It was recently suggested by emforce to have a tourney during the June CAA meet next year. While not on the Crossfires Across America agenda and thus not being planned, it is a good idea given the location of the hotel.

Pending the results of this poll (it will remain open for a number of months), I will be happy to engage my POC (point of contact) at Harrah's to see if they would be interested or able to set up (to include sponsor etc.) a tourney. If they are interested, one or more of you gamblers will have to step up and work with the hotel.

Personally, outside of getting this poll started, I'm staying out of this and unless the GCG wants to form another committee, I don't believe we will partake...other than maybe playing.

Good luck and be thinking about which of you are willing to take this on.

 

Erzer,

If we can get enough interest in this 25+ people. This could be a lot of fun. I am down for any amount of buy-in...

Let's get this together.

 

I see where it could be a good activity for those of you who like to gamble and those of who like to watch. We'll just have to see what happens with the poll.

 

For those of you that have played Texas Hold'em only on-line or watched it on TV - but have been hesitant to play at a casino with strangers this may be your chance to play with friends (old and new).

It is gambling , but in a tournament (as opposed to a cash game) the only thing you are risking is your "buy in" (which can be as low as $40 to ?).
This casino typically holds Texas Hold'em No Limit Freeze out tournaments- which means when your chips are gone you are watching. The tournament chips have no real value - you may get 1500 in chips, but you get these with the entry fee/buy in. Typically the top 10% finishers get something with the top finisher getting the most and the bottom of the 10% getting his/her entry fee back (maybe plus a couple bucks). You are allowed to drink and even eat while you play (no smoking though in the poker room - just outside the room), you can walk out to go to the WC or smoke anytime you want and your hand is just folded if you are not there. Normally there is plenty of light banter and kidding around - and as people are "knocked out" tables are adjusted to equalize the number of people at tables, and sometimes tables are "broken up" which means a table is closed and people are distributed to the other remaining tables- which (if you last awhile) will give everyone a chance to meet and banter with other players (Crossfire owners) that they may or may not know.
As far as the "pot" - it is made of of everyones entry fee minus a few bucks to the casino for service. (usually the winners also tip the dealer another 10% of their winnings or so).
As a side note - anyone that has watched the WSOP over the last couple of years - this is the casino where Dennis Phillips won his seat in the WSOP final event last year (finished 3rd - 4.5 million) , and this year he finished 45th (like $140,000 or so).
If anyone would like to add or correct that is fine- if anyone would like to ask a question - I will do my best. This game is like 80% luck - as an example - I had a full house today (aces over nines) beat on the river by a nine which gave the other guy quad nines - SOOO - everyone can play and have a very good chance to last or even win- but that is not the point really - it is just fun and a way for people to get to know each other.

Later,
Emforce

 

I watch WSOP occasionally and everything you mention is on track with what I've seen. Doesn't make me any less

 

Just make believe you are Phil Helmuth and will do fine - no worries mate.

Emforce

 

Would rather be Doyle Brunson

 

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.

 

I don't see much in the way of disagreement here. Experienced players can say they play the other players (Tells, betting patterns, etc.) - But I do feel the luck of the cards and/or the draw is more important - avoid the bad luck and wait for some good luck to come your way and even the most inexperienced player can kick major butt- I have seen this many times. We are trying to get inexperienced players to play so let's not scare them away- LOL.
As far as THIS casino - they never do rebuys or add-ons. So it keeps it simple and straightforward for the newer players and cannot lose more than the buy-in. Not much interest yet - perhaps you have some member friends that might like to vote in the poll??

emforce

 

That would work too, although you are much too young to be Texas Dolly. I am sure he is in his 80's.

 

I was just thinking - go figure huh. This casino has tournaments every day at 1pm and at 7pm. The 1pm tournys are cheap - 40 on mon, tues, weds, and 60 on thurs and Fri. The 7 pm tourneys are a bit more expensive - with most weekdays being 60 except Thurs being 160. These amounts can and do change throughout the year. So if we do not have enough interest for a "private" tourament- no reason we can't just join in a casino tournament. I guess we wait and see what the "interest" is. I am not sure if there are any openings on the CAA schedule - and maybe a bit early to ask as I know the guys are working hard to keep us busy with many events through the week. Just a thought.

emforce

 

If schedules sync I'm in.

 

I know we are in the middle of the holiday season for many people, so when you all have time, please provide your vote to this.

 

My wife wanted to join and then vote (with a bit of arm twisting - although she is a very good player)- unfortuneatly the secret invisable phrase did not show up at all - so.. let me know if anyone else has reported this glich - thanks (and thanks for your little push).

Emforce

 

Join what, the forum or other? If the forum, I can only suggest she get with one of the administrators. Good luck.

 

yeah the forum and then vote on the poker - figured I'd give it a couple days and see whats up.

regards,
Shawn

//

 

I find it funny that this thread can have 277 views but only 11 votes. Even with an "on the fence" option.

 

they will vote as the time gets closer...and like everyone else stated, I would be in as long as it doesn't interfere with the other activities already planned...

 

I agree. With the holiday season upon us, many people are preoccupied. I anticipate we will start to get more interest in this and the meet sometime in Jan.

 

The forum seems to be getting a little more active so I figured a bump is in order.