I returned from the second Eureka Open Poker Championship and what we lacked in numbers due to the poor economy, we more than made up for in enthusiasm, innovation, play, and fun. The property just completed its face lift and if you haven't had the good fortune to visit, I suggest you put the one hour north of Las Vegas drive on your must-do list.
The well-run cardroom, managed by Rob Reid, holds games not of the usual sort. The hold 'em games, which run around the clock, are $2-8 spread limit with $1 and $2 blinds. They also host $1-3 no-limit hold 'em games and their Omaha/8 is spread structured $4-8 with $2-4 blinds and a half-kill, but is also offered as a $1-2 blind spread limit game with a half-kill. It seems to be just enough difference to add some nuances to the games and make for something a little bit different.
The real purpose of this column is to tell you of an innovative feature they've added to their tournaments that I found quite appealing. I guess they've been doing it this way for quite a while and didn't even realize how well those of us traveling there "from the big city" would appreciate it. They have a unique way of allowing tournament players to discuss deal making without putting anyone in an awkward situation or allowing undue pressure to be cast upon a dissenter.
Once the time has come to start the "chop talk" the clock is stopped and a discussion ensues. Once a deal has been seemingly agreed to, each player is given two cards, a red one and a black one. After thinking about the deal, each player tosses the dealer a red card facedown if he agrees with the deal or a black card facedown if he doesn't. Often, it is unanimous. When that happens, the deal is made and the tournament ends.
If one or more black cards are tossed to the dealer, no deal is made. Further discussion can occur or the cards simply go back in the air until someone comes up with a more suitable idea. It worked very well during our recent event as often I've been in a situation where I didn't want to agree to a deal but peer pressure dictated otherwise. Since everyone would know that I was the one vetoing the deal, I found myself agreeing to deals I didn't particularly care for. This way, no one knows who disagrees and further evaluation may transpire. Perhaps they do this, or something similar, in other cardrooms, but it was the first time I saw it, and I really liked it a lot.
While I continue to count my lucky stars at how wonderful my life is, I feel deeply saddened about friends and strangers who have been hurt so badly by the current economic situation. This Thursday (after this has gone to press) I am joining about 15 others from our Wednesday Poker Discussion Group at 6:15 a.m. to hand out clothes to the needy. We've been collecting from friends and neighbors who've been cleaning out their closets and also have purchased many items from the $1 stores as well as resale shops such as Savers.
It is generous however you decide to assist others in need, but to physically hand someone who is cold a coat gets you a look you'll not soon forget. I urge each of you to get out there and make a difference. I'll report back what I learned. I am sure I will get much more than I will give this week. Moving right along...
Editor's Note: Jan Fisher is a cofounder of the Tournament Directors Association (pokerTDA.
com), partner in Card Player Cruises, and a WPT Boot Camp instructor who is also involved in charity work. Contact her at Jan@cardplayercruises.com.
