security in underground clubs/casinos

[brian_frets]

Obviously, the security at a legitimate casino rivals the Secret Service.

But most of us have played in an 'illegal' underground club...Have you ever felt threatened? How did the situation turn out?

I'm 6'5" and played lacrosse for 5 years in college, as did my 2 friends that I play poker with (we go together to different UG clubs on weekends, play at different tables), so I don't get threatened often. I have been in my share of fights, and I know how to handle myself.

Last night was the first time I've been threatened while playing poker. I had just called a very agressive/loose player on a huge bluff of his, and won a $5,000 pot. He stood up (from across the table) and pulled a switchblade from his coat pocket. We just kind of stared each other in the eyes for a second or two, me wondering what the hell he was going to do, him incredibly pissed at me. (He was easily as big as me, maybe bigger.) The other players at the table got him to sit down and someone, one of his friends I think, took away his knife, and the guy said he'd see me at my car when I left. Luckily, one of my friends had just finished at another table and was sitting nearby, watching. He came to my side, I wished the table good night, the three of us (my friends and I) cashed out, and we left together. We didn't see him outside.

Has anything like this happened to you before? I was obviously scared at first, but now I'm disappointed in the behavior of a fellow poker player, and the fact that I'm reluctant to go back to that club.

Discuss.