Sunday, April 30, 2006

Sunday Ramble

I’m trying to have fun, but sometimes I can’t get myself to sit down and write. Sitting down is no problem; I can do that just fine. Trying to flatulize (is that a word?) my thoughts on the keyboard has been tough lately. I should talk more about the action of the tables at work. Maybe that will get me flowing…

Terry is on fire lately at the NL games at work. I’m not going to give the amounts, but it looks like he is doing well for the past few days. There is almost always a no limit game at the Rainbow lately. We spread a 4-8 Omaha a few days a week. I like dealing it because there is a $37,000 jackpot just waiting to be dealt. Even if the dealer gets screwed, there is almost a guarantee of a $1000 day. I love those days…..

I’m working on my illegal mp3 collection. I’ve got it pretty well stocked while watching vh1 and downloading along. I do love the ‘80’s. I love the 90’s too.

J

Another Week at the Rainbow Casino


This past week was awesome. I spent a few days with my daughter in Salt Lake City and did lots of different things. She is very competitive and tries to win everywhere we go. I wonder where she gets it from.

Poker has been a bust this week. It is so nice outside; nobody is coming out to play lately. I’ve tried prop playing a little, but I haven’t seemed to make any progress. I should wait for awhile to build a bankroll and play NL a little more. There is a lot of money just sitting there on the table waiting for a prepared mind to show up and take it.

I ran into a Salt Lake City player online HERE. He writes pretty regular in his blog, check it out.

I had one of those dreaded nights at Montego Bay last night. I went through $140 without winning a pot. That’s what I get for playing 2-5. I am looking forward to Monday night’s tournament. I took 7th last week and 10th the week before. I am feeling a breakthrough here in this week’s tournament. I want to win it badly. I did have a good session last weekend playing 4-8 at the Nugget.

I am continuing the house hunt here in town. This hotel arrangement is good, but I am missing a kitchen big time. A patio with room for a bbq grill would be nice too. If anyone sees a good deal, let me know.

Keep the faith!

J

Saturday, April 29, 2006

Flopped the Nuts

This was one of those sweet moments while starting a tournament on PokerStars tonight. It was a hell of a good way to get started.

PokerStars Game #4785658438: Tournament #23938837, $1.00+$0.20 Hold'em No Limit - Level II (15/30) - 2006/04/29 - 23:15:25 (ET)

Table '23938837 4' 9-max Seat #7 is the button

Seat 1: newbiest (1080 in chips)

Seat 2: bitsyboo (1870 in chips)

Seat 3: moe1down (1580 in chips)

Seat 4: jurgermister (1000 in chips)

Seat 5: boofisher (1155 in chips)

Seat 6: CheesySamy (1860 in chips)

Seat 7: gratis (3435 in chips)

Seat 8: WEST WENDOVER POKER DEALER (1830 in chips)

Seat 9: cowpokedad (1260 in chips)

WEST WENDOVER POKER DEALER: posts small blind 15

cowpokedad: posts big blind 30

*** HOLE CARDS ***

Dealt to WEST WENDOVER POKER DEALER [Jd Qc]

newbiest: raises 30 to 60

bitsyboo: folds

moe1down: folds

jurgermister: folds

boofisher: folds

CheesySamy: folds

gratis: calls 60

WEST WENDOVER POKER DEALER: calls 45

cowpokedad: folds

*** FLOP *** [8c Ts 9h]

WEST WENDOVER POKER DEALER: checks

newbiest: bets 120

gratis: calls 120

WEST WENDOVER POKER DEALER: calls 120

*** TURN *** [8c Ts 9h] [4d]

WEST WENDOVER POKER DEALER: checks

newbiest: bets 900 and is all-in

gratis: calls 900

WEST WENDOVER POKER DEALER: raises 750 to 1650 and is all-in

gratis: calls 750

*** RIVER *** [8c Ts 9h 4d] [Kd]

*** SHOW DOWN ***

WEST WENDOVER POKER DEALER: shows [Jd Qc] (a straight, Nine to King)

gratis: shows [8s 8d] (three of a kind, Eights)

WEST WENDOVER POKER DEALER collected 1500 from side pot

newbiest: shows [Td Ah] (a pair of Tens)

WEST WENDOVER POKER DEALER collected 3270 from main pot

cowpokedad said, "nh"

Sunday, April 23, 2006

A Little Close to Home

Below is an article for a poker game getting busted. Wow, someone thinks what I do for a living is a felony. Kinda scary. I'm glad I live just on the other side of the border.

http://www.sltrib.com/utah/ci_3737978

I wonder if I know any of the dealers.......

Saturday, April 22, 2006

Drunk And Disorderly

The past weeks Highlights:

-Seeing Mitch and Co. from Las Vegas
-Going on a nice little poker rush
-Working at the Rainbow
-Dealing Omaha again.

Well, I think I have finally recovered. Mitch, Loxsie and Uly (pronounced YOU-lee, short for Ulysses) came to town this week. I celebrated their arrival before they even arrived on Wednesday. A six pack of Fosters was more than enough to get me started while playing poker and waiting their arrival. As soon as they got there it was down to the billiards room for drinks at the bar and a trip to Southern Exposure to see the dancing girls for the millionth time. I have to mention that little Ricky seems to be a little pimp… He’s got the Bill Bellamy look from Fastlane down pat. The girls wouldn’t leave him alone all night. Everyone else from town met us up at the titty bar, and it was on from there. Almost all of my poker dealer friends joined us that night. Props to you all Rick, Ricky, Kamar, Jose and several others I cant seem to sort out of the fog. They must have been in the back getting lap dances…

Following Southern Exposure, some of us went a few doors down in the plaza to the Corner Club. I think I had two more shots there, and then it was over. We had been drinking what we call Crown and Butters, or Jack the Rippers. It’s a simple mixture of Crown Royal and Butterscotch Schnapps. To make one, just pour a shot of Crown and then put a splash of Butter shots in it. About a 90/10 mixture, maybe 95/5. Damn they’re good.

I guess I stole everyone’s cab without saying goodbye. I was walking around outside, cause I REALLY needed the fresh air. I saw the cab, jumped in and was off to McDonalds for 4 Mc Chickens and 4 Double Cheeseburgers. Really. After that it was lala land for me.

We did it again the next night, but on a smaller scale, because we were all in a little pain from the night before. I had to work until midnight so we got a late start. There wasn’t really that much to report.

I had a good end to my workweek at the Rainbow last week. I put myself on the prop player list on both Sunday and Monday. I managed to post hundred dollar wins each day. I finished 10th on Monday nights tournament, good enough for $94. I was only in $65, so I see that as a moral victory anyway. I lost with AK against JJ. I was in the blind, and the JJ guy limped in. I aught an ace, but his third jack finished me off.

Omaha rocks. Not to play, but to deal. Every hand is interesting.

Until next time
J

Whoa! Do I Still Have a Blog?

The text belowwas saved in word labeled 4-13-06, over a week ago... I cant remember that far back, so I Cant finish it. We'll have to trust this historical record.


Highlights from the Past Few Days:
-Spending a full day with my daughter.
-Finding the perfect Driver to replace my broken club.
-Paying less for it new than it would have cost new.
-Finding a new printer very cheap (free).
-Getting approved for a mortgage.
-Putting together my dads new basketball standard.
-Playing basketball with my daughter.
-Being there for my dad when we came home and his house was all fucked up.
-Remembering to buy a bucket of KFC before I left SLC.
-Remembering to bring a pair of shorts so that I can appreciate the perfect weather.
-Finding more work pants at Wal-Mart.

What a weekend! I finished up my first day of work on Monday, which was awesome. I worked with Louis Sr. I was on the day shift from 10-6. There was no game at 10 when we got there, but we were able to get one started within an hour. I had an awesome day with very few mistakes. The most difficult thing for me to remember was keeping track of the bets when it was a kill pot. Rainbow spreads a hybrid 5-10 game for their entry level players. It is called 2-5 with a kill. It starts out as a 2-5 game with $1 and $2 blinds, same as Montego Bay. If a pot is over $50, then the winner of that pot has to post a $5 force bet on the kill button, and the game becomes a 5-10 structured game. Its kind of the same idea as having a 4-8 game with 1 and 2 blinds, and making the firs raise to $6 (+4). Keeps the regulars in cheap with small blinds, but pays them off with big pots. The game at the Rainbow is almost always a kill pot, so it is just a 5-10 in disguise.

J

Saturday, April 08, 2006

New Photos

Nykki on her way to 2nd Placein the Tournament.
She is transferring to the Rainbow also.











Partying with random girls at the Corner Club

I gotta turn in the purple for the green...

Tonight is my last night working at Montego Bay. I accepted a transfer to the Rainbow. I start on Monday. My new shift will be Friday through Monday on dayshift. I am told this is one of the most lucrative shifts in town, so that made the decision pretty easy. I am going to miss everyone at Montego Bay a lot. I was thinking that with my new schedule, I won’t see any of the same people anymore. That might just keep me out of the bar this summer a little more.

I have resumed online poker activities, with some limited success on Poker Stars. I can’t seem to get away from certain mistakes, ones that I know I am making while I’m doing it. It’s frustrating and compelling, like watching a car wreck in slow motion. I’m trying though.

I am 0-2 against Khamar at the golf course. I can’t help but compare it to poker, because it seems like I am making the same mistakes in regards to focus and concentration. I am sure enjoying it though. I realized the other day that I am basically laying out $40+ a day to go curse at a bunch of little white balls that I pay way too much for. But it is relaxing, and I do enjoy myself out on the course. I must admit, there are few things better than hitting a perfect drive down the center of a fairway or chipping it in from 30 yards. Exhilarating!

My car is finished and ready to pick up. I am looking forward to another Vegas trip in the near future….

J

Thursday, April 06, 2006

Remodeling the Den of Iniquity

I survived one night without poker, and I’ll be going for two today. I think golf is out of the question, we’ve got a pretty good storm rolling in. I am lying low this week, no SLC or Las Vegas for me. I’ll probably stay local this week. I’m too broke to go anywhere, and I still have one more week of dayshift. I’ll be glad when that’s over. I miss dealing tournaments.

Kamar provided the entertainment today while doing laundry. He brought some old school tunes with him to the Laundromat. The music made doing my weekly chores a lot easier.

Speaking of old school, we went to the cabaret last night and listened to the Chazz Band. They were excellent, busting out with old school hits by New Edition, Morris Day and the time and several others. Even the old people were getting into it pretty well, dancing in the aisles for hours. We finished off at the Corner Club. It was slow up there so we only stayed for an hour or so. Whoever was DJ’ing did a fine job, but I expect I would have been pleased with anything as drunk as I was. I did notice lots of building materials outside of Southern Exposure. Rumor has it that the place is being remodeled. I hope so…. Maybe Scott will spring for some carpet. I swear if they raise prices, I’m boycotting the place. I think he’s getting about six dollars for domestic beers and well drinks. Way too much for Wendover. That’s why I carry a flask…..

J

Monday, April 03, 2006

April Fools Memo

Heres a copy of the memo I handed out at work on the first.



Montego Bay Poker
Memo
To: All Poker Room Personnel
From: Ralph McCarthy, Division of Payroll and Taxation
CC:
Date: April 1, 2006
Re: Tax withholding and Reg. 6A training hours.


With many apologies I am required to inform all employees that taxes and training fees were not withheld from any checks from last months training meetings for 6A. There is a $170 fee for this class that is mandated by the Nevada Gaming Commission. The company has decided to pay these fees up front for all employees, then withhold the money from each employees check until the balance is paid. On your next check and for the following 10 weeks you will find a deduction of $17 under the heading of 6A training. Thank you for your understanding.

Sincerely,
Ralph McCarthy, Division of Payroll and Taxation


Attached on the following sheet you will find the schedules for next months training sessions, beginning on the 16th of April. These classes will also require a $170 fee, payable at the beginning of class. Please bring cash or money orders, as personal checks will not be accepted. April fools sucker.

Bring on Summer!

What a beautiful day it was today. I called in to work and let Frank and Rick take it today. I told them my eyes hurt – I couldn’t see coming into work today. I went golfing with Khamar instead. We bet lunch playing skins. I didn’t officially lose until the 14th hole, when I was mathematically eliminated. I did have some problems with my swing today. Its gonna be an expensive summer if I keep playing this way.

I am taking a short break from poker lately. I’m just not running good. I am making good reads but not making profits. I need a break, and I think golf is just the thing. That and basketball playoffs coming up. The NBA is looking pretty compelling this season. I am a little pissed there are no games tonight because if the NCAA Championship game. I’m just not that into it. Players come and go too quickly for me to keep track of them all the time. I wait till they really stand out and I can see them year after year in the NBA.


Highlights of the day:
-Golf. Duh.
-Not having to work. I just didn’t feel like it.
-Finding the motivation to write a little.
-Finding cool new DVD’s for my collection at the pawn shop next door.
-Lunch at the Chinese Delight in the Nugget. Best Mongolian beef I’ve ever had. Period.
-Finding some cool new stuff on limewire to download.

April Fools Post.....No Joke!


“Come on funny feeling!” Frank exclaimed as he moved his right hand in a jerk off motion. The entire table almost fell off their respective chairs laughing. It was a 2-5 game and it was before noon. Yes, I am on day shift for two weeks. I actually went straight home after work last night and didn’t go anywhere. I went to bed early and woke up late. I could get used to it, but the money is horrible. I made a whopping $68 yesterday.

I finally broke the tournament money barrier Thursday night. Rick, Jerry and I chopped up the prize money after everyone else was eliminated. I hope no one was too pissed because we were all dealers, but screw 'em if they were. Rick officially won first and had a pretty good chip lead, but we guilted him into chopping. I got second and enough points to guarantee me a spot in the free roll in two weeks.

My car is finished and waiting to be picked up. $780 for a tow and a water pump. I should have asked first. I wouldn’t have paid more than $500. I still need tires, a battery and registration. I’ll get there….

J

A Weak Attempt at Live Blogging Last Tuesday

Note: This post was forgotten, it should have gone up last tuesday.


Today’s Highlights:

7:52 AM
I’m on the way to Salt Lake City as we speak… KC and Marina are my road mates, and it is way too early to be up, but I am anyway. Girls have a funny way of convincing you to do what they want. I just finished looking up the lyrics to “Work it” by Missy Elliot. We all wondered what it was that she was saying backwards, and it turned out that it was really nothing. The rest of the song is pretty crazy, just a bit dirtier than I expected.

I found out that Ray took second and Roland took first in the WSOP seat tournament. I’m glad that regular customers won it. The craziest was when I started dealing at Ray’s table right after the break, He had only 450 in chips left, and the blinds were 75-150. He was severely short stacked. Right before the tournament resumed after the break, I sat at his table and asked everyone if they were happy. Ray responded and said that he’d be happier if I gave him some good cards. I picked a couple of aces out of the deck and tossed them to him. We had a good laugh, but I’ll be damned if he didn’t get pocket aces 3 hands later, then kings right after that. He went on a tear, turning that 450 into four or five thousand chips before I left and that was just half an hour. I guess I feel responsible for sparking his comeback. I’m glad he was able to do something with it.

10:50 AM
KC was right; girls in the dentist’s office are hot. Almost always. He is at the dentist across town, while I’m here with Marina at the other dentist. I am scared to death of them. I think it’s because of the questions the dentist asks. They must get lonely talking to themselves. Have you ever tried to answer a question with pliers or fingers in your mouth? Very difficult. Maybe that’s why I don’t trust them. How can you trust a guy with your health when he’s dumb enough to ask questions you can’t physically answer?

And, the daily recap….
Well, this is my first attempt at live blogging, and it didn’t go to well. I did however have an awesome day. We had a poker dealer party at Rodizio Grill in Trolley Square. It was one of the best meals I've had in a long time, a Brazilian style buffet. They would come around with some of the best meats I’ve ever had. The bacon wrapped turkey had to be my favorite. We finished up the day at the movies, watching V is for Vengeance. It reminded me vaguely of Orwell’s 1984. I tried to discuss that point with everyone, but no one else has read it. Unbelievable.

J