Puerto Rico Games?

[XPac]

I'm planning a vacation for Dec/Jan, and a buddy of mine is trying to convince me to go to Puerto Rico (I've never been). Just curious as to what type of poker games/card houses they have there (if any)? Originally a bunch of us were going to head out to Vegas, but I would like to see Puerto Rico, that is if they have some poker because I do want to play a LITTLE poker on my vacation [img]/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

[XPac]

[DRCAT]

Mr. CIA

The

Wyndham El San Juan Hotel & Casino
6063 Isla Verde Avenue
Carolina, PR 00979
Phone: 787-791-1000

is the only place you can find casino poker action on the island. It is probably 20-30 minutes by taxi/car from Old San Juan on a good day.

The poker room there consists of three tables and is situated on the casino floor in the center of the facility.

The action does not generally start until 7 PM and you need to sign up probably prior to 5PM (sheet located at roulette wheel or ask) to get a seat. On Tuesdays and Thursdays they have tournaments (holdem or stud). Tried it once, very strange rules, more like a lottery, so be aware.

Anyway, san juan holdem poker has some unique characteristics:

1) The structure is $5 or $10 at any time with $2 and $5 blinds. I cannot remember if backraising (i.e., raise $5 on a $10 bet) was allowed but it is very possible.

2) The rake is an astronomical $10.

3) They seat eleven players.

4) They change dealers in the middle of games.

5) You can't go all in with a raise.

6) The language is spanish although most players speak english with varying degrees of success and the floor personnel all speak english well.

7) The players consist of a core of locals who are there everynight and whatever tourists straggle in.

8) The game is very easy to beat but the structure can cause significant short term fluctuations.

The Puerto Ricans are generally very nice people but they do things at a different pace than what we state siders are used to. Poker is no exception. Patience will help you fit in and help you immensely at the table.

Good Luck,

DRCAT

[XPac]