Senior Poker Tour at Cherokee, West Siloam Springs, OK
It’s midnight and I just returned to my room at the Cherokee Casino in West Siloam Springs, Oklahoma, after cashing in today’s ladies poker event. I’m here as a representative for the Senior Poker Tour (SPT). The SPT is hosting a tournament series for players over the age of 50. I have now visited this casino several times and I can’t say enough about how great the hospitality is throughout the entire Cherokee Casino, West Siloam Springs, Oklahoma)!property. The poker room is fully enclosed to keep out all the smoke, as well as the distracting bells and whistles of the slot machines. Players can eat at the table – the food is great – and there are always baskets full of complimentary snacks and beverages available.
The ring games consist mostly of $1-$2 no-limit hold’em during the week, and they often get a $2-$5 game on the weekends. Knowing that Jan Fisher and I are Omaholics, they arranged to have a $10-$20 Omaha/8 game for us; in fact, we actually got two Omaha/8 tables going that lasted late into the night. We played with a full kill that stayed on as long as the same player won consecutive pots, even if there was no flop. They often play with a progressive kill. I was fortunate to be able to connect with some old friends during this game; we always try to get together when I am in the area.
As for the hotel, there are approximately 140 rooms. The beds are very comfortable and my room had both a refrigerator and a coffee maker. An additional nice touch was the warm cookies provided at check- in.
Today started off with breakfast at the casino cafe. I’m used to Las Vegas prices which are much higher than here. For $3.49, they offered a 2-egg breakfast with home fries, bacon and fresh biscuits that I promise, are scrumptious.
Yesterday I played Day 1A of the Senior Poker Tour’s main event. I was able to “bag and tag” and will be returning for Day 2 tomorrow. Since there was some free time before the next event, Cardroom Manager Travis Lamb offered to be our personal "tour guide.” I told you they were very hospitable in this area! Travis took Jan Fisher, Senior Poker Tour CEO Lupe Soto, her daughter Angela, and me for a drive around the area. I’m a real tourist and enjoy seeing new sights. Travis showed us the beautiful countryside surrounding West Siloam Springs. We were particularly impressed by the local red bud and dogwood trees. We got back just in time to have dinner at the hotel’s Flint Creek Steakhouse with the SPT Vice President Hal Coblentz and my good friend Della Jones. All of our dinners were spectacular, as was the service. I was shocked to see that the bill was under $100 for six of us at such a great steakhouse.
I entered the $230 SPT eventing no-limit tournament but got an early out when my pocket kings did not hold up against my opponent’s pocket nines, that eventually turned into quads! That’s poker…. I spent the rest of the evening railing Jan Fisher who finished in second place. Way to go Jan!
The SPT itself is starting to get a regular following. There are many returning players who follow the Tour, and it’s been fun getting to know them both inside and outside of the poker room. I am enjoying the camaraderie of the locals here in Oklahoma and am learning my fair share about the cattle industry.:)
I hope to do well in the finals of the main event. Since it is now 3:00 a.m., I need to get some rest for that one.
Bye for now!
Linda Johnson
Card Player Cruises