Blog, Reno, Resort Casino

World Poker Tour DeepStacks at the Atlantis

Every so often writing assignments sync perfectly with personal interests. So it was when I covered the World Poker Tour DeepStacks Tournament, hosted by the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa in Reno, Nevada. There were 15 games scheduled over a 10 day period. The majority were No Limit Hold ‘Em, with buy-ins ranging from $65 – $1,000. Several were satellite events and there was also an Omaha High-Low and a Pot Limit Omaha tournament.

WPTDS

 

After an efficient check-in, I signed up for the Atlantis’ Paradise Club and had a late lunch at Toucan Charlie’s award-winning buffet. Early evening, I sat in on my first table, Omaha Hi-Lo. It is my favorite game and the subject of my app tutorial. It was a $5K guaranteed payout, allowing buy-in/registration through level six. Although wounded early by a straight flush beating my full-house and my second nuts losing to the nuts in the same hand, I was happy to make the final table and finish in fifth place.

chips

 

After breakfast the following morning at the Purple Parrot, I was off to take photos for my new website, www.PokerResortsReno.com and the app, Travel Reno. The area is scenic with lots of activities outside the casino: sightseeing, shopping, hiking, biking, sporting events and cultural opportunities.

ToucanRTA

 

My next tournament was Pot Limit Omaha. To me, it is the most challenging of the poker games because of the betting structure; the maximum one can bet is the total of what’s in the pot. I finished in the lower middle of the pack, but it was fun to participate in a game that I don’t often play. I grabbed a quick bite at Cafe Fresco (don’t miss their gelato) and called it a night. My final game was No Limit Hold ‘Em. There was an interesting mix of players including about 10% women. It’s lots of fun observing the various styles of play and noting the skill levels of those around the table. I busted out mid-range of those entered but, once again, it was a terrific experience.

Information

At the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, www.atlantiscasino.com, I discovered two seriously good food items: the Oyster Bar’s Mazatlan cocktail in the Sky Terrace and social hour at Napa Bistro (Wagyu sliders and a beer for $12!). Atlantis’ Paradise Club offers many guest perks. If you go, reserve a room that allows you access to the Concierge Level; continental breakfast and snacks, food and drinks throughout the day. Another nice touch – there is a free airport shuttle.

OysterRTA

 

Reno was the 11th of 16 “mid-major poker market” destinations of the WPT DeepStacks’ Season 2 Series. Logon to www.wptdeepstacks.com for information and their calendar. Note: Ocean’s Eleven Casino in San Diego/Oceanside will be home to the next tournament October 17-26.

For extensive information about Reno and a tutorial on how to play Omaha, go to the iTunes store and download the app, Poker 101: Omaha Tutorial

renoshirt

Safe travels, don’t draw to an inside straight and enjoy the journey….

 

 

Howard Hian
www.Travel-with-Hian.com

Thanks to various websites for information, photos, etc

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