More Merrion Messing

MadsL · 28-09-2004 4:28am #1

Nearly blew a fuse in the Merrion tonight. Played in the Merrion freeroll for the Tuesday €100 game. Played terribly, but that wasn't the cause - first chip race and we are taking in the 25 chips - I have three chips left. Now I and two other players know the rule that you cannot be chip raced out of a tournament.

Chip race rule: When it is time to color-up chips, they will be raced off with a maximum of one chip going to any player. The chip race will always start in the No.1 seat. A player cannot be raced out of a tournament. In the event that a player has only one chip left, the regular race procedure will take place. If that player loses the race, he will be given one chip of the smallest denomination still in play.
http://www.gambling-poker.com/world_series_poker_rules.html

I suspected that I would just be chipped up to a 100, but other players reckoned I was all-in for the chip race. I asked for a ruling, and a dealer said that I had to chip race and I would lose my chips if I lost. I asked him to check with the TD. Mags backed him up. Now this was a freeroll so I had to rebuy for a tenner, I shrugged it off as it was only a tenner - but then realised how furious I would be if this was after the freezeout and I was eliminated.

I felt like dealing after I was knocked out so stayed on to deal. Down to three tables and it was announced that there were 15 tickets everyone was amazed, as there were only 5 tables to start. Then they explained that the tickets were for the Wednesday €20 game and that only 4 tickets would be awarded for the top finishers. None of the players were told this and at the break I told the dealerat the desk how unhappy I was at this, he made sympathic noises, and then laughed and said it didn't matter to me as I was knocked out anyway, making a joke of it. I explained that;
1. It was advertised as a "TICKETS FOR TUESDAY'S TOURNAMENT" event
2. This change was not announced before I paid my money
3. That the tournament 'paid' to 15th would have meant I would have played it differently.

I'm deeply unhappy about they way this was done, and to top it all I noticed that the sign on the noticeboard is still advertising the €50 freezeout without mentioning SuitedAces.

I saw Luke later and he told me that they are running a freeroll for the fitz Monday €100 game on a Saturday afternoon at 4pm, I'll be playing that in future.

Grrrrrrrrrrrr.........

Kimba · 28-09-2004 6:28am

If a player is forced to be all in because of the chip race, the chip race is postponed until 1) the player is knocked out in play or 2) the player builds up enough chips to buy the lowest value chip on the table.
The antes will still increase and players are told to hold back any chips that would normally be raced off unless they are going all in.

The reason for this is because players should only be knocked out of a tournament by losing their chips in play and not because of a raffle.

Also the new freeroll tournament for tickets to the Monday night game in the Fitz will start from Saturday October 9th at 4.30pm

amp · 28-09-2004 11:49am

Another example of why I will not be returning to this monkey house.

/me e-mails diagram of how to find ones own arse to the Merrion

actiondan · 28-09-2004 1:01pm

Just saw Mdsl's rant againist the merrion so I thought I would reply because I thought it was a bit ridiculous to be honest. Whats your problem man its a free tournamnet with the opportunity to win a ticket worth 110 europeans. I persume they don't know how many tickets are available until they have checked how much money they have taken in. As for giving out wednesday night tickets aswell as tuesday night tickets I can't see what your problem is with that seen as the whole idea of the monday night game is to give beginers a chance to learn the game and to bring more people in to the casino on the other nights of the week. Seen as the only thing the merrion gets out of the night is an opportunity to attract new players I can understand the reaction of the person you complained to because I would have laughed at you aswell and told you to grow up.

pokertroll · 28-09-2004 1:29pm

Well said actiondan - welcome to boards. Hopefully you won't get the same reaction that I get when sticking up for that fine establishment. Madsl and Amp your comments of late strike me as being very childish.
Do us all a favour and stick the freebie games in the Fitz.

Note Madsl - fair point about the chip race rule - I am surprised that the ruling was not in your favour and am certain that it would not occur in a real tournament. I honestly don't see what your problem was with the number of tickets on offer. Do you complain when the fitz offer half a ticket/credits in their freebie tournament? Try to keep it objective or people will not be able to take you seriously.

bohsman · 28-09-2004 1:39pm

go on pokertroll - if that is your real name, you keep paying your 2euro an hour to play on a site that crashes a few times a week

Iago · 28-09-2004 1:49pm

a few observations, the merrion has brought a lot of rancour on itself on this forum that could have easily been avoided.

1. Last months SA tournament was soured by an attempt to "coerce" the winners into buying a ticket for the charity tournament they were hosting. Kudos to the merrion for hosting this tournament, but they shouldn't have tried to force people to buy tickets for it.

2. They further soured relations by "seeming" to attempt to hijack the SA monthly tournament as one of their own. Now that makes good business sense if they can get the bodies in, but the truth is that the bodies are only playing through affiliation with boards and SA and therefore if SA move then the bodies will move as well.

3. As regards the tournament last night, they should have announced their plans at the very start, removing any cause for anger, and the chip race rule was a farce as I'm sure everyone will agree.

In general terms, I don't think that they should have stopped giving out a free €10 chip when you join up, although I did see a manager give a new couple €50 to play blackjack with as they hadn't been in a casino before, that was a very nice touch.

Generally I don't think it's as friendly or approchable as the fitz, a good manager is vital for clubs, be they card or otherwise and in that I think there are very few who could stand against Luke in the Ftz.

I don't like their tables, too rickety for my liking. All of these are just personal opinions, I wouldn't say don't go to the merrion, but the Fitz would be my first preference.

pokertroll · 28-09-2004 1:54pm

Sorry bohs, I don't know what you are talking about!
I'm talking about the Merrion bricks and mortar. I don't use the handle 'pokertroll' on any online sites apart from boards. I have considered it, though, has somebody else taken my name?

amp · 28-09-2004 2:04pm

pokertroll wrote:

Well said actiondan - welcome to boards. Hopefully you won't get the same reaction that I get when sticking up for that fine establishment. Madsl and Amp your comments of late strike me as being very childish.
Do us all a favour and stick the freebie games in the Fitz.

Please explain why you think my comments were childish. I wish to post more like an adult. I also am fearful that some on this forum may not take me seriously :eek:.

pokertroll · 28-09-2004 2:10pm

In response to your comments Iago:

1)

attempt to "coerce" the winners into buying a ticket for the charity tournament

I was at the final table of that event and don't remember any coercion.
The charity ticket was optional. I suspect that Dave Doyle who was also at the final table may have been touting the charity ticket (he was involved in promoting the event) and this may have come across as coercion from the club itself. He is quite a strong character and may have been joking with Mags at the time trying to guilt-trip the winner into buying.

2)

hijack the SA monthly tournament

This has been stated in another thread as being untrue. They are merely promoting the event from what I can see so that the regular members know enough in advance of its existence. The only problem that I see here is that they are not explicitly mentioning Suited Aces in the promotion but I'm sure this could easily be remedied.

3)

As regards the tournament last night, they should have announced their plans at the very start

I haven't played the Monday in a while but I remember it was common practise to hand out tickets for other events such as Friday and Wednsday to some of the lowere placed players. remember they did hand out 4 *110 tickets and 11*20 wednesday tickets, Not a bad return IMHO.

DeVore · 28-09-2004 2:18pm

Actiondan, welcome to Boards. I have to say though that if you work for a casino we require you to declare that. Sorry, its a rule that goes back to the ISPs and Ireland Offline, if you have a vested interest in the discussion topic you need to declare it.
(you'll see dealers from the Fitz here who we all know, Marq and Bren for example).

To the case in point, no you cant be knocked out by the chip race. The chip race is part of the management of the casino, not the game of poker.

The real issue is the changing of the prize without clearly informing the punters. I wouldnt be happy about that either. Its not a case that they bumped up the prize pool with tickets to the 20 game. Those tickets were paid for from the pool and so 15*20 (ie:300) Euro was spent on them. Thats three more tickets to the 100 game.
That isnt a *huge* change but its well out of order to spring it mid game on players.
Imagine if we said "hey were gonna guaruntee 1000 for a top prize!" and then at the break said, "er lads actually its only 400. Sorry, not enough people rebought."

In poker terms: Action has taken place so the bet stands.

DeV.

actiondan · 28-09-2004 2:28pm

Everybody is entitled to their own opinion Iago and if you prefer the Fitz then thats no problem. Personally I prefer the Merrion for the same reasons you prefer the Fitz, I find all the staff there are friendly and I think Mags and Mandy do an excellent job.

My problem is with the likes of Madsl and Amp who's comments are biased beyond belief and they really are doing noting constructive in promoting poker. For heavens sake the two casinos are only a couple of hundred yards apart, a lot of players play in both and as far as I can see they are both well run businesses and this horsesh*t of always running down one is extremley childish. As poker players we are very lucky to have both casinos.

Madsl monday night is a free tournamnet and apart from the chance of winning tuesday ticket I think its a great idea to give out wednesday tickets aswell because at least the beginers in there will be encouraged by the fact that they got something out of the night. So if you have a problem with the free tournamnet then I suggest you don't bother playing it anymore and instead pay the 110euros on the tuesday night.

As for anyone else who continually make both childish and derogatory comments about the merrion I suggest you get over yourselves and be grateful of the fact that we have two excellent casinos within spitting distance of each other.

28-09-2004 2:51pm

'Seen as the only thing the merrion gets out of the night is an opportunity to attract new players I can understand the reaction of the person you complained to because I would have laughed at you aswell and told you to grow up.'

Personallly I didn't see any immaturity in what this guy has said. The issue of principal is at stake here not maturity. What if it had been a 100 freezeout? Would he have been immature to complain then? The money is relative too the issue.
Your post was highly unreasonable amigo, without some sort of vested interest in the merrion, I doubt whether you would have wrote it

MadsL · 28-09-2004 3:01pm

pokertroll wrote:

Note Madsl - fair point about the chip race rule - I am surprised that the ruling was not in your favour and am certain that it would not occur in a real tournament.

Explain to me how the freeroll is not a real tournament. Whilst it is freeroll, you and I both know that it often costs money, and that standard tournament rules apply. I'll be interested if they try to remove a player from play in this way during the winter festival - or are there 'different' rules depending on the buy-in in your opinion.

pokertroll wrote:

I honestly don't see what your problem was with the number of tickets on offer. Do you complain when the fitz offer half a ticket/credits in their freebie tournament? Try to keep it objective or people will not be able to take you seriously.

I have no problem if they had offered a single ticket to make up the odd money in the prize pool, that would have been perfectly reasonable. And no I don't complain about the fitz, because they don't do silly things like this, if they did I would. Spreading it out to 15th place was a 'one for every member of the audience' prize made it a joke. With one rebuy and a top-up you had a chance to win €3 - woooo.

But if I had been the guy who went out 5th last night, I would have been totally p1ssed off that under 'normal' circumstance I would have won a 100-in ticket, yet I went home with a 20-in.

actiondan wrote:

As for giving out wednesday night tickets as well as tuesday night tickets I can't see what your problem is with that seen as the whole idea of the monday night game is to give beginers a chance to learn the game and to bring more people in to the casino on the other nights of the week. Seen as the only thing the merrion gets out of the night is an opportunity to attract new players I can understand the reaction of the person you complained to because I would have laughed at you aswell and told you to grow up.

I have no problem with the merrion doing whatever they want with the freeroll, they could give out Mars Bars for all I care - but the point is that they advertise the prizes for the freeroll as tickets for the 100-in. Everyone expected that and no-one said dick about the 20-in tickets at registration, top-up (when they were taking money) or until the last three tables.

As for beginners learning the game, I guess they got a lesson last night in how not to run a tournament.

pokertroll wrote:

Madsl and Amp your comments of late strike me as being very childish.

I think you should withdraw that, or explain how I am being childish.

pokertroll wrote:

Do us all a favour and stick the freebie games in the Fitz.

And this comment isn't childish, at all, no. Not one little bit :eek:

Now for balance; things that the Merrion did right last night,

1. Great/Superb finger food
2. Friendly welcome
3. Appreciation was shown for staying to deal the tournie
4. Aircon was turned on when we asked
5. Beer!

actiondan · 28-09-2004 3:02pm

I have no vested interest in the merrion I am not an employee of it I just happen to play there aswell as playing in the fitz. Just sick of reading horsesh*t complaints againist the merrion.

actiondan · 28-09-2004 3:03pm

I have no vested interest in the merrion I am not an employee of it I just happen to play there aswell as playing in the fitz. Just sick of reading horsesh*t complaints againist the merrion. Other than that I think boards is excellent.

pokertroll · 28-09-2004 3:04pm

As I've stated already, it is standard practise to hand out tickets to some of the lower entry tournaments in addition to the 110 tickets.

Don't be surprised, either, if they start handing out vouchers for the Winter Festival or the 200 Euro freeze out in the coming weeks. They have done it before and I'm sure they will do it again. If it really is an issue, maybe you should check with the tournament director before sitting down to play the tournament. From the sounds of it, Madsl wasn't really in contention if he didn't have enough chips for the chip raffle.

MadsL · 28-09-2004 3:08pm

My problem is with the likes of Madsl and Amp who's comments are biased beyond belief and they really are doing noting constructive in promoting poker.

Explain to me how I am biased (I have no involvement in either club) and am doing nothing to promote poker. I worked my ass off this weekend for poker...you clearly don't know me.

MadsL · 28-09-2004 3:12pm

From the sounds of it, Madsl wasn't really in contention if he didn't have enough chips for the chip raffle.

Soooooooo not the point.

bohsman · 28-09-2004 3:13pm

My problems with the Merrion are a complete lack of atmosphere and the only tournament they have that i would play is the 100 freezeout which i do play the odd time and ill probably play the 200 freezeout aswell, as for the betfair lounge its terribly run computers keep breaking down mid hand which has cost me money and now they have decided to start charging 2 euro an hour for this sh#t service.

Joke: Why are the merrion cash chips so shiny?

Cos theyre never used!

Obscure · 28-09-2004 3:21pm

pokertroll wrote:

In response to your comments Iago:

1)

I was at the final table of that event and don't remember any coercion.
The charity ticket was optional. I suspect that Dave who was also at the final table may have been touting the charity ticket (he was involved in promoting the event) and this may have come across as coercion from the club itself. He is quite a strong character and may have been joking with Mags at the time trying to guilt-trip the winner into buying.

No, at the end of the night the "coercion" was from a member of staff. She decided that somewhere along the night it had been agreed that the winner would buy a 150 ticket. I never agreed to that when i paid at the start of the tourament and i didnt agree at the final table either. Musician was there too so its not really up for debate. **** way to end the tournament and really unprofessional.

Hyzepher · 28-09-2004 3:22pm

With regard to any of the Suited Aces related issues with the Merrion - we have had a chat with them and are happy that everything will run smoothly from here on in. Of course there have been some teething problem but that is expected and both of us are eager to ensure that everyone has an enjoyable time during the tournament.

To those of you who are sceptical about the Merrion I ask you to come along to the €50 game this Monday and make a decision based on our continuing efforts to make the tournament a success.

Hyzepher

actiondan · 28-09-2004 3:24pm

Well seen as the title to this thread is more merrion messing it would suggest that you have a problem with the place. You also mention the SA 50 freezeout tournamnet, it has already been established that any rumours concerning that were untrue. You finished your first post by stating that in future you will be playing in the fitz freeroll. If thats not been biased then what is.

actiondan · 28-09-2004 3:34pm

Joke: Why are the merrion cash chips so shiny?

Cos theyre never used![/QUOTE]

Thats the idiotic type of childish crap that I have a problem with.

DeVore · 28-09-2004 3:41pm

That logic is poor ActionDan. I'm sure he didnt come out of the womb biased against the Merrion. It would seem like certain actions of theirs have pushed him away (otherwise, why would he have been there playing their tournies, I mean, going to play there (regularly by the sounds of it) and offering to deal out the night for them dont strike me as the actions of a biased person... do they seem like the actions of a biased person to you??).

I'm not sure which "rumours" about the SA tournament you believe have been established as untrue. I seem to recall standing there announcing that the final table would make the decision. Anyone else recall that?

That, however, is water under the bridge. SA went to meet with the Merrion to talk about how things might go in the future. Let me outline a few things for you:

This coming Monday either Pudding or I will be tournament director. There will be no Merrion staff involved except a dealer for the final table. It will start registration at 7 precisely and will start at 7:30 and will be locked out after the first round.

Finger food will be provided and the prize structure will be announced at the break. We are in discussions with the Merrion about trading tickets (ie: one of our tickets for one of theirs) but if this is agreed it will be announced, here well in advance.

This is a SA tournament, hosted by the Merrion. We're glad to support both casinos.

DeV.

MadsL · 28-09-2004 4:08pm

Just for clarity.

1. I am not involved with Suited Aces in any way. The only connection that I have with them is this forum and knowing some of those involved in Suited Aces personally.

2. I posted this here to express my frustration at what went on last night, and as part of the poker playing public felt it right to do so. If you feel that is biased and I should keep my mouth shut, then I have to disagree with you.

3. I do have respect for the Merrion and have already posted a list of things that were excellent. However the principle that a deal is a deal should be observed by of all places a casino. This is twice now that the terms of a tournament have been changed during play.

4. I have regularly played poker in both clubs. Both have their strengths and weakness, and I would have no problem at in criticising the Fitz if they did something I felt was unfair or wrong. To date they haven't, but trust me I would be very vocal on the subject if they did.

5. I mentioned the SA tournament because I knew that the problems had been ironed out, yet the Merrion forgot to remove a poster advertising the tournament (with no mention of SA) which just gives the impression that they aren't listening.

6. Boh, behave. Good joke. But don't stir it. (and well done last night, nice payout!)

Corben Dallas · 28-09-2004 4:13pm

As for anyone else who continually make both childish and derogatory comments about the merrion I suggest you get over yourselves and be grateful of the fact that we have two excellent casinos within spitting distance of each other.

Way to go ActionDan, sure to get a lot of respect for both yerself and the Merrion with comments like that :rolleyes:

If the Merrion wants to be taken seriously as an alternative to the Fitz then it should sort out its GAWD AWFUL Tournament Poker Chips, creaky tables etc.

and overall less of the 'quit yer bitchin give us yer money' attitude towards Merrion unbelievers and maybe more regular players would be prepared to give the merrion better patronage.

amp · 28-09-2004 4:19pm

DeVore wrote:

This is a SA tournament, hosted by the Merrion. We're glad to support both casinos..

Ah well. I suspose I'll make do with the mid month €25. Is it childish of me to boycott a casino with such low regard for things like keeping their word? Maybe, but that's my decision.

DeVore · 28-09-2004 4:34pm

My point is that this is a Suited Aces event now. We are holding it in the Merrion as it happens but we will be running the show. Prize structure etc will entirely be our concern. Just so thats clear with everyone.

DeV.

TwoShedsJackson · 28-09-2004 4:35pm

actiondan wrote:

My problem is with the likes of Madsl and Amp who's comments are biased beyond belief and they really are doing noting constructive in promoting poker.

LOL? They are not biased, they are expressing an opinion you clearly disagree with. Oh well, opinions are like assholes etc. etc.

I was unimpressed with the way the whole 'half way through the tournament tell people they should donate part of their winnings to the ickle kiddies' line as well. If the Merrion want to have a charity event they should announce it as such, in what other place would an announcement halfway through be accepted?

I've only been in each place about three times but it's abundantly clear that the Fitz is far better run and a much more enjoyable place to play poker in. The Merrion may not care about poker as all their money is coming from Roulette and Blackjack etc. but they don't seem to know how to encourage people to return.

Oh and the tables and chips suck.

pokertroll · 28-09-2004 4:40pm

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Thats a shame Amp! I haven't withdrawn the childish comment either.

If the Merrion wants to be taken seriously as an alternative to the Fitz then it should sort out its GAWD AWFUL Tournament Poker Chips, creaky tables etc.

That is absolute bjolix. For you to say it is not taken seriously is an insult to me and the many regulars who have been playing in the club for the last couple of years. I have a chioce which club to play in and mostly play in the merrion because I genuinely prefer it. I doubt you have played in any tournament of note yet in the club. Try out some of the events in the Winter Festival (Oct) or the Irish Open and you will experience how great poker in Ireland can be.

Most of the critics that I see here are novices who have been playing competitively for 6 months or so , and that mainly in freebie tournaments - entitled to an opinion alright but hardly authorities on the matter.

The club has many regulars and consistently gets a high turnout in all its tournaments. I don't see a problem with the chips or tables. The only reason the Fitz has newer tournament chips is because it hasn't been on the scene quite as long. Throw your head in tonight and you will see 6 tables in the 110 game. Not bad for a club that isn't taken seriously!

More Merrion Messing

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