Vegas Poker Advice

Question by zcorrell0326 Posted
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7 Comments

Last time I was in Vegas was 2010, and I only played a couple tournaments. I'm going back in April. I was wondering, what are some things I should consider when choosing a poker room to play in? Can someone give me the basics about comps, promotions, bad beat jackpots, soft/hard competition, drinks, atmosphere, etc.? I don't necessarily need your opinion, I just need some basics so I can research what would fit me the best, but feel free to add an opinion too!

Comments

  1. Lol you basically ask to tell you everything about Vegas poker... kinda hard to help without knowing what you are looking for. For a start check out the room reviews.

  2. Some real basics.

    Comps/promos/bad beat jackpots -- They not only vary by room, but individual rooms will change promotions from time to time to draw different crowds or try to boost the traffic in the room. So, what is running now, might not be running in April. The individual room pages are the best bet for current info on these. I'm generally not a big fan of freerolls, because they encourage people to sit and log hours and I can't always make the tournaments. Most bad beats are really hard to hit, so I don't typically concern myself with them. Also, there are a few rooms that don't do any jackpots -- Aria, Wynn, Venetian, and Caesar's Palace (as of about a week ago).

    Soft/hard competition -- Again this is going to vary. Generally, Friday and Saturday nights are the softest, but you can run into a really ugly table even then. Also, rooms that offer higher limits (e.g., a $2-5 or 5-10 no limit) will sometimes have really good games at their lowest limit. However, at other times these same games will be packed with regulars waiting for a bigger game to start or a seat to open at their preferred game. So you need to be aware of who is at the table and how they are playing.

    Atmosphere -- I've generally been comfortable at most rooms (from Venetian. Aria, and Bellagio, all the way down to The Orleans, El Cortez, and the old Sahara room), so I guess that means I'm not that picky; to me a poker table is a poker table.

    Drinks -- They are free in Vegas (not true in some places I've played), and generally poker rooms have a decent selection of standard beers, alcohol, and soft drinks. Some people like specific energy drinks and rooms typically only offer 1 brand and really high end booze may or may not be available in a given room.

    Dave

  3. Keep it simple. Head to the Venetian. Play some tight ABC poker at the 1/2 tables and you will have a great time.

  4. @Dap Poker Orleans is a good room. Never been to El Cortez. Will have to try it.

  5. @chzwiz007 - As I said, I've been comfy in Orleans and it is a decent room, but the casino and poker tables/chairs are showing some wear. Plus, there are some grumpy locals there and it does have a bad rep for that. As a result, most people don't find the atmosphere in that room very appealing. As far as El Cortez they closed the poker room early this year.

  6. @Dap Poker I am telling you....for a tourist looking for decent action...great table service...decent comp rates ....great dealers...you just cannot beat the Venetian... and BONUS!....they have the best sports book in Vegas right by the poker room!

  7. Hi all and sorry for my average english, I'm french :-) A quick answer to add a foreign point of view, from someone playing regularly both on the web and french casinos... I just comment below parameters that seams to be important for me in Vegas to choose the PR to play in (been there a couple of time, will be in Vegas in 3 weeks once again) :

    COMPETITION : to consider depending of our own (believed) level. The competition level is clearly different from place to place. Bellagio, Aria, Wynn and Venetian for instance appear to be strong places to play at middle level blinds. Contrary to Luxor, Ballys, Excalibur or Monte Carlo for example...
    The moment of the day is a huge level to play too. After something like 11 pm, spirits and awareness are ... lower... Thanks to too long sessions and free Alcohol :-)

    ROOM QUALITY / COMFORT : well known that's important to feel rather good to well play! Pleasure is a part of any game. Personnaly I feel good at Monte Carlo, Mirage or Luxor for small PR, and at the Venitian for bigger one.

    COMPS : 2$ per hour at Luxor or Venetian is obviously an advantage, comparatively to 1$ anywhere else... It does make sense if you play a lot and during long sessions.

    BLINDS : often forgotten but decisive for sure. For a beginner or recreative player, its probably appreciable to be allow to play at 0,5/1 blinds level... If I remember well The Linq (previously the Quad) and Treasure Island purpose it. Bills Gambling Hall is closed now...

    Good luck and see you perhaps soon around the table ;-)