Also, MLife comps don't transfer and aren't pooled. So the comps you earn at Bellagio are only usable at Bellagio. MGM's are only usable at MGM. Aria at Aria.

For clarification, unless I am mistaken, this only applies to Poker comps, and not Express Comps

Yes

I Got an invite from Total Rewards for 3 nights free along with a Video Poker tournament at PHo

Im gonna snap up the offer, but wtf. I really dont play video poker at all

Anywhere besdies the wikipedia page i can get a crash course on proper strategy? Wizard of odds maybe? Anyone ever buy a book that worked out well?

I'd start with Wizzard of Odds.

Is there any way you can tell what variant(s) will be played in the tournament? Jacks or Better, Double Bonus, Deuces Wild, etc? The optimal strategies from one to another varies greatly. I'd do everything you can to figure out the exact rules and practice that variant with a simulator on Wizard of Odds.

lol that makes sense

as you can tell, I have zero idea how or why these things work. I usually stick a $20 in the machine and play $1/hand video blackjack while i get my free drink, tip, and move on.

I left the flyer they mailed me at home... Ill check it out later and update

Thanks for the responses.

PM 'tringlomane' and ask him. He is a math genius and regularly posts in the VP thread in Other Gambling Games. Also ask him to post his advice here. I am considering the same offer.

well let me know if you do, maybe we can grab a beer. If I work it out, it will be a solo trip.

Most video poker involve speed more than skill. Just get the basics down and play as fast as possible

you sure? I thought youd be a fan of stalling during the tournament?

Depending on the details, number of players, etc. the winner will be the random guy that hits a royal. It might be correct to play a modified strategy to try to hit a royal even if it means sacrificing some EV. I'd be interested to see all the details, I've always wanted to qualify for a random blackjack or video poker tournament.

^^ Agreed. What little I have studied, you sacrifice EV and try for higher paying hands. Royals mainly and want to play as fast as possible. But it is a luckfest with someone hitting big hands. Depending on the number of entrants, slow playing might work, but this ain't on of them.

Edit: I also looked for details on format but haven't found any. Assume it will be JoB.

I have a CET TR question. I am a live pro who used to play at CET properties. I was formerly platinum tier and was playing about 15-20 hours a week maybe 3 days a week with the rest of my time at other casinos. I moved up in stakes and no longer play at CET casinos.

I have two comped rooms at Bally's next week. What kind of play do I need to give them so that I still get these offers in the future? I would probably rather play a little bit in the pit rather than grind 1/2 or 2/5.

Ok, so the video poker tournament mailer tells me nothing about what game we will be playing. (Unless someone remembers a previous Phamous Flush Video Poker tournament)

It does however tell me that The comped rooms that come with the invite are subject to a $15-$25 resort fee. It also says that Diamond or 7-Stars players have the choice to waive this fee. As of 2 months ago, it was Platinum+ that could waive the fee, but maybe not anymore.

It also says that the actual tournament is a $99 buy in, so I assume they're expecting a lot of players. Prizes for top 250 players

As of 2 weeks ago resort fees were waived for platinum. I hope this didnt change!

From a Vegas taxi driver: And an article about a pair of street performers: http://www.lasvegasweekly.com/as-we-...ad-angel-and-/ They claim the average tip is $5. "claim".

Yeah, I unfortunately didn't realize that this weekend when I played at Aria Sunday morning and then dined at d.vino at Monte Carlo. I gave them my card and the waiter says, "You only have 15 cents on it."

Oops.

but you got your 15 cents off, right?

You won't get a clear answer because there is no clear answer- how they determine comps and the promo offers they send out (not really the same thing as comps) are not particularly lucid. However, if you're playing for comps you're always going to lose since it's not worth it, and playing "a little bit in the pit" won't be enough to guarantee anything. Just do your thing. They might still send you offers.

Okay thanks I figured as much. I was wondering if there was some kind of algorithm where I greatly benefit from one slot spin or something versus literally giving them a goose egg over the whole trip.

Any suggestions on things to do outside next month? we'll have a car but it will have to be light activity as one in my party will be older.

Was thinking ring of fire, or maybe mt charleston.

I liked driving to bolder city. Nothing much just a few antique shops and a good restaurant. Its peaceful and pretty.

"Valley" of Fire, not http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=It7107ELQvY

But yes, those are fine. Mt Charleston will be COLD. Red Rock is always good, even if you can't do more than walk around a little on level ground. Walk the bridge of death (aka, the Mike O'Callaghan--Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge) downstream of Hoover Dam. Hoover Dam itself, I suppose.

Well, the big key is...run like you did in July.

Unfortunately, I don't really have experience in these things since I tend to analyze this stuff more than I play...

But from what I have read elsewhere, it seems to be DDB more often than JoB for these tourneys.

Now should you be changing your strategy much? Well, that depends. Mainly on how the tournament is paid out. There is a benefit to being more aggressive to big wins because you lose nothing if you lose obviously. The problem is...doing really wacky plays won't help your overall winning chances that much unless it's clear you have to make a Royal to win any money.

When you don't need a Royal to win something, I generally would throw away Kings through Jacks for 3 to a Royal, in DDB. I'd also toss Aces through Jacks for 3 to a Royal if it's JoB. This applies to the type of tourney that pays top 10% or more with a somewhat graduated payout.

And also if for some reason it's so top heavy that you really do need the Royal to cash (like top 1 or 2%, or 10% cash but only the top 1% get half of the pool), then I probably go with the "Royal or Nothing" strategy. Hold the best royal flush hand and go for it, as this will nearly double your chances of hitting a royal. I probably make exceptions for AA and AAA in DDB.

And "chainsaw" is also right about being fast. It is definitely helpful if there is no hand limit and just a time limit. So the "Royal Only strategy" has that benefit as well. Which strategy (mostly straight up vs. Royal only) is better is definitely dependent on the pay structure, which it sounds like we don't know exactly yet.

Keep in mind, these are still just educated guesses given my non-experience. For the effort though, Cowboy, I expect to see more pics of your g/f after your trip.