A.C. Bound?
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
I don't know what's gotten into me lately. Maybe it is the start of the new year or the reality of my poker spreadsheet over the last year, but I've been hankering for poker. This happens from time to time, like a junkie on a binge, and it's got me already thinking of an impromptu poker trip to AC this weekend.
As it goes, wifey Kim has plans Saturday night. Knowing that she is occupied, I started mentally rifling through my options. First and foremost is my desire to play live poker. Unfortunately, unless I want to play in an underground game, which is not only dangerous but involves wild swings thanks to the local action junkies, I really only have one or two options, the AC casinos or the Injun casinos in Connecticut. Unfortunately, I'm sans-car, one of the many joys of city living, and I haven't gotten around to asking any of my crew if they are interested. But my initial thought is that no matter who is or is not interested, it might be worth it to take a bus to AC on Saturday afternoon, returning back to NYC Saturday late night.
A mere year ago, I'd scoff at the idea of bus travel to AC. Since then, I've done it once, solo, and realized how easy it is. Granted, the ride is 2.5 to 3 hours, so the total round trip is north of 5 hours. However, the price is right at approximately $15 round trip. Compare this to the upcoming express train service from NYC to AC, which will cost $200 or so for a round trip and probably take almost as long, and you see that the bus is a reasonable option.
Of course, it has occurred to me more than once that traveling 5+ hours to gamble alone isn't exactly the picture of mental health. It's not to say that I think there is anything wrong with it; it's just societal norms that require family members to show concern, assuming they find out.
Interestingly, this concern for societal norms is contrasted by my desire to quit fucking around. If I'm serious about my poker hobby (habit?), I should be willing to spend time, money and effort to practice my craft. I have been on a reduced live-game diet for a while now, and if I ever expect to continue an upward trajectory, I need to put in the time necessary to build my bankroll and my experience.
My current estimate is that I am 30% likely to go to AC. Much like my general love for the game, it's a careful balance of my anal retentiveness and addictive personality. Let the battle begin!
Until next time, make mine poker!
posted by Jordan @ 10:31 AM,
3 Comments:
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At 2:15 PM,
Bayne_S said...
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I must be late to party but I hate the green.
St Patrick's Day it would be okay but not the rest of the year.
Embrace your degeneracy and take the bus to Atlantic City regularly.
I only play live poker once a month and wonder what am I thinking with 2 legal poker rooms within 5 miles of work or home. Live reads are so much easier than online. -
At 3:32 PM,
Unknown said...
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Dude, do it. The casinos in Colorado are two hours away from me, and I'd do it every weekend if I could. YOu're next to AC! Have a great time. Can't wait to read the trip report.
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At 1:11 PM,
said...
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The green doesn't bother me but I don't necessarily like it either. The old colors were getting stale though.
As for the bus trip, I've done it before and you can't beat the price. The only issues I have are a) you have to go to Port Authority which I generally like to avoid and b) there was a long line to wait on for the return trip the one time I did it.
-Lastman Chris
