After getting into town around noon yesterday I decided to go downtown to pick up a few Matchplay chips. I took the bus (1 1/2 hours there and 2 hours back - UGH!) and went to D, Downtown Grand, El Cortez, Circa and Golden Gate. I kept the chip from Circa and Golden Gate and played the rest including a $50 matchplay coupon at Downtown Grand. I lost every single hand! I did split 8's once and pushed on one hand. I also found out that you can use the "Say hi to Mathew" thing at D, Circa and Golden Gate on the same day and then can come back the next day and get another chip from each one. I am wondering what happened to El Cortez? The downtown hole in the wall with $3 BJ and great video poker payouts suddenly has $15 minimum tables on Tuesday afternoon and 5/6 as the only JOB payout. I can play that game on the cruise ship and you know how well they pay.

I start the trip down almost $200 so I guess I will have to make it up playing Pai Gow, BJ, Video poker and in the poker room. Since I like playing in the poker room (but really suck at it) I guess it is unlikely for me to make a comeback. Fortunately it is only money.

BTW - there was a recent post about the website vpfree2.com that shows where the best VP games are at in each casino including SP. Really nice site and thanks to whoever posted it.