I went this weekend and had a nice time.
There are hotels about 15 mins away that are 80-$100/night.
I played in the $80 MTT Sat. night.
I lasted about 2 hours until level 6.
Got busted out by someone who hit a set on runner/runner!
I played another MTT the next morning for $60.
Busted out pretty quickly. A few bad beats and you're done.
I used the "start to think shove at 20BB" mentality.
I also played $200 worth of a cash game, was down to $75,
but then walked away with $400+ after a large hand where I made a good call.
So, I covered both my MTT fees and filled up my gas tank.
Playing live sure is different. It seems to play faster. And if the dealer is sloppy, sometimes, you don't immed. know it's your turn.
Another key difference is that you don't know how much is in the pot. Live, you need to start tracking about how much is in there for value bets and calling .
I had a nice time, but don't plan to visit too often with the 2.5 hour drive. If there was a local casino, I think I'd play live from time to time. Probably for the best, as
gambling is a sick sick vice that can truly F with you.