Reflections on two days at the Vic..

[lincolini]

I'm annoyed at the APAT. When I stopped playing NLHE to focus on the Limit games 4 months ago I knew I"d have to be an online player. I didn't really feel I was missing out on live tourneys; working in a cardroom I have no interest in the painful NLHE tourneys, and never felt I was missing out on much, until now. This was proof live poker can be so enjoyable.

I mean, I don't expect a rake free tournament in a top-level casino every week, but is there really no interest in Stud? It a real shame that this tournament didn't sell out to 48 right away: tI has everything going for it:

No rake/service charge/registration fee, call it what you will. This is a dream come true. I mean we wont play 1,000,000 tourneys to even out variance, but even in the short run, no registration fee greatly improves your odds of coming out showing a profit over as little as 10 tournaments I'd say.

It had real quality dealers. These weren"t the newbies on their first week, or people drafted. Some of them even used to deal Stud many years ago. Working as a dealer myself I know how hard it is to focus on a tournament where there"s little action (early razz levels for example), but these guys were spot on. I was also worried the floor would be more worried about their usual cash games - the real earners for the house, but this was not the case. Someone was around ALWAYS.

Finally I think it has to be said the structure wasn't as bad as I anticipated. Sure you can have always a bit more play, and it would have been better with 40 minute levels for example, but considering the above factors, I don't think there can be any complaints.

In all its been the most enjoyable two days of poker I've ever played. By far. Even if the APAT only does the same again next year it will be excellent. But I'm sure they"ll improve. I think asking for a full on HORSE event might be too much (but here"s hoping), but at least I suggest a HRS (i.e avoiding the 8 or better games, even though they"re my best games) as a good progression.

Best wishes to everyone, especially to Des. He really did everything today. It seems someone helped with chip counts later on, but he did everything early, and all the pictures look good. Good luck with the masses tomorrow. I bet they don't have nearly as good a time.

Francis

[Rice2cu]

I have to agree with you (And those that met me over the past few days will testify that I seldom agree with anyone!! )

There was mention of a possible Horse event next year But I would not want the inclusion of a horse game at the expence of a razz game or stud game or omaha game. Id like to see them all played and maybe even a HiLo game.
I do understand tho, that time and space at the Vic is limited.

As for the levles/structure, I thought it was pretty spot on but I would like to see the stud game played as pot limit. Stud, in my opinion, is not as much a drawing game as Razz.
In Razz you dont have a made hand to begin with so even if your ahead,,, your still drawing, therefore limit is good.
But in stud, you simply cannot protect a made hand (Which you can have from the start) unless it is pot limit.... This can be frustrating.
People will have to determine outs/odds ect to hit their draw which in itself, is a skill.
If it were pot limit however, the 3k stating chips would need to be adjusted a tad.
Just my thoughts.

I agree totally about the dealers and the setting. Where else can u get a game like that we have just witnessed?
Great value and a great experience ..... Thank you to all at APAT and the Vic

...... Now if I could just get a main event seat Id be happy!!!!

[M3boy]

Very well said.

Top games played - although i missed the stud due to other committments.

I would also like to see a Horse game, and even a PLO over 2 days as well as Razz, HiLo and Stud HiLo

Maybe with enough interest APAT will put it on.