An Afternoon at the Ranch

After our winning session at Silverton, Ms. Duck and I drove to Green Valley Ranch. We have stayed here on several occasions and have enjoyed each visit. Our only complaint with the casino was the temperature. It was always cold. This time however, someone had located the thermostat and turned it up. Much more comfortable.

We didn't visit the pool, but I have this picture of it (there really is a pool if you look real close), and thought you wouldn't mind.

We parked our ride on the parking garage roof and made the short walk into the casino. After locating the video poker area, we sat down in front of a couple quarter machines and ordered drinks (margarita for Ms. Duck and a rum and coke for moi). Although my wife was still struggling to win, my "run good" continued. After an hour or so, Ms. Duck mentioned she wanted to do some browsing in the shopping district next to GVR. We both pressed the cash out buttons on our machines, with my ticket showing a $15 gain for the ol' bankroll.

The District at Green Valley Ranch

She headed for the stores and I walked over to the poker room to see what games were running. After a little bit of a wait, I got on the waiting list for the $1-2 no limit game. I found a nearby deuces wild machine and won another $20 before I received a text that my seat was ready.

I bought in for two Benjamins and sat in the number six seat. My first hand was K-Q offsuit from middle position. With one limper in front, I raised to $8 and received two callers. The player to my right checked the king high flop. I pushed three redbirds out, receiving a call from the button and my other opponent folded.

I bet another $25 after a blank on the turn and the button folded. It's always nice to win the first pot you're involved in.

Still running good!

The only other hand of note began with me holding the A-6 of clubs. Once again I was in middle position, but was first to act, so I open raised to $6 and got two customers, both of whom had position on me.

The flop had two clubs, so I bet my nut flush draw and received a call from one of my two opponents.

The turn completed my flush and I bet 1/2 pot, receiving a call.

The river was a fourth club.

"I think that card just cost me some money," I said, assuming my opponent would know I had the nut flush. I slid a 1/3 pot bet out, hoping for a hero call. I got more than that when he 3 bet. After studying the board again, I noticed there was a possible straight flush. I checked my hand and found that I held one of the cards needed to complete it. I four bet and the villain shoved the rest of his chips in the middle. After calling and showing the nuts, he flipped over K-5 offsuit, with the king being a club. I guess he thought I had a small flush when I made my statement.

Bad read.

There were two short tables and shortly after this hand our table broke. I had a nice stack when I was seated at the new table. Once again in the six seat. But, as I was about to learn, my luck had run out for this day and the storm clouds were forming.

I played for 2- 2 1/2 hours at this table and did not win one hand. River draws that hit against me, second best hands  (think two pair versus a set), and admittedly, some tilty play contributed to a $135 loss for the session.

Ms. Duck sent a text and asked if I wanted to grab a bite. It had been ten hours since we enjoyed the buffet at Silverton, so we agreed to meet at Grand Cafe in the casino. We are both fans of the Feast Buffet at Green Valley, but it was too late to eat a big meal. Instead, we chose the soup and sandwich special. Both the chicken noodle soup and deli sammich were tasty and the service was good.

It was getting late (for old timers like me) and we decided to call it a night. We trekked to our chariot and made the drive back to our home base at the Cosmopolitan.

A nice start to my day, but a poor ending.

Stay tuned...more to come!