Deepest Stack in Town
By Crystal Osgood-Gray
I have heard a lot lately about deep stack tournaments. They seem to be growing in popularity and for good reason. The word is that deep stack tournaments offer more play time for pros and amateurs alike. That means more time to learn for the novice and better potential for payoff for an experienced player.
A deep stack is a larger than normal starting stack for a poker tournament. Where most tournaments provide players with $2K to $3K in chips to start, these tournaments offer $10K and above. Lately, some casinos have been holding deep stack tournaments as a way of enticing new players.
The Venetian Poker Room, one of the largest and most luxurious poker rooms on the Strip, is one such place in Las Vegas that has recently gained a reputation and loyal following by holding these Deep Stack events.
“Instead of starting with 3K in chips for a $500 buy in, we are starting our events with 10K,” says Kathy Raymond, Director of Poker Operations at The Venetian. “With the additional chips, players have more of a chance to really play in a tournament and improve their game. We have seen an increase in the number of new players, especially the ladies, embracing this opportunity to develop their skills.”
“I flew here all the way from Florida to play this event today,” said Linda Tate, a poker player of one year who learned the game online. She had come to Vegas on vacation and called me just to tell me about the Deep Stack tournaments at The Venetian. “I played a couple live tournaments in Tampa, but busted out very quickly. I didn’t get enough play time to learn anything. I could tell the casino was rooting for players to bust out in hopes they would stick around to play the live cash games. So, when my friend called me to rave about these tournaments, I couldn’t wait to get here to play.”
“And play she does” says a voice over my shoulder. Roy (no last name given), a local resident of Vegas, chimes into our conversation. “I played with her last night, she took half my chips. I was fortunate to place 3rd yesterday. Today, if I stay away from this lady I might win.” Roy is a seasoned poker player from the old days. When I ask Roy how he feels about the Deep Stack tournaments he starts to glow. “Oh I like’em, yes Ma’am I do. I can come here and not loose my whole stack by blinds. I learn something new to live by everyday. And look at where I get to spend my time, in this beautiful place. They say beauty can change a man, well Ma’am I believe it.”
Roy is referring to the beauty and elegance of The Venetian. It is truly is a remarkable place to play. The Poker room boasts 39 poker tables surrounded by frescos, marble pillars, stone, gold felted tables, and deep luxurious seating. And there is no better service in all of Las Vegas than in The Venetian poker room. Not knowing I was a writer, tournament directors, floor staff, and dealers all went out of their way to answer each and every question with a smile. As I stood there admiring the beauty of the room, Roy leaned over…”if you think this is great, you should see the hotel rooms. When I stay here, I just don’t want to leave.”
The Venetian is a full service resort, hotel, and casino. With over 4,000 suites, it still feels like a boutique hotel taking care in the details and defining elegance with each suite. The standard rooms are 700-plus-square-feet, tastefully yet luxuriously furnished in a classic Venetian style, including sunken living rooms, full dining tables, walk-in closets, separate showers and tubs, and three telephones.
And, The Venetian houses many of the city's leading high-end restaurants and shops, not to mention the Guggenheim Hermitage Museum. The Venetian’s Grand Canal Shoppes are also a great way to spend time away from the tables. My favorite boutiques are Burberry, Jimmy Choo, and Kenneth Cole.
“The key to our success is customer service. It is the personal attention that we give to players that will make him or her feel at home and comfortable in our poker room,” says Kathy Raymond.
After a bit, the floor man announces the start of the tournament. I take my seat beside Clare and her husband Charlie, a nice looking man who stands to pull out my chair. This is a wonderful place to play. This is also a great tournament to gain experience for the larger buy in events where a player also starts with a deep stack. It is a different strategy to play with more chips. Charlie mentioned he and his wife were in training for the World Series Main Event in July. “We will be here everyday for The Venetian’s Deep Stack Extravaganza II in June. Pros in training, that is what we are.” Charlie is very excited about playing more of these tournaments and so am I.
“Good luck with that,” I add. The dealer deals me a card. I look around the room and take it all in. Yes, this is a very nice place to play. Luxury has a way of putting one in the right mind-set to play good poker.
For more information on the Deep Stack Extravaganza II beginning June 1st, 2007.
http://venetian.com/VenetianEng/Assets/Files/deepstack2.pdf
For more information on The Venetian: www.Venetian.com
For more information on The Venetian Poker Room and the Deep Stack Extravaganza II: www.venetian.com/#ID=POKERROOM
Questions: Poker@Venetian.com
3355 Las Vegas Blvd. S,
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Phone: (702) 414-1000
Men and Women Welcome
