Since I moved to Minnesota in December 2011, I've spent a considerable amount of time playing cards at both Canterbury Park and Running Aces. Which one I choose to play at depends on a multitude of factors, including but limited to (1) time of day (2) day of the week (3) weather (4) traffic (5) time of year (6) game selection, etc. For example, I prefer to play at Canterbury on nights when a lot of the Survival tournaments are running, and at Running Aces when an Omaha Hi game is being spread. I'm not a big fan of limit hold'em, so if I want to play during the day I will usually choose Running Aces, as their 2-100 spread game runs probably 20 hours per day. However, I also enjoy playing the 6/12 Omaha 8 game at both rooms, so sometimes I will venture down to Canterbury during the day.
Do I have a favorite between the two? I can't say I do. Although it seems like there's a friendly rivalry between the two rooms, I have no intention to choose a side. A true poker player should recognize and embrace the benefits of both rooms. Compared to the options I was given back in Lansing, Michigan, Canterbury and Running Aces are both fantastic. If I wanted to play a decent game or tournament, I had to drive at least an hour to either Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort in Mount Pleasant or Motor City Casino in downtown Detroit (yuck!). The fact that there is two card rooms within 30 minutes of my residence that offer daily tournaments and cash games is truly a treat! However, that doesn't mean there isn't advantages or disadvantages to each room.
One advantage to playing at Canterbury Park is the Survival tournaments. If you enjoy no-limit holdem cash games Survivals are the closest thing you will find to them in Minnesota. Canterbury recently started spreading $1000 and $2500 Survivals each Tuesday, starting between 6:00 and 7:00 pm. Although I haven't played in any of those games, it seems like some of the best players in Minnesota are playing in them, which is great to see. Canterbury also has the advantage of a larger player pool, via closer proximity to more populated areas than Running Aces. However, considering their location, I think Running Aces does a great job attracting players. Their comp system is fantastic and the staff values the opinions of players significantly more than your average poker room.
One advantage to playing at Running Aces is the daily tournaments. Although the term #BestStructureAround has been thrown around a little bit too much, it's definitely true. Running Aces has put a significant effort into improving their tournament structures over the past year, and hopefully the #'s show. I know that I'm far more likely to play a tournament at Running Aces today than I was 12-18 months ago. However, just because Running Aces has slightly better tournament structures doesn't mean I'm not going to play tournaments at Canterbury too. I love the $235 Wednesday night tournament there because I get a chance to play against the best players in Minnesota, plus the 30-minute blind levels is an added bonus. Canterbury has also improved several of their tournament structures in the past year, and those efforts are definitely appreciated.
Regardless of the advantages/disadvantages of each room, one key factor that keeps me coming back (besides my passion for the game) is the customer service each room provides. I've had very productive conversations with tournament directors at both Canterbury and Running Aces regarding structure improvements. Considering I'm only 24 years old and don't have an established reputation in the Minnesota Poker Community, I haven't expected much from these conversations. However, they have been very productive. It's pretty evident that the opinions of individuals like me are not only valued, but taken into account regarding changes to tournament structures for the better of the players. Both rooms don't have to listen to a younger poker player like me to be successful, so I truly appreciate the efforts Canterbury and Running Aces have made recently to not only make their players happy, but also improve their business. I'm sure these efforts will continue, and I'm excited to continue playing at both rooms for a long time.
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