Just Poker in Las Vegas

After playing tour-guide for 3 days, Flynn was on his own. There were four poker sessions in a day and a half, and it was awesome. Well, mostly awesome. Here goes:

Room #1 Harrah’s Poker Room ~ Not a good experience.

The first afternoon was spent at the Harrah’s poker room. As usual, we at the Chronicle were underwhelmed by the room itself. The slight ‘meh’ factor was increased tenfold when Flynn was seated next to a female human who had been playing for well over 20 hours, was drunk, called everyone ‘baby’, and took forever to act on each hand. She knew how to play poker alright, it took about fifteen seconds to figure out her ‘tells’ if you were able to overlook her obnoxiousness. Her attempt to befriend Flynn was unsuccessful ~ Flynn ain’t got time for that bull. About 30 minutes after arriving, she switched seats to be next to her male “friend” (status unknown). She didn’t change her style of play, but at one point began berating him for calling her all-in (obvious bluff) raise when he felted her ~ to the point of getting up and storming away from the table. This OC was very swingy, she rebought the max, ran it up eventually, continued to annoy everyone at the table and was just plain rude. The point at which she began talking smack about a player she had just felted and driven off was the point at which Flynn left. Now here is the problem: the room did nothing about it. The dealers didn’t try to diffuse or correct her behavior, and the floor did nothing. Flynn cashed out (did not lose a dime to her) at the same time as another player, both reported her behavior to the floor, citing her as the reason for leaving. Floor apologized. 4 hours later, when Flynn walked by through, she was still there. Sigh.

Room #2 ~ Mirage Poker Room ~ Excellent experience

Yes, Flynn walked off with a small win, but that is not the reason we are rating it high. The poker room has always been clean, free of smoke, and full of both casual low-stakes tourists and regulars. The staff are friendly and accommodating. Flynn has met a lot of very interesting people there, including a muckity-muck for the SF Giants, cattle barons (last post from here), and this trip a professional boxer and her coach.

Layla and her coach, Louie, were playing at our table. Turns out, she is a Very Cool Woman: humble and friendly. Flynn and the ed. are so glad to have made their acquaintance, and will of course now be following her career. Go Layla!

Room #3 ~ Aria Poker Room ~ super-duper

Early the next morning Flynn hoofed it two or twenty miles to the Aria for two reasons: 1st was to cash out some football bets from the previous days and make some last minute bets for that day’s games (Sunday). Arrived at 9:30 am, and the line was out the door. No worries, the staff there are tip-top, and had us through in no time. While in line, called in and got on list for a 1/3 NLHE seat. It was ready when we made the loooong trek around the corner to the poker room which was our 2nd and most important reason for being there.

It was fairly empty when we sat down, the table was a short-handed, but that did not last long, maybe 30 minutes. 9.5 hours later when Flynn left, the place was packed to the gills. If there was one complaint about the Aria poker room (a stretch to complain), it is that the tables are too close together. This is likely because the chairs are too big and comfy.

The character at this table, early on, was a very aggressive, angry man. If he was forced to fold a hand his cards hit the table with force. Heaven forbid an opponent outplayed him (yes, several times) ~ the head shaking and comments to his girlfriend behind him were prolific. Dude ~ this is 1/3, give the giant pre-flop raises a rest ~ 10-8 suited is not a good hand. He sat at our table for about an hour or so (when he wasn’t bouncing up for something or another), before moving to 2/5. Yeah, probably a better choice for someone who just lost 2 buy-ins at 1/3. Any live poker player who has been around for more that 6 months has seen the type for which Flynn has coined a new name : Angro . Flynn expects full credit.

The entire day was spent otherwise having a nice time at Aria: had some food delivered and made a little dough. The game never got crazy although we have seen that happen there in the past. Well past dark Flynn headed back to the room ~ another 20 mile trek.

Room #4: The Flamingo Poker Room ~ zzzzzzzz

Wouldn’t you know it, those darned squirrels caught Flynn’s attention as he was headed home from the Aria. The poker room is right there inside the south door, and oh so very easy to get to. There was also a seat available. You know what happens next: nothing. The game was downright boring. The cards didn’t come, there was no conversation, and each hand was an exercise in patience as it took the other players forever to act. The only characters at the table were a couple of men from Germany who pretended not to speak English. Since I think Flynn has played with them before, it is highly doubtful. Flynn donked off a small amount out of sheer frustration, and left after an hour.

So, dearest readers, that is what there is to report. Clearly there will be lots and lots more, as Flynn carries on his adventures both with poker and (soon) with adult beverages.

Fin

Flynn