[pig4bill]

I had a big-ass post typed out, but screwed up somehow and deleted it. At any rate, the Cliff notes were posted above by 52s. Here's a longer version, but not as long as the first one I typed:

Arriving at MGM, the list for 1-2 NL was about 12 deep and 6 deep for 3-6 limit. I put my name on both. Twenty minutes later I get called for 3-6. Three huge stacks are sitting (about 4 racks apiece) so I don't know if that means there were Super Bowlers that got cleaned out or what. Although most of these people heard of the Super Bowl, none were drunk except for one guy. Tight table, usually 3 or 4 to a flop. Drunk guy was my only hope, but he went on one of the biggest card rushes I've ever seen. From three stacks to three racks in half an hour. I did start to get better cards, including AA again (0-3 now), but the Card Fairy only did half her job. I flopped a dozen big draws (flush and oesd) but didn't hit a single one. I left after an hour and a half, -$100.

Time to head to mid-strip. There must have been some sort of event at MGM because the cab line had 70 or 80 people in it. I decide to be adventurous and try the monorail for the first time. Luckily, the station is right by the front door. Five bucks later and I'm whisked to Bally's. The other main reason (besides poker) I made the trip was to put down a bet on the Super Bowl. Bally's sports book just closed. Figures. I stop by the poker room and am number 9 on the 1-2 NL list. Browsing the tables, I'm reminded of the new jackpot drop. Screw this, wonder if the Bellagio sports book is open.

It is, and everyone has the same spread all over town. I make my bet and find the poker list, which isn't always easy at Bellagio. 2-5 NL is the lowest NL they have. That's higher than I normally play, but my bankroll isn't too decimated and I don't plan any other stops before my 6 a.m. flight, so I sign up number 14. I wander over to the "snack bar" and pay $6.35 for a cup of potato salad and a small soda. As I'm chewing on my potato salad they call my name. I wave and try to yell at the guy. He's only 6 feet away but he ignores me and walks away. I give chase and finally run him down before he gives my seat away. The vaunted Bellagio customer service - it never disappoints.

Once again, everyone seems far too sober at this table. I ask about how the games have been at other rooms, and it seems to be tight and nitty all over. Friday night it was wild and loose. Doh! I picked the wrong night. There's a guy with a big pile of chips right across from me, and two minutes after I sit down, he stacks the guy next to me for about $600. Apparently they have been butting heads all night. It runs out Big Pile is not much of a player, just very lucky. I only play 1 hand against him, calling him down with 2 pair against his K high, no pair. He racks up soon after. Damn, he's probably the only guy I have a chance against. There is a bully that raises at almost every chance. Unfortunately Bully Guy is also very lucky. For example, he raises me after the flop with no pair and no draw and calls my AKs all-in with 85. Hits a river 8 and I'm rebuying. I got only one other decent hand, pocket 7's and flopped a set. Two diamonds on the board though, so I insta-pushed and was content to win the 80 bucks. I was clearly outclassed by most at the table and feel fortunate to lose only $164 in 4 hours. One guy got stacked for 3 $500 buy-ins and Bully Guy's luck ran out as his $1200 stack went to the felt.

Made the 6 a.m. flight, no crashes, got home, sacked out, and missed the first half of the Super Bowl. I was a tired puppy.

Epilogue: Need you even ask who I bet on for the game?