I just got back tonight from my latest trip to Las Vegas (last time was last March). I had an incredible time. Some random thought/opinions/anecdotes/comments:

1. The Wynn poker room is incredible (not to denigrate any other poker room, but it was truly fantastic). Their tournament structures really give the players plenty of time to play, and not just race against the blinds. I also enjoyed the Caesars poker room.

2. I want to apologize to Gene Trimble for once again not being able to make it to meet him. I expected at least one quick tournament exit to allow me to go to the Palms and meet him, but luckily, I got plenty of play for my buy-ins.

3. I met one of the owners of the closed Diamond Club, one of the underground New York club that partially inspired parts of the movie, Rounders. He told me had the bulk of the rack from the Diamond Club, including ALL of the $100 chips, and the rack from his later Long Island club, the OAAsis (I didn't know they had the same owners).

4. I got to watch Phil Ivey play Texas billionaire, Andy Beal as part of the $10 million challenge. Cool stuff, but it was impossible to follow the action, even though I was only about 5 feet away, and only a small rope kept them isolated.

5. I was not really impressed by Hooters, although it was worth visiting once.

6. I went to the Gold Spike and the El Cortez between 12:30 and 1:30 a.m. last night, and never felt threatened by anyone. I was told at the Gold Spike cage that they have been bought out and will have their name changed. He told me the new name, but I am WAY too sleepy to recall it right now. I picked up some tokens saying Gold Spike. They were using tokens from the Western.

7. I love Las Vegas.

Signing out for now!

Michael Siskin