Vegas Trip

I really enjoy playing at the Flamingo. I like the Excalibur too. I used to love the MGM but had an awful time there last month.

For tourneys, I like the Excalibur and the Sahara. They're both kind of divey but I like them that way.

Caesar's Palace has a great room and I think they have Noon and 7 PM tourneys for $70.

In the back of Card Player magazine they have listings for all the tourneys in Vegas and elsewhere. You should try that.

Thanks guys I must admit that I never even thought about the flamingo. Any other tips like were the best buffays are.

Okay, may I add a question on to this one?

I'm also going to Vegas (not my first time visiting but...) and it will be my first time to play in a no limit tournament. I'd like to play in the $60 range tournaments as well.

Here's my question, how early must I get there to register to get in one of these?

Thanks for any clarification on that.
Peter

Peter,
Most tournaments open up registration about 2 hours before the scheduled start time. For Caesar's, I would recommend at least an hour before hand, as the line gets to be quite long.

Your only real option for on the weekend for a decent tournament close to your specified price range is going to be at the Orleans at 7pm on Friday and Saturday. Buy in is $105 total ($60 buy in, one $40 rebuy, $5 dealer add on). Sunday tourney is at noon, $80 ($75 buy in, $5 add on, no re-buy) total.

I know, I know it's not on the strip.

But be forewarned that playing the tourneys at Sahara or Flamingo is just gambling in a crap shoot, as the structure makes for an all in shove fest. You are better off gambling on craps or blackjack, as you wont have to fade as high a vig as the entry fee will be in relation to the prize pool.

If you are willing to spend more money for WAY more play check out Binion's at 8pm for $200 (Fri, Sat, Sun), or the Hilton at 1pm for $170 on Saturday (about the same as the Orleans as far as structure).

Please, please, please, do not waste your poker money on -EV crapshoots.
Say "NO!" to bad structure!

I understand that the higher the limit the better the structure and the better the experience but still. If I play $100-$200 tourneys if I loose 1 or 2 then I am sitting there for a day or two broke and bored besides one thing I may have failed to mention is that my friends also want to play a few, but they only have $100-$200 to spend if that. So those aren't realistic right now. Rest assured that I prefer those tourneys, but it’s all relative to time and bank.

Though it may sound bad if it is bad as you say I may just have to switch to blackjack. I was thinking if I have the money I would like to play 3 hands at $10 a piece. The only thing that holds me back is I have heard it is very difficult to find tables were you may surrender is that true?

If you are on a $200 bankroll you don't have enough to play one hand of $10 blackjack, never mind three (you should sit down w. at least 30 min. bets at a blackjack table).

I suggest you play a cash game and try to earn the $60 to play in the Orleans tourney; you could cover the re-buy, if necessary, and the $5 add on out of your original $200.

p.s. note that in all but the highest limit blackjack games dealers hit soft 17 (gives the house approx. .222% more advantage). You should know that there are a few modifications to basic strategy that you should take because of that:
1. Surrender 88 vs dealer 11 (where available)
2, double 11 vs ace
3. stand on any 16 made up of more than two cards.

Also, please refuse to play any game, no matter how good the other rules, where blackjack pays 6:5 (vs. the usual 3:2).

Say "NO!" to gambling with out the edge!

Good luck !