SHOWBOAT ATLANTIC CITY POKER ROOM

just returned from the showboat on june 24, 2008 and enjoyed myself immensely there. i hadn't been there in a year during which the casino moved and improved the poker room. spacious design with a window to the boardwalk and beach that reminds you that there is life outside of the poker room.

the dealers were efficient and friendly, the tables and chips were clean, and the tournaments were run well -- although the tournament director at times forgot to bump up the blinds when the clock expired. then again, the buy-in for each tournament (11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on this particular Tuesday) was only $65, which is a steal.

there are a few beginners trying to wade their way through the sharks, but there are also some experienced veterans there, too. i generally found that the older gentlemen were just as sharp as the young guys. because i lasted a while in the tournaments, i never got a chance to play in the cash games. therefore, i can't comment on the action at thos tables.

there are a few negatives. the casino is still in the process of applying for a food license. until then, you can't eat at the tables. a player convinced a local pizza joint to deliver to the poker room, but the employees would not let him eat at the table except during breaks.

there are three windows to sign up for tournaments, but usually only one was open, which could make for long lines. if you play, bring a sweatshirt and/or pants because the a/c is cranked up to the max. finally, every poker room has its share of characters, but i never saw a fistfight until the one that exploded over in the cash-games section.

aside from that, however, the showboat is an excellent place to play. i would recommend it.