Lucky Eagle Casino, Rochester WA
Sorry Pat & friends, this is the first chance I've had to post anything on this event (busybusybusy).
Airfares/rental cars were cheaper from Sea-Tac airport than Portland (Sea-Tac is closer too). Allow approximately 90 mintues of driving time; after the exit from I-5 south onto US-12 heading west, you'll drive through areas with reduced speed limits. Keep your eyes open, there is adequate signage to the facility. The Lucky Eagle is a Native American casino; the gaming area is about the size of Casino Royale in LV.
Call early to reserve a spot, as this event was full. Here's the prize structure (based on 84 entries):
1st -$2500 3rd -$625 5th -$200
2nd -$1250 4th -$300 6th -$125
There were 3 rounds; first round consisted of 2 sessions ("red" & "blue") for an $85 entry fee. Players from each session can rebuy once for $42.50. There were 7 players per table (2 advance). Since my opponents caught a last-hand swing on both the first round & the rebuy round, I was out of the running & didn't stick around for the semi-final.
All 6 finalists return for the last tournament on January 14; the winner of that tournament goes to the WSOB.
Tournament rules: Elimination style, 6D H17 DAS Sp3 SpA1 LS (one deck cut off); $1,000 starting BR (promotional chips), min/max $10/500, 30 hands, countdown after 25 hands (players count/stack their own chips), no even money for insurance. Rounds begin at natural first base, then a puck moves to each successive player. A drawing is held if the rebuy round isn't filled (no drawings this tournament).
Their printed rule 7. states: "Betting must be done in a timely fashion - once an apparent delay is brought to the attention of Tournament Supervision, a maximum of 20 seconds will be allowed for a player to place their bet." This rule was disregarded by most of the dealers, who insisted players bet immediately. The field was comprised mostly of unskilled players who bet aggressively.
Regular BJ games on the floor were mostly 2D H17 noDAS DD10/11 only, LS; they advertise 1D and 6D games as well (no 1D when I was there). The only VP I found was 8/5 JoB (2 banks) in low denominations, and plenty of slots. I can't comment on room conditions (slept elsewhere).
