anyone have any info on the az state championship this year? date, time, etc. ? thanks in advance.

Probably Starting around August 15th.

Details available via Google Search: "Casino Arizona", "Casino Arizona Talking Stick", Talking Stick Resort"

http://www.talkingstickresort.com/an...mpionship.aspx

Hope to see you there! :-)

Are they going to hire another famous person to host it again this year? No guarantee with an asterisk this time?

There's a new Mega-Jackpot for Omaha and Stud: $50K str8 flush beaten. I was surprised that there weren't multiple games running.

What? You mean jackpots aren't what draw the masses?? What a shock!

If the HE JP wasn't $100K there would've been many tables running. Two ends of a str8 flush is what won the big BBJ years ago in HE. The Mega HE is now quad 9's beaten. If I knew how to do it I'd figure out which game has better BBJ value but what I do know is that it's a damn sight easier to hit two ends of a str8 flush in Omaha.

I've been wanting to post a reply to this for days, since I first read this post, but I suck at typing and my posts are typically relatively long, so I've been putting it off. However, today, I have a couple hours before I have to get ready for work, so I figured I'd attempt to respond.

First off, I pretty much agree with everything you state in the portion of your post that I've quoted above; and, I feel that I like the way you think. I have been dealing for over 10 years now, at several different poker rooms, and I feel that I can honestly say that I am typically fast and efficient at dealing poker. However, I had not ever dealt the Mixed Games before. I have no problem admitting this to (or asking for help from) the players while dealing to them (especially, when it comes to reading the hands in the mixed games that I'm not familiar with; as I, too, like the game to run efficiently). As long as no players at the table have a problem with it, I am completely on-board with the players reading and announcing their hands (other dealers may not like it; but I certainly do). You are right about most players having much more experience and time sitting at these mixed games. Plus, they are there playing these specific games for hours at a time, while the dealers are mostly dealing Hold 'em (as you've specifically mentioned) during the rest of their shift; and, like you stated, there is something of an adjustment that comes when sitting at the mixed games table.

Often, while at the $40-$80 Mix table, I will even specifically admit to the table that I am not familiar with the game(s) and I will try to request help from the players in regards to reading hands. And, for the most part, the players are understanding and are happy to help. However, some of the players there aren't as friendly as others; which makes me less-inclined to ask for help from the players (and that's not a good thing, for anyone at the table). Even though, I've been dealing poker for over a decade, I still get rattled, embarrassed, uncomfortable; and I really don't like to feel that way while in the box. And as I'm sure many of the players realize, rattling the dealer - especially, after they've made a mistake - only serves to make them more uncomfortable/nervous and more-inclined to make another mistake. To be honest, I hate how some of the players treat me while dealing to them and it has bothered me tremendously. Not because I am soft, sensitive or thin-skinned (quite the contrary); but because I am not doing anything that would cause me to deserve to be mistreated and because the way dealers are sometimes treated is not only unnecessary, but absolutely inappropriate. And what makes sitting there being berated/belittled worse is that we have to worry about possibly getting in trouble for talking **** back to a player, so most of us don't do it, because we value our job and truly need it (and, contrary to what many players seem to believe, we also appreciate it).

Sorry for writing so much already. Part of the reason I wanted to reply and elaborate on this issue is to bring attention to the point you make about it being helpful/beneficial for the players to try to go out of their way to help the dealers (particularly, the new/inexperienced dealers - some, whom really are like a deer in headlights while trying to deal such a game). Besides simply being courteous and nice (which, seems to be lost on some players), it serves to help the dealers to be/become more comfortable; which will help them to run a better game, which helps the players to have an easier/less-stressful experience at the table. So, as you alluded to, it really is self-serving for the players to want to try to go out of their way and help the dealers (when needed). And, while I would like the part about this also being courteous to be recognized and respected, regardless of the reasoning behind it, I, for one, would really like to have a better/less-unpleasant time while dealing the Mix Games.

I also wanted to give you credit for recognizing and pointing out how difficult it can be to adjust to a mixed-game table after dealing mostly straight Hold 'em for hours at a time. Even at the $20-$40 Hold 'em/Omaha 8 table - where you only switch between two games - it's often mentally confusing to get yourself to remember that you are suddenly not dealing out a flop - or vice versa, that you now need to deal out a flop, after dealing upcards for the past 9 hands. Trust me, it legitimately does take some mental-adjusting each time you change games (at least, for me, anyway). I'm not going to say that dealing poker is an extremely difficult job to do; but I will say that it is a lot more difficult than many/most players seem to think it is. It is a lot more mentally-draining than most people realize (because, you are almost-constantly using your brain and needing to be focused on or thinking about something - much like how playing poker is mentally-exhausting). So, some simple courtesy and a little empathy would really make a big difference (in a good way, for the players, too).


I also want to mention this about the way dealers are sometimes treated by the players (and I will tread lightly, because I don't want to cause/get in any trouble): For the record, most of us dealers are aware that what poker players go through is stressful, aggravating, difficult, and emotional, and we have sympathy and compassion (and empathy, as many of us play poker ourselves). We also realize that we have a good job that can provide a good living for ourselves and our families. Most/many of us are grateful for our job and we try to do it well (and we want to do it well). We are not your enemy; we are there for you, and with you, as part of the game. We tolerate a lot of *** from players that we would not tolerate if we were in a different setting. To be honest, I'm sure that most players behave differently/more-respectfully away from the poker table. And, while likely true, this does not make it OK for someone to be this way while in a certain setting (i.e. at a poker table). And, far and away, for the most part, we don't do anything to deserve to be rudely-insulted, embarrassed, berated, belittled, humiliated, or disrespected, just because you lost a big hand/a large amount of money. We are, at least, somewhat understanding, though. We recognize and understand that it's frustrating, that large sums of money are lost, and that emotions run highly. And we usually sit there quietly and put up with the verbal abuse, the insulting comments and vulgarity, often directed straight at us. And most of want to sit there stoically and move on to the next hand; hoping that emotions will settle, cooler heads will prevail, and that we can get past the uncomfortable situation we are in at the time.

I really wanted to share those thoughts on this, as I think it's an important issue, and because it has personally affected me. I have had some days where I was dreading actually going to work, because I was worried about what possible uncomfortable/humiliating situation or confrontation I was going to face during that shift. It's not a little deal or something insignificant, either. People should not have to have these thoughts and concerns about going in to work. And, I can assure you that I'm not the only dealer who has had this exact same concern. So, maybe someone who is a hot-head will read this, or someone who's not a hot-head will read this and share it with someone else who is, and maybe a better perspective will be gained/given and something good will have come form the last hour I've spent typing this damn post!


And to the many players who are nice, courteous, respectful, helpful and friendly, please know that it is recognized and always genuinely appreciated!!!!



P.S. It is also definitely helpful to point out when a player needs to be dealt out, due to the game requiring so many cards to be dealt (i.e. Baducey, Badacey, etc.), so please always be willing to do that. It's also helpful to point out if/when a new player needs to post; if they can wait; if they are forced to post and take a hand immediately (due to the position they're coming in to); and, when changing seats, how many hands they need to be dealt out (trust me, there is already a lot to be thinking about just trying to deal a time-raked mix game). Also, when a dealer is unaware of something like this and you have to inform/remind them about it, or they make a simple mistake, please know that there is no need to be rude or condescending when bringing it to their attention. Again, besides simply being respectful and polite, it serves to help the good of the game! And each and every time a player does something like this for a dealer, I can assure that it is greatly appreciated and you are a nice person for doing so!!

If you are the dealer I think you are then I think you do a pretty good Job of dekng the mix games and have mentioned that to [name removed] at the tables before despite being new to them. I also think explaining you may need help or smoke small mistakes when sitting down is appreciated amongst the players and if you are treated poorly that is unfortunate.

Dealer abuse seems to be part of the CAZ culture. That's a result of the room management. In my local room, dealers don't put up with that. I've seen where a player starts getting out of line, the dealer calls the floor, and the floor made that player sit out the dealer's down. If you dealers knew that management had your back, CAZ would be a much more pleasant room to play in. It is the most obnoxious environment I've ever played in. No, I haven't been to Commerce and I never plan to.

BTW I just got back from the WSOP. Anyone who wants to criticize CAZ dealers should play the O8 tournament as the WSOP recruits a huge number of temporary dealers for the series and many of them struggled immensely in simple Omaha hi low. The one saving grace about my first table was that a well-known CAZ high-stakes poker host was at the table and he personally saved dealers from maybe 10 or more mistakes in the first 4 hours. I think he provided a fine example of how to gently keep the game on course without any need for dealer abuse.

I'm not so sure that this is accurate. There are some regs at both small and large stakes, that act poorly to the dealers. Why this is allowed by management is beyond me. By and large though the player pool is generally friendly and respectful and Caz is a very enjoyable place to play. Compare the treatment to that of dealers at Commerce or other LA card rooms and it's night and day. Also compare the skill level of an avg Caz dealer to one in vegas or la and the Caz dealers will be friendlier, faster, and more efficient.

I think I was at the table for AzAssasins first mix down. Although he was clearly uncomfortable, he asked the right questions and learned the procedures. I can't imagine how anyone could be expected to do better without significant training.

What frustrates me are some of the older dealers who make zero effort to put out a good down. Dealers where mistakes are the norm not the exception and they can't seem to care at all or try to ask questions to improve.

I couldn't disagree more, I think the players treat the dealers very well (with a few exceptions of course) and room management wouldn't even begin to tolerate stuff that goes on at other casinos. Basically if players acted here how they acted at commerce they would get banned almost immedately.

I also can't imagine how you think its "the most obnoxious environment you've ever played in." I think its probably one of the most pleasant rooms in the country. Obvious my experiences are limited only to the higher stakes games but the players are generally pleasant and friendly (both regs and pros alike), and I find the floor people to be very helpful and friendly. Almost all people that visit here and play here generally comment how pleasant the players are. I don't know what games you play, but I know at least in my games everyone is friendly and if you wanted to drink everyday for free theres always 5-10 people in the room (and 2-3 on your table) that will drink with you and happily pick up the tab (assuming your willingness to reciprocate).

Levels of dealer abuse are definitely far lower than in major LA cardrooms.

I get offered free drinks every time I play. And I'm not a hot and sexy female. Everyone is so friendly to me.

^ Plays well when sober, poorly when drinking. YMMV.

What's the stakes of Omaha hi low there ?

There is a 20/40 OE game. I think 8/16 Omaha runs sometimes.

40 mix often includes Omaha.

Also regular 4/8 Omaha high-low. The 8/16 used to be regular, but it may be drying up from the popularity of the 20/40 OE.

1. Despite generous and frequent splash pots and high hand wheel spins that are spreading a lot of money around the BBJ is STILL hardly budging, smh. It's summer which should mean less BBJ drop and the fund is still not going down.

2. Employee parking lot is closed bec balls keep flying over the net from the driving range and some broken windows have been reported. My question is isn't there some formula in physics that would tell the builders how high to build a net to contain the balls hit by the very good golfers?

3. Player behavior at CAZ both towards each other is far better than AC when I played there or Bellagio and especially So-Cal. I remember my first trip to Commerce: There was a sign on the wall 'Players are expected to blah, blah, blah, no dealer abuse is allowed, blah, blah, blah.' After 2 hours I grabbed a floor man and told him they had to change the sign, he asked why, I said 'The sign should say 'Players MUST abuse the dealers', he asked who was abusing the dealers and I answered 'everyone except me.' So he went to the table and told them to stop abusing the dealers. That got a slack jawed look from all of them but it didn't work.

4. If you see me at CAZ in the next few months please try to make me go home. I'm ending up in the BJ pit far too much.

How the hell are they hitting them? It seems like it is high enough and far enough, but I've never been there. They've built a few before, so they should know the dimensions to build, I am sure they are just as unhappy losing all those balls.

Might be my small sample size and I play much lower stakes than you, but the times I've played there, it wasn't pleasant. I couldn't believe how many drunks there were, especially because there's no public transport there, right?

The only way I got to CAZ is driving, therefore I didn't drink.

Is this a municipal course? If not, a lawsuit filed, even if just in small claims, would probably prompt them to build a higher net.

Although I don't play at Bellagio any more, I never noticed anything there from players. Now staff abuse of players is a different story.

Can you self-exclude from a specific game, or is it the whole casino or nothing?

1. Private driving range.
2. EVERY time I used to grab a few hours at the B's 30-60 there'd be some sort of player to player confrontation and I was disappointed if one of them didn't threaten to kill the other.
3. No.

Haven't been hit to top golf But know a few peeps that have....basically if u hit driver with a high ball flight they said u can easily carry the net. I think the people forgot how much further a golf ball travels in the high temp no humidity desert air lololol

CAZ is going to have to put a cover over the affected parking area. I also heard that Orange Sky was really upset that the driving range ruined their view. I suppose nobody thought of that since it could've been built a little bit North.