Mardi Gras Gaming Center & Racetrack has moved its poker room down to the first floor.

The cards began flying at 4 a.m. Friday, said Wil Herrera, director of poker operations.

The 30 tables are at the north part of the building, with a distinct entrance for the poker players. The no-limit players have a nice area closer to the dog track; the limit games are pretty much on the other side, and automatic shufflers are in place at many tables.

"Poker players know that a fast game is a happy game," Herrera said.

Herrera called it a "more upscale" location. Players have a full service liquor bar, video poker bar tops and their own kitchen with sit down meal service.

The poker room had been on the second floor, near the dog track simulcast area but pretty much off to the side. The slots are on the first and third floors. Being on the same floor as the ding-ding-ding of slot machines, with nice lighting and new chairs makes a big difference, said player Kenny Baker of Hollywood.

"It's 100 times better," he said.

Chris Harris of Hallandale Beach, who says he comes to Mardi Gras for "the personalities," agrees.

"It feels more like a poker room," he said. "They've really stepped it up a lot."

I stuck around and played a little big, and liked the chairs. I also felt I was at a table of decent players, which suits my game more. (As they say, you can't bluff a bad player.) I did have a problem hearing my name get called from the brush stand, they have a little work to do on the sound system, I think.

Mardi Gras players, and others: Does a new poker room affect where you decide to play?