The Great Southern Road Trip

John W and I headed South for 8 days of poker in mid January. Our plan was to play Tunica and Biloxi with enough free time to maybe go try some other spots as well.

A late start meant we didn't get into Tunica until about 8pm. Threw our stuff in the room and headed for the Gold Strike poker room. We were both very hungry but had not played a hand yet. A pleasant surprise to start the trip -- friendly floorman (Will) comps us both a meal based on me saying we are going to play lots of hours. I had played lots of hours on Will's shift in previous trips, but its still nice to get a comp for just showing up.

The next day we go to the new Harrahs (fka Grand) poker room to meet up with Greg L. John had not played it yet and we wanted to eat at the new Paula Deen buffet. A big surprise for us when Vikki T shows up in the room. She then goes on to cash in a tourney. Only one Limit game going and they call the next player -- "Greg L, your seat is available". I don't see him, so I take the seat. Two others in the game are Horseshoe regulars I have played with many times. Its "ole home week" in Tunica. We play 3 hours and get the buffet comped and go pig out.

Next day we drive to Biloxi - a long boring 6 hours. Theres a big tourney there and its packed at the Beau Rivage. Amanda is dealing the tourney -- and later deals the final Table of their main event for TV.

John and I play at the Beau Rivage, Imperial Palace, Boomtown, Isle of Capri, and Hard Rock. The Beau is the4 premier property -- all the others are second (maybe third) tier.

Couple days later we scoot over to New Orleans where much Katrina damage is still visible. The Harrahs in downtown N.O. is bigger and nicer than I had thought. And its then a quick walk thru the French Quarter.

Drive up to Vicksburg. Stay at Ameristar and play some more poker. then the next day its back to Tunica for another 2 nights. We find a highlight at the Gold Strike this time. They have started having a 4-8 Limit Holdem game. Their promotion is to have a drawing at each table every 2 hours. Winner gets $80. WELL NOW !!! We have found a home. We play it 12 hours each for two days. John wins the drawing 4 times and I get it 3 times.