Table Tango

The Stardust is going down. A big wrecking ball lies in its future. Demolition begins in the first quarter of 2007 to make way for Boyd Gaming’s ‘Echelon Place’ development. There you have it. That’s one way to quash a den of thieves…ok…ok…I’m just kidding about the den of thieves. But isn’t that what we’ve all heard for years? The Stardust poker games were crooked as hell and the dealers and everyone were in on it? That’s what I heard. Is it true? Umnhhh! I wouldn’t know. It’s ingrained into everyone that’s an ‘old school’ poker playerthat has played in and around Vegas over the years. (more…)

The Pan Game Plays The Venetian - Continued

*Post continued*

Marie and I were seated in separate games but a seat opened in her game and we were side by side within a few minutes. Nicholas called and would meet us in the poker room. Viv arrived and got into another $3-6 and on the transfer list for our table. When seats opened up in our game, we just went to our buddy/buddette and told them to move over. We didn’t even go through the proper poker room channels because THERE ARE NONE! (more…)

What a ton of fun. If I could only put together a batch of poker hands that made playing enjoyable, it would be even more fun. Hey…let me whine for a moment. I’m sick to death of looking at 9-4 as the first hand dealt to me when I sit down to a new session. And then waiting for all of its disfigured cousins and distant relatives like 8-2, 6-3, 4-5, and more, to make their appearance and make sure that I know they are in the deck before I ever begin to find a playable hand. I did raise once with “THE HAMMER” suited in Diamonds and managed to make two pair. (more…)

The Pan Game Plays Sam’s Town, 5.15.2006

This is the first time that we’ve had an event on my side of town. The norm is that I pick up Marie, on my way to wherever we are going, and this time we decided she would pick me up. I had even toyed with walking since it’s just a skip from where I live. We arrived, found ‘call ahead’ parking, and headed into the room right at 6 PM. Of course we were the first ones there. (more…)

My first thought for our ‘meet and beat each other at cards’ was The Mirage. Then it dawned on me that a big tournament is running at The Mirage and we’d never even find a space to put our name on the list, let alone play together in a poker game. I picked Red Rock Station. It’s the newest venture of the ‘Station Casinos’ in Vegas and it looks like a GIANT hit. It’s situated right at 215 and Charleston. Easy on and off for those that are traveling from around the Valley. I have no idea what/where the main entrance is, Marie and I entered from the East Parking Garage (not to worry, I didn’t park on any of the floors, just went straight to the top so I didn’t have to worry about height requirements). Perhaps we were at the main entrance, perhaps not, but this is the eye grabber when you enter from that section: (more…)

Marie’s pick was Treasure Island for our weekly ‘meet and try to beat each other’s brains out’ as we visit and enjoy each other’s company. It was also her pick for Sunday night instead of Saturday due to some football game here in Vegas that she HAD to go see. Fine! No one objected, as a matter of fact a few people thought we should do it on Sunday every week instead of Saturday. That’s pretty much fine with me too. (more…)

A phone conversation with Sylvia Hart (working buddette and good friend), brought the decision of meeting at The Gold Coast. I sent out the usual emails after finally getting semi-settled in the coach on Friday night, the 7th. I called Marie on Saturday and found that she was going to be playing at the Mirage and I would pick her up on my way. Wayne is back in Maryland visiting family. I called Mark AKA Kram - he was being a tourist somewhere in Las Vegas…I have no idea what that means but don’t let me start guessing, the possibilities are endless. I left a phone message for Amy - but no call/no show on her and Greg. I think Chad Patterson has left the fold…he just bought a house and still works at MGM but he never responds so… (more…)