“What would you like to play?”

…

“Uhh . . . 3-6 Hold’Em.” I said.

“Sure.” He picked up a clipboard, “Can I get a name and a last initial?”

“Wil W.”

He put down his pen and looked up. “I thought you were . . . you.” We both laughed, nervously, for different reasons. “Welcome to the Mirage, Wil.”

“Thanks,” I said.

“Well, it shouldn’t be too long,” he said, “Are you staying with us?”

“No, I’m in town for a meeting, and I’m staying with my hosts across the street….”

“Hm. Well, it looks like I’ve got two tables open right now.” He gestured to one table that was close to the edge of the room, and another that was more toward the center. “Where would you like to sit?”

“With the suckers. Dah-dum . . . daaaah-dum . . . dum-dum-dum-dum . . . ”

“Well, I’d like to sit where everyone pays to see the flop, if you get my drift . . .”

He nodded slowly and knowingly. “Well, they’re all tourists, Wil.”

“Excellent,” I said, in my best Mr. Burns voice.

the mirage has a spashing 3-6 game and always has many games going. the games are usually pretty tame. the wait there is not typically not that long, though i have had to wait an hour or so before. the drinks there are spectacular. they will even serve johnie black. the only problem is that it distorts my judgement.