TJ Plays a Ton of Poker in Vegas for WSOP! ...And Occasionally Eats
I started a new job a month before the World Series in 2022, so being the new guy I wasn’t able to make the annual pilgrimage to Vegas like I did in 2021 and 2019. Since that point, I’ve been saving my money, NOT taking a vacation, and banking all my PTO to make it a LEGENDARY trip for 2023. I’ll be in town for SEVENTEEN DAYS, June 2 - 19, going solo, with the goal of playing some WSOP events, and as much poker as possible!
When I’m in Vegas, I don’t go to shows. I burn too easily, so I don’t lay by the pool. I’ve never set foot in a spa in my life. I’m celebrating two years sober this month (!), so I don’t do clubs, edibles, or getting wasted on free cocktails (...well, “any more.”) If I’m in town with friends, or teaching casino newbies, I’ll dabble in craps, blackjack, and pai gow… but if I’m playing on money I worked for, with the goal of bringing home more than I brought, I stick to games I can beat. This live-blog/trip report will be heavy on poker content, so as always, I invite strategy discussion.
Vegas is truly a world-class food city if you know where to look. I have several favorite Vegas restaurants I’ll be hitting, and some new places I’m going to try, all inspired by years of lurking in the casual dining thread. It’s much easier to cross places off the list while traveling solo, but it’s also fun to share meals with friends. Like many of you that are still here, I’ve posted on this site for a long time. I could be down to meet up for a meal if you’re in town, shoot me a PM.
I’m staying at a 1 bedroom studio condo in the Arts district, from AirBnB. When you’re staying as long as I am, it doesn’t make economic sense to stay at even the budget options on the strip, let alone resorts. I got my place after all fees for about $81/night. No resort fee, full-sized fridge, kitchen, and a washer/dryer! I don’t plan on doing much in the room besides showering and sleeping, and there’s food options within walking distance. I won’t have a car, which means I won’t have to pay for parking anywhere, and will get around taking Uber everywhere.
The poker bankroll will start at $7k. I’ll be playing 1-3 and 2-5, as well as a handful of low-buyin WSOP events, and possibly some of the daily events around town. If I go busto, I have access to more in the bank, but the plan is not to go busto. I won’t be playing higher than 2-5, so I don’t need to travel with more. My budget for food and Uber for the 17 days is $2.5k, and that’s separate from the bankroll.
Next, poker!
