Arrived 10 pm 5/3. I play a monthly low limit game with friends, but never tried my hand at a live cash game or tournament.

Was a bit uneasy on arrival jumping into a poker game, so went to my old friend Black Jack. Down $500 before 9AM the 5/4.

Decided to try the 11AM $65 tournament at MGM. Heard good reports from a monthly player at home as well a reports/reviews here. Enjoyed it emensely. Started getting anted out and got a bit loose at the end, but made it into the top 25 out of 70+.

Trekked over to Excaliber to try some 1/3 NL. Bought in at max and played tight. 2 hours later I cashed out with $725. Decided to crash for a few hours sleep. After refueling on a nice steak went back to Excaliber. Dropped $200 in about an hour on a bad call to flopped flush. More sleep was in order.

With a 4PM flight out the next day decided to renew and try again early AM. Returned to Excaliber about 8AM for another $200 buy. Played tight and patient. I only played 1-2 hands per hour due to the hight quantity of unsuited non connector non faced carded hands I saw. Caught a hand or two and was up to $400 by 11:30, then the mother load hits. Pocket cowboys with a late position. Left of dealer has been playing all night with a nice stack. Lets me bet the pot pre-flop with several calls. Flop comes Kd, Qd, xd. I make good bet to check for a flush, chashing all but the on but only get called. Turn comes 10s. I bet double my flop bet and get re-raised big. I push all in. Heads up call from AK. River is junk. Total pot ended up $1045.

Stunned I cashed out a VERY HAPPY first time poker player.

All in all a great trip. I don't think I'll ever play BJ or Craps again!

Thanks for the advice columns and reviews. Hope you weren't just sucker punchin' this ole doggie.

Boomer! Sooner!