Trippers Charity Poker Room in Lansing

The Review

What an amazing evening of deja vu. Trippers was one of the first couple rooms I reviewed in September 2008. It was fun to go back and see what changes the poker room has made, and what has stayed the same over the years.

I bought into the $10 rebuy tournament on Monday night, along with 81 other players. With unlimited rebuys until the first break, from the start it was a crazy tournament. Just as the tournament director finished saying "Shuffle up & Deal", a chorus of "all-in" and "Rebuy" rang out across the room. A frantic charity volunteer ran from table to table collecting rebuys, followed by the tournament director passing out chips. Norm, the dealer at my table, did a fantastic job of managing all of the "all-ins" and side pots. This night, the 82 players built a huge prize pool with first place paying $1100, and 11 places paid.

Games: 5 of 5 chips

Trippers is doing a test run of Pot Limit Omaha High in cooperation with Michigan Charitable Gaming. This is the only poker room in Michigan allowed to run this game! Be sure to stop by if you are interested in some Pot Limit Omaha High (not Omaha high/low!)

Trippers also receives 5 of 5 chips for games because there is always action at this location. Players start at the tables at noon with at least two tables starting up right at open, and run solidly until close at 2pm.

Don't like waiting? Get your name on the electronic wait list by calling ahead.

On the Hold'em front, Trippers regularly runs $1/$2 tables with $30/$100 max or $80/$200 max buy-ins. They also offer Blackjack!

Tournaments: 5 of 5 Chips

Trippers offers a wide variety of tournaments. The fast-paced rebuy tournaments like the one described above, smaller buy-in deep stacks, and once a month $150 buy-in Deep Stack big money tournaments. All of them start promptly. Tournament dealers are experienced and fast! Even with the crazy all-in shove-fest, they keep the table moving along, and keep all the side-pots split up and accurate. The charity and tournament director are quick with the rebuys. Players are moved quickly and tables are well balanced throughout the tournament.

Blinds and levels are displayed in the corner of the room on tournament director software.

Atmosphere: 5 of 5 Chips

Located in a strip mall, Trippers is easy to get to with lots of well lit parking. The poker room is on the left after you walk in the door. Look closely - there are security cameras around for player, charity and poker room staff safety.

Sports memoribilia cover the walls, along with large flat screen TV's. You don't have to move to keep track of your team! Music from the bar drifts in. This place is packed and busy - there is a constant chatter from the surrounding poker tables. Be sure you announce your move loudly - or you won't be heard!

Pool tables are right across the hall, along with video games, and keno. Even if you're waiting for a spot at a cash table, there is a lot to do here. Trippers also offers a full menu, and poker-table side service.

Equipment: 4 of 5 Chips

Thirteen poker tables and one blackjack table greet players at Trippers. All the tables are custom felted with Aces Gaming felt. The tournament and cash chips are custom stamped. Banquet-style chairs for all the cash & tournament players. Cup holders are all over the place if you want your beverage on the table. Drink scooters if you prefer your table clear, or if you have a meal table-side.

Tournament chips are stamped with value denominations. Cash chips are custom.

Staff: 5 of 5 Chips

Billy & Jerrett - the room managers - work hard to keep everyone on the same page. With three different charities at Trippers every day, there is a lot to keep track of. Cash players are immediately seated or go on the electronic list, tournament players are quickly bought in and assigned seats.

The dealers at Trippers are fast, friendly and accurate. Norm, the tournament dealer at my table, was unflappable! Even with five side-pots on the table, he didn't get confused or shaken.

Map to Trippers Charity Poker Room

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