While the WSOP will be the primary event on everyone's mind, it will not be the only events in town.  There are several events around town that run concurrently with the 2010 WSOP and can even serve as tune-ups for the WSOP.  Let's look at a few.


Las Vegas is waiting for you

Binions' Poker Classic

This is the fourth year for the Binions' Poker Class at Binions' Gambling Hall in downtown Las Vegas.  Yes, the same place that hosted the WSOP until 2003.  The series of events offers a nice mix to choose from including events in Limit Holdem, HORSE, Stud 8 or Better, Omaha, and NL Holdem.  Many of the events are priced between $150 and $300.  Amateurs and pros alike will play in these events as tune-ups.  Go to Binions' website for more details.

Golden Nugget Grand Poker Series

Another series that draws a strong following is the Grand Poker Series at the Golden Nugget in downtown Vegas.  If you like deep stack events that are not crapshoots, this is your event.  Events are mainly priced from $125 to $230 and if you are a mixed games player, this is a series you should check out.  Three Stud 8 events, five HORSE events, as well as numerous Omaha events make this a mixed game lovers paradise.  There are plenty of NL tournaments as well.  Each event starts with 12,000 in chips and each level is 40 minutes.  If you need a place to stay, they offer $39 a night rates during the week too.  Check out Golden Nugget's website for more details.

Venetian Deep Stack Extravaganza

This series is the preferred series for NL players.  The schedule is predominantly NL with a few mixed tourneys sprinkled throughout.  This one is a bit pricier with the buy-ins ranging $340 to $2,100 for most events.  Players start anywhere from 12,000 to 20,000 in chips depending on the event.  For more details on this event go to the Venetian's website.

While the 2010 WSOP will have some of the biggest fields and the largest prizes this summer, there is plenty of money to be made in other parts of Vegas.  If you have a small bankroll or are looking for a way to sharpen up your skills before your big WSOP event, check out some of the above tournaments.  They are great ways to build your bankroll and possibly allow you take more shots at a WSOP bracelet.  Good luck to you this summer.

-compncards