Wednesday, January 31, 2007
The Cipher Thief Update
Well folks, this just keeps getting better. We have had more people come foreward and now the amount stolen is exceeding $150K. We have several people working on this including reporters and law enforcement so stay tuned !!
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
The Cipher Thief
Sorry for the downtime all, I have been busy with work, an illness in the family and Most of all gathering information on Cipher the wizard of Blackjack.
It seems that this guy has been selling his own blackjack system and ripping people off thier hard earned cash. So far the totals are around $40k he has stole from people. BEWARE of this guy, and PLEASE do NOT give him any money. If your intersted in keeping up on this issue visit theopu.com See thread in Playersunion Lounge Titled *A Scammer in our Midst*
It seems that this guy has been selling his own blackjack system and ripping people off thier hard earned cash. So far the totals are around $40k he has stole from people. BEWARE of this guy, and PLEASE do NOT give him any money. If your intersted in keeping up on this issue visit theopu.com See thread in Playersunion Lounge Titled *A Scammer in our Midst*
Saturday, January 27, 2007
OPU/Vegas357 FPL League
Hello friends, tomorrow is the next FPL game so go to theopu.com or Freakyways.com and sign up, you'll be glad you did !!
Free $50.00 Freerolls, and a chance to get a piece of $1200.00 !!
Free $50.00 Freerolls, and a chance to get a piece of $1200.00 !!
Friday, January 26, 2007
Update From Governmental Affairs Committee Of The WPA
On behalf of the Governmental Affairs Committee, the following report is provided to inform WPA members about ongoing activities of governmental agencies and regulatory authorities that affect the worldwide poker community.
During the past several weeks, two government prosecutions have dominated the news in the worldwide poker community - one in London and the other in New York.
On or about January 16th, Derek Kelly, Chairman of the Gutshot Private Members Club in London was found guilty of running illegal poker games in 2004 and 2005, violating the UK's Gaming Act of 1968.
Gutshot Private Members Club has vowed to appeal the court's ruling, insisting that the Club will continue its operations, fines applied by the Court notwithstanding. Mr. Kelly indicates that he is confident he will succeed on appeal. In the meantime, a date for sentencing and consideration of costs has been set for February 16, 2007. The judge has been quoted in British newspapers as saying, "I do not consider this to be a case where any sentence of imprisonment is appropriate."
Meanwhile, in the United States, millions of American Internet-based poker players have been rocked by recent events in the Department of Justice's expanded and aggressive efforts to eliminate online betting among U.S. residents in accordance with its interpretation of its mandate, following the enactment of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 ("UIGEA").
Last week, DOJ unsealed indictments against Neteller founders and former executives of the company, Stephen Lawrence and John Lefebvre, who were charged with money laundering by the United States Attorney's Office of the Southern District of New York.
In announcing the indictments, US Attorney Michael J. Garcia stated that the arrests were made in connection with the alleged "creation and operation of an Internet payment services company that facilitated the transfer of billions of dollars of illegal gambling proceeds from US citizens to the owners of various Internet gambling companies located overseas."
The DOJ's broadening investigation into Internet-based gaming, following the enactment of the UIGEA, has triggered unprecedented concern for the viability of safe and secure vehicles for deposits of funds by U.S.-based gamblers into online gaming companies.
The expanded worries are partly attributed to the DOJ's action of January 22, 2007 to reach out to several large-scale international investment and commercial banking institutions in an unprecedented move, apparently to obtain e-mail and telephone records for further discovery and prosecution purposes in their investigation of illegal Internet-based gaming activity.
Internet gaming organizations that presently accept bets from US gamblers have been quick to offer assurances that players' monies are totally secure at their sites. Some of them, however, have notified customers of the need to delay cash outs temporarily, in order to facilitate necessary changes in the processing of these transactions.
The WPA Government Affairs Committee has put together two discrete website lists for your consideration and review of government activity that relates to poker. The first group covers the waterfront:
Casino City - http://www.casinocity.com
E-Gaming Review - http://www.egrmagazine.com/
Gambling Law US State Laws - http://www.gambling-law-us.com/State-Laws/
Gambling Links Legal Section - http://www.gamblinglinks.com/legal.html
Gambling Rights America - http://www.gamblingrightsamerica.org
Online Poker FAQ - http://www.onlinepokerfaq.com/uigea.html
Pocket Fives - http://www.pocketfives.com/
Poker News - http://www.pokernews.com/
Text of UIGEA (Title VIII of the SAFE Port Act) - http://www.rules.house.gov/109_2nd/text/hr4954cr/hr49543_portscr.pdf
The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 Analyzed - http://www.gamblingandthelaw.com/columns/2006_act.htm
Two Plus Two Publishing - http://www.twoplustwo.com/
UNLV Libraries - Selected Internet Resources on Gaming - http://library.nevada.edu/subjects/gaming_Internet.html
The second group is more narrowly targeted:
Arizona - http://www.azgaming.gov/index.htm
California - http://caag.state.ca.us/gambling/index.htm
Colorado - http://revenue.state.co.us/Gaming/home.asp
Connecticut - http://www.ct.gov/dosr/site/default.asp
Florida - http://www.fla-gaming.com/
Illinois - http://www.igb.state.il.us/
Nevada - http://gaming.nv.gov/
New Jersey - http://njdge.org
New York - http://www.racing.state.ny.us/
Texas - http://www.txrc.state.tx.us/
While the WPA does not offer any opinion regarding the validity of the information provided on any of the above mentioned websites, we consider it our obligation to point you in the direction of material that members have brought to our attention that may be of some utility.
We invite and encourage you to continue to provide us with your recommendations for additions and changes in our published list.
The Government Affairs Committee looks forward to a positive resolution to the current business uncertainties that have been created both by the trial of Derek Kelly of Gutshot in London and the recently enacted federal legislation in America.
It would seem that the issue of skill vs. chance will continue to dominate the discussion in determining the legality of poker in jurisdictions where gaming is under fire.
Cordially,
Wendeen H. Eolis
Chairman, Government Affairs Committee
World Poker Association
All the best in 2007!
Warm Regards,
Jesse Jones
World Poker Association
There is a lot of great infomation here folks, read and learn then get involved, keep internet gaming alive.
William
During the past several weeks, two government prosecutions have dominated the news in the worldwide poker community - one in London and the other in New York.
On or about January 16th, Derek Kelly, Chairman of the Gutshot Private Members Club in London was found guilty of running illegal poker games in 2004 and 2005, violating the UK's Gaming Act of 1968.
Gutshot Private Members Club has vowed to appeal the court's ruling, insisting that the Club will continue its operations, fines applied by the Court notwithstanding. Mr. Kelly indicates that he is confident he will succeed on appeal. In the meantime, a date for sentencing and consideration of costs has been set for February 16, 2007. The judge has been quoted in British newspapers as saying, "I do not consider this to be a case where any sentence of imprisonment is appropriate."
Meanwhile, in the United States, millions of American Internet-based poker players have been rocked by recent events in the Department of Justice's expanded and aggressive efforts to eliminate online betting among U.S. residents in accordance with its interpretation of its mandate, following the enactment of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 ("UIGEA").
Last week, DOJ unsealed indictments against Neteller founders and former executives of the company, Stephen Lawrence and John Lefebvre, who were charged with money laundering by the United States Attorney's Office of the Southern District of New York.
In announcing the indictments, US Attorney Michael J. Garcia stated that the arrests were made in connection with the alleged "creation and operation of an Internet payment services company that facilitated the transfer of billions of dollars of illegal gambling proceeds from US citizens to the owners of various Internet gambling companies located overseas."
The DOJ's broadening investigation into Internet-based gaming, following the enactment of the UIGEA, has triggered unprecedented concern for the viability of safe and secure vehicles for deposits of funds by U.S.-based gamblers into online gaming companies.
The expanded worries are partly attributed to the DOJ's action of January 22, 2007 to reach out to several large-scale international investment and commercial banking institutions in an unprecedented move, apparently to obtain e-mail and telephone records for further discovery and prosecution purposes in their investigation of illegal Internet-based gaming activity.
Internet gaming organizations that presently accept bets from US gamblers have been quick to offer assurances that players' monies are totally secure at their sites. Some of them, however, have notified customers of the need to delay cash outs temporarily, in order to facilitate necessary changes in the processing of these transactions.
The WPA Government Affairs Committee has put together two discrete website lists for your consideration and review of government activity that relates to poker. The first group covers the waterfront:
Casino City - http://www.casinocity.com
E-Gaming Review - http://www.egrmagazine.com/
Gambling Law US State Laws - http://www.gambling-law-us.com/State-Laws/
Gambling Links Legal Section - http://www.gamblinglinks.com/legal.html
Gambling Rights America - http://www.gamblingrightsamerica.org
Online Poker FAQ - http://www.onlinepokerfaq.com/uigea.html
Pocket Fives - http://www.pocketfives.com/
Poker News - http://www.pokernews.com/
Text of UIGEA (Title VIII of the SAFE Port Act) - http://www.rules.house.gov/109_2nd/text/hr4954cr/hr49543_portscr.pdf
The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 Analyzed - http://www.gamblingandthelaw.com/columns/2006_act.htm
Two Plus Two Publishing - http://www.twoplustwo.com/
UNLV Libraries - Selected Internet Resources on Gaming - http://library.nevada.edu/subjects/gaming_Internet.html
The second group is more narrowly targeted:
Arizona - http://www.azgaming.gov/index.htm
California - http://caag.state.ca.us/gambling/index.htm
Colorado - http://revenue.state.co.us/Gaming/home.asp
Connecticut - http://www.ct.gov/dosr/site/default.asp
Florida - http://www.fla-gaming.com/
Illinois - http://www.igb.state.il.us/
Nevada - http://gaming.nv.gov/
New Jersey - http://njdge.org
New York - http://www.racing.state.ny.us/
Texas - http://www.txrc.state.tx.us/
While the WPA does not offer any opinion regarding the validity of the information provided on any of the above mentioned websites, we consider it our obligation to point you in the direction of material that members have brought to our attention that may be of some utility.
We invite and encourage you to continue to provide us with your recommendations for additions and changes in our published list.
The Government Affairs Committee looks forward to a positive resolution to the current business uncertainties that have been created both by the trial of Derek Kelly of Gutshot in London and the recently enacted federal legislation in America.
It would seem that the issue of skill vs. chance will continue to dominate the discussion in determining the legality of poker in jurisdictions where gaming is under fire.
Cordially,
Wendeen H. Eolis
Chairman, Government Affairs Committee
World Poker Association
All the best in 2007!
Warm Regards,
Jesse Jones
World Poker Association
There is a lot of great infomation here folks, read and learn then get involved, keep internet gaming alive.
William
Thursday, January 25, 2007
U.S. NETeller arrests deal blow to Net gambling
LAS VEGAS - Though payment processor Neteller PLC is the latest and largest such company to pull out of the lucrative but illegal U.S. online gambling market, industry observers said other e-wallet sites would come forward to take its place.
The arrest of its founders on U.S. soil on money laundering charges and the company's delicate position as a publicly traded British company forced it to cease handling U.S. betting transfers.
The arrests were the latest in a series of enforcement actions by the U.S. government against the online gambling industry. The crackdown has targeted the financial middlemen who sprung up after credit card companies and PayPal gave in to pressure to stop processing online gambling transactions from U.S. customers in 2001.
Neteller processed $7 billion in transactions in 2005 and $5.1 billion in the first half of 2006, mostly from U.S. clients to and from online betting sites. By some accounts, that amounted to roughly half of the global market for online wagers.
Many observers said the market for Internet wagering was too rich for others to pass up, despite a U.S. law passed in October that prohibited financial transfers to and from such gambling sites.
"What you're finding with the Internet gambling sites is the publicly traded ones and prominent ones are leaving," said David Stewart, an online gambling expert and lawyer with Washington, D.C.-based firm Ropes & Gray LLP.
"The entities that are more visible and are more transparent can't take the heat," he said. "And all the rest of them are still in the business."
Several British-based online gambling operations, including PartyGaming PLC, Sportingbet PLC, BetOnSports PLC and Leisure & Gaming PLC, have withdrawn from the U.S. market. Private offshore operators continue to run such sites as Bodog.com, PokerStars.com and FullTiltPoker.com.
The
Federal Reserve and other bank regulators were tasked with coming up with practical measures to enforce the online gambling prohibition by July. Some firms had intended to wait until the regulations were developed before deciding what to do.
After the arrests, however, Burnaby, British Columbia-based payment processor Citadel Commerce Corp. announced Wednesday that it, too, would withdraw from the U.S. market.
"We were waiting for the regulations," said Mark Bains, the chief financial officer of Citadel parent ESI Entertainment Systems Inc., which trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange. "Looks like we're not going to be able to wait."
Avid gamblers were looking for new ways to skirt the law.
Ultimate Bet, the online poker site backed by professional gambler Phil Hellmuth Jr., sent out an e-mail newsletter Thursday encouraging its players to use other "safe, secure and similar banking methods already available," listing such brands as ePassporte, ATMonline and CLICK2PAY.
"So get UB to the top of your list and let's make some MONEY!" it reads.
Internet blogs also lit up with players discussing the best ways to keep funding their online gambling accounts.
"Just set up both a click2pay account and a Epassporte one. We'll see how long this lasts," wrote Bacaluk on poker a forum.
Michael Bolcerek, president of the online poker lobby group, Poker Players Alliance, said the withdrawal of brand name providers would encourage the emergence of less trustworthy money dealers.
"People are going to migrate to nonpublic, less transparent methodologies," he said.
Poker magazine publisher Eric Morris of Bluff Media LLC said the withdrawal of PayPal and major credit card companies from the U.S. online gambling business in 2001 caused a panic that didn't last.
"The industry took a bit of a dive and came back stronger than ever before," he said. "The bottom line is that people are going to find a way."
By RYAN NAKASHIMA
Your Damn right we will Ryan, as long as there are reputable poker sites that will take American players.
The arrest of its founders on U.S. soil on money laundering charges and the company's delicate position as a publicly traded British company forced it to cease handling U.S. betting transfers.
The arrests were the latest in a series of enforcement actions by the U.S. government against the online gambling industry. The crackdown has targeted the financial middlemen who sprung up after credit card companies and PayPal gave in to pressure to stop processing online gambling transactions from U.S. customers in 2001.
Neteller processed $7 billion in transactions in 2005 and $5.1 billion in the first half of 2006, mostly from U.S. clients to and from online betting sites. By some accounts, that amounted to roughly half of the global market for online wagers.
Many observers said the market for Internet wagering was too rich for others to pass up, despite a U.S. law passed in October that prohibited financial transfers to and from such gambling sites.
"What you're finding with the Internet gambling sites is the publicly traded ones and prominent ones are leaving," said David Stewart, an online gambling expert and lawyer with Washington, D.C.-based firm Ropes & Gray LLP.
"The entities that are more visible and are more transparent can't take the heat," he said. "And all the rest of them are still in the business."
Several British-based online gambling operations, including PartyGaming PLC, Sportingbet PLC, BetOnSports PLC and Leisure & Gaming PLC, have withdrawn from the U.S. market. Private offshore operators continue to run such sites as Bodog.com, PokerStars.com and FullTiltPoker.com.
The
Federal Reserve and other bank regulators were tasked with coming up with practical measures to enforce the online gambling prohibition by July. Some firms had intended to wait until the regulations were developed before deciding what to do.
After the arrests, however, Burnaby, British Columbia-based payment processor Citadel Commerce Corp. announced Wednesday that it, too, would withdraw from the U.S. market.
"We were waiting for the regulations," said Mark Bains, the chief financial officer of Citadel parent ESI Entertainment Systems Inc., which trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange. "Looks like we're not going to be able to wait."
Avid gamblers were looking for new ways to skirt the law.
Ultimate Bet, the online poker site backed by professional gambler Phil Hellmuth Jr., sent out an e-mail newsletter Thursday encouraging its players to use other "safe, secure and similar banking methods already available," listing such brands as ePassporte, ATMonline and CLICK2PAY.
"So get UB to the top of your list and let's make some MONEY!" it reads.
Internet blogs also lit up with players discussing the best ways to keep funding their online gambling accounts.
"Just set up both a click2pay account and a Epassporte one. We'll see how long this lasts," wrote Bacaluk on poker a forum.
Michael Bolcerek, president of the online poker lobby group, Poker Players Alliance, said the withdrawal of brand name providers would encourage the emergence of less trustworthy money dealers.
"People are going to migrate to nonpublic, less transparent methodologies," he said.
Poker magazine publisher Eric Morris of Bluff Media LLC said the withdrawal of PayPal and major credit card companies from the U.S. online gambling business in 2001 caused a panic that didn't last.
"The industry took a bit of a dive and came back stronger than ever before," he said. "The bottom line is that people are going to find a way."
By RYAN NAKASHIMA
Your Damn right we will Ryan, as long as there are reputable poker sites that will take American players.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
This is Supposed to be a Poker Blog??
Yes it is my friends, but our life as online poker players is at risk. Until we can get the Port Security's Bill ammended to allow online gambling we are all at risk of losing online poker. This latest probe by the U.S. Government is taking a toll, online sites are being hit hard by not being able to get players to deposit to thier sites. Alot of sites are losing so much money that you will see them closing up shop soon. We owe this to the list of Senators that had the bright idea to add the Internet Gaming Bill to the Port Security's Bill. And these Senators are:
Senator Peter King (R-NY) 202-224-7896
Senator Bennie Thompson (D-MS) 202-224-5876
Senator Ted Stevens (R-AK) 202-224-3004
Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) 202-224-2523
Senator Joseph Lieberman (D-CT) 202-224-4041
Senator Daniel Inouye (D-HI) 202-224-3931
Please call them and let them know that you want the right to gamble online.
You see A few U.S. Senators had a thought of The U.S. online gaming figures are supporting terrorists in attacks against the U.S. I personally don't believe this is true, most gaming sites are in for the money as any land based casino. Most online sites are in country's that are friends of the U.S. So if they were to be into terrorism they would have just blown themselves up by cutting the U.S. out of the online gaming market. So if it were true they just killed the funding for terrorism and we all know that terrorism still exsists and is thriving to attack again.
Also Please click on the Petition under my picture and sign it, every signature helps.
May your hands be monsters,
William
Senator Peter King (R-NY) 202-224-7896
Senator Bennie Thompson (D-MS) 202-224-5876
Senator Ted Stevens (R-AK) 202-224-3004
Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) 202-224-2523
Senator Joseph Lieberman (D-CT) 202-224-4041
Senator Daniel Inouye (D-HI) 202-224-3931
Please call them and let them know that you want the right to gamble online.
You see A few U.S. Senators had a thought of The U.S. online gaming figures are supporting terrorists in attacks against the U.S. I personally don't believe this is true, most gaming sites are in for the money as any land based casino. Most online sites are in country's that are friends of the U.S. So if they were to be into terrorism they would have just blown themselves up by cutting the U.S. out of the online gaming market. So if it were true they just killed the funding for terrorism and we all know that terrorism still exsists and is thriving to attack again.
Also Please click on the Petition under my picture and sign it, every signature helps.
May your hands be monsters,
William
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
U.S. probe hammers online gaming shares
Shares in online gaming firms have tumbled again - amid reports the US Department of Justice is stepping up its probe into the industry.
It has demanded that investment banks hand over documents and details of phone calls connected with internet gaming firms, reports say.
Partygaming shares fell 7.5% in early Monday trading while Sportingbet and 888.com lost about 3.5%.
Online gambling was effectively banned in the US last year.
Legislation was introduced that outlawed financial transactions related to gaming.
Falling values
Reports on Sunday said that the Department of Justice had ordered 16 banks, including HSBC, Dresdner Kleinwort and Deutsche Bank, as well as accountants and law firms to pass on information.
In July last year, executives from online gaming firms, including Sportingbet and Betonsports were detained by US authorities.
Last week, two founders of internet payment firm Neteller, which has been used by gaming sites, were charged with handling billions of dollars in illegal gambling proceeds.
Millions were wiped off the value of internet gaming firms last year as they ceased US trading.
Before the US crackdown on internet gaming, Partygaming had generated about 75% of its income from the US market while about half of 888 Holding's business came from the country.
courtesy of the Poker Gazette
It has demanded that investment banks hand over documents and details of phone calls connected with internet gaming firms, reports say.
Partygaming shares fell 7.5% in early Monday trading while Sportingbet and 888.com lost about 3.5%.
Online gambling was effectively banned in the US last year.
Legislation was introduced that outlawed financial transactions related to gaming.
Falling values
Reports on Sunday said that the Department of Justice had ordered 16 banks, including HSBC, Dresdner Kleinwort and Deutsche Bank, as well as accountants and law firms to pass on information.
In July last year, executives from online gaming firms, including Sportingbet and Betonsports were detained by US authorities.
Last week, two founders of internet payment firm Neteller, which has been used by gaming sites, were charged with handling billions of dollars in illegal gambling proceeds.
Millions were wiped off the value of internet gaming firms last year as they ceased US trading.
Before the US crackdown on internet gaming, Partygaming had generated about 75% of its income from the US market while about half of 888 Holding's business came from the country.
courtesy of the Poker Gazette
Monday, January 22, 2007
To All Online Gaming Sites
Please take time to help protect your interests in the U.S. Market and at the same time be heard on behalf of the U.S. player. The U.S. online gaming market as you well know is a large portion of income, so please Speak Up and be heard as well. Below you will find some people to contact. Together we can fight this and win, but we need your help.
The following are the chief authors of the Port Security Legislation. Call them and ask them to remove the Internet Gambling Language from the Port Securities Bill.
Senator Peter King (R-NY) 202-224-7896
Senator Bennie Thompson (D-MS) 202-224-5876
Senator Ted Stevens (R-AK) 202-224-3004
Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) 202-224-2523
Senator Joseph Lieberman (D-CT) 202-224-4041
Senator Daniel Inouye (D-HI) 202-224-3931
US Senate
United States House of Representatives, 110th Congress, 1st Session
White House
mailto:comments@whitehouse.gov
Comments: 202-456-1111
mailto:vice_president@whitehouse.gov
Thanks in advance,
William
The following are the chief authors of the Port Security Legislation. Call them and ask them to remove the Internet Gambling Language from the Port Securities Bill.
Senator Peter King (R-NY) 202-224-7896
Senator Bennie Thompson (D-MS) 202-224-5876
Senator Ted Stevens (R-AK) 202-224-3004
Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) 202-224-2523
Senator Joseph Lieberman (D-CT) 202-224-4041
Senator Daniel Inouye (D-HI) 202-224-3931
US Senate
United States House of Representatives, 110th Congress, 1st Session
White House
mailto:comments@whitehouse.gov
Comments: 202-456-1111
mailto:vice_president@whitehouse.gov
Thanks in advance,
William
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Poker Players, SPEAK UP !!
OK, we have, hopefully e-mailed at least once our reps concerning this poker mess.
NOW!
lets REALLY BE HEARD
Hillary Clinton is having 3 LIVE web discussions Tueday, Wendsday & Thursday, Jan 22,23,24.
Log in to HillaryClinton.com - Welcome go to JOIN.
After joining SIGN UP for the LIVE DISCUSSION.
lets have HUNDREDS of POKER PLAYES THERE.
LETS ROCK & ROLL PEOPLE, LET HER KNOW!!!!!!
POST THIS ON EVERY FORUM YOU AE A MEMBER OF!
LETS DO IT!
BE A SQUEEKY WHEEL!
NOW!
lets REALLY BE HEARD
Hillary Clinton is having 3 LIVE web discussions Tueday, Wendsday & Thursday, Jan 22,23,24.
Log in to HillaryClinton.com - Welcome go to JOIN.
After joining SIGN UP for the LIVE DISCUSSION.
lets have HUNDREDS of POKER PLAYES THERE.
LETS ROCK & ROLL PEOPLE, LET HER KNOW!!!!!!
POST THIS ON EVERY FORUM YOU AE A MEMBER OF!
LETS DO IT!
BE A SQUEEKY WHEEL!
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Position play always key
Suited connectors like 5h-6h or 9s-10s can be fun to play, especially when you hit a big flop and make a straight or a flush. While these hands certainly have a lot of potential, you'll need to be careful that you don't bleed your stack to death by playing them in the wrong situations.
So, when is the right time?
It's best to play these hands from late position rather than early position.
Every Hold'em poker book beats you over the head with constant reminders that position is power. Well, let me beat you with that reminder one more time.
Here are some strategies for playing suited connectors from both in and out of position.
Let's say you call a small pre-flop raise in position with 6h-7h. The flop comes Jh-9s-4h. It's just you and the raiser, and he checks. In this case, with position, you have two viable options: check and take the free card, or bet in the hopes of winning the pot on a semi-bluff.
You'll often want to check, just in case your opponent is trying to trap you on the flop. If you do bet, your opponent may come over the top with a big raise, forcing you to fold your drawing hand.
How about if your opponent bets the flop?
Once again, you have options. You can fold if the bet is too big, you can call and hope to catch your flush, or you can raise as a semi-bluff.
The situation is reversed when you're out of position and your opponent acts last. Now, you're options are much more limited.
Remember this rule: In order to make money with hands like 6h-7h, you need to be able to control the pot size. You don't want to invest too much money before the flop, or too much after, when you have a drawing hand.
When you're out of position, you're in exactly that spot and have less control of the pot size.
If you check on the flop, your opponent will bet if he has a strong hand. If you call on the flop, you've essentially handed over control to him. That's not a terrible idea, mind you, as you should always respect your opponent's power of position.
Still, checking and calling won't put you in a great situation. It will be difficult for you to win this pot with a bluff later in the hand; you're basically banking on making the flush.
What if, on the flop, you check-raise instead?
That'll work when your opponent is bluffing, but it will cost you a lot more money when he's holding the goods. It's a risky move that often works, but the cost is very high when it doesn't.
Suppose you bet the flop as a semi-bluff?
That only makes the pot bigger. If your opponent likes the flop, he'll just raise an amount so big that you'll be forced to fold your draw without ever getting to see the next card.
Okay, let's review.
In position, you have the luxury of being able to see more free cards, keep the pot small, and maintain control of the hand. That's extremely valuable leverage. Out of position, there's a lot more guesswork to do, and it's best to simply play it safe.
Clearly, it's easier to play suited connectors, or any hand for that matter, from late position. Occasionally, though, play your suited connectors from early position so that you don't become too predictable.
When you do venture in, play cautiously, and always remember that position is king and must be respected at all times.
Daniel Negreanu
So, when is the right time?
It's best to play these hands from late position rather than early position.
Every Hold'em poker book beats you over the head with constant reminders that position is power. Well, let me beat you with that reminder one more time.
Here are some strategies for playing suited connectors from both in and out of position.
Let's say you call a small pre-flop raise in position with 6h-7h. The flop comes Jh-9s-4h. It's just you and the raiser, and he checks. In this case, with position, you have two viable options: check and take the free card, or bet in the hopes of winning the pot on a semi-bluff.
You'll often want to check, just in case your opponent is trying to trap you on the flop. If you do bet, your opponent may come over the top with a big raise, forcing you to fold your drawing hand.
How about if your opponent bets the flop?
Once again, you have options. You can fold if the bet is too big, you can call and hope to catch your flush, or you can raise as a semi-bluff.
The situation is reversed when you're out of position and your opponent acts last. Now, you're options are much more limited.
Remember this rule: In order to make money with hands like 6h-7h, you need to be able to control the pot size. You don't want to invest too much money before the flop, or too much after, when you have a drawing hand.
When you're out of position, you're in exactly that spot and have less control of the pot size.
If you check on the flop, your opponent will bet if he has a strong hand. If you call on the flop, you've essentially handed over control to him. That's not a terrible idea, mind you, as you should always respect your opponent's power of position.
Still, checking and calling won't put you in a great situation. It will be difficult for you to win this pot with a bluff later in the hand; you're basically banking on making the flush.
What if, on the flop, you check-raise instead?
That'll work when your opponent is bluffing, but it will cost you a lot more money when he's holding the goods. It's a risky move that often works, but the cost is very high when it doesn't.
Suppose you bet the flop as a semi-bluff?
That only makes the pot bigger. If your opponent likes the flop, he'll just raise an amount so big that you'll be forced to fold your draw without ever getting to see the next card.
Okay, let's review.
In position, you have the luxury of being able to see more free cards, keep the pot small, and maintain control of the hand. That's extremely valuable leverage. Out of position, there's a lot more guesswork to do, and it's best to simply play it safe.
Clearly, it's easier to play suited connectors, or any hand for that matter, from late position. Occasionally, though, play your suited connectors from early position so that you don't become too predictable.
When you do venture in, play cautiously, and always remember that position is king and must be respected at all times.
Daniel Negreanu
Friday, January 19, 2007
Poker Players Need to Act !!
Well folks, Neteller has suspended U.S. players from depositing to online gaming sites. This is just the first step to our demise as online gamers. We need to act, Lets not sit on our duffs and take it. If everyone would write or call our government officials it CAN make a difference. Also get involved in the gaming or poker organizations such as WPA or the PPA. This step is going to start hurting webmasters and U.S. affiliate accounts as a whole. So PLEASE fight for YOUR rights and call or write your local and federal government. Below you will see some info for a start. Thanks for reading, and may we all draw a straight flush on this issue.
The following are the chief authors of the Port Security Legislation. Call them and ask them to remove the Internet Gambling Language from the Port Securities Bill.
Senator Peter King (R-NY) 202-224-7896
Senator Bennie Thompson (D-MS) 202-224-5876
Senator Ted Stevens (R-AK) 202-224-3004
Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) 202-224-2523
Senator Joseph Lieberman (D-CT) 202-224-4041
Senator Daniel Inouye (D-HI) 202-224-3931
US Senate
http://www.house.gov/
White House
mailto:comments@whitehouse.gov
Comments: 202-456-1111
mailto:vice_president@whitehouse.gov
The following are the chief authors of the Port Security Legislation. Call them and ask them to remove the Internet Gambling Language from the Port Securities Bill.
Senator Peter King (R-NY) 202-224-7896
Senator Bennie Thompson (D-MS) 202-224-5876
Senator Ted Stevens (R-AK) 202-224-3004
Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) 202-224-2523
Senator Joseph Lieberman (D-CT) 202-224-4041
Senator Daniel Inouye (D-HI) 202-224-3931
US Senate
http://www.house.gov/
White House
mailto:comments@whitehouse.gov
Comments: 202-456-1111
mailto:vice_president@whitehouse.gov
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Neteller Effective Immediately
This is Straight from the Neteller website
US member update
Effective Immediately
Due to recent US legislative changes and events, effective immediately, US members are no longer able to transfer funds to or from any online gambling sites.
All US members will continue to be able to use their NETELLER e-wallet account to safely transfer funds to and from non-gambling merchants and are not required to close their account or withdraw their funds.
Please note that we are experiencing higher than normal support volumes and recommend that you read the FAQs for more information.
NETELLER Member FAQs
Why is NETELLER no longer allowing US members to make fund transfers with online gambling sites?How do I know if I am a US member?
Why can’t I access my instaCASH funds in my NETELLER account?
Will I be able to use instaCASH again?
Can I still use my NETELLER account?
Does this change affect withdrawals with NETELLER?
What’s the quickest and most convenient way to withdraw funds from my NETELLER account?
Is my money safe in my NETELLER account?
Am I required to withdraw my money from NETELLER?
Does this change affect non-US members?
How can US members find out about changes to their NETELLER services?
I am a US resident. Can I still become a NETELLER member?
Why were the founders of your company arrested?
Why was NETELLER stock suspended from trading?
Who can I contact for assistance?
Why is NETELLER no longer allowing US members to make fund transfers with online gambling sites?
The US government has recently introduced new legislation in the form of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act. To best protect the interests of NETELLER members, employees, shareholders and business partners, NETELLER will no longer provide service to US members to transfer funds to and from online gambling merchants. Read the press release.
How do I know if I am a US member?
If your registered address with NETELLER is a US address, you are considered a US member and all of the changes indicated here and in your notification email apply to you.
Why can’t I access my instaCASH funds in my NETELLER account?
NETELLER has made a policy and technical change that has disabled instaCASH for US members.
Will I be able to use instaCASH again?
No decisions have been made regarding the future availability of this product.
Can I still use my NETELLER account?
Yes. All US members and non-US members will continue to be able to use their NETELLER e-wallet account for safe online transfers to and from non-gambling merchants, secure peer-to-peer transfers and NETELLER Card withdrawals at ATMs around the world.
Does this change affect withdrawals with NETELLER?
US members who currently have funds in their e-wallet account may keep their funds safe in their account or are free to make withdrawals at any time they choose with a NETELLER Card. US members are not required to withdraw their funds from their NETELLER account.
What’s the quickest and most convenient way to withdraw funds from my NETELLER account?
The NETELLER Card is the quickest and most convenient withdrawal option. When you transfer funds from your NETELLER e-wallet account to your NETELLER Card, you can withdraw those funds from any ATM cash machine on the Cirrus/Maestro network and Pulse Star network, depending on your country of residence. You will have to pay a nominal fee for NETELLER Card withdrawals, but your funds will be available from 15 minutes to an hour after they are transferred to your card. Learn more.
Is my money safe in my NETELLER account?
Yes, your money is safe with NETELLER. All members can hold their funds safely in their NETELLER accounts until such time as they decide to move the funds. The changes in gambling merchant transfers do not affect the ability of US member to maintain funds in their NETELER e-wallet accounts.
NETELLER protects all members’ funds (all deposited, in-transit and un-cleared funds) by holding the value in independent trust accounts. As the largest independent online money transfer business in the world, we maintain our head office in Europe and are a publicly quoted company on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange. NETELLER UK Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.
Am I required to withdraw my money from NETELLER?
No, there is no requirement for US members to withdraw their funds from their e-wallet accounts. US members will still be able to use their NETELLER e-wallet accounts for safe online transactions to non-gambling merchants, secure peer-to-peer transfers and instant payouts with the NETELLER Card.
Does this change affect non-US members?
No, NETELLER customers with registered addresses outside of the US will not be affected by these changes. The company will continue to operate its non-US business as normal, maintaining all existing products, services, customer and merchant support across all the other countries it currently serves.
How can US members find out about changes to their NETELLER services?
NETELLER will continue to notify you of any pertinent changes to your service. All members will continue to have access to this FAQ site for answers to the most commonly asked questions, but members can also register to receive all NETELLER press releases, by signing up for our e-news alert service.
I am a US resident. Can I still become a NETELLER member?
No. We have temporarily suspended the ability for US residents to create a NETELLER e-wallet account.
Why were the founders of your company arrested?
Although we can confirm that Steve Lawrence and John Lefebvre were detained separately while in the United States, we do not know the details surrounding the detention and cannot provide more clarification. We can confirm that both individuals are no longer employees or board members of NETELLER and have not been involved in the day-to-day running of the company for a number of years.
Why was NETELLER stock suspended from trading?
As a precautionary measure, we asked the London AIM Stock Market to temporarily suspend trading in our shares, effective January 16, 2007. We requested this action to help protect all shareholders from any negative impact the recent detentions might have until more facts are known. Once we understand the situation in greater detail, we will ask the AIM to allow our shares to trade again.
Who can I contact for assistance?
If your question has not been answered by this FAQ, or if you require further assistance, please contact NETELLER Customer Service at usmembers@neteller.com or by calling 1-888-258-5859, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please note that at we are experiencing higher than normal support volumes.
NETELLER - Member News
US member update
Effective Immediately
Due to recent US legislative changes and events, effective immediately, US members are no longer able to transfer funds to or from any online gambling sites.
All US members will continue to be able to use their NETELLER e-wallet account to safely transfer funds to and from non-gambling merchants and are not required to close their account or withdraw their funds.
Please note that we are experiencing higher than normal support volumes and recommend that you read the FAQs for more information.
NETELLER Member FAQs
Why is NETELLER no longer allowing US members to make fund transfers with online gambling sites?How do I know if I am a US member?
Why can’t I access my instaCASH funds in my NETELLER account?
Will I be able to use instaCASH again?
Can I still use my NETELLER account?
Does this change affect withdrawals with NETELLER?
What’s the quickest and most convenient way to withdraw funds from my NETELLER account?
Is my money safe in my NETELLER account?
Am I required to withdraw my money from NETELLER?
Does this change affect non-US members?
How can US members find out about changes to their NETELLER services?
I am a US resident. Can I still become a NETELLER member?
Why were the founders of your company arrested?
Why was NETELLER stock suspended from trading?
Who can I contact for assistance?
Why is NETELLER no longer allowing US members to make fund transfers with online gambling sites?
The US government has recently introduced new legislation in the form of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act. To best protect the interests of NETELLER members, employees, shareholders and business partners, NETELLER will no longer provide service to US members to transfer funds to and from online gambling merchants. Read the press release.
How do I know if I am a US member?
If your registered address with NETELLER is a US address, you are considered a US member and all of the changes indicated here and in your notification email apply to you.
Why can’t I access my instaCASH funds in my NETELLER account?
NETELLER has made a policy and technical change that has disabled instaCASH for US members.
Will I be able to use instaCASH again?
No decisions have been made regarding the future availability of this product.
Can I still use my NETELLER account?
Yes. All US members and non-US members will continue to be able to use their NETELLER e-wallet account for safe online transfers to and from non-gambling merchants, secure peer-to-peer transfers and NETELLER Card withdrawals at ATMs around the world.
Does this change affect withdrawals with NETELLER?
US members who currently have funds in their e-wallet account may keep their funds safe in their account or are free to make withdrawals at any time they choose with a NETELLER Card. US members are not required to withdraw their funds from their NETELLER account.
What’s the quickest and most convenient way to withdraw funds from my NETELLER account?
The NETELLER Card is the quickest and most convenient withdrawal option. When you transfer funds from your NETELLER e-wallet account to your NETELLER Card, you can withdraw those funds from any ATM cash machine on the Cirrus/Maestro network and Pulse Star network, depending on your country of residence. You will have to pay a nominal fee for NETELLER Card withdrawals, but your funds will be available from 15 minutes to an hour after they are transferred to your card. Learn more.
Is my money safe in my NETELLER account?
Yes, your money is safe with NETELLER. All members can hold their funds safely in their NETELLER accounts until such time as they decide to move the funds. The changes in gambling merchant transfers do not affect the ability of US member to maintain funds in their NETELER e-wallet accounts.
NETELLER protects all members’ funds (all deposited, in-transit and un-cleared funds) by holding the value in independent trust accounts. As the largest independent online money transfer business in the world, we maintain our head office in Europe and are a publicly quoted company on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange. NETELLER UK Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.
Am I required to withdraw my money from NETELLER?
No, there is no requirement for US members to withdraw their funds from their e-wallet accounts. US members will still be able to use their NETELLER e-wallet accounts for safe online transactions to non-gambling merchants, secure peer-to-peer transfers and instant payouts with the NETELLER Card.
Does this change affect non-US members?
No, NETELLER customers with registered addresses outside of the US will not be affected by these changes. The company will continue to operate its non-US business as normal, maintaining all existing products, services, customer and merchant support across all the other countries it currently serves.
How can US members find out about changes to their NETELLER services?
NETELLER will continue to notify you of any pertinent changes to your service. All members will continue to have access to this FAQ site for answers to the most commonly asked questions, but members can also register to receive all NETELLER press releases, by signing up for our e-news alert service.
I am a US resident. Can I still become a NETELLER member?
No. We have temporarily suspended the ability for US residents to create a NETELLER e-wallet account.
Why were the founders of your company arrested?
Although we can confirm that Steve Lawrence and John Lefebvre were detained separately while in the United States, we do not know the details surrounding the detention and cannot provide more clarification. We can confirm that both individuals are no longer employees or board members of NETELLER and have not been involved in the day-to-day running of the company for a number of years.
Why was NETELLER stock suspended from trading?
As a precautionary measure, we asked the London AIM Stock Market to temporarily suspend trading in our shares, effective January 16, 2007. We requested this action to help protect all shareholders from any negative impact the recent detentions might have until more facts are known. Once we understand the situation in greater detail, we will ask the AIM to allow our shares to trade again.
Who can I contact for assistance?
If your question has not been answered by this FAQ, or if you require further assistance, please contact NETELLER Customer Service at usmembers@neteller.com or by calling 1-888-258-5859, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please note that at we are experiencing higher than normal support volumes.
NETELLER - Member News
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Investigation Into NETeller Began This Past June
According to a complaint unsealed Tuesday against two founder of NETeller.com, a publicly traded third party cash processor catering to the online gambling industry, an investigation into the company was begun prior to laws passed in the US that attempt to curb some forms of internet gambling.
Lefebvre and another man, Stephen Lawrence, were arrested Monday morning on opposite sides of the US.
While many companies panicked and pulled out of the United States following the signing into law of this act, Gambling911.com has long pointed out that the US Justice Department always considered certain activities illegal and that the passage of this new law would do little to change this stance.
The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 requires banking institutions to monitor internet gambling transactions. The banking sector has claimed they do not have the necessary means to do so. The law was tacked onto a Port Security Act and written hastily by politicians with what many believe to be ulterior motives (i.e. horse racing was exempt from the new law as were state lotteries).
Read The Rest Here
Neteller has Already stopped Instacash transactions, so this is not good folks.
Lefebvre and another man, Stephen Lawrence, were arrested Monday morning on opposite sides of the US.
While many companies panicked and pulled out of the United States following the signing into law of this act, Gambling911.com has long pointed out that the US Justice Department always considered certain activities illegal and that the passage of this new law would do little to change this stance.
The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 requires banking institutions to monitor internet gambling transactions. The banking sector has claimed they do not have the necessary means to do so. The law was tacked onto a Port Security Act and written hastily by politicians with what many believe to be ulterior motives (i.e. horse racing was exempt from the new law as were state lotteries).
Read The Rest Here
Neteller has Already stopped Instacash transactions, so this is not good folks.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
NETeller Founders Arrested in US
The two founders of online gambling payment solutions NETeller were arrested in Los Angeles and New York, respectively, today, according to reports surfacing Monday afternoon Gambling911.com has learned.
John LeFevre and Steve Lawrence, both of Canada, were taken into custody early Monday morning while in the United States. Charges have not been filed yet.
Neither men have been involved with NETeller for a few years now, though it is not known if they are still receiving an "income" from the company.
NETeller is a publicly traded company based out of Isle of Man and is the largest online gambling money processor.
The detention of both men indicates a prolonged investigation dating back several years. It is not known why either were traveling in the United States at the same time transferring through two different airports. Nor is it known at this time if the two men are being detained for anything having to do with their involvement in NETeller.
LeFevre, a former hippie, started the hugely successful company with Steve Lawrence in 1999 but retired in 2002 in Costa Rica. Less is known of Lawrence.
Read the rest here.... NETeller Founders Arrested in US
John LeFevre and Steve Lawrence, both of Canada, were taken into custody early Monday morning while in the United States. Charges have not been filed yet.
Neither men have been involved with NETeller for a few years now, though it is not known if they are still receiving an "income" from the company.
NETeller is a publicly traded company based out of Isle of Man and is the largest online gambling money processor.
The detention of both men indicates a prolonged investigation dating back several years. It is not known why either were traveling in the United States at the same time transferring through two different airports. Nor is it known at this time if the two men are being detained for anything having to do with their involvement in NETeller.
LeFevre, a former hippie, started the hugely successful company with Steve Lawrence in 1999 but retired in 2002 in Costa Rica. Less is known of Lawrence.
Read the rest here.... NETeller Founders Arrested in US
Monday, January 15, 2007
OPU/Vegas357 FPL
Well if your not in this league you should be because it's FREE!!! We are playing $50.00 freerolls weekly for 24 weeks, then on the 25th week the top 10 point leaders will play for thier share of $1200.00 all for FREE !! We have played 2 games so far and yes, yours truly is tied with 2 other players for 1st place. So Come on join us for some great poker, fun, and free money. Just come by theopu.com or Freakyways.com and sign up. Thats all there is too it. I'm sure you won't be sorry....oh and did I say It's FREE??...lol
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Poker In The Zone
Ok, I don't know if you have ever had this happen but I have and it goes beyond explination. I'm playing in a tournament online, I'm alone with nothing going on but the poker game. I'm being very patient waiting for the better hands and not playing crap. I end up getting a few good hands to help build my chip stack but nothing real special. Then all of a sudden I get this feeling inside like I am superman or something and I just know I cannot be beat. Now I'm not gonna use any names here but when this happened the players could not believe what had happened. I drew an A 3 of hearts, normally I'll just call the blind ( I love suited Connectors ) but something told me to raise so without thought I did, another player goes all in and without flinching an eyelash I find myself calling, even I couldn't believe I called it. When the smoke cleared I win the hand with a flush draw. Then for about the next hour of the tournament I continue to get good or medium hands and win. I make it to the final table and what happens....My zone just left, what happened nothing changed, I'm still alone in the room, I couldn't hit a pair hardly. I couldn't think and I became very restless. It was like there was nothing I could do to win. I'm a very conservative player, yet I couldn't get myself back in the game. I ended up in 5th place, still in the money and points but had this not happened I wonder if I could have won. We will never know now but when I hit the Zone I was invincable, when it left it took all my poker senses with it.
Maybe the poker gods didn't want me to win, they just wanted to tease me.
All in all my friends.... beware of *Poker In The Zone*
Maybe the poker gods didn't want me to win, they just wanted to tease me.
All in all my friends.... beware of *Poker In The Zone*
Saturday, January 13, 2007
OPU/Vegas357 FPL League
Well, the OPU/Vegas357 Freeroll Poker League has taken off ! This is a 24 week league anyone can play anytime. The first week went well considering we had a time change beyond our control. The Game had started 2 hours early, however we did have 43 players get in to play. The point standings are as follows thus far:
1st -- wildo44 -- 5 points
2nd -- SirWilliam58 -- 4 points
3rd -- REJBON -- 3 points
4th-- dragos1983-- 2 points
5th-- cerberi -- 1 point
This weeks game 2 kicks off Saturday, Registration begins at 5pm est and the game starts at 6 pm est. The Pw is posted in the opu and vegas357 forums so come on out to theopu.com or Vegas357 And sign up to play. All Games are free to play and if your good enough to win points in the Top 5 you may just find yourself on the final table playing for your share of $1200.00 And the best part is it's all FREE!! So what ya waiting on? it can't get much better than that. Oh and please...Tell them SirWilliam sent ya.
1st -- wildo44 -- 5 points
2nd -- SirWilliam58 -- 4 points
3rd -- REJBON -- 3 points
4th-- dragos1983-- 2 points
5th-- cerberi -- 1 point
This weeks game 2 kicks off Saturday, Registration begins at 5pm est and the game starts at 6 pm est. The Pw is posted in the opu and vegas357 forums so come on out to theopu.com or Vegas357 And sign up to play. All Games are free to play and if your good enough to win points in the Top 5 you may just find yourself on the final table playing for your share of $1200.00 And the best part is it's all FREE!! So what ya waiting on? it can't get much better than that. Oh and please...Tell them SirWilliam sent ya.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Poker Patience
Patience is a virtue, at least in poker it is. Patience is one of the main ingredients for a successful poker player. If you watch a successful poker player, he or she will not play every hand. In the beginning of a tourney when blinds are small, I like to try my suited connectors on a blind call. As far as calling on every hand...no way. Even suited connectors are hard to come by sometimes, and don't play a hand just because you have a face card, this will eat you alive. Your kicker will kill you if your not careful. Playing your Q7, K4's and mid hands will eat your chips. If you do get lucky say with a K4 and a king hits more than likely anyone that stays in the hand will probably have a king and will eat your kicker alive and your chips will be gone. Instead be patient, wait for the potentially good hands such as AK, AQ, ect. Then don't go crazy on a bet with it, wait for the flop then make your decisions. Often I see players get potentially good hands and lose, however you must make your bets strong enough to put the mid and lower hands out. This makes your hand stronger. Also remember your positioning, this is a key role as well. There are a lot of things in playing poker and most comes with time and practice, but keep in mind you also need patience. Patience to the point of being bored, this is when some players do some not so smart things, so keep yourself in check and you'll do well. Not like the Donk player (someone that goes in all the time). This is another story, but keep in mind Donks NEVER WIN. Donks do well in the beginning but in the end they are out and wondering..*what did I do wrong* or *I can't believe you called me !!*
For a good example: I was playing a tourney and this guy was going all in almost every hand he played. At one time he was in first place in the tourney, BUT by the time we were down to the last 2 tables he was out and never made that final table.
So Remember friends BE PATIENT, play smart and you will be on those final tables.
So for now, Cheers and may all your hands be monsters.
William
For a good example: I was playing a tourney and this guy was going all in almost every hand he played. At one time he was in first place in the tourney, BUT by the time we were down to the last 2 tables he was out and never made that final table.
So Remember friends BE PATIENT, play smart and you will be on those final tables.
So for now, Cheers and may all your hands be monsters.
William
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
World Poker Association Nears Milestone
Please read this article and then get involved, This could help all gaming interests as well, why not start with our beloved poker.
( PRWEB ) January 8, 2007 -- The signing into law of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act has shown the poker community many things about government, hypocrisy, and, most importantly, the need for us to stand up and stand together to protect the game that we love. The time is now, as we see our rights as poker players and our industry as a whole being challenged.
The World Poker Association (WPA) was established as a non-profit organization by Jesse Jones to provide that unity for tournament poker through the concerted efforts of the its members. The WPA's mission? To assure the integrity of tournament poker by establishing fair and consistent rules and procedures and thereby increase the opportunities of individual and organizational members worldwide.
As tournament poker continues its phenomenal growth across the globe -- from casino events to bar leagues to charity tournaments -- there is a popular desire for continuity and a clear set of rules and procedures that encompasses the needs of everyone, from the players to the dealers, from the casinos to the online gaming websites.
Jones formally introduced the WPA to the masses at the 2006 World Series of Poker, tirelessly recruiting hundreds of poker players, fans, dealers, and other tournament staff to join. Many of the game's top pros joined immediately as founding members of the WPA, i.e. Phil Hellmuth, Johnny Chan, Phil Gordon, Men "The Master" Nguyen, Marcel Luske, Barry Greenstein and Daniel Negreanu, to name only a few. Organizations have also been taking a keen interest in the WPA, as they realize that everyone will soon band together to make decisions about tournament poker, and they want their voices heard as well.
Thus, the WPA has grown and is nearing the 1,000-member mark, at which point nominations will begin for the Board of Directors. Only a few members are needed to reach that goal, though the organization will continue to grow by leaps and bounds in order to truly have a positive affect on tournament poker.
Committees are also forming quickly to take action and build the WPA. For example, Tom McEvoy is heading up the Ethics Committee and is in the process of creating a comprehensive code of ethics and conduct, and coordinating with Leon "Jingo" Jingozian of the Dealers Committee and other members to collect input from all. Craig Hartman is chairing the Budget & Finance Committee to develop the 2007 budget. Mary Jones is leading the Elections Committee in establishing the nomination and election requirements for the Board of Directors. And Mark Fracalossi is overseeing the Media Committee to disseminate the word about the WPA.
The WPA asks you to take a look at the website, www.WPAPoker.org, and consider playing a role -- as a member or a committee volunteer -- in determining the future of tournament poker. Questions can be addressed on the website, and the forums and various sections have a plethora of information about the organization.
Your opinions and participation in the WPA are welcome. Remember, the cards are in your hands.
( PRWEB ) January 8, 2007 -- The signing into law of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act has shown the poker community many things about government, hypocrisy, and, most importantly, the need for us to stand up and stand together to protect the game that we love. The time is now, as we see our rights as poker players and our industry as a whole being challenged.
The World Poker Association (WPA) was established as a non-profit organization by Jesse Jones to provide that unity for tournament poker through the concerted efforts of the its members. The WPA's mission? To assure the integrity of tournament poker by establishing fair and consistent rules and procedures and thereby increase the opportunities of individual and organizational members worldwide.
As tournament poker continues its phenomenal growth across the globe -- from casino events to bar leagues to charity tournaments -- there is a popular desire for continuity and a clear set of rules and procedures that encompasses the needs of everyone, from the players to the dealers, from the casinos to the online gaming websites.
Jones formally introduced the WPA to the masses at the 2006 World Series of Poker, tirelessly recruiting hundreds of poker players, fans, dealers, and other tournament staff to join. Many of the game's top pros joined immediately as founding members of the WPA, i.e. Phil Hellmuth, Johnny Chan, Phil Gordon, Men "The Master" Nguyen, Marcel Luske, Barry Greenstein and Daniel Negreanu, to name only a few. Organizations have also been taking a keen interest in the WPA, as they realize that everyone will soon band together to make decisions about tournament poker, and they want their voices heard as well.
Thus, the WPA has grown and is nearing the 1,000-member mark, at which point nominations will begin for the Board of Directors. Only a few members are needed to reach that goal, though the organization will continue to grow by leaps and bounds in order to truly have a positive affect on tournament poker.
Committees are also forming quickly to take action and build the WPA. For example, Tom McEvoy is heading up the Ethics Committee and is in the process of creating a comprehensive code of ethics and conduct, and coordinating with Leon "Jingo" Jingozian of the Dealers Committee and other members to collect input from all. Craig Hartman is chairing the Budget & Finance Committee to develop the 2007 budget. Mary Jones is leading the Elections Committee in establishing the nomination and election requirements for the Board of Directors. And Mark Fracalossi is overseeing the Media Committee to disseminate the word about the WPA.
The WPA asks you to take a look at the website, www.WPAPoker.org, and consider playing a role -- as a member or a committee volunteer -- in determining the future of tournament poker. Questions can be addressed on the website, and the forums and various sections have a plethora of information about the organization.
Your opinions and participation in the WPA are welcome. Remember, the cards are in your hands.
Tuesday, January 9, 2007
Big Slick Good or Great Hand ?
From Poker Pro Roy Rounder, That makes sense....
Big Slick has the reputation for being a MONSTER hand... a hand that most players LOVE to get dealt.And with good reason.After all, it's got a TON of potential.Think about it:If you have Big Slick and a King or Ace hit the board, you've automatically got top pair. And not only that, but you've also automatically got the highest kicker possible.And... Big Slick is connected, which means it has the POTENTIAL to become the highest STRAIGHT on the board.Then again, if you're an experienced poker player, then you KNOW that Big Slick is often HIGHLY OVERRATED by most amateurs and beginners.Because if you REALLY think about it, Big Slick by itself is NOT a good hand.By itself, it's an Ace high with a King.Period.It can be beat by just about ANYTHING... from a flush to a 3-of-a-kind to a pair of deuces.What Big Slick has is the POTENTIAL to be a great hand... but that doesn't mean it IS a great hand.And this distinction is VERY important in order to learn how to play A-K properly.If you play Big Slick the RIGHT way, you can with it about 75% of the time. If you play it the WRONG way, you'll end uplosing all your chips and whining about your bad beat...The decision is yours.So let's approach our strategy for Big Slick with LATE positioning... which is the equivalent to GOOD positioning, as you know.Since the hand can get run down easily, your strategy is to GET RID of as many players as possible BEFORE THE FLOP.In other words, SCARE AWAY everyone who doesn't have a pair or face cards...If you let too many players stay in, someone with rags is bound to catch great cards on the flop and steal your chip stack.But if you go up against players with face cards, then YOU have the advantage and the odds are in YOUR favor.This is accomplished, of course, with a pre-flop raise, which will also give you control over the table... as you'll see in a minute.Let's use a real-life hand I played to demonstrate... this is from last night, actually.I was in a $1-2 no limit cash game with some friends and got A-K on the button. Don was first to act and made it $7 to play. The action went around the table and every single one of the next five players called. Now the action was to me.How would you handle this situation?Call, raise, or fold?The correct answer is RAISE."Make it another $50", I say.And here's why...Let's say I call. That means there's SEVEN guys in the hand. Amateurs might say, "Oh, that means there's more money in the pot."NO.WRONG.What seven players means is that I am virtually GUARANTEED to have my A-K run down... because EVEN IF I catch a King or Ace, there's a good chance someone else will hit a flush, straight, trips, or two pair.And besides... CALLING doesn't give me any idea where I stand in the hand, and it doesn't allow me to know what to put my opponents on.So I make the pre-flop re-raise.The other players fold, and Don calls.That means I know he has a real hand... he wasn't just bullying the table. It also means he probably doesn't have cowboys or rockets, because if he did he would've come back over the top of me... maybe with an all-in.So now I've got a read on my opponent, and I've forced out all the other guys, which means I don't have to worry about someone getting "lucky" on the flop.AND, I've achieved something else here:I've taken control of the table.Instead of Don coming out firing after the flop, he'll probably check to me... to see what I do.This gives me control. If I miss on the flop, I can do one of two things:1. I can see a free card.Or...2. If I'm confident with my read on Don I can try to buy him out by representing a big hand.And sure enough... the flop hits:9-4-2What an UGLY flop, right?Actually, I kind of like this flop.Because I'm pretty sure Don doesn't have any of these cards on the board.He could be holding pocket 9's, but I can't put him on 4's or 2's, because of my strong re-raise before the flop.I'm putting him on two over cards or a pair. It actually wouldn't surprise me if he has Big Slick, just like me.Anyway, now it's time to find out, because Don taps his fist against the table and checks to me.Just like I expected.I COULD see a free card here, but I'd rather play this aggressively and find out EXACTLY where I'm at.If Don calls a strong bet from me, then he's probably got trips or a high wired pair. If that's the case, I'll back off after the turn card and minimize my losses. I throw out a $100 black chip with my Ace high.Don looks at his down cards for a few moments and then decides to muck his pocket 8's for the world to see."Yea... I had Kings", I say as I turn my cards face down for NOBODY to see.Don replies, "Yup, that's what I put you on" and he nods his head.Little does he know, his 8's had me beat, and I just stole a nice pot...That's how you play Big Slick the RIGHT way in late position... You've got to:1. Scare away as many players as you can before the flop.2. Take control of the board and action.3. Find out where you're at in the hand.Even if Don (or anyone else) came back over the top of me after my pre-flop raise, I'd be okay... Because then I could put my opponent on Aces or Kings, muck my Big Slick, and live to see another hand without catching a "bad beat."So play A-K aggressively when you've got good positioning, and back up your pre-flop raise with a post-flop raise, even if you've hit nothing on the board.Of course, you can't play Big Slick like this in every position... this is simply how you play it with good positioning.I'm working on another newsletter that will show you how to play A-K in early position... I promise I'll send it soon.If you want more "step-by-step" guidance on how to play certain hands, check out my eBook.It's filled with cutting-edge poker strategies and secrets that you can use to control the tables, drag in more pots, and win more money...http://www.NoLimitHoldemSecrets.com/tl/768mcKZI'll write to you again soon.Your Friend, Roy Rounder
Big Slick has the reputation for being a MONSTER hand... a hand that most players LOVE to get dealt.And with good reason.After all, it's got a TON of potential.Think about it:If you have Big Slick and a King or Ace hit the board, you've automatically got top pair. And not only that, but you've also automatically got the highest kicker possible.And... Big Slick is connected, which means it has the POTENTIAL to become the highest STRAIGHT on the board.Then again, if you're an experienced poker player, then you KNOW that Big Slick is often HIGHLY OVERRATED by most amateurs and beginners.Because if you REALLY think about it, Big Slick by itself is NOT a good hand.By itself, it's an Ace high with a King.Period.It can be beat by just about ANYTHING... from a flush to a 3-of-a-kind to a pair of deuces.What Big Slick has is the POTENTIAL to be a great hand... but that doesn't mean it IS a great hand.And this distinction is VERY important in order to learn how to play A-K properly.If you play Big Slick the RIGHT way, you can with it about 75% of the time. If you play it the WRONG way, you'll end uplosing all your chips and whining about your bad beat...The decision is yours.So let's approach our strategy for Big Slick with LATE positioning... which is the equivalent to GOOD positioning, as you know.Since the hand can get run down easily, your strategy is to GET RID of as many players as possible BEFORE THE FLOP.In other words, SCARE AWAY everyone who doesn't have a pair or face cards...If you let too many players stay in, someone with rags is bound to catch great cards on the flop and steal your chip stack.But if you go up against players with face cards, then YOU have the advantage and the odds are in YOUR favor.This is accomplished, of course, with a pre-flop raise, which will also give you control over the table... as you'll see in a minute.Let's use a real-life hand I played to demonstrate... this is from last night, actually.I was in a $1-2 no limit cash game with some friends and got A-K on the button. Don was first to act and made it $7 to play. The action went around the table and every single one of the next five players called. Now the action was to me.How would you handle this situation?Call, raise, or fold?The correct answer is RAISE."Make it another $50", I say.And here's why...Let's say I call. That means there's SEVEN guys in the hand. Amateurs might say, "Oh, that means there's more money in the pot."NO.WRONG.What seven players means is that I am virtually GUARANTEED to have my A-K run down... because EVEN IF I catch a King or Ace, there's a good chance someone else will hit a flush, straight, trips, or two pair.And besides... CALLING doesn't give me any idea where I stand in the hand, and it doesn't allow me to know what to put my opponents on.So I make the pre-flop re-raise.The other players fold, and Don calls.That means I know he has a real hand... he wasn't just bullying the table. It also means he probably doesn't have cowboys or rockets, because if he did he would've come back over the top of me... maybe with an all-in.So now I've got a read on my opponent, and I've forced out all the other guys, which means I don't have to worry about someone getting "lucky" on the flop.AND, I've achieved something else here:I've taken control of the table.Instead of Don coming out firing after the flop, he'll probably check to me... to see what I do.This gives me control. If I miss on the flop, I can do one of two things:1. I can see a free card.Or...2. If I'm confident with my read on Don I can try to buy him out by representing a big hand.And sure enough... the flop hits:9-4-2What an UGLY flop, right?Actually, I kind of like this flop.Because I'm pretty sure Don doesn't have any of these cards on the board.He could be holding pocket 9's, but I can't put him on 4's or 2's, because of my strong re-raise before the flop.I'm putting him on two over cards or a pair. It actually wouldn't surprise me if he has Big Slick, just like me.Anyway, now it's time to find out, because Don taps his fist against the table and checks to me.Just like I expected.I COULD see a free card here, but I'd rather play this aggressively and find out EXACTLY where I'm at.If Don calls a strong bet from me, then he's probably got trips or a high wired pair. If that's the case, I'll back off after the turn card and minimize my losses. I throw out a $100 black chip with my Ace high.Don looks at his down cards for a few moments and then decides to muck his pocket 8's for the world to see."Yea... I had Kings", I say as I turn my cards face down for NOBODY to see.Don replies, "Yup, that's what I put you on" and he nods his head.Little does he know, his 8's had me beat, and I just stole a nice pot...That's how you play Big Slick the RIGHT way in late position... You've got to:1. Scare away as many players as you can before the flop.2. Take control of the board and action.3. Find out where you're at in the hand.Even if Don (or anyone else) came back over the top of me after my pre-flop raise, I'd be okay... Because then I could put my opponent on Aces or Kings, muck my Big Slick, and live to see another hand without catching a "bad beat."So play A-K aggressively when you've got good positioning, and back up your pre-flop raise with a post-flop raise, even if you've hit nothing on the board.Of course, you can't play Big Slick like this in every position... this is simply how you play it with good positioning.I'm working on another newsletter that will show you how to play A-K in early position... I promise I'll send it soon.If you want more "step-by-step" guidance on how to play certain hands, check out my eBook.It's filled with cutting-edge poker strategies and secrets that you can use to control the tables, drag in more pots, and win more money...http://www.NoLimitHoldemSecrets.com/tl/768mcKZI'll write to you again soon.Your Friend, Roy Rounder
Monday, January 8, 2007
WORLD POKER TOUR Returns to Atlantic City for 2007 Borgata Winter Open
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J., Jan. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Building on the recent success of the 2006 Borgata Poker Open -- the biggest poker tournament in Atlantic City's history -- and the debut of its new, 85-table room -- the largest poker room in Atlantic City -- Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa announced it will kick off the New Year with the second annual Borgata Winter Open. The 14-day tournament will begin January 17, 2007, and will conclude with the Borgata Poker Classic, part of the WORLD POKER TOUR® (WPT), on January 26-30, 2007.The Borgata Winter Poker Open will mark the WORLD POKER TOUR's sixth visit to Borgata. The most recent Borgata Poker Open in September drew a record 540 players with a prize pool over $5,000,000. A virtual who's who of poker stars, the tournament drew such competitors as Michael "The Grinder" Mizrahi, Shannon Shorr, Daniel Negreanu (2004 WPT Player of the Year and winner of the 2004 Borgata Poker Open), Phil "the Unabomber" Laak, Academy-Award nominee Jennifer Tilly, David Williams, Antonio Esfandiari, actress Shannon Elizabeth, David "the Dragon" Pham and Maciek "Michael" Gracz, all vying for the WPT title. However, it was an up and coming amateur from North Carolina named Mark Newhouse, who captured the WPT title and the first-place prize of $1,519,020.Last year also marked the debut of Borgata's revamped 21,500 square-foot poker room, home to three anchor events: Borgata Winter Open/WPT Poker Classic, Borgata Summer Open and the WPT/Borgata Poker Open. The Borgata Poker Room now features an eighteen-table High Limit Room offering food service; a nine-table tournament area offering bleacher seating for tournament viewing that may be partitioned off as a "reserved" poker area; and a 58-table Main Poker Room offering live poker action. The room is outfitted with over seventy plasma televisions and offers the largest variety of games and limits in Atlantic City. Highlights from 2006 include the first ever Borgata Summer Open, which drew nearly four-thousand entrants and cash prizes totaling $2,517,030; the fourth annual Borgata Poker Open, which drew nearly ten- thousand entrants with cash prizes totaling over $10 million; and $50,000 Guaranteed Friday tournaments, a favorite among amateurs and professionals alike."At Borgata, we strive to offer our poker players a full destination experience with A-list entertainment, exciting nightlife options, stellar dining, upscale accommodations, a robust poker program and above all, great service," said Larry Mullin, President and Chief Operating Officer of Borgata. "Borgata is excited to partner with the WORLD POKER TOUR once again to bring a world-class tournament to Atlantic City and offer our players a unique experience while they are here."Televised nationally on the Travel Channel and one of the premier stops on WORLD POKER TOUR's 17-tournament tour, the Borgata Poker Classic will feature the world's top poker players along with local fan favorites competing in No- Limit Texas Hold'em poker. The buy-in amount is $10,000.Online reservations are available for Main Events by visiting www.theborgata.com. On-site registration for all events begins Friday, January 12, 2007, and will be available until January 29 at 2PM.Special hotel room rates are available to tournament players Sunday through Thursday at $100, Friday at $179 and Saturday at $199. Call 1.866. MYBORGATA for more details.
Sunday, January 7, 2007
Lawmaker Pushes To Legalize Home Poker Games
CHARLESTON - A state lawmaker wants to revamp South Carolina's gambling laws to legalize in-house poker games.Rep. Wallace Scarborough, R-Charleston, is drafting legislation to permit the games as long as they are done under the heading of "recreational activity."The bill, still in the early stages of development, would be part of an overall effort to update the state's 200-year-old gaming laws, which some say technically prohibits card and dice games and even some common board games like Monopoly.Scarborough called the restrictions "ridiculous, considering we live in a modern era."The proposal comes after a raid last year in Mount Pleasant that ended with a 28-year-old man being charged with operating a gambling establishment. Nathan Stallings pleaded guilty Friday in a deal that cost him $747 in fines and court costs, and lets him avoid jail time.The game at Stallings' home had been advertised on an Internet site that attracted like-minded poker enthusiasts from all over the Lowcountry. Players paid $20 to join the game, with a percentage of the proceeds going to the house.Eighteen of the players arrested in the raid are seeking jury trials in what they say is a bid to toss out the state's anti-poker laws.A trial date has not been set, Mount Pleasant Town Attorney Ira Grossman said Friday.Scarborough, whose proposal is unrelated to the Stallings case, says he knows his proposal will run into much opposition, particularly from some of his Republican peers from the Upstate."I'm going to have a million people against it," he said.Scarborough also said the key to the proposal is making sure that the law would not open the door to organized gambling houses."That is not my goal and not my intent," he said.
Article from: http://www.pokergazette.com/simpnews/news.php?lang=en&layout=def&category=1
Article from: http://www.pokergazette.com/simpnews/news.php?lang=en&layout=def&category=1
Saturday, January 6, 2007
The Days Of Illness
Hello all,
I apologize for being out but I have been sick with apparently a bug that is going around in the whole U.S.A. This is a bad bug, if it would had caught me on the tables I would have been out first hand....LOL
But with antibiotics and others meds from my Dr., I am on my way back after a week of misery.
One thing I thought I'd mention was some info given to me buy my Dr. .... TAKE YOUR FLU SHOT !!
Now I know your gonna say *taking a flu shot will give me the flu* NOT TRUE !
What the real deal is....Taking a flu shot will weaken your immune system for about 2 weeks. So if your around anyone that is sick you are more than likely gonna be as well.
Here is what you can do to take your flu shot and hold off those illnesses:
Take this new medication on the market called *ColdMD* It is an immune system builder, It will boost your immune system by as much as 312% and if your sick it increases your recovery time by 94%
Then go see your Dr. and take your flu shot, not taking a flu shot is getting very serious as the strains get tougher. The flu virus is and can be deadly to those who are young and those of us that are getting older.
So instead of poker advice or info I leave you with Wellness info, Take care of yourself and you can stay on the tables making money.
For now....Stay well and may all your hands be monsters.
I apologize for being out but I have been sick with apparently a bug that is going around in the whole U.S.A. This is a bad bug, if it would had caught me on the tables I would have been out first hand....LOL
But with antibiotics and others meds from my Dr., I am on my way back after a week of misery.
One thing I thought I'd mention was some info given to me buy my Dr. .... TAKE YOUR FLU SHOT !!
Now I know your gonna say *taking a flu shot will give me the flu* NOT TRUE !
What the real deal is....Taking a flu shot will weaken your immune system for about 2 weeks. So if your around anyone that is sick you are more than likely gonna be as well.
Here is what you can do to take your flu shot and hold off those illnesses:
Take this new medication on the market called *ColdMD* It is an immune system builder, It will boost your immune system by as much as 312% and if your sick it increases your recovery time by 94%
Then go see your Dr. and take your flu shot, not taking a flu shot is getting very serious as the strains get tougher. The flu virus is and can be deadly to those who are young and those of us that are getting older.
So instead of poker advice or info I leave you with Wellness info, Take care of yourself and you can stay on the tables making money.
For now....Stay well and may all your hands be monsters.
Monday, January 1, 2007
The Truth About Tells
The Truth About Tells
By Daniel Negreanu
I’m going to let you in on a little secret here. If you believe that watching for a twitchy eye or a flared nostril is what poker is all about — you’re quite wrong. Many poker players (mainly those who are new to the game) are preoccupied with the notion that bluffing and the ability to discover tells are what it’s all about.
I often hear someone say something like, “Oh, I could never be a good poker player. I have a terrible poker face.” Or, “I wouldn’t be very good at poker. I just can’t tell a lie, so I wouldn’t be able to bluff with a straight face.”
Well, if you believe that, this column should be a pleasant awakening. While it is important to avoid giving away too much information with your body language, it’s nowhere near as important as learning the fundamentals of the game. In fact, I would bet that a world-class player could beat a low-limit game even if he told his opponents what he had on the turn every single time! Of course, that would work only if his opponents didn’t always believe him, but I think you get the idea.
So, what is it, then? What is it that separates average and good players from the great ones? Well, obviously, tell recognition would be one factor, but it’s simply not the most significant. The answer is: hand-reading ability; the ability to process information that you’ve gathered from your opponent in the current hand and in past hands, and to use that information to narrow down your opponent’s holdings. Picking up on your opponents’ betting patterns and understanding what they are and aren’t capable of doing, makes this much easier. So, when you hear people talk about “reading people,” what it really comes down to is reading into your opponent’s mind what he is thinking at the moment, and trying to figure out how he would play various situations. It’s not about noticing that when Al has a flush draw, he eats an Oreo cookie without opening it up first, but when he has top pair, he licks out all the cream first. That would be one heck of a tell, but obvious tells like that are pretty much reserved for the movies. However, some pros would like you to believe that their biggest strength is their ability to “see through your soul”; that is, knowing what your holecards are just by looking at you. This might be true in cases in which players have exaggerated tells, but for the most part, a great player makes his read based on the actual betting that took place, not the facial tics.
Now, I shouldn’t be telling you this, but I will anyway. It’s simply a scare tactic used by many pros to make you feel uncomfortable. Think about it: When you make a bet (whether it’s a bluff or not) and your opponent throws his hand in immediately, or even calls immediately, is it intimidating? No, not really. Well, what if he takes extra time? He stares you down. He cuts his chips out to make it look like he wants to raise, and so on. Now, that might make you sweat a little bit, especially if you are indeed bluffing! If it doesn’t make you sweat, it at least might make you uncomfortable having a guy stare at you for so long. It’s all a ploy, as simple as that.
Most often, a player knows exactly what he’s going to do within five seconds. You’ll see it on the World Poker Tour telecasts quite often, thanks to the hidden cameras. There was a hand at the World Poker Open tournament in which Dave “Devilfish” Ulliot made a play with the 5diamonds 2diamonds. The player he had raised moved all in, and David went into the tank (meaning he took a substantial amount of time pondering whether or not to call the bet)! Why did he do this? After all, he is an experienced pro, and knew full well that he wasn’t going to call the all-in raise, so why waste all that time?
Well, there are a couple of possible answers to that question. He may have just wanted to save face in order to conceal the fact that he was raising with a trash hand, or, more likely, he was trying to make his opponent sweat a little bit. He wanted to make him nervous, and put him through three minutes of torment before finally releasing his hand. Many players in this situation would be so relieved that it’s finally over that they subconsciously might think to themselves, “Hmm, I better think twice about making any moves against that guy in the future.”
Well, that’s just what the Devilfish wanted from him. He wanted to scare him. He wanted him to think that if he ever tried to bluff him, he would have to deal with a full five-minute stare-down. That’s more than the average guy wants to deal with at the table, so many of them will begin playing in a straightforward manner from that point on — thus making it even easier on our pro to control the table.
Don’t be paranoid of or obsessed with tells. That’s not where your focus should lie. I remember a few years ago something that I thought was rather cute. There were a few aspiring pros in a $10-$20 game at the Mirage one night. They looked fresh and ready to play. For several hours I watched them. Their eyes were constantly fixated on the player who was next to act. They gave each and every player the stare-down — on every street, whether they were in the hand or not! I thought it was quite funny, actually. They were so obsessed with trying to figure out what people’s tells were that they completely neglected what was actually going on in the hands — who bet, who raised, and so on. Instead of watching the action of the game and studying betting patterns, they spent all of their time trying to figure out if Grandma Betty actually had a nervous twitch, and whether or not her twitch revealed something about her holecards! They clearly had a lot of passion and energy for the game, but they were wasting all of that energy exercising the wrong muscles.
article from pokerpages.com
By Daniel Negreanu
I’m going to let you in on a little secret here. If you believe that watching for a twitchy eye or a flared nostril is what poker is all about — you’re quite wrong. Many poker players (mainly those who are new to the game) are preoccupied with the notion that bluffing and the ability to discover tells are what it’s all about.
I often hear someone say something like, “Oh, I could never be a good poker player. I have a terrible poker face.” Or, “I wouldn’t be very good at poker. I just can’t tell a lie, so I wouldn’t be able to bluff with a straight face.”
Well, if you believe that, this column should be a pleasant awakening. While it is important to avoid giving away too much information with your body language, it’s nowhere near as important as learning the fundamentals of the game. In fact, I would bet that a world-class player could beat a low-limit game even if he told his opponents what he had on the turn every single time! Of course, that would work only if his opponents didn’t always believe him, but I think you get the idea.
So, what is it, then? What is it that separates average and good players from the great ones? Well, obviously, tell recognition would be one factor, but it’s simply not the most significant. The answer is: hand-reading ability; the ability to process information that you’ve gathered from your opponent in the current hand and in past hands, and to use that information to narrow down your opponent’s holdings. Picking up on your opponents’ betting patterns and understanding what they are and aren’t capable of doing, makes this much easier. So, when you hear people talk about “reading people,” what it really comes down to is reading into your opponent’s mind what he is thinking at the moment, and trying to figure out how he would play various situations. It’s not about noticing that when Al has a flush draw, he eats an Oreo cookie without opening it up first, but when he has top pair, he licks out all the cream first. That would be one heck of a tell, but obvious tells like that are pretty much reserved for the movies. However, some pros would like you to believe that their biggest strength is their ability to “see through your soul”; that is, knowing what your holecards are just by looking at you. This might be true in cases in which players have exaggerated tells, but for the most part, a great player makes his read based on the actual betting that took place, not the facial tics.
Now, I shouldn’t be telling you this, but I will anyway. It’s simply a scare tactic used by many pros to make you feel uncomfortable. Think about it: When you make a bet (whether it’s a bluff or not) and your opponent throws his hand in immediately, or even calls immediately, is it intimidating? No, not really. Well, what if he takes extra time? He stares you down. He cuts his chips out to make it look like he wants to raise, and so on. Now, that might make you sweat a little bit, especially if you are indeed bluffing! If it doesn’t make you sweat, it at least might make you uncomfortable having a guy stare at you for so long. It’s all a ploy, as simple as that.
Most often, a player knows exactly what he’s going to do within five seconds. You’ll see it on the World Poker Tour telecasts quite often, thanks to the hidden cameras. There was a hand at the World Poker Open tournament in which Dave “Devilfish” Ulliot made a play with the 5diamonds 2diamonds. The player he had raised moved all in, and David went into the tank (meaning he took a substantial amount of time pondering whether or not to call the bet)! Why did he do this? After all, he is an experienced pro, and knew full well that he wasn’t going to call the all-in raise, so why waste all that time?
Well, there are a couple of possible answers to that question. He may have just wanted to save face in order to conceal the fact that he was raising with a trash hand, or, more likely, he was trying to make his opponent sweat a little bit. He wanted to make him nervous, and put him through three minutes of torment before finally releasing his hand. Many players in this situation would be so relieved that it’s finally over that they subconsciously might think to themselves, “Hmm, I better think twice about making any moves against that guy in the future.”
Well, that’s just what the Devilfish wanted from him. He wanted to scare him. He wanted him to think that if he ever tried to bluff him, he would have to deal with a full five-minute stare-down. That’s more than the average guy wants to deal with at the table, so many of them will begin playing in a straightforward manner from that point on — thus making it even easier on our pro to control the table.
Don’t be paranoid of or obsessed with tells. That’s not where your focus should lie. I remember a few years ago something that I thought was rather cute. There were a few aspiring pros in a $10-$20 game at the Mirage one night. They looked fresh and ready to play. For several hours I watched them. Their eyes were constantly fixated on the player who was next to act. They gave each and every player the stare-down — on every street, whether they were in the hand or not! I thought it was quite funny, actually. They were so obsessed with trying to figure out what people’s tells were that they completely neglected what was actually going on in the hands — who bet, who raised, and so on. Instead of watching the action of the game and studying betting patterns, they spent all of their time trying to figure out if Grandma Betty actually had a nervous twitch, and whether or not her twitch revealed something about her holecards! They clearly had a lot of passion and energy for the game, but they were wasting all of that energy exercising the wrong muscles.
article from pokerpages.com
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