2, 7 2 etc.  I hung in there waited for the right moment and get unlucky, onwards and upwards, pot limit tournament tomorrow.

Didn"t think it was wise to play cash as I was steaming inside so instead played some video poker when I got back to circus circus.  This is going well.  The aim is to break even because you get comped for playing therefore meaning you are up.  I am so far up anyway and you get free beer whilst you play.  It is fun and a good way to relax after a bad beat unlucky situation.  I played for a couple of hours, was up $30 for the session and feeling slighty drunk.  I grabbed a snack, half pound hot dog for $1 (unbelievable value, this thing is huge), then off for some kip to be fresh for the pot limit poker classic at Binion"s tomorrow.

NO BAD BEATS - JUST REPORTING THE FACTS

Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: ThinkerJE on June 21, 2007, 17:05:55 PM

Do you have to pay tax on your winnings?


I haven"t won anything yet!!!
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: ThinkerJE on June 21, 2007, 17:13:03 PM
Ok so you are up to date.

It is now 9am Thursday local time and the plan today is the pot limit poker classic at Binion"s this afternoon, followed by some cash action later this evening.  Hopefully will run into the RioRodent at Binion"s and one of us can come away with a final table (if not a victory) and some cash.

Top result by JonMW at WSOP, I plan to play the NLHE event on Saturday and if I can emulate his result I would be over the moon.

Thanks all for the support.

Cheers

James.
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: janc on June 21, 2007, 17:19:06 PM
You may have not won anything, but you"ve had a great time trying tho,i
f it was that easy no one would come home. lol
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: ThinkerJE on June 21, 2007, 17:58:06 PM

Big Man,

Just got back of hols and have caught up with your reports.  I did send you a text but I guess you haven"t got your phone on.

I said you would love Vegas.  My only fear is that you won"t come back!!  If you do get chance, I would have a go at the card room at the MGM.  They have a $125 tourney on at 6pm every day (3K starting chips and a 40 min clock) which might be worth a punt.  They do have 2 tourney"s on each day but I would avoid the early one as it"s a bit mental, fewer starting chips and quicker structure.

I found the same with the varitey of players.  You can have a local pro on one side and a tourist on the other.  It does add a few more variables into each equation which doesn"t help.  Sounds like your playing well though (except for the thinker blow up ;)).  Just keep playing your game and the results will come mate.  I have every confidence in you.

Next year we will have to try and arrange a few of us (apat and home league) to take the trip out.  Especially now that Binions is providing lower buy in tourney"s.  Having said that though, can you imagine Dougal in Vegas, I think we might lose him?!?

Anyway, time to go.  Keep pluggin" away dude and bring it home.

May all your cards be lucky and your pots be monsters!

Sharpy

P.S.  There is a playboy bar/club at the Palms!  Check it out!


Thanks mate, hope you well, see you at the next home game.
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: technolog on June 21, 2007, 19:41:10 PM
Fantastic read James - I"ll have to talk you through my holiday in Great Yarmouth  ;D
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: Jon MW on June 21, 2007, 21:11:47 PM


Do you have to pay tax on your winnings?


I haven"t won anything yet!!!


When (I"m thinking positive for you) you cash in your WSOP event I"m sure you"ll be pleased to know that Harrahs seem to have cleaned up their act on the ITIN tax front. It"s very dull and appears to involve several seemingly identical forms all being filled out in triplicate and triple checked, before a bit more form filling and some more checking - but the boredom is the only bad bit, it"s essentially easy and hassle free.
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: RioRodent on June 22, 2007, 02:42:46 AM
Hi James... You won"t see me at Binions today, after winning $300 in the $1/$2 cash game at Gold Coast last night, I decided on the $330 NLHE at the Venetian.

Definitely Binions tomorrow for the $100 NLHE.

Cheers, Alan

PS. For anyone that"s interested you can follow my trip at - http://riorodent.blogspot.com
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: Paulie_D on June 22, 2007, 09:58:05 AM

When (I"m thinking positive for you) you cash in your WSOP event I"m sure you"ll be pleased to know that Harrahs seem to have cleaned up their act on the ITIN tax front. It"s very dull and appears to involve several seemingly identical forms all being filled out in triplicate and triple checked, before a bit more form filling and some more checking - but the boredom is the only bad bit, it"s essentially easy and hassle free.


Jon, the LPM have a large group heading over to Vegas in a few weeks and, as we will all be playing reasonably large tourneys, I wondered how Harrah"s handled the ITIN situation. Did they get you to fill in the forms in the SAME property or did you have to go elsewhere as has been reported?
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: Bodddders on June 22, 2007, 14:16:19 PM
Sorry to be a killjoy James, but I can"t see what all the fuss is about!

So your in L.V. lovely weather I presume?

You play poker everyday in mostly well structured events with great prize money in superb surroundings.
You get to ogle scantily clad women while playing in said tourneys and drink free alcohol in the process.

Nope, its beyond me. Am I missing something?


















penny drops...   you lucky lucky lucky lucky lucky lucky lucky lucky lucky lucky lucky

Bas.....d!

Great read, keep playing as you are and I"m sure your cash soon.





Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: ThinkerJE on June 22, 2007, 14:42:04 PM
Thursday - $200 Pot Limit Hold em Poker Classic at Binion"s

Only 116 runners showed up which is  bit disappointing bearing in mind the no limit events attract over 300.  It seems the septics don"t get pot limit, anyway top 10 pay and first prize is just under $6k.

7,350at first break (starting chips 5,000).  Managed to do this without showing a single hand.  I simply cannot miss a flop.  Have hit 3 sets and managed to extract value bets each time.  J 10 in SB, flop A K Q, wow. I am surprised when my limp with 2 2 doesn"t turn into a set.  The only other move of note was with 5 limpers in front and me with A K on the button.  I put in a pot raise and take it down with no resistence.  Much more action thanthe no limit games.  I am simply paying solid at the moment and have a great table image.

2,800 at second break.  Big chips and loose play in front has lead to me only playing 3 hands during these 3 levels.  AA in early position, I raise and the BB calls.  Flop J 10 4 rainbow, check to me, I bet the pot, BB calls.  Turn J (do not like this card), check to me, I check behind.  River 8, BB thinks or a while before checking, I quickly check and he shows A 4.  Would have to fold to a big river bet there I think, happy to take it down and up over 8k now.  Cutoff raise with A J, BB calls, flop 10 9 7, BB bets out, have to release.  The key hand of the session was as follows.  Raise in early position with A K and BB (same guy as before) calls.  Flop 9 10 K (2 hearts).  BB checks, I bet the pot, he calls.  Turn 5 of hearts, BB bets out for most of my remaining chips.  I have to release and are down to 4k, dropping over halve my stack.  This is a major difference between pot limit nd no limit.  In no limit I could move all in on the flop and get him to lay down his flush draw (I assume he had a flush draw), but in pot limit you cannot do that, he may have called anyway as he was playing rather loose.  Cannot seem to get in first, lots of acton before me, the blinds go through me twice, trying to keep patient.  On the button with 2,800 when we go back, blinds 300-600, need to find a hand and commit to it and hope to double up.

Out 42nd after 3 hours an 40 minutes of play.  First hand back, blind pot raise on button with no action in front takes down the blinds.  Next hand no action again, find K J off in cutoff and a pot raise takes down the blinds again.  Up to 4,600 now.  Looking for a big handthat never came, had to fold in blinds and down to 3,700.  Always action before me so when on cutoff and all fold to me I see a King first card and decide it is good enough.  Pot raise, BB re raise, I call all in.  K 2 vs A 4 (spades), happy with 2 live cards until flop 3 spades and I am dead.

Played well again, hit some monster flops early on.  Needed to get paid more on those, perhaps I need to play them slower and risk the outdraw for more reward, something to ponder.

Pot limit really baffled the Americans.  They were constantly asking how much they can bet.  Another observation is that all bets tended to be pot size, when in no limit the player would have bet less.  Example, blinds 25-50, typical raise in no limt 150 (3x BB) but pot raise 175, so everyone was betting the pot, weird.

No limit again tomorrow at Binion"s, $100 Poker Classic, before the big one (for me) on Saturday at the Rio.

Quick aside, I love Video Poker, I am actually up on it this trip.  Had a few minutes to spare in Binion"s so put $5 in a jacks or better machine and turned it into $25 in 2 minutes.  Only problem is that Binion"s pay out in quarters, so I rattle everywhere I go now.  Earlier at the Circus, turned $20 into $45 playing Video Poker, and got comped in the process.  Already have enough points for breakfast already.  I may need it by the end of next week if the poker continues like this.

NO BAD BEATS - POT LIMIT IS NOT THAT DIFFERENT TO NO LIMIT, IS IT?

Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: ThinkerJE on June 22, 2007, 14:46:35 PM


So your in L.V. lovely weather I presume? [TICK]

You play poker everyday in mostly well structured events with great prize money in superb surroundings. [TICK]
You get to ogle scantily clad women while playing in said tourneys and drink free alcohol in the process. [BIG TICK]



Cheers mate, this place is simply fantastic.
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: nosey-p on June 22, 2007, 15:36:18 PM
Keep going I'm sure you will cash

What time (uk) does it start tomorrow (Saturday)  

Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: kinboshi on June 22, 2007, 16:33:58 PM

Pot limit really baffled the Americans.  They were constantly asking how much they can bet.  Another observation is that all bets tended to be pot size, when in no limit the player would have bet less.  Example, blinds 25-50, typical raise in no limt 150 (3x BB) but pot raise 175, so everyone was betting the pot, weird.


I"m going to bet....errrrr.....how much is in there......what would a good size bet be.......can"t work it out.....how much can I bet.......I know........POT!!!
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: Jon MW on June 22, 2007, 18:02:27 PM


When (I"m thinking positive for you) you cash in your WSOP event I"m sure you"ll be pleased to know that Harrahs seem to have cleaned up their act on the ITIN tax front. It"s very dull and appears to involve several seemingly identical forms all being filled out in triplicate and triple checked, before a bit more form filling and some more checking - but the boredom is the only bad bit, it"s essentially easy and hassle free.


Jon, the LPM have a large group heading over to Vegas in a few weeks and, as we will all be playing reasonably large tourneys, I wondered how Harrah"s handled the ITIN situation. Did they get you to fill in the forms in the SAME property or did you have to go elsewhere as has been reported?


Just over the hall from the main room - no hassle, just dull and time consuming.
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: RioRodent on June 23, 2007, 14:09:00 PM

No limit again tomorrow at Binion"s, $100 Poker Classic, before the big one (for me) on Saturday at the Rio.



I didn"t realise you were playing the $100 NL at Binions yesterday, or I would have looked out for you! How did you get on? I made between 110th and 120th, of the 574 runners... still a good way off of the money (54 paid), but I had a pretty good tournament.

I"m in the $1500 at the Rio today - Table 83, Seat 9 - if you see this before heding down there and you get the oppurtunity, say hello.

Good luck,
Alan
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: ThinkerJE on June 24, 2007, 22:35:06 PM
Friday - Binion"s Poker Classic $100 NLHE

Massive field of 574 runners turned up for this event creating a rather tasty prize pool.  However quantity does not mean quality as I was to find out.

3,200 at first break (starting chips 3,500).  The 300 drop does not tell the whole story.  This was one CRAZY table.  First hand no action to me on button who raise with KQ off, SB calls.  Flop A J 2 rainbow.  Blind check, continuation bet, call.  Blind check again, turn 10 (NUTS), bet then call.  Blind check again, river K (damm he probably has a queen), bet then call, straight beats 2 pair, up to 5,000.  Very loose table.  Limp in middle position with Q 10 clubs, flop Q 6 6, bet and call in front.  Decide I am ahead and will squeeze them by raising.  Initial bettor folds, calling station calls (he must have a 6 then).  Managed to check turn and river and he turns over Q 3!!!!!  River ace means chop chop, how the hell did he think his Q 3 was good???  One major mistake, loose player who bets every street raises pre flop and I call in position with 66.  Flop 10 7 4, he bets, I think my 6"s are good (put him on AQ or AJ) so call.  Turn 5, he bets again, my sixes still must be good so call.  River 5 he bets again, the 5 can"t have helped him and he had bet every street with ace high 3 hands before.  I back my read and call, he had KK and was miles ahead all the time.  BAD PLAY THIS.  Don"t mind calling the flop but should have folded the turn when he bet again.  The clues were there I just did not believe them.  A bad read and bad play and I am down to 1,500.  Need to double up now and find KK UTG.  With action pre flop every hand I limp hoping for a raise behind.  Right on cue, guy next to me min raises then button re raises, I move all in, button calls.  KK vs A8 (other guy folded AQ), flop A K 4, turn 5 river 4.  Double up.  Same loose guy raises into my BB, find 10 4 hearts and call.  This is reallt loose for me but I was playing the man and knew I would get paid if I hit the flop.  Flop 10 8 Q with 2 hearts (this is perfect).  I check, he bets, I move all in, insta fold.

Out in 525th after about 2 hours of play.  Couldn"t get going after the break, made a steal attemp in cutoff with A 10, BB moves in and I have to release.  Down to 1,900 (about 4M), need to get busy.  All folds to button who raises, I am SB and see an ace first card and move all in.  Button calls with AQ vs my A6, no help gone.  Not best pleased with my play today,  the 66 calling was so bad, and if I had kept those chips I ould have doubled them up when I had KK UTG.  Absolutely crazy table and very loose play, in fact the lowest standard of play I have seen in Vegas so far (not just from me aswell).

Having finished earlier than I had hoped I decide to head over to the Rio to register for the $1,500 event and so miss the queues tomorrow.  I have found a free shuttle bus from Ceasar"s so I don"t need to pay for cabs now (look after the cents and the dollars take care of themseleves).

Now I know I said that I thought the STT satellites did not suit my game, but I thought I would give them I more try.  I entered a $175 with 3 $500 tournanment chips & $120 cash to the wnner.  Without going into too much detail but suck out city, Q 10 vs K 5 river Q, 4 5 vs 8 9 flop 4, turn 4.  I managed to get heads up with 3,000 chips, chip leader had 7,000.  The blinds are 300-600 so we decide to chop, I get 1 chip, he gets 2 chips and we take $60 each.  So I won $560 for a $385 profit (wow a cash forgot what they were!!!).  The chip was used to buy into te 1,500 NLHE event on Saturday and I left the Rio feeling a bot better about things.

Got the shuttle back to Ceasar"s and as it was Friday the pu$$ycat casino was in full swing.  I was seduced by their "charms" and decided to hang around a bit.  I found a $1, $3 NLHE cash game in the poker room and bought in for $300.  Played well (my cash game play is improving all the time) and I was happy with my decisions, however a few river suck outs and some questionable play from my opponents meant that after 4 and a half hours I cashed out for $170, down $130 on the session.  It was now quite late and I needed to get back for some sleep before the big one tomorrow as it started at 12noon.

NO BAD BEATS - WSOP TOMORROW
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: ThinkerJE on June 24, 2007, 23:27:17 PM
Saturday - WSOP Event 38 $1,500 NLHE

I got to the Rio about 11am to check out where my table was and chill out before play started.  The queue to register was out of the door and down the corridor.  I think 2,776 runners started after alternates and so it was going to be tough and a long day to go deep in this.

1,975 at first break (starting chips 3,000).  No hands, only JJ in cutoff which I managed to win the blinds.  Trying to steal when I can but I have a very active table, action to my left and right.  No name players on it but solid play all round.  Blinds 100-200 when we go back so need to get busy soon, find a hand and commit to it and hope it holds.  I have been pleased with my patience, but it is frustrating not getting ant hands.  I need to keep my focus and double up to get back in it.

13,600 at second break.  MAD MAD MAD.  Had a rush of cards and managed to get chips.  I was down to 1,075 and got moved tables.  Juha Helppi was sitting opposite with a mountain of chips.  This guy is pure class, it was an education simply watching his play from the same table.  With my short stack I had to start getting funky, moving in when I had the chance to steal the blinds and give me another orbit to find a hand.  There was an even shorter stack to my right, it folds to him in the SB, he moves in I find AJ in BB and insta call.  AJ vs J7, back up to 3,000 and some breathing space (no much but some).  Find JJ in middle position, raise and get one caller.  Flop J 9 7, I bet halve my stack and he calls, river blank, I move all in and he folds.  Button raises, I find 66 in BB and call.  Flop J 6 2 (2 diamonds), I check, he bets about halve my stack, I move all in and he thinks for ages before folding.  A shoter stack move all in in middle position, I find AK on button and raise to protect my hand.  BB thinks before folding JJ face up.  AK vs A9 and best hand holds.  Very next hand and the last hand before the break.  Helppi rasies UTG and gets a call behind, I wake up with KK in the cutoff.  I re raise and Helppi calls (danger), other guy gets out of the way.  Flop Q 9 3 (2 spades).  Helppi checks and I don"t want to mess around with one of the best players in the world so I move all in.  Helppi thinks for ages, about 8 minutes into the break time.  He is staring me down and is very imtimidating, but I know I am ahead at this point.  he asks me if I have 1010, I reply saying something stupid, I should have kept quiet here as he probably used my response to get a read.  It is difficult as he put me under pressure and my instincts took over.  I asked him if he had AQ, he then said I could have AK, this went back and forth until he finally folds JJ face up.  I say nice laydown and muck my cards.  Helppi is world class, he is so intense and makes you sweat every decision he puts you to.

8,050 at third break.  Card dead again.  When I did raise I got called and the continuation bets were not gettong through.  I was down to 4,000 and short staked again.  All fold to the button who limps for 400.  I am the SB with 22 and move all in for 4,000.  BB folds, button calls 3,600 more with QJ off.  Flop Q 7 5 (damm damm and double damm) turn 7 (I will get my coat) river 2 (wow wow wow).  It was the case 2 aswell and another had been passed.  Back up to 8,000 but need to keep moving with blinds 300-600 with 75 ante.  Pleased with my concentration and focus, I feel I am playing well and if I double up I am back in it.  I need to keep my patience as the hour long levels allow plenty of time to find a hand.

12,325 at dinner break (30 minutes after last break).  Found AA UTG, I raise, shorter stack goes OTT with AK, AA holds.  Then find KK in SB.  All fold to button who limps again (he did this alot with all kinds of hands).  I raise as I am sure he will call, but he folds.  Take down the blinds and antes which are significant at this time and don"t want to see an ace on the flop.  540 players are left and I am back in this, I need to stay out of trouble and do nothing silly without getting too passive though.  Aggression is the key at this level of poker.

7,300 at next break.  Not much happened the last hour and a half.  Table was broken and moved to new table that included high stakes cash player Ryan Daut with a truckload of chips.  Raise with JJ no action, take blinds and antes to give me another orbit to find a monster.  Called 1,000 in BB with 87 spades (2 other callers).  Flop J high with 2 spades.  Check to raiser intending to move all in when it gets back to me.  However other caller beats me to it and I have to fold, the raiser passed.  Moved in in earlt position with AJ diamonds, no action.  I think my table image is solid and rock like which helps in stealing the blinds, the players behind will need a big big hand to call.  Blinds 600-1,200 with 100 ante when we go back, only 3M need to move soon.  On button 1st hand back and will move in with ATC if no action to me.  360 players left, 270 get paid, yet again need to double up to get back in it.

Out in about 310th (ish) after 11 hours and 40 minutes of short stacked grind and no cash (absolutely gutted).  Action before me every hand, could not get in first.  Had to fold hands I would have pushed with like 88, A5, AQ when there was action before me.  Final hand I was down to 4,400, finally all fold to me and i was thinking of pushing regardless in this situation, looked down to find 88.  I go all in and gut to my left calls, blinds get out of the way.  88 vs A7 (with 2 other aces passed) so I am big favourite.  Flop 9 7 2, turn 7 (killer, I feel sick), river blank and I am gone.  NO BAD BEATS - JUST REPORTING THE FACTS.  If the 8"s hold I would be up to 11,500 and in good shape to cash at least.  I tap the table say nice hand and slump away feeling very sick.  I get down after any tournament I get knocked out of but this was the WSOP and this is the worst I have felt ever (poker related).  On reflection I am very pleased with my play and concentration.  I don"t think I made any major mistakes and I did as well as I could.  The tabe I was at went crazy during this period.  It was very active and had some monster beats.  Raise by 99, called behind, flop 9 7 2, bet by set, all in holding QQ, insta call, river Q (sick sick).  Next hand raise by JJ, re raise by someone holding the half wilson, call.  Flop 7 4 2 turn 7 river 8 (sick sick sick).  I really enjoyed playing in the WSOP, the standard is on a different level but I feel I can compete at this level and did not do anything stupid.

I was really tired after the event, the long sessions of concentration really take it out of you, so I had a few beers and hit the sack.

NO BAD BEATS - BRING ON WSOP 2008
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: ThinkerJE on June 24, 2007, 23:32:48 PM
Sunday

Not going to play any tournaments today.  Going to chill this afternoon and then play some cash tonight.  Not sure what the schedule is like for the rest of the week.  Would like to play the Wynn tournament on Tuesday or Wednesday and maybe check out MGM Grand & the Venetian aswell.  The Binion"s events are all funny poker variations now (not hold em I mean), although there is a limit hold em event tomorrow I might play.

Hoped you enjoy the reports and thanks for your support.

Cheers

James.

Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: technolog on June 25, 2007, 00:33:13 AM
Unlucky James, just that bit of luck missing at the right times, otherwise you could have gone deep. Enjoying you"re reports greatly. How much longer are you there for?
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: MAIR on June 25, 2007, 07:36:13 AM
Superb reports James, love reading them.

Mary
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: nosey-p on June 25, 2007, 09:50:53 AM
Unlucky James, so close, keep it up I am sure you will go deep in one  
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: MJS on June 25, 2007, 10:38:58 AM
Unlucky mate.  I know it"s of little consolation but you should be pleased with your play.  I know it"s a terrible feeling being knocked out of a tourney, let alone the WSOP (I can only imagine).  Just keep doing what you"re doing and you will be rewarded soon I have no doubt.

Take it easy dude, see you at next friday"s home game?
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: RioRodent on June 25, 2007, 17:17:34 PM
That"s rough James... I remember how I felt last year after busting out of my first WSOP event, and that was afer only 3 hours! To have played all day and so close to the money is a sickener.

I was fortunate that I had a fairly healthy stack as the money approached, although unfortunate to have, at that point in time, the chip leader* on my right... he was just running over the table, as is absolutely right in the circumstances... he raised every pot and I, like most others at the table, folded like a little girl. :-)

I"m going to play the rush ;) re-invest $1000 and have a go in the Seniors Event today.

*John Kranyak, who is now on the FT
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: jacklevel06 on June 25, 2007, 17:24:53 PM
Finally found time to sit down and read your report"s from start to finsh.A great read it was.You didnt seem to do much wrong on the poker front ,but just went card dead at the wrong times.
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: APAT on June 25, 2007, 19:53:40 PM
All credit to you James, for going out to Las Vegas and giving it a real go and above all else for giving a very honest appraisal of your time over there, without colouring it with horrendous beat stories and wild expectations.  Enjoy your last few days.

Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: ThinkerJE on June 27, 2007, 03:39:14 AM
Still Sunday.

Chilling in the afternoon, taking in a few of the sights and trying to find some gifts or my Mom & sister.  I hate shopping and gift shopping is even worse.  Seemed to go through every gift shop in vegas and still didn"t find anything.  I figure I work better under pressure and so have decided to leave it till the last minute, so I hope to find something at the airport.

Funny story I thought I would share.  I was given $20 in free casino chips when I checked in.  Now I don"t play table games but figured I would have some fun with the free chips at the $3 blackjack table.  I took the last seat and had played for about 10 minutes when this gorgeous American lady approached and wanted to play.  The dealer informed her that you had to be seated in order to play.  I being the gentleman that I am offered my seat to her.  She was miffed with the dealer and told me to stay seated.  She then announced to the dealer that she was going to sit on my lap in order to play at the table, she would be seated afterall.  Again being the gentleman that I am, I complied with her wishes and I had this very attractive lady perched on my knee for the next half hour.  HOW GOOD IS VEGAS???  This sort of thing NEVER happens to me in Wolverhampton.  It turned out that what she had in looks was definitely making up for the lack of brains.  She came out with a couple of classics.  There was a guy next to me from Denmark, she asked him where that was, he said scandinavia (sorry about the spelling), she says "Is that near Texas???".  Another guy walked past with really bad sunburn, and she proceeded to tell the table about how dangerous it is and what factor sun cream he should use (he was way gone by now).  I asked her if she was a Doctor, she replied "Well sort of, I do facials".  She had the whole table in stitches but actually turned out to be rather annoying after about 30 minutes (and she had her own seat by now), so I left to play some cash poker.

I sat down at Circus Circus in the $1, $2 no limit game and it started off really slow.  I was neither up or down when this new player joined the table.  The dynamics changed instanly and the table got really loose and aggressive.  No cheap flops now, and every pot was raised, if not re rasied pre flop.  Now action is good, but you need to catch cards and hope they hold when you do.  To summarise I sat there for about 6 hours and did about $200 over the session.  I felt my play was good just could not hit a flop at the right time or find that monster to trap the manics with.  I have put this down to my experience as I am still a novice when it comes to cash play.  When I left I passed my favourite Video Poker machine on the way back to the room.  Now Video Poker is the only thing I am up on on this trip, so I thought a cheeky $20 would do no harm.  I managed to parlay this to $50 and cashed out and finally got some sleep about 4am.

NO BAD BEATS - GORGEOUS LADY ON MY LAP AND IT DIDN"T COST ME A DIME!!!
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: ThinkerJE on June 27, 2007, 04:22:27 AM
Monday

Got up about 1pm after the exploits of the night before.  Decided to check out the MGM Grand today, starting with the 6pm tournament then some cash play later on.

1,700 at first break (3,00 starting chips).  Very few hands, down to 1,700 after trying to see flops and not connecting.  Limped in middle position with 33, 6 callers, flop a set with 2 hearts.  A bet and a rasie in front so I move all in, sure to get at least one caller, but both fold.  Back up to 3,350 and did not want to see another heart.  A few hands later I raise with 77 and the button calls (with a mountain of chips in front of him) then the BB moves all in.  It is about halve my remaining stack to call, something I cannot do with the button behind, I pass.  Button calls with K9 off vs A10 off of the BB.  7 on the flop and I am not happy.  If the button had not called I would have called the BB, but with the chip mountain behind I could not call.  It was the correct decision I am sure of that (regardless of whether I would have won the hand or not).  It is frustrating as you need to get chips early in these tournanments before the blinds get cranked up and antes kick in.  Playing well, need to get busy when we go back.

Out in 60th after about two and a half hours of play.  Moved in a few time to steal blinds and give me time to find a monster.  Only 2,200 left, blinds 400-800 with 100 ante, found an ace and moved in.  2 callers, A2 (me) vs AJ vs 56, flop 789, and its goodnight from me.  Felt I played well yet again just could not get going.  How many times in these reports have I said that I am short and need to get busy?  Well alot and it makes me think I need to work on my early game and take some more calculated risks in order to build my stack and take the pressure off.  This is a part of my game I definitely need to work on.

After departing the tournament, I jumped staright into a $1, $2 no limit cash game.  Again I played tight early on to see what the table was like and where the action was.  Then over the next 5 hours I proceeded to have my a$$ handed to me and taught a lesson in cash poker.  There were some good players on the table and I was not happy with my play.  I played way too passive, limping into pots and calling raises with much rasisng and aggressive betting.  This was because of the cards partly but also the table was tough and multiple players were seeing the flop regulary.  So raising only suceeded in juicing the pot, which I did not want to do without a premium hand (I only got 1 over the entire session, more to follow).  I ended dropping $400 over the session with the majority of it (over $350) in the following 2 pots.  The first one was bad play by me.  There was a rasie in middle position and all fold to me in the SB.  I decide to smooth call the AK off (I should raise in this spot, either to take it down there or get it heads up against the initial raiser).  The BB calls and the flop is A 6 6 and I check, BB checks and the raiser bets.  I re raise and the BB goes all in.  Initial bettor gets out of the way and I go into the tank.  Now I am getting 3 to 1 ish for the call, but the BB must have a 6 right.  Looking back now it is an EASY fold, but I was stubborn and thought he may be making a move with a worse ace so I call and lose to 6 4 off.  2 mistakes in this hand 1) not re raising pre flop to get rid of 6 4 off & 2) not folding when he moves all in.  This errors are costly in a cash game.  The thing is I would fold like a shot in a tournament with all my chips on the line.  My cash game need to improve alot or I need to stick to tournaments.  The other hand that killed me was a few hours later.  I had re loaded and played even tighter waiting for a big hand and hoping to get paid.  I had $170 in front of me when there is a raise on the button.  All fold to me in BB and I wake up with KK.  I decide to trap and smooth call.  The flop is 2 5 9 rainbow and I check.  Button overbets the pot, I decide to move all in and get inst called with AA.  No help and I have done $400.  This collision was going to happen no matter how we played it, so I am not too disappointed, just in the fact you wait 5 hours for a big hand then someone has you dominated.  It is now obvoius on the way back to my room that my cash game cannot live up to vegas standards, not at 1-2, and since that is the lowest level I have decided not to play anymore cash on this trip.  I have a lot to learn about cash poker and need to play more online and put in the hours before venturing into a live game again.

I was very down at this point and sulking through the lobby at the MGM Grand.  My mood was lifted for a brief moment when this stunning "lady" asked where I was going and if she could come with me.  Then it clicked she was a "working girl" and I thanked her for the offer and declined.  This was very surprising.  I know that Vegas is more open to the oldest proffesion but to get approached in the lobby of the MGM Grand.  This is a bit different to porn vendors in the street and guys giving out call girl business cards on the sidewalk.

I got the bus back to Circus Circus and had the graveyard special (bit like an english fry up) in the 24 hour cafe.  Again great value for $4, eating in vegas is so cheap and the portions are massive.  I finally got to sleep about 4am, these early morning are becoming a habit, could be tricky come Friday for the flight home.

NO BAD BEATS - VERY VERY BAD CASH GAME PLAY THOUGH
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: ThinkerJE on June 27, 2007, 04:58:35 AM
Tuesday (today)

Get up about 1pm and decide that a day off poker might be in order.  I still feel very bad about my cash game play last night and think some time off is a good idea.  I decide to go to the Rio to catch up with the HORSE event and get some WSOP souveniors.

Get the shuttle bus to the Rio from Ceasar"s and head into the main tournament area.  Cue TV cameras and security everywhere.  There are 5 tables left in the HORSE event and it is like a who"s who"s of the poker world.  The spectators are 3 deep to watch and I managed to get round all of the tables over the next 2 hours and watched some of the greatest players on the planet.  Cue the name dropping;

Negraneu (complete with Pokerstars on every part of his body)
Tomko
Hellmuth (in classic hands over mouth pose)
Juanda
Hollink
Madasow (making a load of noise at the table)
Kaplan
Reese
Greenstein
Raymer
Deeb
Mercier (looking very fit in real life)

Also seen about the venue;

Lederer (in deep conversation with his sister)
Duke
Lindgren
Violette

It really is a pleasure and an education to watch these guys play live.  The way they conduct themselves at the table is an example to us all.  The way they take the ups and downs, the beats and the wins.  They are on a different level.  As it is a limit event the HORSE is like an endurance race over 5 days rather than the usual no limit sprint events.  This should ensure that the winner has played the best over the event, great in theory, however all these players are so good that it must come down to cards at the end of the day.  Reese was the only player I saw get knocked out whilst I was there and they play down to 24 tonight, before the final table on Thursday.  So in effect they are only half way through.  A true poker test, I get the feeling it is not about the money, this event is the pro"s world championship with bragging rights on the line. 

I then hit the WSOP shop and bashed the plastic by buying up WSOP gear.  Everything from a T shirt to a hoodie to a baseball cap to a deck of cards.  I wanted something to take back from the WSOP and might have gone over the top a bit.  I was such a tourist over those 15 minutes, buying anything with a WSOP logo on it.  I am so sad...

On the way back to the shuttle bus I spot a video poker machine and decide to try it out for $20.  I didn"t even release it was an aces or better machine (I normally play jacks or better), and so have to adjust my style when I don"t get paid for my pair of Kings.  Anyway about $4 in I get dealt 2 5 8 A 9 (2 spades, 2 diamonds and a heart).  I hold the ace and deal the cards.  To my amazement the deal comes A A A, so I have 4 aces!!!!  As I a playing the maximum credits (5x 25 cents) I get paid the bonus which is 4,000 tokens in total (OR $1,000 IN CASH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

WOW, I am stunned and just watch as the machine ticks through the 4,000 tokens one at the time.  An old guy next to me peers over and mutters something like "lucky bas****, I have been here all day and you have just sat down".  I cash out immediately and get the ticket exchanged for cash.  I get the bus back to the strip feeling a lot better about life.

So I am now up about $1,150 paying video poker on this trip (and that"s before taking comps into consideration).  Whereas I cannot get a poker cash for love nor money.  Life is strange, is it not...

It is now 8.50pm and I am just about to get changed and off out to Ceasar"s.  It is the last chance to catch the pu$$ycat dolls (hopefully will be able to sneak some photos for the boys) and I will probably play the 11pm tournament.  It will give me a chance to try out a new style and try to get chips early.  Don"t want to have a late night though as I plan to play the $300 deepstack event at the Wynn tomorrow and it starts at 12noon.

NO BAD BEATS - VIDEO POKER RULES!!!

Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: ThinkerJE on June 27, 2007, 05:02:02 AM

Unlucky James, just that bit of luck missing at the right times, otherwise you could have gone deep. Enjoying you"re reports greatly. How much longer are you there for?


Cheers Jack, thanks for the support.  I fly back to blighty on Friday morning so I hope for a cash before then.

Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: ThinkerJE on June 27, 2007, 05:03:57 AM

Superb reports James, love reading them.

Mary


Thank you Mary, glad you enjoy them and thanks for your support.  Not sure if we have met before but if not hopefully can meet at next APAT event.
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: ThinkerJE on June 27, 2007, 05:04:51 AM

Unlucky James, so close, keep it up I am sure you will go deep in one  


Thank you Mr P, see you at the next live event.
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: ThinkerJE on June 27, 2007, 05:06:06 AM

Unlucky mate.  I know it"s of little consolation but you should be pleased with your play.  I know it"s a terrible feeling being knocked out of a tourney, let alone the WSOP (I can only imagine).  Just keep doing what you"re doing and you will be rewarded soon I have no doubt.

Take it easy dude, see you at next friday"s home game?


Cheers mate.  I will be there on Friday, looking for 3 in a row.  Not been done before in Poker Home League history.
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: ThinkerJE on June 27, 2007, 05:07:51 AM

That"s rough James... I remember how I felt last year after busting out of my first WSOP event, and that was afer only 3 hours! To have played all day and so close to the money is a sickener.

I was fortunate that I had a fairly healthy stack as the money approached, although unfortunate to have, at that point in time, the chip leader* on my right... he was just running over the table, as is absolutely right in the circumstances... he raised every pot and I, like most others at the table, folded like a little girl. :-)

I"m going to play the rush ;) re-invest $1000 and have a go in the Seniors Event today.

*John Kranyak, who is now on the FT


Good luck in the seniors event.  And I must congratulate you again on a superb performance, to cash was a top achievement, the field was so tough.
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: ThinkerJE on June 27, 2007, 05:09:22 AM

Finally found time to sit down and read your report"s from start to finsh.A great read it was.You didnt seem to do much wrong on the poker front ,but just went card dead at the wrong times.


Cheers and thanks for your support.  Glad you enjoy the reports, I just tell it like it is.
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: ThinkerJE on June 27, 2007, 05:11:35 AM

All credit to you James, for going out to Las Vegas and giving it a real go and above all else for giving a very honest appraisal of your time over there, without colouring it with horrendous beat stories and wild expectations.  Enjoy your last few days.




Cheers Des, I will.  Although the poker has not gone so well the experience of Vegas has been unbelievable.  It is also great to have the forum to keep my blog on, that way I can look back in a few days/weeks/months/years and remind myself of a great two weeks.
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: RioRodent on June 27, 2007, 09:29:42 AM


That"s rough James... I remember how I felt last year after busting out of my first WSOP event, and that was afer only 3 hours! To have played all day and so close to the money is a sickener.

I was fortunate that I had a fairly healthy stack as the money approached, although unfortunate to have, at that point in time, the chip leader* on my right... he was just running over the table, as is absolutely right in the circumstances... he raised every pot and I, like most others at the table, folded like a little girl. :-)

I"m going to play the rush ;) re-invest $1000 and have a go in the Seniors Event today.

*John Kranyak, who is now on the FT


Good luck in the seniors event.  And I must congratulate you again on a superb performance, to cash was a top achievement, the field was so tough.


Unfortunately the seniors event went much the same way as last year, lasting about 3 1/2 hrs... but I did go out to horrible beat, 93% fav on flop... lose to runner, runner flush. But I did have the pleasur of playing with Men "The Master" for a couple of hours.

I may come up and play that $300 at Wynn, if I do I"ll try and find you.
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: Jon MW on June 27, 2007, 11:18:12 AM

...

Chilling in the afternoon, taking in a few of the sights and trying to find some gifts or my Mom & sister.  I hate shopping and gift shopping is even worse.  Seemed to go through every gift shop in vegas and still didn"t find anything.  I figure I work better under pressure and so have decided to leave it till the last minute, so I hope to find something at the airport....


If you have the time M&M World can"t be beaten for gifts, I had to buy a new bag for the way home because of this place. :)
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: ThinkerJE on June 27, 2007, 14:30:18 PM
Okay Wednesday morning (I think) now about 5.45am and I have just got back from Ceasar"s Palace.

Couldn"t get closs enough (without getting arrested) to the pu$$ycats to get a decent photo, but rest assured I can confirm that they were both gorgeous.  I made sure I stood there for a good half hour to report this.  Like I said I tell it like it is and will stop at nothing to report the facts.

Onto the 11pm tournament, in which I tried to be more aggressive and collect chips early to put myself in a better position for later in the tournament.

1,975 at first break (starting chips 2,500).  Played a lot more hands than normal, basically any wo when in position.  Had to release a few post flop when heavy betting took place.  Also picked up AA (no action) & JJ (again no action), made up with J2 in SB, flop J J K, managed to get a bet out of matey but he folded to my value bet on the end.  Yet again I need to double up to get back in it.

15,000 at second break.  25 left, top 9 pay.  Major hand was in SB (2 limpers) and I make up with 7 2 off (I know...), flop comes 7 2 10 with 2 spades.  There is a bet and a re rasie in front, I move all in and get called by K 10 (wow!!!!).  It holds and I am chipped up.  Also limped on button with 88, 1 earlier caller, SB moves all in, all fold, I call, 88 vs 55, flop 4 5 6 (damm), turn 8 (sick but good) river blank and more chips to me.

Soon after break, chip daddy moves all in UTG, I am next to act and wake up with KK.  I move all in, next matey thinks for ages before folding (he had QQ), SB folds with a smile (he had 1010), BB quickly gets out of way.  KK vs 66, kings holds and I am big chip leader with over 30,000 with 17 left.  Get moved to new table, button limps, I have 33 in SB and make up,  BB moves all in.  Button folds, I put him on 2 overs and getting 5 to 2 I call (doesn"t damage me too much if I lose).  33 vs AK, flop 4 5 6 turn 7 river K, straight wins and I am up to over 35k now, with 12 left.

BIG ERROR.  All fold to SB, where I have 5 8 of clubs, I raise to take it down now.  BB calls, and I immediately takes this as weakness and decide that on a non scary board I will get aggressive and move all in.  Flop come 10 10 2, I move in and get insta called (oops I say to the table), BB had A 10 (wow, and didn"t re raise???).  Anyway I managed to donk off over 20k in chips and I am now under pressure with only 8k left.  Managed to nick blinds and antes a couple of times to stay afloat, finally find AQ UTG and move in, called by BB with A4, no help, double up, just what was needed.

17,000 at next break with only 10 left.  Bubble time, hand for hand now, we have all pitched in $15 so that 10th gets his money back.  Bubble bursts and we are at the FINAL TABLE!!!

About 5th in chips going in, I am in good shape, however blinds and antes dictate play and very much all in or fold time.  Don"t get involved too much, happy to let others bust.  Down to 7 when I find A5 diamonds on button, I raise, SB moves all in for less than my raise.  A5 vs AQ, 5 on the flop send matey out in 7th.

No hands and action before me means I have to sit tight and the blinds are eating into my stack.  Down to 13,000 (blinds 1,000-2,0000 with 500 ante), I move all in with 8 10 of clubs on the button, SB calls with AJ.  No suckout and its goodnight from me.  I finished 5th for $592, no a bad return and my first final table in Vegas.

Felt I played well tonight and pleased with the new aggressive approach, will have to keep working on that.  The tournament took 5 hours and 50 minutes before I was knocked out but I am not tired at all.  Got the bus back to the hotel, and it is light.  Got an offer from yet another lady of the night (do I attract them or something???) which I quickly declined before getting back to post this update.

Not sure if I will make the Wynn today now, as it starts in 5 and a half hours time, and I have still not been to sleep yet.

Pleased with the final table and how I kept my composure after I made the big error and donked off 75% of my stack.  I dug in and played well here and managed to get myself back into the tournament.  The most satisfying part of the evening (if you don"t count the pus$$ycats..).

The final table is played on a special TV table at Ceasar"s.  It has a big plasma acreen above it, looking down on the table, just like ESPN.  I didn"t see the point as no one was watching anyway, so the cameras were just not needed.  It is Ceasar"s policy that all final tables are on TV.  I asked if I could have a DVD but they could not do it.

NO BAD BEATS - FINAL TABLE IN VEGAS
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: Bodddders on June 27, 2007, 14:59:18 PM
Fantastic James, just what your play has deserved.

Great reports its a shame you"ve only got a few days left.
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: nosey-p on June 27, 2007, 18:16:17 PM
A cash, get in, well played

I always lost at video poker, but you and Jon MW win you lucky lucky gits.

Have you gone to Vegas on your own?
   
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: ThinkerJE on June 28, 2007, 00:02:16 AM
Wenesday (afternoon Vegas time)

Woke up late so did not get to the Wynn.  Hopefully will make it tomorrow at 12noon.  Plan for today is chilling, beer, video poker and probably Ceasar"s again tonight to try and go back to back final tables.

My body clock is so messed up.  I have been going to bed at 6am Vegas time and getting up about 2pm.  If you translate this to GMT thats bed at 2pm and get up at 10pm.  I am going to struggle on Friday and definitely need to get some sleep on the plane, as I need to drive back from Surrey to Wolverhampton on Saturday morning.

Vegas is a place where time does not matter and days & weeks simply merge into one another.  Going back to normal life and work on Monday is going to be tough (trying not to think about it).
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: ThinkerJE on June 28, 2007, 00:03:42 AM

Fantastic James, just what your play has deserved.

Great reports its a shame you"ve only got a few days left.


Cheers mate, its been a great 2 weeks and I cannot wait to return.
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: ThinkerJE on June 28, 2007, 00:07:08 AM

A cash, get in, well played

I always lost at video poker, but you and Jon MW win you lucky lucky gits.

Have you gone to Vegas on your own?
   


Cheers Wayne, the video poker thing was a big big bonus (and very lucky).  I have been out here on my own, unfortunately the timing was bad for my mates who wanted to come.  Poker is a very individual, solitary thing anyway and being on my own has perhaps made me concentrate on it more.  They are enough distractions in Vegas already...
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: MJS on June 28, 2007, 12:31:24 PM
Dude,

Excellent news about your first final table.  I"m really pleased you"ve been rewarded for your good play.  Also glad to see you are being philosophical about the cash side.

How random was that video poker result???  I put it down to Karma mate.

Have you managed to get your mom and sister something yet?  You might want to think about not leaving it until the departure lounge as there really isn"t much there except more slots.  They"ve got some video poker as well...

Look forward to catching up when you get back mate.

Take it easy.
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: ThinkerJE on June 28, 2007, 23:02:47 PM
Wednesday - 11pm tournament at Ceasar"s Palace

112 runners and I am trying out my new aggressive get chipped up or go home style tonight.  However I don"t make the break and bit the dust the very last hand before it.  There is a raise in middle position and all fold to me in BB with Kc 8s.  I call (as is my new style), flop 10 8 2 (all clubs).  I am loving the flop and check to the raiser who bets, I move all in with my middle pair and 2nd nut flush draw, and get insta called.  Opps I must be in trouble, just a bit as matey has AJ of clubs and has flopped the nuts.  No miracle running 8"s and I am out after a hour of play.

I played a lot more hands (as is the new style), betting flops to take pots down when in position.  My chip stack was up and down more than a tart"s knickers, I guess that comes with the style.  A major hand when I did about 65% of my stack was when I had KK UTG and put in standard raise.  Button moves all in, I call, KK vs AK, ace on the flop and I am short stacked again.  The new aggressive style is fun to play, lots of action and involvement, I guess early exists are a part of it aswell.  I think I will stay with it for a while and try to find a balance between it and my old tight game.

NO BAD BEATS - I WASN"T SHORT STACKED AT FIRST BREAK, I WAS OUT...
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: ThinkerJE on June 28, 2007, 23:04:19 PM

Dude,

Excellent news about your first final table.  I"m really pleased you"ve been rewarded for your good play.  Also glad to see you are being philosophical about the cash side.

How random was that video poker result???  I put it down to Karma mate.

Have you managed to get your mom and sister something yet?  You might want to think about not leaving it until the departure lounge as there really isn"t much there except more slots.  They"ve got some video poker as well...

Look forward to catching up when you get back mate.

Take it easy.


Cheers mate.  Got the presents this am so sorted now.  Good news they have video poker at the airport, was worried I would have nothing to do.  Will see you next week at the home game.

Take it easy.

Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: ThinkerJE on June 28, 2007, 23:09:16 PM
Thursday

Nightmare, go up late again so had to rush to get to the Wynn for the 12 noon tournament.  Arrived there about five past to be old they were all sold out.  Damm, reallt wanted to play this one, as the structure is good and you start with 5k in chips.  Oh well, my own fault, it wasn"t even that late last night due to my early exit at Ceasar"s.  My sleep patterns are all over the shop at the moment, at times I feel great and then at other times I just fall asleep without warning.  Vegas does this to you.

Instead I headed to the largest gift shop in vegas and managed to get the remaining presents so I am all done now.  Off to chill by the pool for the rest of the afternoon then back to Ceasar"s again tonight to see if the new aggressive style can get me to the final table again.

Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: ThinkerJE on June 29, 2007, 09:02:52 AM
Thursday

Took a final trip to the Rio early this evening before heading to Ceasar"s for the 11pm tournament.  Managed to rail the limit omaha hi lo, down to 3 tables with Marcel Luske & John Juanda sitting next to each other.  Marcel had a mountain of chips and litterally played every hand whilst I watched for about 45 minutes.  Even though it is limit he was at his bullying best and was a joy to watch.  A great character of the game and a top player too.  Juanda is a lot more quiet and reserved but no less dangerous.  I sensed he was waiting on his medium stack for a chance to move in and double up.  Another top player.  The table broke when they got down to the last 27 (I have just seen on WSOP website that Juanda was knocked out in 10th and Marcel is chip leader on the final table, and will be big favourite to win the bracelet).  I then watched some of the HORSE final, which is worth seeing when its comes onto TV just for Freddy Deeb"s shirt.  He dressed with more restraint when I saw him on Tuesday so it must be for TV that the Magnum PI comes out (Freddy is in the final 3 with Hanson & Futoussi at the moment).  The HORSE final is difficult to view with the limit format and the different poker variations.  It will be interesting to see the TV coverage of the event.  I then headed back on the shuttle bus to Ceasar"s Palace for the 11pm tournament.

105 runners sat down and my new aggressive style led to my early exit in 102nd in only 30 minutes and before the end of level 1.  I managed to bluff off 60% of my stack with ace high on a queen high board.  I thought matey was week when he called my bluff on the flop and checked the turn.  So I fired again on the river and he made a good call after a semi long dwell with pocket 10s.  I am now short and raise in early position with AQ off (I want action), BB calls.  The flop is jack high all diamonds and it is checked to me, I smell a trap and check along.  A fourth diamond on the turn and I now have given up on the hand.  Check check again and the blank on the river induces a small bet from BB.  I muck instantly and know he had a big diamond, he may hae even flopped the flush.  Now I am really short (800 in chips with 50-100 blinds) and need to double up soon.  With 1 limper before me I find 99 in SB.  I make up hoping for action behind or a non paint board in which I can get busy.  BB raises and limper calls, I move all in and the BB calls, limper folds.  99 vs AK (excellent, off to the races with dead money to juice the pot), flop 10 J Q and its goodnight Vienna.  I played way too fast and loose tonight.  I need to find a middle ground or a mix of styles that allows for calculated risks and better chip management.  Busting out before the end of level 1 is stupid and something I must learn from.  It had the end of term feel to the tournament tonight, being the last one in Vegas on this trip.  I had also had a very relaxing few hours in the sun so perhaps was not as switched on as I should have been.

Headed back to the hotel to pack for the flight to blighty tomorrow.  Also have the live audio of the HORSE final (3 left at moment, this may take some time to finish).

NO BAD BEATS - NEED TO GET PAST LEVEL ONE TO WIN ANY TOURNAMENT
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: ThinkerJE on June 29, 2007, 09:07:37 AM
FRIDAY

Flight to Gatwick leaves at 4pm ish (I think) Vegas time and need to check out by 11am.  So that is basically it, the end of my Vegas experience.  Its been a great time, lots to think about and improve on.  I will post a full review when I get back to England and have had time to reflect on the past 2 weeks.

Just wanted to say thanks for all your support and kind words.  I hope you have enjoyed the reports and my view of Las Vegas.

Cheers

James.

Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: Bodddders on June 29, 2007, 09:48:09 AM
Great stuff James really enjoyed your reports over the last two weeks.

Fair play on changing your style the last few days, I think your right about finding a middle ground. I used to go out of a lot of MTT just before the money as the blinds started to bite. Now I have the attitude that i"d rather go out well before the bubble than on the bubble and therefore try to get aggressive a bit further out. Sometimes it works and other times you crash and burn. The upside is the times I"m successful I tend to go a bit deeper and finish in decent money (sometimes!)

Thanks again for the reports.

Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: nosey-p on June 29, 2007, 11:25:35 AM
Just like to say thank you for a good read. The first thing I do when I get to work is first get a cuppa then chat to the good looking girl in the office, ignore the ugly one. Then check the forum for information of the next event (COME ON DES WE NEED A UPDATE) then it's on to this thread. Cannot wait for your end of trip report. By the way while it"s been 100 plus in Vegas I have been up to my waist in water in Rotherham      
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: ThinkerJE on July 01, 2007, 15:11:07 PM
Friday - Vegas Airport

Some random thoughts I scribbled down during the wait for take off.

Burger King for lunch.  Do you know what they call a double bacon cheeseburger in the US?  Its called a Triple Decker.  Good job they have pictures or I would not have spotted it.  Unlimited soda (that"s pop to us English) refills aswell, managed 2 but could not take any more.

Duty Free - Got some perfume for my Mum and some fags for my Sister, they give you a number (like a raffle ticket) and you collect from the departure gate.  This is probably normal but I have not seen it before so it felt wierd.

Suitcase was too heavy at 24 kilos but they let me on without any additional charge.  It was only 19 kilos on the way here, so I have 5 kilos of new stuff going back with me.

Video Poker still rules - managed to win $200 at the airport when I hit 5 of a kind whilst playing dueces wild.

No alot else to do at the airport, seems strange as this is Las Vegas and I was expecting so much more.

Saturday - Gatwick

Flight was delayed taking off and took an hour longer than it should have.  Managed to get a few hours sleep but still very tired on landing at about 12noon.  Got back to my car and it would not start.  Electrics I think, tried it again, still no good, third time lucky and it turns over.  Don"t want to stall it as it may not start again.  I finally leave about 1.30pm and despite traffic on M25 I managed to get back to Wolverhampton about 4.30pm.  After unpacking I sit down with a cuppa to watch some TV.  Next thing I know I awake to find it is 11pm.  Still very tired I head up the wooden hills to bedfordshire to continue my recovery.
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: MAIR on July 01, 2007, 15:36:29 PM
Excellent read James, I look forward to your full review.  I was in Dublin, not sure if you were there, possibly passed each other lol.  Look forward to meeting you at the next live event.

Take care, hope your body clock gets back to UK time soon and you can feel more yourself.


Mary
xx
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: nosey-p on July 01, 2007, 20:12:32 PM
It tuck me over a week to get my body clock back
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: technolog on July 02, 2007, 00:47:07 AM
Welcome home JE!

Was it just the suitcase that was heavier on its return?  ::)
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: kinboshi on July 02, 2007, 12:30:25 PM
Great stuff James.  I think everyone reading your updates are jealous and wish we"d been out there.

You can tell us all about it at the next APAT event.  When I say tell us all about it, I mean show us the photos of the girls at Caesar"s.
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: hi_am_chris on July 02, 2007, 16:25:43 PM
Or was it that the extra weight in his suitcase was down to sneaking home one of the girls from ceasers to bring to the next apat event to show ?? :)
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: kinboshi on July 02, 2007, 16:39:21 PM

Or was it that the extra weight in his suitcase was down to sneaking home one of the girls from ceasers to bring to the next apat event to show ?? :)


I think he might fancy the odd facial.  That could be related to the heavier suitcase ???
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: APAT on July 07, 2007, 19:57:31 PM
Welcome back after your Vegas exploits James and good luck tonight!

Cheers,

Des.
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: ThinkerJE on July 08, 2007, 11:53:28 AM
Ok.  Sorry for the delay in posting my review of the trip to Vegas.  I think that being on a plane for 12 hours is not good for you as I came down with a horrible flu like thing on Tuesday last week.  This meant I was laid up in bed for 3 days and therefore offline.  Anyway I feel a lot better now and so can post my final thoughts on Las Vegas 2007.

All in all I had a fantastic 2 weeks.  Las Vegas was everything I was expecting and a whole lot more.  Financially it was not the best time I have had.  Without going into too much detail I spent $3,300 over the 2 weeks.  This includes all tournament buy ins, cash game losses, video poker wins and all other expenses.  This was well within my budget I had for the trip and I am not too worried about it.

Poker wise I think the trip went okay.  I have definitely learnt a lot about my game, playing everyday makes you think about your play and how you should do things differently.  The standard of play is also a lot higher in Vegas in general.  There are always not so good (but very lucky) players everywhere, but in Vegas there are so many very good players in every poker room.  That said, I felt I was able to play to their level and that I have the skills to compete with them.

I was pleased with my tournament play.  Apart from a couple of mistakes I think I played top poker throughout the trip.  I was especially pleased with my play at the Rio in the WSOP event.  I kept patient and did not do anything stupid and backed myself when I thought I had the best hand.  The highlight of the whole 2 weeks was my encounter with Juha Helppi when he had JJ against my KK.  This was my first taste of what world class poker is like and I would like to experience more like this in the future.  I also was able to evaluate my tournament play and decided I needed to experiment more in order to gain chips early.  This is something I will continue to work on in preparation for next years WSOP.

I was handed a lesson in cash game poker.  I think by winning $200 in my first session I was lured into a false sense of security.  In subsequent sessions I proceeded to play too passively and make some bad calls.  It is wierd because I would never play like this in a tournament.  I must improve my cash game play online and put in the hours before venturing into a live cash game again.  This is an area of my game that definitely needs to improve.

Video poker, now that was a massive bonus.  I had no intention of playing it before I went out to Vegas and discovered it by accident really.  However it was the only part of the trip that made a profit.  It was good fun, you get to drink free beer and get comped as you play.  I used it as a way to chill out after playing poker all day and got very lucky by hitting 4 aces.  It appeals to me so much more than slots, I just don"t get them at all.

Vegas as a place is simply outstanding.  There is so much to do, even if you are not a degenerate gambler like me.  It is true that you don"t know what time of day it is, and it doesn"t matter as the place is all action 24/7 anyway.  The WSOP was an experience like no other.  Non poker people will not get why this place is so special, but you simply must go and play in it if you can.  It is the Olympics, World Cup & Gold Cup of Poker.  There is an atmosphere about the place and watching you poker heros & idols walk past you in the hall is the strangest feeling at first.  Then it becomes the norm as they are everywhere.

In conclusion I had the best 2 weeks I have had for a long time.  I definitely intend to go to Vegas again.  Next years WSOP is high on the agenda, however I may make another trip before then, if the bankroll can withstand it.  I also enjoyed keeping this blog and posting regular updates.  I have read it back a few times now and will serve as a permanent record of my first trip to Vegas.  I hope you all have enjoyed my reports aswell.

So thats it.  My last update.  Thank you all for your kind support and replies.  See you all at the next APAT event (whenever & wherever that is - hint hint Des).

Cheers

James

NO BAD BEATS - LAS VEGAS = MAGNIFICANT
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: ThinkerJE on July 08, 2007, 12:07:04 PM

Welcome home JE!

Was it just the suitcase that was heavier on its return?  ::)


I actually lost a few pounds Jack (or was that dollars...)
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: ThinkerJE on July 08, 2007, 12:15:10 PM

Great stuff James.  I think everyone reading your updates are jealous and wish we"d been out there.

You can tell us all about it at the next APAT event.  When I say tell us all about it, I mean show us the photos of the girls at Caesar"s.


I may have video footage...
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: nosey-p on July 08, 2007, 12:20:15 PM
It's been a great reed


Getting chips early is a big debate do you risk going out in the first couple of levels or do you wait until you get blinded away? When you do push with you're A J off you always get call with some one playing K 4 who always hit the K. It's some think I need to think about as well as it's always the latter for me.      

Catch up with you at the next event (when ever that is, come on DES)

Don't forget those photos
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: RioRodent on July 08, 2007, 16:06:53 PM

... The standard of play is also a lot higher in Vegas in general.  There are always not so good (but very lucky) players everywhere, but in Vegas there are so many very good players in every poker room.  That said, I felt I was able to play to their level and that I have the skills to compete with them...

... I was handed a lesson in cash game poker.  I think by winning $200 in my first session I was lured into a false sense of security.  In subsequent sessions I proceeded to play too passively and make some bad calls.  It is wierd because I would never play like this in a tournament.  I must improve my cash game play online and put in the hours before venturing into a live cash game again.  This is an area of my game that definitely needs to improve...



James,

Glad to hear that the overall eperience was a positive one and that you"re chomping at the bit to return... I must get around to writing a summary of my trip also!

It has been interesting reading your reports and comparing them to my experiences of my first trip last year. A similar sense of wonderment is apparent!!

Re: Cash games... I"m suprised that you felt the standard was high in Vegas, my impression, after two visits now, is that it partcularly low at the $1/$2 NL tables. Yes, there will be one or two at the table who know what they"re doing, but I"ve always found they are outnumbered by people who really have no idea.

My strategy is to sit tight for the first orbit or two and try to identify the fish and the mood of the table. If it"s pretty passive then try to see as many cheap flops as possible with any two "pretty" cards, you will throw most of them away on the flop but when you do hit a flop hard you will get paid. When you do get AA raise big, no 3xBB raises here, make it $20... it might be the only hand you"ve raised for two hours but you will still get one or two callers, maybe even a re-raise!

If I find I have a hyper-aggressive serial raiser at the table then I take one of two options... either sit tight and play proper ABC poker with premium hands (boring), or (more likely) move to another table / room - there is always another game somewhere.

Oh, and when you have the nuts the "value bet" is always all-in... I am totally mystified by some of the weak hands you will get called with. And even if you only get called one in three or four times it is still value.

I really don"t think that playing online cash will be that good as preparation for the live cash in Vegas. I think that even $0.25/$0.50 NL online is a much higher standard and played totally differently to the $1/$2 live games.

I"m certainly no cash game expert, but I find this works for me.

Good luck with future trips over there.
Cheers,
Alan
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: Bodddders on July 08, 2007, 18:10:00 PM
Great stuff once again James, ever thought of journalism as a career.

I hope to travel over to sin city as soon as the bank manager will let me, I guess its a place thats not worth doing on the cheap.

Hope to say hello at the next Apat event.
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: ukdannyb on December 27, 2007, 14:48:23 PM
Really enjoyed your posts James, I"m now longing for my next trip again!

I agree with RioRodent about the cash play in Vegas though, seemed to be full of calling stations when I was at the tables (only $1/$2).
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: B1GSL1CK on December 29, 2007, 04:16:31 AM
JAMES,WHILST YOU ARE THERE CHECK OUT THE VENETIAN POKER ROOM,
VERY NICE!!STAYED THERE MAY LAST YEAR.THE BEST TOURNEY I PLAYED
WAS THE DEEPSTACK AT THE WYNN,GOOD STRUCTURE AND REASONABLE
BUY-IN (ABOUT $400).THE BUFFET AT THE MGM IS SECOND TO NONE AND
IF YOU LIKE THE BARS THE BAR AT TIMES SQUARE INSIDE NEWYORK NEWYORK
IS A GREAT PLACE TO START THE EVENING.THE ONLY GAURANTEED THING ABOUT VEGAS IS THAT AS SOON AS YOU GET HOME YOU WILL START SAVING TO GET
BACK THERE AS SOON AS YOU CAN!!!

ENJOY.
Title: Re: ThinkerJE takes a trip to Vegas
Post by: ThinkerJE on January 14, 2008, 22:41:50 PM
bump...