Date: Mon, 21 Aug 2006 19:22:13 -0400 From: "Bob Ogus" Subject: BARGE 2006 Trip Report (Reincarnated Virgin) This report is from bob O, he who was Betty Ann, and is now the infamous "Jack 8 Diamonds" - and the subject of the longest (and funniest) bad beat story of BARGE 2006. Most important part of report: heartfelt thanks to Chuck and Peter...and the many others who helped such as Nolan and the anonymous donors who paid for our banquet - and more. And a tip of my new pink (baseball) cap to the entire staff at the Venetian Poker Room. What a great group of dealers, staff, and managers. They really "got" us. Thanks. Here is the report: I am on the road when registration opens and away from my electric umbilical cord. Still get to register before the change in venue dance begins. Register for a room at the Plaza and then add a room at CP for the short time that they were going to host us. (Cancelled the moment they cancel us.) Leave Orlando on the 9th. Yes, the ninth of August! I have missed two BARGES and not been to Vegas for too long a time. Hence the reincarnation. Get rental car (Avis. Use what little juice I have and get a good deal for 11 days. Taxes and surcharges raise cost to over $200) Arrive at Plaza to discover rear valet and strange location of "front" desk. Offered smoking room despite promise of non-smoking room due to allergies. Bitch and moan until I get an over sized non-smoking room. Carpet is worn through in places but room is clean and well kept. (No matter how I tried to make a mess, the staff kept my room in order - and clean.) Great deal for room at BARGE rates for the 11th through the 20th. Now for some poker. With apologies in advance for any inaccuracies and a loss of any sense of time. (What day is it anyway?) Met Adam Bachrach at the Wynn on Thursday and promptly sat down in a $1-2 no limit game. Lost. Lost way too much. Adam played host and tried to advise me many times on my play. I was way too relaxed and enjoying myself so much I paid little attention to his poker advice. Went to Venetian next where we met up with Rick Mombourquette of recent WSOP success. What a great duo to start my vacation with. (If I misspelled Rick's name, I hope he will forgive me.) Played a number of places with these two even Binion's. Played no limit and thanks to the poor play of others recouped some of my earlier losses. Carol and many other old timers were happy to see that "the BARGErs" were coming back to town even if we were not coming en masse to the Shoe, or the B, or whatever the heck it is called now. (One almost catastrophic divergence...one night I was playing at the Shoe when they came out with some new, yes new bank chips. Four dollar chips! SO what does the fat dumpy old man in seat 10 do? He reaches into the bank and takes out a few to look at. When was the last time you saw a brand new chip at Binion's? After security and a real "suit" and I have a few words, I get to keep a half dozen or so of the chips and play on. For those of you who did not make it downtown, the Coffee Shop still rules. A half dozen sessions later, we are at the Orleans, having added Randy Collack - who goes on to win an evening (late) tourney at the B. Speaking of wins.I did manage to win the Limit Omaha 8 tourney at the Orleans and then later place at the final table there at another tourney. Not to mention my small contribution to the Icicles CHORSE win (as the Omaha 8 player of course). Most of my ring games, and even the wins mentioned above, pale in comparison to the play at the NLHE BARGE event. (Another aside - this one for baseball. Many thanks to the new BARGEr, a fellow Yankee fan, who suggested that I lay off some of my rather large bet on the Yankees to sweep the series with the little league team sponsored by the baked bean company. I took you advice. Of course that simply helped the Yanks win.) Back to poker. Although I placed 19th or 20th, the real deal came when I was raised by two poker greats - Phil "the overrated" Gordon and our best geek, Bill Chen of course who both went all in setting my Jack Eight of Diamonds - and me - up for the most enjoyable time I have had in a long time. If you were not at the banquet you'll have to email me for details. Phil's gift of the watch was more than the icing on the cake. (Now if I only can figure out what the two controls do other than start or stop one of the dials. And why is there a 30 second dial?) Euphoric as I was, my joy was compounded by the generosity of the guys at the Venetian who having heard me ask where I could by (for the real Betty Ann) one of the Phantom pins they all wore, gave me his late that night. It turns out that the pin is gifted to new employees when they join the team t the V and cannot be bought anywhere. When I gave the pin to the wife, who is an ardent fan of the play, her face lit up. Another great BARGE 2006 moment. Okay.here are some random observations and thoughts for your consideration: - We were so lucky and remain that lucky to have two great guys to fight the good fight for us planning, coordinating, and overcoming so much to give us the opportunity to enjoy ourselves. Thanks to both of you. - And I will publicly say what I have said for years. If there is something this guy can do to help at or before BARGE, please do not hesitate to call me. - We are also lucky that we have such a fine group of friends, some of whom obviously helped us out when we needed some resources and influence. I will never know all your names but thanks to you all also. - And thanks to the many many fine friends in poker who put up with my bad beats each year, listen to my stories, and laugh with - or even at - me. - Most of the new BARGErs are great people. (I did not meet everyone) They are into the good time and fellowship. Some don't appear to "get" all of the "traditions". There may simply be a communications problem. Although, most of these are not secrets that only the veterans know, I wonder if the customs of toking dealers in an overly generous manner, of bringing and giving bust out gifts, etc. have been passed on to one and all. I cannot recall how I learned.except by seeing the ADBers and others lead the way at my first BARGE. - Anyway, I did observe folks with winning stacks hesitate and even pretend to toke in-coming and outgoing dealers. And some even did not toke upon winning more than the blinds in a cash game. - Speaking of no one group, I did observe a bit less drinking. That could be my (our?) changing demographics. I am a dumpy old man. Our venue may have been a bit of a factor in toning down things. Sunday morning also seemed to come to a close a bit earlier for a lot of folks. None of these comments are meant to be rants or whines, just some random observations. And for my final thought. I have been truly blessed lately. Three reprieves in one year. And then the opportunity to enjoy your company. I only hope that our friends who missed BARGE 2006 can make it next year. See you then. Your friend and fellow BARGEr, bob O