[elmitchbo]

that was pretty funny. i had the exact same experience not too long ago when i played my first bar tourney. i live in a college town with more bars than people it seems like, and half of them have a poker tournament night. you could literally play a different one seven nights a week.

it's funny to walk in and see no tables, no chips, nobody in charge... it usually works out though. there have only been a few incidents where a ruling was need, and the guys running the show didn't know what was going on. that was a problem. if i try to step in and make the ruling it looks like i'm trying to get my way, but if i don't i might get screwed on a bad call. when people aren't used to dealing pots get screwed up or extra cards shown.

i kind of like the point system. everywhere i play just gives away food and beer. usually 1st place gets a $50 gift certificate or something similar. unfortunately, that's the best live tournaments i can play with the nearest casino 10 hours away, and it's a nice change from online play.