Rockford Charitable Games
 

Was wondering if anyone could tell me anything about the poker games this organization runs. Reading about the games on their Web site, it all sounds great. WSOP single-table tournament Satellite Steps. MTTs. WSOP MTT Satellites. Limit cash games, the works.

But how is the structure? How are the players? And does anyone know anything about their payout structure - I read they can only cash you out, due to state law, for $250 more than what you bought in for and no more on any single day. So, how does someone who takes first place in a $150 MTT get their full prize?

Was thinking about trying to make it to a few of these, but I'm looking for anyone who has experienced one or several of these games first hand.

Thanks in advance.

- yoadrians

Re: Rockford Charitable Games
 

Cash games are fine. 2/4 (I think, maybe it was 3/6), 5/10, 10/20, even played a 20/40 there before.

STT structure is atrocious. 1k starting chips. 12 minute blinds. 25/50 start and blinds double every round. 12 starting players.

WSOP step structure is the same, but with 1500 starting chips. 3 table tourney.

The $150 MTT is a decent structure, but 15 minute-ish rounds so it does end up getting steep at the end. If you are going to play this, make sure you sign up early so you get the early bird bonus chips. T3k to start for everyone with a T500 bonus for early bird.

Everyone who goes out without cashing turns their buy-in ticket in for the winners to be able to cash out 'within the law'. Dunno if thats really legal, but thats what they do.

In general, the majority of players are horrid. Lots of sunglasses and ballcaps. Beware 'The Stare'. Don't tap the glass, but it will be very tempting to do so.

I've profited every time I've played there, sometimes a lot, sometimes barely. I've been to 10 or so events. They do serve food and drinks, but no waitresses.

When they call an STT to start, its like a mad dash. There is no sign up list for STT's, they just say '$60 STT starting on table 12' over the intercom. The cash games have a sign up and more orderly seating.

Recommendations: Play the $330 or $150 MTT. Play the cash games at whatever level your bankroll is comfy with. Stay away from the STTs unless you are running SUPER hot.

Re: Rockford Charitable Games
 

Yes the STT's are atrocious. (as are some of the dealers)

The cash games are fine (except for the rake). Plenty of donks.

They have 1-3, 2-5, 5/10, and 10/20. However the 10/20 hasn't been going the last few times I've gone there. (Right when I'm ready to play it too [img]/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img])

I've never played in one of the MTT's but I might give it a shot next time I'm there.

Anyway, I'm going to be at the 5/18 in Rolling Meadows and the 5/20 in Rockford if anyone is going those days.

-Craig

Re: Rockford Charitable Games
 

Are these games a good alternative to the Trump or Harrah's?

Re: Rockford Charitable Games
 

I've only played the limit cash games.

They have 1-3 spread limit, 2-5 spread limit, 5/10 limit, and 10/20 limit (unless they added more in the past 5 months). Games are pretty soft and generally passive (I've played all the limits), lot of older folks go to gamble there. I think I'm going the 20th with some buddies of mine. I'm not 21 yet, so it's the best I can do.

Ponks

Re: Rockford Charitable Games
 

What will you be playing? Me and other buddies will be there probably playing 5/10.

-Craig

Re: Rockford Charitable Games
 

I was there a couple weeks ago when they were in Addison. That was only my second visit, and it pretty much confirmed that I prefer the Indiana casinos.

I didn't get a chance to get in the 5/10 game, but my wife did and was pretty annoyed with the "sunglasses/ballcap" kids. I couldn't resist the $60 STTs, though I know the format sucks. The players are just so horrible. I won one and finished out of the money on another before we decided to leave.

On both my STTs, players went out on the first hand. In both we were down to 9 players, from 12, by the end of the first orbit. This was not chip dumping, this was terrible players vs. terrible players.

While I was in the first STT, there was a bunch of jubilant yelling coming from across the room. It was 1-3 hold'em.

I'll go back again if it's close and I have nothing better to do, but I wouldn't consider this an alternative to nearby casinos. The games are 18+ which is good for some and explains a few things, I guess.

Regards,

T

Re: Rockford Charitable Games
 

Harrah's/Trump is much better, as long as you don't mind the drive and the sticky checks at Trump. The games are still soft and its nice to have waitresses and such. The rake is less too at the casinos I believe.

Re: Rockford Charitable Games
 

If you're under 21 then RCG is what you're stuck with [img]/images/graemlins/mad.gif[/img].

-Craig

Re: Rockford Charitable Games
 

[ QUOTE ]
What will you be playing? Me and other buddies will be there probably playing 5/10.

-Craig

[/ QUOTE ]

Either the $5/10 or the $10/20, depends what my buddies are playing. I've got a feeling we'll be scattered over all the different tables. I'll be wearing an Illini hat with a chief on the front.

Ponks/John