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Gaming•Entertainment•Travel www.arizonaplayer.com
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Card Room Action Casino Entertainment Boyd’s Eye View “Key Hands” Arizona’s New State Poker Champion! TRAVEL – Wilcox & Apple Annie’s Orchard REEL REVIEWS – “NOT in Kansas Anymore” Vol. 24 No. 8 • August 2016
Cover Story On Page 8
WWW.ARIZONAPLAYER.COM
Contents
Gaming•Entertainment•Travel PO Box 33393 • Phoenix Arizona 85067 • 602-373-8728 • azplayer@cox.net Editor Phil Scudella Production Assistants John Olson Graphic Design CommuniGraphics
Contributing Photography Rachel Brockway Casino del Sol Marketing Kevin Cummings John Olson David Ramsey The Riester Agency Satara Williams
Special Thanks to: The Marketing team and Management at Casino del Sol Resort plus the entire team at Zion & Zion for their help on this issue of Arizona Player
Contributing Writers Linda Boyd Rachel Brockway Kevin Cummings TJ Jorgensen Malory Knudson Lyra Manning Teri Morris David Ramsey Satara Williams
The Arizona Player is published the first weekend of each month. All claims or guarantees are the sole responsibility of the advertiser. All comments and views of contributing writers are their own and do not reflect official policy of the Arizona Player which assumes no liability for any advertisement not supplied camera ready by the advertiser. Reproduction or use in whole or in part without written consent from the publisher and Copyright owners is prohibited.
4 ARIZONA PLAYER August 2016
Vol. 24 No. 8 • August 2016
Reel Reviews Kevin Cummings “NOT in Kansas Anymore”
6
Cover Story Casino del Sol “The Sol of Tucson”
8
Boyd’s Eye View of Video Poker Linda Boyd “Key Hands – Part 1”
10
Card Room Action Table Game Action Around the State
12
TJ's Blackjack Corner TJ Jorgensen “Third Base”
16
Entertainment Casino Entertainment State-wide
18
Gaming News Orange Sky Earns Wine Spectator Restaurant Award
22
Gaming News 12th Annual Arizona State Poker Tournament Results
24
Travel “Wilcox, Apple Annie’s and the Wild West in Southern Arizona”
26
David at the Snack Bar David Ramsey Film and DVD reviews
28
Bingo Directory Complete List of Bingo Games at Arizona Casinos
29
Jokes of the Month, Astrology, & Casino Directory
30
reel reviews by kevin cummings
ARIZONA PLAYER August 2016 6
COVER STORY
Casino Del Sol Unveils New Brand Takes its Rightful Place as “The Sol of Tucson”
Casino Del Sol, Tucson’s premier entertainment destination, launches a new brand identity as “The Sol of Tucson.” Reminiscent of its history as a true community partner, “The Sol of Tucson” represents everything that Casino Del Sol has grown to be. “As the only casino that is based solely in Tucson, we strive to deliver one-of-a-kind experiences to our valued community through all of our offerings – fine dining, world-class entertainment, Vegas-style gaming, award-winning golf, and more,” said Kimberly Van Amburg, CEO of Casino Del Sol. “The ‘Sol of Tucson’ represents all of those things. • Casino Del Sol’s rich history started in 2000 when the Pascua Yaqui Tribe broke ground on the original casino structure and amphitheater. Since then, Casino Del Sol has grown to include: • A 10-story resort tower with 215 plush guestrooms and suites • More than 22,000 square feet of gaming, including 1,300 slot machines and 22 table games • Approximately 20,000 square feet of indoor meeting space • Seven restaurants and five bars and lounges, including PY Steakhouse, four-time winner of the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star award • Award-winning Hiapsi Spa & Fitness Center • Award-winning AVA Amphitheater, seating approximately 5,000 guests • The 18-hole championship Sewailo Golf Club designed by Notah Begay III and Ty Butler • Oasis Pool with five VIP cabanas and Oasis Poolside Bar • One on-site Starbucks® location • Del Sol Marketplace
8 ARIZONA PLAYER August 2016
COVER STORY
For brands, it is always better to lead the charge into a new and positive place. Consumers are appreciative of brands that seek to define themselves in a positive and forward-thinking light. Casino Del Sol owns the promise of this brand and will uphold its legacy as ‘The Sol of Tucson,’ a shining star in the heart of the desert. Casino Del Sol captures all the color, excitement, and flavor that is the Desert Southwest. Here, guests can feel the genuine embrace and a warm welcome that only Casino Del Sol will provide. “Every brand is a living, breathing and evolving entity and is a reflection of the public’s perception of what the company behind the brand stands for,” said Steve Neely, chief marketing officer for Casino Del Sol. “In our case, it is not that our brand’s values are changing, but rather the expression of that brand evolving into a more modern and attractive voice and visual identity. We are proud to be ‘The Sol of Tucson.’” The new brand is being rolled out to the local Tucson market through new television and radio spots, print and digital ads, point of sale in the Casino and in sales materials. For employees, an E-Learning module was created to view and learn about the new brand and correlating campaigns. In addition to the evolved branding, Casino Del Sol has also embarked on aesthetic upgrades to the facility itself, further proving the customer experience is priority. Zeboz, the bar in the center of the of the Piazza gaming floor at Casino Del Sol has undergone renovations during the past several months, and is now better than ever. Zeboz can now hold five times the capacity. With four booths and 17 bar top gaming machines, it is the ultimate hot spot for Casino Del Sol guests. Additional renovations include:Relocating Paradiso Lounge to its own dedicated space, New, more comfortable and durable furnishings, Installing new LED lighting throughout the facility, Adding state-of-the-art air exchangers to improve indoor air quality
“The opportunity to further define, explain and motivate our audience to better appreciate and understand who we are and what we stand for is paramount for the success of this enterprise – and, of course, the Pascua Yaqui Tribe,” added Van Amburg. “As our community has grown, so has our Casino and Resort. We can take pride in the fact that we are continually leading the way to an ever higher standard of guest service.”
For more information about Casino Del Sol, visit www.CasinoDelSol.com or call 1-855-SOL-STAY (765-7829).
ARIZONA PLAYER August 2016 9
A BOYD’S EYE VIEW OF VIDEO POKER
Jacks
or
Better:
K ey Hands Part 1
ecently I made a YouTube video with American Casino Guide on how to play 10 common video poker (VP) hands. (Go to American Casino Guide’s web site or YouTube to view my videos.) You can actually use the video to play 9/6Jacks or Better (9/6JOB), 8/5JOB or 8/5Bonus Poker (8/5BP). Of course your best game is 9/6JOB followed by 8/5BP but these great VP options may not be available in your local casino. Here are pay schedules to make sure you’ve found the right game. Check carefully to be sure the pay table you’ve found in the casino is an exact match with Table 1.1 or Table 1.2. by Linda Boyd
Notice that I included 8/5and 7/5JOB as well as both 8/5BP and 7/5BP even though I recommend that you stick with 9/6JOB or 8/5BP - Examining the tables above along with their expected return, you can see why. Now some people say they’re in a casino and can’t find the recommended games, so they play the best available instead of being a spectator. You should keep in mind that you only get the ER over time and that’s with computer accurate play. Short term results, can be significantly higher or lower than theoretical expectations. In Part I of this two-part series I’ll describe correct play for some frequent hands and Part II will continue with other frequent hands.
1. Four Card Open-Ended Straight Vs A Low Pair:
Jacks or Better (JOB) 4000
4000
4000
Straight Flush
250
250
250
4 Of A Kind
125
125
125
Full House
45
40
35
Flush
30
25
25
Straight
20
20
20
If you’re dealt four cards to an open-ended straight along with a non-paying pair, then you should hold the non-paying pair. For example, if you’re dealt: 5of hearts, 6 of spades, 7 of diamonds and 8 of hearts along with the 8 of clubs you would hold the pair of eights instead of four to the open-ended straight. There is, however, one exception to this rule. If the four to the open-ended straight is unsuited King, Queen, Jack, 10, along with another 10, you would hold the unsuited K, Q, J, 10 instead of the pair of 10’s. That’s because you have increased odds of backing into a paying pair. That is the only exception to this rule.
Three Of A Kind
15
15
15
2. Four Card Flush vs a Low Pair:
Two Pair
10
10
10
5
5
5
99.54%
97.29%
96.14%
19.514
19.323
19.171
If you are dealt four to a flush along with a non-paying pair you always hold four to the flush instead of the non-paying pair. For example, if you’re dealt the 2 of hearts, 5 of hearts, 7 of hearts, and 10 of hearts along with another 10 you would hold the four hearts instead of the pair of 10’s. There are no exceptions to this rule.
Hand/ 5-Coin Bet Royal Flush
Jacks Or Better Expected Return Variance
9/6 JOB
8/5 JOB
7/5 JOB
3. Straight vs Four to A Royal Flush
Bonus Poker (BP) Hand/ 5-Coin Bet Royal Flush (Rf)
8/5 Bonus Poker
7/5 BP
4000
4000
Straight Flush
250
250
4 Aces
400
400
Four 2’S, 3’S Or 4’S
200
200
4 Fives-Kings
125
125
Full House
40
35
Flush
25
25
Straight
20
20
3 Of A Kind
15
15
2 Pair
10
10
5
5
99.1660%
98.0147%
20.90408
20.75378
Jacks Or Better Expected Return Variance
10 ARIZONA PLAYER August 2016
If you’re dealt any straight, but four of the cards are toward a Royal Flush you always hold just the four to a royal with no exceptions. It always amuses me when players make the correct hold, catch the royal, and then say “I know nobody else would do this, but I came to gamble” or similar words. They made the computer accurate holds and once every 47 times they will be compensated for the times they either got nothing or backed into another straight or a flush. There are no exceptions to this rule.
4. Flush vs 4 to a Royal Flush: Just like with a dealt straight but four to a royal, if you’re dealt a flush but four of the cards are to a RF, you would only hold the four cards to the RF. There are no exceptions to this rule.
Part II: Next month you’ll have Part II to this series giving you more frequent hands along with the computer-correct holds. You should always refresh your basic skills before heading for the casino to play VP, regardless of the game you’ve chosen. Linda Boyd, a long-time table game player before turning to video poker, also writes for “Southern & Midwest Gaming”, and the latest edition of “American Casino Guide”. You can see her videos on YouTube or view them on American Casino Guide’s web site and her radio interviews are on iTunes. Boyd’s book, “The Video Poker Edge”, includes free removable pay schedules and strategy cards for the most popular games. The latest edition is available at amazon.com, Square One Publishers, www. squareonepublishers.com book stores, plus Kindle editions. You can also call Toll Free: 877-900-BOOK
CARD ROOM ACTION Apache Gold Casino 800-272-2438
Globe, AZ Dealing blackjack and poker daily at noon NLHE Tournaments - Saturdays at 2pm - Buy-in $25 w/one $5 add-on
Arena Poker Room at Talking Stick Resort 480-850-7777
Scottsdale, AZ 12th Annual AZ State Poker Championship August 12 thru 16 - Over $1,000,000 in prize money - Buy-in $1,100 or “Win a Seat” into this prestigious event-Last chance Satellite Tournaments on Aug 10 & 11 at 11:15am & August 8 & 9 at 7:15pm, plus $120 & $240 “sit and go” Satellites Mon - Fri, 11:15 am - NLHE Tournament - $125 buy-in Mon - Thurs, 7:15pm - NLHE, $145 buy-in Fridays at 7:15 pm - NLHE Tournament - $200 buy-in Sat, Aug 20, Sept 10, Oct 8, Nov 12 & Dec10 - 11:15 am, “Super Bounty” NLHE - $240 buy-in w/$100 Bounties Sat, Aug 27, 11:15 am - End of Month-NLHE - $160 buy-in Sat, Sept 3, Oct 1, Nov 5 & Dec3 - 11:15am - “Big Stack” NLHE - $345 buy-in Sat, Aug 21 & Oct 15 at 11:15am - $500 NLHE “BIG STACK” tournament
200 Weekend NLHE Tournaments; July 16 & July 23, 11:15am Sun Sept 4 & Oct 30, 11:15am - Ladies NLHE tournament Sept 11 & Oct 9 - Jack & Jill NLHE Tournaments at 11:15am - $110 buy-in Player Special (2am-Noon) $4 breakfast/$6.75 Steak & eggs $ 16 Prime Rib Dinner on Mondays $
Also dealing blackjack 24/7
Bluewater Resort & Casino 888-243-3360 Ext#7649
Parker, AZ Poker Room opens at 4pm daily except 2pm on Sun & Wed Tues at 7pm, NLHE Tournament - $35 buy-in, w/one $20 re-buy, $ 5 Bounties Thurs at 7pm, NLHE - $40 buy-in, $20 re-buy & $5 Bounties w/“High Hand” of the Tournament Fri at 8pm, NLHE - $35 buy-in w/$20 re-buy & $5 Bounties Sat at 8pm, NLHE - $100 buy-in w/no re-buys Daily Aces Cracked $40 - max 3 per day Wed & Fri, High hand of day at 8pm pays $50 Wed, all day - Straight flush $50 Fri, all day - 4 of a kind $50, Royal Flush $200 Bad Beat Hold-em Jackpot (aces full of 10s or better, beaten) Dealing blackjack daily at 9am
Bucky’s Casino 928-515-5305
Prescott, AZ Mon - Thur, 10am - NLHE Shootouts $25 entry Mon - Thurs, 6pm NLHE $50 buy-in (top 3-5 cash) top 5 earn points for Player of Month (3 places $300, $200 & $100) Sat, Noon - DEEP STACK Tournament - $100 buy-in - re-buys 1st hr Sat, 7pm - NLHE $25 Bounty Tournament $80 buy-in Last Sunday at Noon - Omaha Hi/Lo - $100 added/table $80 buy-in Mon & Fri at 6:30pm - spreading $2/$100 Texas hold-em Mon & Wed at 8am - Spreading Omaha Hi/Lo plus $25 High Hand
12 ARIZONA PLAYER August 2016
each hour
“Aces Cracked” 24/7 Wins $75 in any Texas Hold Em game Straight Flush pays $50 Royal pays $100 Dealing blackjack 24/7 - Now playing; Texas Shoot Out and High Card Flush w/bonus jackpot
Casino Arizona 480-850-7777
Scottsdale, AZ Blackjack Tournaments: Tues, noon $1,000 added “Break at Noon” $ 50 buy-in “Great Late” Tournament, $25 buy-in (Starts at 1am Friday morning) Dealing blackjack 24/7
Casino Del Sol 520-838-6565
Tucson, AZ World Poker Tour Deep Stack Tournaments: $ 30,000 Guaranteed NLHE Event; Fri thru Sun, Sept 16 thru 18 Sept 16 & 17 at noon - $300 Buy-in - Sept 18, Finals and Final Table WIN A SEAT into this $30,000 Event in these satellite tournaments! Sundays Aug 28, Sept 4 & Sept 11 at 11am - $75 buy-in (20% of the field qualify) $ 150,000 Guaranteed NLHE Event; Fri thru Mon, Sept 23 thru 26 Sept 23 & 24 at noon - $1,100 buy-in - Sept 25, (semi-finals) Sept 26 - Final Table WIN A SEAT into this $150,000 Event in satellite tournaments! Thurs, Aug 18 & 25, 7pm ($5,000 Qualifier) $120 buy-in - 2 players qualify nightly plus cash payouts
Sun, Aug 21 & 28, 11am ($2,000 Qualifier) $65 buy-in - 2 players qualify nightly, plus cash payouts $ 150,000 MAIN EVENT SATELLITES; Thursdays Sept 1, Sept 8 & Sept 15, 7pm - $130 buy-in (10% of the field qualify) Monday Sept 19, 6pm - $130 buy-in (10% of the entrants qualify) LAST CHANCE MEGA Satellite: Thurs Sept 22 at 3pm - $260 buy-in (20% of the entrants qualify) Additional WPT Deep Stack Tournaments: Sun Sept 18 at 4pm - $200 buy-in Tues Sept 20 at 6pm - $10,000 Guaranteed Omaha Hi-Lo - $150 buy-in Wed Sept 21 at 6pm - $10,000 Guaranteed NLHE ($25) Bounty event - $175 buy-in Mon-Fri, 10 am - $800 Guaranteed (w/30 players) NLHE, $25 buy-in, opt $5 chip-up & $10 add-on Sun & Tues, 7pm - $1,000 guarantee FREE ROLL - 50 players max (no cost) opt “chip up” of $6 Wed, 7pm - $1,500 Guarantee Omaha Hi-Lo, $20 buy-in/Opt $20 add-on Sun 11am - $2,000 Guaranteed NLHE, $65 buy-in - no re-buys Sat, 9am - $300 added Limit Omaha Hi-Lo, $20 buy-in, $5 re-buys & one $10 add-on Sat noon - $ 1,500 Guaranteed NLHE - $35 buy-in - no re-buys with opt $5 chip-up & $5 add-on Bad Beat Jackpot at press time was $41,000, increases by $1,000 every Monday till hit - play in a “live” game on ANY table and you share 20% of the jackpot! Double Omaha Hi-Lo Jackpot between Mid-4am, 8am-12pm & 4-8pm
4,600 in cash drawings every week! Sun 2-6pm & 8-10pm, MonThur (12:30 - 3:30) Fri (12:30pm-3:30am) & Sat (2-6pm) Mon - Fri “Stack for a Rack” Buy in for a “rack”, play 2 hours and get a “stack”! Dealing Blackjack 24/7 featuring; Crazy 4 Poker, Texas Shootout, Casino WAR & Ultimate Texas Hold’Em!
$
Cliff Castle Casino 928-567-7952
Camp Verde, AZ Mon-Fri, 10am - NLHE Shoot-out, $30 buy-in, w/no re-buys Wed, 6pm - NLHE Tournament $30 buy-in Thurs, 6:30pm - NLHE Tournament $20 buy-in, Max 2 tables re-enter first 10 minutes Fri, 7pm - NLHE Shoot-outs, $150 added per table of 10 - $25 buy-in - no re-buys Sat, Noon - $10 added per player– NLHE $50 or $100 buy-in tables w/opt $5 dealer chip up All Week - Royal Flush pays $100 “Aces Cracked” Win from $ 50 to $200 Dealing blackjack; 9am - 2am (Mon-Thurs) 9am - 4am (Fri & Sat) BIG EVENT! Now thru Aug 31, WIN a trip to Las Vegas and a seat in the $250,000 Shuffle Master Classic 3 card Poker Tournament! See Castle Club for details.
Cocopah Casino 800-237-5687
Somerton, AZ Dealing blackjack daily at 10am
Desert Diamond Casino Hotel 520-342-1810
Tucson, AZ Mon & Thurs at 9:30 am, plus Tues & Wed at 7pm $500 added NLHE - $35 buy-in no re-buys Daily - Any Royal Flush $200 Hold Em, $100 Omaha, Straight Flush $100 Hold Em, $50 Omaha Special Poker Room menu at ½ off regular prices Dealing blackjack 24/7 w/3 card poker, “progressive 6 card bonus” “Push Bet” and “IN BETWEEN” bet - featuring three 3-deck shoes along with 6-deck shoes
Desert Diamond I-19 Casino 1-866-332-9467 Sahuarita, AZ Dealing blackjack 24/7
Fort McDowell Casino 480-789-4284
Fountain Hills, AZ Mon, Wed, Thurs & Fri at Noon NLHE - $30 buy-in - $20 add-on - No-rebuys Tues, noon and Sat 4pm - Omaha Hi-Lo, $40 buy-in ($100 added per table) Mon at 7pm, Omaha High/Low - $5 buy in w/$5 re-buys - plus at the break $5 -$20 add-on Sun, Tues & Thurs, 7pm - NLHE - $5 buy-in Fri, 7pm, NLHE - $60 buy-in w/one $10 dealer add-on for additional $5,000 in chips Sat, Noon & 4pm - NLHE - $5 buy-in Sat, 7pm, NLHE Deep Stack tournament - $50 buy-in w/opt $30 add-on Sun, Noon & Wed, 7pm - NLHE - $10 buy-in, $5 re-buys & Double
CARD ROOM ACTION $ 20 add-on at the break Ladies NLHE Poker Tournament - Aug 21 & Sept 18, $60 Buy-in + Opt $10 Dealer Appreciation “Aces Cracked” 24/7 Min $100 up to $1,000! Details in poker room Aces full of tens beaten by Quads or better wins “Easy way Jackpot”! “Faces Cracked” daily 5pm to 1am - Win $75 hourly Dealing blackjack 24/7 w/“Free Bet” split Aces up to 3 times & hit more than once & Double Down after first hit! Now playing “Push Bet” that pays 10-1 when you push with the dealer!
Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino 480-802-5138
Maricopa, AZ Tues 7:30pm ½ & ½ NLHE & Omaha High - $40 buy-in no re-buys Wed 7:30pm “Crazy Pineapple” w/$20 Bounties -$40 buy-in - no re-buys Thurs, 7:30pm - NLHE, $20 Buy-in plus three $10 re-buys & two $ 10 add-ons Sat, 12:30pm - $500 Guaranteed NLHE - $50 buy-in Sun 12:30pm - NLHE - $25 buy-in w/two $10 add-ons at the break Aces Cracked - 24/7 pays $50 D-Backs $50 Splash Pots each inning they score - $100 splash for winning game
25 Splash pots” every ½ hour NFL and College splash pots coming in September. Also dealing blackjack 24/7 - including “Push the bet” $
Hon-Dah Casino 928-369-7555
Pinetop, AZ Open Tues & Thurs at 10am, Mon, Wed & Fri at 4pm, Sat & Sun at 2pm Mon, 6pm - NLHE - “$25 Bounty” Tournament, $45 buy-in w/$10 re-buys and $10 add-on Tues, 6pm - NLHE “Speed Shoot-Out” $15 buy-in (no re-buys) $ 2 chip-up Wed, 6pm - No-limit Hold Em - $40 buy-in no re-buys Thurs, 6pm - Omaha Hi-Lo - $40 buy-in, no re-buys Sat, 4pm - NLHE, $30 buy-in, $10 re-buys + $10 add-on Sun, 4pm, Crazy Pineapple $30 buy-in, $10 re-buys + $10 add-on “Early bird” tournament chips available daily before tournaments Fri & Sat - all day, $100 High Hand (Hold Em)
Lone Butte Casino 800-946-4452
Chandler, AZ Dealing blackjack 24/7 Progressive Jackpots include; Crazy 4 Poker & Ultimate Texas Hold EM at all 3 Gila River Casinos! recently hit PAI GOW Jackpot is growing again.
14 ARIZONA PLAYER August 2016
Mazatzal Hotel & Casino 800-777-7529
Payson, AZ Live poker Wed–Sun at 10am- includes Omaha on Wed & Thurs morning, and Hold em Fri & Sat nights at 6pm (you can sign up the day before for all live games. Wed, 6pm, plus Sat & Sun at 3pm, NLHE Tournament, $25 buy-in - no re-buys Dealing blackjack 10am to 1am, w/$5 games including the “Push Bet”, “Texas Shoot-Out” and new “Multiplier” Blackjack Mon, 6pm, Blackjack Tournament $40 buy-in w/two $25 re-buys Bonus Blackjack get dealt a 6, 7 & 8 “21” win up to $200
Quechan Casino Resort 1-877-783-2426
Winterhaven, CA Open 10am Sat/Sun, 4pm Mon/Tues, 2pm Wed/Thurs Wed/Thurs at 2pm & Fri thru Sun at 10am - spreading 4/8 Hold Em with a kill, 4/8 Omaha hi-low split with a kill also 3-6 & 4-8 limit Texas Hold Em, plus 1-3 & 2-5 No Limit Texas Hold Em Sat, 1pm, NLHE ($20) bounty tournament $60 buy-in, unlimited buy-ins first hour Sun, 4pm, “Deep Stack” NLHE $100 buy-in Dealing blackjack 24/7 - Special room rates for poker players
Early Bird Chips” for live play before any tournament - 1st & 2nd place at final table qualify for the “Tournament of Champions” FREE ROLL each quarter. Next one is Aug 27 7 Nov 26 D-Backs “Splash Pots” each time D-Back’s score a run - 3 tables are “Splashed” $50 - ALL tables are splashed $50 for a Grand Slam! NFL “Splash pots” are back Dealing blackjack 24/7 - Friday Afternoon Blackjack Tournament at 4pm - $30 buy-in Progressive Jackpots for Ultimate Texas Hold EM & Crazy 4 Poker grow daily at all 3 Casinos! The PAI GOW Progressive Jackpot was hit recently and it’s growing again.
Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino 800-946-4452 Ext #7375
Chandler, AZ Mon-Thurs, Noon - NLHE, $30 buy-in, opt $10 “chip-up” no re-buys - $150 added per table Tues & Wed, 7:30pm - $1,000 added NLHE Freeze Out, $50 entry fee w/$10 optional add-on Sun, 3:30pm, NLHE - $30 buy-in, $5 opt, $20 add-on & bonus chips for play before tournament
Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort 928-856-7244
Baseball “Splash Pots” during selected games - Any time a run is scored - 4 tables are “Splashed” $50 - Guaranteed 12 tables
Vee Quiva Hotel & Casino 800-946-4452 Ext#1507
“High Hand” 6am-10am wins $100 each hour “Aces Cracked” Win a Rack - NFL “Splash Pots” are back! “Rolling Cash Fever” Drawing every other hour 24/7, $100 min, increases by $100 if not hit - must go at 11pm on Monday Food specials: ½ price poker room menu Progressive Jackpots for Ultimate Texas Hold EM & Crazy 4 Poker grow daily at all 3 Casinos! The PAI GOW Progressive Jackpot was hit recently and it’s growing again.
Flagstaff, AZ Dealing blackjack 24/7
Laveen, AZ Sat, 11:15 am, NLHE “Big Stack”$40 buy-in w/Opt $10 Staff “chip-up” + $20 add-on at break Sun 11:15 am, NLHE “Sunday Brunch”$30 buy-in w/Opt $10 Staff “chip-up” & $20 add-on break Wed, 7:30pm, NLHE “Humpday”$40 buy-in w/Opt $10 Staff fee before play for added chips
Tues 7:30pm, Limit Omaha Hi-Lo $40 BI w/Opt $10 Staff fee
will be splashed during any game
before play for added chips
Sat Noon, 1st Sat of the month “Super Stack” NLHE - $110 BI, $ 20 Staff “chip up” & $20 add-on “Quads or Better” Starts at $50, up by $25 a day till hit “Straight Flush” starts at $100 up by $50 per day till hit! Royal Flush starts at $200 up $50 per day till hit Quads or better progressive increases daily “ACES CRACKED” spins the wheel - win up $300
CARD ROOM MANAGERS
please send updates to azplayer@cox.net
TJ’s Blackjack corner
“Third Base”
he seat to the immediate right of the dealer is known in blackjack terminology as “Third Base” This spot is often referred to as the by TJ “Anchorman” and a lot of players believe that the by Jorgensen TJ Jorgensen player in this spot controls the destiny of all the other players at the table. If the player plays stupid many believe it will ruin the game for all the other players at the table. This is why many players are intimidated by this position and refrain from taking this seat. Mathematically speaking one player cannot control another players’ outcome in the “long run”. However a player can make a bad play that will cause you to lose a particular hand, but their bad play will help you as much as it will hurt you, it’s just that you remember the ones that you lose. Being afraid that the other players at the table will think you “messed up the cards” will keep many of you from sitting at third base or will cause you to deviate from basic strategy. If you find yourself not playing perfect basic strategy because you may take the “dealers ten”, you are letting others play your hand, but more importantly you are giving away your money. How many of you would hit 12 vs a dealer’s up card of a 2 if you were sitting at third base? The correct play is to hit and you can’t let other players intimidate you. It’s hard enough to make money at blackjack, don’t make it harder by playing the hands wrong. Have you ever run across the player that thinks they know everything, the one that usually tells you what you did wrong after the hand is over? Sometimes these players need to be put in their place, and by knowing and playing basic strategy perfectly you can do that. So when you have A-7 vs a dealer up card of a 9 - hit it, if you have 12 vs a dealer up card of 2 or 3 - hit it, and don’t worry about what other players think. Just tell the “know it all” player you charge extra if you have to play their hand too. You may be wondering at this point if it is better to play at a crowded table or one with just a few players. As I stated earlier other player’s actions do not cause you to win or lose at blackjack in the long run. Players that believe others can influence your wins and losses have at best a vague idea of how to play the
16 ARIZONA PLAYER August 2016
hands correctly. One advantage of playing at a full table is the game is slower. If you are just learning basic strategy it will give you time to look at your chart (yes they will let you have a basic strategy chart at the table) so that you can be sure to play the hand correctly. Additionally with a full table you will only be playing about 50 hands per hour and since the casino has an edge over you on every hand you will lose less per hour. If you are just learning to count cards you probably will want to play at tables with 4 or 5 other players because you will have more time to convert your running count to the true count, play the hand correctly, and calculate the correct size bet for the upcoming hand. Personally I like to play late at night when I can get one on one with the dealer. Since I am a card counter I have an edge over the casino and the more hands I play the more money I make. Typically I can play 200 to 250 hands in an hour as opposed to 50 with a crowded table. I have been playing long enough that I can talk to the dealer, joke with the waitress, and still calculate the true count, upcoming hand bet size, and play the hand correctly. This all comes with practice, but if you are a new counter you might stick with tables that have 2 or more players. If you would like to have an advantage over the casino every time you sit down to play blackjack, you will need to learn to count cards. In my book “Playing winning Blackjack” I take you from basic strategy through card counting. Additionally some of the other topics I cover are; the surrender option, side bets, etiquette, shuffle tracking, and money management. It available in E book form on my website at www.freewebs.com/tjsblackjackcorner T.J. Jorgensen has been a professional Blackjack player for over 20 years. He is well known for his live tournament play. He has competed against, and beaten, some of the top tournament players in the world and has won the prestigious World Series of Blackjack.
entertainment Apache Gold Casino Resort
BlueWater Resort and Casino
Casino Del Sol
(5 miles East of Globe on Hwy 70) 1-800-272-2438 Sept 30 - Country star David Nail The POINT Sports Bar & Grill: Big screens to watch sports & more! The Point Sports Bar: Live bands on weekends;
11300 Resort Dr., Parker 1-888-243-3360 On the Water: Sept 16 & 17 - 4th Annual Southwest Nautique Regatta Oct 14, 15 & 16 - Lucas Oil Drag Boat Racing Series Dig Lounge: DJs/live bands & Sports on the big screens River’s Edge Cantina: Sports on the big screens
5655 W. Valencia Rd. Tucson 520-838-6506 AVA Amphitheater: Aug 17 - Brandi Carlile & Old Crow Medicine Show Aug 19 - Lost 80’s Live w/ Men Without Hats, A Flock of Seagulls, Modern English, Naked Eyes, The Thompson Twins and many more Aug 26 - ALICE COOPER Sept 2 - Comedian, Impressionist Frank Caliendo Sept 17 - Marco Antonio Solis Sept 25 - Hank Williams Jr.
David Nail
Casino Arizona
101 at McKellips, Scottsdale 480-850-7734 Showroom: Aug 19 & 20 - Rock & Roll-Over (Kiss Tribute) Aug 26 & 27 - Visions of Fleetwood Mac Sept 2 & 3 - Pyromania (Def Leppard Tribute) Sept 16 & 17 - DSB - (Journey Tribute) Sept 23 & 24 - Don’t Look Back (Boston Experience) Sept 30 & Oct 1 - Motley Crue’d (Tribute band) Arizona Room Patio Grill: Sat, Aug 20 - UFC 202 (Diaz vs McGregor-2) Viewing Party Tues– Trivia Tuesdays - $1,000 up for grabs (register 5:30-6:30 - action starts at 7pm) Wed - Country dance instruction with Laina Lee, (6-8pm) Daisy Train at 8pm Thurs - Latin Fire Dance Night w/Dance Lessons (6-8pm) Rhythm of the Sun Band at 8pm Fri - Superhero Band at 8pm Sat - Live bands like; Neon, Shining Star or JJ’s Band Bingo Hall: Fri & Sat at Midnight, L-8 Nite Bingo! Music, light show & dancing w/ host Corina & DJ Kenji!
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Hank Williams Jr.
Oct 6 - Neil Young + Promise of the Real Sewailo Golf Club: Sept 7 & 8 - The International Celebrity Golf Tournament Paradiso Bar: Free entertainment, with AZ top bands every weekend and Tribute bands on Thursdays
entertainment Cliff Castle Casino
Fort McDowell Casino
I-17 at exit 289 in Camp Verde 1-800-381-SLOT Stargazer Pavilion: Dragonfly Lounge: live music on weekends;
N of Shea off Hwy 87, Fountain Hills 1-800-THE-FORT “Lucky 7” Saloon: The top bands in Arizona like; Duane Moore w/ Mogollon, The Elevens, Club Country, Sugahbeats, Furious George and the Davey Arnold Band OUTDOOR EVENT: Aug 13 at 7pm - SUMMERLAND Tour w/ Sugar Ray, Everclear, Lit and Sponge Bingo Hall: 1st Saturday of each month - Late Night Lunar Bingo w/ music & giveaways Updates - go to fortmcdowellcasino.com
Cocopah Casino Resort
15318 S Avenue B, Somerton, AZ (Yuma area) (928) 726-8066 Sunset Lounge: Fri & Sat - Bling Bling Karaoke River Room: The best Live bands in Arizona
Desert Diamond Casino Hotel
7350 South Nogales Hwy, Tucson 1-866-332-9467 Monsoon Night Club: Flashback Fridays: featuring Classic Hip-Hop and Old School w/ Primetime Deejays Saturdays: Hottest Live Latin bands like; Angel Norteno, Los Gallegos and others
Desert Diamond Casino I-19
1100 West Pima Mine Road, Sahuarita 1-866-332-9467 Diamond Center: Aug 27 - Jim Belushi & the Board of Comedy Sept 2 - Hotel California (Eagles Tribute) Sept 24 - Gloria Trevi - The Como Yo Te Amo World Tour Sept 30 - Comedian Brian Regan Sports Bar: Nightly Sports on big screens, plus Karaoke/ DJ nightly & live bands on weekends
Harrah’s Ak-Chin Resort & Casino
15406 Maricopa Rd., Maricopa 480-802-5000 THE LOUNGE: Friday, Saturday & Sunday in THE Lounge (5-8pm and 8pm-1am) BIG NAMES - NO COVER! Aug 19 - THE WEIGHT (8 & 10PM) (former members of THE BAND) Sept 3 - Asleep at the Wheel (8pm) Sept 5 - December 63’ (1 -3pm) Four Seasons Tribute Band
Asleep at the Wheel
POOLSIDE Sunday 2-6pm, Aug 14 - The Walkens, Aug 21 - Quantum, Aug 28 - Cheeseburgers in Paradise (Jimmy Buffet Tribute) Sept 4 - Kush Country For updates, go to harrahsakchin.com
Hon-Dah Resort and Casino
Highways 260 and 73, Pinetop 1-800-WAY-UP-HIGH Outdoor Event Center: Conference Center: Aug 26 - Hot August Nights (Neil Diamond Tribute) Sept 2 - Desperado (Eagles Tribute Band) Timbers Lounge: Free entertainment, Monday is Comedy Night, Tues-Sat, Live bands Aug 16 thru 20 - Greywolf Aug 13 thru 17 - Smokehouse Aug 20 thru 24 - Groove City Band Sept 6 thru 10 - Rev it Up Sept 13 thru 17 - Smokehouse Sept 20 thru 24 - Groove City
Lone Butte Casino
202 loop at the Kyrene exit - Chandler, 1-800-WIN-GILA Lone Butte Event Center: Cascades Lounge: Call for updated schedule Mon, Tues & Fri (4-8pm) Featuring; Marty & the Party or Thaddeus Rose Fri & Sat (late night) w/ Shining Star, Smooth Groove, Thaddeus Rose or Rhythm of the Sun Band Cities Bar & Grille: Sunday: (10am-4pm) live Jazz during Brunch Buffet Bingo Hall: 11pm Fri & Sat - B.A.D BINGO w/ DJ “Rockin’ Rob” music, light show, bingo & giveaways
Mazatzal Hotel & Casino
Brian Regan
Other bands on weekends featuring; Cold Shott & Hurricane Horns, Smooth Groove, Walkens, Soundwave, Thaddeus Rose, Gemini Band, Basketball Jones, Joe Costello Syndicate and Sun City Groove band Mon, Wed & Thurs (Happy Hour, 5-8pm) featuring; Western Fusion, Karen & Marcus, The Walkens Trio, Chuck E Duo, John Eric Duo, Freddie Duran Duo and others Wed (noon -4pm) featuring; Bandstand Shows, Thaddeus Rose, Silhouette or Jukebox
1/2-mile S. of Payson on Hwy 87 1-800-777-PLAY www.777play.com Event Center: Sept 3 - Desperado (Tribute to the Eagles) Oct 8 - Southbound (A Tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd) Apache Spirits Lounge: Entertainment nightly Thurs Sat (live bands, Deejays and Sporting Events)
Paradise Casino
450 Quechan Drive, Yuma 1-888-777- 4946 Sharky’s Bar & Bites: DJ or bands on weekends
Quechan Casino Resort
525 Algodones Rd, Winterhaven CA (Yuma area) 1-877-783-2426 Sidewinders Bar: Free weekend entertainment w/bands or deejays
ARIZONA PLAYER August 2016 19
entertainment
Talking Stick Resort Loop 101 @ Indian Bend Road - Scottsdale 480-850-7734 Showroom: Aug 23 - KMLE 8 Man Jam Sept 11 - The Zombies & Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals Sept 22 thru 24 - Thunder From Down Under (Male Revue) 2 shows on Fri & Sat Oct 1 - Dweezil Zappa Oct 14 - Los Lobos Terry Fator Grand Ballroom: Oct 7 - Cyndi Lauper Nov 18 - Terry Fator Nov 20 - Gabriel Iglesias THE POOL AT Talking Stick Resort Sept 2 - Tedeschi Trucks Band Sept 30 - Alice in Chains Oct 9 - ZZ Top Oct 16 - Foreigner OUTDOOR “Release” Pool Parties are back! - The fun begins every weekend Dance to internationally known dance music artists & Deejays Palo Verde Lounge: Live bandsnightly Shadows Lounge: singles & duos featuring jazz, classic sounds of Sinatra Degree 270 Lounge: Fri & Sat, w/the region’s best DJ’s Orange Sky Restaurant & Lounge: Live jazz
Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort
22181 Resort Blvd (I-40 @ exit 219) Flagstaff (928) 856-7200 Free live entertainment on weekends w/Top Bands in AZ
Vee Quiva Hotel & Casino
The West Valley Casino 51st Ave, 4 miles S. of Baseline - Laveen 1-800-WIN-GILA Event Center: August 27 - December 63(Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons Tribute)Sept 10 - Los Muecas, Sept 16 - Mariachi Rodriguez V Q LIVE: Open Wed - Sat (4pm-7pm & 9pm-1am), Featuring; STR8UP Band, Powerdrive, Rhythm of the Sun, Marty & the Party, Priminition, Chaka & Friends, Latino Rebel Band, Rhythm Edition and others Sunday’s; Mariachi Rodriguez or Mariachi Fiesta Valle Del Sol Bingo Park: Every Saturday at 11pm - BINGO ECLIPSE - Bingo, DJ music, light show & giveaways
Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino
I-10 at Wild Horse Pass exit - Chandler 1-800-WIN-GILA Ovations LIVE! Showroom: Aug 21 - These British Women (Tribute to Great British female singers) Aug 27 - WWF 30 - Wild Horse Pass Casino Fights Sept 2 - Boyz II Men Sept 24 - Sara Evans The Lounge: Midday (Mon10am-3pm) w/ Jukebox 6, Swingtips or Route 66 w/ DJ Danny Davis Late night (Wed - Sun) featuring; The Walkens, Chaka & Friends, Shining Star, Rhythm of the Sun band, Smokestack Lightning or New Frequency CHROME NIGHT CLUB: Fridays & Saturdays - Arizona’s Newest Hot Spot featuring DJ Medik
20 ARIZONA PLAYER August 2016
Sara Evans
ARIZONA PLAYER August 2016 21
gaming news Orange Sky Earns Wine Spectator Restaurant Award Talking Stick Resort’s Orange Sky Restaurant Among 2016 winners Revealed in Wine Spectator’s August Issue Talking Stick Resort’s fine-dining restaurant, Orange Sky, has been honored for its outstanding wine program in Wine Spectator’s 2016 Restaurant Wine List Awards. The restaurant is recognized among other winners from all over the globe as a top destination for wine lovers. “On behalf of Wine Spectator, I’m thrilled to congratulate each and every award-winning restaurant. They should be very proud,” said Marvin R. Shanken, Editor and Publisher, Wine Spectator. “Orange Sky is Talking Stick Resort’s culinary jewel so we’re honored Wine Spectator recognized our wine selection as being one of the best in the country,” said Ramon Martinez, director of public relations for Talking Stick Resort. “The restaurant won the publication’s ‘Award of Excellence’ for five consecutive years but this is the first time we’ve received the ‘Best of Award of Excellence.’ It is a testament to our extensive offerings and a huge honor for our culinary team.” Wine Spectator began its program to recognize the world’s best wine lists in 1981. There are three levels: the Award of Excellence, the Best of Award of Excellence and the Grand Award—with 2,414; 1,093; and 88 winners this year in each respective category. Seven of the Grand Award winners are first timers. Orange Sky at Talking Stick Resort won the Best of Award of Excellence. Best of Award of Excellence recipients offer more extensive selections with significant vintage depth and excellent breadth across multiple regions.
22 ARIZONA PLAYER August 2016
The complete list of award winners is available in print in Wine Spectator’s August issue, on newsstands July 19, and online at the newly minted Restaurants.WineSpectator.com, where visitors can search and access exclusive content on the more than 3,500 restaurants. The full list is also available for free on iOS via the new Restaurant Awards app, which allows users to look for dining spots in any location with maps, choosing by wine strengths, cuisine type, pricing and more. Follow the Restaurant Awards on Twitter and Instagram, join the conversation by using #WSRestaurantAward Located on the 15th floor of Talking Stick Resort, Orange Sky offers a romantic décor, 360degree views of the Valley, aged beef and fresh seafood. The restaurant’s glass wine room contains more than 100 white wine selections, which are stored in a temperature controlled environment of 42 degrees, and red wines that are kept in hand-crafted, cedar wood wine racks. To learn more information about Orange Sky or to make a reservation, call (480) 8508606 or visit www.talkingstickresort.com/orange-sky-restaurant.aspx. Wine Spectator is the world’s leading authority on wine. Anchored by Wine Spectator magazine, a print publication that reaches more than 3 million readers worldwide, the brand also encompasses the Web’s most comprehensive wine site (WineSpectator.com), mobile platforms and a series of signature events.
gaming news
The 2016 State Poker Champion is crowned Captivating Californian Claims Coveted Championship By Phil Scudella
This was the 12th Annual Arizona State Poker Championship and one thing was for sure – It was easily the most entertaining State Championship I have ever witnessed – And I have covered every one of them. Tom Schneider a 4-time WSOP champion hosted the final table on Tuesday Aug.16. The final ten earned their seats by battling through the NLHE tournament from August12 thru the semi-finals on August 15. Trust me on this, the star of the show was a character from northern California going by the name of Pat Lyons. Pat must have had a rabbit’s foot, shamrocks and a horseshoe in his pockets because he kept getting exactly what he needed to snap up an enormous chip lead about three plus hours into the tournament. At one point Pat’s consecutive strings of “All-ins” or calling other players “All-ins” was mind boggling as he continued to scoop up more and more chips, even after being “behind” as the cards were revealed, but he kept getting what he needed on the “flop”, “turn” or “river” to take down huge pots or knock someone out. After one of those hands I remarked to the entertaining Californian “Pat, no matter what you do, after this tournament, you should buy a lottery ticket – it seems to be your day”
No doubt about it, Pat Lyons talked non-stop after every hand for about the last hour and a half of the tournament. He explained, to the other players when the table was down to the final three – “Let’s just declare me the winner, I’ll offer everyone more money, I just want my picture on the wall and the AZ State Poker Championship trophy and Rolex watch” He continued negotiating between hands, during hands and after each hand. He even called a time out to meet with the other three players away from the table to try to sell his plan. Tom Young, the Director of Poker at the Arena Poker Room explained to Pat and the other players that there is only one way to be declared the 2016 Arizona State Poker Champion – You must take every player out and be the last one remaining – then and only then are you awarded $214,700, the $25,000 Rolex watch and trophy plus have you photo added to the Hall of Champions. Game, Set, Match. So now it was back to playing poker. At one point during these continued negotiations at the table, Pat kept
trying to convince John Seaman, who had the next largest stack of chips to reconsider his offer, but John remarked, “even with more money for both of us, you still get the Rolex watch” which prompted Pat to remove his watch and toss it to John “Here, this is a one of a kind collector watch worth over $2,000 – Take it!” But John just pushed the watch back to Pat. To add a little levity to the situation, I said to the Californian “Pat, when you retire from playing poker, I think you should look into being a hostage negotiator for the FBI” Pat just laughed and shook his head in agreement. So, reluctantly Pat Lyons, John Seaman and John Jensen played rather quickly to the ultimate outcome. Within minutes John Jensen went all-In, and both Pat Lyons and John Seaman called, both Seaman and Lyons checked to the river and John Seaman took down the 4.5 million dollar pot and took out John Jensen. In no time at all John Seaman went “All-In” and Pat quickly called – John turned his cards to reveal Jack and a 5 both spades – Pat smiled and turned over a Jack of clubs and 9 of spades – Pat was ahead till the 24 ARIZONA PLAYER August 2016
gaming news
flop, consisting of; 5 of hearts, Ace of Diamonds and Jack of Diamonds… wow, now John was way ahead with 2 pair, Jacks and 5’s with the chance to double his 12 million to 24 million and reduce Pat’s stack from 28 to 16 million. The turn card was a 4 of spades, no help for Pat. He needed a miracle – but he had done exactly that all day. He needed to catch a 9 or pair the board with just one card – the Ace. It seemed like a lightning bolt hit the table as Pat jumped up yelling “YES!” as the Ace of Clubs hit the board to give both players Aces and Jacks, but it was not a chopped pot, since the 9 of spades played, giving Pat: two pair, Aces and Jacks with a 9….to win the 2016 Arizona State Poker Championship!
It all seemed so surreal, but I suppose the ultimate end to a perfect “Tuesday Afternoon” for the Hillsborough, California native Pat Lyons. And as the Moody Blues song seemed to play in my head - I got out my camera to record this amazing event. Congratulations to the 160 players that cashed in this tournament. A total of over $1.5 million was paid out with 160th place returning over $2,000 – There were 1,510 participants in this prestigious event. The Final Table payouts were as follows; 1st: Pat Lyons - $241,700 + $25,000 Rolex watch 2nd: John Seaman - $181,200 3rd: John Jensen - $128,350 4th: Ed Pickens - $94,375 5th: Adam Leyba - $86,825 6th: Terrance Eischens - $71,725 7th: Linglin Zeng - $56,625 8th: Balram Bhandari - $41,525 9th Kevin Steele - $26,425 10th Place: John Dibella - $18,875 For more information about the ARENA Poker Room and upcoming tournaments at Talking Stick Resort, visit www.talkingstickresort.com or call (480) 850-8693. Talking Stick Resort is a AAA Four Diamond Rated Resort and a central landmark within the emerging Talking Stick Cultural and Entertainment Destination located in Scottsdale, east of the Loop 101 on Indian Bend Road. Talking Stick Resort is locally owned and caringly operated by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.
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travel Willcox & Apple Annie’s Orchard by Phil Scudella
If you grew up in the midwest like me, at summer’s end, fruit trees were everywhere, ripe and ready for picking and you could enjoy delicious apples, pears, plums, peaches, cherries and more right off the tree in your yard or one of the neighbors. What has this to do with Willcox, Arizona – and Apple Annie’s Orchard? Especially since I didn’t grow up there? Well, I worked in Willcox, for a few months on KHIL radio when I moved to Arizona during the 4th of July weekend decades ago, so every July, my memory brings me back. So, from time to time we head back to southern Arizona to spend the day at Apple Annie’s Orchard and treat ourselves to some great apples, peaches, pears and lots more right off the trees along with fresh squeezed apple juice and fresh apple pies. It’s quite an experience
– You’ll love it…So bring the family. Here are just some of the summer and fall events coming up. Apple Harvest Celebration (at the Orchard – 2081 West Hardy, it’s easy to find – after all it is a small town)
Aug 27 & 28 and Labor Day weekend, Sept 3,4 & 5 (7:30am-5pm) Celebrate the peak of the apple season with tree-ripened Red, Golden Delicious, Rome Beauty apples and Asian pears that you can pick yourself, if you’d like – so bring the kids!.
Come early for the “All You Can Eat” pancake breakfast (7:30-11:30am) served with hot apple topping or cider syrup. Enjoy Apple-smoked burgers from 11am-3pm. Apple pies are baked fresh daily along with homemade apple crumb pie ice cream. There are lots of other special events like; My-Oh-My Apple Pie Weekend Sept 17 & 18, and don’t miss the Fall Pumpkin Celebration each
26 ARIZONA PLAYER August 2016
weekend Sept 24 thru Oct 31 – Have fun in the 20 acre Corn Maze or an old fashioned hay ride at Apple Annie’s farm located at 6505 Williams Rd. Apple Annie’s Orchard is located at 2081 W. Hardy in Willcox. Open at 8am – July thru October. Phone (520) 384-2084.
Annie’s also has two other locations – The farm (location above) and Apple Annie’s Country Store just off of I-10 exit 340, offering their famous pies, apple bread, fudge, jarred fruits and vegetables, gifts and other Apple Annie’s goodies year round! During your visit, to the Old West, here are places and events not to miss: “65th Annual Rex Allen Days” in Willcox (Sept 29-Oct 2) along with historic places like; “The town too tough to die” Tombstone, AZ, The Chiricahua National Monument and Benson, AZ, to explore the famous Kartchner Caverns. And that’s just the start of so much to see in the Wild West of Southern Arizona.
DAVID AT THE SNACK BAR Suicide Squad Amanda Waller organizes a group of supervillains into an elite force to help the government when threatened by other metaby humans. She takes the most David Ramsey deadly and craziest criminals out of a secret prison puts them under the command of Rick Flag and sends them off with a few special forces soldiers to stop a super being destroying Center City. Included in the miss is the hired assassin who never misses, Deadshot, and the Joker’s girlfriend, Harley Quinn, who is completely nuts. OF course they want to escape but they can’t and that makes for some interesting moments. Meanwhile, the Joker is looking for Harley and doing his best (or is it worst?) to free her. The cast is spectacular but Margo Robbie, as Harley Quinn, steals the show. Stay thru the credits for a scene setting up the new Justice League movie. While not the best super-hero movie, “Suicide Squad” is the best of the DC Universe, so far, and a lot of fun.
Hell or High Water Two brothers resort to robbing banks to save the family farm in West Texas during the most recent economic crisis. They are very smart about it only taking small bills and never robbing customers or hurting anyone. The F. B. I. has other things on their plate and are not interested in spending any time on these two small timers so its up to the Texas Rangers. Marcus is just weeks from retirement and his long suffering partner, Alberto, is counting the days. The acting is superb, even the minor characters are outstanding. The writing makes you care about everyone. This modern western is one of the best movies of the year. In limited release “Hell or High Water” is a little gem of a movie that is worth looking for. 28 ARIZONA PLAYER August 2016
David’s Video Details The Nice Guys
Jackson Healy is the guy you hire when you need something done with a little muscle. Amelia thinks she is being stalked and hires him to stop the men doing it. Jackson tracks down Holland March and asks him to stop, with more than a little persuasion. The only problem is Jackson is a private investigator who has been hired to find Amelia. When things get complicated they team up to find her and stop whomever is behind the attempts on her life. The cast is exceptional with newcomer Angourie Rice, as March’s 13-yearold daughter, stealing the show. “The Nice Guys” delivers action, humor, intrigue and a perfect 1970s look and feel - making for an enjoyable couple of hours.
The Jungle Book
Orphaned and lost in the jungle, Mowgli is raised by a wolf pack. He is friends with most of the animals and avoids the rest. When the tiger Shere Khan threatens to kill him, Mowgli must embark on a long journey to the man village. He accompanied and protected by a panther, Bagheera, a bit of free spirited Bear, Baloo. He not only has Sherte Khan on his trail he faces threats from the snake Kaa and the Baboon King Louie. This remake of the classic animated film is wonderfully done with some of the songs and all of the magic remaining. When you realize that everything except Mowgli is CGI it will blow your mind. «The Jungle Book» is a must see for everyone.
The Huntsman: Winter's War
Before Snow White was born, Eric is kidnapped and forced to join Queen Freya›s army - The Hunstmen. He is raised as a warrior and becomes one of her trusted lieutenants. He falls in love with another warrior, Sara, but when they are found out the Queen banishes them making them believe the other left them behind. Meanwhile, Freya and her sister Ravenna establish their own kingdoms and ravage the land. Jumping forward, the magic mirror is stolen and Ravenna wants its incredible power. Eric and Sara must put the past behind them and unite to stop her. It sounds better than it is. This prequel makes «Snow White and the Huntsman» look like a classic.
David Ramsey is the President and co-founder of the Phoenix Film Critics Society and a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association (The Critics Choice Awards). Watch his reviews on the CBS 5 Morning News every Friday between 5:30 and 6:30am and on ABC-15’s “Sonoran Living Live” every other Friday. Read more of his DVD reviews at WildAboutMovies.com. Contact him at David@TheSnackBar.net.
bingo
Metro Phoenix Games
State-wide Games
Casino Arizona- Scottsdale
Apache Gold Casino - Globe
Daily; 1pm Matinee & 7pm Nightly (Early Birds at 12:30 & 6:30pm) Fri & Sat at Midnight; “Late Night Bingo” w/Music, Light Show and dancing
Fort Mc Dowell Casino - Fountain Hills
Daily; Wed-Mon, 9am, 12:30 & 6:30pm Fri & Sat “Late Night” at 11:30pm Midnight on 1st Sat of each Month; “LUNAR BINGO” Features a DJ w/music, light show and dancing March 19 - Mega Bash 38 game session w/$80,00 in cash and prizes including a 70” LED TV and a Cruise! The FORT features MP Bingo & Planet Bingo NEW BINGO GAMES COMING SOON!
Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino - Maricopa Wed-Sun; 11:30am, 2:30, 3:30 & 6:30pm Evenings features MP Bingo & Super Cover All
Lone Butte Casino - Chandler
Daily; Noon & 6:30pm, plus Sat & Sun Morning at 10am & Minis at 3:30 & 5:30pm Fri & Sat “Bingo After Dark” Party at 10:30pm featuresDJ music, light show & dancing Bingo at 11:30pm
Wed-Sun at Noon Fri, Sat & 1st Mon of Month at 7pm
BlueWater Casino - Parker
Mon-Wed at 6:30pm & Sun at 1:30pm
Casino Del Sol - Tucson
Daily; 2pm (Early Birds at 1:30pm) & 7pm (Early Birds at 6:30pm) BINGO PLAYOFFS! Bingo winners Are invited to Playoffs on Saturday to play 5 special games that pay $500 each! JUST ADDED: March 23 Evening Session $ 20,000 Bingo Bash w games paying $1,199 PLUS the final game pays $10,000!
Cocopah Casino - Somerton (Yuma area) Daily; 1 & 6pm
Desert Diamond - Tucson
Daily; 2pm (Early Bird 1:30pm) 7pm (Early Bird 6pm, warm up 6:30pm)
Mazatzal Casino - Payson
Daily; Noon & 6:30pm (sales at 5pm w/warmups) Double Payoffs on 1st Thurs & 3rd Tues
Paradise Casino - Yuma Daily at 1:30 & 6pm
VeeQuiva Casino - Laveen
Daily; Noon & 6:30pm, Sat 11:30pm “Bingo Eclipse” w/DJ, music & dancing
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Joke page, ASTROLOGY, Casino directory
jokes of the month
Makes Perfect Sense
A Real Country Hoedown
Jethro came down from the hills and got a job at the saw mill and the first day at lunch he noticed a fellow worker Jim Bob opening a strange object. He asked “What is that thing” the worker replied “it’s a Thermos” “What’s it do?” Asked Jethro “Well” said Jim Bob “It keeps hot stuff hot and cold stuff cold” Jethro was intrigued and replied, “Where can I get one of them things?” “In the company store” said Jim Bob The next day Jethro showed up with his new Thermos and Jim Bob asked “What cha got in that thing” Jethro smiled and proudly said “I filled it with chicken soup and Chocolate ice cream”
Herbie, a born and raised city guy always wanted to live in the country, so he bought a 40 acre ranch in the hills 30 miles from town. He was sitting on the porch swing of his new house taking in the fresh country air and a beautiful sunset when a muddy off road pickup truck pulls up. “Howdy, neighbor!” yells the cowboy, “my name’s Zeb, I live on the cattle ranch next door, I came to invite you to a little Welcome to the Neighborhood party at my place tonight.” “Well, that’s mighty nice of you,” replied Herbie. “It’s going to be great,” Zeb adds. “There’s gonna be a lota eatin’, drinkin’, singing, dancin’ and
skinny dippin’ in my new pool”’ “Sounds like a lot of fun” said Herb. “What should I wear?” “Don’t matter,” replied Zeb “It’s just gonna be you and me!”
No Respect Story Rodney Dangerfield had his car repaired at a shady downtown garage. When he was ready to pay the bill he asked “What’s with the $200 charge?” What happened to your $100 estimate?” The mechanic grabbed the bill, studied it then replied “Sorry, I forgot it…make it $300!”
Leo July 23 to Aug 23
Scorpio Oct 24 to Nov 22
Aquarius Jan 21 to Feb 19
Taurus April 21 to May 21
Virgo Aug 24 to Sept 23
Sagittarius Nov 23 to Dec 21
Pisces Feb 20 to Mar 20
Gemini May 22 to June 21
Capricorn Dec 22 to Jan 20
Cancer June 22 to July 22
Aug 7–14 Aug 15–22 Aug 23–31 Sep 1–7 Aug 7–14 Aug 15–22 Aug 23–31 Sep 1–7
Pleasant surprise soon Exciting adventure ahead Play late this week You will receive many gifts Timing is perfect Return to old haunt Luck returns and you win Time to call old friend
Libra Sept 24 to Oct 23
Aug 7–14 Aug 15–22 Aug 23–31 Sep 1–7
Cards work in your favor Be careful of a trap The big one is near Really fun trip ahead
Aug 7–14 Aug 15–22 Aug 23–31 Sep 1–7 Aug 7–14 Aug 15–22 Aug 23–31 Sep 1–7 Aug 7–14 Aug 15–22 Aug 23–31 Sep 1–7
CASINO DIRECTORY a
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a
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1. Apache Gold Hotel Resort Casino • (Globe) San Carlos Apache Tribe-slots bingo & blackjack & Entertainment (800) 272-2438 2. BlueWater Resort Casino • (Parker) Colorado River Indian Tribe-slots bingo blackjack poker & Entertainment (888) 243-3360 3. Bucky’s Casino • (Prescott) Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe-slots, poker & blackjack (800) 756-8744 3a. Yavapai Casino & Gaming Center • (Prescott) Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe-slots (800) 756-8744 5. Casino Arizona @ 101 & McKellips • (Scottsdale) Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community-slots bingo blackjack Keno & Entertainment (480) 850-7777 30 ARIZONA PLAYER August 2016
Travel east for reward A new friend arrives Old trick works magic Everyone will be thrilled
Stick with your system Unexpected pleasure Right place for now Stick with your convictions Kindness pays big time Surprising turn of events Plan fall trip now Get back to basics
Aug 7–14 Aug 15–22 Aug 23–31 Sep 1–7 Aug 7–14 Aug 15–22 Aug 23–31 Sep 1–7
Stay late to win big Exciting trip soon Play with your gut The big one is very near
Newfound talent is a success You do have the answer Call from past surprises Good times around corner
Aries Mar 21 to April 20
Aug 7–14 Aug 15–22 Aug 23–31 Sep 1–7
Plan trip you wanted Be cautious at very least Invite new friend out Very lucky week
6. Casino Del Sol Resort • (Tucson) Pascua Yaqui Tribe-slots bingo poker blackjack & Entertainment (800) 344-9435 7. Casino of the Sun • (Tucson) Pascua Yaqui Tribe-slots (520) 883-1700 8. Cliff Castle Casino • (Camp Verde) Yavapai-Apache Nation-slots blackjack poker & Entertainment (800) 381-7568 9. Cocopah Casino • (Yuma) Cocopah Tribe-slots bingo blackjack & Entertainment (800) 237-5687 10. Desert Diamond Casino Hotel • (Tucson) Tohono O’Odham Nation-Old Nogales Hwy slots keno bingo poker & Entertainment (520) 294-7777 10a. Desert Diamond - I-19 • (south of Tucson) slots blackjack & Entertainment (520) 294-7777 10b. Desert Diamond • (Why) Tohono O’Odham Nation-Slots 10c. Desert Diamond West Valley • (Glendale) Slots 11. Fort McDowell Casino • (Fountain Hills) Fort McDowell-Yavapai Nation-slots keno bingo poker blackjack & Entertainment (480) 837-1424 12. Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino • (Chandler) Gila River Indian Community-slots keno blackjack poker & Entertainment (800) 946-4452 13. Gila River Vee Quiva Hotel & Casino • (Laveen) Gila River Indian Community-slots bingo blackjack poker & Entertainment (800) 946-4452
Aug 7–14 Aug 15–22 Aug 23–31 Sep 1–7 Aug 7–14 Aug 15–22 Sep 23–31 Sep 1–7 Aug 7–14 Aug 15–22 Aug 23–31 Sep 1–7
Be aware of surroundings Right place this week Keep promise you made Terrific hunch brings victory
Make move – time is right Crazy idea but it pays Plenty of fun this week Sounds silly, but it works
Good chance to hit pay-dirt Call friend for advice Old pal returns – be careful Exciting week coming up
14. Gila River Lone Butte Casino • (Chandler) Gila River Indian Community-slots bingo blackjack & Entertainment (800) 946-4452 16. Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino (Maricopa) Ak-Chin Indian Community - slots keno poker bingo blackjack & Entertainment (480) 802-5000 17. Hon-Dah Resort-Casino • (Pinetop) White Mountain Apache Tribe - slots poker & Entertainment (800) 929-8744 18. Mazatzal Hotel Casino • (Payson) Tonto Apache Tribe - slots bingo poker blackjack & Entertainment (800) 777-7529 19. Paradise Casino • (Yuma) Fort Yuma Quechan Tribe - slots bingo.& Live Entertainment (888) 777-4946 19a Quechan Casino Resort • (Winterhaven, CA) Fort Yuma Quechan Tribe - slots table games poker & Entertainment 20. Spirit Mountain Casino • (Bullhead City) Fort Mohave Indian Tribe-slots (888) 837-4030 21. Talking Stick Resort • (Scottsdale) Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community-slots poker blackjack Keno & Entertainment (480) 850-7777 22. Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort • (Flagstaff) Navajo Nation - Slots, Table Games, Poker, Keno & Entertainment