Anytime Can Be Midnight at the Oasis!

I recently returned from "my" Oasis Open in Mesquite, Nevada. Twice a year, I direct a poker tournament there, with seven events in five days. Congratulations to all the winners and thanks to everyone who supported this fine event. Mesquite is a great place to escape to for a few days to enjoy some good poker action, wonderful people, and a laid-back atmosphere. Best of all is that it's only a one-hour drive from Downtown Las Vegas.

Mesquite is like the town that time forgot. You still can go into the consignment store and be called by name. You can belly up to the bar and the bartender will remember you from the last time you were in, and chances are that he will also recall your drink preference. You might get the same waitress every day for a week, and could be on a first-name basis with the guy at the gas station!

One of the best things about Mesquite is its gaming. With full-service casinos at both offramps (that's right, only two freeway exits), there is enough competition between them to give players what they want. The poker room at the Oasis Casino Resort is so friendly, it is like going to Cheers, where everybody knows your name. Oasis General Manager Tony George loves poker, and goes above and beyond the call of duty to make poker players feel welcome. A top-notch player in his own right, he knows the value of poker players in his casino, and he is happy to remove slot machines to make room for additional poker tables for our events. He also offers the players great room rates, comps, and other amenities.

So, where am I going with this? Even though many tournament players are friends, it is important that they observe certain rules of poker, particularly ones about "soft-playing" opponents. Because many readers are novice players, let me emphasize the point that in tournament play, it is your job to bust other players, even if they are your family or your friends. Doing anything less is collusion, although you may not be aware of this. You still can take them to dinner after the tournament, of course. Sometimes, trying to be friendly in a poker game is not a good thing! You must play against everyone in the same tough manner, even if they are your friends. You must not talk about the contents of your hand or expose your cards while action is pending, especially if you are doing so to try to help someone in the tournament. It is very important that the integrity of a poker tournament remains intact, so carefully weigh your comments before you say something that you might regret, or that may be deemed inappropriate.

Another interesting thing about the Oasis Open was the high number of first-time tournament players who made the trip to the Oasis. I am sure it is due in large part to the World Poker Tour and other televised poker of late. This meant that many inexperienced players competed for top spots right alongside the seasoned players. Many of these novices did very well, and several made final-table appearances. This brought to mind the need to be kinder and gentler when talking deals or other items rich with jargon. While those of us who play regularly know what a "save" is, or what a "swap" bet is, many players do not. Since novices are now getting to the money, it is imperative that they understand what it is they are being asked to agree to. So, if you are fortunate enough to get to a final table and propose a deal, please be certain that everyone is speaking the same lingo. It will go a long way toward the best and most understood deal being made, thereby ensuring no hard feelings after the fact.

The next Oasis Open tournament will take place next May. Why not come and see me? Class dismissed.

As always, please e-mail me your poker questions and comments, and I will personally answer you.