Hollywood Park vs. Commerce limit tables

I've now played at both places a few times. (In fact, this last weekend, I played at both.) It seems to me that both offer weak players at the 2-4 level, but Commerce's players a even weaker than at Hollywood Park. Lots of no fold'em hold'em and trying to buy pots at a limit table. But at Hollywood Park, because of the satellite wagering on the horses, it was clear that many of the players, while they were still weak, were used to playing with each other since they go there mainly to bet on the horses. With that in mind, my vote for the best fishin' is Commerce. (It's kinda like fishin' at a trout farm. You know you'll catch fish, the only variable is the size.) My only suggestion is to play ultra-tight if your sitting at one of these tables.

I'll do a comparison with the no-limit tables next time I have a free weekend.

On a side note, while I like the convenience of on-line poker (except when my laptop battery dies,) I prefer the live casinos because I really enjoy seeing people get uspet when I beat their inferior hands. You just can't describe that kind of emotion through a chat line.

Anyone else's thoughts?

I've now played at both places a few times. (In fact, this last weekend, I played at both.) It seems to me that both offer weak players at the 2-4 level, but Commerce's players a even weaker than at Hollywood Park. Lots of no fold'em hold'em and trying to buy pots at a limit table. But at Hollywood Park, because of the satellite wagering on the horses, it was clear that many of the players, while they were still weak, were used to playing with each other since they go there mainly to bet on the horses. With that in mind, my vote for the best fishin' is Commerce. (It's kinda like fishin' at a trout farm. You know you'll catch fish, the only variable is the size.) My only suggestion is to play ultra-tight if your sitting at one of these tables.

I'll do a comparison with the no-limit tables next time I have a free weekend.

On a side note, while I like the convenience of on-line poker (except when my laptop battery dies,) I prefer the live casinos because I really enjoy seeing people get uspet when I beat their inferior hands. You just can't describe that kind of emotion through a chat line.

Anyone else's thoughts?

I've now played at both places a few times. (In fact, this last weekend, I played at both.) It seems to me that both offer weak players at the 2-4 level, but Commerce's players a even weaker than at Hollywood Park. Lots of no fold'em hold'em and trying to buy pots at a limit table. But at Hollywood Park, because of the satellite wagering on the horses, it was clear that many of the players, while they were still weak, were used to playing with each other since they go there mainly to bet on the horses. With that in mind, my vote for the best fishin' is Commerce. (It's kinda like fishin' at a trout farm. You know you'll catch fish, the only variable is the size.) My only suggestion is to play ultra-tight if your sitting at one of these tables.

I'll do a comparison with the no-limit tables next time I have a free weekend.

On a side note, while I like the convenience of on-line poker (except when my laptop battery dies,) I prefer the live casinos because I really enjoy seeing people get uspet when I beat their inferior hands. You just can't describe that kind of emotion through a chat line.

Anyone else's thoughts?

I've now played at both places a few times. (In fact, this last weekend, I played at both.) It seems to me that both offer weak players at the 2-4 level, but Commerce's players a even weaker than at Hollywood Park. Lots of no fold'em hold'em and trying to buy pots at a limit table. But at Hollywood Park, because of the satellite wagering on the horses, it was clear that many of the players, while they were still weak, were used to playing with each other since they go there mainly to bet on the horses. With that in mind, my vote for the best fishin' is Commerce. (It's kinda like fishin' at a trout farm. You know you'll catch fish, the only variable is the size.) My only suggestion is to play ultra-tight if your sitting at one of these tables.

I'll do a comparison with the no-limit tables next time I have a free weekend.

On a side note, while I like the convenience of on-line poker (except when my laptop battery dies,) I prefer the live casinos because I really enjoy seeing people get uspet when I beat their inferior hands. You just can't describe that kind of emotion through a chat line.

Anyone else's thoughts?

I've now played at both places a few times. (In fact, this last weekend, I played at both.) It seems to me that both offer weak players at the 2-4 level, but Commerce's players a even weaker than at Hollywood Park. Lots of no fold'em hold'em and trying to buy pots at a limit table. But at Hollywood Park, because of the satellite wagering on the horses, it was clear that many of the players, while they were still weak, were used to playing with each other since they go there mainly to bet on the horses. With that in mind, my vote for the best fishin' is Commerce. (It's kinda like fishin' at a trout farm. You know you'll catch fish, the only variable is the size.) My only suggestion is to play ultra-tight if your sitting at one of these tables.

I'll do a comparison with the no-limit tables next time I have a free weekend.

On a side note, while I like the convenience of on-line poker (except when my laptop battery dies,) I prefer the live casinos because I really enjoy seeing people get uspet when I beat their inferior hands. You just can't describe that kind of emotion through a chat line.

Anyone else's thoughts?

I've now played at both places a few times. (In fact, this last weekend, I played at both.) It seems to me that both offer weak players at the 2-4 level, but Commerce's players a even weaker than at Hollywood Park. Lots of no fold'em hold'em and trying to buy pots at a limit table. But at Hollywood Park, because of the satellite wagering on the horses, it was clear that many of the players, while they were still weak, were used to playing with each other since they go there mainly to bet on the horses. With that in mind, my vote for the best fishin' is Commerce. (It's kinda like fishin' at a trout farm. You know you'll catch fish, the only variable is the size.) My only suggestion is to play ultra-tight if your sitting at one of these tables.

I'll do a comparison with the no-limit tables next time I have a free weekend.

On a side note, while I like the convenience of on-line poker (except when my laptop battery dies,) I prefer the live casinos because I really enjoy seeing people get uspet when I beat their inferior hands. You just can't describe that kind of emotion through a chat line.

Anyone else's thoughts?

I used to like Hollywood Park better than Commerce, because the last time I played there, the rake was only $1. Perhaps that was a Friday special or whatever. This past weekend they were charging $3 or $4 per pot, which is huge for a $2-4 table. The rake is the only thing that really matters to me, since all these players are very poor in general.

Now that I've noticed that both casinos charge about the same on the rake, I don't really have a preference between the two casinos (maybe we should play Hustler next?). I was able to double up at Hollywood Park (+$105), all you need are cards, the fish will chase no matter what.

However, I don't think any brick and mortar compares to online. I much prefer the online game, faster pace + lower rake = making more money.

To me, it's all about the Benjamins.

I used to like Hollywood Park better than Commerce, because the last time I played there, the rake was only $1. Perhaps that was a Friday special or whatever. This past weekend they were charging $3 or $4 per pot, which is huge for a $2-4 table. The rake is the only thing that really matters to me, since all these players are very poor in general.

Now that I've noticed that both casinos charge about the same on the rake, I don't really have a preference between the two casinos (maybe we should play Hustler next?). I was able to double up at Hollywood Park (+$105), all you need are cards, the fish will chase no matter what.

However, I don't think any brick and mortar compares to online. I much prefer the online game, faster pace + lower rake = making more money.

To me, it's all about the Benjamins.

I used to like Hollywood Park better than Commerce, because the last time I played there, the rake was only $1. Perhaps that was a Friday special or whatever. This past weekend they were charging $3 or $4 per pot, which is huge for a $2-4 table. The rake is the only thing that really matters to me, since all these players are very poor in general.

Now that I've noticed that both casinos charge about the same on the rake, I don't really have a preference between the two casinos (maybe we should play Hustler next?). I was able to double up at Hollywood Park (+$105), all you need are cards, the fish will chase no matter what.

However, I don't think any brick and mortar compares to online. I much prefer the online game, faster pace + lower rake = making more money.

To me, it's all about the Benjamins.

I used to like Hollywood Park better than Commerce, because the last time I played there, the rake was only $1. Perhaps that was a Friday special or whatever. This past weekend they were charging $3 or $4 per pot, which is huge for a $2-4 table. The rake is the only thing that really matters to me, since all these players are very poor in general.

Now that I've noticed that both casinos charge about the same on the rake, I don't really have a preference between the two casinos (maybe we should play Hustler next?). I was able to double up at Hollywood Park (+$105), all you need are cards, the fish will chase no matter what.

However, I don't think any brick and mortar compares to online. I much prefer the online game, faster pace + lower rake = making more money.

To me, it's all about the Benjamins.

I used to like Hollywood Park better than Commerce, because the last time I played there, the rake was only $1. Perhaps that was a Friday special or whatever. This past weekend they were charging $3 or $4 per pot, which is huge for a $2-4 table. The rake is the only thing that really matters to me, since all these players are very poor in general.

Now that I've noticed that both casinos charge about the same on the rake, I don't really have a preference between the two casinos (maybe we should play Hustler next?). I was able to double up at Hollywood Park (+$105), all you need are cards, the fish will chase no matter what.

However, I don't think any brick and mortar compares to online. I much prefer the online game, faster pace + lower rake = making more money.

To me, it's all about the Benjamins.

I used to like Hollywood Park better than Commerce, because the last time I played there, the rake was only $1. Perhaps that was a Friday special or whatever. This past weekend they were charging $3 or $4 per pot, which is huge for a $2-4 table. The rake is the only thing that really matters to me, since all these players are very poor in general.

Now that I've noticed that both casinos charge about the same on the rake, I don't really have a preference between the two casinos (maybe we should play Hustler next?). I was able to double up at Hollywood Park (+$105), all you need are cards, the fish will chase no matter what.

However, I don't think any brick and mortar compares to online. I much prefer the online game, faster pace + lower rake = making more money.

To me, it's all about the Benjamins.

Originally Posted by ttanaka

To me, it's all about the Benjamins.

Word.

I'm not in it for the comraderie or the powwowing. I don't talk while I'm playing anyway. Talk is just distracting.

Oh. And waiting on the list for 1 hour to play for 1.5 hours isn't much fun either.

Originally Posted by ttanaka

To me, it's all about the Benjamins.

Word.

I'm not in it for the comraderie or the powwowing. I don't talk while I'm playing anyway. Talk is just distracting.

Oh. And waiting on the list for 1 hour to play for 1.5 hours isn't much fun either.

Originally Posted by ttanaka

To me, it's all about the Benjamins.

Word.

I'm not in it for the comraderie or the powwowing. I don't talk while I'm playing anyway. Talk is just distracting.

Oh. And waiting on the list for 1 hour to play for 1.5 hours isn't much fun either.

Originally Posted by ttanaka

To me, it's all about the Benjamins.

Word.

I'm not in it for the comraderie or the powwowing. I don't talk while I'm playing anyway. Talk is just distracting.

Oh. And waiting on the list for 1 hour to play for 1.5 hours isn't much fun either.

Originally Posted by ttanaka

To me, it's all about the Benjamins.

Word.

I'm not in it for the comraderie or the powwowing. I don't talk while I'm playing anyway. Talk is just distracting.

Oh. And waiting on the list for 1 hour to play for 1.5 hours isn't much fun either.

Originally Posted by ttanaka

To me, it's all about the Benjamins.

Word.

I'm not in it for the comraderie or the powwowing. I don't talk while I'm playing anyway. Talk is just distracting.

Oh. And waiting on the list for 1 hour to play for 1.5 hours isn't much fun either.

Oh, and did I mention how much I hate playing LIMIT Hold'em? It's like playing handicapped!

Oh, and did I mention how much I hate playing LIMIT Hold'em? It's like playing handicapped!

Oh, and did I mention how much I hate playing LIMIT Hold'em? It's like playing handicapped!

Oh, and did I mention how much I hate playing LIMIT Hold'em? It's like playing handicapped!

Oh, and did I mention how much I hate playing LIMIT Hold'em? It's like playing handicapped!

Oh, and did I mention how much I hate playing LIMIT Hold'em? It's like playing handicapped!

Just got back from Hollywood Park. Man, I hate no limit now. Lost $100 at the 2-4 tables cuz table was so loose, bets were being capped almost every time. It was more like a 8-16 table and my bankroll just wasn't big enough, no matter how tight I played.

The little charity casions around me offer 3-6/5-10/10-20. I play 3-6 because i don't have the table experience (or bank roll ) to play 5-10 in a live action game.

Now my choice would be 5-10 because the 3-6 game is a no-foldem game at times.


Think about this.
"Player X" 56o
someone preflop raises so its $6 to call.. 5 callers =5 "big bets" "Player X" already decide he want to see the flop with that hand. he called the raise

Flop = K,8,9
flop 4 betters @ $3 = "7BBs"
most people will call 1 small bet after the flop for a "cheap turn". Actually you have the odds to make the call regardless.

now player X is in last position the pot = $39 3/39 =Odds for the gutshot for turn/river are 15.3% his bet is only 8% of the pot

Turn = A

1 person bets $6, 1 raise to $12, 1 call.. now its to player X.

pot = $72 (12 Big bets) player x puts up $6 (which is 8% of the pot) meaning he still has pot odds to call the gutshot.

River comes its his 7... and thats how a somewhat typical low limit 2/4-3/6 game goes.

With heavy betting and a few callers early on you've got pot odds to chase damn near anything.


(if someone wants to double check my math please feel free. I just woke up and not 100% sure its all right)

Hustler, Not a bad casino. Surprisingly bad players there too. I turned 60 bucks on a 2-4 table into 250 bucks with just some good cards. The wait isn't as long, but maybe that was just friday night when they were opening a ton of new tables.

We've redesigned our Brick and Mortar section so that folks can rate casinos (similar to how we rate online poker rooms).
Check out these updated pages:
Commerce Review
Hollywood Park Review
Hustler Review

Don't be shy about adding your own review on the bottom. We want to get more opinions on these pages...

Originally Posted by ttanaka

However, I don't think any brick and mortar compares to online. I much prefer the online game, faster pace + lower rake = making more money.

To me, it's all about the Benjamins.

considering how $4/$8 at the B&M cardroom requires exactly the same skill as $0.50/$1 online, i make money faster at B&M. then again, i never multi-table online.

ChezJ

Originally Posted by Eric

We've redesigned our Brick and Mortar section so that folks can rate casinos (similar to how we rate online poker rooms).
Check out these updated pages:
Commerce Review
Hollywood Park Review
Hustler Review

Don't be shy about adding your own review on the bottom. We want to get more opinions on these pages...

And I was just about to post asking which casinos to go to in LA. Thanks for the timely info. Looks like I'll be hitting Commerce for the NL games.

Originally Posted by Zangief

And I was just about to post asking which casinos to go to in LA.

Cool, hopefully you can post a short review after your trip.

Off topic but thought I'd mention that a friend of mine said that Hawaiian Gardens has opened up $20 no limit tables. He said the game is really loose (he's really loose) and it's not uncommon for 3-4 people to be all-in preflop. I may check this game out sometime.

Originally Posted by Eric

Originally Posted by Zangief

And I was just about to post asking which casinos to go to in LA.

Cool, hopefully you can post a short review after your trip.

I'll see what I can do. If all goes well, I'll be playing somewhere several nights next week.

hey all, i am in long beach for the week and plan to hit a local cardroom during my stay. i read all the stuff written above, including the cardroom reviews. my question is, which poker room rakes the least? i'll be playing 4/8 limit (or maybe 5/10) and may give a shot at 1/2 NL as well.

thanks

ChezJ

Commerce 4/8 is one of the most beatable games on the planet. My second trip over there I was bored it was so easy. I plan to play bigger next time.

The $100 NL sucked due to structure/rake. The bigger NL games might be better.

i ended up playing the 4/8 at commerce. the rake was only up to $3 but they also had a $1 jackpot drop from every hand -- even when the blinds chopped .

commerce spreads limit hold em all the way down to 1/2, which gave me pause because i thought that perhaps all the fish would hang out at the 1/2, 2/4, and 3/6 tables, making the 4/8 tougher. BOY WAS I WRONG. it seemed like i was the only one who ever heard of folding at this table!!

i just sat there playing tight while these idiots showed down crap hand after crap hand. everyone noticed that i was not involved in any pots, yet they STILL cold called my UTG/EP raises when i was dealt AA, KK, and QQ, and even cold called my EP 3-bet when i had JJ. these people were the worst hold em players i have seen outside the playchip tables online!!

i started out on a good rush (AQ, AA, AJs, and KQ all in a row) but then hit a cold streak for about 2 hours until i was down $100. that's only 12.5 bb but it felt bad since i'm not used to this level. there was one hand that really stung me... flopped TP w QJs and lost to a flush from some lucky SOB who played 63s UTG and 3bet it on the come. eventually i hit TP with KJ in a raised multiway pot, and that's all it took to bring me halfway to even. then i flopped a set of jacks against AA and scooped something like $180 in a 5-way capped pot!

sadly my last hand was a set of 7's on a flop of 754. i lost to... 63 in MP!?! would have left up $100 if not for that stupid hand. oh well, that's fish for ya. next time i'll be playing the 6/12 for sure (why don't they have 5/10??).

ChezJ

Online 2/4 used to be this soft *cry*.

I had to learn to tone it down when I sit in on these games. I can't get away with the crap I pull online. Just play show-and-tell until you get tired or tilt.

yeah there was DEFINITELY no point in bluffing at this table, although a couple guys would auto-bet in LP no matter what, just to be dickheads. i so wanted to checkraise their asses, but i never had anything to checkraise with, not even ace high. i can see what you mean about it becoming boring. you basically have two plays at any given moment: bet for value, or check/fold. there's no other play. checkraising and slowplaying are almost completely worthless at this level.

ChezJ

The only thing worth mentioning is that sometimes I will make a marginal pre-flop play in those games just to remind them that you *might* not have AK and they probably should keep calling just in case they have you beat.