By any estimate, the first ATLARGE was a smashing success. I had
estimated we would have 30 to 35 attendees (hence the block of 25
rooms). Including spouses/significant others, well over 60 were
there. I'll be delighted to give this a try again next year (several
people suggested having both fall and spring versions, but I'm gonna
have to think about that for a while).
As many have mentioned, the staff at Resorts did an excellent job. I
was impressed with the efficiency with which the handled the
tournaments, especially since the first event was the first no-limit
tournament they had ever spread. Even more impressive was how well
the pot limit game was handled (the dealers didn't have much
experience, but Tommy took the time to give them all instruction, and
they were willing to listen to the players whenever there was a
question).
The main problem with getting things organized is the CCC -- there is
no provision to have closed tournament. I will be writing to all the
casinos that are likely places for the next ATLARGE (especially Will
Espin's TropWorld) to try to get them to go to the trouble to get
approval for events like ours. That would take at least half the
hassle out of preparation for the events. If we can get this
finessed, maybe twice a year would be doable.
As has been suggested, writing to Jerry to thank him for such a great
weekend is a good idea. It wouldn't hurt to mention Tommy and Carol
who oversaw the running of the tournaments. A carbon copy to Merv
himself might also be good. Anyway, here's Jerry's address (he
doesn't have email -- *yet* :-). [Note that his last name is spelled
correctly below, not "Baer" as I had thought originally.]
Jerry Bear
c/o Poker Room
Resorts International
1133 Boardwalk
Atlantic City, NJ 08404
As long as everyone is thanking everyone else, let me thank you all
for coming and for being such a credit to the rec.gambling community.
I had numerous comments from the Resorts staff on how well-behaved we
were and what a pleasure it was to have us (I think they were amazed
to have two tournaments without a single dispute or card-throwing
incident! :-). I expect that next year we will get a few perks that
were unavailable to us as an unknown quantity. That wouldn't happen
if we hadn't been such a great group!
See y'all at BARGE and next year in Atlantic City!
--jazbo