The Merrion

kinaldo

I went down there last night expecting an EPT satellite only to be told when I arrived that it had been cancelled. Only 5 people showed up for it. Typical...

I haven't played there in so long i'm suprised they recognised me. I decide to give the freeroll a go seeing as i'm already there. Over 5 hours later and I've somehow managed to navigate my way to the final table which joined up at 8. Best hand I've seen all night is 77 which I had to fold preflop. I can hardly breathe the place is so crowded. Since when did freerolls become a spectator event?

Anyway, 7 tickets (6 €110 and 1 €25). blinds are 3000/6000 i'm one of the shortstacks with 15.5k, 2 people have even less than that and one guy has the exact same as me. The guy with the least drew seat 2 and was meant to be in on the BB but somehow managed to swap into seat 8. I objected but apparantly he had originally drawn that seat. I dunno, maybe, doesn't really make sense.

First hand is unreal. James, who works there, was dealing and mucked the large stack's (good player) BB because he wasn't at the table. This is before it's action to him, and he was back well before it was his turn. I was told this is done in all Merrion tournaments and is an EPT rule whom the Merrion are affiliated with, so therefore have to implement. Even in a goddamn freeroll. I fail to see the point in this rule. Absolutely pointless, and very annoying.

back to the action, shortstack goes all in for about 7.5k and gets 2 callers. flop is all rags. Large stack in seal 1 then announces "ALL IN!" the other guy folds and the large stack turns over Q high! the guy all in wins with ace high and more than trebles up. I try to explain to the guy who bluffed at the pot, without being too insulting, that he has nothing to gain by betting. He responds indignantly, "that's great". Muppet. I really don't understand people who don't understand how to check it down, especially on the bubble.

Now I'm really screwed, I don't care about the €25 ticket, I just want the €110. Next hand the muppet doubles up another shortstack, betting into his quad nines. Fcuk it, I find myself all in with A7 alongside him and the guy who has the exact same amount of chips as me. We both lose, to that same muppet, and have to split the €25 ticket for the Sunday rebuy game. I've never played it and I don't particularly want to. It's like being given a ticket to a slightly more expensive freeroll. At least this one only cost me a tenner for a top up.

Never again.

Fatboydim

kinaldo wrote:

James, who works there, was dealing and mucked the large stack's BB because he wasn't at the table. This is before it's action to him, and he was back well before it was his turn. I was told this is done in all Merrion tournaments and is an EPT rule which the Merrion are affiliated with, so therefore have to implement. Even in a goddamn freeroll. I fail to see the point in this rule. Absolutely pointless, and very annoying.

Actually I applaud this rule. [It’s the same set of rules as they have in the US] Admittedly it’s a bit much in a freeroll – but the point of rules is so that everyone knows where they stand. This rule helps to speed up the game and stops table hanging. In a number of MTT tournaments I’ve seen players get up from their seats to watch a hand at a neighbouring table – because there’s action – and it slows down or stops the play on the table they are supposed to be playing. This can be very annoying. So it’s designed to stop this kind of muppetry. If a player knows he’s not seated and that his hand and blinds will be mucked then there is no argument. Likewise the rule about showing both cards at a showdown and not just one – seems to have just come into effect. I think the more firmly rules get established the better for the game. Then more time can be spent playing the game than arguing about it.

As for those idiots not checking the pot down – words fail me. – Unlucky Kinaldo

roryc

I totally agree mark. I ventured down to the Merrion last night for the first time in months. Thought it might have changed since I was last there.... It hadn't. Standard is so bad it hurts and the tournaments are run fcuking terribly.

I got stuck dealing from the start cos someone recognised me from the fitz. My head was wrecked all night from some fcuking tosser who kept on trying to announce rules which was constantly wrong! The donkey kept on arguing with me over my decisions and called the TD in twice and was proven wrong TWICE!!! Idiot was totally wrecking my head while I was trying to deal.

Anyway, I ended up going out 10th (almost the bubble...). I thought that when we hit 10 they would break for the final table but they decided not to break the tables down until they got to 8??????? Some of the decisions made last night were fcuking laughable. The place is a joke. Not worth the stress for a freeroll.

First time I've been there in months, and probably the last time I'll be there for another few months.

califano

kinaldo wrote:

We both lose, to that same muppet, and have to split the €25 ticket for the Sunday rebuy game. I've never played it and I don't particularly want to. It's like been given a ticket to a slightly more expensive freeroll.
Never again.

LOL, a good read. you should think about starting a blog.

Daithio

kinaldo wrote:

First hand is unreal. James, who works there, was dealing and mucked the large stack's (good player) BB because he wasn't at the table. This is before it's action to him, and he was back well before it was his turn. I was told this is done in all Merrion tournaments and is an EPT rule which the Merrion are affiliated with, so therefore have to implement. Even in a goddamn freeroll. I fail to see the point in this rule. Absolutely pointless, and very annoying.

The fitz is the only cardroom in the world where this rule isn't enforced. It makes total sense for the reasons fatboydim mentioned and also because if you're away from the table you might be able to see somebody else's cards and then sit down and play your own.

The advertising in the Merrion isn't up to scratch and so they didn't fill up last night for the satellite but apart from that there is nothing wrong with the club. I played in the satellite last Thursday and it was very well run with a great structure, best live tournament I'd played in ages.

I don't see why people complain about bad players either, is that not what you want? Anyway it was only a freeroll so what do you expect? If you head in to the Merrion on a Tuesday or for its monthly €500 or for the satellite this Thursday (which everybody knows about, they had 4 tables and two tickets last week) you'll definitely change your opinion of the place. The structure in their non freeroll tournaments is always excellent, and there aren't as many high quality players as there are in the Fitz, which I think is a good thing, maybe I'm missing the point of poker or something but I prefer to win money from the fish rather than pit myself against the top notch players.

kinaldo

Daithio wrote:

The fitz is the only cardroom in the world where this rule isn't enforced. It makes total sense for the reasons fatboydim mentioned and also because if you're away from the table you might be able to see somebody else's cards and then sit down and play your own.

The advertising in the Merrion isn't up to scratch and so they didn't fill up last night for the satellite but apart from that there is nothing wrong with the club. I played in the satellite last Thursday and it was very well run with a great structure, best live tournament I'd played in ages.

I don't see why people complain about bad players either, is that not what you want? Anyway it was only a freeroll so what do you expect? If you head in to the Merrion on a Tuesday or for its monthly €500 or for the satellite this Thursday (which everybody knows about, they had 4 tables and two tickets last week) you'll definitely change your opinion of the place. The structure in their non freeroll tournaments is always excellent, and there aren't as many high quality players as there are in the Fitz, which I think is a good thing, maybe I'm missing the point of poker or something but I prefer to win money from the fish rather than pit myself against the top notch players.

I'm suprised to hear of that as a universal rule. I understand it now, but I still think the Fitz's check/fold policy is the way to go. Also, I'm not complaining about bad players, but not checking it down is like breaking an unwritten rule in poker. It's infuriating, for everyone, and it's just common sense. Even a bad player should be able to grasp this concept. Admittadly I probably take these freerolss a bit too seriousely, but that's how I built up my entire bankroll. Not getting a ticket after 5 and a half hours of playing/dealing was just too much. It genuinely felt like everyone at that final table was conspiring against me.

Daithio

Yeah fair enough, it is a pain in the arse bubbling, I've had alot of experience at it recently. I just think that a load of people bitch and rant about the merrion for stupid reasons on here. Granted they're a little disorganised but the tournaments are great value, and the more bad publicity it gets here the less people will start going in, and I'd hate to see it close down although I think it's probably inevitable with the sporting emporium coming along.

roryc

Daithio wrote:

I don't see why people complain about bad players either, is that not what you want? Anyway it was only a freeroll so what do you expect? If you head in to the Merrion on a Tuesday or for its monthly €500 or for the satellite this Thursday (which everybody knows about, they had 4 tables and two tickets last week) you'll definitely change your opinion of the place

Don't get me wrong, I like having fish at the table, but when the place is full of them.... And I HAVE played numerous big games in the Merrion and my opinion hasn't changed. I don't enjoy playing down there. The atmosphere is very cramped, the tournaments are run badly, and I just dont like playing there.

I don't want to turn people away from it, (I think they are doing enough of that themselves) I'm just giving my opinion of the place.

kincsem

Also, I'm not complaining about bad players, but not checking it down is like breaking an unwritten rule in poker. It's infuriating, for everyone, and it's just common sense. Even a bad player should be able to grasp this concept.

I can understand why people want to check it down. They want to keep the maximum number of hands live against the all-in player. But, if I flop a good hand (trips or top two pair) I will bet, get the other players out, and go heads-up against the all-in. When you do this you hear the moan from those who think you should let your good hand be outdrawn. Would you give free cards in normal play? I have given players free cards, beaten the all-in, but been outdrawn.

I played twice in the Merrion recently after about a year absence. Despite finishing fourth one night I will play in the Fitz because I enjoy it.

Fatboydim

kincsem wrote:

Also, I'm not complaining about bad players, but not checking it down is like breaking an unwritten rule in poker. It's infuriating, for everyone, and it's just common sense. Even a bad player should be able to grasp this concept.

I can understand why people want to check it down. They want to keep the maximum number of hands live against the all-in player. But, if I flop a good hand (trips or top two pair) I will bet, get the other players out, and go heads-up against the all-in. When you do this you hear the moan from those who think you should let your good hand be outdrawn. Would you give free cards in normal play? I have given players free cards, beaten the all-in, but been outdrawn.

I don't think anyone objects when someone does it with a strong hand but these guys had Ace high and Queen High

Doc Farrell

kinaldo wrote:

I'm suprised to hear of that as a universal rule. I understand it now, but I still think the Fitz's check/fold policy is the way to go. Also, I'm not complaining about bad players, but not checking it down is like breaking an unwritten rule in poker. It's infuriating, for everyone, and it's just common sense. Even a bad player should be able to grasp this concept. Admittadly I probably take these freerolss a bit too seriousely, but that's how I built up my entire bankroll. Not getting a ticket after 5 and a half hours of playing/dealing was just too much. It genuinely felt like everyone at that final table was conspiring against me.

maybe they were Mark!

JuliusFranco

it's really getting a bit boring listening to people whinge about the quality of players at a freeroll

like seriously, what do you expect?

i dont think there's anything wrong with the way the merrion run tournaments... that said i'd like to hear an example rory. i've been at most of their big games over the past few months and i can't think of anything that stands out...still think the merrion is miles ahead of any other place in dublin (apart from the fitz of course)

ps: how/ why do you split a 25 euro ticket?!

careca

Daithio wrote:

If you head in to the Merrion on a Tuesday or for its monthly €500 or for the satellite this Thursday (which everybody knows about, they had 4 tables and two tickets last week) you'll definitely change your opinion of the place.

Whats the buy in for this daithio ? Thx.

roryc

JuliusFranco wrote:

it's really getting a bit boring listening to people whinge about the quality of players at a freeroll

like seriously, what do you expect?

i dont think there's anything wrong with the way the merrion run tournaments... that said i'd like to hear an example rory. i've been at most of their big games over the past few months and i can't think of anything that stands out...still think the merrion is miles ahead of any other place in dublin (apart from the fitz of course)

ps: how/ why do you split a 25 euro ticket?!

I expect the quality of players to be low at a freeroll, but I expect them to know the basic rules of poker. I had to keep explaining EVERYTHING and it was giving me a headache.

I don't really want to keep badmouthing the Merrion... but since you asked - they were too slow with the chip races, confused everyone about whether it was last three hands until the break or for new entrys, they didn't mind when there was a load of 'spectators' CROWDING around the last two tables talking loudly and constantly pushing forward..... also there was two occasions when they either forgot to mention or didn't shout loudly enough that the blinds had gone up, so some tables were on 100/200 and some were on 200/400, and this happened twice! Another thing was when it got down to 9 or 10 it was stated that we should stop for the final table. Then there was a quick 'vote' and it was agreed to just play on with 2 tables?? I voiced my 'objections' but no-one listened. And I think there was a Merrion dealer present who said nothing.... need I go on?

This is the last I'm going to discuss the Merrion because although I don't like the place I don't want to turn people away from it.

jtsuited

rounders123 wrote:

LOL, a good read. you should think about starting a blog.

Or maybe even a book?!!! go on mark

kinaldo

jtsuited wrote:

Or maybe even a book?!!! go on mark

Expert Freeroll Strategy Vol. 1 available from all good casinos soon...

kinaldo

JuliusFranco wrote:

ps: how/ why do you split a 25 euro ticket?!

the 2 of us were knocked out at the same time with equal chips, so we both came 7th. Therefore we split the €25 ticket into €12.50 each to be used in Sunday's €15 rebuy game. I'd offer it to someone for free, but the ticket is "non-negotiable", to be used only by me

The Troll

Personally, I think the Merrion is a dump. i've been there about 5 times and hate the place. Especially the sit and gos and the cash tables. Far, far too cramped. Also full of obnoxious loudmouths, who think they're poker pros, but in reality are total fish who live int he place cos they have no lives.

Kip.

Dub13

Keeping up the Literature element of this post

The Troll wrote:

Personally, I think the Merrion is a dump. i've been there about 5 times and hate the place. Especially the sit and gos and the cash tables. Far, far too cramped. Also full of obnoxious loudmouths, who think they're poker pros, but in reality are total fish who live int he place cos they have no lives.

Kip.

The Troll,

I think you should consider writing for one of the Red Tops,maybe The Sun.....;)

The Troll

Dub13 wrote:

Keeping up the Literature element of this post

LOL. That gave me a good larf.

Lafortezza

The Troll and others, please keep any criticism (or praise) for the Merrion objective. The Merrion is hardly a dump, it's certainly a nicer building and surroundings compared to the Fitz.

The Troll

lafortezza wrote:

The Troll and others, please keep any criticism (or praise) for the Merrion objective. The Merrion is hardly a dump, it's certainly a nicer building and surroundings compared to the Fitz.

That's true, the organisation and the layout could be better though, as well as the door code. I'd rather not have 3 or 4 boarish louts on my table every time I play poker.

That said, I've met similar players in venues outside the merrion, so that's not an isolated issue.

On the upside, they do have the best receptionist I've ever seen.

5starpool

roryc wrote:

but since you asked - they were too slow with the chip races, confused everyone about whether it was last three hands until the break or for new entrys, they didn't mind when there was a load of 'spectators' CROWDING around the last two tables talking loudly and constantly pushing forward..... also there was two occasions when they either forgot to mention or didn't shout loudly enough that the blinds had gone up, so some tables were on 100/200 and some were on 200/400, and this happened twice!

I only play at the fitz (perhaps parochially) and I am not going to criticise the Merrion, how could I never having been there, but I know the fitz makes these mess ups too constantly. Usually on a Sunday night for some reason. Last night for example we played a last 3 hands for rebuys and that has never been played before on a Tuesday. Confusion with the blinds happen regularly, as in the clock says 75-150 when that level doesnt exist. And depending on who is TD it can be hard to hear/notice when the blinds have gone up. Usually they are pretty well run, but those things you mentioned above are not isolated to the Merrion.

jtsuited

my problem with the merrion is the seats are sweaty, the felt abrasive, and the chips too sticky to shuffle. And the crowd

mewso

I really think that a freeroll should not form the basis of an opinion on a casino. Ealry on in the poker forum's days we were mostly folks who hit the Fitz first and a preference very quickly became apparent. I don't know if this had a general effect but I have always had a simple line on it. I have personal reasons for not liking the Merrion dating back to our Suited Aces days and I haven't been since but I would never tell others not to play there. It was the first casino I ever played poker in and it's as good as any. I do think the Fitz has a certain edge with a certain person who always knows your name. It's like poker in cheers
Rory don't deal in these games if you don't want to. Alot of folks in my experience have their egos massaged a bit by being asked to deal or recognised as a "player" and proceed to hold court over the table. I'm not saying thats you just that if you are not in the mood to be patient then give it a miss. Say you would prefer not to deal this particular time.

The Troll

musician wrote:

I really think that a freeroll should not form the basis of an opinion on a casino.

Even tournaments that are held in the Meriron still feel cramped and sweaty.

kincsem

Have to agree with The Troll.
After a one year absence I played in two Sunday night tourneys. The standard of play of some players was abysmal.:eek: Some moron twice called my picture pocket pair raises with unsuitable, unsuited undercards and sent me to the undertakers. But I still treasure coming third and knocking out on the final table the abusive loudmouth who lectured me all night about my poor play, bad calls, and lucky suck-outs (the comment "old woman" was used). His verbal performance when eliminited I will treasure. If I had a soother with me I would have popped it in his gob.:D
Last night I was in there to register for the 400, 150, and 100 NL Hold 'Em at festival next week (some never learn )
The man at the desk was keen to point out several times that there is a €110 freezeout tonight, Thursday, for a €4,000 ticket to the big one next week.

kincsem

musician wrote:

I do think the Fitz has a certain edge with a certain person who always knows your name. It's like poker in cheers

A nice person who lent me a large wad to play in a tourney one weekend when I was in London. I didn't ask. He asked if I wanted to play and when I said I didn't have enough for the buy-in he offered. I returned it on the Monday.
He listens to what people say. Then he tells you the way it's going to be.
Top man.

Marq

The Troll wrote:

Also full of obnoxious loudmouths, who think they're poker pros, but in reality are total fish.

....Most of them are members of the Trinity Cardsoc. Obnoxious would certainly be the word.

I've encountered quite a few people at poker tables of late with absolutely no manners. I think that particularly at freerolls in the Merrion you get this calibre of player. Grit your teeth and remember that you're there because of the fish, and invest in an mp3 player. You want bad players at your table. You don't have to listen to them.

Slightly off topic, I've been utterly disgusted recently with the manners of some people at poker tables. Every time that I've played live for the last month it's just made me want to go back home and play on the internet.

Lafortezza

Marq wrote:

Slightly off topic, I've been utterly disgusted recently with the manners of some people at poker tables. Every time that I've played live for the last month it's just made me want to go back home and play on the internet.

Examples? Name and shame, you know you want to.

kincsem

All I have to do now is beat 150 players for a ticket tomorrow evening - no problem! If I win that I will have a problem getting my swollen head inside the building. :rolleyes:

I'm only posting this as I am so proud. I played over 60% of hands and sucked out on people a million times.:D

PokerStars Tournament #13732691, No Limit Hold'em
Super Satellite
Buy-In: 30 FPP
432 players
Total Prize Pool: 12960 FPP
Target Tournament #13732563
4 tickets to the target tournament

Tournament started - 2005/10/21 - 13:30:00 (ET)

Dear kincsem,

You finished the tournament in 1st place.
You qualified to play in Tournament #13732563 and are automatically registered for it.
See Tournament #13732563 Lobby for further details.

Fatboydim

Well done Kincsem we'll see you in the main event -

I've said this before but really we are so lucky to have two such top quality card rooms in Ireland [At least you Dubs are] Both the Fitz and the Merrion are miles ahead of most cardrooms elsewhere.

I personally prefer the Fitz but like many it's because it's where I played my first live game [A SnG where I ended up heads up against Dev and he sucked out on me - but I was happy with second place.] And the sterling work of the main man - Unbelievable how he knows everyone's name.

But I've had some great times at the Merrion too. It's inevitable with the growing popularity of the game that Freerolls are going to attract some undesirables... But you should try the card rooms in the states lol.

Ste05

lafortezza wrote:

The Troll and others, please keep any criticism (or praise) for the Merrion objective. The Merrion is hardly a dump, it's certainly a nicer building and surroundings compared to the Fitz.

I have to say, as a very occasional cash game player in both, I have to say the Fitz games are a hell of alot more profitable than in the Merrion. It's a small sample size, but of the few times I've been to each, I have found the level of play alot worse at the Fitz........

ocallagh

Ste05 wrote:

I have to say, as a very occasional cash game player in both, I have to say the Fitz games are a hell of alot more profitable than in the Merrion. It's a small sample size, but of the few times I've been to each, I have found the level of play alot worse at the Fitz........

some of the players in the fitz are nuts.. but makes for some great cash games (well from the rails.. i rarely sit in)