I returned from the second Eureka Open Poker Championship and what we lacked in numbers due to the poor economy, we more than made
up for in enthusiasm, innovation, play, and fun. The property just completed its face lift and if you haven’t had the good fortune to visit, I suggest you put the one hour north of Las Vegas drive on your must-do list. The well-run cardroom, managed by Rob Reid, holds games not of the usual sort. The hold ’em games, which run around the clock, are $2-8 spread limit with $1 and $2 blinds. They also host $1-3 no-limit hold ’em games and their Omaha/8 is spread structured $4-8 with $2-4 blinds and a half-kill, but is also offered as a $1-2 blind spread limit game with a half-kill. It seems to be just enough difference to add some nuances to the games and make for something a little bit different. The real purpose of this column is to tell you of an innovative feature they’ve added to their tournaments that I found quite appealing. I guess they’ve been doing it this way for quite a while and didn’t even realize how well those of us traveling there “from the big city” would appreciate it. They have a unique way of allowing tournament players to discuss deal making without putting anyone in an awkward situation or allowing undue pressure to be cast upon a dissenter. Once the time has come to start the “chop talk” the clock is stopped and a discussion ensues. Once a deal has been seemingly agreed to, each player is given two cards, a red one and a black one. After thinking about the deal, each player tosses the dealer a red card facedown if he agrees with the deal or a black card facedown if he doesn’t. Often, it is unanimous. When that happens, the deal is made and the tournament ends.