Bay Area Poker?

Taking a trip up to SF and planning to go to one of the Bay Area casinos for one of the days. Out of Artichoke Joe's, Lucky Chances, Oaks, and Casino San Pablo, which is the best for mid-limit(9-18 to 30-60) hold 'em in terms of action and "good" games? I will be staying in Berkeley, which is very close to both Oaks and Casino San Pablo. Are either of these two worth going to? Or is it worth the 40 minute drive to go to Lucky Chances or AJ's?


I will be going with a buddy of mine that plays 6-12/9-18, do any of these rooms spread these games regularly? The last thing we want to do is go to a room and find that they do not spread anything in between 20-40 and 4-8. Thanks for the help.


DN

never been to Oaks or CSP. LCs is good if you want to play 20-40 and up. you might be better off going to AJ's with your friend. AJ's spreads 15-30 and the 6-12 is 25% cheaper than the 6-12 at LC's and still has a jackpot. You could also drop your buddy off at AJ's and then drive up to LC's. they are very close.

Lucky Chances is your best bet.


Hold'em offered includes 3-6, 6-12, 9-18, 20-40, 40-80, and no-limit with 10-10-20 blinds. The 3-6 and 6-12 are going essentially all the time, and the 9-18 and 20-40 run just about every afternoon and evening.


Artichoke Joe's is second-rate. They spread 3-6, 6-12, and 15-30 hold'em. Since Lucky Chances added a jackpot charge, the games at AJ's are cheaper; but they aren't better. You get great action at Lucky Chances at all limits.


The Oaks in Emeryville is my favorite place to play -- they spread 1-2, 2-4, 3-6, 6-12, and 15-30 hold'em (no 9-18), as well as stud games, plus lowball and pan -- but the games are rather tighter than other clubs. The Oaks charges time in all games rather than a drop with each hand, and it works out that these are the cheapest games in the Bay Area. The Rake Paradox applies, and so it is easier to beat the rake for $4 per round at Lucky Chances than it is for $8 or $10 per hour at the Oaks.


Casino San Pablo offers 3-6, 6-12, and 9-18 hold'em. The 9-18 game gets down irregularly.