The APPT Macau: The First Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament in China!

[Matt Savage]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Hi TheUsher,

There won't be any cash games because of how they are currently regulated in Macau. We are able to proceed with Single- and Multi-table tournaments during the 7-day event period, and they will be at a variety of stakes depending on demand. If enough players are interested in a 5K game, we'll start one.

That being said, Grand Waldo Casino recently placed a Lightning Poker table on their gaming floor. When I was there yesterday they were spreading a low-stakes Limit Hold'em game, but that will likely change during the event (to a higher stakes game, likely No-Limit). For now, there aren't any live cash games in Macau, but I've heard that will change shortly (the subject of another post).

As for why the $15K tournament won't be a 3-day event, you're right in that we don't expect a very large field. We're expecting between 200-250 players for the $2,500 Main Event (as it's only four weeks away now and we have limited time to promote the events) and between 30-60 for the High Rollers Event. If it seems like 75-100 people are going to play, as you surmise, then we'll consider alternate scheduling.

Joe Hachem and a few other Team PokerStars players are confirmed for both tournaments, and we've heard from several other top professionals who are coming. Also, in response to BlueMan's comments, we know for certain that some of our favourite high-energy action-oriented players from the region will be playing. So I certainly think there's value to be had here, more than just being part of history! [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

As for your comments/suggestions about structures, I'll leave that to Matt or Danny to respond to.

Jeffrey

[/ QUOTE ]

Hey Jeffrey,

Just read about the Lightning Poker tables. They look pretty nice but even regular poker tables would be amazing for SNGs, etc, and probably even preferred by many people instead of the Lightning Poker ones.

Would Stars be running satellites for the $15k event? That would definitely increase turnout and guarantee seats in advance.

What about live sats into the tourneys? Do those run at the casino there in advance? The $15k high buyin would attract many high rollers in the area such as businessmen/government types but would also alienate many people there because $15k is a massive amount in that area. I'd assume that interest is very high to play it but many locals just can't afford to direct buyin whereas they might gamble a few times on smaller buyin sats, if available.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes there will be Mega Satellites, One and Two Table Satellites for the $15,000 starting on the 22nd at the Grand Waldo.

Matt

[durrrr]

[ QUOTE ]
this could be a fun trip

[/ QUOTE ]

[the_main]

APPT Seoul was amazing guys, I sincerely hope I can make it out to this event as well.

[Bond18]

Usher, great suggestions and i support them in fully. I'd love to see some 6 max.

[_Pw_]

is it 18 or 21 to play at macau's casinos?

[garcia1000]

Where will the televised footage be shown? What channels, which regions, etc?

[Matt Savage]

[ QUOTE ]
is it 18 or 21 to play at macau's casinos?

[/ QUOTE ]

18 for visitors and 21 for locals

Matt Savage

[olivert]

One piece of advice regarding currency:

If you are traveling to Macau through the Hong Kong International Airport (transferring to the TurboJet Sea Express ferry, which does NOT require you to clear Hong Kong passport control), change a small amount of your currency in Hong Kong to Hong Kong dollars while you are waiting for your shuttle bus to the ferry terminal or while you are waiting for your ferry.

Most establishments in Macau accept Hong Kong dollars at par versus the Macau Pacata, which is pegged to the Hong Kong dollar at a 1:1 ratio.

The shuttle bus driver and the bell hop at the hotel who help you with your luggage expect to be tipped. HKD$10 (USD$1.30) is about right.

When getting change in Macau, ask for change in Hong Kong Dollars rather than Macau Pacatas.

If you were to end up with any Macau Pacatas at the end of your trip, change them before you leave Macau. Why? Banks in Hong Kong generally apply a 20% discount when they are asked to change Macau Pacatas back to Hong Kong Dollars.

--

The two most common ways to get to Macau from the U.S.:

1. Fly nonstop to Hong Kong from either San Francisco (United, Cathay Pacific, or Singapore Airlines) or Los Angeles (Cathay Pacific) and transfer to the TurboJet Sea Express ferry at the Hong Kong Airport Ferry Terminal.

2. Fly EVA Air from San Francisco or Los Angeles to Taipei, and change to an EVA Air flight from Taipei to Macau.

--

I personally will be going through Hong Kong on United. United's fare sale ends on October 31.

[scottc25]

[ QUOTE ]


1. Fly nonstop to Hong Kong from either San Francisco (United, Cathay Pacific, or Singapore Airlines) or Los Angeles (Cathay Pacific) and transfer to the TurboJet Sea Express ferry at the Hong Kong Airport Ferry Terminal.


[/ QUOTE ]

How long does it take to get there on the ferry?

[Matt Savage]

How long does it take to get there on the ferry?

[/ QUOTE ]

45 Minutes