A Tale of Two Forums

[billryan]

The Wizard of Vegas Spring meet up is winding down. A couple dozen Advantage Players from around the country flew in to share food, alcohol, stories and play a little poker.
What I found striking was the tales of casino exploitation at many of the same casinos people here ***** and moan about constantly.
I was also very impressed with the willingness to share and offer plays and opportunities. One guy who I have a bit of an adversarial relationship( he's a huge Trump guy) actually pulled me aside and pointed out a play that was right in my wheelhouse, will cost me next to nothing but should gain me hundreds of dollars per month ongoing. At first, I was dismissive but suddenly I realized he was completely right.
Strange to hear Vegas based players flying to
Tampa or the Mississippi Coast to exploit a promotion.
I've learned an awful lot in the eleven months since I've moved here, but I have such a long way to go. It was so refreshing to be around players who take the time to learn proper strategy and attack casinos like wolves, not act like sheep expecting to be constantly fleeced.
One thing I wasn't surprised at was the level
Of mathematical knowledge these players all shared. I scored a whopping 20% on the math problems, but more than held my own
on the other parts. These guys know their math and respect it. They realize just how powerful a small edge is in the long run, know how to gain it and most importantly know not to play when they don't.
Not a single complaint about cold machines or voodoo all weekend.

[alpax]

I am guessing they taught you to vulture Ultimate X multipliers on the casino floor.

[billryan]

I am guessing they taught you to vulture Ultimate X multipliers on the casino floor.

No, I learned that well over a year ago, before I moved here. Not really my style though. I don't want to be the guy checking payphones for dimes, if you get my reference.
I'll do it if I walk past one, but I don't have a route, so to speak.

[Carcounter]

Years ago, I would run into AP's from LV and California who would fly into AC to exploit some promotions. Was confirmation to me that I was playing the right games in the right places. Not anymore.

[FloridaPhil]

Bill, I totally get this. You should hang out with those guys and leave recreational players alone. Our VP worlds are different and you should respect that.

Years ago when I first became active on this website this Forum was pretty much a question and answer session for Vegas AP wannabes. This was absolutely fine and I learned at lot even though much of it was advertising for Bob Dancer and a few other vendors. The problem was anyone who wanted to talk about just plain FUN video poker was insulted off this forum or talked down to so severely that they never came back. Because of this I asked for a separate Recreational Forum where we could talk about video poker without as much math. If you look at the heading you will see that is how it's labeled.

Video poker needs all kinds of players. They should be able to coexist without difficulty. Unfortunately, someone always shows up as the self appointed strategy monitor and starts firing off derogatory comments that weren't asked for or needed. Not everyone in the world plays video poker the same way you do. They have different budgets, tolerances for losing, limitations, skill levels and they just might enjoy doing things that you consider stupid.

If some members want a Vegas VP Bulletin Board I see no problem with that as long as you allow us to have our space as well. I suspect you mean well. I only wish you had a little more understanding.

[billryan]

Years ago, I would run into AP's from LV and California who would fly into AC to exploit some promotions. Was confirmation to me that I was playing the right games in the right places. Not anymore.

Didn't hear anything about AC, but a couple pretty near by.

[Carcounter]

I'm sure I didn't know about all the plays, I didn't ask as I knew the ap's considered that priviliged info. They knew I was just a 3-4 hour a week recreational player, but did volunteer some info to me. For instance I knew where there were 3 dollar games with All American on them at Caesars, and one AP told me where there were 2 more that I didn't know about. Was very helpful because they were hard to get onto Friday afternoons.

[FloridaPhil]

Anyone who thinks an AP is going to give you any specific profitable information other than the basic stuff needs to get real.   These guys work their butts off finding these opportunities and they aren't going to share it on the Internet.  Many of our players aren't from Vegas or AC and they have never seen a positive VP game in their lives.   Why don't we have a separate Vegas Forum?   The fact that South Point gives out free handbags or extra free play doesn't do much for someone in Miami or Connecticut.

[Carcounter]

Geez Phil, I know that. Just sayin that some of these palyers opened up a little to me as I struck up a friendly conversation with them and did give me some info on where else to find some good positive games when they existed in AC. I didn't ask, they voluntered the info.

[FloridaPhil]

I understand.  I get the impression that some members of this forum think they are going to learn some insider AP secret.   APs don't have time for a forum unless they are advertising or selling to players.