Mini-tournament questions for the LV regulars

[EagleA10]

For some of us, getting to LV to play in tournaments doesn't happen nearly as often as we'd like. :sad: Distance, cost, work, etc. So when we can get there, we want to make the most of the visit.

I have another LV trip coming up soon and would really welcome some advice from the LV regulars, both locals and frequent visitors, about the weekly mini-tournaments, esp. the Rampart's and the Cannery's.

Are they dependably held each week, or do they often get cancelled at the last minute because not enough players have signed up?

Does a casino typically limit participation only to those who have signed up for that casino's players card, or do they allow non-card holders to play?

How important is it to get to the casino at 9 a.m. on tournament day and sign up as soon as they open registration? In fact, do the casinos actually been signing up players only on tournament day, or have they been signing up BJ players the entire week before?

Do most of the weeklys even fill up at all? Or are the first-round tables usually less than full?

And finally, since most of them seem to be held in non-Strip casinos, are they usually populated by local regulars, so that an out-of-town stranger would clearly stand out ... and thus maybe draw more attention from the casino about his level of play?

Any other advice on the subject would be much appreciated.

 

[mariad]

Info from a local

Are they dependably held each week, or do they often get cancelled at the last minute because not enough players have signed up?
The cannery is every friday and monday, never cancelled. No problem buying or rebuying @ the cannery EVER! The cannery is single deck pitch. The rampart is a whole other animal. It is single deck on tue and double deck on thursday. Both days sell out in advance and getting a ticket from someone is HARD. A better option on Tuesdays is Terribles. It is just off the strip and first place is ~1000, where first @ rampsrt is only ~599. You would want to get to terribles by 11 am to get in the first round, but there are 5 qualifying rounds so it isnt too important to be in the first round. On wednesday there is the Sahara, a pretty good shoe tournament, but lots of tourists. First round is noon but it is best to get there around 11ish. Again rebuy is not an issue. Wed and Sun nights there is a small fun tourney @ the longhorn, first place ~500. On Sat mornings there is a good tournament @ boulder station. First place gauranteed $1800.

Does a casino typically limit participation only to those who have signed up for that casino's players card, or do they allow non-card holders?
The Sahara is the only one you need a players club card for.

How important is it to get to the casino at 9 a.m. on tournament day and sign up as soon as they open registration? In fact, do the casinos actually been signing up players only on tournament day, or have they been signing up BJ players the entire week before?
Depends. See above answer.

Do most of the weeklys even fill up at all?
The Cannery is the only one that the tables dont fill.


And finally, since most of them seem to be held in non-Strip casinos, are they usually populated by local regulars, so that an out-of-town stranger would clearly stand out ... and thus maybe draw more attention from the casino about his level of play?
In short, yes most of the tourneys are attended by locals. The main exception is the Sahara tournament. Having said that I dont think you need to be too worried about the casino sweating you because of your play based on a tournament. Maybe someone else can address that better than me.

Any other advice on the subject would be much appreciated.[/QUOTE]

Hope that info helps and look forward to meeting ya at a tournament finals table while you are in town!

 

[DanMayo]

Players Cards

Does a casino typically limit participation only to those who have signed up for that casino's players card, or do they allow non-card holders?[/I]
The Sahara is the only one you need a players club card for.

EagleA10,

We also play small tournies whenever we visit Vegas (3-4 x/yr) and have found that we needed to sign up for players cards at all venues. But this was not a problem because the ones we attended were same day signups.

And finally, since most of them seem to be held in non-Strip casinos, are they usually populated by local regulars, so that an out-of-town stranger would clearly stand out ... and thus maybe draw more attention from the casino about his level of play?
[/I]

As far as your concern about standing out and having your level of play evaluated, I'm not sure what your concern is in this respect?

I also would recommend the Sahara and Boulder Station as well run, standard elimination format tournies worth your time.

Good Luck,
Dan

 

[EagleA10]

Just what I needed

Maria & Dan:

Thanks for the advice, esp. about other tournaments to consider.
It's reassuring that I can count on driving out from the LVH (where I usually stay) to the Cannery, the Rampart, or somewhere else and be sure there will be a tournament to play in.
See you at the tables someday.

EagleA10