The Official Binion's Poker Classic Thread.

Wahoo73 · #1 06-05-2007, 02:51 PM

I didn't see any threads about the "other" poker tournament in Vegas right now, so thought I'd start one.

I'm going to be in Vegas June 18-26 and in addition to playing one WSOP event, thought I'd play in a few of the Binion's events. So for those who have already played in the Binion's tourney, I have a few questions:

1. Overall, how well is it being run?
2. How well is the registration process being managed?
3. How well are the games being dealt?
4. What has the quality of the competition been like?
5. What is the "atmosphere" like?
6. Any "creature comfort" considerations?
7. Any other comments/suggestions?

One of my concerns about playing in my first event there is that I arrive at 10AM on the 18th and my event starts at 2PM. I assume that I should go straight from the airport to Binion's to sign-up for my tourney before checking into my hotel, or is getting entered into a tourney easy/quick enough that I can get to Binion's within an hour before the event starts.

Thanks in advance for any information you can provide.

BigAlK · #2 06-05-2007, 04:01 PM

I don't have any answers, but do have a plan almost the same as yours (a WSOP prelim and at least one of the Binions events) while there later this month. If someone has the answer my question is if you can register in advance (sometime the day before) or if these are same day registration only.

FeliciaLee · #3 06-05-2007, 04:12 PM

1. Overall, how well is it being run?
Very well run.

2. How well is the registration process being managed?
Easy. They claim not to take buy-in's until two hours before the event, but if Brad is there, he will gladly take your buy-in.

3. How well are the games being dealt?
Better than expected. A few very small glitches in the O8 event, but nothing like I've seen at Rio or Orleans last year.

4. What has the quality of the competition been like?
Extremely poor to decent. Some of the second and third tier pros.

5. What is the "atmosphere" like?
Binion's.

6. Any "creature comfort" considerations?
They are offering a fantastic deal on live games. I forgot to get more infomation before I left (had been there over 12 hours and was exhausted), but when they are trying to get games going, like the O8 yesterday, most of the time they took no rake up to about six or seven players, then the rake became 5% up to $2 max. I'm not sure if they are dong this just for that day's event, or just Omaha or what.

7. Any other comments/suggestions?
Great deal. Games are softer than a babies bottom. For the lower level, grinding pros, this is a must-attend.

Registration is right next to hotel check-in. You shouldn't have a problem.

Good luck and hope to see you there!

Felicia [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Wahoo73 · #4 06-05-2007, 04:27 PM

Terrific rundown, Felicia! TYVM.

I'm playing in the Binion's 7 card stud tourney on the 18th . If I cash in that event, I'll likely play the WSOP 7 card stud event on the 19th. If I don't cash in the Binion's event, I'll probably play the LHE tourney at Binion's on the 19th. The rest of the week I'll either be in cash games or playing golf. The only other tournies I might play would be the Binion's LHE on the 25th or the WSOP NLHE on the 25th.

I hope to see you there too, as I remember you from when you used to post in the Stud forum, and would like to meet you in person.

betgo · #5 06-05-2007, 06:30 PM

Binions Poker Classic
Looks like fairly low buyin. Some interesting different games.

The Bellagio Cup has $1.5-5K daily side events and $1K evening tournaments. With $500 daily and $1K weekend tournaments until that starts.

The Venetian has $300 daily and $500 weekend tournaments.

Phat Mack · #6 06-06-2007, 01:30 PM

I agree with everything F. says. I played the PLHE and O8 and had a great time. Well run, and even the new dealers were doing OK.

Side games: I played in the best (wildest) O8 game I had seen in 2 years. They'll spread whatever game the players want, and have dealers that can deal all games.

Side note: I ran sceaming from the Rio after an hour.

Further side note: The downstairs coffee shop no longer smells of ancient grease! [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

PS: The O8 paid > $10k for 1st place. ~280 players. $150 buy-in.

FeliciaLee · #7 06-06-2007, 01:33 PM

What??? You were there and didn't say hello to me!!?!!

That's it, there will be violence among 2+2er's in the future.

Wahoo73 · #8 06-06-2007, 02:07 PM

Felicia-

I received a very nice PM from Alaska Gal with a link to All Vegas Poker regarding the Binion's tourney: Binion's Poker Classic .

It bears out all the good things you and Phat said about the tournament.

Phat Mack · #9 06-06-2007, 02:24 PM

[ QUOTE ]
What??? You were there and didn't say hello to me!!?!!

That's it, there will be violence among 2+2er's in the future.

[/ QUOTE ]

I have no idea how I missed you. I did leave home computerless before you blogged your plans, however--that's my only excuse.

Next time...

ultraman · #10 06-06-2007, 02:36 PM

Played in the no limit, pot limit, and limit holdem events during my trip this past weekend ... and had a great time.

Jennifer and the others did a great job running the event. Registration was smooth. Events started on time, every time. Every floor decision I saw was correct. Dealers as a group were good (some excellent, some ok). Competition was very soft.

I definitely plan on playing this event next year.