POKER GUIDE TO : Poker in Madrid (lots of photos)

Most of you are watching Triton Madrid so I thought I write a review about Poker in Madrid, specifically at the Gran Via Casino where Paul Phua won his first Triton title last night. Heartiest congratulations!

Typical Spanish colorful market

Retiro Park, 10 minute walk from Gran Via Casino

I've been to Madrid twice, both times I played at the Gran Via. It is right in the middle of the city, close to many famous attractions like Plaza Major, Retiro Park, Royal Palace, etc. The casino is within an old building so it has a James Bond type feel to it. The interior is classy and feels more like a private club than a casino. When I was there they were spreading €1/3, 2/5, 5/10, 10/20 games. I had a good session on one of the €10/20 games where I won €8500 making my month long trip to Spain a profitable one. You can read more about that trip here. The weird thing about this casino is the cash games are run counter clockwise. To this day I still don't know the real reason why they do that and it's the only room that I've played in that does that. 

6-8 cash game tables almost every day

Ran good on €10/20

They serve free drinking water and pre-COVID even had free finger food and snacks but understandably now it has been removed. However the casino is close to many nice restaurants that are just minutes away. The higher stakes games are pretty tough but the PLO was quite soft in my opinion. I didn't play any of the lower stakes but they seem okay to play. I'm not sure about rake but I remembered it being quite reasonable compared to typical Asian rake systems. Dealers all speak fluent English but knowing some Spanish does help you make friends on the table. They have an effective queuing system and for €50 deposit they will give you a buzzer to let you know your seat is available. Staff are friendly and fast and tipping is welcomed and encouraged. 

I spent the whole month traveling to 8 cities in Spain. Madrid is a cosmopolitan city with deep history, beautiful architecture and wonderful food. Food in Spain can be on the salty side but still yummy nonetheless. I went to a restaurant that was featured in the late-Anthony Bourdain's show and his table and photos were displayed there proudly. Another must have is the Churros with chocolate and after trying most of the shops our favorite is still Las Farolas. For the famous Spanish breakfast tortillas head for Casa Dani for yummy egg and potatoes. 

Anthony Bourdain - GOAT food & travel host

Yummy yummy

Great food everywhere

Overall Spain is an affordable destination. Food, hotel, transportation are quite reasonably priced compared to most European cities. If you run well on €5/10 you should comfortably cover your expenses. Ours was on the high side as we did a lot of last minute travel and hotel bookings, mostly stayed in 4-star hotels and ate at nice restaurants. It is not unreasonable to spend €50 or less a day for everything. The people are mostly nice but some do not speak English. If you have the time you should visit nearby towns Segovia and Toledo. Unfortunately we had to choose one and didn't make it to Toledo but will definitely do so on our next visit. 

Segovia is breathtaking

Famous aqueduct still intact