A member writes, 'Geno, you have played in many different casinos around the world. Of all the poker games you have played in, what is your favorite and why? I have been playing in a poker room in Calilfornia and can't seem to win. My frustration is getting the best of me and I would like to change my luck. Sincerely, Dennis W., Petaluma, CA.'
Thanks for your letter, Dennis. By the way, I used to live in Novato, CA. which is near Petaluma and have actually played in some card rooms in that area like the Roaring 20s in Santa Rosa and some of the othe rooms on the West Coast.
It's funny about poker rooms. Their quality is determined by the people who play in the games. I am talking about the regulars, of course. A new player can always enter the game who will change the nature of the play because of his own attitude toward raising, calling and just his general demeanor.
My idea of a perfect poker game boils down to a simple question: can I win more money than a lose? Another question I ask myself is, am I enjoying the game, win or lose? Are the players decent, do they act in a civil manner, are the loud and blustery, if they are drinking do they comport themselves well or do they act like thugs and reprobates?
For a long time, I thought the Lake Elsinore Sahara Dunes Casino near Lake Elsinore, CA. was the perfect room for me to play. I could not seem to lose at that poker room. Playing against the Beverly Hills crowd and people like Desi Arnaz and Steve McQueen also helped mold the room. Every night was interesting. You never knew who would end up at your table. All you did know was that the evening would be intriguing.
Well, I returned to Lake Elsinore earlier this year and the card room has changed. Today I would no longer rank the Sahara Dunes at the head of my list.
I like a poker room where I am the main aggressor at the table. If I can find a table where everyone is passive and where they simply call my raises rather than re-raise, I know I can beat that game.
Last year I took a trip to northern California and spent some time in Yerington, NV. Yerington is an attractive small town about 70 miles south of Reno. It was where John Huston directed 'The Misfits' starring Clark Gable, Marilyn Moonroe, Montgomery Clift and Eli Wallach.
Yerington has only two gambling casinos and only one of them spreads live poker. The game is dealt by a mustachioed gentleman named Walter who is a wonderful human being.
He has a dour sense of humor and knows about and talks about many things, from the area gold mines to the outlaws who used to populate Virginia City and the badlands of Nevada. The game was not a big one. It was only played three or four evenings per week -- Yerington is not so caught up in gambling that other interests do not predominate. But when it is played, it means a wonderful evening is in store.
The players in Yerington for the most part are passive. I could be as aggressive as I pleased without having somebody come back at me, and as a result I won 90 percent of the time.
Sometimes a tourist would drop into the casino and sit in for a session. It was like being in a scene from 'Gunsmoke' with Miss Kitty, Festus and Matt Dillon sharing in the conversation. I remember the night the local deputy sheriff played at the table. He wasn't a very good player and didn't stay at the table long, but it was fun.
The game rarely lasted past midnight. Small-town folks go to bed fairly early and need their sleep. That night I won around $200 and was pleased with my winnings.
I remember walking down the tree-lined streets to my room about four blocks away. The clear Nevada sky was sparkling with stars. I watched one fall in the distance. My being was filled with a kind of joy that is hard to explain. You would have to be a poker player and captain of your own fate to understand.
Anyhow, I hope this information helps you find your own perfect poker game. It isn't an easy job, but if you persist in looking for one, you'll find it. I just hope that if I ever return to Yerington that Walter is still dealing there and swapping his stories with the players. If he happens to be reading this, Walter, you were one of the best.
Author: Geno Lawrenzi Jr.
(Geno Lawrenzi Jr. is an international journalist, magazine author and ghostwriter and poker player who lives in Phoenx, AZ. He has published 2,000 articles in 50 magazines and 125 newspapers. If you want to share a gambling story or book idea with him, send an email to glawrenzi@gmail.com ).
