Out of the Blue and into the Big Easy

I'm not sure what force possessed my lovely wife but whatever it was I'm okay with it since it compelled her to head South on Saturday evening to (gasp) the Tri-State Racetrack and Gaming Center! The casino, which I've mentioned before is the 3rd Casino in the state of West Virginia to offer up to the gambling degenerate masses (like us) the opportunity to play poker and now the various other table games that we've all come to know and love. Several members of the NDPT (N Debt Poker Tour) had previously made the trip to check out all of the action, but this made the first time for Big Red and I.

I was impressed by the poker room, which has been dubbed The Big Easy Poker Room. This room is a much more traditional type poker room to me than I have experienced in many other locations. The room is "inset" into a larger room/area, but has been separated by a rail which goes all the way around, and opens only at the main desk. It feels less confined even than the Wheeling Island Poker Room. Additionally, Tri-State boasts a greater overall area and more poker tables. Another thing impressed me a great deal... when several players were on a waiting list, and a table was vacant, an additional dealer was called for and the players were gathered together and ushered to the empty table, for their respective game. I've seldom seen this happen, at least, not that quickly. Also, their is a bar quite close (which is also close to a bathroom, for after you break the dam.) And as luck would have it, the table at which I found myself seated along the outer perimeter of the poker room, was very close to the dogtrack betting window, and a number of TV's were clearly visible so I could watch my mutts head for the finish line. I think I probably paid too much attention to that and probably the "large" Amber Bock drafts that continued to come my way. I would say that had a bit to do with my loss at the tables, but I did okay, and maybe only lost like $25 or so the whole night. I recall precisely where $20 of that went, when I bet out with two pair, and then was probed by my opponent, who was interested in getting me all in. I had the sense to lay down to him. He wasn't that subtle... and I remembered a line from one of the books I have read, which quoted a bit Sun Tzu, which I'll paraphrase to say "...figure out what your opponent wants you to do, and then disappoint him." He desperately wanted me to call. I turned loose my hand, and kept the additional $75 I had. I made back a little of that on a few subsequent hands. Then, it was time to go.

Others who came along for the trip were Frank and Julie, and already there we met up with JR and Vince. We all had a really good time, I think, although Big Red admits that she would have had more fun had she brought home a pile of money. Sadly, the dealers at the table games were on fire, and just killing the competition on Blackjack, Let It Ride, etc... My only criticism of the Tri-State Racetrack and Casino is that the table gaming area is a bit skimpy. They have provided thus far only a minimal area for traditional table games. They were full, and there were people waiting in line, for their chance to play. In any book, that's money walking! I'm hopeful that the decision to limit this playing area is directly related to the delayed expansion plans, which will ultimately break ground to provide for a hotel and overall greater complex at Tri-State. Still, one wonders what the additional profit margin would be provided additional tables were set up and getting cards, dice, chips, etc... in the hands of the folks who are standing in line. Tri-State management if your listening, there's money to be made. Take the plunge!

I'm sure in the very near future we'll be returning for another shot at our fortunes. All in all, the play at the poker tables was not highly skilled. I had to raise an eyebrow more than once at some of the plays that I was seeing. There is money to be made in this room, and I'll be happy to give it a shot again. The dealers are still struggling just a bit, but I found no mistakes, just a little bit slower in a few cases, in order to make sure that they were getting things right. I'm okay with that, there's no sense getting all rushed about anything. Patience when dealing with poker is always a good thing.

Tri-State Poker Room, congratulations on a well-run, and enjoyable environment. Poker is alive and well in the Mountain State!

Regards,

cheer_dad