Okie Poker

Keep Your Stacks High with Slick Bluffs

2011-03-29T03:41:00.000-05:00

Image via WikipediaFrom what have you probably seen in television, you might have noticed some great bluffs that made many doubt if their hands are strong enough (when it truly is), then throw it away out of fear. It is a skill that serious poker players have to incorporate into their game to be successful in poker and stack up the chip count in the long run.

There are basic bluffs that one really has to do especially in short-tables and ones that you only do sparingly that pave the way to the pot.

A Basic Bluff

Technically, this technique is a semi-bluff, but it is deceptive nonetheless. It makes your opponents believe that you have the top pair but in reality, you merely have a drawing hand. Let’s look an example:

You have J-6, both hearts, with four people in the table. The flop shows A-5-8 with the last two having hearts as suits. It’s an ugly flop for those holding face cards except ace and this is an opportunity to make a good-sized flop of around 2/3 of the pot. You seem to represent that you have a pair of eights or aces but you only have the flush draw. In the case that a suit other than a heart shows up on the turn card, don’t fold immediately to a bet. See first if you get sufficient pot odds for calling it. A good size is 3/5 or below as compared to the size of the pot. This way, not only do you have an opportunity to hit a flush, you make sure that it won’t eat up your stack substantially that it renders you soft and defenseless.

Advanced Bluffs

These kinds of bluffs usually appear in the latter stages of the betting round, done when the turn and/or the river card shows up. It may be a panicked all-in when you have the nuts or a soft-looking bet on the river that scares advanced players out their wits (I’ll explain why later).

First is the jumpy all-in bet. There is a specific sequence of circumstances that makes this bluff work. First is that you must raise pre-flop with medium to low suited connectors like 3-4 diamonds or 6-7 hearts. The raise, of course, represents something else like Queens or Jacks. When you hold 6-7 hearts and the flop shows 4-5-9, with the first two having hearts for a suit, put down the automatic continuation bet of around half the pot, showing that you have high face cards and you seem to believe that the flop didn’t hit your opponents either. Of course, they will call that bet. When 8-of-hearts is shown on the turn, then you have the nut straight flush, beating anyone who holds a straight. When this happens, don’t just shove your chips right there. Think for a long while and then go all-in. This gives off the impression that you have a set. If anyone has a straight, which is likely because he/she called a good-sized bet, he/she will call it given the seeming desperation of your bet.

The second bluff I’ll teach you is the Post-Oak Bluff. It is very simple; both are bold enough to bet until the river card shows up, when you make a smallish bet of around 1/3 of the pot. It seems as if you are begging him to call you, in an attempt to maximize your gain. But in truth you only have a weak hand, trying to outplay your opponent. This bluff only works for top players, who know the science behind poker betting.

There is an old adage that says large bets scare the beginner while small ones frighten the strong ones. Keep that in mind and you’ll have a good base for your bluffs, and you’ll win more pots in the long run.

Texas Hold'em And The Probabilities

2011-03-06T22:15:00.000-06:00

Image via WikipediaWell, learning the basics of the game Texas Hold'em is pretty easy. The tough part is getting to master it. If you want to play the game well, you need to mix the ingredients of cunning, strategy and math and come with a winner. What you will also need to do is to keep a keen eye on the many probabilities that are likely to crop up during play. From there, you will have to figure out how to deal with these probabilities should you come up against them.

What does probability mean exactly when it is used with reference to Texas Hold'em? Well it's a term that is used very much in all games of poker including Texas Hold'em. It deals with how the players involved play their odds. The elements of probability include the various odds that could happen like getting an overcard, getting a hand off the flop, or finishing a straight or flush. All these odds are the determining factors when it comes to deciding who will win the game and who will walk home with the winnings. So you need to understand quite a lot about probability so it would help you to bet, call or fold.

Let's look at the terms used when it comes to Texas Hold'em probabilities. One of the terms that you will hear quite often in the game is ‘out'. This refers to the cards which could help you to get a hand. Say you have four spades with you, you know there are nine cards out so you need some of those ‘outs' to help you make a flush or a winning hand.

Yet another term that is used often is the one ‘pot odds'. These are the odds of getting a hand which is based on the current size of the pot as well as the call that you are going to make next. So if the pot's current size is $150 and you have a $10 bet coming, you can calculate that a winning hand could make it very profitable for you.

You also have ‘bet odds' where you have to look at the odds in relation to the bets the players make and how many call against a raise. You can say you have good bet odds if you have hand odds that are 1 to 5 and you are pretty certain that the ones you are playing against will call.

Then comes the term ‘implies odds' where you have the odds depending on whether you can predict the results of the betting round or not. Now this comes after you've had quite a bit of experience.

What is the main idea in Texas Hold'em's probabilities? It all boils down basically to division. Your denominator is the cards that you haven't seen yet and the cards or outs you have with you is your numerator. You need to divide your outs by 50 before the flop but after that it tends to drop to 47 and following the turn, you'll find it goes to 46.

Why Stack Sizes Should Affect Your Play

2010-11-12T00:10:00.002-06:00

Image via Wikipedia
Time and time again, I’ve seen too many players misplay their cards in situations that call for it. And they pay for it; they lose their chip strength or in the worst case, get kicked out of the tournament. Chip management is the single most important skill one must learn in poker. Bluffing pales in comparison to this important skill, and now, I’ll teach you how to manage it well.

Conservative at the Start

Early in the tournament, when the blinds are low and with a good number of weak poker players around, it is important that you stay tight rather than jeopardizing your tournament dream. The antes are low, so there is no rush to be the chip leader. Relax and take it slow, only playing the best-looking hands. Don’t be a rock though, because no one will call your bets when you finally have a hand. In a nutshell, mix up your play but be conservative around 80% of the time.

Faster at the Middle

In the middle of the tournament, where a third or half of the competition is gone, and the tables are becoming smaller, with only five to seven people around, it’s time to speed up your play. From here, you should start putting up continuation bets and eat up small pots. This is important because the blinds are now chasing you and will substantially take a part of your stack if you become the big or small blind. Your poker instincts become more important this time around, because you will have to read your opponents plays if they are retaining their conservative nature or beginning to show some courage.

A Freak at the End

Nothing’s more important in the end-game than your feel for the table and your aggressive technique. You should learn how to play cards like 9-4 and take it to the top. Top players like Doyle Brunson have won the World Series of Poker with cards like 10-2. And in fact, he has done it with the same card twice.

Since this has confused many, I’ll give you an example. If you are dealt 10-4 and at the small blind, just limp in and see if he/she calls. If your opponent puts up a reasonable raise, just call it because you have a high card in 10 and it is unlikely that he/she has an AJ given that there are only two players. Also, there are lesser combinations for the card deck to work with. If the flop shows 2-4-9, bet around half of the pot and it’s likely that your opponent will fold it. That’s the nature of heads-up play. A low pair is equivalent to a high pair in a full table and in my example, getting nines is a premium holding card. Keep that basic rules in mind and you’ll have an idea how play in a short table and more importantly, heads-up.

Conclusion

From what you may have noticed, the style you should follow early in the tournament is a conservative one and as the game marches on, you should adopt a more aggressive approach. That’s why one should be familiar to both styles as it will aid you in tournament play where millions are at stake. Poker’s reach has extended through farther regions of the globe and is gaining popularity in places like The Philippine Islands and in New Zealand. So to speak, a No Limit Hold ‘Em game may be ongoing a few blocks away. If you keep these rules in mind and you may win a tourney in those local casinos one day.

Five Years!

2010-09-02T15:20:00.000-05:00

Its crazy to think that I launched this blog five years ago last month. I really haven't done too much posting to it over the years but the one thing it has led me into is creating other blog sites... Mostly with Wordpress (sorry Google).

I assure you that I take care of these sites much better than I do this one. It has actually developed into a very big part of my online presence. I do not think that i would be anywhere near where I am today if it hadn't been from creating this one blog just over five years ago.

I actually now have a blog site that is devoted to blogging with Wordpress that I update quite frequently. Its a pretty active site with numerous devoted readers and I would appreciate having you as one of my readers if you have any interest in being a blogger, yourself.

So as I embark on my sixth year blogging, I pledge to try and update this site more often... Which probably means that I need to get out to the casinos more often and play some cards.

See You at the tables...

Raking it in at Video Poker

2010-08-12T16:40:00.000-05:00

Fact, of all the hands dealt only 21% are winning hands. The rest, which is 79%, are losers. The difference between a winner and a loser is what he does with 79% of the hands dealt so that it becomes a winner. To increase the chance of making money at video poker is to understand, embrace and promise loyalty to these video poker tips.

Find a machine that pays 9 for a full house win and six for a flush win.

If you want to play on a progressive machine that pays 8 for a full house win and 5 for a flush win, be sure that the nickel machine pays a jackpot of $250 or better, the quarter machine pays $2,500 or better or $10,000 on a dollar video poker machine. To collect on the royal flush bonus for a progressive machine, be sure to bet the maximum number of coins

Play on the machine with the lowest denomination if you are a new player. Wait until you get better before playing on the higher denomination video poker machines.

Use slot card to get credit for playing, if the casino offers one. First ask the point equivalent for each dollar played. Then learn what those earned points are worth.

Take time to read every hand you get. Remember you’re not playing against another person, it will not intimidate you for playing too slowly.

Players don't recognize that the jack is the most important card in the deck, not the Ace. A Jack gives you a lot more lucrative hands than an ace.

The variety of video poker you can play is almost endless, but all have their own pay tables that need specific strategies. The best way to start learning is to limit your choices to two.

Improve your game by playing on a computer or a portable video poker game. If you train this way, you get to test your skills with zero risk.

Here are playing tips:

1. Don’t ever hold a kicker with your pair. This reduces your payoff by 5%

2. Don’t draw four cards, if you can get a royal flush drawing three.

3. Always stay on a winning five-card hand except when drawing a royal flush with one card.

4. Never break a flush to draw a straight flush even with one draw.

5. Always break your flush to draw a royal flush.

6. Don’t break your straight to draw for a straight flush.

7. Don’t draw five, if you’re holding Jacks or better.

8. Never leave a ten on a four card draw.

Texas Hold'em Poker Tips

2010-08-07T21:08:00.000-05:00

When people speak of poker, there is one name that cuts above the rest of the poker classification—the Texas Hold ‘em poker. This type of poker is considered to be the most popular type being played in the casinos today, whether online or in real casinos.

Generally, Texas Hold ‘Em Poker starts with a batch of two players situated at the left of the “dealer button.” This dealer buttons refers to the round disc being passed on clockwise on each player. It signifies who will be dealer in the event that the deal was move forward from one player to another.

The betting starts on the first part of the game where the money is placed into the pot before dealing the cards. Normally, the first blind is the one that places half of the required minimum stake. The first blind refers to the player situated at the left of the dealer. The second blind, on the other hand, is the one responsible in placing the full minimum required bet.

Since the very object of the game is to win whatever is in the pot, it is best to know some rules or strategies so as to get an edge over the other players. Here’s how:

1. The table.

When a player is playing Texas hold ‘em poker, the best thing that he or she should consider is selecting the table. This is because players, regardless of their skills in playing the game, will be constrained to give their best shots if the table is too assertive, too rigid or too loose, or if it consists of players that are more skillful.

The bottom line: Even if the essence of winning the game is directly affected by the skills of the player, it is still best to play on a table that has few raisers but many callers.

The logic behind this concept is based on the fact that the more raisers there are in a table, the lesser the chances of winning the game.

2. When a player is in the early position, it is best to raise with K-K, A-K, and A-As, then, with A-Qs, Q-Q, J-J, A-K, T-T, have a call and then fold everything else.

3. For players who already have a remarkable hand starters, especially when he or she has a high pair, say JJ or even higher, it is best not to hesitate raising it before the flop.

Indeed, playing Texas hold ‘em poker requires skills also. It is not all based on gambling. This just goes to show that games like this requires both luck and skill to win the pot.

HOW TO WIN AT POKER...Is there a sure way?

2010-07-26T08:25:00.000-05:00

As poker is very popular today and a favorite game to play among Americans, one may ask, if there really is a sure way to win at poker.

The answer is simple. Study and check out these guidelines, try them at poker time and see for yourself.

Before starting to play the game, keep in mind these simple suggestions:

*Inspect the site. Make sure that it is authentic.

*Read the terms and conditions of the site. Check the maximum payouts and the minimum bets.

*Allocate a budget for the day. That budget will determine how much you are willing to lose or to win in the game. Stick to the limit.

*Do not gamble if you can not afford to lose.

*Practice playing the game. Familiarize yourself with the game first before you play for real money.

At the table, here are some warnings that you should always remember:

*If you do make a big win, do not be greedy, stop. Making a big win and gambling it all over again is a big sign of greediness.

*In poker, overall winnings are what count most. If you are losing, or have already lost your allotted money for the day, don’t try to win your losses back. You won't. Stop. Tomorrow is another day.

*Drinking alcohol is a big no no at poker time. It can serious affect your judgment. So stay away from it while on the game.

*Never take side bets. Usually these are just gimmicks, so that more money will go to the casino.

*Never gamble your hard earned money unless you are very much ready to lose it.

While in the game, here are some important ideas to think about:

*Gaze at your opponent's eye. Survey all their moves. Observe them, to better know them. This way, you will fear them less. This way, you will know when they are bluffing or not.

*Play in silence. Have that conversation with your self as well as think deep to your opponents actions. Concentrate.

*Base your decisions on what the reality is. See all movements as they are. Do not fear, instead, be calm and assess their moves accordingly.

*Don't take it personally. At the poker table, it is always unavoidable that your opponent can irritate you. Never give in to such responses. Stay within the good game. Be cool and objective. This is a bluffing game. But do keep in mind that just because your opponent has bluffed earlier, it does not mean that he does all the time. Think tight. Review each move.

*Think about what your opponents have. Create a situation. So when deciding, you'll have a better chance to be right.

*Know when to stop. Is the hand that you are raising now the hand you folded a while ago? This is a sign that you should go home.

*Play to enjoy. Do not play if you are sad, bored or tired. If you can't play having enjoyment as your goal, then don't play at all!

My Bad-Beat Story for This Year...

2010-02-17T20:57:00.001-06:00

Let me preface this post with: I am not a very good loser! Especially when its to an inferior player...

I ventured out to the Hard Rock Casino - Tulsa to participate in one of the nightly $120 buy-in NL hold'em tournaments. I had a great start with six limpers to me in the big blind with 10 - 4 off suit. The flop came 10 - 4 - 4... The small blind checked and I made a small bet. Five folds and a call by the small blind. Turn was a 7 and again the SB checked to me and I laid out a bet for roughly half of the pot and he called. The river was a 2 and he checked and I again bet half of the pot and he folded... I was off and running.

Our table was the first to be broken and I moved to a new table after about 45 minutes of play and around 9K in chips (starting stack was 6K). I immediately went card dead for the next half hour. I finally woke up with A-K diamonds under the gun and made a raise and everyone folded back to me. I guess I had a pretty tight image at the table.

Finally the cards started coming around... or maybe I just got a bit more aggressive, and took down a few more pots, most without a showdown.

I went into the first break in the top 10 overall in chips and easily had the lead at our table.

I've always told my wife thats she's the biggest cooler in the world. I can be on the biggest roll evr and she calls me or stops by to talk and everything goes south from there. So why in the name of all that is good did I call her during the break???

After the break, I was once again pretty card dead, but I did manage to take a couple of short stacks out and win a couple of other rounds of blinds just by betting and watching everyone fold. The guy to my left, on the other hand, went on a big heater.

He had been down to around 3K in chips and ended up with it all in and sucked out on the river to double up through another player. When its your time, I guess its your time... And it was definitely this dude's time as he continued to catch cards and come from behind to win pots. He soon had taken the chip lead at our table.

Then things seemed to change as he lost a couple of pots, but still had a small chip lead over me. I limped into a pot with A - 8 spades as did he, the small blind and the big blind checked his option. The flop came down A clubs, 8 diamonds, 10 diamonds. Both blinds checked and I bet 3K into a pot of about 4K and he raises to 9K!

I had been at the table with him for a few hours so I knew he was pretty reckless at times. I thought about it and figured him to have A - small of diamonds. Both blinds folded and I called, leaving me around 12K in chips.

The turn was a Q spades and I laid out a bet of 3K and he again raised, this time to only 6K... If I call, then I would only have around 6K left for the river and I pushed it all in. He stopped and thought about it for a while... counted his chips... he had me covered by 800 chips. If he calls and loses, he's done... He calls!!!

I throw out my A - 8 for two pair and he turns over A - 2 diamonds... The only thing that will win it for him is a diamond... Then comes the river and its a 6 diamonds and my night is over.

I was right in the way I played it and would have loved it if we would have been in a cash game, because chasing a draw is sure way to lose over the long haul.

I stood up from the table and he reached to shake my hand... I reached out and shook it and as I walked away couldn't help myself but to do my best Helmuth impression: "How many times can one person suck out?" I said.

He was out of the tournament less than thirty minutes later after having climbed to 4th overall in chips after taking my stack.

Sorry for the bad-beat story... It won't happen again... hopefully.

2010 Oklahoma State Poker Championships February 11 - 22

2010-01-25T16:48:00.002-06:00

Its that time of year again! The Hard Rock Casino, Tulsa is once again set to host the Oklahoma State poker championships. Beginning on February 11th at 7:00pm with a $120 buy-in Jack-n-Jill Tournament, there will be state champions crowned in Omaha 8 or better, PLO/8, Seniors No-Limit Hold'em, 6 handed NLHE, Limit Hold'em, Stud 8 or better, Ladies NLHE, Head's Up hold'em, Pot limit hold'em, Triple Draw and H.O.R.S.E..

All of the state championship events have a $340 buy-in with a $10 dealer fee for double starting chips. The main event starts on February 21st and concludes the following day. The $3150 buy-in will get you 15K starting chips and with starting blinds of 25-50 and 60 minute levels should give everyone a lot of playing time.

If you don't have the cash for the main event, there are multiple satellites with buy-ins from $120 to $340 running at different times. Plus, any tournament with a prize pool that exceeds $30K will also earn the winner a free seat in the main event.

In addition to the state championships,satellites and the main event, there are daily No limit Hold'em tournaments with a $120 buy-in.

Each tournament you play in earns you points towards the best all around player award. The best all around wins $15K! You can view the complete schedule for all of the events, here.

If you're a poker player and can get to Tulsa next month, there is really no reason to pass this one up. The buy-ins are low and the action will be hot. See you there!

Creek Casino - Muskogee Daily Poker Tournament Schedule

2009-04-09T11:23:00.003-05:00

I've been trying to get more local casino info on here. I guess since its "Okie Poker" it should have more Oklahoma Casino info...

Here is the schedule for Creek Casino - Muskogee.

Sundays 4pm

$40 Bounty NL Hold'em Tournament

Tuesdays 7pm

$20 -- $1000 guaranteed NL Hold'em

Wednesdays

2pm $20 NL Hold'em

7pm $20 Managers Choice Tournament

Thursdays

2pm $20 NL Hold'em

7pm $20 NL Hold'em -- $1000 guaranteed

Fridays 7pm

$25 NL Hold'em Bounty Tournament

Saturdays 7pm

$40 NL Hold'em

Naturally there are ongoing cash games with bad beat jackpots and other promos. Right off US Highway 69 just South of Muskogee, OK. Stop by and check out the action!

Firelake Grand Casino April Poker Schedule

2009-04-09T10:58:00.005-05:00

Here's the April Poker schedule for Firelake Grand in Shawnee, OK. If you don't know where it is... Its about 25 miles East of OKC right off I-40. Huge sign with LCD screens... Kinda hard to miss...On with the schedule!

Sundays

2pm NL Texas Hold'em Deep Stack Bounty Tournament

$100 + $20
$20 Applied towards bounty

Mondays

11am NL Texas Hold'em Tournament
$25 + $5

7pm NL Texas Hold'em Tournament with $10 rebuys and add-ons
$20 + $10

Tuesdays

11am NL Texas Hold'em Tournament
$20 = $5

7pm NL Texas Hold'em Tournament
$40 = $10

Wednesdays

11am NL Texas Hold'em Tournament
$40 + $10

6pm NL Texas Hold'em Tournament
$40 + $10

7pm Ladies NL Texas Hold'em Tournament
$30 + $10

Thursdays

11am NL Texas Hold'em Tournament
$20 + $5

7pm Jack & Jill NL Texas Hold'em Tournament
$40 + $10

Fridays

11am NL Texas Hold'em Tournament
$20 + $5

6pm NL Texas Hold'em Tournament
$40 + $10

Saturdays

12pm Last Sturday of the Month Ladies NL Texas Hold'em
$60 + $10

2pm NL Texas Hold'em Deep Stack Freeze Out Tournament
$80 + $20

Of course there are cash games constantly going on, so you are not limited to tournament play. Stop by there sometime and maybe you'll get lucky enough to lose your money to me... ;-)

Special this month! Domestic longnecks only a buck all month long!

See you at the tables!

Cherokee Casino Resort Daily Poker Schedule + Mid-South Poker Classic Dates Released

2009-03-24T14:29:00.009-05:00

Here's the schedule for the regular poker tournaments held at the Cherokee Casino Resort in Catoosa (Tulsa)...Soon to be the Hard Rock Casino - Tulsa.

10:00am Daily Shootout

$35 buy-in
15 minute levels
4000 starting chips
Optional $10 re-buy, $10 add-on
Mon-Fri $1500 guaranteed
Sat-Sun $3000 guaranteed

1:00pm Daily Turbo Shootout

$25 buy-in
10 minute levels
4000 starting chips
No re-buys or add-ons
Monday thru Friday

Monday's 5:00pm Seniors No Limit Hold'em

$25 buy-in
15 minute levels
4000 starting chips
Optional $10 re-buy, $10 add-on
4pm registration

Tuesday's 7:00pm No Limit Hold'em

$60 buy-in
20 minute levels
4000 starting chips
No re-buys or add-ons
$3000 guaranteed

Wednesday's 7:00pm Pot Limit Omaha

$60 buy-in
20 minute levels
4000 starting chips
No re-buys or add-ons
$10 optional staff appreciation for 2000 more in starting chips
$3000 guaranteed

Thursday's 7:00pm No Limit Hold'em

$60 buy-in
20 minute levels
4000 starting chips
No re-buys or add-ons
$3000 guaranteed

4:00pm Saturday No Limit Hold'em

$120 buy-in
40 minute levels
5000 starting chips
No re-buys or add-ons
$4000 guaranteed

6:00pm Sunday No Limit Hold'em

$60 buy-in
20 minute levels
4000 starting chips
No re-buys or add-ons
$3000 guaranteed

The daily 10:00am tournament game varies...Limit, No Limit, Omaha, Stud, etc. You can call the poker kiosk at (918)384-6648 for more information.

Click the banner below for more info on the Mid-South Classic. Another great poker tournament from the premier tournament venue in Oklahoma. Twenty-five events with buy-ins from $120 to $1590. There are also mega satellites running to get into the main event on the cheap throughout the schedule.

I don't make any money promoting the Cherokee, but do like to pimp-out my home casino when I get the chance. See you at the tables.

Big Changes Coming to Cripple Creek, CO Casinos

2009-02-27T08:52:00.005-06:00

I know this is "Okie Poker", but I feel compelled to write occasionally about my second home in Colorado.

I love Cripple Creek. Old mining town of around 1000 people way up in the Rockies...Oh! They also have 20 or so casinos! The problem has always been that the maximum bet allowed on any game was $5. Thats all changing come July 2nd.

Here's the notice from Cripple Creek's Chamber website:

"With the passing of a resolution to expand gambling in the state of Colorado, Cripple Creek gaming will see some exciting changes this summer. As of July 2009, the stakes will rise in Colorado casinos from the current maximum bet limit of $5, to the new limit of $100. This is for slots, blackjack and poker as well as new games coming to Cripple Creek: craps and roulette. Cripple Creek casinos will also see extended hours, meaning more fun and more chances to win for you and your friends! Anticipation is mounting as craps and roulette will be added to the Cripple Creek, Colorado gaming lineup."

Looks like I may be spending a lot more time in the Mountains this Summer...At least I hope so!

If you are in need of a job and think the casino industry may be for you, the casinos in Cripple Creek are expected to add 500+ positions before July 2nd. Many are taking applications now. A dealer makes an average of $40K/year there now. With the increased stakes coming, the tips should even be better and drive that number on up!

BTW, the Firelake Grand Casino in Shawnee, OK is having its 2009 Firelake Grand Poker Championship on March 7th beginning at noon. $50K guaranteed money for this event. Not sure of the buy-in...I seem to have misplaced my invite, and their website doesn't give the amount...sorry.

Check Out These Cool Online Poker Videos!

2009-02-07T04:49:00.004-06:00

I have just seen a kick ass Poker Training School that's taking the poker market by storm! Tim, Errol and the rest of the team are the real deal..

Heck, you can even watch them put their strategies to work.

They have recorded their success on Video and now you can take a peek at every hand and understand why they win the way they do. The only way to successfully learn how to make money off of playing poker online is by actually sitting down and watching videos of online professional poker players. Imagine if you could watch and listen to online poker pros while seeing their hole cards.

Check out the videos below:

Want more videos and training tools like this? Just Click the banner below:

Wow!!! The Hard Rock Comes to Oklahoma...finally

2008-11-16T11:52:00.003-06:00

The Cherokee Casino Resort in Catoosa (Tulsa) has just announced that when their expansion is completed in the spring that the casino will be rebranded 'The Hard Rock Casino - Tulsa'.

Already Oklahoma's premier poker destination, the addition of the Hard Rock name is sure to bring in more people to play my game...For full details you can click the title and it will take you to the full press release from the Cherokee Nation...

The new casino floor will be opening in December with 110,000 square feet of gambling. The Cherokee Resort has the largest poker room in Oklahoma and regularly hosts tournaments that draw players from throughout the US and the world.

The Scotty Nguyen Challenge V just wrapped up. Look for a new post coming soon with results from the main event final table and winners of other events.

The new 19 story hotel tower opens in the Spring of 2009 and the 'Hard Rock' branding is scheduled to coincide with that opening.

I am a degenerate gambler....

2008-09-19T11:59:00.004-05:00

And I like it!

My friends and I will make a wager on just about anything. One vice I was never really into at the casino has been keeping me out into the wee hours recently.

I've never really played slot machines much until recently. They are a fun distraction while waiting for a seat to open up at the poker table or two deck pitch blackjack game, but I know the odds and other than the odd twenty or so every few months, never really played them.

My recent binge into the spinning wheels and multi-line payouts started a couple of weeks ago. A friend and I were at our favorite watering holes playing pool and darts (I lost at pool, but kicked ass, as usual, at darts) for beers. The place was dead that night and around 11pm we decided to roll up the highway to one of the many casinos within an hour of my house.

We played there for a bit then decided to try out another place for a while. After what seemed to be an hour or so there we decided to cash out and leave. Glancing at my watch as we walked towards my truck, I noticed it was 5am! Where had the time gone?

A few days later we were back at it. This time was even more extreme. Between time spent at the casinos and getting my online work semi-done, I was up for 51 hours straight! When I was younger and partying all night and working/going to school all day this would not have been that big of a deal...But hell, I'm 44 years old now! I'm not 21 any more...

After another couple late nights this week, I firmly believe that I am a degenerate gambler. Staying up all night playing cards is one thing (because I thoroughly enjoy playing poker and blackjack and almost always come out ahead), but machines...I know that I am pissing money away! Sure I may win $430 on a quarter bet, but eventually the slot Gods are going to take all of that and more back.

Things I will not be doing.

Replacing card games with slots as my favorite thing to do in a casino
Pissing my poker bankroll away on slot machines
Putting my mortgage payment, electric bill, grocery or any other necessity money on a slot machine spin (But I probably would on poker or blackjack).
Using artificial stimulants (other than caffeine and sugar) to keep me awake during one of my binges

Well, its off to the Creek Nation Muscogee casino for a little bounty poker tournament tonight. I have been intending to go and play over there for a while but have never found the time. Seems something was always getting in the way. I know many of the players there, so it shouldn't be too much of an adjustment to get control of whatever table I'm at.

More soon...

A Matter of Winning and Losing: Tips on Playing Blackjack

2008-07-23T02:37:00.002-05:00

Today, blackjack seems to be one of the most popular card games. This is because playing blackjack is so easy to learn and play. Unlike poker, blackjack does not have any combinations to remember.

In blackjack, the object of the game is to get the sum of the two cards close to 21. When a person gets cards that are over 21, he or she loses the game.

Normally, a player receives two cards. After the players see their cards, they have to decide whether they would hit or stand. When a person says “stand,” this means the player thinks he or she is closer to 21 already. When a player says “hit,” this means that he or she still needs additional cards just to get close to 21.

Players can draw as many cards as they want until they feel they are close to 21 already. A player who is nearer to 21 wins.

However, there are people who have devised some tips and strategies to get an edge over the other players. There are times that these tips really can help some people win.

Here’s a list of some tips that players may choose to use them so as to win the game.

1. If a player gets 17 or higher, it is always better to stand, and if the player has any number from 13 to 16 and the dealer’s card is 6 or lower, it would be better to stand. But if the dealer has 7 or more, it would be better for a player to hit.

The theory here is that, if the dealer is showing a card of six or lower, the dealer may take a card, assuming that the dealer’s card facing down is a ten. The players, then, assume that the dealer is banking on a bust hand, so the other players have the tendency to maintain a lower card number.

The rule of thumb: players should always assume that the dealer’s down cards is 10.

2. If a player has aces or 8’s, it would be better to split them regardless of the dealer’s showing card.

3. A player should remember not to split 10’s. Chances are, they might end up getting busted.

4. If the dealer is showing 4, 5, or 6, it would be better for a player to stand on hard 12, or hit hard if the dealer is showing 2, 3, 7, or higher.

5. In order to win, players should always remember not to split fours, face cards, and fives.

Indeed, gambling is a game of chance, but with keen observation, winning is possible.

AN OVERVIEW OF ONLINE GAMBLING

2008-02-20T02:50:00.000-06:00

Now online: online gambling.

Just like any commercial market today, gambling also took its chance of having to saturate a broader area of gaming through the Internet.

Nowadays, there are as many online gambling games as there are gambling games. Every kind of gambling game has their online counter parts in the Web. From poker to sports betting, every gambling activity seems to be online.

Most proponents of online gambling assert that online gambling is just as safe as gambling in known casinos in Las Vegas and Atlantic City. Just like the usual casino, online casinos are also required to have their licenses and permits before engaging into online gambling.

By doing so, online casinos are systematically regulated and audited by professional firms. All online casinos use the secure e-cash facilities, in cooperation with the credit card companies, so that the customers are being protected from unauthorized use of credit cards or from cases of identity theft.

Generally, online gambling in an online casino will entice new players by requiring them to deposit an amount by offering bonuses. An online casino that will offer you a free $100 for a $50 deposit is a good example. In this manner, more people believe that online gambling offers better chances than real-life gambling. However, this poses more risk in getting addicted to the game.

For people who want to play online gambling, deposits can be made through credit cards, fire pay, or 900 pay. Fire pay works like an ordinary online debit card. Normally, the player places money into the account and can be spent to any online merchants. Funds can be deposited through wire transfers. 900 pay, on the other hand, is another way of depositing money by calling a 900 number and the amount that is to be deposited is charged to the player's phone bill.

What's more, online casinos are further classified into two groups based on their interface. Online casinos could either be web-based or download-based.

Web-based casinos are forms of online gambling wherein users may directly play online casino games without having to load any software to the local computer. Online gambling is mainly presented in the browser plugins like Macromedia Flash, Shockwave, or Java.

On the other hand, download-based online casinos are the most common online gambling sites in the Web. Here, online gambling users have to download certain software in order to play the casino games. And because it has pre-downloaded software, it is faster to initiate casino games on it compared to web-based casinos.

All the same, and due to the basic nature of online gambling, any transactions with it are vulnerable to fraud. There are online gambling known as rogue casinos wherein these sites refuse to pay the customers or contains a cheating software.

Plus, there are other ways of frauds in online gambling. Most of these cases are player-based. Players who want to cheat usually uses Adobe Photoshop or a comparable tool to maneuver the graphics of a slot machine screenshot in order to deceive the casino into thinking that the player just hit a jackpot.

Whatever forms of deception, it is evident that frauds are more likely to happen in online gambling. And if in any case, players get to be addicted in playing online gambling, they must remember that their obsession did not happen by mistake.

Online gambling is a highly interactive game, meaning whatever choices players make are based on their own prerogatives. So, however enticing online gambling can be it is a must that players must know their own dispositions so as not to be deceived.

The Games Gamblers Play: Casino Gambling 101

2008-01-19T03:29:00.000-06:00

Casino gambling. The first thing that enters our mind is Vegas, slot machines, bright lights and chips. If you’re not a gambling person and you don’t know a lot about casino gambling, then read on...

According to the Wikipedia Online Encyclopedia, a casino is a building that accommodates casino gambling. Customers may gamble by playing slot machines or other games of chance and some skill. Casino gambling games usually have mathematically determined odds built in that ensure the house retains an advantage over the players. This advantage is called the “edge”. “Payout” is the percentage given to players. Some statistically even games may take a commission or tax, a "rake" on bets customers make against each other.

There are a lot of casino gambling games which can get you hooked in no time. First of all, you have the classic slot machine. A slot machine is a coin-operated casino gambling machine with three or more reels that rotate when a lever on the side of the machine is pulled. It includes a currency detector that validates the coin or money inserted to play. The machine typically pays off based on patterns of symbols visible on the front of the machine when it stops.

Sadly, casino gambling games often offer the player the illusion of control in which the player is given choices, but these choices do not eliminate the player's long-term disadvantage. This disadvantage is caused by the casino not paying the full amount that would be expected for the odds wagered. For example, if one game was played by betting what number a roll of a die would give, instead of paying 6 times the amount bet for winning, the casino only pays 5 times the amount bet.

This system is often found in famous casino gambling games like Poker, Craps, Roulette or Blackjack.

Poker is a very popular casino gambling card game. The players, with fully or partially concealed cards make wagers into a central pot, after which the pot is awarded to the remaining player or players with the best combination of cards.

Like Poker, Blackjack is also a very popular casino gambling card game. Much of its popularity is due to the mix of chance with elements of skill and decision making, and a practice called card counting. It is a skill in which players can turn the odds of the game in their favor by making betting and strategy decisions based on the cards that have been dealt. Players suspected of card counting are usually banned and blacklisted by casinos.

Craps is a famous casino gambling game using dice. Players wager money against the casino on the outcome of one roll, or of a series of rolls of two dice. The rules vary slightly from one casino to another, but the expected value of most bets is only slightly negative. All bets have a negative expectation, except the "free odds" bet with an expectation of 0, that the player is allowed to make after a point is established on a flat bet. Unlike in Blackjack, there is no possible winning strategy over any given period of time.

Roulette is a signature casino gambling game. A croupier turns a round roulette wheel which has 37 or 38 separately numbered pockets in which a ball must land. The main pockets are numbered from 1 to 36 and change between red and black, with number 1 being red. In addition there is a pocket numbered 0 of green color. In most roulette wheels in the United States but not in Europe, there is a second zero compartment marked 00, also colored green. If a player bets on a single number and wins, the payout is 35 to 1. The bet itself is returned, so in total it is multiplied by 36.

Be very wary though, these casino gambling games are highly addictive (as they are intended to be). A lot of lives have been ruined by casino gambling and although it might be fun, please do try to regulate yourself.

Ten Things to Know Me Better

2008-01-12T16:52:00.000-06:00

10: I wear shorts, year round. If its above freezing; I'm usually wearing a pair of shorts.

9: I rarely wear a tie; but at one point in my life had a collection of over 100 fine silk ties in my closet.

8: If I'm not wearing shorts; I'm in blue jeans. I am very anal about my jeans. I only wear Levis 501's. No Wrangler, Bugle Boy or whatever. Only Levis. Only 501's.

7: I'm a gambler who will bet on the outcome of most anything; but I do not play slot machines or the lottery.

6: I'm a very spontaneous person. I've been known to wake up and drive halfway across the country to see something or someone, on a whim.

5: I was personally invited to both of the Bush/Cheney Inaugural Balls. Why is this strange? I am not a registered Republican and I made no donations to either campaign.

4: I have a degree in political science, but hate discussing politics. My views are extreme enough in both directions, depending on the issue, to make members of both parties squirm.

3: I hate funerals, but have my own planned.

2: I am very much into freedom of expression; but run a very disciplined household. My boys have been given the freedom to explore their own ideals and beliefs; but are amongst the most polite, well-behaved young men you'll ever meet.

1: I go commando in public.

Scotty Nguyen Poker Challenger IV Main Event Results

2007-12-02T12:22:00.000-06:00

I've been promising these, but have neglected to get them up here. Here are the numbers from the$5K main event of the Scotty Nguyen Poker Challenge IV at the Cherokee Casino Resort in Tulsa.

Total number of entries: 124
Prize Pool: $620K

Final Table and Payouts:

9. Bill Edler Las Vegas, NV $12,028
8. Scotty Nguyen Henderson, NV $15,035
7. Gil George Dallas, TX $21,049
6. Danny Robertson Ft. Smith, AR $27,063
5. Noah Nodine Norman, OK $33,077
4. Gavin Smith Guelph, Ontario $42,098
3. Brant Hale Norman, OK $72,168
2. Raymond Henson Spring, TX $138,322
1. T.J. Cloutier Richardson, TX $240,560

Another successful event for the Cherokee. Best poker room and tournaments in Oklahoma.

Scotty Nguyen IV Main Event Final Table Tonight!

2007-11-20T12:53:00.000-06:00

The main event final table for the Scotty Nguyen Poker Challenge IV is underway. I should have the final results posted here sometime tonight or in the morning. Lots of big name pros in town at the Cherokee Casino and Resort in Catoosa for this tournament. Complete report coming soon!

My 1st Big Brick and MortarTournament

2007-11-11T20:16:00.000-06:00

I thought I'd just write up the days events from here. They have an excellent wireless connection in the casino and I have my laptop, so we should be good.

I spent $330.00 to enter in this tournament. The last count I heard there were 434 entries, which created a total prize pool of $130,200.

The day started out slow for me. I wasn't getting good cards, but did manage to steal a few pots to keep myself alive. The only major pot I won in the first four hours is when my pocket sixes made trips on the flop. There were four players who saw the flop and I led out with a bet and all but one guy folded to me. I checked the turn and he checked back. After the river card fell, I bet out and the other guy folded A-6, face up. I mucked my hand and grinned at him, like I had stolen the pot. I took him out after the break when my pocket Aces went up against his A-K. He got a king on the turn, but no other help and he was gone.

At the first meal break, I was in 43rd place out of 96 people left. Two hours later, at the rest room break, I had moved up to 7th. By the time the money bubble broke and we got another short meal break; I had fallen to 29th out of 39 remaining players.

After the last meal break, I went card dead again. Nothing was going my way. I managed to win a couple of small pots without having to show down and a few people were knocked out and I found myself 17th in chips with 21 players left. The average stack was around 57K in chips. I had just over 12K and the leader had over 300K (about 25% of the chips in play). Then came the end.

A few hands after a restroom break, I was dealt pocket kings in the big blind. Blinds were at 1K/2K with a 200 ante. The chip leader raised from the one off of the button. I had 9100 in chips left and it was going to cost me 6K of that to call, so I pushed all-in. He calls and the cards are turned up. I am semi-relieved to see he has A-K off-suit. I just need to avoid one of the two remaining Aces in the deck to move up to around 25K in chips.

It took less than a minute, but seemed like an eternity. The flop was 6 - 10 - Q. He had picked up additional outs. Now any of 4 Jacks or the two Aces would beat me. The turn card was a 3; another bullet dodged. Then as the dealer was turning the river card face up, I knew my night was over. He hit an ace and I left the table finishing 21st. $1050.00 for my efforts.

All-in-all, I think I played good poker on the day for not having many quality starting hands. I'm probably lucky to have finished where I did. I'm exhausted, but am going to hang out here for a while longer to see if a friend makes the final table. He's currently in 4th place with about 125K in chips. The chip leader now has over 400K and there are 17 players left. The first four players control around 75% of the chips in play at this point in the event, so he should be in good shape

The tournament finally ended at 4:15am. Patrick, my buddy who was also in the tournament, just finished in 2nd place, winning slightly more than $19K. Not too bad for a guy who had never made a final table at a live tournament before. It's now 4:45am and I'm heading home.

Sober Enemies; Drunken Buddies

2007-11-02T07:29:00.000-05:00

Sober Enemies; Drunken Buddies

I really don't have any enemies that I am aware of. I could go back and tell a war story or two here, but I never really tried to get along with those enemies. (Die, commie, die!) Ahh, I know where I'll start.

Slightly less than six years ago, I sold my share of a lucrative computer business in Tulsa to my business partner (who still owes me $85K [No. He's not the enemy in this story]) and began working from home. I had spent so much time building this company that it left me little time for my family and almost no time for friends and fun. After selling the business, I started to visit my favorite watering hole, Marty's on a regular basis, again.

One night while sitting on my usual perch and speaking with the bartender, Sheila; a guy pulls up a stool next to me and sits down. Sheila leaves and I introduce myself to Joe. We talk for a bit and I realize that he is Sheila's ex-husband when he asks:
"What are you doing flirting with my wife?"
I explained that we were just talking and besides; she had said she was divorced.
"Well, that's not final, yet" he said.

At this time, my goatee was better than a foot long. The longer Joe and I talked, the more irritated he became with me. (Imagine that?)
"How about I grab you by that beard and drag you out into the parking lot?" he screamed.
I just grinned, stood up, put one hand on his shoulder and calmly told him to try whatever he liked, but he might not enjoy the end result.

He sat back down, thought for a moment (I'm six inches taller and 50 pounds heavier than this guy), and bought me a beer. By the end of the night we both were drunk and laughing at everyone else in the bar. He still was not my friend.

The next time our paths crossed, Sheila and I had become great friends. To make matters worse she was dating one of my best friends, Mark. Joe sat across the bar and stared at Mark and I; daring me to come over and try something.

I normally take the short cut to the restroom between a cooler and the open end of the bar. This night, I took the long way around so that I would have to pass by Joe.
"Hey, Joe! How's it going tonight" I said as I slapped him on the back.
He sat there, motionless.
"Sheila!" I called to the bartender. "Get this man a beer! Hell, get everyone a beer! We all need to loosen up a bit!"
A chorus of "thanks for the beer," echoed around the bar. Joe looked up at me and mumbled; "Thanks, Mother fucka." under his breath.
After he had a few more beers, he came to the other side of the bar and joined us in a few games of darts (won by me, of course).

As time went on, Joe found himself a girlfriend and had a child with her. Sheila quit the bar. She and Mark moved in together and later were married. Joe and I threw darts against one another several times but never became friends.

Occasionally, Joe would make a threat to me. These were always met with a stone cold gaze; or a subtle word of warning back to him. Eventually, beer would be bought and we would be drunk and making fun of the other dumb SOBs in the place.

A year or so ago, before a Sooners football game, Joe and I (both very much sober at the time) sat down and had a talk.
"You know Gary," he began, "I throw better darts against you than anyone here because you're the best here and it makes me want to beat you more."
I laughed and told him that I was aware of that (him throwing better against me than others) and that I kicked my game up a notch against him, as well.
"And you're such an ass about it." he continued.
"You're an asshole, at times, yourself, Joe" I shot back. "But that's why we try so hard against each other; neither of us wants our face rubbed in the others shit."
Joe smiled and ordered us both a beer.

"You know, Gary, if we teamed up in here no one would ever have a chance." he said, after a couple more beers. " Against a couple of two-fisted, dart-slingin', beer-drinkin' Irishmen like ourselves: no one could beat us."

"You're probably right, Joe; you friggin' asshole! Here. Let me buy you another beer."

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Scotty Ngyuen Challenge Update

2007-10-27T05:18:00.000-05:00

Sorry, folks. Just when I was starting to get this thing moving in the right direction, I get sick. I'll be back to give you more coverage of the poker scene here in Oklahoma tomorrow.

I plan on being at the Scotty Ngyuen Challenge IV for a couple of events, including the final table of the main event. According to my sources at the Cherokee Casino Resort, there are definitely some big-name pro players coming once again for this years events. Should be a great series whether you are going to play or just go and railbird your friends or favorite pro.

More from the Cherokee next week, plus many more exciting poker events coming up in the state of Oklahoma.

If you know of any big events coming up leave me a comment or hit me up on my gmail and I'll be sure and check it out.

Scotty Nguyen Poker Challenge IV

2007-10-21T08:29:00.000-05:00

The schedule is out for the Scotty Nguyen Poker Challenge IV at the Cherokee Casino Resort in Tulsa. The dates are November 1-20, 2007. I know this is a bit of a short notice, but I have been neglecting my blog here for sometime. No more. I'll try to post something new everyday.

Buy-ins for the preliminary events range from $120 to $2080 with most being less than a grand. The main event entry is $5000 + $150. Click here for a complete schedule of events. Total payout for all events is expected to exceed two million dollars! You can even pre-register on-line by clicking here.

Kido Pham, who won $176,359 last year, is the defending main event champion and is expected to return. Some of the others who have played in past challenges include: Mike "the Mouth" Matusow, Bob "the Coach" Ciaffone, Todd Brunson, Kathy Leibert, Mike Sexton, David Levi, Morgan Machina, Tom Franklin and Mike "the Grinder" Mizrachi. Past WSOP main event champs T.J. Cloutier, Barry "Numbers" Johnston and, of course, Scotty Nguyen have also played in the event.

The main event winner, in addition to the cash prize, also receives a gold bracelet encrusted with diamonds and rubies valued at over $30.000 and designed by Scotty, himself. Everyone at the main event final table receives a Cherokee Casino varsity style leather jacket.

There are also several seven-day Mexican Riviera cruises being given away to the winners of some of the lower buy-in tournaments. These packages include airfare and accommodations for two and are valued at more than $3000.

If you don't want to pony up $5K, there are several single table satellites and super-satellites running from now until November 17th for entry into the main event. Buy-ins range from $230 to $550 for these events.

Check the Cherokee-Tulsa poker room for more information on all of the upcoming events there.

Comin' To Getcha

2007-10-20T18:25:00.000-05:00

The government is not only trying to get on-line poker players and casinos; now they are passing new rules for brick and mortar casino poker tournaments, as well. The IRS will start requiring casinos and poker tournament sponsors to report the winner's earnings.

Beginning March 4, 2008 casinos and other tournament sponsors must report the earnings of any winner who's prize is more than $5000. Sponsors are not required to withhold any of the earnings; just to report them at the conclusion of the tourney.

If they do not report the earnings they can be held liable for up to 25% of the total earnings. All winners must provide their taxpayer ID or social security number to the sponsor. If a player fails to provide the number, the sponsor is required to withhold 28% of their winnings and send it to the IRS.

By law, you must already report your gambling profits on your taxes. Seems the IRS believes we have been under-reporting our earnings and wants to make sure that they get their share. Another way the government is trying to discourage us from playing poker.

Screw the UIGEA and the IRS. If I want to play poker; I'll find a place to play. At least its out in the open now and not in a back-room of a bar somewhere, like it was in my younger days.

This is Supposed to Be a Poker Blog

2007-10-19T22:15:00.000-05:00

This is supposed to be a poker blog, but since I haven't been playing much poker lately, there haven't been too many recent posts. I have been posting regularly to my blog on Yuwie. I also recently started another non-poker blog at this link, HERE. I occasionally will still post to my Myspace blog and will try to post more regularly here.

Some topics for future discussion include the Scotty Ngyuen Open at the Cherokee Casino Resort in Tulsa this spring, the expansion of said Cherokee Casino, and other upcoming poker events here in the Sooner State.

I'm trying to get a list of weekly tournaments throughout the state to post here so that you can always find a game in your area. If you know of any or have links to their web page give me a shout and I'll be sure to include it and give you credit for the info in an upcoming post.

-Hammer

Productive Night

2007-05-21T08:36:00.000-05:00

Played again at Sportsbook last night. I first played in a free roll for the WSOP main event qualifier and was busted out in 12th place (1402 total entries) when my AJh went up against pocket 3's. Flop was As Jd 2c and all of my money went in. When I was called and saw pocket 3's, I was estatic. Turn was 6h. And was rivered with a 3d to make my opponent the set. Needed to be top 5 to qualify for the main tourney but thought I played well.
I then played four consecutive sit-n-go's winning three of them. The only one I lost was when pocket 8's sucked out on my pocket A's and I finished fourth. The best tournament I played, I was down almost 3 to 1 in chips when heads up play started and won the whole thing 3 hands later. The person I beat was steaming. Saw them later in another tournament and they were still on tilt.
I finished up the night with a little low limit (1/2 NL) cash game and made $160 in about an hour before shutting down the computer and calling it a night.
If you are not playing online, you should be. There are still a few places that take US players. Check one of them out. You can usually try them out in play money games without having to make a deposit. See how you like the software and the action at the tables. Decide on one or more. Put your money up and play like hell!

Now Playing at Sportsbook.com

2007-05-20T03:04:00.000-05:00

There's a great place for American players to play at online.
Sportsbook.com welcomes American players, when so many others have locked us out. And if poker is not your game,
you can play other casino games or bet on sports. Go ahead and follow the link. No, I am not getting paid for this
promo. I used to play at Full Tilt, but have enjoyed sportsbook much
more since joining. They have tournaments each Sunday for a seat at the World Series of Poker main event and you
can even qualify for the Sunday tournament through daily free rolls. What a place. Been having fun there. Hope to
see you soon. E-mail me when you sign up and we'll exchange user names to look for each other.

The Three B's of Poker Threatened

2007-05-15T10:15:00.000-05:00

Some of the BS put up by the directors of poker tournaments is getting out of hand. They are trying to take
the "three B's" (banter, bluffing and bullshit) out of poker tournaments.

Daniel Negreanu went off in his blog on the rules brokers and I don't blame him. The crap that these guys
are putting out as rules takes alot of the fun and strategy out of the game.

I just finished reviewing the rules for an area tournament with WSOP implications that had the rule that you
could not talk to any spectators during the hand. Who hasn't been in a situation where you want to talk to a
friend, supporter or heckler during the hand that is sitting on the rail. Maybe instead of talking, someone
could pull a Griffey and throw the spectator his jock strap. The rule makes no sense and takes the entertainment
value down for the spectators. What's next, You cannot stare directly at your opponent?

The crap rules have to be stopped. Boycott tournaments that have dumb-ass rules made by some dumb-ass who
gets frustrated at the table by the three b's. Tournament directors are just poker players who can not stand
up under the pressures of normal poker playing so they become directors to try and fix the things they think are
wrong with poker. Tournament directors have to allow the game to be poker, with all of the
banter, bluffing and bullshit that goes along it and stop trying to turn it into tiddly winks.

Poker Players in Peril

2007-04-10T16:54:00.000-05:00

The government is cracking down on online poker sites. Neteller executives have been arrested and forced to shut down their US operations; meanwhile, around ninety million dollars of US users funds are frozen and cannot be returned to their rightful owners. Linking online poker to an outdated law on placing wagers over phone lines is crazy. The law was instituted to curtail the activities of bookies who were taking bets on sporting events. Alot of these bookies were unscrupulous and ran off with their clients winnings. The bigger fish, who had mob ties, were very harsh in their collection methods. These people still exist out there today and you very rarely here of one of them being punished for their illeagal activities that the law was intended for in the first place. Now that law has been applied to online poker sites and expanded to include people who facilitate the fund transfers from the players to the poker sites and back (money laundering?....lol). What's next, a total prohibition on gambling, like we had on liquor in the '20s? There are more than 20 million poker players in the US and they need to join together to fight the injustice that is being carried out by the government. Regulate online poker sites, yes. Prohibit them, NO!

Luckily there is a group fighting for your rights as poker players. They are lobbying congress and working to get legislation passed that will favor the poker player. You can join them and add your name to the list of poker players who are mad as hell and not going to take it anymore.

Visit Poker Players Alliance and fight for your right to play!

Gobboboy Does It....Almost

2007-01-19T16:59:00.000-06:00

The final table started like this: Jimmy "Gobboboy" Fricke, 5.175M; Gus Hansen, 4.845M; Andrew Black, 2.1M; Kristy Gazes, 1.05M; Julius Colman, 785K; Marc Karam, 535K; and Hans Martin Vogl, 455K; in chips. First out was Kristy Gazes when her A-Qh ran into Gus Hansen's pocket 9's. No help from the cards and Gazes finishes 7th.
Marc Karam was the next to go when he moved all in with K-Jo only to be called by Hansen with A-9o. The flop was 10-8-5 rainbow the turn a 9 and the river a 4 and Karam ends his day in 6th place collecting 300K Aussie dollars.
Finishing fifth was Hans Martin Vogl. He moves all-in with A-9o and is called by Gobboboy with K-Jo. Vogl gets a 9 on the flop but Fricke sucks out a J on the river to send Hans home with 400K Australian.
Just a couple of hands later Julius Colman was taken out when his A-6o went head to head with Andy Black's pocket Q's. The flop was A-A-Q, the turn a K and the river a 9 and the last Aussie was out of the field in fourth place.
Heading into the 47th hand we were down to three players with the chip count Jimmy Fricke-6,305,000;Gus Hansen-4,800,000;Andrew Black-4,145,000. The chip lead stayed with Fricke but the big hands were few and far between until hand 121 when Fricke raised from the small blind and Black re-raised all-in from the big. When the cards were revealed Black found himself dominated holding K-Qo while Fricke had A-Qh. The community cards did neither any favors and Black ends up in third place winning 700K.
The heads up action was more fast and furious with several all-in bets and lead changes. Fricke starts heads up play with 11.175M in chips to just 3.77M for Hansen. After just a few hands the stacks were almost even with Fricke holding a 300K advantage after Hansen doubled up with A-2s against Gobboboy's K-Qh on a board of A-K-7-8-5. Hansen takes a commanding chip lead, 10.465M to 4.48M only to lose it back on a river suckout by Fricke.
On a flop of J-10-10 Hansen bet 500K and Fricke goes all-in with Hansen calling. They roll their cards to reveal Hansen with A-Kh and Fricke with K-Qo. The turn was another ten and it looked as if this might be over as Gobboboy was down to only 7 outs to win and 2 to split. The river brought the miracle 9 and Jimmy regained the lead.
A few hands later Fricke tried a suckout again on a flop of K-J-6 and Hansen all in He calls with Q-9o. Hansen shows K-10o. The turn and the river provide no help and Hansen is back in control. At this point the chip count was 8.79M for Gus Hansen and 6.15M for Jimmy Fricke.
On hand #168 it all came to and end. Fricke has 3.595M and calls from the small blind. Hansen, with 11.35M raises 470K from the big blind and Jimmy calls. On a flop of Qd-8d-6c Hansen bets out 400K only to be re-raised all-in by Fricke. Hansen quickly calls and shows pocket rockets and Fricke holds 7-9c. Gus has him dominated but Fricke has an opened end straight draw and that is where most of his river suckouts have come from. The turn is a 2c giving Gobboboy a few outs with a four flush but the turn is a 9s ending the run of the 19 year old from Illinois.
Gobboboy collects 1 million Australian bucks for second place while Gus is all smiles with 1.5 million. Fricke had predicted before the event that he would win and almost did. He was lucky on several hands, but in a tournament this size sometimes you have to be.
From the link above you can see a sim of the final hand and read the almost play by play reporting from Pokernews. Later!

Who the Hell is Gobboboy?

2007-01-17T23:53:00.000-06:00

Keeping up with the Aussie Millions and the chip leader of the main event
heading to the final table is a 19 year old internet wiz from Illinois, who looks more like 13, named Jimmy "Gobboboy" Fricke. This kid has been the king of suckouts, hitting flushes and gut-shots on the river, and along the way taking down some big name pros. Pokernews has live coverage of the events as they unfold, usually til late in the evening (early in the morning).
The seven at the final table are Jimmy Fricke, Gus Hansen, Andrew Black, Mark Karam, Kristy Gazes, Julius Colman, and Hans Martin Vogl. Fricke and Hansen are pretty close in chips with Gobboboy having a slight advantage.
Looks like Negreanu's trip to the land down under was a waste of money. Don't believe he cashed on any of the events he entered. He's headed back to the states to Tunica, maybe his luck will change.

Posting should become regular now that some issues have been straightened out and I have tons of time on the internet again. Will be visiting and writing about a couple of new casinos that recently opened nearby. Supposed to be huge and super nice. All for today.

Been Outta' Touch, But Still in the Game

2006-03-11T12:36:00.000-06:00

This will be a fairly short post, but wanted all the readers out there to know that I am still alive and playing poker occasionally. I screwed up and got a real job that has been hampering my time to go and play.
About the Creek Nation Okemah weekly Hold 'em tournaments: They are now Wednesday Nights at 6:00pm and Sunday afternoons (1st one around noon I think). I played in a couple and finished 6th in one when my set of 6's got beat on the river with a set of queens. Finished 7th in the other as my pocket queens got bad-beat by QJ off-suit that made a straight on the river. By the way, they paid through 5th place. So close yet so far from the money. The bad deal about Okemah is that they only have 6 tables and usually have 70+ in the tournament. I have sat at opening tables with 14 and 12 people at them respectively, the two times that I have played. The entry fees both days are now $25.00 plus a $5.00 dealer appreciation fee. I won't be playing Wednesday nights as my real job isn't over until 6:00pm and I have to be back at 6:00am, but maybe I will see some of you on Sundays.
Still playing darts weekly at Bartolina's. Checking the stats on the tournaments over the last year, we played 50 times and I was on the winning team 39 times. 78% isn't to shabby of a win percentage when your partner can be anyone that signs up. If you come and play (Tuesday nights at 7:30), you better be good enough to carry your partner or hope that you draw me or one of the other few good darts players who happen to be playing that night. It's just $3.00 to play darts and the bar chips in a dollar for everyone who plays. 75% is split between the winning team and 25% goes to the 2nd place team. AND BEER IS ONLY $1.50 ALL NIGHT LONG! For those of you who don't know Bartolina's is about 4 miles north of Henryetta on highway 75, east side of the road.
Well this post turned out a little longer than I had planned, but check back, me and a couple other guys are planning a home game to be held soon. $100.00 buy-in, no re-buys, 20 player limit, winner takes all. I will get back to you soon with some contact info. Later!

Another Missed Poker Tournament

2005-08-30T12:46:00.000-05:00

Well, its Tuesday and another chance to go to Creek Nation-Okemah to play in its weekly NL hold'em tournament is going to pass me by. I couldn't find anyone to run the weekly darts tournament at Bartolina's so I am stuck winning another one of those tonight instead of playing poker for some real money.
I will probably end up playing drunk poker online later, hopefully with better results than last week. I usually win big and am alot more patient when I'm drunk, but went totally ON TILT last week and blew a grand before I knew what had happened.
I have played a few low-limit tables this week and made a bit of last weeks loss up. Maybe the darts tournament will be small and over quickly and I can run up to Okmulgee and play a cash game tonite.
GW-OUT!

Creek Nation-Okemah Weekly tournament update

2005-08-25T16:28:00.000-05:00

More info gathered on the Tuesday night NL Hold'em Tournament at Creek Nation-Okemah Casino. The 7:00pm event this week had 76 participants (very crowded as they only have 6 tables available). I expect them to add more tables very soon to accomodate the growing interest.
With this many people playing they are now paying the top five places. Your $20 buy-in gets you $1000 in chips. You can re-buy but only in the first 15 minutes of play. Blinds begin at $25/50 and increase every 15 minutes. You either have to be very aggressive or catch some good hands early to avoid being blinded out.
The reason for the high blinds/quick increases is that they have another tournament that begins at 9:00pm with a $10 buy-in and the first tournament has to be done before the second can begin because of limited space. As I told the table games manager: "If this keeps up, you're going to need to build on to this place".
The daily cash games haven't picked up that much yet. But if the success of the tournaments is any indication, they should be shortly. If you are nearby and want to play, you can call-in and leave your number and they will call you when enough people get there to open a table. With the price of gas, it's a benefit for me having a 40 mile round trip from the house. Why burn $5 in gas and not find a game. When I can burn the $5 and go to Okmulgee and almost always get in one.
I haven't heard if they are going to have another free-roll for women yet, but will update you as soon as I find out.
I plan to play in one of the tourney's as soon as I find someone to run the dart tournament for me on Tuesdays. I may see if someone will fill in this week and let me make the cruise over there and kick some ass!
GW-OUT!

Dart Night

2005-08-24T19:49:00.000-05:00

Last evening was dart night and I won another blind draw tournament, as usual. I came home and played some drunk poker online.
I usually play well online when I am drunk, but last night was a series of bad beats. Straight losing to full-house. Trips losing to a rivered straight, then a rivered flush. Dropped about a grand before I decided I was too drunk to be playing.
Of course the beats may not have been as bad as I remember as I reflect back today in my, now, sober state. Maybe the alcohol clouded my recollection and I was just playing crap hands and chasing for cards that never came!?! Who knows for sure? At 4:00am when I went to bed there was no one moving around in this house but me anyway. Probably will play a little at Full-Tilt tonight. Still want to check out Noble Poker some more and play a little there.
By the way, the links in my posts are to the sites directly and I do not derive any revenue from them at this time. Any poker sites that want to give me some revenue for these links would be welcomed.
That's it for now. GW-out!

Let Me Play

2005-08-21T15:48:00.000-05:00

Auction was over fairly early last evening so I should have had at least 2 or 3 hours to play poker at the Creek Nation-Okmulgee casino. When I arrived they had two tables going, both of which were filled up. I put my name on the list and inquired about another table being opened but was informed that unless four or five more people came in they would not be doing so. I waited for a bit and then decided to head to my favorite watering hole and hustle some darts.
When I got to Bart's, I saw several people, but no one would play darts (Not even for a beer!). So I resigned myself to just set there and have a few beers and talk to some of the regulars.
My former favorite bartender, Jami (she recently quit to take another job), and her boyfriend were in. We visited for a while and they promised to come and shoot darts on Tuesday. There were a few irregulars (people you seldom see in there). A former classmate was in from Ohio for a short while and my high school track coach was there with his wife.
Overall, a wasted night with no money making opportunities. No hot single women for my wife to be jealous of, but a fun time nonetheless.
Short post, but little happened. GW-out!

Cherokee Casino and More

2005-08-19T12:52:00.000-05:00

I was really impressed the first time I walked into this poker room. 30 tables: 4/8, 6/12, 10/20, and 20/40 limit Hold'em games; 2/5 and 5/10 NL hold'em; daily tournaments; Tuesday night Hold'em tournament (my dart night again!); and on weekends 1-5 Seven card stud, 10/20 Omaha H/L, and 10/25 NL hold'em. They are trying to do this thing right. They have been bringing in poker pros to promote the room and plan to have a major tournament in the near future (possibly this fall). This is by far my favorite room to play in.
The skill level around here is not the greatest and you can usually make some decent coin at just about any of the area casinos playing against the locals and the few tourists who happen in. The quality of play at the Cherokee seems to be better (higher stakes=better players) and presents more of a challenge to me than hitting the local 2/4 game just up the road from my house. It's nice to win money, but shooting fish in a barrel can get boring. When you win at the higher stake games at the Cherokee you feel better about yourself than taking a couple hundred away from your neighbor who just started playing last week.
The Cherokee Casino and Resort is located just East of Tulsa on Interstate 44 in Catoosa and has all of the amenities of a Vegas casino except the hookers. The hotel has luxurious rooms. The dining and clubs are top-notch. And, if you play golf, the golf course was originally designed by Perry Maxwell and recently renovated to make it one of the best in the area. If your in the Tulsa area visiting or on business, it is definitely worth stopping by and checking out.
I will be playing tomorrow night at the Creek Nation-Okmulgee casino. This is the closest poker room to me (less than 15 miles) and I will be in Okmulgee for an auction anyway. I have always done well there whether playing blackjack or poker. I have taken a couple of bad beats on pots recently.
About a month ago I was playing the 1/2 NL game there and had pocket AcAs, which I promptly raised and had 5 callers. The flop came Ad,9s,4h. TRIPS! The hand was checked to me and I laid out a sizable bet and was immeadiately called by the guy next to me, while the rest of the table folded. The turn showed the Jh. I bet and was again immeadiately called. I figured the guy had AK, A9, or Pocket 9's. The river brought the 7h. I bet and was immeadiately raised and I called. The guy next to me had been calling with Ah3h and had rivered the flush! I was pissed! I got even by taking three other sizable pots from him later in the night and he left the table with no chips.
Two weeks ago I was playing the 2/4 limit table, the only table going when I arrived, and had AKd in the hole. The flop comes Kh,Kc,7d. TRIPS WITH TOP KICKER! There are 8 people that see the flop. It's checked to me and I bet and get 3 callers and a raiser which I promptly re-raise and everyone calls. The turn card comes 5d. FLUSH DRAW, TOO!!! The action is to me and I bet, two call and the last guy raises again. I re-raise, the two callers finally decide to fold and the raiser re-raises again and I call. I guess maybe he has K-7 and the boat or pocket AA, but I can't lay this hand down, because most of these guys will raise on a chase. With some of these guys they might have A-x, a small pair, or any two other diamonds. The river card is 6s. No help to me and seemingly a harmless card, so I bet, he raises, and I call on the chance that he made a full-house. HE TURNS OVER 8-9s! HE RIVERED A RUNNER-RUNNER GUT-SHOT STRAIGHT! With that, I left only about $20 dollars up but had had enough of the low limit table for that night!
All-in-all my trips have been profitable there, but those low-limits make it hard to run anyone off their cards. There are so many people that play "no fold'em" that it's hard to tell what you are up agains at times. I will write about my next trip on Sunday.
GW out!

First Post What you can expect

2005-08-19T00:02:00.000-05:00

There are six casinos with poker rooms within a thirty minute drive from my house mand I try to play in one of those every week. The games they spread run from a 1/2 NL to 5/10 limit. The Creek Nation Casino in Okemah holds a $20 buy-in and a $10 buy-in NL tournament on Tuesday nights. Unfortunately, that is my dart night and I run the tournament for the pub owner precluding me from participating in the poker tournaments.
For anyone in the area, or who may be visiting here soon, the $20 buy-in starts at 7:00pm and the $10 buy-in begins at 9:00. They have room for up to 60 players, with the $20 tournament almost maxing out (56 players in the 2nd week). The most for the $10 tournament has been 39 players according to the manager there. They have only been having them for about 3 or 4 weeks, so they are catching on quickly. They had a Freeroll last night for women only. I will be visiting there soon and will try to get some info on who won and when they might be having another for all the ladies out there.
Most of the area casinos only have a couple of tables running at any given time. You have to drive to Tulsa (about an hour away) to find the bigger action. The Cherokee Casino and Resort just East of Tulsa is by far the biggest and nicest Casino in the state. Great rooms, food, people and a Perry Maxwell designed golf course.
I'll be telling you about my online and in-house poker exploits in the days to come with some occasional drunk ramblings about darts. My favorite thing is to come home on dart night and play drunk-poker online at Full-Tilt or Party Poker. Some people have suggested I check out Noble Poker and probably will do that in the next week or so. The problem with most sights is they don't have software for my Linux based PC which I prefer for my online surfing. So all of you poker sites out there which require a download: GET A LINUX PORT FOR YOUR SOFTWARE!
That's it for now GW-out!