Taj Mahal, the downfall of a poker room

I’d only played there twice before, once last fall, and this past week.  This historic poker room, the one where parts of Rounders was filmed, and the US Poker Championships are played, well, is – in this one person’s opinion – on a spiral downward. 

I was coaxed (not that hard) to go down this past week to play in a NL500 event.  I’d not heard of this new year’s event, but my friend had stated he’d gotten marketing materials regarding.  Sure, let’s go.  Got down there right at 11:15am for the 11:15am start.  The tournament had just kicked off.  When we asked the number of entrants, we were shocked when we learned there was only TWO tables.  Yes, TWO!  All in all, they ended up with 25 entrants total – for a TWO-DAY event.  Ridiculous.  We elected not to play.

Played some 10-20 limit for a few hours and after watching paint dry, moved to my more comfortable 2-5NL.  Was up a bunch, then dropped a huge, huge, huge pot where I personally lost 900 (ugh…poor read on my part).  Wound up being down 700 before coming all the way back and leaving up 1200 on the day.  So couldn’t complain much there.  The Nemo’s in the crowd made it worth my while. However….

The lack of dealer knowledge, the inconsistent rules, the floor person not having a clue nor really caring much about players, the room, etc., the random ‘professional’ kids cursing up a storm, and floor people’s apathy regarding, made it a less than stellar and enjoyable time.  I can honestly say, I don’t forsee myself really ever going back there.  Why play there in a room where no one cares?

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