Still on the Road, the Boardwalk, and the Beach

They say that no moss grows on a rolling stone, and that surely is true for me. I am at home writing this column during one of my few Las Vegas (my home) stops during a hectic series of road trips. The funny thing is, as I put pen to the paper even now, I am heading to Seattle for a few days to visit my father, see some old friends (Seattle is my hometown), and go to a wedding of a high-school friend. I know I will play some poker, as well, as Seattle has so many great cardrooms. When visiting the Northwest, poker is not a priority if the sun is shining; who would want to be indoors at such a great location?



Recently, I was in Atlantic City and stayed at the Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa. I was there for the World Poker Tour final-table filming (I am the statistician) and to teach World Poker Tour Boot Camp. I have taught a few boot camps and truly enjoy them. I get to meet many interesting people, share some poker knowledge, and connect with players who keep me abreast of their poker growth after having attended one of the camps. This camp was the championship course, and it included three days of seminars (taught by some of the greatest players, coaches, and poker authorities in the world), many wonderful meals, a sit-and-go tournament for the students, under the supervision of the teachers, and a tournament the final day with a $500 cash bounty on the head of each of the instructors. Finally, an awards banquet was held, where the winners were recognized and Mike Sexton spoke about the weekend in a way that captivated the crowd. Limited to only 100 students, each person got his share of attention and time, and the surveys that are filled out always seem to reflect what the attendees feel is a great value. Try one sometime. Check out http://www.wptbootcamp.com/. There also is a two-day course that I recommend, and the two work together well. These courses are not for totally new players, but for those who would like to improve their games. The focus is primarily on no-limit hold'em cash and tournament play.



One of the highlights for me when I am in Atlantic City is a trip to the Boardwalk. It is not very close to the Borgata, but after taking a $15 cab ride to the shore, I found that for merely $2, I could take a jitney back! Of course, I could have taken that bus there, too, had I known. That might be the best value and one of the great scenic rides you can take without a car while in New Jersey. When A.C. first legalized gaming many years ago, the casinos went up right in neighborhoods, built literally amid housing and businesses. It is quite a sight. Some very old, historic homes are there, and are only a stone's throw from some of the most opulent casinos around. The best stop on that trip was at the historic and totally dated, but in a cool way, White House Sub Shop. It is a little dive of a restaurant that's decked out in black-and-white photos of many Hollywood and sports stars from eras gone by. It also has the best Philly cheese steak in the world. The half-a-sandwich runs about $6 and is worth every penny. If you are looking for ambiance, this is surely not your place, but for great food and a fun, old-time atmosphere, it is a must-see.



From there, I traveled to Ocean's Eleven for its annual California Ladies State Poker Championship. Please read Linda Johnson's column in this issue for more info on that. While at the West Coast shore, I was able to run a few miles a day in the beautiful weather, with the waves rolling in just a few feet away. It was hard to believe that there was poker going on just a couple of miles inland. I got very close to winning the main event (I busted out about 13th), but did manage to snag a win in the charity event.



Half of the prize money for that event goes to Ivey Ranch, a home for disabled children. This has been the special cause of this generous casino for many, many years. You can read more about what they do at the ranch by going to http://iveyranch.com/. A visit to the property will make you feel like opening your wallet, and also will make you appreciate what some people in this world are capable of doing to help those in need. For the event next year, we are hoping to actually take a work brigade to the home and spend a day giving our time helping with chores and errands. Now, I must go and see what Seattle has in store for me. Class dismissed!



As always, please e-mail me your poker-related questions and comments, and column ideas: [email protected]. Also, please visit www.cardplayercruises.com for cruise information.