Niagara (NOT Fallsview)
Does anyone here go to Niagara regularly? (I mean the 1/2 NL tables at Niagara, not the 2/5 and up at Fallsview.)
If you do go from time to time, can you give me a brief report on the Friday night, Saturday and Sunday action? (I'm assuming that, at other times, it's all regulars and absolutely no fish.)
If you do go from time to time, can you give me a brief report on the Friday night, Saturday and Sunday action? (I'm assuming that, at other times, it's all regulars and absolutely no fish.)
Comments
Friday and Saturday, long wait lists, especially during the summer. Even more so on holidays. Local regs at most tables anytime, however that does not mean they are unbeatable to say the least. And how do you define a fish?
If you phone ahead to book a spot about 90 minutes before you arrive on a Friday or Saturday, how long do you usually wait after you arrive and check in?
I guess "fish" wasn't quite the word I was looking for. I meant recreational players who don't play on a regular basis and aren't as experienced or savvy at poker as the regulars.
BTW, you didn't mention Sunday. Does that mean Sunday is much like a weekday in terms of nearly all the players being regulars?
Best idea is to phone ahead and try and arrive by around 6pm. That way wait time is very short. If you arrive at 8-9pm prepare for an additional 2 hr wait at times. Sundays is more like a weekday but maybe a little busier.
Anyone headed out that way any time soon?
I went to Niagara on a week day morning a few months ago. I called 45 mins in advance for reservation and I was told there were 23 people already in the list (!). I think you can call up to 1 1/2 hours in advance.
After I arrived I waited 1 hour 15 mins to get seated. Because of the long waiting time and location of the card room (corner) plus no free booze I don't think there are usually any casual/tourist players. They are all regulars, some of them not very good though.
If you sign up for the casino card (free) then parking is free ($18 otherwise).
I went there to check off another box in my life list but 2+2 driving hours + stopping somewhere to call + waiting time + paying for meals + no fish (besides myself) doesn't sound attractive to me.
There is the Seneca Casino just across the border, and Americans probably find that more attractive if they want to play live poker. I'm still hoping there are some low-budget casual players on weekend evenings. Let's see if anyone else had a different experience.
Sorry but wrong again, you do not pay any taxes on money won playing cash anywhere, it is only on tournament wins at Seneca and you certainly do not have to file a US tax return.
As for tourists vs regs, the ratio is much better at Niagara because of the draw from the tourist attractions in NF, Ontario. However that does not necessarily make it easier as there are also younger players at Niagara because of the need to be 21 to play at Seneca. I've played at both many times although not much in the last year as I kind of tired of it. The wait that lazyant refers to would have been on a Friday or Saturday evening. Wait is virtually always less at Seneca. Free booze really should not be an attraction for the serious player who is playing to make money as it is not conducive to optimal play.
Younger players are generally more aggressive and will bluff more. They also don't pay attention as much and have less ability to read others due to lack of experience. They can play looser because most of their money is more disposable then someone who has to worry about the bills.
I know I'm generalizing. Not all young players fit into this mould.
Also re: Seneca, I would rather play there than CN or FV as it's a more "fun" casino. I've found Ontario casinos lacking in atmosphere and ambiance. Seneca isn't as hedonistic as Vegas, but a much better feel to the room over Niagara. Also with the Loonie above par it's better to hit the American tourists. The table rake is higher (I think) than our side from the Bad Beat Jackpot but that doesn't keep me away.
Just my .02c
I can't remember but I think it was a Saturday around noon or early afternoon. It may have been some local variance. Just pointing out the obvious drawback of border crossing.
The younger age at Seneca, I didn't know that, so I guess that means there may be some (presumably good) under 21 Internet players.
I mentioned it not for drinking yourself but because there may be other people (the tourist type, not reg) drinking and as you said, not playing good, so I think it's an attraction for the serious player. One of the watches I carry around was paid for by a couple young drunk guys in Vegas trying out poker.
I beg to differ. I love that the OTHER players get free booze. Drunk opponents are easier to beat. I have got to get over to Seneca.
I have gone to Niagara on Friday and Saturday nights quite often and as long as you call in the 90 minutes prior, I have yet to wait more than 30 min. on arrival.
Summertime has waaay more tourists and long weekends are even better. There are some decent regs but for the most part you just have to be patient, play uber tight and uber aggressive and you will make money.
You will get one or two callers even when you raise to $30 pre flop. Keep in mind that variance is higher in these games so take a few buyins.
My question to compuease was very precise. He seemed to suggest that being between 19 and 21 years of age is an advantage to a poker player. I was just asking what that advantage was. (One potential advantage, as Johnnie pointed out, is a higher proportion of disposable income, but I still want to hear from the person who made the original assertion.)
Pros: lot less drive time than Niagara, no wait time (he will open a new table if more players show up), less rake, plus lots of free food and drinks. Also, probably the nicest home game you will find in Canada! Did I mention free wifi, pool, ping pong
I live downtown Toronto and don't drive, but Richmond Hill is easy enough for me to get to. PM me with some more info or just post here. Or give me Roger's member ID on this forum and I'll PM him myself.
I don't believe Roger posts here but this is his poker meetup group. A liitle google search works. Not sure if you need an introduction though or not.
VIP Poker Tour (Richmond Hill, ON) - Meetup