I respectfully disagree. Yes there are times when cards go cold and no number of rabbits feet or leprechauns could change that. However, the game is not about playing the cards, but about playing the people (good cliche right?). It is a skill game, one that requires mental dexterity and toughness as well as the know-how to determine what your percentages (chances) are of winning a hand.

Yes, I play a lot.... well a lot less than I used to in college. Paid for some school with poker, specifically hold 'em. Frankly, this is why I only sit down live for hold 'em when I got to a casino by myself. If I'm with friends or family I'll play a different game (usually craps) because I get quite competitive playing hold 'em .

There are several ways tournaments could be setup, as previously mentioned. One other way of doing it for freeze outs or re-buy tournaments is an initial buy in plus a fee that goes to the house (i.e. 40+10) this way everyone knows how much money the casino is making up front and knows exactly what the rest of the field has the opportunity to win. Either way, I completely agree that you should most definitely tip your dealer. If you are playing an open table (non-tournament) you can tip after every hand or every other hand and in a tournament yes, if you win you should definitely tip the dealer after all is said and done (and not just the winner should tip, but all of the top finishers should tip something)

Can't wait for this, as it should be a great experience for those who haven't played much tournament poker and an even better experience to get to know everyone who will be sitting down. Can't wait.