Metro Card Club Review

Located in Pasay, within the vicinity of Resorts World Manila, Metro Card Club primarily functions as a casino, specifically renowned for its poker offerings. User reviews present a mixed but insightful picture of this establishment, highlighting its strengths for poker enthusiasts alongside areas that could benefit from improvement.

The Poker Experience: Pros and Cons

For those drawn to the felt, Metro Card Club offers a vibrant and active poker environment, but it comes with its unique set of characteristics.

What Works Well 👍

1. Extensive Game Selection: Players will find a substantial number of tables and ongoing games. This venue is praised for offering both a wide array of tournaments and cash games that run 24/7.
2. Accessibility in Stakes: A significant draw is the availability of super low stakes games, starting from 25/50 PHP, making it accessible for players of varying bankrolls.
3. Dedicated Player Base: The crowd is often described as "more serious and focused on winning hands," which can be appealing to those looking for competitive play rather than a casual casino atmosphere.
4. Competent Staff: Reviews frequently commend the staff for being "super friendly," and the dealers are often regarded as "some of the best in Manila," contributing positively to the gameplay experience.

Areas for Improvement 👎

1. Atmosphere and Ambiance: One of the most common criticisms points to the "rather tense" atmosphere. Unlike more opulent casino environments, Metro Card Club leans towards a more utilitarian poker room feel, which some might find less inviting.
2. Condition of Equipment: The physical condition of the chips and tables is a recurring concern. Chips are described as "sticky" and "changed colors," having "seen their best times," while the table felt and leather appear "heavily used and sticky." This detracts from the overall comfort and aesthetic.
3. Location and Accessibility: The club's location can be challenging to reach, with some users reporting difficulty for ride-sharing drivers to find it. Furthermore, the area around the poker room is considered "unpleasant" by one reviewer, suggesting it's not ideal for visiting at night. Traffic is also a significant factor to consider when planning a visit.
4. Operational Peculiarities: Some players have encountered unusual operational rules, such as a requirement to inform the floorman how many hours one intends to play at high roller cash game tables. There have also been concerning reports of dealers allegedly allowing "in-house players to return chips to a losing player," raising questions about fair play and collusion.

Overall Assessment

Metro Card Club stands out as a dedicated poker hub in Manila, particularly for its diverse game offerings, low stakes options, and a committed player community. For serious poker players looking for consistent action and skilled dealers, it often hits the mark as a primary destination.

However, potential visitors should be aware of its shortcomings, particularly concerning the aged facility, the somewhat intense atmosphere, and certain operational practices. While it provides "good enough to play a few hands and enjoy some poker," players seeking a more "hospitable, cleaner, and better atmosphere" might find other options in Manila more to their liking. Planning travel time carefully, especially due to traffic, is also highly recommended.