Can someone update us on their experience playing in the qualifiers in Oklahoma or in Washington State? I think Snapper mentioned he was going to go to Washington State. I think several of us are debating about trying to go to a qualifier around Jan 6th and it would help to get reports from everywhere to evaluate which location to choose. If you can report in as much detail as PhillyPhlash did on how things went in Colorado, it would be appreciated.
Wsob Pat, I'm going to OK. in mid Jan. But I don't know which location. I'll let you know when and where, and how many others show up.
Tulsa on Dec. 16th - 18th. Pat I will be in Tulsa for their WSOB III qualifiers on the 16th and 18th of this month. I got the tournament run down from Eric Woods the tournament director. Friday tournament starts at 7:00 pm Entry is $60 Sunday tournament starts at 2:00 pm Entry is $50 Format: Elimination style First 96 players for each tournament 18 hands 6 per table max. 2 advance from each table Start with $1,000 "No Cash Value" chips Min: $100 Max: $1,000 Must be in increments of $50 once over the minimum DD for less allowed, but in increments of $50 Splits up to 3 times, Aces included Blackjacks pay 2 to 1 Two winners advance to finals on Feb. 3rd. for Friday winners, Feb. 5th for Sunday winners. Hotel on site: Rates are $69 for a single. I heard they have been having over 70 players at these tournaments. I have suggested they offer re-buys to help fill it up to the 96 players. Also to offer surrender, since it is in the WSOB III. Anyone else going to be up there that weekend?
Lucky Eagle Casino Go to: http://www.blackjacktournaments.com/bb/showthread.php?p=6939#post6939 Lucky Eagle changed their advertising to show that there will be 84 finalist (24 from BJ qualification tournaments plus 60 from Players Club Invitation) in their Jan. Finals. Since I'm in Hawaii right now, I could not make the December qualifier. I may try in their last qualifier in January. Several of my friends were in the Dec. 3rd qualification, no news from them. I know of four local fellow tournament players that have made it to the Jan. finals. Good luck!!!
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).
Less seems better From everything we are reading about the qualifiying tournaments it seems that the lower entry fee events with the finals later are the casinos drawing the biggest crowds. Maybe next year GSN will have a qualifiying format structure for all the casinos to follow. It would make it a lot easier if they all had common rules and formats.
Less vs More Or maybe the higher fee satellites are not returning enough prize money to draw the interest. Ho-Chunk is, in effect, returning your entry fee ($400) as a minimum if you win the first round (2 winners per table).
Tulsa holiday room rates I heard yesterday that Cherokee casino in Tulsa lowered their room rates from $69 to $59 during the holidays. They seem to know how to treat players right. I will give a full report after I go play in next weekend qualifiers.
Pearl River Did anyone play ther this past Thursday?? If so, how about an update on the #of entries & the finalists, please Is anyone playing there this coming Thursday>>
Springbac, You'll see me at Pearl River Resort again this Thursday. Last week there were 13 players. This week you can expect a few more, because they are also running an invitational blackjack tournament with a $15K first place on Thursday and Friday.
Lucky 13 Guess I should have gone last week, what a bargain. I'll be there this week playing all three tournaments. And I suppose I'll go back on the 22nd when I don't have to compete with you guys. Maybe so close to Christmas I can get a 6 player tourney!
