I had only noticed a couple of dealers seeming concerned about something, but was unaware of a general issue. My only info so far comes from that site, that I saw by coincidence on the yelp review page. Will also pay more attention to the atmosphere. Just generally concerned that this could become a massive problem, with regulars leaving, etc. Really don't want to go somewhere else. Not sure I can continue playing knowing that Tim is barred, though...

One of the dealers told me that shifts were being cut, that dealers can get in trouble for talking to security guards and that it's just terrible working there now. And I saw another good old o11 dealer in Vegas at the wsop who quit o11 because things got so bad. What a shame. Those are two great dealers, and yet they keep dealers in who can't count plo pots and deal slower than christmas. makes no sense to me. What a shame. And i miss the little old ladies too.

Does Ocean's ever get anything other than 2/5 PLO going anymore? Like a 1/2? And how is the play in the 2/5?

Most players in the 2/5 lack the ability to fold second nut hands
There are a few solid players, and a few that think they are far better than they are.
Mostly passive, but can change when a few select players are around.
PM if you are going to play and want a more specific scouting report.
I've been out of town for a month, but before I left they were both going full on Fridays.

To acescracked84 & Brown Keeper,

The 2/5 PLO at Ocean's 11 is now a 2/5 opt 10 staddle utg w/ a 300-1000 buy-in that goes every Tuesday and Friday about 4/5pm. Option to run it multiple times in all-in pots if players in pot agree, some only run it once. Game is comp'd for food and Ocean's has a pretty good menu. The max drop is 4/hand and no jackpot drop, so you save a little on rake. Game gets pretty juicy depending on the lineup and if it's tight, a few players always manage to blow it up :-)

The 1/2 PLO is a 40-200 buy-in, no straddle, one run plo game that goes 3 out of 4 friday's a month. It's more of a fun game to learn in, but the buy-in is too small for it to be a good game and because most of the players are learning the game, it's a little slow and tight and too short of a buy-in to be good. It should be a 1/2, opt 5 straddle 100-300 buy-in, but management resists as they like to have slower, safer games that will go longer to get more rake than make something that has a chance of not going as long through the night. That game is PLO purgatory for the 2/5 players that are waiting to get in the main game. (At least it's a step up from waiting in hold 'em). Those learning PLO in that game and maybe don't know enough to speak up or are limited by bankroll, may feel safer with 40 to 200 ($1) blue chips than 20 to 60 ($5) red chips. The slick haired suit wolves stand back and admire their non-encompassing decision that they mis-associate with the sustained rake of that game's success that can be obtained all the same from the aforementioned game shift to a better structure. I am always able to get in early and get a seat in the 2/5 game, but it sucks to not have a desirable option for other players that do have to wait and when the management often chooses not to start a 2nd 2/5 game even with 6 or 7 on the list, present and looking to play as they would have to change rotations and possibly change the dealer rotation a few hours later when the 2nd game breaks.

Bottom line, not playing as shallow in regards to the 20-100 bb limit in the 1/2 game can be better by a 100-300 buy-in, 1/2 blinds, opt 5 straddle, and run it once.

There is good action at Ocean's 2/5 PLO game. I hope this helped shed some light on your questions.

Thank you,
Ethos

p.s. if you want to try PLO bingo, try the Elsinore Wed & Fri PLO. If you have deep pockets, like action, and aren't too sure how to play, their 2/3 (really 5/5) with up to a 100 straddle where it's often raised and straddle is still exercised, 100-1,000 buy-in may suit the no thinking, action junky in all of us. It was quite entertaining and slightly painful. I lost count of the number of +4k pots throughout the session. Game starts at 2pm every Wed & Fri and after last friday's straddle debacle, they may reign that part of the game in, but heard not much else will change as far as action goes.

What the heck is a 2/3 really 5/5 with 100 straddle? I can't even imagine the inner-workings you're describing. All I know is, I think it sounds amazing!

Official blinds are 2/3 but everyone was putting in 5/5 blinds and only a couple players would ask for change if they folded their blind. It was Lord of the Flies, the players ran the island and told the floor what they were doing for a majority of the 10 hour session the game was in full swing. The straddle was open up to 100 utg, and was often between 30-50. It was crazy. One longtime player in the game finally said at the end of the night that it's only going to be a one night thing and he was going to instruct the floor to not let the straddle be open like that again but who knows.

the inmates definitely like to run the asylum when it comes to plo. i was once in a 5-5 plo game where the official straddle was on the button, and then they progressed counter-clockwise from the button (btn: 10, CO: $25, HJ: $50, HJ-1: $100. the $100 was only on about 40% of the time, but you get the idea). it was pretty insane action for a "5/5 plo" game. dudes were blowing through $15-20k in a couple of hours.

ethos-
have you been playing the game at the lake?

Regular in the PLO game has a big chiplead going into the final table of the Bike WPT.

Half the chips in play with 4 left.

Josh Hale
Oceans Reg
WPT champ

I have never really played live games but as I live in Oceanside was considering going by to try out some holdem. Is this the best place in the area to go? Would I be better off going out to the casinos in Valley Center? Is it fairly busy on week nights as well at lower limits?

Thanks for the input~

Well, I moved out of O'side in 2008 and I really miss Ocean's 11. I never felt more comfortable or welcome then Ocean's 11.

Anyone know what's up with the state of mid-limit texas holdem at Oceans-11? I hear that the 20 game is having lots of trouble even getting started, let alone stay alive for any considerable amount of time. I have heard rumors of plenty of Oceans regs now making the commute up to LA to play at Commerce. Other than the Friday 40/80 game which seems to still be going consistently and strong, albeit only one day a week, it appears that the limit games at Oceans have really dried up.

This is disappointing to hear, was looking forward to getting back to the grind when I get back.
Miss reading about your exploits in your blog, have you not been able to make it in much?
Maybe we can try something at
Village?
Before I left JK and CC, as well as another player (50ish lawyer likes the 9 seat, plays the 40) tossed the idea around.

Just been busy with the day job plus family commitments have me cutting back my poker hours. I still plan on playing Friday afternoons/evenings, but that's probably it. Worried that if things continue the way they are going even the Friday 40/80 might be threatened and that has me worried of course. I really don't like Commerce very much and having a 90 minute commute one way just to play an evening of poker seems a bit too much for me to stomache. Which means that if the games die at Oceans then I guess my playing poker on a regular basis will force me into semi retirement unless the game comes back at Village or Palomar or one of the local Indian casinos (my preference would be Barona).

The brown chips(10$) looked like they got cleaned (at least some of them). I noticed them last Friday that we had albino chips in play. They looked bleached or something.

How often and when does PLO usually run here?

Tuesday/Friday are the pseudo-guarantees
Been getting a weekend day once in awhile per the email group

Red chips looked all clean today, with that bleached look to them. The sticky factor has definitely been washed away from the chips.

20/40 started today around 1pm FYI, close to full table.

Went for the first time yesterday and back today. First place I have ever played a live game and I had a lot of fun.

I will be vacationing in CA next month and expect to play the Haig Kelegian Classic on the 6th. I've never been to Oceans 11. Can you guys clue me in on what to expect, some tips, etc.? Also, in regards to the tournament itself, what is the blind structure? How many players are expected? Will it complete in one day (I can't play the 7th)? Thanks for any help.

yes it will finish in 1 day.
prize pool is probably very top heavy.
i would guess 220 players. complete guess though.

I mainly only play cash games at Oceans, but yes the tournament should finish in one day. I can't ever remember hearing of any multi day tournaments at Oceans.

I had the best huevos rancheros I've had in years at Ocean's tonight. I haven't played there in awhile, and I had forgotten how phenomenal that kitchen can be. They must have made the tortillas fresh with the eggs. If you just laid your fork on them they cut. Rice and beans were excellent. They made fresh guacomole, with a fresh red chili sauce and sour cream on the side. Plus it's comped at 5/5.