I play 7 card but with the holdem craze you can not find many games anymore.

Checked into the Aladdin July 4th. They had no 7 card so I walked to the Bellagio but the only table was 20/40 didn't want to blow the bankroll the first day.

Went to the Monte Carlo which I liked the last time in town {3 years ago} but they didn't have any 7 card so I played 1-2 limit holdem. I have seen the game on tv but have never played a live or online game. They play one 2 dollar blind at this casino. Played 1 hour just to get a feel for the game lost maybe 10 bucks but realized you must play a higher limit game to make any money. Monte Carlo card room was nice and small with good dealers. Drink service was good also.

The next morning I went to the Aladdin poker room were I was staying and again no 7 card. I saw the morning holdem tournament started at 10 am so I paid the 40 dollars. They give coffee, buns, muffins and donuts before the morning tournaments. I got a couple of muffins for my kids and took them to my room since it was an hour before the start.

Told my wife and kids I would likely see them by 10:15. Went down at 9:45 total of 100 players so I said to myself there goes 40 bucks but at least I can say I played. At the start they give you 1500 chips and the blinds are 50 and 100. Played tight because I didn't want to be the first out at my table. It is intimidating to look at 10 full tables and realize 90 of them have to lose for you to make the final one. The level of players varied, some knew the ropes and others had to be explained the betting and blinds. I wasn't too sure about the betting structure but figured it out without making any goofs that would have tipped me off as a first time player.

First to go at my table was a nice woman. I was surprised when she was replaced at the table by a new player. As a player is lost, alternates pay the 40 dollars and are seated. This went on for 30 minutes at least. I thought this was unfair, if you are low on chips and then a new player comes in with 1500. Didn't really catch many good hands but knew you had to play when the blinds went to 100 and 200. Couple of times went to below 500 but stuck it to the first break.

Dealers were very good no mistakes noted and kept the action going. Sat down at the start of the 2nd session with about 1500. At this point you should be aware of the other players at the table and the chip amounts. Try to pick on the low stacks and be wary of the large ones, they can X you out. Looked at the time and it was 12pm and maybe half the players left and I decided to push some pots to gain chips. When a 5000 chip is pushed your way it is a very good feeling. Kept playing very well, turned around and saw only 3 tables left! Had 8000 chips at this point.

Break time and blinds at 500 and 1000. Walked around and called the family and told them I'm still in and they said they passed by and saw me looking very focused and didn't want to bother me. Didn't really get great hands but when I went all in managed to hold on. During the tournament be prepared to go all in many times so you need some luck. At the next break we were given new seat assignments so only 2 tables left and lower chips are taken out of game. for the first time I thought I could make the final table. I had 15000 chips which was about the medium for my table.

Now you must play with one eye on the other table to see the drop outs because they come fast. Low stacks are slow playing to see if movement is taking place on the other table. the low stacks are like sitting ducks now with the blinds at 800 and 1600. Eleven are left now and I know I'm making the final table. 1 quick out and the final table is set. I'm in my glory with 30000. I'm maybe 5th or 6th.

Before play starts, I suggest the tenth player gets at least their 40 buy in back instead of nothing and the rest of the table agrees. If you made it this far, you deserve it instead of nothing. First hand i get pocket aces. I ask the table now we did agree the first one out gets paid right and go all in. Everyone goes out and I flip the aces over. The table goes crazy and says nice slick comment before I went all in.

The low stacks are blinded out with bad hands. I get one out with a 8 high to his 6 high no pair. At this point I play too tight because I'm 3rd stack and 7 are left. Muck 45 before flop and 45 come out. I could have deep sixed 2 players. Soon 3 are left but the damage is done. I have 15000 and the 2 others are about even with 40000 to 50000. One of the players is a young beautiful girl who really is playing good. I go all in because I will be blinded out before long and she sees me. I catch a pair on the flop and the only card she needs on the river is an 8 for a gut shot straight. Of course it comes out on the river and I'm 3rd. I collect my $340 and call the family to celebrate.

Later in the day I see the same girl at the final table at the later tournament and congratulate her on her play. She said she chopped with the other player to split 1400. I feel good I made it the final 3 with a really good player. My family wanted me to try again but I didn't. If I busted out early my fantasy would be gone.

The Aladdin has a jackpot pay out but the board is hidden behind the column. One guy said he had 4 sixes but mucked his cards after he won the pot and didn't see the sign. room is about 15 tables but fill up for the tournaments with one 1 2 no limit and one 3 6 limit limit left over.

Drink service is poor during the tournaments but okay when there are none going on. Management is very nice. I wish the tables were flat and the card dealers always break down and interfere with the deal.

Played 3 6 limit a couple of times later in the week and lost about 100 over 5 sessions. Some dealers made mistakes like flipping cards over or losing track of betting.

One drunk idiot got mad because I was going to check raise him. I guess he was mad he donated 400 to the table by raising without looking at his cards so many times. The lip on the table is annoying, its nice to line up your chips but the cards are too far out on the table.

Thanks to the other posters before me!