Underground Cardroom Safety? (virginia)

#1 10-19-2005, 05:25 PM

I got invited to a high stakes underground cardroom here in Virginia. Namely FC/WW in woodbridge (anyone who knows specifically which I'm taking about please PM me).

I'm a little concerned about my safety. I'm new to this area and don't know anybody, I was contacted via email.

I've played in high stakes underground rooms before were I lived previously but I got into those by actually knowing people so I wasn't worried about being robbed or anything like that.

I'm wondering, do any of you who play in these carry a piece with you? It's in an industrial area and since it is illegal, I'm not too fond of the idea of carrying $5k around on me especially when I'm in an unfamiliar area with unfamiliar people. If I get robbed I can't exactly go the police about it.

I've thought about just going by there without any money to scope things out but they're paranoid about cops (as well they should be) and want to know ahead of time when I'm coming and to meet me at X place etc. I'd feel like an idiot having them do all that only to look things over and not play.

Anyone have any advice or anecdotes to share?

#2 10-19-2005, 05:57 PM

damn dude, i'm scared just reading your description of this place.

Showtime · #3 10-19-2005, 06:02 PM

The Northern Virginia Cardrooms are under alot of pressure. I know of at least 2 busted in the last 2 years, with many more closing due to the pressure. Typically by undercover cops. Nothing better to do, go figure ...

There are some legal, no rake games but nothing at the stakes I imagine you are referring to ($5/$10 NL???). Common stakes are $1/$2 or $2/$4 cash NLH associated with $100 tourneys. Some limit games $2/$4 to $4/$8.

Cant imagine going to a game where I was wondering whether to pack heat. Too much downside.

Live long and prosper...

KungFuSandwich · #4 10-19-2005, 06:13 PM

You might want to post this in B&M Cardrooms

#5 10-19-2005, 06:21 PM

Well to be completely honest I'm just trying to find some local games partially because I hate playing online and I also would like to meet people in this area.

This is the only thing I've come across so far so I'm getting pretty desperate looking for home games. If you wanted to direct a fellow 2+2er to some 200 or 400 nl games you know of that'd be helpful [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

#6 10-20-2005, 01:53 AM

Be Very Careful!

Yrs ago before I moved out west I lived and played in Maryland. At that time they had those "casino nights" in southern MD at the firehouses so that's where people met up, then flourished a hugh number of high stakes home games, every night of the week just about. This led to some being robbed at gunpoint and knowing the folks probably wouldn't call the cops because the game was illegal. Even a game I went to regularly had security cameras and (not fifteen minutes after I left) when another player arrived, a group of thugs barged in when the door was opened. They knew the layout of the cameras, had cased the yard, knew where to hide and wait for the opportunity to get in. They stripped all the players men and women, duck taped everyone tight, then cleaned the place out reaping more than 60 grand in cash plus alot of other valuble jewelry. They hit some of the men on the head with their guns, there were some injuries. The police were called. They arrested the players. It was an inside job otherwise they couldn't have known camera and monitor placement and other details. Whether one of the waitresses, dealers, or a "friend" of a player that had come once or twice, we never knew. Home games got very hard to come by after that. It was the one time I was glad I lost $2000 and left early.

There are some things that would help with high limit games. Security. Moving the game to hotel rooms or similar variable locations and only providing the location on game night.

I could go on, but isn't this too much already!

shipdapaper · #7 10-20-2005, 05:37 AM

First, 5k is probably not enough for 2-5 no-limit stakes.

Second, I have been to the game you speak of. I am a part-time regular. I think it would be very smart to bring a a gun. The majority of the players do carry them. I guess its kinda encouraged but not a requirement. The players that do carry them have them exposed. I have never seen anything get out of hand. But anything can happen in a 2-5 game.

Third, If you are worried about not fitting in tell them that Paul Cha, Ginger, Brad, and Dex sent ya. All great people and full time players that i can vouch for. I will give them a heads up that you might be going to drop their names.

Good luck!!

Pizza Dave

#8 10-20-2005, 05:58 AM

dave thank you for the reply, that is exactly what kind of info I was looking for [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[ QUOTE ]
First, 5k is probably not enough for 2-5 no-limit stakes.

[/ QUOTE ]

Why is this exactly? I was under the impression buyin was capped at $500? (if it's not capped, say no more I understand) I was saying $5k since one might expect to walk out with that much on a decent night, not that I would bring $5k with me.

shipdapaper · #9 10-20-2005, 08:20 AM

Towards the middle of the night they up the stakes when the money gets "deep". It gets wild and crazy at that point. there is at least 20 to 30 thousand on the table at this point. Walking away with $5000 is a understatement. If your a good player you can make alot more than $5000. Farmcreek is a great place to play. Its the most serious place around hence the guns. The great thing is that they claim to have cops in the game to protect it from getting busted. And also claim to payback all players their buy in and court and legal fees if they ever get busted. You have to ask for the form at the front desk before you go in to the main room. Its like a contract I guess so you have some legal recourse if the police come.

Hope this helps

Pizza Dave

Aces McGee · #10 10-20-2005, 10:12 AM

Why would you want to play at a place where people are carrying guns?

-McGee