Planning a ski trip — yeah, I know it’s early — to Lake Tahoe area next January. Never been there. Anybody tell me where the best HE action is? Also, the best way to get back and forth from slopes to action?

Answer 1:

I went to Reno in November and played holdem at the Circus Circus, Peppermill, and El Dorado…I think the Peppermill was my favorite out of those three (Must be because i was on fire at their 10-20 table). I was also lucky enough to be dealt in when the bad beat was hit at the Circus Circus (The friend i went with hit it!). I heard also that the Reno Hilton is good, as well as Boomtown casino right outside the city of Reno. Missed Tahoe…next time I will head over there…

Answer 2:

The only current action at Lake Tahoe is at Harvey’s on the South Shore. They almost always have 1-5 7CS and a 2-6 HE game. During the weekends or when there is a reasonable influx of out of town players they get all kinds of games down. I’ve seen 5-10 kill & 10-20 1/2 kill O/8 games, 15-30 and 25-50 HE games, a 7/8 game, and small PLH games. I’m sure others get started. There was a North Shore game but it’s closed for Casino renovations. Check Card Player to see if it’s reopened in Jan. As far as transport: it’s a lake. The roads around it make a big circle. Your options as to how to get anywhere are limited to the point it’s usu. hard to be wrong. From the west/north shore Reno isn’t more than an hour way. Your options in Reno are significantly more varied. If you are skiing the day away on Mt. Rose and want to play poker it’s probably worth it to stay in Reno. But then I’m not entirely sure. My idea of a good time in the winter is to stay close to the fire with a good book.

Answer 3:
If you are staying at South Shore, there is a shuttle bus that runs to Heavenly Ski Area from the casinos and larger motels. There is also shuttle service (for a fee) that will take you to Kirkwood (about 35 miles from South Tahoe) or around the lake to Squaw Valley (also about 35 miles from South Tahoe). Harveys at South Shore is the only place with action, mostly low limit except on weekends or during their tournaments. Reno will have better poker action (Peppermill for middle limit), but you would be better off renting a car and driving to the various ski areas if you stay in Reno. If flying in to the area, you will be going to Reno since commercial air traffic to South Lake Tahoe has been missing for the most part since Air al was bought out by American Airlines (about 12 years ago).