That Inevitable downswing...

[2Tone]

Hey Zy -

This might be a new thread, but without revealing anything you shouldn't, can you tell us a little bit about this set-up? Do you pay a rake and/or table free? Is the game invite only? Do you worry about the amount of cash attracting attention of cops and/or crooks?

[SirFWALGMan]

Downswings suck. They mess with your mind and *can* effect your game. I obviously hate them.. I came off my latest week long one with a nice win in the 180/SNG.. Not sure what you can try to jolt yourself back but good luck with it.

[Talking Poker]

He said "card room" which led me to believe it was a legit game. Then again, he posts when he makes trips to AC, so I'm guessing you're right. Our boy is playing underground Rounders style, isn't he?

I was playing in games here 2-4 times per week a year or so ago... Now, I don't play in them at all. Why?

1. They rake way, WAY too much.
2. It's easier for people to cheat. There were suspicions.
3. It's too slow. I can get in WAY more hand per hours online.
4. Risk: Cops, robbers, you name it.

The only pro, really, was that these were fun games to play in and great live action practice.... but there were just far too many cons for me to justify playing.

[Zybomb]

No individual pot rake, the "rake" is $4 every 1/2 hour per player (the good thing is this is regardless of the limits you are playing) referred to as "time up". The game is not necessarily invite only , there are probably 10 or 15 rooms around NYC and Long Island. You can't necessarily just walk in off the street, but once you come with someone that's in, they are very good about remembering faces.

If they don't recognize you, the doorman will walk into the hallway which seperates the door to the room from the door to the outside and speak to you. "Have you been here before? How did you hear about it? Can I see ID?" etc. It's kinda rounders style, cameras on the inside, door locked and need to be buzzed in. The room I go to most often usually has 7 tables on a busy night and around 4 on a regular night...they have an entire tournament set up through the day as well.

The rooms do get busted from time to time, generally the ones who are less tight on security....the one I go to most frequently now seems solid....if they are busted nothing happens to the players except that they cant cash in their chips, which obviously sucks.

Hope this answers some Q's (without blowing up my spot )

[Talking Poker]

Someday.... the next time I'm in NYC, maybe.... I want to go to one of these places with you. Sounds fun.

[Zybomb]

We'll do it. The one I go to is real nice too and they take good care of you. Waitresses (no alcohol, but she bakes cookies, will make you hot dogs grilled chz PB & J , sodas, coffee etc) they order out from italian, chinese, pizza etc every night... they even have a message girl on certain nights for the hefty price of a dollar a minute

[Talking Poker]

That sounds like one of the games here that I used to go to. Home cooking, pizza ordered in, and yes, even the massage girl. She was freaking good too.