Quick RENO trip report (June 2nd to 4th)

[L0QTiS]

Just got back from a two-day trip to Reno. Poker was not the primary reason for the trip, but I managed a few sessions.

Cal-Neva:

Lured by the rumor of a semi-regular Omaha hi/lo game, I paid this room a visit on Thursday afternoon. Sure enough, there was a full game going, 3-6 O8/B with a full kill. 4/8 is my upper limit for most games given my bankroll, but I figured to take advantage of what was available to me while I had the chance. Long story short, I caught only one hand worth taking to the river, but not to showdown and left down 10BB. Good game though, 4-8 players to the flop. The stacks were not too deep but the players who were busting out were more than willing to re-buy repeatedly. Chatted with one of the locals, quite a few of them are committed to trying to keep this alive, there's talk of the Cal-Neva spreading a regular weekly Pot Limit Omaha high tournaments, but I didn't pursue this past hearsay.

Peppermill:

The poker room has recently expanded, although it’s really nothing more than extending into the casino, and divided by ropes. They run regular nightly No limit tournaments and play the final table closest to the casino floor. I was aware they regularly spread 2/4 and 4/8 holdem as well as an occasional stud game from previous visits, however I was pretty surprised to hear calls 10-20 and 15-30 games. I think 10-20 was fairly regular per loudspeaker calls for players in the AM on the days of my visit.

Played 2-4 for about 3.5 hours. Table’s drop box had a slit past the slide so dealers were constantly jamming the drop slowing the game. At first, I found this rather annoying but over time (and a few Newcastles) this grew to be comical.

One memorable hand: Action goes roughly like this (I’m not 100% on the specifics, but I think this close). Two MP limpers call and I call from the CO with JTs - the button raises. Button’s raise means anything from a small pocket pair on up, and I’m sure there are others aware of this. One of the blinds 3-bets which I took as a possible attempt to isolate. One limper calls, I call, button caps, all call. Flop is 9JQ rainbow with one of my suits. Checked to me and I bet to see where I’m at, button raises, blind calls, limper folds I call. Turn is T (don’t recall the suit). Blind checks, I think and bet, button raises. Blind folds and I call knowing I probably have to hit a J or T to have any chance at winning, but know I have the odds to chase it at this point. River brings a T (don’t recall the suit once again). I stall a bit and check, button bet and I raised (probably a little too quickly). Button calls, I table my hand and button mucks and I drag a nice pot. Yes, maybe I misplayed the hand given I couldn’t give the button credit for a hand, but it was oh so satisfying. He said he had a King so I’m pretty sure it was KK. He was still mumbling about the hand an hour later shortly before I racked up +18BB.

Will probably go back to Reno soon and base myself at the Peppermill since they seem to support a wide range of games plus daily tournaments.

[offTopic]

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Will probably go back to Reno soon and base myself at the Peppermill since they seem to support a wide range of games plus daily tournaments.

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I haven't played poker in Reno since 2003, but while I was there, the games were terrific at Eldorado. I suggest checking that out.

[L0QTiS]

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I haven't played poker in Reno since 2003, but while I was there, the games were terrific at Eldorado. I suggest checking that out.

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Played there last year and I agree, very good games there but I don't recall that they ran tournaments. Played a 4/8 Omaha hi/lo with a 1/2 kill with a 1-2 blind structure and 3-6 HE Full kill. They had a hard time keeping the Omaha hi/lo game going (it was short when I arrive and broke after 20 minutes), but the HE games going strong and were populated by a mixture of gamblers, tourists and locals.. I'm sure it's only gotten better since late last year.