Merry Christmas from The Poker Room Orange Park

During Christmas I went down to Jacksonville Florida to visit relatives for Christmas. Fortunately for me there are poker rooms in Jacksonville. I drove by two poker rooms both called The Poker Room but decided to go to the larger of the two, the one located in Orange Park. Surprisingly enough, that is what it was, a poker room. No noisy slot machines or distracting table games. There was one other gambling venue, dog racing. For some reason I would always substitute horse for dog as I just wasn't used to seeing dogs racing. Interesting set-up.

It appears that there are plenty of regulars playing in the room in the $2/$5 and $5/$10 games. From what I overheard it was surprising to get three $5/$10 tables open at the same time. I liked how they had chip runners with chips in hand that quickly provided chips or helped you to color-up your chips. I found out that all drinks had a price when I ordered a grapefruit juice and was charged $2. I played two different sessions. I did well during the $2/$2 NL and $2/$5 NL cash games but got destroyed during the $5/$10 NL games. I made some adjustments when I returned for my second session but only recovered about half of what I lost before having to leave. Some examples included having AQ on a AAx board and my opponent rivered a straight flush with 25s; nut flush draw on the flop and checked to me in last position and I took the bait with a large bet and was then reraised by an opponent who flopped top set, became priced in but couldn't hit my flush; and my final hand where I was felted with a king high flush versus an ace high flush.

I also played a $50 tournament which was $35 + fees starting chips $4K with 20 minute levels. I busted when I pushed on the turn with two pair, got called by someone with one pair and then got counterfeited on the river.

I still enjoyed myself and felt that the poker scene in Jacksonville, FL reminded me a bit of the poker scene in Charles Town, WV where they are still in the growing stages but have the basics down. Not a successful venture for me but still enjoyable.

Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and has a healthy and prosperous New Year.