Harrahs Rincon San Diego Circuit Event

[sdsuchris23]

I'm going to be playing one of these $340 events and this will be my first larger buyin live tournament and was wondering what to expect. My goal last year was to try to qualify for one of the $1500 WSOP tournys online but didn't put much effort into it as I'm mainly a cash game player. I've been mixing MTT into my game lately and feel pretty confident in my play and want to give one of these a shot. Based on last years results it seems like for the most part a lot of local players. Any advice for a first timer would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Chris

[kb09pkt]

I'll be there playing in as many events as I can. I too am mostly a cash game player, but I have played in this event since they brought it to San Diego 3 years ago. My best advice is to get there early, especially for the $340 events. You have to sign up for a Harrahs club card to register which if you wait until the morning of can take up to an hour, then you can register for the tournament, usually another 30 minutes to an hour depending on how close it is to start time. The satelites usually start early that morning and go up until start time, but they have a terrible structure. For the $340 events, IIRC, they are $40+$10, (25% fee is ridiculous), with 1st getting an entry and 2nd getting $50 back. They are also only 10 minute levels and are just preflop push fests. I played a couple 2 years ago and they were a waste of time and money. Last year, I just bought straight in to every event I played. Most of the people playing in this event are locals with a few L.A. players coming down. Expect the Oceans 11, Pechanga, Viejas, Sycuan, Barona regulars to all be there.

Another piece of advice, if you have never been out to Harrah's, it takes at least 1 hour 15 minutes to get there from SDSU, much longer than advetised. Once you get to Escondido, it takes at least another 45 minutes to drive out to Harrah's.

For anyone coming from out of town, please be advised that Harrahs Rincon is not anywhere close to the actual city of San Diego, it is about an hour and 15 minutes drive out to the middle of nowhere. Besides the casino, there is nothing around there. The city of San Diego however is (IMO) the best, most fun city anywhere. Anyone that wants advice on where to go and what to do, just let me know.

[SammySlim]

I played in a $500 event last year - there wasn't much of a line but I understand the first $300 event on Sunday can be quite crowded and I would get there a couple hours ahead of time. If you were in the WSOP you can use your Harrah's card from that, otherwise you will need one to register. I found the satellites soft and was able to pick up a quick $1k in lammers in just a couple hours after I busted out of the tournament. I also plan to play in a couple events this year.

I want to echo the comments about this place being a long way out from San Diego proper, although it's a nice setup once you get there.

Good luck!

[johnnyrocket]

80% of the players or so were awful at caesars, its a real good thing to know cuz if ur on 2+2 u def are +EV in these events.

[patstap]

Do you have permission to (buzzer sound) use that photo?

I've heard that guy will (buzzer sound) put a "hit" out on someone with very little provokation. (buzzer sound)

A scary (buzzer sound) dude.

(buzzer sound) (buzzer sound)

[kb09pkt]

Are you talking to me about my Eric the Midget avatar? If so, he is in my myspace top 8 people which automatically gives me permission to use his photo. If you have any further questions about Eric, or my ability to use that picture, please direct them to Johnny Froto. Thanks.

[patstap]

[ QUOTE ]
Are you talking to me about my Eric the Midget avatar? If so, he is in my myspace top 8 people which automatically gives me permission to use his photo. If you have any further questions about Eric, or my ability to use that picture, please direct them to Johnny Froto. Thanks.

[/ QUOTE ]LOL (buzzer sound)