Heeerrre’s Johnny!

With dissipating visions of a maniacal Jack Nicholson hacking his way through a door, I relished the sight of sunshine today upon awakening. It was only two and a half days, but it was long enough for cabin fever to take firm hold.

The Big Storm™ hit us shortly before noon on Friday. The office manager decided that we would close early and I did a little happy dance because that decision added a half day to my week and day off. My winter vacation was stuck at the starting line, though, while a few inches of ice and sleet sealed us in for the weekend.

Fortunately I’d heeded the warnings and laid in provisions the night before (along with everyone else in town). The only downside, aside from the weather itself, was the postponement of breaking in my new ride. It sat in the garage for two and half days. Plenty of time, though, for me to read, if not memorize the manual.

But I am a patient person. The ride and I will have plenty of time to get to know one another when we traverse to Tunica this week.

Tunica!

I’m heading west EAST for what I hope will be a relaxing few days in what I consider to be a perfect mix of casino-mania and vacation tranquility. You see, in Las Vegas, it’s near impossible to get away from all that the strip is – glaring, noisy, bright, noisy… did I mention noisy? But in Tunica – especially if you stay at the Grand resorts – you can get your fill of the casinos, then retire to the peaceful, lodge-like atmosphere of the hotel and your room. The view from the window isn’t of more casinos, lights, and people, it’s of a pond and ducks and trees and land.

There are no chicken bones or banana peels greeting you at your door and the smell in the elevator is, well, nice. And to top it off, if you time it right and know who to call, you can get your room dirt cheap.

Tunica tip: When you call for reservations (well in advance), ask for the poker room manager. Then ask for the players rate. It helps to have a rewards card – (which, if you’re staying at the Grand, you do if you have a WSOP Rewards Card or a rewards card from any Harrah’s property). Last year I was at the Terrace (there’re three hotels that make up the Grand Resorts) and, without a rewards card, got about 50% off the published rate. This year I’ll be at the Veranda, and with a card, got a sinfully low rate – $49per Wednesday-Thursday, $35per Friday-Saturday and, no, I did not get that backwards.

There’s not a “strip” at Tunica, it’s more of a “stretch” – about a five mile long stretch with plenty of nothing in between. There are only nine casinos in Tunica, a far cry from the hundreds in Vegas, so one is more likely to plant oneself at one and stay there. However there are a couple of clusters such as the Gold Strike, Horseshoe, Sheraton and Bally’s – they are within strolling distance of each other. Sam’s, Harrah’s and the Hollywood are the furthest south. If you’re a golfer, too, then you’re in heaven.

Harrah’s was the first casino I ever stepped foot into and is the location of the best slice of chocolate cream pie I’ve ever had. I believe that Harrah’s, Sam’s and the Hollywood were the only casinos there at the time. The first slot I came upon I put in a quarter and won twenty-five bucks. I lost it over the course of the evening, so ended up breaking even but, actually, I’d say the chocolate cream pie put me ahead.

The WPT World Poker Open is heading into its last leg at the Gold Strike and the WSOP Circuit Event closes the day I arrive. I’m looking forward to seeing several pals – Gracie, Jason, BadBlood, CJ, Otis and that oh-so-handsome G-rob, plus whoever else decides to make an appearance. I’m taking the laptop along with the intention of posting from the road, so stay tuned.

Now I’m off to wind down with a sit-n-go. I’ve dipped my toes back into the chilly pool of poker in the last few days. Four sit-n-gos at Full Tilt have gone thusly:

$11 – first
$22 – second
$33 – third
$22 – second

Anyone else see a pattern here? I didn’t fare so well in a cash game – we’ll see if I can turn that around in Tunica.