Getting In Your Groove

Alright I decided tonight to take a much deserved break from the main website, blogging and all that as I have been over whelmed with stuff. Between working on the site till 2 am everyday than up at 6am with the kids and today was baseball for them which I have taken on the task of organizing the ball leagues. Anyway back to the point I decided to play a $1000 GP $5 buyin rebuy now that I have adjusted my game to that of a rebuy.

First hour I am struggling....not even struggling, desperately seeking some good cards. One hand the whole hour that is even worth mentioning is getting dealt QQ in the cut off so I raise 4x BB and get 1 caller. The flop was beautiful Q92 I get put all in for another measly 600. Of course I call and buddy had Arag which, unless he hits runner runner for flush or boat he's drawing dead. The turn makes my ladies into quads and I am more than pleased with this....and that was it, nothing till the first break was over.

Finally I was moved to another table thanks to chip leaders battling it out with AJ and AQ. The flop brought two pair to the AJ who even had the nerve to reraise allin and tell buddy he had made his hand. Buddy still calls and lmao runner runners him with a flush A high.

So anyway new table and I am starting to become quite bored with theis game. It's moving very slowly as it usually does after break and when you can't get anything better than 52os it sends you on a slow winding road of desperation.

So I decided if I am going to be bored might as well listen to some tunes. Opened my media player threw on some old school " Baby Blue Soundcrew--Mary Jane" I know I am stuck in the past but the beats in this song kick ass. I don't no whether my mood was killing my game or what but as soon as I got my groove so to speak I was interested in it again. Within 10 mins I made a few moves that succeeded and put me in the top 15.

So there are now only 28 left out of 92 I am sitting in 14 with a stack of 10 000, blinds are 150/300 and chip leader only has 3x more chips than I do which really, is not that much of a lead. I am playing position which helps me out against the players who don't and I am now in the mood to rock it and win. I will hold my own till I need to mix it up and hopefully I can win this one again.

Win Some Poker Money At Cake Poker

Come And Get Some Cake!Cake Poker and PokerRiverOnline.com has teamed up for a brand new promo. This exciting promotion enables players to win free money each and every month by just playing regular poker. Play at any ring table and earn yourself some points that will land you on our Cake Poker leaderboard where the winner will receive $100 each month into their poker account. That's $100 up for grabs every month just for playing the game you love to play. Click here to get all the details on this great event for some free poker money!

Are You A Donkey Or A Jackass?

During countless online hours and time spent in the casino I like to classify some players into these two groups. Why? Because I find many people fall into these two areas and I like to know who they are.

For anyone who is reading this, my thoughts of donkey's are mainly players who are learning how to play poker. Not necessarily a player who is out to take all your chips playing a NL tournament on a bad beat. Ya I know they are out there, but many given times they do have a gut feeling on a hand. Call it instinct, call it intuition or simply what ever you want but you have done the same thing.

You know who they are in the casino when they forget to post their blinds and must be told by not only the growing impatient dealer, but the entire table. Or they do post their blinds and keep forgetting how much so they throw in any old poker chip and make the dealer give them change every hand when it's not needed. They call all blinds, raised or not mostly for curiosity to see a flop. Yes they win some hands against your AA but that doesn't mean they come out ahead. They are learning and I respect that. I also know to take caution playing with them as most bad beats are avoidable

Now for the jackass. The jackass is my definition for the next group of players. A jackass thinks they are going to go pro. They comment on every hand even when they are not in it, it makes no difference to them. They are so disillusioned to their own faults and underlying problem. They are crude, ego driven poker players that the jackass can't even see that his problem actually lye within his own game. They believe they are the next Sklansky!

In the casino they are the ones who correct a dealer, correct the players and any other game or situation they can get themselves mixed in. They will engage you in a debate over your game, your style of play, and if you should even be playing poker for that matter. They don;t tip the dealer, they don't tip the waitresses and will run their mouths off if you let them. They are truly a complete and utter ass!

Now see I would rather be seated at a table with a "Donkey" than I would the "Jackass". I enjoy playing poker, learning and reading about the game. I enjoy conversations about poker and yes before you think this is my life I do other things as well but I find conversing on a game can only make yours stronger. I am not new to the game but I am not an expert either. I learn and continue to do so.

So before you start typing into your chat box while taking a hit to your stack, think about what kind of player you want to be. Do you want to be the jackass at the table or are you going to let things slide and move on!

Poker, Bingo, Casino...something for everyone

Doolallys.com is an fantastic site catering to every ones needs. Whether you are a poker fanatic like myself, or enjoy the slots in online casinos right up to the bingo enthusiast there is something for everyone. Offering this many categories for online gambling can make a site confusing however Doolally's has simplified everything. With a simple button you can switch from the poker section to the bingo which makes it quick to navigate.

Each section of the site offers comprehensive listing of bonuses so viewers are able to get the most for their deposits. You will find all your reviews of some of the top poker rooms and strategy tips for every player at all levels. The poker beginner's guide is great for new players who are just starting out learning how to play poker and learn some of the basics.

If you are on the hunt for casinos and not sure where to play check out the casino reviews. They have a detailed listing of the top casinos and what they have to offer. Doolally's has taken this one step further and also did a compilation of both Canadian online casinos and UK casinos.

It doesn't stop there I mentioned earlier they have created a section strictly devoted to the bingo players. Reviews, top bingo halls and even free bingo games can be found here.

As an online player myself I love finding sites like these that cater to the players and provide information that is relevant to me and not the webmaster. This is what makes a good site great and if you are searching for some reviews, bonuses or even gambling news go check them out. Like I said there is something for everyone at Doolally's

Ocean's Thirteen Charity Tournament

Well Pokerstars.com Ocean's 13 Charity Tournament is proving to be a success. With 1 hour to go before th event takes place there is 300+ people participating and the prize pool has reached well over $3000.

It seems as though Pokerstars really knows how to get people playing for a good cause as the prize pool will be matched by Pokerstars to help those in Dafur. If you want to help and play in this game simply download the pokerstars software, here are the details. If you would like to know more about why Pokerstars is putting on this game and to see how you too can help with Dafur click this link Pokerstars.com helping charities

Date: May 27th 2007, 15:30
ETBuy-in: $10 plus rebuys.
Prizes: Top 4 receive tickets to June 5th premiere in Los Angeles plus 2 night’s hotel and $2k for travel/spending.
Top 18 receive autographed copy of “Oceans 13” DVD.
Total prize pool will go to charity and PokerStars will match the donation.
The tournament is open to all players.
Good luck

Are Teens Headed For Problem Gambling

I found this artilce this morning by the news.com.au team, it's content specifically bring attention to the over whelming phenomon poker and playing texas holdem has become amongst teens. Here i sthe complete story from this publisher.

Poker luring teens in trap
Verity Edwards
May 28, 2007
POPULARISED by blockbuster movies such as Casino Royale, Texas Hold'Em
tournaments and games around the kitchen table are sparking concerns that poker
could soon rival slot machines as a source of problem gambling.

Studies have shown that one in five high school students is gambling on card games, wanting to emulate players in televised celebrity poker tournaments and Australia's
World Series champion Joe Hachem. Welfare groups including Uniting Care
Wesley fear young men could fall into the trap of gambling vast sums of money in
hotel poker tournaments and in the unregulated home gaming industry.

"They play poker with a mate over a six pack and say 'This is easy, I'm good at
this'," Uniting Care's Mark Henley said. "Then they see celebrity poker and the
next thing you know they're on dodgycasino@vanuatu.com and they're in a bit of
financial strife."

Bond University's Sudhir Kale, who last month chaired the
Gaming Executive Summit Australasia, said hotels were using poker games to lure
young people into venues.
In Sydney alone there are more than 7000 weekly
poker games in pubs in clubs. The Australian Poker League boasts 230,000 members and its rival, the National Poker League, has more than 40,000 players.

"Generally the clientele of the clubs tend to be older people and the poker
games are being used as a drawcard to get younger people into the clubs,"
Associate Professor Kale said. While slot machines attract a female
demographic with an average age above 50, poker's demographic was 75 per cent
male and aged between 18 and 30. South Australian No Pokies MP Nick Xenophon
said the boom in televised Texas Hold'Em competitions and world championships
"opened the gate to a whole new generation of potential gamblers".

I disagree I think people especially parents need to educate themselves and their children on what can be lost. Yes tv does leave a child who is impressionable in the understanding that you win big playing poker, and very rarely do they see a huge loss. They remember how much someone won. So it's up to the parents to teach their kids.

I know this from my own personal experience. This is corny but at 16 (underage to gamble) I was able to buy Nevada tickets. If you dont know what these are they are pull open tickets and if you have three matching symbols you win the prize. Needless to say I was winning consistantly. The prizes were usually $100 here and there. So one day I was early for my after school shift at work and went and played them I blew my entire paycheck ($250)and lost. This taught me a valuable lesson that I will never forget, nor will I ever forget the sickening feeling that I had of wasting that much money on virtually nothing.

I don't blame my parents, and this is not a Dr.Phil issue but I think parents need to teach their kids that you don't always win and there is in fact a risk.

I have an 8 year old daughter, and yes we play home games regulary however she is not included nor is she around. She knows that we play poker and she knows what poker is but she is told it is a game for grow ups. She also knows we play with money, and can lose. I have been trying to teach her what I think is the best approach for learning about this. Now I am not saying I want her to just go and gamble or how to gamble, but I want her to know that it's not all about winnnig. That is the appeal for teens and if you dont prepare them they will likely do what I did. Kids are excited about casinos when they are of age to go, I was when I made my first trip and they eventually will make one to, so why not prepare them for a life lesson as you do with every other improtant issue you teach your children. Isolating them from gambling will only make them want to experience it more.

Huge Tournament Overlays at Carbon Poker

I was rummaging around today and came across a posting made by shane@ carbon poker who was talking about the overlays they have.

A comment from him was

Overlay + loose play = EASY MONEY!!!!
Tuesday, May 8, 2007


Firstly lets just go over the maths....

With 252 players this week, for your $60 investment in our Sunday $20,000 Guaranteed you got a starting EV of $80.

To put it another way, your playing for a pool of prize money of an extra 80 players, without actually having to play against them.

Now thats good value!

I can not disagree with this what so ever. When I play tournaments I don't play the fields of 500+ players for the simple fact it does not make for a good financial investment. I literally search for tournament overlays and than decide where I play. The simple fact is out of 500 people registered how many times can you say you will finish enough to make it worth it? 1 maybe if you are lucky. So why play these when you have other poker rooms who are offering up some of the best overlays.

Carbon Poker has huge overlays and anyone who already plays there knows this and takes advantage of it, so does Cake Poker and Titan. If I play a huge field I can guarantee I am going to bubble and there is nothing worse than that.

These overlays for example at Titan they have an evening $1000 GP for a buyin of $20. I have placed in the top 5 4 times , a 2nd place finish twice and a first place finish twice. At $300 give or take a little for first place finish I am more than up. The reason I also told you I play the evening game is because it is the best overlay there. They do have the same game offered up earlier in the day however evenings are prime for anyone who does not live in Europe and can play at Titan. Player base is very low so this tournament for example usually only has 80+ people.

Carbon runs $3000 Gp's everyday and again the volume of registered players is so low that it's just incredible. I don't know if people just don't want to front that kind of money or what it is but it makes the game so much more valuable. Today's 20K Guaranteed only had 252 players in it and first place paid out over $5000. That's 5 G's for a $60 buyin. Tell me anotehr site that you will find that kind of ratio. It's just sic how much money these games hand over with the lack of players registered.

I think people overlook this aspect when playing online and how beneficial it is to your bankroll. I mean seriously I am an average player. I know the basics I know how to play position and what not and I use these which helps me win, not always but often enough to be able to say I am not in the red.

So if you are a tournament player like I am and have not found the benefit of overlays, take a look around they are everywhere you just need to watch the site and times that the player volume decreases and I guarantee you it will be a much better investment than playing a $3 x 600 people tournament.

If you would like to check out Carbon Poker I have included the Carbon Poker Bonus for you to get 14 days worth of $500 freerolls plus up to a $200 Bonus and free tournament tickets. Use bonus code "PDCMAy200" and have fun cashing more in an overlay than any other game!

15 People Caught Cheating Land Casino In Windsor

Ontario Provincial Police arrested 15 people Thursday for alleged involvement in an international crew of casino cheaters who used bribes and technology to win big at blackjack and mini-baccarat.

Ten were residents of Windsor and according to police, the arrests were the result of a multi-agency, cross-border investigation that lasted almost four years.

"It's the most lengthy, complex and widespread investigation in our OPP officers' memory," said OPP spokesman Sgt. Bob Paterson, referring to officers assigned to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission.

The range of charges include: participating in a criminal organization, conspiracy, laundering proceeds of crime, fraud over $5,000, possession of stolen property and cheat of play.

The arrests by OPP coincide with a major FBI operation that saw a federal grand jury indict 19 defendants from across the U.S. on racketeering charges.

A FBI press release described a "false shuffle" scheme in which members of the cheating team bribed casino dealers and supervisors to fake their shuffles during card games, resulting in "slugs" of unshuffled cards.

This allegedly allowed the cheaters to track the order of the cards - with the help of signals, hidden transmitters and specially created computer software - and bet large at the appropriate times.

According to the FBI, the accused "repeatedly won thousands of dollars during card games - up to $868,000 on one occasion."

Paterson said OPP expect that the total financial losses at Ontario casinos targeted by the group will exceed $2 million.

Although many of the Canadian suspects lived in Windsor, Paterson said the cheat team's criminal activity in Ontario only took place at Casino Rama - a First Nations casino near Orillia on Lake Simcoe north of Toronto.

Asked to explain why the team didn't hit Casino Windsor, Paterson said he didn't know. "I can tell you, they did infiltrate a casino. In other words, they had inside assistance. I suppose if that link was made at Rama, that's where they stayed," Paterson said.

Special Agent Darrell Foxworth of the FBI said the U.S. agency had "excellent co-operation" with OPP throughout the investigation.

story obtained by Global News

Negraneau and Matusow Video

This is my favourite poker video. Negreaneau and Mike are playing and of course Mike is shooting off his mouth as normal when Daniel loses it and calls a spade a spade.

Pokerstars shows signs of humanity

I have been reading alot of posts lately about Pokerstars newest promotion Ocean's Thirteen Darfur Charity Tournament. I know , I know another promotion by another poker room.

Except this has really touched me, and given me a new perspective on this company. You hear all the time about film stars giving to charity benefits, companies sponsoring events but I have never heard of a poker room doing such a thing.

So today my task was to dig a little deeper into what kind of organizations Pokerstars supports, and I was blown away to say the least. Here is a huge multi billion dollar online gaming company who continually makes an effort to support local and international benefits.

Needless to say sometimes I am out of the loop as to promotions, I play my favourite games and that is about it but this just caught my attention and through some leg work I found multiple events.

Did you know that Pokerstars hosted a memorial fundraiser for the victims of the tragic Virginia Tech? It was a $20 buyin with 0.01 going to the prize pool and the rest of the fund were being donated to VT, not to mention that Poker stars matched all proceeds.

They also did the same thing for the victims of the Tsunami and again for Hurricane Katrina relief, all to the Red Cross.

This year they were the main sponsor for the 2007 Life Ball Charity Event held in Vienna, which is an event to help fight AIDS. If Pokerstars is going to be a sponsor you can sure as hell bet that they are going to be making a huge contribution ...and they did just that. They set up an amazing promo where they hosted freerolls. For every player who registered for this tournament Pokerstars.com donated $1 on top of the already $100, 000. But it doesn't stop there they also held a $5 +$10 charity tournament where $5 went to the prize pool and the other $10 went as a donation where than Poker Stars matched everyone's $10 donation.

Now they are helping the people of Dafur who are stricken by terrible living conditions in their war torn region. It's an absolute tragedy and this is one site that I give huge amounts of respect for taking action. They have donated over $1 Million dollars to help with the situation and teamed up with the casts of Ocean's Thirteen (George Clooney, Matt Damon etcc) to bring recognition to the devastation that has imploded these people.

I am not writing this to promote Pokerstars or I would have done so while they had there tournaments going on. I am writing this to show people that an online poker room can have an impact on humanity, and they should be applauded for doing so.

If you have not heard about the horrible events taking place in Dafur than I will briefly explain why this is such an urgency. The conflict began in the arid and impoverished region early in 2003 after a rebel group began attacking government targets, saying the region was being neglected by Khartoum.

The rebels say the government is oppressing black Africans in favour of Arabs. Over the years the rebel groups moved into villages in protest of the government and slaughtered anyone and everyone including children, raped women and stole whatever their hands could touch.

The government is being blamed however they lay the blame on others and remove themselves from any implications of wrong doings. The citizens are greatly affected by this and millions have fled in search of safety, but fleeing has only left them with very little water, food or even medicine for those who are sick. They have sought refuge in camps and are fearful of even leaving these camps in search of food or water due to killings that take place just out side of them.

Researchers and aid workers have a hard time reaching these people due to the fighting, but an estimation has pout the death toll above 400,000.

This is what Pokerstars is about, trying to help in the best way possible and I ask you to do the same. I am not going to post a link to Pokerstars...you know where it is if you need it so it's not necessary.

What I am asking you is to donate, even if it's $5 to help this cause. If you want to donate direct to the charity it couldn't’t be easier. To transfer funds simply go to the main lobby in your Pokerstars.com account, then to Requests, and drop down to Transfer Funds. Type in the User ID NOOW and the amount you wish to donate. The funds will then be taken from your account and credited to the charity. All money will go directly to the charity and PokerStars will match all funds donated!

Or you can go to this website here http://www.savedarfur.org/content. Either way it is a well worthwhile cause that needs attention now. Pokerstars has said they will hold another event such as this in the near future. Dates have not been confirmed as of yet.

I would like to say thank you to those at Pokerstars for taking a stance and trying to make our world better for both us and our future children. You have shown compassion and empathy to others when it is most needed and I hope people recognize you with your humanitarian efforts.

Women Poker Players

Everyone can agree that women players have joined the battle of the felt, and with the increasing popularity of poker more women are taking the game seriously. To the devoted women poker players is a magazine dedicated to you.

Women Poker Player is a bi-monthly magazine that features a high profile women poker players, compiles articles on strategy, tips, and just about everything the regular magazines do. With Women Poker Player it brings new light to the female enthusiast about playing poker. They have dedicated their mag to all things related to women. Just because we play poker doesn't mean that our lives circle around it which is why they release issues that contain fashion, health and well being.

May issue of Women Poker Player features non other than Isabelle "No Mercy" Mercier who has gained an increase in fans over the last year. She is a very successful female poker player who is on top of her game...not to mention out of them all she is one of my favourites because she represents what being a strong women means. She doesn't flaunt her sexuality at the tables.....she plays the tables.

Now men this magazine doesn't mean that it's off limits to you, it is still dedicated to poker and the complex theories behind it. You may not want to leave it sitting in the bathroom when the guys are over for poker night, but it will still have something that you will find use full.

I feel that this is a great concept to help women progress in a dominate male sport. I know certain poker rooms like Carbon Poker promote female players through their ladies games and Ladies WSOP seats. If you have the chance when you are at your local bookstore pick up a copy and check it out for yourself.

Brillant Strategy From Gus Hansen

This is a four part series on Pokersuperstars. Many of the players have to place in certain positions in order to qualify and move on to the next round. Gus needs a first place win to move on and as a strategy goes allin every hand without looking at his cards. This is absolutely beautiful strategy and very amusing to watch. Especially when he puts Hellmuth out.

Has Facebook Become Another Form Of Spam?

Most people who use social bookmarking know about Facebook or will within the near future. It's another web media group similar to others such as de-lic-ious, digg and the list goes on. It has become an extremely popular resource for college students and has spread in popularity to just about anyone.

A recent report from Webpronews dated May 18th stated that Canadians are using Facebook more than any other country, roughly 10% of Facebook's population, an estimating 2 million Canadian users. Why the sudden surge in Canadian members?

My theory is the amount of spam and tactics that are bringing these people online. Don't get me wrong I use Facebook to and find it to be a great resource for both personal and public.

Lately there has been a huge amount of groups that are created for the purpose of winning money. A perfect example would be the radio contest 106.1 The Edge. This is a Canadian Radio station that is asking members to create the largest unique group to win $7000 CDN

Great contest you think, till you go search Facebook and see the amount of members who are trying to win. With this type of promotion comes the spam, and an abundance of this is flying around due to the overwhelming popularity of this contest. People are sending out invites left right and center trying to get the biggest group going, they are practically begging anyone who will here them out.

Is this what social bookmarking was meant for? Has it resorted to a complete and useless waste of time? There are currently 550 groups directly related to this contest alone with an average of 5 new groups started each day.

Toronto, has over half a million members in Facebook and it is spiking at a huge rate as reported in Webpronews. Well given that this radio station is aired in this city could this have something to do with it.

If you go to the 102.1 The Edge and watch the youtube video they specifically talk about spam related issues resulting from this promotion, and how Facebook will not tolerate it. The staff at 102.1 has made it into a complete joke resulting in the abuse of social bookmarking





A quote right off the edge website tells viewers to:

"Invite as many people as possible to join your group. Close friends, friends of friends, family, old school buddies, neighbors you don't even speak to, ANYONE!!! You won't qualify to win $7,000 unless you are near the top of the leaderboard when it comes to how large your group is, so friends are EXTREMELY IMPORTANT!"

Is this telling visitors that spam is not acceptable? Spam has become acceptable and with it has brought a new phase into social bookmarking. I think social bookmarking is taking a turn into more produced garbage than constructive becoming the new form of spam, at least where Facebook is concerned.

8 WSOP Seats Available Everyday at Mansion!

This is the biggest WSOP giveaway from any room at one time. Mansion and Pokernews are giving away not 1 but 8 WSOP seats everyday for the next 7 days. That's 56 World Series Of Poker seats available to be won in total.

From May 21-27, the popular daily $100,000 Guaranteed Tournament at MANSION will be undergoing a transformation into the MANSION Team PokerNews Main Event Satellite.this is your shot to win one of these huge Main Event packages worth over $12,500

This amazing promotion runs from Monday May 21 until Sunday May 27. The buyin for each tournament is $100 with daily qualifiers starting from $10. The Mansion Team PokerNews Main Event Satellite will run at 7:00 EDT (11:00 GMT) on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and 16:00 EDT (20:00 GMT) on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

MANSION and Team PokerNews also have a $12,000 Added Main Event Satellite on Saturday May 26 at 17:00 EDT (21:00 GMT). Again, this tournament is open to all players, and the winner will receive a $12,000 World Series Main Event package which will be added on top of the existing prizepool. The buyin for this satellite is just $50, and with a 5000 start stack and 15 minute blinds, this is amazing value for players looking to go to Las Vegas.

Mansion always has a huge overlay for this tournament which means your odds for winning this incredible once in a life time package is better than ever. Download Mansion to day and win your seat at this year's Main Event!

Download MANSION today!

Full Tilt Observers Who Chat With Pros

This is more of a rant than anything else. Today I was watching the $25/$50 table over at Full Tilt. Paul Wasicka was playing and about 3 others with him. Anyway you could tell that there were many observers as the chat was nuts.

Now if you are going to watch the pros and chat than why don't people make posts that show you have somewhat of a brain instead of spewing garbage and sounding like they are coming from a 10 year old. Seriously they expect the pros to answer them and yet they ask the stupidest questions. Than it gets better they argue with them, insult them than ask another question and wonder why the hell the won't answer. People use your heads, and if this is all you have to do with your day than find a new hobby.

Here are some of my favourites from Full Tilt's rail birds

bluffmany (Observer): paul do u know gus?
* this is the best you can come up with*

edog9121 (Observer): hey paul, what was ur old screen name?
*because you know that is one of the most wanted answers in all of poker*

clubkiller82 (Observer): paul what you driving now?
* this matters why?*

GHETTO_MONK (Observer): Wasicka had to go get with some strippers

pokerologist02 (Observer): hey paul are you still driving your car the one that has no A/C in it?
* no comment*

and the two that get my vote as the most idiotic comments coming from the rails:

gott ist stumm (Observer): Annie Duke still plays poker even after her divorce and giving up
her kids to adoption?

cfcid (Observer): PAUL IS DANIEL NEGREANU GAY??? U CAN SAY

Yet these people asked other questions that were useful and they expected for them to be answered. I give a lot of credit to the pros at Full Tilt having to put up with all the garbage that is thrown there way.

Paul was answering more questions than I have seen anyone answer trying to help, he also hung around after he was finished at the table to take a few more. Full Tilt is great for allowing people to chat with the pros, so my advice to you is use it wisely. They will answer you, just don't make yourself look like a complete and total ass. Rant finished!!!

Play Online Poker

Ladies World Series Satellite for the WSOP

Carbon Poker is running a special tournament for all the women poker players. They want to send you to the Women's World Championship held in Las Vegas on June the 10th. This is a great opportunity and if you are looking for a way to land a ticket to Vegas this is it. With a huge overlay compared to other big sites Carbon Poker will pay the $1000 tournament entry fee fro you and not only that give you an added $1500 for travel costs and a little extra spending money for yourself.

Last year's champion was Mary Jones Meyer, a regular women who inevitably played the greatest game and beat out some of the top women poker players. With her husband watching her and supporting her through this milestone in her life she took down the championship with a prize over $250 000.

So ladies this is your game if you want to compete for this years Ladies World Poker Championship.

Carbon Poker's scheduled grand final is May 26th which you can either buyin directly ($55 or a $60 Satellite Coupon) or enter the the MTT's or Sit n Go hat start from $2 and you may find yourself heading to Las Vegas sooner than you think.

Carbon Poker Bonus Carbon Poker Review

Degree Poker on TSN...have you registered yet?

The deadline is fast approaching for the Degree Poker Contest. Contest closes May 29 th for Canadian residents. This is one of Canada's most watched televised poker events and if you are looking to be discovered here is your chance. It is free and will take 2 minutes of your time to register. You must be 21 years of age and reside in Canada

Last year's Degree Poker Championship was the most watched poker tournament in Canada, attracting a national average audience of 126,000 viewers per premiere telecast. The show attracted an impressive 247,000 viewers per episode when the premiere and two encore broadcasts were taken into account.

This year's event will be held June 25 to 29 at Casino Rama, ( near Orillia) a world-class casino-resort located 90 minutes north of Toronto. Casino Rama is Ontario's Favourite Casino*, a first-class entertainment facility specializing in gaming, concerts and production shows.

"At Casino Rama we're known for dealing big-time excitement and this tournament is exactly the edge-of-your-seat, thrilling event we love to be part of," said Jeff Craik, Vice-President of Marketing, Casino Rama.


Contestant Breakdown:

The following is an outline of how the group of 72 players will be determined:
Last year's winner Jim Rich of Sarnia, ON, and 2005 inaugural champion Liam Greig of Vancouver join nine other finalists from the past two tournaments (11 players)
Casino Rama will be giving away five seats to winners of a select in-house poker tournament (5 players)

Degree is giving away a pair of seats through contests associated with its products sold at retailers Pharma Plus and Safeway (2 players)

The remaining players will be randomly selected in an online draw on May 29 (54 players)
Registration for the online draw is free and open to all Canadians over the age of 21 (excluding residents of Quebec). Those interested can visit www.degreepoker.com to enter the contest.

10 Billionth Hand Dealt at Pokerstars

PokerStars just announced that the 10B hand was won today. The lucky person who helped reach this milestone for Pokerstars was justine003 who won $100 000. The rest of the table who was dealt in also received cash prizes.

Pokerstars has been promoting a huge event with the 10 Billionth Hand Celebration. Don;t worry the party isn't over yet there are still huge tournaments with amazing overlays including an extra $250 000 added to Sunday Millions tournament.


Head on over to Pokerstars to join these fantastic offers and use bonus code "10bhand" to recieve an additional 25% bonus

When Poker Becomes More Than Just Poker

The other night some friends and I were discussing our ups and downs playing online or even live for that matter. We also started talking...let me rephrase that gossiping...because that's what it really was, about others who don't seem to see what is right in front of their face. They ignore the signs, and ignoring may not be even the word for it. They are disillusioned when it comes to playing poker so much so that it has now taken control of them. This is what we were discussing when poker is no longer poker but straight up gambling.

So how does someone even begin to understand the habitual gambler or even recognize if that's you? Comments made about this were he's a complete ass, what a screw up and how can you lose that much money, when in fact I don't think anyone can begin to comprehend what that persons thought process is.

You see them go to the casino and they play cards, grinding away at the tables than all of a sudden it's as if that's not enough anymore. Winning a couple hundred is not enough to make them stay at the table and play the game they were winning. They move up the and the thought of fast money just takes over.

A person once said to me that she can literally visualize winning big, it's there and she knows it's there just waiting for her day to hit it. She is due.Reality is she is not due!If anyone owes her anything it's herself.

It's way to easy for people to pass judgement on others who literally are habitual gamblers, when their perception of what's going on is foggy to say the least. I think everyone who plays poker, or gambles at one game or another whether it is skill or not has been in the same mind frame at one time in their life. Those who deny it are lying.

I have even sat at the table and lost a huge pot with people chasing a two outer and hitting the river. I have been to the point of being so pissed off that I cam close to saying something in the casino. This led to betting more, chasing more and trying to get what I felt I was robbed of back. I have played online and lost due to a player's not understanding what folding means, than due to immense frustrations move up to the next level. Why? For the simple fact of winning it back, going to the other tables to take back what I thought should have been mine.

I have never blown a huge amount but needless to say what I did was no different from the person who decides they will hit the craps tables, or blackjack or VIP room where minimum bet is $100 and they only have $2000 in their pocket. I know people who are in such a rush to win big, double up that they forget they can lose, people who have lost 10K playing Blackjack in the casino and it's hard to relate to how that could happen and why.

It's human nature to want to win, and the emotional roller coaster that comes with it can either help you or hinder you but you need to be able to grasp your emotions and put them in check. Take control of your game and see where your flaws are. If it's action you are after than stay away from the risky games. Even in everyday life people know what their weakness is and just like in life as in poker you should never overlook this, never ignore it. Or you can easily find yourself playing a game that has no longer become just a game but a liability to yourself.

Planning A Trip To The Casino

Are you planning a trip to the casino this summer? I was searching the net today and came across a great reference site for casinos. Kwodzilla.com is a website built around land based casinos and it's aim is to be the number one resource for world wide casinos.

Here you can easily find the casino you wish to go to, address, phone number and website address. This casino directory is brand new, and at this time has accumulated all Canadian land based casinos. However if you are from another part of the world they would love to hear from you as to what casinos are in your area. You can email them directly at KwodZilla@gmail.com . Please provide the name of the casino and if possible the website address and they will be sure to get it into their database.

New or not this is a brilliant idea for both poker lovers and casino visitors of all kinds who are planning their next trip to a casino.

Pokerstars.com is giving away more prizes for huge milestone

Pokerstars.com is giving away a huge amount of fantastic prizes to their customers. We are talking over 1 million dollars in cash , bonuses and prizes. So what's all the excitement over? Well they are coming close to a big milestone and soon someone is going to be dealt into the 10 billionth hand at Pokerstars.

The giveaways begin with hand 9,900,000,000 and the site is currently only a few million hands from reaching that milestone.

The winner of the 10 billionth hand could receive $100,000. That's 100K just for playing at Pokerstars. Here are the prizes for this winning hand:

• $100,000 cash to the winner of the 10 Billionth Hand
• $10,000 to all other players in the hand
• WCOOP Main Event ticket to all players who've been dealt in
  

So head on over to Pokerstars and see what all the excitement is about during their 10 Billionth Hand Celebration!

Pokerstars is also giving away free entries to $1000 10B freeroll as part of their celebration on May 17th. These games will be running throughout the day. All you have to do is answer the trivia question and you are in the $1000 freeroll. They have doubled all of their comp points, have money added tournaments and more.

Download today use Poker Stars bonus code "1obhand" and recieve and additional 25% bonus up to $150

Want To Crush Sit n Go's

Are you tired of playing poker and just breaking even, only cashing once in a while and that only being a small amount? There is a new poker tool out that has people raving over success they have had. Not to mention it is the only one I have been able to find that offers 100% money back if you are not completely satisfied.

Bryan Micon released his follow up edition to the Micon System with The Micon System 2 which provides poker players of all levels and skills tips and theories on how to dominate the tables and crush your opponents. He explains in simple terms how to win and beat the game. Bryan Micon is a winning poker player who has cashed in some of the world's largest poker events across the world. He has backed his product with a full 100% money back guarantee and has even provided screen shots as proof of his credentials. If that's not enough Bryan Micon has allowed his customers to contact the poker room in reference to confirm these games.

If you are looking for a product to teach you his tactics and skills that have led him to become a winning poker player than this could be for you...after all if you find you are not getting anything from it you can ask for a refund. Click here Micon System Review
or try his product now Micon System2...Start DOMINATING Multi-Table Tournaments Today!....click here

House Commitee OK's Bill Approving Texas Holdem

In Baton Rouge today the house has approved a bill that will allow over 6 000 alcoholic beverage-selling restaurants, taverns, lounges, clubs and bar owners the ability to host weekly poker tournaments in their establishments. This is a great step forward for both poker players but also the business owners. Texas Holdem has blown up into a phenomenon around the world and having the ability to host these events in a business will significantly increase revenue. Patrons will come regularly to participate and hope they become that weeks winner.

The fight in Baton Rouge is not over yet, Governor Kathleen Blanco is opposed to the bill, saying the measure would legalize Texas Hold 'Em across the state. Seeing that this issue has been a 2 year struggle as it is this is still great progress for everyone involved.

Hopefully this does bring new light to other jurisdictions who are in the middle of deciding if poker should be legal or not. I think the game itself will bring with it not only a group of happy tax payers but the economic aspect of it for the owners.

Gus Hansen on Full Tilt

I was watching the PLO on Full Tilt today and noticed that Gus Hansen was playing the $100/$200 tables so I decided to stick around. For a period of time the shortstack seemed to be stealing blinds raising and reraising everyone out of the pot and making Gus fold. By shortstack I am talking ranging from $6000-$8000 in chips whihc he was down to $3000 and had just doubled up with blinds and Gus's raise where he reraised allin and Gus folded. Gus and the other two players were more than double this guy in chips. I was sure that he would get caught with his over aggressive allins and this hand came up between him and Gus Hansen heads up.

Full Tilt Poker Game #2423965510 Table Bandera 6 Max
$100/$200 pot Limit Omaha

Seat1 LocLongley ($21,697)
Seat2 Schoitl ($10,696)
Seat4 sbrugby ($25,295)
Seat6 Gus Hansen ( 20,800.50)

LocLongley posts the small blind of $100
Schoitl posts the Big Blind of $200
The Button is in Seat#6
Sbrugby folds
Gus Hansen raises to $700
Schoitl raises to $1400
Luck123 sits down
Gus Hansen raises to $4300
Schoitl raises to $10 696, and is allin
Gus Hansen calls $6,396
Schoitl shows [10h9cAsAc]
Gus Hansen shows [ 10sJdKhKs]

****FLOP****[4cQcQh]
****TURN***[4cQcQh][Js]
****RIVER**[4cQcQh][Js][3c]

schoitl shows Ace high Flush
Gus Hansen shows two pair, Kings and Queens
schoitl wins the pot ($21,490) with a flush Ace high

*Full Tilt Poker is one of the few who offer you the ability to play and chat with the world's greatest professional poker players. You can view the tables anytime of the day and will usually come across at least one , or you can login during scheduled chat sessions where you have the ability to ask questions. Download Full Tilttoday and get ready to play and chat with the likes of Gus Hansen, Clownie Gowen, or anyone else from the Full Tilt team use poker bonus code Pokerriver to recieve up to $600 free once you make your inital first time deposit.

Mansion Poker Sending 56 Players To Vegas

If you have'nt won your seat yet to this year's WSOP there is still time, and with Mansion replacing their daily 100K giveaway with seats for the Main Event your chances are still good.

Mansion Poker and Poker News just announced today that they will be giving away WSOP Main Event seats back to back for 8 days. There are at least 56 top draw packages up for grabs, each worth $12,500 including tournament buy-in, plus money for travel and accommodation expenses, designed to make getting to Poker’s richest annual event as stress-free as possible. You can buy into the satellite for $100 or qualify with $10 (MTT Rebuy) and $20(Freezeouts)

These seats will be given out during May 21-27, so if you are looking for another poker room to qualify for this year's main event head on over to Mansion Poker.

Did Poker.com Sell?

Rumour has it that the most wanted poker domain online has sold for an estimated $20 million dollars this weekend in a silent auction. Whether these rumours are true or just another media seeking attention grabber we will find out within the coming days, but it will be interesting to see what if any effects may come of it. Those who have been following Poker.com will remember that a few months ago they released their new brand Carbon Poker, and the Poker.com domain went back to a poker portal.

I find this interesting to see if the new poker room they have added will be expanded if they did in fact sell, and if the new Carbon Poker will be highly promoted and recognized as the old. Questions are now arising as to who is the new owner and what they actually paid for this domain, but $20 million is still a remarkable feat for a company to receive on the domain itself. What will happen to Poker.com? Only time will tell, as long as the doors to Carbon Poker stay open for players like myself.

If you would like more information on Carbon Poker you can click here for a review and up to date Carbon Poker Bonus Codes

Rent A Pro And Win The WSOP

Seen this article on Casino City Times which discusses the opportunity in renting a professional poker player to actually play for you at this years WSOP. The company who is so generously renting out their service to you for 50% of your possible winnings is RounderAuction.com.

They are the first of their kind in offering this online and according to Rounder Auction Director, Paula Morton "At RounderAuction.com professional poker players place themselves up for rent through auctions. You can rent a poker pro with a small portion of your entertainment budget and then grab some popcorn to watch him or her increase your loot. Where else can you pay for entertainment and have a shot at getting money back? No one expects the usher at the movies to return your ticket and nachos money on the way out of the theater, but that is exactly the expectation you can have when renting a poker pro."

With players from around the world having the ability to win a seat to the main event through various satellites, this gives them the perfect opportunity to have someone else play for them if they are unable to or possibly wanting a better shot at winning.

If you are still looking for your seat try Pokerstars as they are one of onlines top poker rooms and send more players to the WSOP than anyone else.

Cop Bakes Marijuana Brownies

A Michigan police officer stole marijuana from criminals than took it home slipped it into his wife's brownies, baked it and than the two later ate them. Cpl. Edward Sanchez resigned last year, however the department is not pursuing charges against him or his wife. The investigation began when Sanchez phone 911 reporting what he and his wife had done and that he believed the two of them could be dying from an overdose of marijuana. He was quoted saying

“I think we’re dying,” he said. “We made brownies and I think we’re dead, I really do.”

One City official is going to investigate further as to why the police department will not press charges.

These are things that irritate people to an enormous extent. Here you have a police officer who has broke the law, not just broke it but in the worst possible way. He is crooked and yet nothing happens, no charges no repercussions for his actions, nothing but his own choice to resign. Yet the restrictions that are now placed on US players and the ability to play poker. If these players break the law they will be arrested, and as we have all seen in the news without any hesitations. It does not matter if it's the 20 year old college student or the 70 year old granny playing a game of cards, they will be charged.

Look at the way the government has went after some of the bigger names in online poker and gambling. There was no leniency. A person who is supposed to protect and uphold the law in the utmost manner is able to break it. Why is that there is always a double standard when it comes to the law and how it is enforced? I know this story does not directly relate to poker, but indirectly it does and I think it's about time people start questioning their officials on how thing slike this can happen. It's ironic how something like online gambling can be restricted for whatever reasons and yet someone who intentionally breaks the law and abuses the judicial sysyem can just walk.

More Money Up For Grabs At WSOP!!

Less than a month away Harrah's has announced a new payout structure for this year's WSOP. Surprisingly payouts are increasing meaning those who have outplayed, outlasted their opponents will see an increase in winnings.

Of course payouts are based upon the number of registrants, this is still going to be a significant increase comparing to last year's events. It has been reported that most of last years main event players who cashed would receive under the new set out schedule almost double their winnings.
For example, the 2006 Main Event would have paid $22,266 for 873rd through 775th places, up from $14,605 or $15,512. Places 82 through 73 would have paid $126,173, up from $66,010. First place would have paid $10,028,715, down from $12 million, while second place would have been worth $5,442,769, compared with $6,105,900.

WSOP officials commented

"We are increasing the return to players who, after hours or days of grueling competition, are able to reach the money," said Howard Greenbaum, regional vice president of specialty gaming for Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: HET). "Our goal is to keep more money circulating among more people in the poker community."We discussed this concept with our poker operations team and with members of the WSOP Players Advisory Council and the consensus was that spreading the wealth is the right thing to do," said Greenbaum. "The new schedules are designed to increase the rewards to players who finish in the money but don't reach the final table."

Between the already excitement and growing anticipation from players all over the world, this is guaranteed to get more people talking and playing for their spot in the WSOP.

Qualifiers are still going on right now where you can win your way to these events through rooms like Pokerstars, FullTilt, and even Carbon Poker.

You can find the new schedule of payouts at http://www.worldseriesofpoker.com/ .

You Can Now Subscribe

You now have the ability to subscribe to our blog through a feed. Click the orange button to the right of the page and choose which service you would like to receive this with. It's a great tool to stay on top of all the current news, poker bonuses, and just about anything relating to poker.

Women In Poker

I know there has been much publicity revolving about Isabelle "No Mercy" Mercier these days and rightfully so. Endorsed by Pokerstars and also representing Team Canada in the WSOP, people are going to be talking. What I am most impressed about with this women is the respect she retains at the tables. Way to many times poker rooms endorse a woman based on sexual appearance. Don't get me wrong I am not saying that this is wrong and believe me sex has always been a contributing factor when it comes to advertising but what bothers me is the attitude this portrays about women.

Poker in my opinion, winning poker takes alot of skill, thought and knowledge. It's a remarkable game and to be able to m,aster it is an achievement, but...and here come the buts. To hire a person who you are going to have represent your site or business for a game, would you not rather have that person be respected because of the solid game they play or because their boobs are popping out their shirt (if they are in fact wearing one)

We had this topic come up on a forum I participate in and it is typical men are from Mars women are from Venus attitude. I enjoy reading about players who are able to out think their opponents, annihilate them and are strategic. Ones who are more concerned about the game and taking it seriously vs those who play the game and are there for looks. Women who don't bring their sex appeal to their game, women like Isabelle or Annie, who can use it without having to go over board. These are strong players, and strong women.

I think it's about time some publicity swings Isabelle's way and all the other women who are amazing poker players instead of weekly gossip column over who did what at what event. I am tired of seeing half naked endorsed sponsors who really don't deserve all the attention they receive. Not when you have others out there who bring with them as much game as the men.

But sex sells right!

Mixing Up The Home Games

Alright so we play alot with friends at least 4 times a week. After a while I find playing holdem gets kind of boring. I love poker, don't get me wrong it but you can only play so much of it with friends before you find yourself not enjoying it like you use to. Anyway we mix our games up every now and than to wild card poker. There is nothing better than everyone betting into a pot and than dropping out of the race because they hit a kill card or someone ended up with 5 Q's lol. It makes for a really good night of fun, huge pots even for those players who play small limits and just a great game.

I figured I would share a game we play and it adds a nice element of surprise at the end.


"Burn The Biffell"

Each player gets dealt 3 or 4 cards (up to the dealer as to how difficult the game will be)After which you deal another 10 cards down on the table in two rows. Top row is your good cards and bottom row is your bad cards.Than everyone bets or checks their hole cards (normally check it)You flip over first good card than you flip over first bad card, players who have this card in their whole cards must now show them and they become dead cards, meaning you throw them in.

Betting rounds take place again and usually when someone has to lose a whole card there is betting. You repeat this process till all cards are flipped except for the last bad card. Betting takes place and the best part of this is the last card has yet to be turned over so people are betting on what seems to be a live hand. Than the last bad card is flipped, usually once this happens a couple people end up losing their hands. Than betting again after which whoever has the best 5 card hand wins.

Pots can become a nice size so I usually cap betting till the last bad card is flipped. This is a great game cause people are usually betting there hands from the first round and when that last bad card is flipped it can determine if you are still winning or if your hand has now been declared dead.

12 Month Study Into Online Gambling

Another bill has been introduced to the house regarding the state of online gambling. However this one is to properly study and assess the current trends.It will look into regulations through various countries and what the government bodies of these countries have done to ensure that these have been met. It has been reported that The National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences perform this task over a twelve month period in order to get a proper conclusion and to determine what steps may be necessary for online gambling.

The bill HR2140, was introduced by representative Shelley Berkley who was quoted saying "One of the advantages of this legislation is that it doesn't take a side. It doesn't say online gambling is good or bad. It says, 'Let's study the issue.' "

HR 2140 has come up two weeks after Barney Franks' Internet Gambling Regulation Enforcement Act which was presented to regulate online gambling.

The irony in this is back in 2003 John Conyers who is the Judiciary Judiciary Committee Chairman and a co-sponsor of the forth coming bill also presented one similar to it, wanting a study to legalization of online gaming. Quite possibly had this bill passed back than we may not be in the situation we all are in. Who knows, I don't think the US government ever expected online gaming or even online poker for that matter to be such a huge success.

Seeking Relief In Bill To Stop Police Raids

Since the UIEGA took place almost a year ago there have been multiple police raids and indictments taking place throughout the United States. People have been charged with misdemeanors while others are being prosecuted to the fullest extent. It seems as though the US government has gone on a witch hunt to find every gambling card player out there and persecute even if it means arresting a veteran.

Last week the Dallas police raided yet another "illegal" poker room, Audie Murphey Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 1837 due to complaints of surrounding neighbours. The room was allegedly taking in a rake which is deemed illegal however VWF lawyer Mr. Hinton said his clients "don't take a rake. They are given donations. The rest goes to charity. The post members busted in the raid "are harmless people trying to do something for a good cause." He said he seriously doubts that residents are in an uproar over illegal poker rooms in Dallas.

So far this year there have been 79 people cited for playing or operating games in four poker rooms. These numbers have already reached what was the grand total for 2006 and well above 2005's stats.

Deputy Chief Julian Bernal, commander of Dallas' vice and narcotics detectives commented that the police department can not ignore complaints regarding illegal gambling."I'd much rather go after people who are running prostitution and narcotics.The more gambling operations I have to contend with, the less resources I have to deal with our higher-priority operations." he said, adding that he hopes these raids will further deter players from breaking the law and all legal issues that may arise from it.

Other towns members claim that the VWF games are no different than those in the area who are benefiting local charities. Chief Bernel disputes that stating that "The issue is that in those games you make a donation to the charity and they give you chips," "You cannot cash your chips in and get anything back – win, lose or draw. The VFW had cash games, and they knew they were illegal."

It seems as though there is a mix of reactions in this community, as neighbours say they are fearful for what goes on in the VWF, while others say it's a group of veterans and shouldn't be bothered.

Whether the VWF is guilty or not, this is another case that is directly related to the UIGEA and it's after effects. Police are continually performing raids across the country even if it;s a group of seniors, and people have now become criminals. While some continue to try and keep their games and poker clubs underground, other players are now taking long trips to casinos where they won;t have to worry about legal problems

This may not last forever, now that House Bill 3186 was introduced last week by Senator Barney Franks.Currently it is being considered for vote by the full House and if passes would regulate online poker and lighten up some of the restrictions American players are currently facing. Hundreds upon thousands of people are pushing for this bill and what it will do, not just to have the ability to play poker. They want to be able to retain the right to choose what they do in their own homes without fear of persecution.

Why play poker if you don't want to win.

Why do players choose to play terrible poker I will never know. Isn't the point of playing to win?
I decided tonight I would play some poker online. Since starting the website I really have not had the chance to, so I figured a break was due. I entered the $5 rebuy tournament at Titan Poker with $1000 GP, 101 people in total so it's a decent size in players that I won't have to sit to long. Anyway this game started out like all the other rebuys, crazy maniac play. People chasing runner runner and winning or losing. My main strategy in this is to steer clear of these players till I have a hand that will crush them. literally throwing all my chips in because you know they will call...and they did. But what I don't get is why. Why not try to win, why give up?

For instance in one hand I was sitting in 34th position ( I always keep tabs of where I am in distance to the player in first place) I have $6400 in chips and am dealt AA. I mean you want AA except when you are first to act. So I called the blinds $150 and prayed to god that someone will bump it for me as they do every hand. Just my luck no one, and I end up with 6 others in the pot....bad move. The flop brings Ks 9c 4d. So I figure my only hope now is to buy all the blinds and not let anyone catch anything else so I go all in. BB calls with lol 97os. Normally I would be overjoyed with this but lately I have been in a rut so my stomach is churning and I'm thinking he's gonna hit that damn 7. Unfortunately for him he did not. This hand did hurt him but he still had $7000 in chips left. With blinds at $150 that is more than enough to work his way back up there, but what does he do goes all in next hand and is called by two others. He had 63os and was put out. I can understand being beat by a bad hand and tilting but I think this was more of a punishment to himself for making such a bad call.

This is where I don't understand. I have been in these situations myself, but I don't give up ever. I play to win or make an effort doing so and I think that is what the main goal is. If you give up you are never going to be able to correct your mistakes. There is nothing more satisfying than being dead last and winning it all. Knowing that you played an absolutely superior game and came out on top. If you are going to just give up than you might as well not play at all.

North Carolina Says No To Skill

Once again another government body has said that poker, one of America's favourite past times is a game based on chance. Today's decision in the court of appeals was another blow to all poker players and is in most peoples minds a complete misconstrue of the game itself. Although legal issues surrounding the game is not recent news to most people, you may find it interesting that a state can conclude its citizens are not allowed to operate such a venue yet it is ok for this same state to start the lottery and introduce scratch tickets to their people, all within the last year. They have bombarded their people with the thought of a get rich over night dream of becoming the next multimillionaire yet the game of poker is all about luck.

This case stems back to 3 years ago where Howard Fierman a business man tried to open his own establishment and run a poker club. to his dismay he was told no that such a venue was considered illegal in his state and as such it would be a misdemeanor. Like many people are doing today, he took his to another level and filed an injunction. He was denied again and by 2006 he had filed an appeal. Fierman had expert witnesses on his behalf declare that this is a game of skill. In the short term, players may win by luck, but to succeed over the long haul there is skill involved.

The sate had only one witness who testified to the direct opposite that the game is luck and you may play with skill but with each turn of the card you are taking a chance. The witness also referred to watching poker on television and seeing a 9% chance of a players hand improving to take down the win .

Judge Barbra Jackson read the verdict which agreed with previous judgements to which she stated

"During oral arguments, counsel for plaintiff analogized
poker to golf, arguing that while a weekend golfer might, by luck, beat a
professional golfer such as Tiger Woods on one hole, over the span of eighteen
holes, Woods' superior skill would prevail. The same would be true for a poker
game, plaintiff contended, making poker, like golf, a game of skill." "This
analogy, while creative, is false. In golf, as in bowling or billiards, the
players are presented with an equal challenge, with each determining his fortune
by his own skill. Although chance inevitably intervenes, it is not inherent in
the game and does not overcome skill, and the player maintains the opportunity
to defeat chance with superior skill. Whereas in poker, a skilled player may
give himself a statistical advantage but is always subject to defeat at the turn
of a card, an instrumentality beyond his control. We think that is the critical
difference." "For the reasons stated above, we determine that chance
predominates over skill in the game of poker, making that game a game of chance
under N.C. General Statute 14-292 (2005). Accordingly, the decision of the trial
court should remain undisturbed."

I guess the only thing people can start doing is stop playing poker throw some numbers into a hat and pick your lucky ones for the night because the lottery is not a game of chance. Pulling the numbers out of a hat is the true game of skill.

Battle of the forums this weekend!!!!

The Poker Forum Challenge is a great group that hosts monthly games where forums play against each other for freerolls and money added tournaments. It's a really fun atmosphere of people. The games take place every month. On the first Saturday of each month, each forum team with at least 25 members will have a qualifying free roll tournament That is this Saturday. The second Saturday of the month will be a $5 buy-in tournament. The top five members of each team qualifying tournament and the top ten members from the buy-in tournament will then face off in a final tournament on the third Saturday of the month. The final table players will receive points for the team they play for. The forum team that has the most points will receive a $100 freeroll for the forum they play for and of course we go on the home page as that months winners plus bragging rights are good to.

To play in these you have to sign up for a team(hopefully ours) at The Poker Forum Challenge website http://www.thepokerforumchallenge.com/ once you have registered as a member at the top of the screen is a tab saying teams. Click on that one and you will find Pokerriver in the group of teams to choose from. than hit sign up and you are done. Or if you would prefer after you have registered send me your user name and I can add you myself.

They switch the poker rooms each month. I will be sending out passwords to the members who have registered and joined our team the Friday before the game. On the 2nd Saturday of the month they have their buyin tournaments which is always $5 and they always add money to it usually $250.

So if you would like to join we would be more than happy to have more on our team and hopefully be able to win this. Look forward to seeing you and if you have any other questions please feel free to ask.