Arrived in Vegas Sunday morning 10 Apr and decided to jump right in with our first tournament. We cruised over to the Flamingo and found the 6 pm tourney. almost sold out, but we got in. Not a bad set up. Sat down and found the players were all friendly and willing to chat with other players and have a good time. No rebuys, clean tables, quick drinks and fast play. Since this was my first time playing in Vegas, out of all the places I played, this was my favorite.

Since we stayed at the Gold Coast, day two we decided to play there. Although no where near as good as Flamingo, I still liked playing there. Cheap to get in, decent size room, and drinks came when you needed one. The bad things were the rebuys, and they allowed alternates to sit in after the game started. If someone got knocked out, they would sit an alternate player, good for the prize pool, bad if you short stacked. I say, once the game starts, play. Not a bad place to play. Friendly players, decent game.

Now the UGLY, Imperial Palace! Stay away unless you live there. Straight up, it is a hustle hall for locals and dealers. Although I lasted a while, seemed 90% of the players knew each other and looked to me to playing with each other instead of playing the game themselves. Stay away and don't waste your time there. Rebuys, bad service, terrible dealers, not worth the buy in if you’re looking to learn and have a good time.

Even UGLIER, The Orleans! I knew I was out of my league when I sat down here. 100+ players, unlimited rebuys, not good. I will say the waitress were darn good looking, and fast service, but back to the game. You buy in, and as soon as you sit down you can rebuy to add to your chip count. Not a very friendly game, no one was talking the whole time, well talking smack, but no conversation. Players were just out right buying pots with rebuys. Nice tables and nice poker room for straight games, but not for a tourney.

Over all, we had a great time, one of my buddies won twice at the Gold Coast, my best 6th. The best thing was we got to see plenty of hands, read a few people, and get the bad beats. We will be coming back for sure, and play at a few more places.

Aloha.