134 replies
This thread is for discussion of news/events in the Houston area, as well as a place to ask questions about poker in the area. This is also the place for discussions about the smaller card rooms in the area that do not warrant an individual venue thread.
anyone know anything about clubs that aren't listed on pokeratlas? i drove by a place called "lucky aces" but they don't seem to be listed on poker atlas, what rooms like that are around and how many of them run cheap/free tournaments? are these places less likely to be quasi-legit?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sn8G_Z9c... (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sn8G_Z9cmmQ) poker stream at champions poker live, is there any other threads for this place? Champions Club Texas 6440 W Sam Houston Pkwy S Houston, TX 77072 (281) 688-5756
by j0k3rp0k3r m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58508592#post58508592)
anyone know anything about clubs that aren't listed on pokeratlas? i drove by a place called "lucky aces" but they don't seem to be listed on poker atlas, what rooms like that are around and how many of them run cheap/free tournaments? are these places less likely to be quasi-legit?
There used to be a Lucky Aces in the Houston area but I thought it closed. I know they were running other casino games like BJ and Pai Gow as well as poker. Sent from my moto g play - 2023 using Tapatalk
I'm in Austin so haven't been to the Houston market to play yet. What's the deal with Prime Social? Was looking at pics of the room and it looks stunning, but doesn't seem to get much traction?
by TampaKn1sh m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58738830#post58738830)
I'm in Austin so haven't been to the Houston market to play yet. What's the deal with Prime Social? Was looking at pics of the room and it looks stunning, but doesn't seem to get much traction?
Prime is in a location of Houston that is heavily saturated with other established rooms, notably two. From Prime, it's a 4 min drive to TCH Houston (not to be confused with TCH Spring on the northside) and 6 min drive to Legends. Legends has been well established for a few years now as the prime action spot for PLO in the downtown area. There were some pretty damning videos and accusations made some months ago, but Legends appears to not have suffered much at all. I haven't played at Legends in many months but would love for a reg there to comment on this (looking at you, Bull - I know you look at this once a week or so, damn it!) TCH Houston opened up last year, and it did take several months, but they now have consistent 24 hour cash games, a daily $2/$2 PLO game as well as $1/$3/$6 popping off. I chalk up their increased traffic to their established brand as well as tournament hosting over the past year or so. Aside from these rooms, there are three more I can think of off the top of my head that you can get to from Prime in under 8 minutes. EDIT: Not sure how I left Champions Club out. Although 15 minutes away from Prime, Champions is also in the southwest Houston metro area and is very popular.
by Wilfram m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58738970#post58738970)
Prime is in a location of Houston that is heavily saturated with other established rooms, notably two. From Prime, it's a 4 min drive to TCH Houston (not to be confused with TCH Spring on the northside) and 6 min drive to Legends. Legends has been well established for a few years now as the prime action spot for PLO in the downtown area. There were some pretty damning videos an... See full post
Was checking Poker Atlas last night and Prime had zero games running. And yeah, sounds like they have some stiff competition close by. Champions I've heard great things about, but they don't seem to get more than 2-3 games running from what I've seen (outside of their series)
Houston poker is skirting the legal issues. I heard several rooms, including Capri, have started taking rake and eliminated the time charge. I saw a video of a raked pot there. Sent from my moto g play - 2023 using Tapatalk
by ibelieveyouoweme$80k m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58739909#post58739909)
Houston poker is skirting the legal issues. I heard several rooms, including Capri, have started taking rake and eliminated the time charge. I saw a video of a raked pot there. Sent from my moto g play - 2023 using Tapatalk
Not new news, really. Bulltexas clarifies earlier ITT that the majority of rooms are now raking. Only rooms we're aware of that still take time payment: TCH Spring TCH Houston Prime Social (at least as of 5 months ago) Spades - Webster location
TCH Houston is the spot right now. Legends still gets decent PLO action, but more and more faces from there are popping up at TCH. Prime's demise is one of the great mysteries: game and cardroom running is an art and, despite a fantastic physical space, they've just collapsed.
How frowned on is it to try to actually freeroll the "freerolls" (as in not going for staff bonus, etc)? would it result in being banned if one were to make it a habit?
by Makonnen m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58744628#post58744628)
TCH Houston is the spot right now. Legends still gets decent PLO action, but more and more faces from there are popping up at TCH. Prime's demise is one of the great mysteries: game and cardroom running is an art and, despite a fantastic physical space, they've just collapsed.
When I was moving around the private games right when many of the rooms opened, I kind of knew Prime wouldn't do well. The clientele who actually appreciate a high end room and amazing bar, generally speaking didn't socially blend well with the action players that are needed to keep multiple tables of worthwhile games going. There was a time where going to Prime over Lions (RIP) was just silly. It was player, and management behavior that hurt Prime. The Houston gambling scene, will never fare well with a "country club" atmosphere, especially if it only concentrates nitty players. You need the drunks/ganja smokers/pill heads/sports degens all in the building, and to be frank they were never going to spend much time at Prime with other options that fit them better.
Does anyone know how PLO pots are played at TCH Houston? Are they bomb pots or regular Omaha hands? Are they played every dealer change?
by justnuts m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58820035#post58820035)
Does anyone know how PLO pots are played at TCH Houston? Are they bomb pots or regular Omaha hands? Are they played every dealer change?
In the 1/3 game, there is a PLO Bomb Pot (voluntary) at each dealer change. There is also a disk that triggers a PLO hand ("normal" PLO, not bomb pot) when it is held by the same player that has the dealer button. After that hand, when the dealer button goes to the left, the PLO button goes to the right. This effectively makes it 1 normal PLO hand every round or so.
by Hell2Heaven m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58816000#post58816000)
When I was moving around the private games right when many of the rooms opened, I kind of knew Prime wouldn't do well. The clientele who actually appreciate a high end room and amazing bar, generally speaking didn't socially blend well with the action players that are needed to keep multiple tables of worthwhile games going.There was a time where going to Prime over Lions (RIP... See full post
So your sense is that Prime was just not degen enough to survive? 😀
by Makonnen m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58822356#post58822356)
So your sense is that Prime was just not degen enough to flourish? 😀
fyp, but yes essentially, there were a large % of the main daytime OMC players that were retired and wanted to play 10am NLHE that had come from a particular underground game. That private game was cultivated to cater to them for rake purposes (they were rocks), blend in a few donkeys, and a whale once a month or so, if I remember correctly it probably used to start closer to 2pm-4pm and ran a regular tourney then cash would start. Once Prime opened all of them naturally migrated to a "somewhat legal" poker room and had their coffee and read their paper from 10am-until Primes daily tourney would start. The action was abysmal compared to blocks away where people were going all in blind or UTG lol.
by Wilfram m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58739929#post58739929)
Not new news, really. Bulltexas clarifies earlier ITT that the majority of rooms are now raking. Only rooms we're aware of that still take time payment: TCH Spring TCH Houston Prime Social (at least as of 5 months ago) Spades - Webster location
Sorry haven’t been on 2+2 much recently since the site has really deteriorated from what it used to be. Champions is the only other one not listed above that uses time and doesn’t rake. Tch also charges a door fee. Prime used to but dropped it although they get no games anymore at all.
by Makonnen m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58744628#post58744628)
TCH Houston is the spot right now. Legends still gets decent PLO action, but more and more faces from there are popping up at TCH. Prime's demise is one of the great mysteries: game and cardroom running is an art and, despite a fantastic physical space, they've just collapsed.
This is not true particularly PLO. Legends is still the spot in town if PLO is your game. Prime had a lot of issues. Some confirmed cheaters chased away the bigger PLO action. After Justin hammer left larger tourneys went away so they lost that action too. Had a lot of other issues which are too much to go into here. Once Josh Adkins left remaining business went kaput.
by justnuts m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58820035#post58820035)
Does anyone know how PLO pots are played at TCH Houston? Are they bomb pots or regular Omaha hands? Are they played every dealer change?
Double board bomb pots on dealer change
by BulltexasATM m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58834431#post58834431)
Double board bomb pots on dealer change
Except at 1/2 plo games. Bombs only happening at the 1/3 games.
by Wilfram m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58739929#post58739929)
Not new news, really. Bulltexas clarifies earlier ITT that the majority of rooms are now raking. Only rooms we're aware of that still take time payment: TCH Spring TCH Houston Prime Social (at least as of 5 months ago) Spades - Webster location
I live in Austin, but family lives in Houston. I have not really ventured to any Houston rooms. So, nearly all locations are taking rake now? That sounds pretty awful. Some also have extra charges like a door fee? Not sure which I would pick if I was playing in Houston.
by wonderwes m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58861315#post58861315)
I live in Austin, but family lives in Houston. I have not really ventured to any Houston rooms. So, nearly all locations are taking rake now? That sounds pretty awful. Some also have extra charges like a door fee? Not sure which I would pick if I was playing in Houston.
Rooms that are raking are not charging a door fee, for what it's worth. Legends, forexample is rake only.
by Wilfram m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58861406#post58861406)
Rooms that are raking are not charging a door fee, for what it's worth. Legends, forexample is rake only.
Actually 5/10/20 is $10 a half hour collected on dealer change/bomb pot. All their other games are raked. Good news is 1/3 and 1/3/6 are still $7 a hand which isn’t much different than most casinos take. All other places in Htown that rake take at least $10 a hand which is almost unbeatable in the smaller games.
by BulltexasATM m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58861798#post58861798)
Actually 5/10/20 is $10 a half hour collected on dealer change/bomb pot. All their other games are raked. Good news is 1/3 and 1/3/6 are still $7 a hand which isn’t much different than most casinos take. All other places in Htown that rake take at least $10 a hand which is almost unbeatable in the smaller games.
Thanks for clarity. Glad to hear Legends has stayed at $7 since they moved to rake
Lol at $10 being 'unbeatable' in soft as **** small stakes.
Friday Mayhem at TCH Westheimer is pretty great. If you're registered before the tourney starts you get 2 hours of time added to your balance for cash play. Late reg? You get 1 hour. $25 entry fee and 10K guarantee. $20 rebuys for first 2 hours or so of play. Single or double $20 add on at end of registration for 25K or 50K in chips. Only downside? Structure is a little steep after registration closes. It's probably the best Friday night holdem in the Houston area.
Hey, does Houston have any rooms that have a dedicated/strictly plo game that runs everyday? Thinking about moving they're once I'm able so appreciate it alot. Thank you.
by CardPlayer47 m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58880434#post58880434)
Hey, does Houston have any rooms that have a dedicated/strictly plo game that runs everyday? Thinking about moving they're once I'm able so appreciate it alot. Thank you.
I believe Legends is the hub of multiple PLO games daily. I haven't played in Houston, but the problem I see in Austin is it's mostly 1/2 with a $5 bring-in, unlimited straddles from UTG and match the stack. So guys with deep pockets and filthy Euros with no social skills jack it up, making it play like a shallow stacked 40/80 game. The variance winds up through the roof, the fun, recreational players get chewed up too quick and you wind up having too many sharks and not enough fish
Hehe, thank you.
by TampaKn1sh m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58881066#post58881066)
I believe Legends is the hub of multiple PLO games daily.I haven't played in Houston, but the problem I see in Austin is it's mostly 1/2 with a $5 bring-in, unlimited straddles from UTG and match the stack.So guys with deep pockets and filthy Euros with no social skills jack it up, making it play like a shallow stacked 40/80 game.The variance winds up through the roof, the fun,... See full post
How does higher variance hurt the fish? If the game were zero variance, the fish would never win at all. As such, why would "average" variance be better for the fish, and higher variance worse, if zero variance is the worst possible for the fish?
by Greg (FossilMan) m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58881174#post58881174)
How does higher variance hurt the fish? If the game were zero variance, the fish would never win at all. As such, why would "average" variance be better for the fish, and higher variance worse, if zero variance is the worst possible for the fish?
When the variance gets too high, the game won't develop a core of regular players that will be there to start games and keep games going. Thus the fish won't be able to play -- an example is limit Omaha high only. Variance needs to be balanced against the win rate for the better players. When the sweet spot is hit, expect the game to last a long time. By the way a good discussion of this appears in my book Cardrooms, Everything Bad and How to Make Them Better. Also, I have just updated this book (a little) and as soon as Amazon gets it loaded in, I'll be giving away free kindles of the new version and will make an announcement as to when it'll be available to pick up for free.
by Greg (FossilMan) m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58881174#post58881174)
How does higher variance hurt the fish? If the game were zero variance, the fish would never win at all. As such, why would "average" variance be better for the fish, and higher variance worse, if zero variance is the worst possible for the fish?
Because the fun recs come in to play a 1/2/5 game filled with deep-pocketed straddling bullies who piss and moan if you aren't willing to put the $40 straddle on so they can put the 80 on. The grinders and euros are generally miserable to be around, and they make the game play massive compared to the advertised stakes of 1/2/5 This makes it impossible for newcomers to learn PLO as they get chewed up and spat out because of the variance, it's hard to beat deep pockets that can keep matching your stack. So the fun recs stop coming, and you get multiple shitty games full of misregs all waiting for 1-2 fish to show up to nibble on. Back when I lived in Tampa we had a rock instead of unlimited straddles, and usually 2-3 grinders at a table instead of 70% of the table being comprised of them
Has anybody taken advantage of the free or discount rate at Champions Club? Poker Atlas says $85 after 4 hours of play and free after 8 hours of play, based on availability. Thinking about going this summer and figuring out how to plan for it. If I book a room will they refund me if I meet criteria? Or do I have to kinda just wing it?
by Scientist m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58895299#post58895299)
Has anybody taken advantage of the free or discount rate at Champions Club? Poker Atlas says $85 after 4 hours of play and free after 8 hours of play, based on availability. Thinking about going this summer and figuring out how to plan for it. If I book a room will they refund me if I meet criteria? Or do I have to kinda just wing it?
I used the 4 hours. Nice rooms. The promotion is applied when you settle at desk. A poker floor will probably come sign off. I think 8 is the way to go. Time is $12 an hour. And you're not getting a $48 discount when you do the 4 hour deal. I don't know how much game diversity you will get over an 8 hour period though.
Prime finally threw in the towel and shut its doors.
by BulltexasATM m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58977008#post58977008)
Prime finally threw in the towel and shut its doors.
I had seen their promos on Facebook and they were horrendous from a visibility standpoint. Too many different colors, fonts, etc. I never played out that way, but from the images of the room inside it looked like a nice property with solid visibility to a major roadway. Usually it's shitty ownership/leadership that dooms these properties when they're sitting on veritable gold mines if they'd have half a clue how to market locally and structure their games to be sustainable, instead of listening to all the grinders advice, which is typically just advice to put more money more quickly into the grinders pockets, not great for the poker economy.
(
)
I am trying to gather interest in a live short-deck hold'em game here in Houston. Structure is currently up for debate and could be decided on by the players, but I'm thinking $1 ante, $1K max. I have clubs in the southeast, downtown, and north that have confirmed they'd spread short-deck if there were 8 or more ready to play. I currently have 4 guys aside from myself who are interested. Please DM me or message me on Discord if interested. Discord: Wilfram
by TampaKn1sh m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58881066#post58881066)
I believe Legends is the hub of multiple PLO games daily.I haven't played in Houston, but the problem I see in Austin is it's mostly 1/2 with a $5 bring-in, unlimited straddles from UTG and match the stack.So guys with deep pockets and filthy Euros with no social skills jack it up, making it play like a shallow stacked 40/80 game.The variance winds up through the roof, the fun,... See full post
I've played in Austin in games like this and the table was not comprised of mostly grinders jacking up variance, it was fish straddling and restraddling then stacking off with dumb hands I do agree with you some recreationals will hate it but some love it. You're in control of what you buy in for and if you straddle or not. If you bring $2k, sit with all of it, and lose it on the 4th hand bc it was 1/2/10/20/40 and it leaves a bad taste in your mouth an you never play PLO again, you probably were gonna find another reason to quit within the next few times you played anyway and things didn't go your way. The smarter recs, if they only have $2k sit with 4 $500 bullets or 5 $400 bullets, etc... I've seen plenty of people playing 80%+ of hands run up their small buy in 10x+ then leave with the money
by LucidDream m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58983870#post58983870)
I've played in Austin in games like this and the table was not comprised of mostly grinders jacking up variance, it was fish straddling and restraddling then stacking off with dumb handsI do agree with you some recreationals will hate it but some love it. You're in control of what you buy in for and if you straddle or not. If you bring $2k, sit with all of it, and lose it on ... See full post
The problem is that 1/2/5 is the entry point for PLO in the area. So when it's constantly being straddled to 40 and the guys with deep pockets are bothering every other player to straddle and restraddle and put the 80 on, it makes it impossible for newcomers to learn without getting smoked. Card rooms need to protect their entry-level games from playing too big, so that new players can enter, not go broke so quick and the rooms can grow and maintain games. I was just at The Lodge this past Saturday and they had only ONE PLO game running, which didn't get going until the afternoon. And there was a guy who plays 5/10/25 PLO bothering everyone to straddle and restraddle. And yeah, you get your share of fish who'll go ham with shitty cards, but guess what? They're trying to rip it in preflop, where equities are close. Now your skill edge is in the trash and you're just gambling flipping coins for stacks, and that's IF you get it headsup, but more than likely you'll be 4+ ways all-in cause when people see a big pot brewing they get FOMO and HAVE to get their chips in. It's terrible long-term for the games and the poker economy, but all the grinders and even the room operators don't grasp such a simple concept. They only think short-term about lining their pockets, without realizing their hurting themselves long-term because they could have a much stronger poker economy if they not only protected those entry-level games, but also advertised to fun recreational players instead of just targeting the enthusiasts and traveling grinders, you know, all the misregs with zero social skills who sit there with hoodies and headphones and never speak.
by TampaKn1sh m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58985231#post58985231)
The problem is that 1/2/5 is the entry point for PLO in the area. So when it's constantly being straddled to 40 and the guys with deep pockets are bothering every other player to straddle and restraddle and put the 80 on, it makes it impossible for newcomers to learn without getting smoked.Card rooms need to protect their entry-level games from playing too big, so that new pla... See full post
That I will agree with you on that The Lodge PLO game basically has 0 structure and one night you could be sitting in a 1/2/5 where less than 50% of the table is straddling and the next night you come in and are basically sitting in a 10/20 or 20/40 game where stacks could be anywhere from super shallow to kinda deep They run semi private and private bigger games some nights so it's not surprising to see the games play out this way esp on nights theres no bigger games running
I believe it is a strong possibility that one of the more popular and respected rooms in the Houston area has an ongoing cheating risk in the PLO games and advise extreme caution playing in the area for now.
by zizek m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58990249#post58990249)
I believe it is a strong possibility that one of the more popular and respected rooms in the Houston area has an ongoing cheating risk in the PLO games and advise extreme caution playing in the area for now.
Kind of a crappy post. You’re anonymous here. Give us some details - Venue, stakes, etc. . One clue you gave is since you said “respected” rooms we know you aren’t referencing Legends lol. Is it TCH or Champions you are referring to? Or some place else?
I am not anonymous as I am posting on an account where finding my name is trivial, but I am not posting on a throwaway because I want to convey that I have a decades long reputation and would not make such statements lightly. If you want to call it a crappy post, fine, disregard it and best of luck to you.
If you would like a room I believe is safe then play at the TCH Westheimer location.
I do call it a crappy post. No info given. All your post conveys is unfounded conjecture about which place you are talking about.
There have been incidents in the city that these statements are not riskless. I did you more of a favor than the overwhelming majority of people who would say nothing at all. I gave you the name of a room I believe is safe.
All right. No worries. I’ve seen a lot of cheating over the years. Unfortunately it’s more common than we’d like to admit.
(
)
Texas Card House announced via social media that they are increasing their hourly rate by $1 at all locations, from $12/hr to $13/hr. Entry fee will move from $10 Daily to a $10 Weekly fee. Time specials will be available in June for purchase.
by Wilfram m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=58997079#post58997079)
Texas Card House announced via social media that they are increasing their hourly rate by $1 at all locations, from $12/hr to $13/hr. Entry fee will move from $10 Daily to a $10 Weekly fee. Time specials will be available in June for purchase.... See full post
Thanks for posting. Hadn't seen that. Still much better for the player than the rake places. Wish they had some bigger PLO games at their Houston location and would play there more than I do now which is just during their tourney series.
been grinding a lot of 1/3/6 plo at Legends over the past three months and am up a little over 50k. Happy to answer anyone's questions about the place and the games
by Taeyeon m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59073489#post59073489)
been grinding a lot of 1/3/6 plo at Legends over the past three months and am up a little over 50k. Happy to answer anyone's questions about the place and the games
How many times have you been shot?
by TampaKn1sh m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59073815#post59073815)
How many times have you been shot?
lol managed to dodge that for now at least
by Taeyeon m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59073489#post59073489)
been grinding a lot of 1/3/6 plo at Legends over the past three months and am up a little over 50k. Happy to answer anyone's questions about the place and the games
We play together a lot then😁
by BulltexasATM m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59074819#post59074819)
We play together a lot then
ooh now I'm curious who you are...
Surprised no one posted this yet. Also on Poker News. If it was Legends there would have been 10 posts already. Guy followed from TCH Houston and robbed at his hotel by some thugs who followed him after he won big. Speculation is it was an inside job. https://www.click2houston.com/news/local... (https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/08/19/houston-police-seek-help-identifying-suspects-in-aggravated-robbery-near-hotel-elevator/?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwMWmwdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHjzHuj4KERrNy3ahy0as_1uUeI_tG8VrAQhS5bRd-1u9gX8JG7wLOoR2cTCj_aem_LC5ZfK-CX5mwJB9dDV8CxQ#meo9qhlwn0q9nnbb3ap)
PokerNews article on the robbery - https://www.pokernews.com/news/2025/08/texas-poker-player-robbed-49481.htm pokernews Video Shows Poker Player Robbed, Assaulted at Texas Hotel After Large Win (https://www.pokernews.com/news/2025/08/texas-poker-player-robbed-49481.htm)
Still nothing from Bill Heuer as is par for the course when something bad happens at one of his TCH venues.
Which poker room has the most fishy 1/3,/6 game now. I hate Legends due to HnRs and bad management( a year ago).
lots of reasons to hate it,but it still has the best 1/3/6
by Taeyeon m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59073489#post59073489)
been grinding a lot of 1/3/6 plo at Legends over the past three months and am up a little over 50k. Happy to answer anyone's questions about the place and the games
What's the avg stack? What % is the game straddled to $12?
by LucidDream m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59081742#post59081742)
by Taeyeon m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59073489#post59073489)
been grinding a lot of 1/3/6 plo at Legends over the past three months and am up a little over 50k. Happy to answer anyone's questions about the place and the games
What's the avg stack? What % is the game straddled to $12?
Straddle is $15. Button straddle is mandatory in main game. Optional on 2nd and 3rd tables if running. On those tables I’d estimate 85-90% of hands are straddled. Stacks are deep particularly in main game.
by BulltexasATM m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59082024#post59082024)
Straddle is $15. Button straddle is mandatory in main game. Optional on 2nd and 3rd tables if running. On those tables I'd estimate 85-90% of hands are straddled. Stacks are deep particularly in main game.
Interesting, appreciate the response. Might head down and check it out this winter
by Taeyeon m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59073489#post59073489)
been grinding a lot of 1/3/6 plo at Legends over the past three months and am up a little over 50k. Happy to answer anyone's questions about the place and the games
a. What's the biggest games that run there regularly at PLO? b. is 1/3/6 the biggest game running? c. Is it pretty safe there if you get an uber to and from the venue to a safe location? d. how big do the games play during the peak times of the year, and what would be the peak times of the year there to play the higher games? I'm used to playing 5 5 10 20 stakes or 5 5 10 Thanks,
by Namaste1974 m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59082244#post59082244)
a. What's the biggest games that run there regularly at PLO?b. is 1/3/6 the biggest game running?c. Is it pretty safe there if you get an uber to and from the venue to a safe location?d. how big do the games play during the peak times of the year, and what would be the peak times of the year there to play the higher games?I'm used to playing 5 5 10 20 stakes or 5 5 10Thanks... See full post
a. the biggest game really depends on what the whale who is in town wants. on most days recently, the biggest will be 5/10/20 4 card. sometimes it is 25/50 5 card, or even 100/200 limit double board. The last 2 run rarely, but every day a 5/10/20 will get going in the afternoon. b. the main game 1/3/6/15 on the button if it runs overnight can be very deep. i've seen avg stacks at that table being 10k+ once in awhile. If that happens the main table 1/3/6/15 will be deeper or as deep as the 5/10/20 c.hard to say about ubering being any safer or better than driving yourself d. don't think there is a set time of the year, just depends when whales come to dump. the big game has been slower the last few weeks i will say
by Taeyeon m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59082371#post59082371)
a. the biggest game really depends on what the whale who is in town wants. on most days recently, the biggest will be 5/10/20 4 card. sometimes it is 25/50 5 card, or even 100/200 limit double board. The last 2 run rarely, but every day a 5/10/20 will get going in the afternoon.
The 5/10/20 and the 25 25 5 card games when they run are not private is that correct? Thanks a lot for your help!
No safety concerns in the area? Is this room pretty safe these days or should I be worried? The photos I saw online made it seem like a small place. I can possibly see why there could have been security issues at a place like this compared to a more secure place on the strip in Vegas. How's the security getting to and from your uber or car? How's the neighborhood?
by Namaste1974 m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59082983#post59082983)
No safety concerns in the area? Is this room pretty safe these days or should I be worried?
Uhhhhhh....if you're worried about leaving Aria with $10k+ you're not gonna want to play in Houston. The most/craziest robberies of poker players in the last 7-8 years have been in Houston including people coming into the card room with automatic weapons and shooting them and a car chase/shoot out
by LucidDream m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59082987#post59082987)
Uhhhhhh....if you're worried about leaving Aria with $10k+ you're not gonna want to play in Houston. The most/craziest robberies of poker players in the last 7-8 years have been in Houston including people coming into the card room with automatic weapons and shooting them and a car chase/shoot out
I would actually be optimistic that they would have corrected the underlying security issues at this venue, given that they still have a lot of players playing there and they are aware that they have had problems in the past with security. If it was that bad, wouldn't people be playing at a different venue by now? Note: (BTW, That was somebody else who was paranoid at Aria in the Aria thread).
by Namaste1974 m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59083057#post59083057)
I would actually be optimistic that they would have corrected the underlying security issues at this venue, given that they still have a lot of players playing there and they are aware that they have had problems in the past with security. If it was that bad, wouldn't people be playing at a different venue by now? Note:(BTW, That was somebody else who was paranoid at Aria in ... See full post
People were playing 6hours after the robbery where the ar went off on the wall and the place got shot at from a drive by not long after. People just don't care. Houston has crime everywhere/all the time just part of the city.
by LucidDream m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59082987#post59082987)
Uhhhhhh....if you're worried about leaving Aria with $10k+ you're not gonna want to play in Houston. The most/craziest robberies of poker players in the last 7-8 years have been in Houston including people coming into the card room with automatic weapons and shooting them and a car chase/shoot out
Semi-auto iirc
by Namaste1974 m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59083057#post59083057)
I would actually be optimistic that they would have corrected the underlying security issues at this venue, given that they still have a lot of players playing there and they are aware that they have had problems in the past with security. If it was that bad, wouldn't people be playing at a different venue by now? Note:(BTW, That was somebody else who was paranoid at Aria in ... See full post
lol thinking a gray market room in a high crime area of a high crime city is fixing security issues
by Fore m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59083213#post59083213)
lol thinking a gray market room in a high crime area of a high crime city is fixing security issues
I'm just confused why it's still seems to have the most games going at the mid to higher stakes. I assumed some type of a rationality for that. I was actually trying to be optimistic. but perhaps it's just popular there because? This place must have something going for it.
[QUOTEHouston has crime everywhere/all the time just part of the city.[/QUOTE] Since when? Why?
by Namaste1974 m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59083057#post59083057)
I would actually be optimistic that they would have corrected the underlying security issues at this venue, given that they still have a lot of players playing there and they are aware that they have had problems in the past with security. If it was that bad, wouldn't people be playing at a different venue by now? Note:(BTW, That was somebody else who was paranoid at Aria in ... See full post
Yea, you're right it was another guy. Not sure how many incidents they've had at Legends as the other 2 I mentioned were both at Prime I believe. Also the car chase/shooting was a high stakes player that was known to have big amounts on him. Legends is only 2 miles from Prime and I would expect much of the same issues to still be in play. If you're coming and going with $5-15k regularly you're gonna be a target of some sort. Ofc there's gonna be easier and bigger targets than others but afaik it's probably one of the worst rooms/casinos in America to be carrying out that kind of money. None the less multiple people are doing it daily w/ relatively few incidents so it's still a very low % occurence overall
by Namaste1974 m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59083243#post59083243)
I'm just confused why it's still seems to have the most games going at the mid to higher stakes. I assumed some type of a rationality for that. I was actually trying to be optimistic. but perhaps it's just popular there because? This place must have something going for it.
I've heard rumors that the room has a stable of players they put into games to ensure they always appeared to have the most games/action, so they could attract more games/action. I can't attest to the validity of this rumor though.
by Namaste1974 m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59082980#post59082980)
The 5/10/20 and the 25 25 5 card games when they run are not private is that correct? Thanks a lot for your help!
not private by Namaste1974 m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59082983#post59082983)
No safety concerns in the area? Is this room pretty safe these days or should I be worried? The photos I saw online made it seem like a small place. I can possibly see why there could have been security issues at a place like this compared to a more secure place on the strip in Vegas. How's the security getting to and from your uber or car? How's the neighborhood?
neighborhood is terrible and i think most regs at legends hand wave off security as being a non issue, but i think it is a very valid/reasonable concern, especially if you are playing bigger. multiple stories of people being followed home, being robbed, the neighborhood and parking lot are both not safe, and I always exercise as much caution as possible and avoid leaving very late at night/early in the morning. by TampaKn1sh m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59083464#post59083464)
I've heard rumors that the room has a stable of players they put into games to ensure they always appeared to have the most games/action, so they could attract more games/action. I can't attest to the validity of this rumor though.
i've never seen prop/house players above 1/3, unless its to start a game and then they leave. In those instances its very obvious its just to start a game and nothing else. I will say though if you play at legends you have to be ready to roll your eyes and let it go when some regs soft play each other, check it down, go twice from here, etc. People get away with stuff that would never fly in a casino, but the games are so good/profitable and you wont win any arguments with the floor about some of that stuff so you just have to let it go.
If you’re looking for poker in Houston, I’ve mostly stuck to the smaller card rooms, they’re way less crowded than the big casinos and the action can be decent. Local news-wise, it’s good to keep an eye on any new room openings or tournaments; sometimes the smaller spots run promos that are worth checking out.
HI guys, Can anyone on the ground please confirm for me if Legends has a 5/10/20 game that won't actually run with a straddle 90% of the time. Is this a true 5/10/20 game or it's more like a 5/10/20/40 game most of the time? Thanks!
40 is on most of the time (this is taeyeon forgot my login info for that gimmick so using this gimmick)
by Idra m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59114917#post59114917)
40 is on most of the time (this is taeyeon forgot my login info for that gimmick so using this gimmick)
Taeyeon - how is it going? You've gone radio silent.
Feel like I'm only reaching about 5 people when I post here, but wanted to get something off my chest. I moved to Webster recently near Spades (operates on time/membership basis and always has) and Capri (takes rake and always has). Just came across a Spades vs. Capri debate post on Facebook posted earlier today. 30 comments in, and not one person has brought up the membership vs. rake. It affirmed what I already should have understood: most players don't care about this difference from a legal perspective if at all. About 6-7 years ago when raked rooms started to become more common in Houston, I had a true disdain for them, my chief concern being that they would catch the eye of local law enforcement and ruin it for the cardrooms operating on a membership basis. I don't have that fear anymore and I've played hundreds of hours in raked rooms since them, but naively, I told myself that recreationals cared about this. At this point, I wouldn't be surprised if a good percentage of them even understand that it's illegal to rake here. Not even sure why I care if law enforcement doesn't, though.
by Wilfram m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59143977#post59143977)
Feel like I'm only reaching about 5 people when I post here, but wanted to get something off my chest. I moved to Webster recently near Spades (operates on time/membership basis and always has) and Capri (takes rake and always has). Just came across a Spades vs. Capri debate post on Facebook posted earlier today. 30 comments in, and not one person has brought up the membership ... See full post
My concern would be: If the room operators are willing to openly violate the law by stepping over the grey area line, what other shady things are they willing to do?
by Wilfram m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59143977#post59143977)
Feel like I'm only reaching about 5 people when I post here, but wanted to get something off my chest. I moved to Webster recently near Spades (operates on time/membership basis and always has) and Capri (takes rake and always has). Just came across a Spades vs. Capri debate post on Facebook posted earlier today. 30 comments in, and not one person has brought up the membership ... See full post
Time is much better for the good players as the money stays on the table. Unfortunately the majority of players don’t care/focus on that. In fact the losing players typically prefer rake as in their minds they aren’t pulling additional $ out of their pockets for time in addition to what they lose playing. Personally I like Champions and TCH better but play almost exclusively at Legends as you know due to having the best games and lower rake than all the other places that rake in Houston.
Rake will never be an issue for 75% of recs in these rooms because most of them played in raked private games before the card clubs became available in 2014-2015.
by BulltexasATM m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59144086#post59144086)
Time is much better for the good players as the money stays on the table. Unfortunately the majority of players don't care/focus on that. In fact the losing players typically prefer rake as in their minds they aren't pulling additional $ out of their pockets for time in addition to what they lose playing. Personally I like Champions and TCH better but play almost exclusively at... See full post
The thing about rake is it's essentially invisible to the average player. It disappears and isn't really felt/noticed. But when a losing recreational player goes and plays in a TX card club, gets busted for their $300 and then has to pay $60 to the front desk on the way out, it stings more. Because now the losing players are paying their fair share of the rake, rather than it being taken out of the pots of the winners. So while a time fee is better from a grinders perspective, the rake can be better to keep games running longer because players aren't worried they're racking up charges that have to be settled afterwards. I really wish TX would regulate the gaming industry and allow rake here.
The only reason recreational players have any concept of rake is bc every 1-2 hours someone comes by to tell them they need more time at which point they buy 1-2 more hours and this happens 2-10 times per session they play depending In raked games they simply don’t care bc only winners pay the rake, in time games esp in places you can’t pay with chips that’s not really the case
by BulltexasATM m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59141312#post59141312)
Taeyeon - how is it going You've gone radio silent.
It has been going good! Sorry for going radio silent, I'm generally just a lurker. I have been running pretty hot at 5/10/20 and 10/25/50. I still play 1/3/6 but generally will move when the game opens, but have decided I wont play 25/50/100 since that game is just too giant (and I also won't play 10/25/50 if the 100 is on). I've been grinding a good amount over the past few months and results have been good. I will say though that 5/10/20 and bigger comes with way too much drama and too many characters, I enjoy good table talk and a more relaxed environment and that happens way more at 1/3/6... if I wasn't running super good at 5/10/20 I would probably stay at the main 136 game more often. Since you mentioned you play at Legends a lot I am super curious who you are since I'm sure we have played together a good amount, and you could probably guess who I am.
Saw Champions is doing a 100K Player Appreciation Tournament, but it will do nothing to bring in fun, losing recreational players. It's all about playing a ton of hours in the room with bonuses going to the top 3 hour earners each month as well. That's a promo that will funnel all those promo dollars into the grinders pockets, the most backwards thing a poker room can do. Your marketing and promotional dollars should be spent to attract and retain the fun, losing recs. It's mind-boggling to me that so many poker rooms don't grasp such a simple concept. Create promotions that will put more of that money into the pockets of the losing recs to keep them in action longer and keep them coming back. If you fill your pond with enough fish, then that's all the grinders need and they'll eat for life. Instead these yahoos spent countless millions to have a room that gets a couple games running each day.
Not true at all. Champions has very few cash games and makes most of its money from tourney take. They are rewarding those players who frequent their regular daily tournaments. Good promotion for those people.
by Taeyeon m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59148804#post59148804)
by BulltexasATM m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59141312#post59141312)
Taeyeon - how is it going You've gone radio silent.
It has been going good! Sorry for going radio silent, I'm generally just a lurker.I have been running pretty hot at 5/10/20 and 10/25/50. I still play 1/3/6 but generally will move when the game opens, but have decided I wont play 25/50/100 since that game is just too giant (and I also won't play 10/25/50 if the 100 is on). I'v... See full post
When I see you today I will say “X, did you go to the game yesterday?” You will then know who I am.
by BulltexasATM m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59149630#post59149630)
Not true at all. Champions has very few cash games and makes most of its money from tourney take. They are rewarding those players who frequent their regular daily tournaments. Good promotion for those people.
What are you on about? Poker rooms in a casino are the black sheep of the property as far as profitability goes. Tournaments are the black sheep of the poker room, as far as profitability goes. Dealersmake significantly less money than dealing cash games. And the rooms make less money per hour off tournaments than they do cash games. I won't argue that Champions has done well with their series events, but what about all the times a series isn't running? Cash games are where the money is, and they just don't get the traffic there. You think 2-3 cash games/day is paying the enormous cost of a 20 table poker room, a restaurant AND a hotel?
This ain't paying the bills or keeping quality staff sticking around long-term to make no money.
(
)
(
)
by TampaKn1sh m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59150098#post59150098)
This ain't paying the bills or keeping quality staff sticking around long-term to make no money. ... See full post
Exactly. Your whole initial post was regarding their promotion .They are rewarding their tournament player pool with that particular promotion. Stick to posts about Austin poker since you have admitted you have never even played a hand of poker in Houston. Most of your posts in the past re: the Houston poker scene have included incorrect or bad information.
by BulltexasATM m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59150261#post59150261)
Exactly. Your whole initial post was regarding their promotion .They are rewarding their tournament player pool with that particular promotion. Stick to posts about Austin poker since you have admitted you have never even played a hand of poker in Houston. Most of your posts in the past re: the Houston poker scene have included incorrect or bad information.
Legit all his posts are just about protecting and rewarding fish in some way. Which is a reasonable idea to some degree but we don’t need 50 posts per year from the same person about how The Lodge needs to remove unlimited straddles bc the fish aren’t able to survive that environment…which he’s overblowing anyway. But regardless take these ideas to the higher ups at whatever venue you’re speaking on if you really believe it’s an issue
by BulltexasATM m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59150261#post59150261)
Exactly. Your whole initial post was regarding their promotion .They are rewarding their tournament player pool with that particular promotion. Stick to posts about Austin poker since you have admitted you have never even played a hand of poker in Houston. Most of your posts in the past re: the Houston poker scene have included incorrect or bad information.
Speaking of "incorrect or bad information" maybe you should take a look at the flyer. You say they're "rewarding their tournament player pool with that particular promotion" but the promotion requires you to log 100 hours of CASH play, not tournament play. And there are additional bonuses for the top 3 hour earners each month (i.e. the grinders, not the fun recreational players)
(
)
by LucidDream m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59150564#post59150564)
Legit all his posts are just about protecting and rewarding fish in some way. Which is a reasonable idea to some degree but we don’t need 50 posts per year from the same person about how The Lodge needs to remove unlimited straddles bc the fish aren’t able to survive that environment…which he’s overblowing anyway.But regardless take these ideas to the higher ups at whatever ve... See full post
I was just informed The Lodge recently capped their 1/2/5 PLO game and also are limiting it and the 2/2 game to 2 straddles only each. It's a step in the right direction, although the straddles are still a bad idea for entry level games imo. Also, I have had sitdowns with leadership at both The Lodge and TCH Austin regarding these issues (cash and tournament structures that don't keep the recs coming back, as well as a failure to effectively market on a local level). Both rooms have done a tremendous job of building their brands within the overly-serious poker enthusiast community. But we're over 10 years with poker in the Austin market and the average Austinite has no clue poker even exists. When someone drives by and sees "The Lodge" or "TCH Social" there's nothing about either of those brandings that screams POKER IS HERE COME PLAY! TCH also launched an online poker app, but they called it...........HIJACK Poker. People already have issues with feeling like they're cheated online, and then they name it HIJACK! It sounds like you're being robbed.
That’s cool if you’re actually meeting with people who can get it done and not just complaining about it here, I respect that
by LucidDream m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59152062#post59152062)
That’s cool if you’re actually meeting with people who can get it done and not just complaining about it here, I respect that
Yup, had talks with Doug, Andrew Neeme and their new GM Johnny Grooms. Then at TCH I've spoken with the GM and the C.O.O.
by TampaKn1sh m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59152316#post59152316)
Yup, had talks with Doug, Andrew Neeme and their new GM Johnny Grooms. Then at TCH I've spoken with the GM and the C.O.O.
Johnny's back? Any bets on if he comes here? After MGMNH would be a shock if he does.
Only regulars care about rake, people trying to beat the game. It sounds like Houston may have the best games, Euros have invaded Dallas, I definitely will have to go there at some point. As long as games are deep rake sucks, but beatable.
by TampaKn1sh m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59151701#post59151701)
by BulltexasATM m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59150261#post59150261)
Exactly. Your whole initial post was regarding their promotion .They are rewarding their tournament player pool with that particular promotion. Stick to posts about Austin poker since you have admitted you have never even played a hand of poker in Houston. Most of your posts in the past re: the Houston poker scene have included incorrect or bad information.
Speaking of "... See full post
Apologies, I thought you were talking about this - https://championsclubtexas.com/leaderboard/ This promotion is specifically for their tourney players. Based on the screen shot you posted they have two promotions. 1 that rewards their top tourney grinders and another that rewards their top cash game players based on hours played. I don’t see what the problem is. That is great they are rewarding their top players and I don’t think it “hurts the fish” as you say.
by Fore m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59152423#post59152423)
Johnny's back? Any bets on if he comes here? After MGMNH would be a shock if he does.
I guess he came onboard with The Lodge back in August of 2024. I only heard about it a few months back when they had a meet and greet with him. What happened with MGM? by BulltexasATM m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59152671#post59152671)
Apologies, I thought you were talking about this - https://championsclubtexas.com/leaderboa... (https://championsclubtexas.com/leaderboard/)This promotion is specifically for their tourney players. Based on the screen shot you posted they have two promotions. 1 that rewards their top tourney grinders and another that rewards their top cash game players based on hours played. I don't see what the problem is. That is great t... See full post
If I used the terms "hurts the fish" I apologize, as that wasn't what I'm trying to convey. My issue is that this type of promo is funneling dollars into the pockets of the grinders, which is backwards from a room operator standpoint. You want those promo dollars more likely to find their way into the pockets of the weaker players (i.e. that's why you do a promo to hit a steel wheel rather than a royal, you encourage the weaker players to get in there with 23 s00ted and other such garbage). The more you structure promos to put money into the pockets of the losing players, the longer you keep games running, the more likely you are to get the weaker players to continue coming back. Those weaker players win the promos, they then lose some of that promo money back to the grinders, games run longer, the recs get their entertainment value, the grinders get their long-term profits and the room keeps tables running longer. Structuring promos that funnel money into the grinders pockets doesn't accomplish this.
by TampaKn1sh m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59152702#post59152702)
I guess he came onboard with The Lodge back in August of 2024. I only heard about it a few months back when they had a meet and greet with him. What happened at MGMNH
Wasn’t really what happened in the room per se. It was his posting in that venue thread on 2+2. Lots of complaints from players. Johnny tried to use this feedback but also explain limitations. All started fine but after a while feedback probably got a little to bitchie. Johnny tone and responses got more edgy. IMO some of his responses became borderline (over the line imo but not severely) nonprofessional, at least in tone. He took one or two self imposed posting vacations but eventually just ghosted. Were the complaints excessive? Maybe. But when you are the face and voice for the org, esp voluntarily, sometimes you just gotta let stuff go or at least know how to handle it which is sometimes bite your tongue. Customer isn’t always correct but you don’t need to beat him over the head with that. So it wasn’t about anything he did wrong or bad running the room. It was only about actions and opinions on 2+2. Good int3ndions gone bad and likely under appreciated. Thus why I would expect little if any interaction here.
by Fore m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59152946#post59152946)
Wasn’t really what happened in the room per se. It was his posting in that venue thread on 2+2. Lots of complaints from players. Johnny tried to use this feedback but also explain limitations. All started fine but after a while feedback probably got a little to bitchie. Johnny tone and responses got more edgy. IMO some of his responses became borderline (over the line imo but n... See full post
Yeah, I think I saw a post here where he lost it on someone and maybe told them to STFU or something, so I know what you're talking about.
by BulltexasATM m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59149631#post59149631)
When I see you today I will say "X, did you go to the game yesterday" You will then know who I am.
good to see you and good luck at the champions events if you are firing any of the plo series! my brother is firing a couple of bullets so hopefully you both make some deep runs
Well the crap hole that is Legends raised their rake from $7 for the 1/3/6 PLO to $10 and the rake on the 5/10/20 PLO from $10 a half hour to $15 a half hour. What's funny is they tried to sneak it in without telling anyone. TCH and Champions hopefully can get some momentum from this.
by BulltexasATM m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59169039#post59169039)
Well the crap hole that is Legends raised their rake from $7 for the 1/3/6 PLO to $10 and the rake on the 5/10/20 PLO from $10 a half hour to $15 a half hour. What's funny is they tried to sneak it in without telling anyone. TCH and Champions hopefully can get some momentum from this.
Huge mistake with the lack of transparency. 1/3 remains $7 or did it move to $10 too?
by Wilfram m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59169046#post59169046)
by BulltexasATM m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59169039#post59169039)
Well the crap hole that is Legends raised their rake from $7 for the 1/3/6 PLO to $10 and the rake on the 5/10/20 PLO from $10 a half hour to $15 a half hour. What's funny is they tried to sneak it in without telling anyone. TCH and Champions hopefully can get some momentum from this.
Huge mistake with the lack of transparency. 1/3 remains $7 or did it move to $10 too?
1/3 remains $7 but all the $100 buy ins make it a non starter for me unfortunately
Was definitely implemented sneakily. I saw the drop yesterday morning and instantly told all the regs I could. Several have said they are going to start looking for somewhere else to play, we will see how it pans out.
How about this "Most Bullets" promo for TCH Houston's holiday $100K series?
(
)
I don't love or hate it... but I'm just imagining some guy going for it (freerolling in their mind thinking they'll for sure get the $5000) only to be out-bulleted by David Shaw or some other grinder. Can we find the guy who has the second most bullets? My condolences to them.
by Wilfram m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59169572#post59169572)
How about this "Most Bullets" promo for TCH Houston's holiday $100K series? I don't love or hate it... but I'm just imagining some guy going for it (freerolling in their mind thinking they'll for sure get the $5000) only to be out-bulleted by David Shaw or some other grinder. Can we find the guy who has the second most bullets? My condolences to them.... See full post
I hope somebody scoops and takes the triple crown.
Legends dropped their rake back down to $7 max on 1/3/6 PLO and $10 a half hour for the 5/10/20 PLO. Also a word out to the community Lenard "Lucky" Adams known cheater/scammer was in Legends this week. Once he was identified/outed he was confronted and claimed they were just allegations but he was asked to leave and banned. Probably still in Texas so should keep an eye out for him as he is dangerous (allegedly😀). Links about him below.
https://www.pokernews.com/news/2025/01/lenard-adams-scamming-poker-players-47746.htm pokernews Poker Pro w/ Violent Criminal History Accused of Scamming Poker Players (https://www.pokernews.com/news/2025/01/lenard-adams-scamming-poker-players-47746.htm)
https://www.pokertube.com/video/how-a-vi... (https://www.pokertube.com/video/how-a-violent-criminal-scammed-the-poker-world)
I'm in Austin and just helped get 2 known cheats banned that I helped get banned in Tampa FL about 5 years ago. They've been caught all over the country marking cards and they typically focus on PLO games to my understanding. In this video I break down the history I'm aware of, provide receipts so it's not just me making up some allegations, provide the photos I have of them (one is good, one is not) and detail exactly how they're marking cards so room operators can be on the lookout and players can protect themselves. They've been getting away with this for at least 6 years in different venues, and I'd like to make it as difficult as possible for them to find new honey holes to take advantage of. So if you're able to help my video with engagement (likes/comments) or sharing it, it would help immensely in getting this spread far and wide to keep these scumbags off the felt. Broken YouTube Link
Word is spreading fast, these guys tried to sneak into Houston but word is out
(
)
(
)
(
)
Feel like it's worth making a post about the ongoing (but likely soon to be over) PLO Poker room war here in Houston. The previous owner of Legends opened a new room (Houston Social) 5 minutes away from Legends to try and take over as the best PLO room in the city a month ago... and it looks like he's pulled it off (again!). Legends has slowly been bleeding away for the past month and there are now no tables going and having played in both rooms back and forth over the past month, I think Legends is likely to close their doors very soon. Although I haven't been a reg there as long as many, I made many friends/ memories, and a lot of money at Legends and I'm sad to see it go out this way... it was rough around the edges, but a place I've enjoyed spending so much time in. I'm hopeful that Houston Social will be a great room and looking forward to playing there moving forward, as many of the good dealers, staff, and of course action players/regs have already migrated over.
by Idra m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59248214#post59248214)
Feel like it's worth making a post about the ongoing (but likely soon to be over) PLO Poker room war here in Houston.The previous owner of Legends opened a new room (Houston Social) 5 minutes away from Legends to try and take over as the best PLO room in the city a month ago... and it looks like he's pulled it off (again!).Legends has slowly been bleeding away for the past mont... See full post
Thanks for the update. I spoke to a Legends dealer/reg in January who said that one of the former owners, Max, was opening up a place called Fortune Poker. Did he end up calling it Houston Social instead, or are we talkinh about two separate rooms? Also, do you think Houston Social is taking 100% of the PLO action, or is TCH Houston's PLO cash also picking up with Legends fading out? Is Champions getting any more PLO action from Legends?
I heard something about that Jun guy who was involved with 52 Social in Austin being involved with a room in Houston now, is this what you're talking about? I think he had some history in that market years ago as well.
by Idra m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59248214#post59248214)
Feel like it's worth making a post about the ongoing (but likely soon to be over) PLO Poker room war here in Houston.The previous owner of Legends opened a new room (Houston Social) 5 minutes away from Legends to try and take over as the best PLO room in the city a month ago... and it looks like he's pulled it off (again!).Legends has slowly been bleeding away for the past mont... See full post
Legends is officially closed. Apparently will reopen in a few weeks as a baccarat only place so no more poker. There was a rush to get over there and cash in chips. Apparently some weren't successful as someone tried sneaking some $100 Legends chips in today in a game lol. Owner came around to all the tables and made a point to say those won't be redeemed at Houston Social. Lastly, Idra, quit trying to bluff me😀
by Wilfram m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59249543#post59249543)
Max's venture went kaput before it opened. The two people funding it got into a conflict and walked away before it opened and it won't be opening. Max was just going to run it with a small piece of ownership as sweat equity. When that failed he approached Houston Social's owner and got a job as night floor manager so he is there now. Houston Social is a new place and was opened by David La the former owner of Legends who sold it to some out of town buyers and then screwed them over 6 months later by opening the new place. Same playbook he used when he sold 52 Social and did the same thing and opened Legends.
by TampaKn1sh m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59250789#post59250789)
I heard something about that Jun guy who was involved with 52 Social in Austin being involved with a room in Houston now, is this what you're talking about? I think he had some history in that market years ago as well.
He's an investor in Houston Social. There every day playing but doesn't really run it or have anything to do with daily operations. Worst thing about him is he plays all night and never leaves and is constantly falling asleep at the table. You get 3 less hands per 30 minute down when he is in the game and floor man basically told me there isn't much he can do since he is a part owner. He is pretty bad though so there is that I guess but he definitely is tilting to play with for me at least due to his very slow pace of play.
by BulltexasATM m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59251334#post59251334)
Legends is officially closed. Apparently will reopen in a few weeks as a baccarat only place so no more poker. There was a rush to get over there and cash in chips. Apparently some weren't successful as someone tried sneaking some $100 Legends chips in today in a game lol. Owner came around to all the tables and made a point to say those won't be redeemed at Houston Social. Las... See full post
Haha, gotta try sometimes! I'm hopeful that Houston Social continues to have excellent plo games. There have been several super pro out of towners making it tougher, but overall games have still been great. I'm doubtful that champions or tch houston will be able to steal any of the plo action, outside of champion's private game/stream game which will just continue as usual I think.
by Taeyeon m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59251356#post59251356)
Haha, gotta try sometimes!I'm hopeful that Houston Social continues to have excellent plo games. There have been several super pro out of towners making it tougher, but overall games have still been great. I'm doubtful that champions or tch houston will be able to steal any of the plo action, outside of champion's private game/stream game which will just continue as usual I thi... See full post
Is it hard to get onto the live streams? "several super pro out of towners making it tougher," Mostly Euros ?
Canadians. I dont know why rooms tolerate them, they are a massive net negative to the game sustainability because games basically snap break when they overrun the games.
by zizek m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59257465#post59257465)
Canadians. I dont know why rooms tolerate them, they are a massive net negative to the game sustainability because games basically snap break when they overrun the games.
It's astonishing how bad games are in Canada.
by zizek m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59257465#post59257465)
Canadians. I dont know why rooms tolerate them, they are a massive net negative to the game sustainability because games basically snap break when they overrun the games.
Yeah a few of them now playing every day in Houston Social’s 1/3/6 PLO games. Don’t add much to the games and seeing quite a few players that snap quit when they get to the main table because they don’t want to play with them. Some constantly cycle back to 1/3 for an hour also then get back on 2nd or 3rd table (if 3 tables are going). Makes the main game garbage some days when a couple of those guys are in it. Noticed you have been playing some in that Hong Bo 25/50 game. Hopefully you have been running good. Know a few players are down six figures over the past week in that game.
(
)
by BulltexasATM m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59257691#post59257691)
Yeah a few of them now playing every day in Houston Social's 1/3/6 PLO games. Don't add much to the games and seeing quite a few players that snap quit when they get to the main table because they don't want to play with them. Some constantly cycle back to 1/3 for an hour also then get back on 2nd or 3rd table (if 3 tables are going). Makes the main game garbage some days when ... See full post
I only played a couple times and basically broke even (+19k then -18k).
by Wilfram m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59249543#post59249543)
Also, do you think Houston Social is taking 100% of the PLO action, or is TCH Houston's PLO cash also picking up with Legends fading out? Is Champions getting any more PLO action from Legends?
I understand it's only been 2 weeks, but do you or anyone else have an opinion on the best club for PLO now?
by grant2 m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59264275#post59264275)
by Wilfram m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59249543#post59249543)
Also, do you think Houston Social is taking 100% of the PLO action, or is TCH Houston's PLO cash also picking up with Legends fading out? Is Champions getting any more PLO action from Legends?
I understand it's only been 2 weeks, but do you or anyone else have an opinion on the best club for PLO now?
Not even a question - Houston Social all day. 101Katy can be good too but double the rake and less games
by BulltexasATM m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59264523#post59264523)
Not even a question - Houston Social all day. 101Katy can be good too but double the rake and less games
Isn't it owned/operated by David La and Jun?
by TampaKn1sh m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59264746#post59264746)
by BulltexasATM m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59264523#post59264523)
Not even a question - Houston Social all day. 101Katy can be good too but double the rake and less games
Isn't it owned/operated by David La and Jun?
Yes and your point is? Jun is just an investor and horrible player. David is front man for the owners/investors.
by BulltexasATM m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59265071#post59265071)
Yes and your point is Jun is just an investor and horrible player. David is front man for the owners/investors.
They're just kinda known for scumbuggery
Spades and TCH Spring are still good for lower stakes, but TCH Spring’s midstakes games got eviscerated by overraked private games
Anyone familiar with this place? https://lonestarpokertx.com/ Thanks.
by BulltexasATM m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59264523#post59264523)
Not even a question - Houston Social all day. 101Katy can be good too but double the rake and less games
It's Saturday night and I checked Hoston Social on Poker Atalas it's showing the biggest games running are 3/6 PLO. What happened to 5 5 10 or 10/20/40?
by Namaste1974 m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59414982#post59414982)
by BulltexasATM m (https://www.twoplustwo.com/post?postId=59264523#post59264523)
Not even a question - Houston Social all day. 101Katy can be good too but double the rake and less games
It's Saturday night and I checked Hoston Social on Poker Atalas it's showing the biggest games running are 3/6 PLO. What happened to 5 5 10 or 10/20/40
Katy Poker has the only real big game now (note rake is high). 1/3/6 is typically biggest game at Houston Social unless a whale is in town