A Mouse Goes to Vegas
It's been 12 years since I've played poker in Vegas. A world away, a global pandemic, and more than a decade without visiting our Mecca to pay proper tribute to the poker gods.
Seasons turn. I find myself once again at the felt on a grinder's schedule, what feels like full time. And let me tell you, sometimes it feels like a grind. But the thing about having your shoulder to the grind stone is that it attunes you to the subtle vibrations, the riffle of the cards, the clicking of the chips. And in those whispers you hear the siren song across the miles, echoing faintly over every table for those who can hear it. May creeps along and The Series is calling. Who am I to disregard it? So I find myself in the belly of a metal bird, bound for a familiar place, but an unknown fate.
In five hours this bird will deliver me to Vegas, and I will tell you the tale as we seek a fortune together.
21 Replies
It's been 12 years since I've played poker in Vegas. A world away, a global pandemic, and more than a decade without visiting our Mecca to pay proper tribute to the poker gods. Seasons turn. I find myself once again at the felt on a grinder's schedule, what feels like full time. And let me tell you, sometimes it feels like a grind. But the thing about having your shoulder to t
Great setup! I'm in to follow along! Have a great time!
nice write up there, best poetry I've ever read from a mouse
GLGL
In for this!!! Good luck!
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I hope you find the cheese that you are seeking.
"God darnit, Mr. Lamarr, you use your tongue prettier than a twenty dollar whore."
I'm in!
In, nice intro!
My flight was direct and on time, but that's about all I can say for it. Stuck in a middle seat that reclined approximately 4 inches with my feet jammed around a full backpack for the five hour flight was... Not great. I got some very fitful sleep in between neck cramps.
At high noon, I stepped out the airport doors into dry air and warm sunshine. Less than twenty five minutes later I was already dealt my first bad beat: up all night then traveling all morning, I just wanted to get my room, a shower, and a nap. But Caesar's believes strongly in guest hospitality, so to check in a mere 4 hrs early it's a $45 charge... More than I'm paying on average for each full night of my stay (before tallying the dreaded resort fees of course).
We're standing on principle here, so instead I check my bag (grumpily accepting the fact they've also manufactured an tipping event when my bags will get delivered later) and wander over to investigate the WSOP room layout and geography. Everything is quite spread out and the signage is poor, given how hard casinos are to navigate. I'm sure after learning the layout it will get easier. At first it is anything but simple. I probably spent 20-30 minutes wandering to different areas figuring out where games were running, where cash was playing, where the main cage & player service area was. The problem with the signs that list different different rooms is they don't include information to navigate between those areas or even orient yourself on the map.
However, I will report that some of the main rooms are great looking and the vibes are humming. Even early in the day on a Monday with next to no players around the atmosphere held it's breath waiting for the excitement to start. The appointment is impressive, the tables have shufflers, and for the number of chairs they're working with, the seating is pretty impressive - not quite dedicated poker room quality but with roller wheels and adjustable heights, they're way above the metal framed, fixed leg conference chairs I was expecting.
Rake info is hard to find so I'll relate it here: raked games all appear to be 10% up to $6 and time games are $10 per half hour. A bit steep on the time IMO.
With four hours to kill , my available selection of games was 1/3 & 2/5 hold'em (2/5 was just opening), 1/2/5 Big O, several levels of 5 card PLO, double board bomb pot PLO (not sure stakes or # cards), and some mixed games at 20/40 and maybe higher. I got on the 2/5 and Big O lists and wandered off to find some chips and ask about safe deposit boxes. (The safe deposit boxes were a bust: they are a $500 flat rental fee for the entire series, plus a refundable additional $500 deposit. Boooo.)
I got called first for the new 2/5 table and we were off to the races. Stay tuned for the next episode!
However, I will report that some of the main rooms are great looking and the vibes are humming. Even early in the day on a Monday with next to no players around the atmosphere held it's breath waiting for the excitement to start. The appointment is impressive, the tables have shufflers, and for the number of chairs they're working with, the seating is pretty impressive - not qu
That's the cash area, the tournament chairs, etc are certainly not that nice.
[QUOTE=pig4bill;59316905]That's the cash area, the tournament chairs, etc are certainly not that nice.[/QUOTE
Ah, thanks for the clarification!
First session at the tables began at 2/5 when they called the first game of the day:
I was getting myself set, sorting through my travel gear and trying to reorganize the pack to a more poker focused orientation. I flatted ATo IP after MP threw 15 in and another player in EP came along for the flop of 754r. When it checked to me, I decided I had a green light to grab this pot and stabbed. Only EP called and the turn brought the 6 for a 4-liner. Major mistake: as I was screwing with my gear I had missed that EP was not the opener and in fact was the big blind. I double barrelled the turn expecting a give up from big overs or even an overpair like tens. Another call. River pairs the board and I bet nearly pot, but he flicks in the one chip call with 34o for bottom pair + the bottom end ... Yep. My bad. Also, before I left I told another friend side games during the series feel like they play one level lower than they really are. I don't make that bluff at 1/3, and I should have listened to my own advice and passed in this case for the same reason. Two mistakes, but at least we know what they are and it's an easy correction.
No further meaningful hands came up before I got called for Big O and took that seat. A lot of very bad Big O players came through the table and left without chips quickly. Sadly, I ran into a couple bad spots (big draw that was nearly neutral EV which bricked and got 3-outered on a river to get scooped) and also left without most of my chips.
Session result: -1413
Session lesson: It's a value world at the Series, baby. Bluffers are just losing in it.
By this time, I was running on less than 3 hours sleep in more than 24 hours, plus travel fatigue, and no food since 4:30a Eastern, so when 4:00 p.m. rolled around, I made a tactical retreat to go find my mouse hole then maybe some cheese.
In a second beat dealt by my hospitable hosts at Caesar's, the no early check-in policy means that at 4:00 p.m. the check-in line is massive. Probably 30 people waiting, and only two clerks working the desk. I stood in that queue slightly aggravated and moderately dazed, resigned to the wait. Had I been sharper, I might have recognized the second, automated self check-in line further down the counter. But then, that also may have just cost me further frustration, since when I got to the desk, the charges were wrong and had to be corrected anyway. After about 30 minutes in line and at the counter, I was finally granted a room key and headed for the hills.
The room I have to say is very decent, and huge. Also, it's got a mini fridge, which is huge as well for a grinder given the food challenge mid strip. In the room I called down for my bag, and started reorganizing the backpack while I waited. The bellhop showed up quickly and my luggage was intact. I still had at least a little juice left in the tank, so I prioritized eating over immediate shower and sleep, and headed back out the door to try to find the legendary steak deal at Ellis Island. Once more into the heat, dear friends.
At this point, I need to tell you something about mice. We get a bad rap. People are always tossing us into mazes and telling us to go find the cheese. Then, because we spend so much time in mazes, people think we like them. We don't. But we deal with them, and we do it so often we get pretty good at it.
There's rumored to be a back exit from the Horseshoe that lets out just a block or two from Ellis Island. Very convenient for getting to that steak. Finding the best exit however, is not so simple. Suffice to say I spent about 40 minutes wandering the labyrinth and bowels of this containment facility. On the downside, I ran into a lot of dead ends. On the upside, I located the monorail station, the pool, the fitness center, and the nearest exit to Ellis Island. And now that I know the route, it's a tight 8.5 minute walk from my hotel room door to the front door at Ellis Island.
Spoiler: the nearest exit is not nearly as near as it should be given the architecture and geography - part of the reason I spent all that time looking for a better one. It is in fact in the basement food court between Ben and Jerry's and Johnny Rocket's, for your reference.
Stay tuned for the next episode: trying to get the steak deal at Ellis Island!
I haven't been for a few years, so YMMV. When I was there last, back at the far-eastern end there were doors to the outside. Maybe not one block, but close to Ellis Island. Lots of people using that area as a way to get outside for a smoke, so you could reenter there if they're about. But, I don't believe they were normally entries.
IOW, turn right out of the WSOP area and continue to the end of that hall.
Pretty sure the food court area is as close to Ellis Island as you can get from the Horseshoe. I'm interested in learning otherwise, as I will be staying at EI (again) in a couple of weeks.
And now that I know the route, it's a tight 8.5 minute walk from my hotel room door to the front door at Ellis Island.Spoiler: the nearest exit is not nearly as near as it should be given the architecture and geography - part of the reason I spent all that time looking for a better one. It is in fact in the basement food court between Ben and Jerry's and Johnny Rocket's, for yo
Pretty sure the food court area is as close to Ellis Island as you can get from the Horseshoe. I'm interested in learning otherwise, as I will be staying at EI (again) in a couple of weeks.
Me as well, Staying at Horseshoe but likely eating most meals at Ellis Island. Are you saying to take the escalators down to where the food court and sports book is/was? I haven't stayed there since it was Ballys pre-pandemic.
Whatever happened to the Jai Alai area? Did that have indoor access from Horseshoe/MGM Grand?
Me as well, Staying at Horseshoe but likely eating most meals at Ellis Island. Are you saying to take the escalators down to where the food court and sports book is/was? I haven't stayed there since it was Ballys pre-pandemic.
Yes, down the escalator to the food court. I recall some shops and maybe a bar between the casino and food court as well. It seemed like the quickest door-to-door from EI to HS when I was there last year. First thing (10 or 11am or earlier) in the morning wasn't too bad. I did it once at 3 or 4 in the afternoon and swore not to do that again. 100+ is no joke, and I'm saying that as a near lifelong Phoenix resident.
Thanks Az. When you said 100+ at 3-4pm, I thought you were talking about the number of people waiting to get down the escalators. 😆
I'm no stranger to 100+ temperatures, but that was my younger days when it didn't bother me. Great advice, I'll heed the warning.
Yes, down the escalator to the food court. I recall some shops and maybe a bar between the casino and food court as well. It seemed like the quickest door-to-door from EI to HS when I was there last year. First thing (10 or 11am or earlier) in the morning wasn't too bad. I did it once at 3 or 4 in the afternoon and swore not to do that again. 100+ is no joke, and I'm sayin
This is the way.
On to Ellis Island!
Without boring you with the details of two separate trips, much confusion, a little frustration, and a conversation with a slot manager, here are the details you need on the promos and specials:
Promos - to get the promos, take your players card to a promo kiosk. Click into the promos menu and activate the promos by punching them. There is a $3 off the steak special promo instantly available. There are several further promos including a play $5, get $2 off special you can get as well. When you get both the $3 and the Play 5 get $2 promos, now you have $5 towards your steak special. Play $5 through any machine before you go to the kiosk to activate the Play 5 promos. Once you put $5 through a machine, you activate all of the Play 5 promos at once. Once you have activated the promos at the kiosk, it registers to your player account. When you go to pay the bill, hand the server your player card. They will swipe it, and any promos applicable will automatically come off your tab.
Now let's get to the good stuff.
Specials at the Village Pub:
Go to the rear left area of the casino to find the venue.
The legendary steak special - The steak special is not listed on the menu. You May have to request it, or your server may ask you if you want it. You do.
Now, this is not a fine steak. It's a cut from the top which is neither tender nor marbled. But it is a genuine sizable slab of beef cooked ACTUALLY to your requested temperature and accompanied by garlic butter green beans and your choice of potato for (potentially) $9.99, so we're not going to look a gift cow in the mouth. The list price is $14.99 and there are up to $5 worth of promos you can get to reduce it.
The graveyard specials - Okay, this whole menu is smashing value. The headliner is $8.99 steak and eggs, but the $6.99 1/2 lb Angus burger w fries and the $6.99 pancake special with two eggs, two sausages, and a slice of bacon are also standout value. I'll also add that this steak is an 8 oz New York strip, so it resembles wondering you might call tender and delicious, a better cut than the standard steak special by far.
All of these are listed right on the menu, and no promos are needed. The catch is that it's only served between 11p-6a. Peep full deets below:
I’ve heard so much about the steak special at Ellis Island, thanks for posting the details!
Trip looks great so far, have fun and win piles!
Get the blackened rib-eye at Ellis Island was something I have in my memory from a previous TR. Not sure if that's still available or not. I'll find out in a couple of weeks.
