If you're getting sick of the garish decor, jam-packed corridors and noise pollution that are some of the hallmarks of the Rio, you might consider sauntering down to the Rio's considerably more low-key neighbor, the Gold Coast.

Although the slower pace of the Gold Coast is not for all, jump in one of the cash games here and you will face off against an eclectic mix of characters.

I found this out last night as I settled down to play some $1/$2 NLHE. I took my seat and was amazed to find myself at a table comprised primarily of Germans.

One in particular was hard to ignore, given that he raised liberally and bet virtually every flop - preceding each raise with a look at his cards and an announcement of "whoops, I raise!"

The max buy-in was $200 and he was sat with $450 which had turned into $650 by the end of the night. Despite his run-good donk-tard-iness, he kept the table entertained and always made sure he bought people he stacked a drink.

In between hands he was very keen to tell the table about his new bride.

"I like 'em blonde, tall and busty!" he said with a twinkle in his eye, and I could sense the relief from the short brunette I at the table with.

After several hours I had eked out just a small $16 profit but had had plenty of free drinks and a great time to show for it, making it an enjoyable night all in all.

Need a break from the Rio? Take my advice, get down to the Gold Coast, put your name on the cash game list, hit the waitress up for a free white russian and play some poker.

You never know - whoops, you might just like it!