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April 12, 2007
Can’t Win
Apparently a bunch of Vegas Nighters are mad at me for my last couple entries. Ah well. It's funny, the same people who are mad at me kept asking me when I was going to blog about The Nights. And then I did, and didn't even say anything insulting about those guys in particular, and they're angry. Reminds me of a tiff I had with the poker bloggers long ago.
I think some of the operators are worried that I talked about what really goes on behind the lines. I don't know why. The only people who care (the FBI and local law enforcement) already know, and anyone who spends a couple weeks there would see right away that the dealers aren't exactly philanthropists. They're not donating time. I only mentioned it because it's yet another way the state robs itself of income by fighting an unwinnable war. These are people who are providing a service that most people either desire or are at least not morally opposed to. They should be paying taxes and not have to worry about legal troubles, but instead they can't even deposit their earnings in a checking account for fear that the Feds will use it as evidence.
Also, I don't really know anything. No dealer has ever specifically told me they were paid, and no operator has ever told me what they give to charity and/or keep for themselves. I wouldn't even want to know. I couldn't testify in court, and I like it that way. I wouldn't even if I could because it's against my moral code, but it's best to just not have the option.
As far as the house games, I know (unfortunately) from firsthand experience that the cops know everything about them. I'd never give them any information anyway, but it doesn't matter because they don't need it. Anyone who runs a house game knows that, or should. Still, I do wish I hadn't mentioned them because it could cause me some trouble later for refusing to cooperate.
I wrote about them honestly because, well, that's how I write. I had actually, at one point, considered an entire book (narrative nonfiction probably) about them, but couldn't find a story arc. There really isn't one without adding in some fiction, because they just go on and on. Every week they run, at some church or bingo hall or armory. Every week the same people gather and play the same way. Every now and then a robbery or a police raid shakes the joint up a little, and the cast of characters doesn't really change but maybe some of them switch roles. Nothing ever changes.
And so I guess I should have suspected someone to get mad. As two different people have told me though, I probably gained 20 new readers because of it.
Welcome to my blog.
Posted by themaroon at April 12, 2007 3:16 AM
Comments
Just want to say thanks matt for all of the entertainment I've got from this blog over the last year and a half. Before you cut out your archives I think I read through everything a total of 3 times. I really wish you still had a passion for the game because I feel with your style and thought you could have ended up making some really good money in the middle to high stakes no limit games on the internet. I would kinda agree with a reader who posted a comment on the last entry that with change of the way most people play over the last year that your style no longer has much +EV. People have gotten a lot better and realized how important aggression is in hold em and how to combat it as well, that your 40% hands played and super aggro style no longer works like it used to against the loose passive players of yesteryear, especially if your drive and heart aren't in it anymore. Goodluck in whatever you get into in the future I gaurentee you will find success. Also like a past reader I think radio could definitely be your thing.
Posted by: Adam at April 12, 2007 5:42 AM
"Welcome to my blog."
Hilarious.
Posted by: WindBreak247 at April 12, 2007 11:11 AM
matt u have no idea of what ur talking about in the vegas nites and besides ur not welcome back and ur buddys are on thin ice also so i advise u to drop the subject u have no idea what ur talking about MORRON
Posted by: tom l. at April 14, 2007 5:21 AM
tom I. your post is absolutely hysterical, or should I say "u" are hysterical. The irony of calling someone a moron and then spelling it wrong. Good times. Good luck Matt, I'm sure you won't miss Vegas nights, but Tom probably can't comprehend that fact.
Posted by: Brandon at April 14, 2007 9:52 AM
"I had actually, at one point, considered an entire book (narrative nonfiction probably) about them, but couldn't find a story arc. There really isn't one without adding in some fiction, because they just go on and on."
Why does it have to be nonfiction? Jesse May's "Shut Up and Deal" is autobiographical narrative "fiction." It is fabulous and I'm sure your take on Vegas Nights would be fabulous as well.
Posted by: fun160 at April 14, 2007 11:50 PM
You know, everyone at the vegas nights are really pathetic... most don't take a shower, those that come in pairs look like a parent and child combo but are actually dating or something funny, many don't take a shower considering the odor, and the plays are basically like playing a lottery... there's not much poker involved. NL tables are always buzzing with calling a boat load with rags, the limit tables are radically insane with their lowest pair, and gut shot straight draws are worth 4 bets.
If they get busted, I think it would be good for the poker community in Ohio...
Posted by: nighter at April 17, 2007 5:17 AM