It is Time to Fly

For the past month, air travel numbers have declined substantially. I haven't been on an airplane since the first week of September. As for poker, everything I need is at Bellagio, and that is a short drive from my pad. Like most Americans, I agree that we need to move on with our lives, so I decided that I must fly, and fly often. It just so happens that I do most of my long-distance traveling at this time of the year, and I encourage all of you to do the same. Let's start with Costa Rica.

I invited some friends to make the trip with me to Casinos Europa in San José, Costa Rica, to play in their no-limit hold'em tournaments at the end of October. I am going with Layne Flack, the Goldstein brothers (Kenny and Stan), Paul Phillips, and Allen Cunningham. As it turns out, the Discovery Channel is running an ongoing series called "Casino Diaries." It has been doing a feature on the lives of two professional poker players – Paul Phillips and Layne Flack. The taping originated at the Tournament of Champions this year, but they didn't get enough footage because both players were knocked out on the first day. I assured the Discovery Channel producers that if they are interested in showing professional poker players having a good time, they will find the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow in Costa Rica. My only concern about this trip is that Allen will have too much fun and not come back.

Speaking of fun, Holland Casino in Amsterdam will host its annual tournament in early November. This will be my only European trip this year. Those who have traveled from the United States to play in European poker tournaments will agree that they are different. When I say different, I am talking about the people, the style of play and dress, the food, and the overall atmosphere. I didn't play too much side action last year because I didn't know how to play pot-limit games. I am hoping to do well in the tournaments, but my real objective is to familiarize myself with live-action big-bet poker.

After Amsterdam, I am flying to New York City for the day to help pump up its economy. OK, that is not the complete truth. During my few hours in New York, I am going to go to the Carnegie Deli to get some corned beef hash and eggs. Paying $20 for hash and eggs may not be considered pumping up the economy, but it certainly will pump up my cholesterol count. Anyhow, New York will be just a quick stop before departing for one of the highlights of my poker year – Foxwoods!

I am a little upset that I can't play the entire tournament at Foxwoods, but I will be there for the last few events. Every poker player must go to Foxwoods sometime. The tournaments and satellites there have a ton of play, and the side action is great. It is flat-out tremendous there. I am not trying to be a brown-noser, I am just being honest.

Two issues ago, you probably noticed the presence of a new Card Player columnist, Byron "Cowboy" Wolford. We're pleased to have Cowboy in our "stable" of columnists, as his gambling stories and anecdotes are truly legendary.