Hi, 

I’ve been a poker player on and off (and more/less serious about it) for a long time (ie before Moneymaker). Recently the pendulum has swung in the more serious direction thanks to finding a regular local game that has been profitable and rekindled my competitive desire. My desire for more study lead me to Thinking Poker, then the TPE Podcast, and now here.

I’m planning on a trip out to Vegas for my first WSOP in late June/early July. I’ve been before but never for WSOP and never so long.  I’m staying at the Gold Coast (thanks to the advice on the TPE Podcast). I have a few questions – 

1) I’m thinking it would be a good idea to bring snacks. The only result I got when I googled for Supermarkets near the Gold Coast was a japanese grocery store. Looks to be in walking distance… Thought it would be a reasonable place to get decent gaming snacks. Yes? Any other tips?

2) Bathroom breaks – I’ve heard lines can be long… and a break every two hours… I mean, I played in a Circuit event at Cherokee, getting there and back was fine. Any good tips (other than watch the coffee consumption?)

3) Meal breaks – what’s the tech on getting decently priced non-garbage food? I see that there’s a Subway in the Gold Coast, toying with the idea of just getting a footlong and bringing it with. 

4) I will be there for the 600 deep stack, the colossus, and probably the 888. I will probably also look for some other tournament series that weekend (June 29/30). I know there’s a bunch of MTT options, any advice on low (sub $1k) tournaments for that weekend?

5) Temperature – I’ve heard the main room at the Rio is cold. True? Do I need to bring a hoodie? I’m generally a bit warm-natured (I don’t usually need a coat) but I don’t want to be uncomfortable.

Any other advice for a first timer?