Just getting back from a BJ trip there are some things I have found of interest. Ignace no longer uses auto shuffle machines, in order to save money they have eliminated them. This is a good thing Even senior dealers have been cut to 37 hours as well as bennies being cut. The off site hotel *may* not re-open as it seems to be more efficient running the one new hotel and keeping it full most of the time. The tourney BJ room is now a HS slot room and the 3 poker tables are now on the main floor in a BJ pit. Our beloved 9/6 $1.00 JOB are now down to 4 machines. During the Month of March buffet prices have been cut close to 50%. During March Monday thru Thursday BJ and 3 card are $1.00 to $50.00, daytime. I have always said that playing a hand shuffled DD at these sites with handshuffle vs a shuffle machine was like 2 different games. A random number generator vs a hand shuffle, very interesting in a DD game. For those who are thinking of attending the "09 BJ BASH" I am thinking of adding another day to the festivities, :celebrate, either Thursday before the "BASH" or the Monday after and "Bash" at a site somewhat close by and labeling it, "BJ BASH 09, THE DREAM SHOE" CP
march ignace tournament Still waiting for a call back to enter the tournament look's like I am not wanted , never played it before would like very much to be given a chance I have some friend's that were not invited back for lack of side action one of my friend's has been there around ten time's never got a chance again this year Oh well there are plenty of other tournament's around to play good luck to the lucky people that did get a call back.
Doug I think we have the same friend. He should have been allowed due to the circumstances, still may be allowed. They have GREAT tourney packages, especially for couples. The casino is feeling the hard times too and just wants players who give a good amount of side play, really cannot blame them as for years they were taken advantage of by tourney players who literally gave nothing in real play. Those days are over. I must give them credit as they have done nothing to increase the HE on their very fair games. This is a most beautiful venue. CP
Doug, try again. When phone reservations open, they get pounded with voicemails from folks who want in the BJT. Your message may have gone astray. I remember that I had to call two or three times for my first visit.
From a business standpoint, it seems to me that selling off the off-site "hotel" (it's really a motel) would be their best move. I'm sure the maintenance cost is quite high especially given it's run down condition. Also, one must consider that it probably is only reasonably full during peak times like when a tournament is run. Their new hotel can handle all of the players most of the time and when they have an overflow they can have standing arrangements at other hotels/motels on St. Ignace to handle that overflow.
Kewadin Shores I'm guessing they're hesitant to sell this motel because of location (on Lake Huron) and peak season market is almost guaranteed with the proximity of Mackinac Island, the bridge, etc. The "new" part of this facility is very acceptable (except for handicap access). The old part is just that-----it's old. I stayed there many times and never had anything to complain about. The occupancy rate was good, too because some entrants had to stay in other motels along "the strip" there that may be borderline fleabag places. The on site rooms in the new casino building are prefered for obvious reasons. Billy C
Agreed This could be a time when persistence pays. Having no idea how many entrants they have, I know that Michigan's economy is worse than most so the door could be open. I feel that unreturned calls are unacceptable but I think DeAnne is overwhelmed at times with ALL the different tourneys they offer. Question for CP. Where is the tourney played now------one of the tents? Billy C
Obvious reasons...Hmmmm..... Like,,,,"Hi, you Canadian Ladies are so beautiful and so skilled at Video Poker". "I've got some chilled Long Island Ice Tea up in my suite, like to share one with me"? :gaga: CP
Gee, I wonder who that was aimed at??? Same point that I was (clumsily) trying to make. By now, they've likely got a pretty good idea how many entrants to expect, so they may be somewhat more anxious to gain more players - and return phone calls to those who were overlooked at the beginning of February.
Thanks CP For giving us a heads up on current conditions. The tent would be quite alright IF it's heated. No rendevous for me this trip. She has other commitments that weekend with her retail business. Will miss seeing you there. Hopefully, next time works! Billy C
Kewadin profit Kewadin UP casinos made a 31 $million profit last year, partially due to cuts, but not to their fine games It was Greek Town that really caused them problems as they loaned them 47$million. Always glad to help Billy C. Will miss seing all of you highly skilled guys again. I am doing a VP tourney at Sault this weekend. My best to you, CP
I didn't make the cut this time I was there for the last tournament, in October, and brought my wife. I must admit that I didn't play much, other than the two consecutive hours to get the ticket stamped by the pit boss as it was a nice weekend and we were doing other things up there. I was kind of surprised when I was told by Dee Ann that I wouldn't be among the invited. I have always had a very cordial relationship (I thought) with the tournament staff and have placed in the finals a couple times. It would be nice if they could be a little more explicit about how much play they expect. Anyway, good luck up there and I look forward to seeing reports on how the weekend went.
Jonny21 - I'm so sorry that you won't be there this time. Wish I could help you with the exact play requirements but I don't know, either. Deb and I (especially I) tend to run a healthy five figures' worth of action through those infamous 9/6 JoB VP machines, so that's probably what did it for us. Your question about the unknown play requirements are something that I've posted about before. Don't Ask - Won't Tell. While I can understand their position re: wanting to see certain play levels, I simply don't get the reasoning behind keeping that requirement such a secret. This is the first time I've heard of it at Ignace, but it's business as usual in most other venues. CP - Thanks for the scouting report. Deb was a bit disconcerted at the reduction of the total number of those VP's, as she likes to "hop" when things aren't going well. Me, I'll sit at the same one until the seat has a permanent impression of my butt! :laugh:
Will miss you Jonny21 Sorry to hear about your plight. Hope you can get back in for the next one (August I believe). Billy C
