The Return Of The Grinder: LV Trip Report (2/6-2/10)

Hello Fellow Grinders! ♣♦♥♠

Allow me to introduce myself as somebody who has been following these boards closely for well over a decade now, yet have failed to share my experiences with the group...

I have been playing poker relatively consistently for nearly 17 years now, as time flies. I have had a reasonable amount of success, mostly live, in the wonderful state of Michigan. Poker for me has always been a part-time gig, but one that I am tremendously passionate about. From starting my own basement league at the age of 14 years old ~ to grinding on PartyPoker (at that same age :p) ~ to traveling around the world playing in a number of different poker rooms....my love, passion and appreciation for the game truly is immense. And after all these years, I am proud to say that it continues to grow...

Now for Las Vegas...a relationship that began in 1994 when I was just five years old. We took a family trip out there to visit my Aunt and cousins. I was instantly enamored. For the record, the 1990s were a time that Vegas was really catering to the "Family Vacation" - believe it or not. So while I wasn't yet ready for the tables, I have fond memories of playing laser tag and digging up toy dinosaurs in "Grand Slam Canyon" located within Circus Circus....Nonetheless, my relationship with Vegas is filled with rich memories dating back to my childhood...Perhaps I will share some of those in later posts...

It was 2010 and I just turned 21 years old. At this point, I had been to Vegas at least seven times but never had been able to play live. I remember vividly back in 2005 when the Cannery had just opened. And they had a couple of poker tables in the middle of the gaming floor. I gawked at the action when a pit boss asked me if I wanted to play (yes - I was only 15 but I had a goatee ). I politely declined, but I more or less panicked at the unexpected question. To this day, I wonder if they would have asked me for ID had I accepted the invitation....Back to 2010....so I am 21 years old ready to take the city by storm that I already knew so well. As you can imagine, I had an incredible time. The trip came to a close with a red-eye, middle of the night game in the Bruce Buffer poker room at the Luxor where I went up a cool $520 in a 1-2 game. A great close to a magical trip.

Fast forward through the years - I have stayed at just about every property on the strip and have played in almost all of the poker rooms the city and surrounding areas have to offer. I have hit the clubs, partied by the pools, golfed a number of courses, railed (and participated in) multiple WSOPs, and have been to a countless number of shows and concerts. This upcoming weekend will be my tenth time visiting the city since I've turned 21. It's technically my Bachelor's Party since I will be getting married in June. My older brother is my Best Man and my one wish for a BP was that him and I hit the town. He has been my wing-man in that town since Day One. It was only appropriate that this was my wish for a true Bachelor's Party....So when you've already done just about everything there is to do in that town....what honestly is there left to accomplish??...PLAY MORE POKER!

I am proud to say that I have fared very well during the prior nine trips. On this trip, we are actually staying at my Aunt & Uncle's beautiful home near Red Rock Canyon. We usually rent a car when we head out there and this trip will be no different. Along with playing poker, we will be exploring many of the sports cards and comic book shops that the area has to offer. I look forward to sharing some details throughout the trip with you all. I also vow to become more active throughout the forum moving forward as I know I have a lot of content to share!

Take care all and I will be in touch. We fly out of Detroit this coming Thursday, February 6th.

Stay tuned!! ♣♦♥♠