What's wrong with Lukes

RichardB2 · 27-05-2008 4:35am #1

Why has CHL not been getting support from the poker community?

mormank · 27-05-2008 7:02am

i found that they didnt like randomers in there. i certainly was not made to feel welcome in there by the regulars when i was in there recently

RasTa · 27-05-2008 8:34am

I got fed up of Tommy threating to beat people up and the staff doing nothing about it. Also the numbers where pretty poor, shame as it's a nice place.

hf4z6sqo7vjngi · 27-05-2008 9:08am

simple too many clubs in Dublin competing against each other

falterego · 27-05-2008 9:56am

Have to say I've always been made very welcome when I've been there and I wouldn't be a regular on the live scene. Lower numbers are a vicious circle, people cite low turnouts as a reason not to drop in but how etc etc

kmick · 27-05-2008 10:08am

Only went there once found them very friendly. Dealers were good and did not get annoyed at my constant mistakes. Would go back.

jem · 27-05-2008 10:20am

a few of us went up one sat night and had a great time, numbers low but great structure and very friendly.

zuutroy · 27-05-2008 10:40am

mormank wrote: »

i found that they didnt like randomers in there. i certainly was not made to feel welcome in there by the regulars when i was in there recently

I didnt find this at all. I was back for a weekend recently and myself and a few mates who never play live went in and found everyone (players/dealers/staff) really nice and nobody got annoyed with our constant string-betting and not posting...just some jokes about not having an auto-post button :pac:

Very good place imo...not that I've anywhere to compare it with

latenia · 27-05-2008 10:54am

It can be a bit cliquey and of that small group of players the standard is definitely higher than you would get on some random table in the Fitz for example.

Glowingmind · 27-05-2008 11:01am

I think a lot of it is down to a large chunk of dublin's playing populations already having a regular spot. Gamblers tend to be creatures of habit. When i first started playing live, i floated around all the card rooms, but now I play almost exclusively in the sporting emporium, despite the fact that lukes tourneys all have better structures. I've maybe been in 4-5 times since it opened and have never had anything but a pleasant experience (excluding the losing), but as someone who likes their routine I'll likely be sticking at the SE.

YULETIRED · 27-05-2008 12:10pm

all things being equal I like the athmophere in CHLs more than anywhere when the place has a few tables going.....so how to attract a few more people?

1. advertse tournys more agressively
2 Have a weekly 150 buy in on the weekend (to be different)
3. attract absolutely terrible cash players like the fitz and the SE....

the area where lukes is is a good catchment area and yet nothing denotes it as a casino.....is advertisng not allowed? leaflets in pubs in baggot steet etc? sign outside? the SE has great big lights and a huge sign...can chls have a temp one for the evenings they can put up?

my 2 cents...

YULETIRED · 27-05-2008 12:14pm

mormank wrote: »

i found that they didnt like randomers in there. i certainly was not made to feel welcome in there by the regulars when i was in there recently

probably becuase you say 'in there' too often.

suprised you got that impression though.....

Ollieboy · 27-05-2008 12:28pm

There is a problem with 1 or 2 regulars who I would rather take outside and !!!!!. Some of the players lack manners, but this is common in all the casino's in town and nothing new to CHL.

As Willie already mention, advertising would help but I don't really understand what the problem is, I think as already mention, most players go to the same place out of habit.

CHL casino is one of the best in Dublin, but I think the market is just over supplied and CHL's is taking the hit on this.

To be honest, I dont see any of the casino doing well in town with tourneys, most people just want to play online as its easier. I dont understand people playing cash at 1/2 as its impossible to beat the rake at live poker, unless your getting all the fish all the time, but this will result in the fish going broke and not coming back in the long run. If the fish go the SE and Fitz, than CHL will struggle to attract any new players.

maybe holding a festival would help to launch the place, more active tourney structure with sats or something, but I don't know if this would work as the SE is struggling to get a decent field for its 500 and 1k games.

With so many people playing on PPP or GJP why not link up with them and let people use there online bankroll to play live?

Macspower · 27-05-2008 12:43pm

CHL is by far my favourite spot when playing live....

the tourney structures are the best in town ... dealers are top class.. always made feel welcome... decent food at the breaks of any of the larger tourneys.... deli downstaris.... it has everything going for it apart from lacking one thing...... FISH!!

particularly in cash games.... personally I don't like Omaha and generally the only game available is ROE and the standard while I'm sure it's beatable it's no SE or Fitz ..

Part of the reason I think thjis is the case is that it is supported by guys from here and it's a regular thing to have 4 or 6 boardsies at a table in there where you dont get that other places...

Just my own opinion....

coillcam · 27-05-2008 1:09pm

I have only been to luke's about 4 times so far in the last 6 months that I've been in Dublin and I must say that I think it is a fantastic place.

Staff are excellent and tourneys have excellent value in their structures. The cyber cafe is cool aswell and you can even pick up some nice grub there too.

The only negatives I would have are the occasional low turnouts for tourneys and limited number of cash games going. There are 1 or 2 mouthy idiots of regs but that doesn't bother me as most places have a lot more.

mormank wrote: »

i found that they didnt like randomers in there. i certainly was not made to feel welcome in there by the regulars when i was in there recently

I can certainly say that the above was not the scenario when I first turned up and for subsequent visits, in fact I have never had a more welcoming or helpfull reception in any card room in Dublin, Galway or Mullingar.

The only place where I ever had a genuinely negative vibe or reception was in the 4 aces in Galway.

I'd love to see Luke's thriving and getting the numbers it deserves, but alas with the current number of card rooms/casino's around it is going to be very hard IMO to change things. As mentioned before there is too much competition around and somewhere else needs to close for things to improve.

doke · 27-05-2008 1:17pm

Macspower wrote: »

the tourney structures are the best in town ... dealers are top class.. always made feel welcome... decent food at the breaks of any of the larger tourneys.... deli downstaris.... it has everything going for it apart from lacking one thing...... FISH!!

....

Agreed. Standard definitely seems higher there, which is good if you're looking for an education from the better players, but not good for the bankroll.

I have to say I've always found almost everyone associated with the place extremely friendly. Highest overall standard of dealers in Dublin IMO, and there don't seem to be any unpleasant ones either.

Tommy threatening to beat you up or throw you down stairs is almost a rite of passage on the live Dublin scene, right up there with the General ranting "Oi, you very lucky man!".

I really hope the place takes off: it probably just needs to build a bit of critical mass. As someone said, low numbers is a vicious circle.

Get In There · 27-05-2008 1:17pm

RasTa wrote: »

I got fed up of Tommy threating to beat people up and the staff doing nothing about it.

I dont get why Tommy gets so much flak in here. He provides banter at the table and makes the game more humorous. I enjoy having him at my table, it's never quiet. He's some character for sure. Of course he may not be everyone's cup of tea- Some of you may think he lacks class, fair enuff maybe you could be right. But if you have any class yourself, bad-mouthing him in a popular forum which he doesn't read is not really the way to address any issues you have with him.

Back on topic, I've only been in the Jackpot once or twice, then started going to CHL exclusively. (I went into fitz for the 1st time last sun) On my first visit, I went in with a couple of friends and I have to agree with the guy who posted ages ago and said he felt like he was stepping into someone's house and not a casino. But there was a welcoming feel to it so I went back again on my own and started popping in friday evenings (helps that I work around the corner) and I always feel welcomed by the players and the staff who are really nice, especially the eye candy!

Right now, I dont really have/cant think of any real ideas of how CHL can attract more support from the poker community in dublin but yeah linking up with an irish-based site like PPP or GJP wouldnt be such a bad idea!! But arent they already with gutshot?

RasTa · 27-05-2008 1:21pm

Get In There wrote: »

I dont get why Tommy gets so much flak in here. He provides banter at the table and makes the game more humorous. I enjoy having him at my table, it's never quiet. He's some character for sure. Of course he may not be everyone's cup of tea- Some of you may think he lacks class, fair enuff maybe you could be right. But if you have any class yourself, bad-mouthing him in a popular forum which he doesn't read is not really the way to address any issues you have with him.

I've no issue with Tommy, have fun with him at the table(in short bursts might I add) but I can remember 3 times when he was threaten to throw people down the stairs or calling someone an English pig etc etc, so I can see for a newbie who doesn't adopt the "ah sure it's only Tommy" approach, how they would never go back to Luke's n maybe tell their friends!.

Get In There · 27-05-2008 1:54pm

This thread is in danger of getting de-railed me thinks...

Jools Poker · 27-05-2008 1:54pm

I love Tommy - and I love Luke's - I'll always feel most at home there as it was there in the old Merrion that I first started playing live. There's no doubt the tournaments there have the best structures and I love the friendly atmosphere - but the numbers are a real deterrent. These days I tend to go there more when I want a friendly game with some old faces and some good craic - if I want to go out and try score a good result I'll go where the numbers are....

Tight Ted · 27-05-2008 2:04pm

Anyone care to tell us outsiders who Tommy is??? LMAO!!

Get In There · 27-05-2008 2:18pm

He was playin in the fitz on sun cos he was at my table making us all laugh, the cheeky bugger.

RichardB2 · 27-05-2008 2:24pm

As the OP I'd love to get this back on topic here,
there may well be an issue with one or two of the regulars
but really as poker players are we not letting an opportunity slip away here.
An extra club offering good structures, staff, atmosphere etc can't be bad!

IMO the issue with CHL's comes down to one basic essential ... numbers.
Luke must be the best floor manager in the business
and it's heart breaking to see his dream dying a slow ugly death.

As a suggestion why not make a particular effort as boardsters and agree a night
to show our support and try to build some atmosphere in the place?
Perhaps the 1st Thursday in June head in and play the €50 double chance,
it'll cost €60 to play a decent structure with 7,000 chips.
Sure I might even provide some value at a cash table

smurph · 27-05-2008 2:28pm

Yeah sorry about the derailment,
That sounds like a great idea

doke · 27-05-2008 2:40pm

RichardB2 wrote: »

As a suggestion why not make a particular effort as boardsters and agree a night
to show our support and try to build some atmosphere in the place?
Perhaps the 1st Thursday in June head in and play the €50 double chance,
it'll cost €60 to play a decent structure with 7,000 chips.

Sounds like a plan.

DeadParrot · 27-05-2008 2:43pm

Macspower wrote: »

CHL is by far my favourite spot when playing live....

the tourney structures are the best in town ... dealers are top class.. always made feel welcome... decent food at the breaks of any of the larger tourneys.... deli downstaris.... it has everything going for it apart from lacking one thing...... FISH!!

particularly in cash games.... personally I don't like Omaha and generally the only game available is ROE and the standard while I'm sure it's beatable it's no SE or Fitz ..

Part of the reason I think thjis is the case is that it is supported by guys from here and it's a regular thing to have 4 or 6 boardsies at a table in there where you dont get that other places...

Just my own opinion....

Exactly, I get the opinion that a lot of weaker players view Lukes as a poker venue (and rightly so) and thusly assume the players will be better and the game harder and they havent as much of a chance of winning.

I'm not really explaining meself here well...alt+tabbing madly here but I hope you can catch me drift

Ollieboy · 27-05-2008 2:46pm

starting to sound like a return to teh boards grudge match, maybe the defending champion would leave his lovenest in the sticks to come out and play and have a few beers....lol

ionapaul · 27-05-2008 3:00pm

Tight Ted wrote: »

Anyone care to tell us outsiders who Tommy is??? LMAO!!

Don't suppose he is a loud Dub with a moustache? Could be any one of dozens of Dublin regs with that description but would help narrow it down for me; is his son quite young and a bit heavy-set?

I'm not sure I agree that CHLs location is the best; the foot traffic past there later at night is light compared to the Jackpot, the SE and that road is not as well lit as where the Fitz is and this in itself is a little off-putting I think. Some efforts should be made to alert the public to where it is and what it offers; most people have come across the other three card rooms but CHL is a bit of a mystery in comparison.

Theresalwaysone · 27-05-2008 3:02pm

I think Lukes needs to diversify from the set ways of all the other clubs. Every other club has the same PL games and Tourneys.

Maybe run another NL game to rival the Sporting, most people seem to have grievances with the Sportings dealers and food. Lukes is 100times better on both fronts.

Raise Awareness, I dont know many people outside the core poker community that know of Lukes, but they all know the Fitz or "Collossus". I don't know the best way to approach this but it needs to be done. In Colleges perhaps? Sponsor some event or whatnot? Run a "student game" much like the Jackpots 20game.

Actively encourage a Monthly Boards Grudge Match, the banter would be mighty and the atmosphere better (Ive just seen this mentioned previously in the thread) but it would be a great idea and I know many boardies who would definitely turn up to support Luke and Staff, myself included.

These threads sprout up occasionaly however and nothing seems to change, lukes seem to be making some effort in that they have agreed to the small stakes game for us bustoers and they do listen, it seems to be the punters who don't respond.

5starpool · 27-05-2008 3:12pm

I'm not sure 1 night at a tournament will be of any benefit.

Personally the reason I haven't been there is a long time is not down to people, layout or anything like that. It is down to numbers pure and simple. I don't play that many tournies lately, and when I do they are either monthly games or weekends and I generally like to see a decent few numbers in there or at least have the option of a cash game afterwards. If I was to go to a tournie in Lukes, and get knocked out at 10.30, then the fact that (so I have been told) it is usually close to midnight when a cash game kicks off isn't an attractive option, especially since by 9pm most nights there is a full Omaha game going in the Fitz. Never mind the nights when I only want a cash game. Lukes isn't even an option then due to the start time.

I would love to have the option of going to Lukes, and I know this numbers argument is a vicious circle etc, but this is plain and simple the reason. Another small part would be that I would nearly be embarrassed to show my face in there now it has been so long.

It doesn't help having the most successful club around the corner from you either. The plain fact is that 4 clubs is too many for a live scene the size of the one here. I have never been to the Jackpot, and go to the SE maybe 10 times a year ish as well only.

ollyk1 · 27-05-2008 3:13pm

Ollieboy wrote: »

starting to sound like a return to teh boards grudge match, maybe the defending champion would leave his lovenest in the sticks to come out and play and have a few beers....lol

In fairness Ollie he hardly has time for the interweb these days!! Lovenest indeed :rolleyes: Do they not have broadband in Limerick is that it???

P.S. It's all about marketing to a wider community outside of regular poker players. Bring in fish and the rest will follow. Having one-off events for the community at large whilst good for getting the name out there and trying to change perceptions in the poker community is not nearly as effective as everyone knowing that you are going to get a nice easy plh game any night of the week.

What's wrong with Lukes

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