Greg Raymer has basically said the same thing last year on this issue. Play when if fits your schedule.

Personally I prefer Day 1C for schedule and 1D for field Day 1 C gives you a day off before Day 2 and Day 3. Day 1 D only gives you a day off for Day 2. After that it is grinding each day. As has been said you recreational players hit the Day 1 D start which increases the chances of a good table draw. I've only played twice in the main and had 1 decent and 1 good table day 1 and a okay and a BRUTAL day 2 table in 2022. $6 MM in tourney winnings at the table with 3 guys well over + $1MM each. That's just the luck of the draw that is critical to a deeper run ............ and maybe why I've got knocked out level 10 day 2 on both of my attempts. AK starts to look to good for a blind squeeze play LOL

Hi all -- I haven't posted on 2+2 in many years, but I found this thread because I'll be playing my first ME this year and I've only ever played one (brief) low-buyin WSOP event ever. So I will soak in whatever advice any of you more experienced folks could throw my way.

The hotel aspect is one part that's already a stress factor. I don't have any comps or anything like that, so I'm not sure what the best way to go about this. And I'd love to share a room, but I don't think any of my poker friends are playing this year so I'm either on my own or would have to figure something out over the next few months.

Now that the schedule is out, I think I'll be coming into LV on about June 29, playing the Colossus (1C) on 6/30, the Mini Main on 7/2, and the ME (1C or 1D). Other than the ME, the others can change if there are better tourneys at the Wynn or Venetian or whatever.

So any thoughts? Should I book a hotel from 6/29 through 7/8 (ME Day 2D) and then adjust it longer if I'm still in? And any thoughts on the roommate situation? I'm in my 50s, so not really keyed up for partying or anything. Just want to play, eat, and sleep.

Sorry if these are stupid questions... just don't really know what I'm doing.

But I'm so freakin' excited...

None of these are stupid questions, and you came to the right place (sort of ) to ask them.

There's another thread entitled 2024 WSOP and rather than have 2 threads, perhaps we can end this particulate thread and just have the one 2024 WSOP active. Less threads for us to follow, and it's all in one place.

So I suggest re-posting these questions in that thread.

I'd like to suggest to everyone else that we bring all other conversations to the 2024 WSOP as well

Good luck at the series this year @m_x_b

Caesar’s properties have a 48 hour cancellation policy so you could book your trip a little longer and cancel a couple days ahead. There are tons of tourneys going on right before and after day 1 of the WSOP so there will be no shortage of events at all price points to choose from. Of course, the biggest factor will be your availability to be away from wherever you live and whatever you do.

The cheapest hotels you will find in the vicinity are probably Linq, Harrahs or Flamingo, but IMO it’s probably not going to be that much less expensive than Horseshoe to warrant staying even a 10-15 minute walk away. HS is reasonable and will likely cost you somewhere around $180/nt all in after taxes and the resort fees. Don’t forget to use the WSOP promo code when booking. That should save you 10%.

I wouldn’t necessarily recommend staying with strangers your first time out if it can be avoided, but there are threads here in 2+2 with folks advertising looking for roommates. Setting aside the issue of trust, it’s just hard to juggle everting one goes through at the WSOP and deal with other people’s schedules and habits on top of it all.

There are also lots of threads here in 2+2 dedicated to WSOP newbies. Here is one:

https://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/6...-time-1792634/

It’s an old one with some dated info about the RIO, but you can do an advanced search on the live event forum for “first WSOP” or something to that effect and probably find lots more.

Thank you both! I'll check out the other thread and post there if necessary. And good luck to all!

I went solo last year and it sucks. It doesn’t sound like it would but with nobody to bounce poker ideas off of, nobody to help decide which tournaments to play in, nobody to share a meal with, etc. Vegas just sucks. I would highly recommend trying to convince someone to go with you.

As for hotels, it depends on what factors you’re considering. Is proximity more important than price? If so, stay at Paris or HS. Actually, if you’re doing the ME and going solo, I would definitely recommend Paris or HS simply because of access to your room and meals on breaks. I stayed at HS last year and being able to relax on my bed and have a snack during dinner breaks was well worth it. You literally get off the elevator and are at the entrance to the WSOP.

But I have Diamond status so no resort fees or parking fees so the price was a lot cheaper. If the price is a major factor, Ellis Island is cheap and right down the road from HS. Easy to walk to but might not be terribly safe walking alone at night. Four Queens downtown is cheap with no resort fees. It’s also right next to Golden Nugget which hosts The Grand tournament series (cheap buy-ins but no schedule out yet). But if staying downtown, expect old smelly casinos and a drive to the strip.

There’s a chance I might be going solo again this year and if it shapes up that way, I’ll probably just not go at all. It was just so unenjoyable like that last year. I can’t emphasize enough how much I wouldn’t recommend it. Of course, I have a wife and kids I was missing and I normally meet up with my brother out there once a year at WSOP and since he couldn’t make it, there were other factors at play that made me homesick so I’m a bit biased.

I go solo every year, my wife came last year in early June, had a light schedule, did a couple of shows but mostly poker. She didn't come back for the main, she got bored... I have no problem going solo, no one to worry about, eat and sleep on my own schedule, play cash whenever ect. I kinda like going alone, usually see some people I know but mostly keep to myself. I get enough socializing at the table. I prefer to stay onsite even though I play at the Wynn and Venetian also but mostly stick to the wsop events depending on the schedule.. I'm diamond also so it makes sense to stay At the horseshoe with no resort fees and the convenience of having my room a sometime short elevator ride away.

I went solo the last time I played in the WSOP and will do so again this year. I don't mind going it alone at all. After playing a full day of poker, I am more than happy to decompress on my own. Yes, being able to bounce poker ideas/questions off others regarding difficult hands or hands that perhaps could have been played differently is a lost opportunity when going solo, but otherwise I am perfectly happy to be on my own and strictly focus on playing poker without any distractions.

Almost ditto to rppoker and DJ33. I'm lucky that I have the additional benefit of not only local players coming out but literally from this forum have met, eaten, talked poker, etc with over the last several years. I HIGHLY value my free (freedom) time and sometimes prefer to sulk about the latest suckout alone LOL but have plenty of companionship when it's mutually beneficial.
I Always stay on-site to crash in my room at dinner breaks and use my own toilet . Always rented a car (or now drive there) so I can get away from the city during my 3 weeks to clear my head. Lucky my wife is happy to get rid of me and she doesn't care for LV or the National park hiking I do before and after the WSOP so it's not a home issue either. Just a great personal experience both mentally and physically (NP hiking) that I'll continue until this old boys body convinces me otherwise.

Anyone have any thoughts about WSOP Event #12 = $1,500 6-handed? (on a Monday)

I enjoy 6max much more than full tables, but I'm afraid it won't attract enough recreational players. If it's completely full with internet wiz kids, there are probably more profitable options during that time ($1k Mystery Million for example)

Have you stayed at either of these? How are they?

Never played it, but I think it gets about 2k entries. There aren't 2,000 great 6-max players in the world, so I'm sure there will be some value in there. The fact that it's a 1.xk NLHE event with a bracelet attached means some people will play it who shouldn't.

Is it going to be tougher than something like the Milly or Monster? Yea, I would guess so. Smaller and denser field. It will be a relatively hard 1k, which you could look at negatively from a pure EV standpoint or positively from a fun/challenge/growth standpoint. I think it would be a cool one to play.

I've stayed at both. Ellis is not bad at all. It's an extremely modest property, but basically one big block away from the Horseshoe. If you're in reasonable shape, it's a simple walk, albeit not much fun in 100 degree heat.

Four Queens is downtown, so you're looking at a drive/Uber if you want to play on the strip. They have no resort fee, which is nice. Property was a bit shabby when I stayed there (a few years ago).

Personally, I'd say LINQ, Harrah's, Horseshoe, and Flamingo are all passable quality and close enough to the WSOP that I'd just treat them as equal and book at whichever is cheapest for my dates. I'd be fine staying at Ellis, but only if I couldn't get a strip room for the same price.

Four Queens would only be an option for me if I had a car and/or wanted to play the Nugget series.

I like the Golden Nugget Series quite a bit, but it would be tough to stay downtown as it is the only option.

I'll definitely think of these next time, but am booked at Harrah's right now.

I've played it 2-3 times (with a small cash woo) and this is accurate. It's tougher on average than Milly and the like, but definitely plenty of people playing mediocre poker, some playing too tight and passive for six handed and some playing run and gun and overly reckless. It's a fun tourney to play, and definitely nice having lots of space at the table!

I may be biased--I won the 1500 6 max a couple of years ago and made a deep run last year--but I think it is one of the best events on the whole schedule...with it being right after mystery millions this year, it should only get better. GL.

Im surprised mo one has brought up Tuscany Suites & Casino if your not staying on site. Its very close and they have big clean rooms.

I stayed at the Tuscany for 5 nights last series - had stayed there in 2017 as well. It is okay - more like an apartment complex than a typical Vegas hotel - rooms are big but all they have for food prep is a sink and minifridge - you would expect more after reading their website. They do have a nice fitness room and there is a small casino attached. I suppose it is walkable but a bit much for a 70 yo and in the heat. Also with the resort fees it is not that great a deal pricewise. Thinking that I might try Ellis Island this year - like their restaurants and make a stop there every time I'm in Vegas.

Ellis Island is cheap and nice. Not sure how they can be so cheap TBH. Rooms aren't too roomy, but who needs a big room anyways. Only downside is the walk. It's short (~10min) but kinda sketch at night; but I think they usually have security around their entry so that helps.

Ellis has a decent restaurant? What kind of food ? I've kind of got hooked on Blueberry Hill (I have a car and I'm a 24 hour breakfast guy) and Wahlbergers last trip. Always looking for a reasonable meal choice.

Actually there are several restaurants at Ellis Island – they have an on-site brewery and recently opened a beer pub. Also a pizza place there but I go to either the bbq place (very limited menu – chicken or ribs or some combo of the two – three standard sides with each order) or the regular restaurant (specializing in prime rib and the fish and chips are good), Never been for breakfast. Not for everyone but reminiscent of Vegas when they offered good inexpensive food as a way to get the gamblers in. Not as cheap as it used to be but then what place is. Get a players card for a couple of bucks off and then play a hand of blackjack for a couple more $ off.

Here are a few breakfast places off the strip that I prefer over Blueberry Hill –

Mr. Mamas – in shopping center on S Jones – my favorite plus my Culinary Institute trained brother loves the place.
Black Bear Diner – several in the area.
On your way to the Hoover Dam stop at The Coffee Cup in Boulder City
For a different experience try the Pioneer Saloon in Goodsprings – about 30 minutes south of Vegas on I 15 – kitchen opens around 9 am – limited menu but interesting place. Lots of history on the walls.
Kitchen Table in Henderson – nice place, good food, not open some days so check first.
Peppermill on the strip near the Wynn – a Vegas landmark – should try it once. Used to be 24/7 but not sure of hours now.

Some favorite BBQ places in order of preference –
Rolling Smoke – go to the original location on Highland under the Desert inn overpass – incredible.
Jesse Raes on S Valley View near Orleans – they will show you the smokers out back if you ask nicely. Some delicious brisket and pork. Monster sandwiches.
Benny’s – downtown in Binion’s. Open at 4 or 5 – limited menu but great if you are staying downtown.
John Mulls – up in North Vegas in the middle of a residential area that grew up around the place. No indoor seating but some covered tables with misters. Haven’t been there since covid so it may have changed but was Texas style cafeteria line.

A few other favorites –
Bonita Michoacan – at Decator and Twain – gets my vote for best Mexican food in Vegas
Original Linda Michoacan – on East Desert Inn Road
Triple 7 Brew Pub in Main Street Casino
Market Street Café in California Casino – Hawaiian themed
Nacho Daddy – downtown on 4th near El Cortez
Guadalajara – in Boulder Station Casino – great place to stop after battling the locals in the 4-8 limit Omaha high game that goes 24/7 there
Luv It Custard Stand – on Oakley near the Olympic “Gentlemen’s Club”. Walk up, rub shoulders with the locals and then eat in your car. Best after dark.

Finally no trip is complete without a stop at Spinettis Gaming Supplies at 810 S Commerce – huge display of poker chips from all over plus poker and other supplies.

Ironically, the Rio, dumpy as it is, might have the best prices. It's inconvenient if you don't have a car though.

Does Rio still have a poker room? I’m thinking most people staying there for WSOP won’t be regs so you’ll have a poker room full of fish on a budget. Might be easy pickings for some low limit cash games.

The Rio poker room is a dismal joke. I've passed by it on numerous times on way to the convention center for the WSOP action. I don't think they had more than six tables.

The RIO is under new management and they have refurbished their rooms and, I assume, have done some work in the casino as well. Their website does not mention a poker room but I would call to be sure since websites tend to be inaccurate.

Franky, if a person does have a car, and sufficient status to get free parking at CET, and doesn’t mind driving a few blocks back and forth, RIO may make for a reasonable alternative to staying on the strip. With their “re-opening”, I imagine one can get pretty good discounts. Just be aware that traffic on the intersection of LVB and Flamingo was at times a compete **** show last year because of the F1 construction. Hope springs eternal that the powers that be learned some lessons and will figure out a way to avoid that this year. But my understanding is they will continue to have to do work to prepare for F1.