Payneham closed, Alma huge

[mr_niceguy_1979]

Went down to the Alma last night to start the season, was quite shocked when they filled EVERY table and had 80 runners. FOund out that this was a result of the new promotion that got everyone down to their local NPL venue... Nah not really, Payneham closed so Alma doubled in numbers.

Was good to get smashed by Brock's and Nick Cresswell's pocket Aces twice in the 1st session to lose both my cards Had 500 at the break, but my card got drawn at the break for an extra 1k, then tripled up twice to be in pretty good position until my trip 4s with a Q kicked got taken down by trip 4s with an A kicker, ouch!

[muzzington]

Great to hear they doubled their numbers.

[rcon]

It was the first time I've played in the upstairs area at the Alma, tho I haven't played there for a while.

Quite an nice area - lots of potential, however with 80 runners, we were a little cramped. Did not get out on to the balcony - would be excellent in summer.

Was also a little shocked when ordering my meal - having selected an $11.90 burger, I wasn't too surprised to be told I'd only get 3 stamps, however when I asked which meal would get me 4, I was told all meals were 3 stamps only. That really doesn't seem quite right.

Schooner of pale upstairs was $4, however this also received 2 stamps. Pints downstairs were $5.10 I believe and they were also 2


Pool table I think was resurfaced a couple of months ago so is also in excellent nick - was previously rather patchy - the sticks (can't bring myself to call them cues in this case) were wonky and one had the tip held on by tape. Not really too good.

All in all, I enjoyed playing back there last night, cards not withstanding.

[mr_niceguy_1979]

Plus the table service offered by the promo girl was fantastic

$5 and 2 stamps for a promotional beer, different each week I think

[rcon]

$5 and 2 stamps for a promotional beer, different each week I think

I'm pretty sure the Alma has a deal with Amsted(Amsel? I can't remember the name of it), but it is the same beer for $5/2 stamps every time I've played there.

Plus the table service offered by the promo girl was fantastic

Quite I wouldn't drink that beer tho

[AceLosesKing]

Was also a little shocked when ordering my meal - having selected an $11.90 burger, I wasn't too surprised to be told I'd only get 3 stamps, however when I asked which meal would get me 4, I was told all meals were 3 stamps only. That really doesn't seem quite right.

And friend and I were just talking about this last night. We agreed that no matter where you go, meals should be 4 stamps. What do you guys think? I guess it can depend on what you order (say a plate of chips vs a steak), and the price, but in my opinion a meal should really be 4 stamps.

Just last week a player was given 2 stamps for his meal at a local B&G game - now, I don't know what he ordered, but if that was me I'd be pretty annoyed, especially considering when he told the table another player said they got 4 stamps for their meal.

Yay for the Alma though - doubling numbers is a great achievement.

[rcon]

Yay for the Alma though - doubling numbers is a great achievement.

I like the Alma, tho I have the most shocking record there. I do not think they did much to increase their numbers, unless they had a little chat to the Payneham about letting them have Monday's all to themselves!

[Bacon]

Dinner = 4 stamps should be the go. 3 stamps just stuffs up your cards (if you keep buying beer, you have an odd stamp).

Mind you, I got the Roast of the Day at Cavan one night for $7.90 and got my 4 stamps Order an entree sized S&P squid (guessing that'd be about $10) and you only get 2 stamps. Go figure....

Pretty sure some places have a cut-off (Under $10 - 3 stamps, over $10 4 stamps) for dinner. That's smarter stamping.

[stevo]

Was my first time to play at the Alma last night, seems like it will be a good venue for this season, especially if those numbers continue, will be interesting to see how many they get for the next few weeks.

It was cramped with 80 runners though. I lost count of the amount of times I had to move my chair to let people past, will have to try and get a seat near one of the walls next time so that I don't have to move all the time. Also, second hand of the night someone moves their hand in the way when I am trying to deal to the other end of the table and reveals the card, and then someone spills their drink all over the table and cards so we have to get a new deck and count it and then redeal, wasn't a good start to the night.

I'll have to remember to eat at home before I go though if they are only giving 3 stamps for meals

[BigPete33]

I think generally speaking a meal should be 4 stamps but given they have $4 pints that are still 2 stamps I'm sure you can see the trade-off.

If your meal is under $10 it's probly really only worth 3 stamps in terms of $ value but at the same time if they want to promote responsible drinking (just nod your heads venue managers) there should be encouragement to eat a meal.