I am fascinated with the current popularity of poker. Why now? What is the draw? In 2002 Robert Varkonyi won the World Series of Poker. In 2003 it was Chris Moneymaker. ESPN heavily promoted the 2002 WSOP and Varkonyi's win in the weeks leading up to its airing of the 2003 WSOP. In consecutive years the big prize was won by an amateur. It is no surprise that the 2004 WSOP enjoyed the largest field ever. In a world that constantly reminds us that there are "haves" and "have nots poker seemed to be screaming to the commoner, "Come play with the best in the world. You might even win." People are drawn to poker. They cannot get enough of it. I cannot help but think that poker's appeal is due to the fact that at a very deep, even subconscious level, poker parallels life. As I reflect, I realize that the lessons I have learned at the poker table are many of the same lessons that life has to teach. In an on-going series, I'd like to share some of my observations.

Sometimes you lose even when you play well. Sometimes you win even when you don't. I am often asked, "Is poker a game of luck or a game of skill?" My answer is, "You have to be skillful enough to take advantage of the luck that comes your way." Hard work is no guarantee of success. Sometimes people seem to stumble upon success. The world is imperfect. Luck is simply an imperfection in the divine plan. But this is not a fatalistic view. You do have control. You do exert influence. A person cannot win the lottery if they never buy a ticket. Picking the numbers is only half the equation. Winning requires you to buy the ticket. You have to be a participant. You have to be in a position to recognize and manage your good luck, in order to benefit from it. The great achievers always make it look easy; in sports, in business and in life. But the great achievers are great achievers because they pay their dues. They learn their craft. They accept the journey as the prize. The actual prize merely enables them to continue the journey. They accept good fortune but do not rely on it. Sometimes you lose even when you play well. Sometimes you win even when you don't.

There is a fine line between bluffing well and playing badly. Usually the only way to tell the difference is by who wins the hand. A good bluff is by its very nature a bad play. But it is a well thought out, well calculated, bad play. I love to watch televised poker. The commentary is often added after the fact. It is easy to analyze a hand when you know the outcome. Life is full of decisions; big decisions like which man to marry and which house to buy; small decisions like whether to have the fat free frozen yogurt or the triple fudge ice cream sundae. The reality is that a good bluff is always a good bluff, and playing badly is always playing badly, regardless of the outcome. Decisions are made with the information available at the time. A well thought out decision should never be measured by the outcome, but by the quality of the decision making process. There is a fine line between bluffing well and playing badly.

Sometimes life has re-buys, sometimes it doesn't. Choose your game wisely. In a re-buy tournament if a player busts out she simply re-buys chips and re-enters the tournament. In the early rounds, it gives players the opportunity to play very high risk hands and bet very aggressively. It maximizes risk tolerance.

In life there are often second chances. Failure is simply a learning experience. Very successful people usually have at least one significant failure in their lives. They play life very aggressively and take maximum risk, assuming that the "pot odds" justify the play. But some tournaments don't have re-buys. There are no second chances.

Children have only one chance at a childhood. There are no second chances. There are no re-buys. One bad decision, one high risk play, and you are out of the game. In doesn't even need to be one big loss. A pattern of seemingly small mistakes yields the same result. Playing poker requires skill, focus and the desire to win. Tough decisions must be made and actions taken on every single hand. A great player does not live without risk. She calculates risk and considers not just the odds of winning the hand but the consequences of losing the hand. In life, there are some games that have no re-buy. There are some hands that should only be played when you are sure you have the "nuts". The risks are too high and the consequences too great. Sometimes life has re-buys, sometimes it doesn't. Choose your game wisely.

Unlimited re-buys can cover lots of mistakes, but it sure gets expensive. Many of life's "tournaments" do have multiple re-buys. Sometimes there are second chances. If handled correctly, a failed business, or even a failed relationship can be a valuable learning experience. Some of the world's most successful business executives have experienced almost devastating failures. Donald Trump is one of the most visible. But don't embrace recklessness as if it were a virtue. Aggressive play and calculated risks can yield huge pots. But recklessness is only forgiven by large doses of blind luck. Everyone has experienced a "suck out" on the river. But no one can make a living at it. Unlimited re-buys can cover lots of mistakes, but it sure gets expensive.

It can be very difficult to notice life's lessons when they are being lived. These lessons are more easily recognized when they are seen within a different context. Poker provides a convenient stage upon which these lessons can be displayed. Stay tuned. I'll have more lessons to share very soon.

Here's a sneak preview:

Winning always makes you look smarter.

Don't blame the dealer.

Posted by at 12:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (2)

Well, the big news is the next WPBT (that's World Poker Blogger Tour) event is scheduled for the Aladdin Casino's Poker Room here in Vegas on June 4th, UpForPoker is taking the helm on this gathering so be sure to contact CJ.
We have plenty of time to prepare this time and I expect it will become quite an event.

In other blog news Matt Matros and themaroon are having an interesting poker discussion, A Fool and His Money posted his Borgata trip report and Double A's wrote a short and sweet three paragraph three point post on improving your game. JRJ posted his review of Tilt and the consensus is: Tilt Sucks, I'd suggest the ESPN producers re-title the show to let viewers know what they are getting into, so next season look for "ESPN's Flop". Both Anisotropy and Mean Gene have some thoughts on the WPT "Poker by the Book" episode. My favorite line came from Mean Gene, "I don't think that gives we laypeople the right to treat [Sklansky] as an abacus with legs."

Finally, yet another episode of Card Club is in the can so if you're looking for podcast poker content then give it a listen.

Posted by pokerprof at 5:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Today's post covers some of the comments and emails received from our readers. The article on smoking, or non-smoking, got a lot of response. The smoking issues really fire people up to respond with their opinions. Both the smokers and non-smokers are passionate about their rights to smoke or to breathe smoke free air. The smokers are slowly losing this battle and the day is soon to come when smoking will no longer be allowed anywhere within the casino, even here in Las Vegas. One of our readers and fellow bloggers, Jan-"50 Outs", wrote to inform us about Casey Castle and the important role he played in making the WSOP smoke free; which, provided the stimulus for the Bellagio and Mirage to become smoke free poker rooms. Mike Sexton published an article detailing Casey's work in making this all possible. Thanks Jan for informing us and thanks Casey!

The post about the Mohegan Tribe's threat to the State of Connecticut concerning the legalization of card tournaments for bars and restaurants drew more comments and emails than anything we have published recently. Everyone wanted to weight in on this sensitive issue with their opinions and solutions. Many of you believe the answer would be to open state run casinos that compete directly with the Indians and put them out of business. Others think the way to go is to cancel the agreements with the Indians and close the casinos. Some of the Indian folk say this would simply be another "white man going back on his word deal," just like all the past violated treaties between the Native Americans and the US government. I never believed this article would touch off such a powder keg of emotions. What is my opinion? I think the issues have very little to do with any real Indians; but rather, the management companies they contract with to run their casino operations. I am researching an article about some of the early problems the tribes faced in trying to open legal casinos. Felicia Lee quite correctly identified the problem as one between two very large factions.

The Poker Prof and I had dinner this evening with one of our Vegas friends, a former New Yorker. We decided to try the Las Vegas version of the famous New York's "Little Italy" Ferrara restaurant which is located on the third level of the Forum Shops at Caesars. We enjoyed a great meal and outstanding desserts selected from the many offerings. The prices were quite reasonable considering the quality of the food and service. We noticed the place had few Friday evening customers, probably due to the third floor location. First floor restaurants were crowded with people lined up to get in for dinner. Guess it is just more proof that location is the most important ingredient in success of a business. The Poker Prof introduced himself to the manager, Joe Giannelli, and met the Chef, Matt. All of the staff at the restaurant relocated from New York so the atmosphere of the original establishment is maintained. Ferrara has been in business since 1892, one of the oldest surviving New York's "Little Italy" Italian bakeries. Next time you visit the Forum Shops and need a little nourishment or just dessert and coffee stop by Ferrara. Even though we were there on a light traffic night you may want to book reservations at 702.647.3646 or email Joe, the manager.

The nature of running successful websites and the Las Vegas/Poker Blog finds us dining out often with clients and visitors. Sometimes the food and service of some of the restaurants we visit is of a lesser quality than expected so this week's Nines covers ways to know you have picked a bad Vegas eatery. This week's Nines...

How to tell you have chosen a bad Vegas restaurant.

9. Only one dinner entree... Lima bean & liver porridge.
8. Waiter speaks only English, no accent.
7. No matter what you order you hear, "Do you want fries with that?"
6. Lady fingers are real fingers.
5. Pie ala mold.
4. New York deli style rueben, piled high with pieces of Rueben.
3. House Special... Chocolate Mouse.
2. Three choices of coffees, Yesterdays, the day before that and we don't rememeber.
1. Slogan proudly claims, "In ten years, only four people have died from eating here!"

That's it for today. Tomorrow has the Week in Review and J. Santos' "Muck It" cartoon.

Posted by flipchipro at 2:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Another day, another convoluted take on the legalities of poker tournaments. Just another article, this time from Casper, Wyoming detailing all the criminal activities of those wanting to play a little competitive hold'em. Am I wrong or did those original outcasts from England settle here to avoid religious persecutions and legislated rules of morality, morality as defined by lawmakers generally above the law. What would the original independent minded citizens of Wyoming think about all this 'much ado about nothing' fuss the politicians are making over poker? My guess would be, "Find a tall tree and bring some rope." How long can we afford to spend our limited tax resources funding holier-than-thou politicians trying to determine if a poker tournament is a game of skill and therefore against the law? Of course it is a game of skill as well as a game of no skill. Like any other sport it depends on each individual's developed abilities. Next, someone will determine that if you read the anti-poker laws backwards it says, "Satan plays poker, Satan plays poker." Maybe John Q. Public should insist on laws that make running for public office against the law for professional politicians. Only unskilled need apply. Hell, if it works for poker it will work for politics; and, after all, is there any activity more morally corrupt and wrought with illegalities than politics?

This continued bickering about who can play poker, where they can play and when really needs to end, really soon. Either make it illegal and prosecute the poker playing criminals or make it legal and pure like any other sport. Quit looking the other way! Address the issue and make a decision, one way or the other. I think the anti-poker factions are going to have a difficult time advancing their cause as each passing day finds more and more big businesses (Clear Channel Radio being just one) jumping on the poker popularity wagon because of the enormous profit potential. No one knows better than a professional politician about wealth, power and connections, after all, that's their entire toolbox. Better do something soon.

I know this is a bit acid-tongued but I am totally saturated with all the negative headlines and the whole screwed-up mess of rules and regulations that poker has become in many areas of the country. It's just not that complicated of an issue. Maybe we should replace elections with poker tournaments; since it's a lot less likely the results of a poker event will be tainted by cheats. I don't know of any poker tournament where the winner had to be determined by lawyers arguing in a court. Thank goodness a deck of playing cards has no "hanging chad."

Posted by flipchipro at 4:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

The big news today in Las Vegas is the Nevada Gaming Commission's approval of MGM Mirage's buyout of Mandalay Resorts for a reported $7.9 billion. The Nevada State Gaming Control board had recommended on Tuesday that the merger be given the green light. The combining of the two companies will create a mega gaming corporation that will control 28 casinos in five states, including 11 on the Vegas Strip. The combined companies will employ 75,000 workers. The merger will eliminate some of the mid and upper level management positions at Mandalay; but, don't feel too sorry for the out of work executives. They will chop up more than $75.5 million upon completion of the merger. Additional Mandalay management employees will cut up another $11 million in bonuses awarded for their continued service through to the completion of the buyout. Mandalay chairman and CEO, Michael S. Ensign, will receive close to $29 million and Vice-Chairman William A. Richardson collects just over $21 million. The two executives have been with Mandalay since the beginning of its evolution from Circus Circus Enterprises. The pair headed the group that purchased the company from Las Vegas casino icon, William Bennett.

The merger would appear to create a virtual monopoly and non-competitive atmosphere on the Vegas Strip. When asked about this possibility the CFO of MGM Mirage, Mullen, believes the merger does quite the opposite. He said each property will compete with the other properties within the company and the different executives will be compensated according to their property's success. An interesting observation of the new MGM Mirage organization chart is two separate competing groups of hotels headed by John Redmon and 1978 WSOP Champion, Bobby Baldwin.

The new, improved and bigger MGM Mirage Corporation will be the biggest gaming company in the world, at least until the $9.4 billion buyout of Caesars Entertainment by Harrah's Entertainment. Both Harrah's and MGM Mirage are then expected to expand their operations to the developing Asian markets. Include casino properties held by the Boyd Group and Station Properties in this group of elites and you include almost every casino of note. We can't forget the deep pockets of Arizona Charlies and the Stratosphere casino's owner, Icahn, and, of course, above them all is the soon to be opened Wynn resort (see below).

Posted by flipchipro at 10:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Wynn Las Vegas resort is down to the final days of construction. Eight weeks remain before the scheduled opening of April 28th. The Wynn Corporation recently announced it had received more than 100,000 applicants for employment at the new hotel. Most casino workers agree that the best place in town to work is a property owned by Steve Wynn. During the pre-opening media tour of the Bellagio many of the people on the tour were surprised to find the employee cafeteria was nicer than many of the strips regular restaurants. Wynn is known for his attention to detail and treating his workforce with respect and care. Those that want to apply for a position at the hotel can do so by applying online by clicking here.

The commercial shown during the Super Bowl for the Wynn Resort was really Steve Wynn standing on the top of the hotel while a camera crew circled the building in a helicopter taking videos. Wynn was secured to a prop which included a post he was safely strapped to but he was quite close to the edge and had quite a view. He also had to smile and say his lines while looking casual and happy. Those that missed the commercial or want to view it again can do so by clicking here.

Those that have been in the property are saying it is definitely the new world standard in luxury. I believed the Bellagio, another Steve Wynn creation, was the height of luxury; but, I am told by those in the know that the new place will eclipse everything on the strip by a considerable margin. The poker room will be twenty-eight tables in posh surroundings unlike anything currently offered. To make a reservation at the resort and experience the palatial surroundings first-hand is as easy as clicking here. Rumors are already circulating about the poker at the new hotel, especially big dollar tournaments that may be staged and filmed under the Wynn banner. The recent contract with Poker Player of the Year, Daniel Negreanu, adds weight to the street talk. A Steve Wynn sponsored poker tournament just might become a reality.

Posted by flipchipro at 11:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (1)

Everyday I read more and more articles on the legalities, mostly illegalities, of poker. Doing a little research on the specifics of any of these articles usually reveal the true underlying problem. Someone gets in between someone else and their pile of money.

Today I found this poker news item from the Milford Mirror in Connecticut. Connecticut State legislator, Brian O'Connor, has sponsored a bill that would make poker legal in restaurants and bars. He believes the proposal would provide a much needed stimulus for the local declining food and drink industry. The bill would allow for poker and other card tournaments to be played in bars and restaurants providing the hosting establishment does not profit from the event. Sounds quite familiar.

So, where did the main opposition to this poker bill originate? Not the morally right, not the organized religion bingo sponsors, not even the founding families; to get to the root source we have to go way back to the first Americans. The Mohegan Indian Tribe is going full throttle against the tournament bill. The Mohegans operate The Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods casinos. They have threatened the state of Connecticut with a $400 million hammer. If the legislature passes the tournament bill allowing bars and restaurants to hold poker and card tournaments then the Mohegans will not pay the state the annual $400 million cut from slot machine revenues. The Chief of Staff for the Mohegan tribe, Chuck Bunnell, said his legal team has determined that the passage of the bill would be a violation of the agreements the state has with the tribe and they will just quit paying anything. Connecticut would receive nothing, nada, zilch, zero! Are they bluffing? Can the state come over the top and shut down the casinos by revoking the compacts with the tribe? The politicians would probably just as soon see the evil gamblers go away, especially if they aren't getting a piece of the action.

O'Connor said he is considering different versions of the bill that would have the tournament participants playing for prizes instead of cash; but, the spokesperson for the restaurant said this would be ridiculous. Poker players want to play for the prize money. The Mohegans said it matters not what they play for, if the bill passes they will withhold any further payments to the state. One of the legislators suggested they could play for prizes and gifts, like T-shirts. Here in Vegas most casinos will give you a T-shirt for walking down their sidewalk O'Connor has run into difficulty garnering support for the bill. One surprise supporter is Eric Pullman, president of New Haven-based Autotote Enterprises Inc. He runs the company that operates the race and sports book for the Mohegan Sun casino. What would be Autotote's take from passage of the bill? Maybe they see numerous off-track betting and sports books in joints with the poker tournaments in thier future.

Now we have come full circle and can see where all the players are standing. Brian O'Conner proposed this legislation because a majority of his constituents believe they have the right to play in a legal poker tournament. The bar owners want to return to the days of bigger profits. The Mohegans are taking the low road towards any competitor that comes between them and their pile of money. They will use their vast wealth, power and connections to destroy the perceived problem. The state of Connecticut wants to see the $400 million keep rolling into the coffers. How will it all play out? I say nothing will change. The bill will be tabled; the bar owners will continue to hold 'illegal' poker tournaments; the police will continue to look the other way and the Mohegans will continue to funnel $400 million to the state.

The marketing people at the casinos should take another look at the proposal and perhaps they could see the advantage in allowing the bar games. In reality, these small tournaments are the minor leagues that train new players and then send them on to the big time casinos. Instead of it being a problem it becomes a resource and the Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods casinos would realize an increase in their drop.

Posted by flipchipro at 11:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)

I am proud to welcome our newest blog contributor, Roxanne "Roxci" Rhodes, an avid supporter of poker and member of the newly formed International Poker Association's steering committee. -PokerProf

The International Poker Association (IPA) is an association of poker players, poker fans and sponsors dedicated to promoting the game of poker worldwide. It is a fledgling group, with an ambitious mission. But ultimately the success of the organization rests in the answer to a simple question, "Who needs the International Poker Association?"

The focus of this organization is simple but essential. The International Poker Association will focus upon that which is good for the game. If the IPA can keep its collective "eye on the ball" then everyone benefits. Although still in its infancy, the IPA has already listed the ethics and integrity of those involved in the game, among its core values. In addition, the group intends to welcome anyone who loves and supports the game into its ranks. Part of the current popularity of poker is the belief that any person, on any given day can compete with and even beat the best players in the world. Only a hand full of people will ever catch a pass thrown by Joe Montana or return a 120 mph serve from Andre Agassi. But anyone with a dream and an entry fee can sit at the same table with Doyle Brunson and compete for money and fame in high stakes tournament poker.

It is the game that needs to be the focus of the organization. The integrity of the game will ensure that the casual fan becomes a recreational player. The accessibility of the game will ensure that the recreational player has a shot at turning pro. The popularity of the game will ensure that the professional who makes a modest living can become a wealthy star.

What is the biggest obstacle to this organization becoming successful? The biggest single obstacle will be if it cannot attract the support necessary to sustain the organization. Membership is key. It is a simple formula; the more members the more money; the more money the more influence; the more influence the more control. The International Poker Association is actively courting all who love the game of poker including all who make their living through the game of poker. The IPA invites active participation from professional poker players, recreational players, fans of the game and sponsors. The IPA Steering Committee, of which I am a member, is currently discussing ways in which to structure levels of membership to be as inclusive as possible.

Who needs the International Poker Association? Why do the top professional players in the game really need an International Poker Association? I believe that every person involved in poker needs the IPA. Poker is experiencing a boom in popularity. Everyone; the professionals, the sponsors, the casinos are all scrambling to cash in before it all goes away. But what if it didn't go away? No one individual can sustain and promote the growth and popularity of poker. But a collaborative association made up of players, fans and sponsors can make it happen.

The top professionals need the game of poker to remain popular and to continue to grow. Tiger Woods would not be a superstar if his game were not popular. Serena Williams would not be a superstar if her game were not popular. The focus of this organization will be on the game. The players will benefit if the game grows in popularity. Annie Duke would never sit in the hot seat on David Letterman if poker were not popular. Greg Raymer would never be the focus of an extended CNN interview if poker were not popular. And Daniel Negreanu wouldn't be rubbing elbows with Hollywood's elite in made for TV celebrity poker tournaments if the game were not popular.

Some top professionals may believe that they have no vested interest in the success of the International Poker Association. Why share the pie when I already have a pretty big piece? Well a smaller piece of a much bigger pie is better than a bigger piece of a much smaller pie. Further, the IPA is working toward ensuring that the pie never goes away. Many of the game's biggest names have expressed support for the IPA. Great players always make sure their money is on the table when they have the strongest hand.

The popularity of poker is not sustainable unless we make it so. To do this, it will take broad based support. It will take support from the players; the established professionals, the mid-level professionals and recreational players. It will take support from those that watch the game and it will take support from those who promote the game.

Who needs the International Poker Association? Does the professional or tournament player really need the IPA? There are a group of professionals that are not the stars of poker. These are the pros that grind out a living playing cash games and tournaments. They are the silent majority. They are the "working class" of professional poker. They struggle to deal with the same issues with which middle-America deals. How can I get healthcare benefits for my family? How can I get a credit card or a mortgage or a car loan without a steady paycheck or verifiable income? With the buying power of a large trade organization these things are easy to address. Credit unions, mortgage loans, health and dental benefits, life insurance, financial planning and travel discounts are all possible.

The International Poker Association will be a voice for all those with concerns, questions and suggestions about poker related issues. The IPA can offer a process by which ideas are heard and can become reality.

But who needs the International Poker Association? Why do the tournament sponsors really need an International Poker Association? Won't the IPA simply take money from the casinos, the tournament sponsors and the product sponsors and put it in the hands of the players? Isn't the IPA just a players' union?

The IPA is thinking bigger than that. Although the mid-level professional, who never makes the big money but grinds out a decent living playing poker, may benefit from a players union, no one else needs or wants one. We can neither establish nor sustain a players' union. The top professionals don't need a union. The top pros already make plenty of money. The tournament sponsors don't want a union. They will oppose the IPA's very existence if they believe it is a union. The recreational players don't want to spend the money to join a union because they end up paying dues with few applicable benefits. Without broad based support the organization cannot survive. This organization cannot be sustained by the relatively small number of mid-level professional players that a players' union would represent.

But by focusing on the good of the game, the IPA is focusing on establishing a sustainable resource accessible to everyone involved in poker. The IPA won't need to take money from the tournament sponsors or from the casinos. With the support of the IPA there will be plenty of money for everyone. A smaller piece of a much larger pie will benefit everyone associated with poker. Everyone benefits from an organization that focuses on promoting the game.

The IPA will look much more like a trade association than a labor union. In this way we can welcome the membership of players at all levels as well as the membership of fans and sponsors. We can have inclusive membership without the conflicts. The top pros will benefit from the success of this organization because the bigger the game gets, the bigger they can get. In 2003 Chris Moneymaker made 2.5 million winning the World Series Main Event. One year later Greg Raymer made twice that amount. The only difference was the popularity of the game. If significant corporate sponsor money was added to that pot, the prize would be even bigger. The top pros can certainly benefit from this organization.

The IPA can work collaboratively with tournament sponsors to ensure additional corporate sponsorships are maximized. NASCAR is a prime example. In car racing, the advertising dollars were once controlled by the beer companies and the auto parts manufacturers. Now advertisers range from laundry detergent to Viagra. The stars of car racing are accessible to the fans and it has become the biggest spectator sport in the country. Currently, some sponsors may shy away from poker advertising because of the stigma attached to gambling. Potential sponsors are not convinced that they can sell to conservative "middle America" by associating their products with poker or poker players. Television shows like ESPN's "Tilt" do not help. Our organization's emphasis on honesty and integrity can help poker to become even more "main stream". The more "main stream" we become the more sponsors are willing to commit money to associate their products with our game. If the shroud of dishonesty is lifted from the game, more sponsors will be attracted. The more available sponsors there are, the more available money there will be.

Who needs the International Poker Association? Why do those involved in "the business" of poker really need an International Poker Association? Those who sell books on poker, those who manufacture and sell poker chips, tables and related products, those who sell instructional videos, etc. are all riding the wave of poker's current popularity. These corporations and individuals have a vested interest in the game of poker continuing to grow in popularity. The International Poker Association will become the premier trade group representing the game. The IPA will be the group that the industry looks to for the development of standards, rules, and licensing opportunities.

Who needs the International Poker Association? Why do the fans really need an International Poker Association? Poker fans enjoy the game because they get to know the players. They understand the game and they enjoy following the game. In short the game is accessible to them. In poker, the game is not yet accessible to all who may become fans. Women, especially those new to the game, do not always feel welcome at the poker table particularly in local card clubs where the atmosphere is seldom what a middle class soccer mom would call comfortable. The IPA will focus on issues of accessibility including sponsoring local tournaments and opportunities to learn the game as well as standardizing the rules and tournament formats and creating a ranking system for professional players so that the fans can follow their favorite players, even those that might be less well known.

So who needs the International Poker Association? If the top professional players need the IPA and the professional and recreational tournament players need the IPA and the fans and sponsors need the IPA then clearly the game of poker needs the IPA. Yes, the International Poker Association is a fledgling group, with an ambitious mission. But ultimately the success of the organization rests in the answer to a simple question, "Who needs the International Poker Association?"

As a member of the IPA steering committee, I believe strongly that if we want to win big we need to think big. If we think small we will stay small. If we stay small we haven't got a chance to succeed.

So who needs the International Poker Association? You do. I do, and anyone associated with the game does as well.

The IPA website is under construction. A current .pdf copy of the International Poker Association Newsletter is avaliable or sign up to be on the IPA mailing list.

Roxanne "Roxci" Rhodes
Poker Player
Steering Committee
International Poker Association

Posted by at 1:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)

Professional Player, Max Pescatori, provided this report from the WPT tournament at the Commerce Casino in Los Angeles. Max will be playing at Harrah's Rincon tournament next week so stop by and cheer him on. -Editor

Day two at the WPT in Los Angeles. I just had my dream of winning my first million snapped by one of the best players in the Tournament Circuit: Eric Lindgren. Eric was at my table for about 40 minutes. I asked him, just few minutes earlier, if we had ever faced each other since I did not remember. Of course, with his elephant memory he remembered not only that we did play once; but also, where it was, the game and the buy-in in that event. And I'm facing him: Scary!

I opened the betting by making a standard raise in middle position $4,500 (BB = $1,800). He looked at his hand from the small blind and started thinking to raise. I did not have a considerable amount of chips; about $33,000 (average was about $65,000). I raised
several times before and I did notice that last time I took a stab at the pot; he was preparing himself to at least call me but opted for a fold. This time he decided to come over the top. The problem was, that because my chip stack was short, once he raised me he was committed. He had more then $150K so was not threatened by my small stack. Eric went for it, he called and raised another $15,000. No Hollywood needed here, I quickly counted my chips and told him he needed another $13,000 to see my cards. Correctly, he called. In retrospect, I wish I had another $25 or $30K so he had a chance to fold. I had AA! Eric said, "I read you all wrong" and turned over Q,10. Flop was A,K,3 with the turn J giving him the nut straight, the river was no help and I was out. I looked up and 66 were the player left. The Devil's number, not that I believe it anyway. It was a great ride that came up short. I did get lucky earlier against Lyle Berman catching a river that kept me in the tournament, so at the end things did even out. It still sucks going out that way; but, I really hope Eric will win the tournament. He's a great player and a great guy.

What a table I had. Alan Goehring, very impressive with around $400,000 in chips, Eric around $250,000, Juha Helppi short at $15,000 and David Chew very short at $10,000. One of the Martins team, a good young player at around $80,000 and a couple of other pros that I do not know; but are regulars. These are the numbers with about one level to go in the second day.

Barry Shulman was doing well at the table to my left with around $250,000. Note: Phil Hellmuth never was at $85K, as reported on many sites, at the end of the first day. He had just $8,500. He was out early the second day.

One bright note. In the best player of the tournament award, with my 4th place finish in the $2,500 NL, the last qualifying event, I moved to 3rd place and got awarded $7,500. Best player of the LA Classic was Paul Darden cashing for $22,500.
-The Italian Pirate

Posted by at 12:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Going through the poker blogs this week I uncovered some great winners, losers and just fun reading.

First up, Iggy is posting his Losers epic, which is now up to part 7. On the subject of Iggy, both he and Double A's steered me over to Ship It Poker, a new poker blog written by a trio of professional players. Matt Dean, who took 7th in the World Series of Poker this year, Lloyd McGuire, who is paying his Law school tuition with his poker income and Taylor Caby, a high limit online cash game crusher. This is an excellent and enlightening read that I'm sure will often be part of the Week in Review.

Poker Geek has a great post on table image and Poker Nerd is busy chronicaling his non-stop 4 table poker action. Pauly's reader mail (and the responses) is a very entertaining read. I managed to squeeze in another Card Club poker podcast this week so you might give a listen.

Posted by pokerprof at 1:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Continuing with the discussion of no smoking poker rooms, I should have mentioned that the trend setting poker rooms at the Bellagio and Mirage are none smoking. The largest poker room in Las Vegas, the Orleans, is semi-smoke free, since they do allow smoking in the wee hours of the morning until 9:00 am. With all of the major rooms going smokeless the card rooms that continue to allow smoking will now be more polluted than ever as the disgruntled smokers migrate to these bastions of bad health. For those rooms that have taken the opportunity to end this violation of the nonsmoking player's right to breathe smoke free air, we say thanks and hope you enjoy the improved business always realized from such a move.

Years ago I was downtown at the Horseshoe watching a news crew interview the late Benny Binion. When asked if he believed Las Vegas casinos would ever be smoke free he replied, "Hell yes, someday someone will smoke the last cigarette in a Las Vegas casino and I can guarantee you that casino will be the Horseshoe." Many of the old school believe smoking and gambling must go hand-in-hand. With the large population of retired people here in Vegas, the last joints to allow smoking will probably be the neighbor casinos primarily catering to the local gray crowd; but, as the next generation of retirees move in they will almost surely frown on public smoking. What a great day for Las Vegas when every casino worker is provided with a smoke free work place. A final note, you can thank 1983 WSOP Champion, Tom McEvoy, for poker tournaments going smoke free. He staged the first such smoke free tournament years ago here in Las Vegas.

All of this news about smoking or not in poker rooms and casinos leads to this weeks Nines list. Like everything else, there is a downside to playing in a no smoking poker room. This week's Nines...

The Top Nine disadvantages to playing in a smoke free poker room.

9. Can't set your hair on fire when doing Michael Jackson Pepsi commercial impression.
8. Can't use cigarettes to mark cards with burns.
7. The end of taking home doggie bags full of cigarette butts.
6. No more ash trays to steal for Xmas presents.
5. Breathing clean air makes you dizzy.
4. No big dollar law suit for lung cancer caused by second hand smoke.
3. Can't use your best pickup line on female players, "Yo Babe, wanna light my butt?"
2. Lack of haze lets other players easily see all of your tells.
1. Two words, Nicotine Fit!

That's it for today. Tomorrow has the Week in Review and J. Santos' "Muck It" cartoon.

Posted by flipchipro at 8:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

TGIF is the battle cry for many of our readers coming off the work week today and heading into the weekend. Unfortunately for me, covering the poker business from the gaming capitol of the universe is more of a 24/7 kind of job. Weekends in Vegas are the busiest times for the casinos and card rooms. I thought today I would share some of the rumors heard in the streets.

The Wynn Resort will be coming online in about twelve weeks and the new poker room promises to be the most luxurious in the Kingdom of Poker and the first with a resident pro. Professional poker player and player of the year, Daniel Negreanu, has inked a deal with Steve Wynn to limit his cash game play to the Wynn property. This exclusive deal is for cash games only and will not affect his tournament play. The rumored value of Daniel's deal is three hundred thousand a year. Not exactly the multimillion dollar salaries other professional sports figures command; but certainly a giant step in the right direction. Finally, the professional players are being recognized as sports celebrities and being courted accordingly. I'm not surprised that Steve Wynn would be the first pro poker deal maker; after all, he is always the first to point Vegas towards the future. Congratulations Daniel!

Another rumor that is circulating through the Vegas poker crowd says the 2005 World Series of Poker will cap the entrants for the $10,000 buy-in No limit Hold'em Championship event to 6600. In addition, approximately 40% of the seats have already been sold. The many online poker rooms are buying up entries at a record pace. What are the odds that another Internet satellite winner will be the 2005 WSOP Champion?

The Tropicana Hotel and Casino is preparing to reopen a poker room at the property after many years of no poker. Anyone remember "Satellite Sam", the Trop's last poker room manager? He is generally credited with being the first to offer poker tournaments (he coined the "satellite" moniker) for seats in bigger poker tournaments, namely the WSOP. As I remember him being the true entrepreneur, Sam continued to expirement and develop new variations to poker tournaments until he finally held a combination golf/poker event that proved to be his downfall. Unfortunately, he scheduled it for the usually slow period in August. That year the daily temperatures were well above 110 degrees. Damn hard to play decent golf if you have to use an oven mitt to hold a club.

And finally, many poker rooms are going smokeless, even here in the nicotine capitol of the world. Station Properties made their card rooms smoke free beginning the 1st of February (not including Boulder or Sunset Station poker rooms, this will come later). The powers that be decided the time was right considering California has a smoking ban and many of Station properties players are from California. The rooms are even busier since the ban went into effect. Counter to Vegas thinking, going smoke free appears to improve business instead of chase it away. Now if we can do something about banning all of those bad beat stories...

Posted by flipchipro at 6:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (1)

We are happy to report that one of our feature writers, FoiledCoup, has accepted a position with another website. The really great news is he will continue to entertain you right here with his often dry wit take on everything poker and more. We congratulate him and wish the very best in his new endeavors. Anyone wanting to get a job offer should consider writing for the Poker Prof, seems we produce marketable talent...Editor

I am pleased to announce publicly that I have agreed to work for Poker Pages, the Gibralter based poker website. Don't worry, you won't see Mike Paulle dumpster diving downtown as he will continue to watch over the final tables. I will be doing a similar task that I had been working on for the Hendon Mob, only with the backing of a larger, more financially secure company.

I intend to continue to write here. Probably the kooky tournaments that pokerpages are not interested in. How about one for the homeless with the winner receiving a free room for a month? We could ask Dick Gatewood if Sams Town would host.

I offered to write under the name 'fcuk;' but, that name has already been taken.

As the WSOP approaches I expect more bloggers to be contracted by poker.com companies. It is a specialised job and blogs are the shop window for aspiring writers. Already, Otis has been to the Bahamas and Sweden courtesy of his job with PokerStars.

I have a room waiting for me at Harrah's Rincon Valley, which looks a nice enough venue before the Vegas scene finally comes to life in March with the Heads Up tournament at the Golden Nugget(see flipchipros Monday blog) and the WSOP tour stop at the Rio from March 12th - 22nd.

If my new bosses are reading then I will be working a seven day week during these tournaments.

Posted by at 2:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

What difference does it make what pocket the money comes from? Portland, Oregon resident and well known professional poker player, Annie Duke wanted to organize a Hold'em tournament to raise money for the Portland schools. Annie, the mother of four Portland School students was denied the right to hold the fundraiser event when the Oregon Attorney General's office refused to sanction the event since it is illegal to hold charity poker tournaments in the state. School officials also declined to allow the tournament since they do not sponsor games of chance. Apparently the PTA could sponsor the games. Looks like some kind of money laundering scheme using the PTA. It's just another example of the do-gooders trying to make the majority of not-so-do-gooders into upstanding, God fearing citizens. Maybe the motto of the poker police should be, as in the spirit of "To Protect and Serve," "To Find and Fold."

Annie found it ironic that the Oregon School Systems accepts more than $500 million from the Oregon state lottery but refuses to take the $25,000 expected to be raised from a charity poker tournament. Apparently many of the parents and grandparents in the area share her feelings and believe that getting together to raise money for the kid's education while playing a card game is not much of a crime, but rather a good thing. Adding further to the irony of it all, the Oregon lottery can be played on-line. Move to Oregon and go broke gambling on the on-line Oregon lottery. You'll never have to leave your home until the foreclosure people arrive. Just good, clean fun and legal too!

The Oregon State Legislature will address the issue of charity poker tournaments later this month. Hopefully they will look beyond the cliche ridden dark ages to the benefits of legalizing one of America's favorite sports. Legal or not tournament poker is here to stay so either enforce the law and then build massive prisons to house all of the card playing law breakers or let the majority rule and legalize the game.

This problem of legal or not is wide spread throughout the country and is certainly not limited to Oregon. In fact, Oregon is one of the states where the citizen appear to have a strong voice in how they are governed and are rather quick to dispel a politician or political group with an agenda that does not include the greater good of the whole. Anyone wanting to contact Annie with some words of support or whatever can do so here.

Posted by flipchipro at 11:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Today's post is a bit of something different. Although we are primarily a poker blog we also try to provide news of interest from the Poker Capitol of the World, Las Vegas. The Poker Prof and I recently had the good fortune to work on a project for a fellow Las Vegas resident, Tom Kowalczuk. Tom has been around Las Vegas for a number of years working as a lighting specialist for many well known Vegas projects and strip shows. He originally came to Las Vegas to do the lighting for the Mirage Volcano. The project was quite challenging since it was a first ever of its type and offered unique challenges. Once the Mirage was completed Tom remained in Vegas designing and maintaining the lighting for the Siegfred and Roy Magic Show at the Mirage. He worked for the production for a number of years; but, left to pursue other interests before the career-ending accident involving Roy Horn and the white tiger, Montacore.

Anyone driving down the Las Vegas Strip at night enjoying the lighted median landscaping can thank Tom for developing the system used to illuminate the many palm trees and other tropical plants. He did the lighting for the original Treasure Island Bucaneer Bay Pirate show. He worked on the original downtown Fremont Street Experience and shared this interesting bit of Vegas history with us. The Floats used in the Rio Hotel's Carnival in the Sky Show were originally ordered to be a part of the Fremont Street Experience and float through the air above Fremont before the idea was scrapped for the current light canopy. The Rio acquired the stored floats and they can now be seen nightly at the Hotel's Sky Show cruising above the casino floor. Tom's company, Tom Kowalczuk Lighting, provided all the lighting for Wynn Design and Development, the builder of Steve Wynn's latest project, Wynn Resort, scheduled to open in April.

Tom grew up living next door to a flashlight factory so he comes by his fascination of all forms of lighting quite honestly. One of his lifelong dreams has been to open a company selling a complete selection of all types of quality flashlights. The dream has now become a reality with the recent debut of his new website, The Las Vegas Flashlight Company. LasVegasVegas is proud of our part in the design and coding of this just-launched website so take a moment to visit our latest project.

The Poker Prof and I stopped by the Orleans Hotel this evening to meet Amy Calistri, a journalist from Austin, Texas, in town for the filming of a reality based poker show, aptly titled Vegas Virgins, slated for British Television. The entire format was a little weird, something on the order of "Monty Python meets Dogs Playing Poker while doing death defying stunts". Apparently, some poker industry journalists were invited to come to Vegas to play poker with some invited folks from the UK. A non-journalist was selected by some sort of "Fear Factor" stunts filmed earlier in the day and somehow the player's starting chip count was related to some of these stunts. If this is becoming confusing don't worry, I was actually there and I'm more confused than is normal, even for me. Of course, we couldn't take any photographs. We have noticed that the smaller the Production Company and project budget the bigger the egos. We have no problems getting photos for our readers with ESPN, WPT, WSOP and even GSN productions; but try to cover some unknown group whose only connection to poker is using the word "poker" in the show's title. When we arrived there were six players left at the table. We watched them play seven hands with a player all-in each hand. Twice the all-in player won, hence the reason for seven instead of five hands to end this tournament. No table hole card cams so after each deal one of the two cameramen would walk around behind each player while they held their up cards for the camera and finally after a few minutes to move the equipment back into place the flop would come out and the short stack would go all-in. Now I know why reality shows are taking over television, better scripts! Incidentally, Amy finished second in the match while the token Grand Canyon cleavage blond, miraculously chosen during the scary stunt stuff, was the first out. Of note, the token's exit interview lasted longer than the actual poker game. Great poker, Huh?

Posted by flipchipro at 11:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

The poker industry has really hit the big time with today's announcement that NBC Sports will be filming a tournament at the Golden Nugget Casino in downtown Las Vegas. This will probably be remembered as the milestone event that fueled the quantum leap to the next plateau for the poker industry. NBC, coming off a poker telecast major ratings success, believes the sport of poker has all the requirements to take its place among television's most watched competitions. Their Super Bowl Sunday poker tournament telecast, opposite the football pre-game show, outdrew an NBA game between the LA Lakers and the Houston Rockets on a competing network. NBC will film the National Heads-up Poker Championship, a created for TV event, for telecast in May, right here in Las Vegas in early March.

The format for the tournament will consist of 64 invited professional players paying $20,000 for an opportunity to collect the first place prize of $500,000 and the Championship. The single elimination match will be quite similar to the NCAA basketball championship where 64 teams begin the tournament and play until one champion remains. Jon Miller, Vice-President of NBC sports, said the No-Limit Hold'em tournament was the brain child of one of NBC's top sports producers, a veteran of NASCAR and Olympic events. The event will be filmed March 4-6 and, similar to basketball, the players will be seeded into groups with a final heads-up match being played for the championship.

Some poker industry observers believe this to be the prelude to the big four national networks bidding on the rights to televise the World Series of Poker on national TV, an exclusive, until now, owned by ESPN. Mr. Miller believes the tremendous audience following televised poker is already primed for a Sunday morning poker telecast. NBC anticipates high ratings for the shows; which will occupy the same early morning Sunday time slot as a professional football game.

Harrah's Entertainment, owners of the WSOP tournament, announced in January that they had hired the former president of CBS Sports to renegotiate the ESPN agreement for rights to televise the WSOP. Ron Miller added that with the new credibility the Heads-Up Tournament gives NBC they may want to get in on the bidding for the WSOP rights. Are multimillion dollar player contracts far behind this latest turn of events?

NBC has sent out all of the invitations and expects the field of sixty-four to fill quickly. Many well known professional poker players including Chris Ferguson, Howard Lederer, Annie Duke, Chris Moneymaker, Greg Raymer, David Williams, Jennifer Harmon, Johnny Chan, Phil Hellmuth and Doyle Brunson are expected to participate. I will follow this event closely and provide additional details as they become available.

Posted by flipchipro at 8:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It's another banner week for bloggers, with Mene Gene scoring a writing gig. Two excellent posts on the art of bonus whoring, one from Sound of a Suckout and another from Anisotropy.

Felicia is again offer her uncensored thoughts to the public while Helixx is posting his Vegas Trip Report. Double A's brings us a guest poster with an in depth discussion of playing a full-house and Cardspeak has posted twice in three days, both quality reads.

If you're looking for even more links and reads both Bill and Pauly have posts featuring links to quality reads in and about the poker community.

Dick over at Call, Raise or Muck It has an interesting observation on our article about Moneymaker.

Finally, I have a new poker gig myself which will be done in the coming week, I'm about 50% done with the code and can't wait to get it up and running.

Posted by pokerprof at 5:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

The third season of the WPT is almost upon us. I, for one, am damn glad we will be seeing some new episodes of Poker's most popular TV show. I have watched the current batch of shows so many times that I now talk along with the players. It seems like everyday a new poker show is televised on one of the channels. NBC followed last year's successful airing of a pre-Super Bowl Battle of Champions poker game with another one this year. The quality of the poker shows is improving with each season. The WPT is the gold standard of how to film a poker tournament and most of the other production companies are hard pressed to match their level of quality.

Living in Vegas we get invitations to cover a variety of Pro-Am, Pro Celebrity and specialty celebrity poker tournaments. The Cory Lidle Charity event at the Hard Rock was a group of professional baseball players, the Nascar Charity tournament at the Palms featured all the young guns of the professional stock car racing circuit and the GSN's Battle of the Sexes pits the professional woman poker players against the men. All of these special poker tournaments are being staged so the networks can cash in on the current poker craze. Film some people playing poker, televise it on prime time and watch your rating and market share go up.

Hopefully, as with all other televised sports, some of the money realized form the TV ad revenues will find its way into the player's pockets. What a concept, a poker tournament that has prize money in addition to the player's entrant fees (Fees that are always further reduced by a hefty percentage of juice taken by the hosting casino).

Most of us spend an inordinate amount of time in front of the television watching the professional players, celebrities and wannabees vying for a million or two dollars. You can watch poker on TV almost everyday so this week's Nines covers the signs that you are watching too much poker on TV.

Top Nine ways to know you're watching too much TV poker.

9. You call Verizon and have them add Mike Sexton to your family cell plan.
8. You've taught your dog to check raise.
7. The wife says you are watching too much TV poker and you call for a floorman.
6. Your parrot has developed a Van Patten accent.
5. You insist on changing your daughter's name to Shana Hiatt.
4. All of your sexual fantasies involve Amir Vahedi.
3. You voted for Annie Duke in the last presidential election.
2. You hang out at the bus stop so you can stare at people through your mirror sunglasses.
1. You no longer have any time to actually play poker.

That's it for today. Tomorrow has the Week in Review and J. Santos' "Muck It" cartoon.

Posted by flipchipro at 11:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Chris Moneymaker, winner of the 2003 WSOP Championship, would probably not be the first name to come to mind when seeking tournament poker playing lessons. Most of us have watched (numerous times) his performance on ESPN when he won the 2003 WSOP $10,000 buy-in No-Limit Hold'em main event. He lacked the experience and live game knowledge required to be labeled a true "A" game professional. Chris was blessed by the Poker Gods that day, won his all-ins and made poker history as the first Internet satellite winner to come away with the top prize in pokerdom's "Big One."

Blessed with a "straight out of a Hollywood script last name" and a few million in his bank account he has become an instant celebrity with those that closely follow tournament poker and the millions that have since taken up the sport (Yes, I call poker a sport, more on that later). Chris is the point man for all the faithful that play and dream of the day they will triumph as poker's best. After all, he had never even sat at a real poker table before his appearance at the 2003 WSOP. Since his win we have seen little of Moneymaker on televised poker. True to his amateur form he doesn't have a strong enough game to make many final tables. So, do we write him off as just another one of the blessed few that manage to buy a winning lottery ticket? Will we see him on future TV shows that ask, "Where are they now?" That would be very easy to do; but, in my opinion exactly the wrong choice. I found this article detailing the impact Chris has on a gathering of non-poker players; although, I would be inclined to say it is more like shooting baskets with Michael's lesser know cousin, Walter. I guess he developed those player reading skills from the long hours in front of his computer.

All things considered, I would enshrine him in the Poker Hall of Fame right now. The WSOP Championship alone is more than enough justification; but, the primary deciding factor would be his contributions to the sport as a result of his win, however unlikely. Even though it was not his premeditated goal to become the poker poster boy and provide inspiration to the masses of new poker players, he did show up at Binion's Horseshoe with the idea of playing and winning the tournament. We can thank Moneymaker for being a major contributor to the current overwhelming popularity of poker. If Chris can come out of total obscurity and knock off the championship; then, it is easy to believe that everyone has a shot at taking home the coveted platinum bracelet. Moneymaker is a great spokes person for poker. His WSOP win and his name make him instantly popular with the masses and a natural as a guest speaker for the non-poker groups. He shows up, gives a little speech, shakes hands and plays some non-cash poker, all the while telling anecdotes and giving poker tips. I think Chris can be one of the influential poker stars that we need in the organization of legalization efforts of the Internet poker industry. After all, without changes in the gaming statures, Moneymaker is a criminal; since, by definition, he broke the law when he played and won his 2003 WSOP main event seat at an online card room.

Now, about the idea of calling poker a sport. Many believe it isn't a sport because it apparently doesn't require much in the way of physical strength, speed or co-ordination. I would ask these doubters to take a seat in a major multi-day tournament. Sit for hours (sometimes as many as twelve a day) for four to five days in a row, all the while retaining a high state of competitiveness. Like many other professional sports, tournament poker is not forgiving of mistakes, even one. So, is it a sport? Thanks to this learned student, Joe Hasler, over at the University of Wisconsin-Madison we finally have a definitive answer. Joe has single-handedly solved the dilemma. He created a simple test that can be applied to any questionable activity to determine if it is a sport or not. The Hasler Test: "If you can eat a chili cheese dog and drink a beer during the game, then it's not a sport." I have applied his test to a number of suspect activities and can report that the following activities are not a sport:

Bicycle Racing (i.e. the Tour de France. Those racer guys have the pockets on the back of their jerseys stuffed with more food items than a Vegas buffet and some do indeed drink a bit of the suds during an event).

Marathons (i.e. Boston or New York Marathon. Stand near one of the aid tables along the race route and watch the variety of food and drink the runners stuff into their mouths while never breaking stride).

Gran Prix Auto Racing (i.e. The great Sterling Moss was known to sip a bit of tea and munch on scones and other treats during the long hours in the cockpit of a race car).

I guess it proves we just can't accept anyone's definition at face value of what is considered to be true sports. We are all indebted to Joe for coming up with this wonderfully simple litmus test that removes the guess work. I am obligated to report that Synchronous Swimming did pass the "Hasler Test" and is indeed a sport; since, it is practically impossible to eat a chili cheese dog and drink a beer while underwater. Ribbon twirling may also be a true "Hasler Certified" sport if the twirling athletes are permitted to wear those hats that hold the cans of beer. Thanks Joe, I will continue to apply your test to other so-called sports.

Posted by flipchipro at 11:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

After two consecutive cashes on PokerStar's tournaments they had set my bad beat meter running again last night. With Flipchipro returning to his duties, all that was left was to find something new on the net. For starters I found Hank on AIM. We chatted about the Commerce and he told me to check out Poker Wire. This is a very clean site providing updates on the PPT tournament. I liked the fact that chip counts as well as casualties were provided. Hank told me Jen was the reporter. Jen is Andy Bloch's girlfriend, Jen Creason, who informed me she played lacrosse at Duke; when we met at the Plaza during Ultimate Poker Challenge season last year. She has also started a blog, J is for Juicy.

The site seems to be funded, like Hank, by Full Tilt. More competition; but, she was very personable at the Plaza and we have a mutual friend in Richard Brodie.

The six finalists are, in chip count order: Daniel Negreanu, Erich Lindgren, Chris Bigler (he made the final six at Foxwoods), A.Krell, D.Waterman (a fellow mediaman) and A. Derei.

This means another change of plan for Daniel as the final does not take place until the 25th of February. That is also the first day of the $1K buy-in LHE at Harrah's Rincon. It should be a fun final table as Daniel and Erich have $1 million of the total $1.8 million chips.

More work for Daniel's new assistant. When Daniel informed his readers that his original choice was unable to accept the position he was flooded with offers from all over N. America from all age groups. I should have applied. I can just see me saying things like, "I have checked and they use vegetarian refried beans in the coffee shop. By the way, Evelyn is coming over to dinner." Daniel... "What again? That's the fifth time this week."
I can dream.

Posted by at 8:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Why play poker if no money or prize is involved? Is it really poker if the chips have no intrinsic value?

Before today, I would have quickly answered either question with an emphatic, "No! Its not poker." Now, I am beginning to believe the true answer is much more involved and not so easily discerned. During my daily reads of the Google poker related news I often come across articles such as this one from Fayetteville, Arkansas. Please remember, I am a typical long-term Las Vegas resident and I tend to forget that the rest of the world does not share our high opinion of playing poker. I often quote Benny Binion's famous one word answer, after a reporter asked him what it takes to be a good poker player, without hesitation he replied, "Money." How can it be poker if no money is involved?

The Fayetteville article states that Arkansas gambling statues do not permit games played with cards to offer any money or prizes to the winners of such games. Although I would have normally dismissed this news item as just another attempt at legislating morality (morality being defined by the politically powerful) and moved on to the next news item I realized that these no-money, no-prize tournaments do indeed offer a prize. The winner is bestowed the honor of the being the best poker player by all of the other tournament entrants. Even a top-ten final table appearance may not put money in your pocket; but, it is a final table in a poker tournament nonetheless and it definitely provides a degree of self satisfaction. So, what value can we assign to "Bragging Rights?" Will Arkansas law be interpreted to define these "Bragging Rights" as a prize and therefore prohibit poker tournaments from declaring anyone a winner?

I'm not attempting to be cynical; rather, I'm trying to make sense of what I consider to be unjust and confusing restrictions applied to the game of poker. To the morality specialists and poker police I say, "Lighten up!" It' only a game and a damn enjoyable one at that. Poker is blessed to be one of those games that everyone can learn, play and enjoy with visible improvements in skills through study and experience. That's probably the primary factor of the incredible rise of poker's popularity. Televised poker tournaments and Internet card rooms have fueled this poker craze by providing almost everyone everywhere with a direct link to poker; but, poker is a game with rules so simple that most anyone can be playing in minutes. That's the real factor behind poker's stratospheric rise in popularity. The game also has another most important factor that keeps the new players playing. The nuances of the poker are so vast and complex that becoming a great poker player is a lifelong pursuit.

I fear the poker industry, outside of a few select locales, may become trapped in a quagmire of convoluted rules and laws that only add layers of confusion to America's favorite past time. Are the anti-poker rule makers fearful of the degradation of our great society if we allow the good folks in Fayetteville, and most everywhere else, to play in a No-Limit Hold'em tournament where the entry fee is probably less than dinner and a movie?

I am not picking on the citizens of the Great State of Arkansas with my observations of the current state of the industry. In fact, Arkansas is well represented in the professional poker player community Scanning the results of major tournaments finds Arkansas players in the money and, often, the winners circle. As for Fayetteville, I am especially endeared to this little hamlet of academia located in the mountains of the North West corner of the state. It's the home of The University of Arkansas (Go Razorbacks!). Incidentally, does anyone remember Outland Trophy winner, Loyd Phillips?

Posted by flipchipro at 11:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)

10,000 patient dentist opens in Blackburn Lancashire....they had to count them all.

The only worthwhile thing I did today was to visit Trader Joe's in Green Valley. Great store, great looking (married) women shoppers. I sampled the freebies and bought a Stollen and a strong ginger, lemon drink. Everytime I go outside I start sneezing and I never remember to bring any tissues as I feel fine until I have been outdoors. Could it be the Vegas allergies have finally struck into my immune system? All the more reason to go to Harrah's Rincon Valley and visit Matt Savage's home turf of San Jose later in the month.

The big poker news in Europe is the future flotation on the London Stock Market of PartyGaming, the parent of PartyPoker. The size of the flotation would make PartyGaming one of the top 100 companies trading on the exchange. Be wary. The company has no real assets and the owners are mysterious characters. One is supposed to have the unlikely name of A. Dikshit from India. Another, Amoder Pastrana has taken a big hit with some Asian venture after the government blocked the transfer of large sums of money from the country. The third known major player is a Californian by the name of Ruth Parasol. She made her money in internet porn ventures then moved into poker. I, for one, would like to know where she is going to invest next. The company is rumoured to have made close to $350 million last year and expects this figure to double again this year. Merchant banks, Merrill Lynch and Morgan Stanley, asked to help with the flotation have declined due to the US government's pressure.

Over at Pokerpages, always the fastest site for looking up tournament results, veteran Mike Paulle has put up odds for the PPT freeroll at the Commerce. Evelyn Ng is outstanding. The 6'2" Canadian has been in fine form since she started dating Jason Lester and at 350-1 she carries my 99c life savings. Mike has offered to buy dinner if one of the top 50 names listed does not win this freeroll. I hope you like eating mobile Mexican food from the nearby industrial estate.

Posted by at 11:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

First, let's get the game out of the way. Well, Bolton did not play well, but it's another 3 points, Southampton was unlucky also. Ah, FoxSoccer.

I was not invited to my friend's Superbowl party because last time I spent all afternoon in their teenage daughter's bedroom watching reruns of Absolutely Fabulous and playing cards. Now, the daughter looks like Avril Lavigne, comes home from school and plays the Killers all evening (I sent her the track, Jenny) and has abandoned plans to go to college. Instead, she wants to hang out with Kristy Gazes at the Double Down Saloon and play online poker. My friends think this is all my fault!

Instead, I watched all the WPT reruns on the Travel Channel. I did switch channels at half time just in time to see Sir Paul's performance. Didn't he once sing a duet with Michael Jackson? At least he didn't play that awful Freedom song, although the audience would have loved it.

Going back to the poker, I loved the Unabomber. I never knew he was Irish. Bad choice of name for an Irishman, Phil. I didn't know he was a clown either. Wouldn't it have been great if Charlie Shoten had mimicked him in Charlie's final table appearance? Instead he looked like he had just received his paycheck for a 5000 word article from the Shulmans. Which leads me neatly into my next subject.

I saw an advanced copy of the Jett's Poker's Most Wanted deck of cards. Look who turned up on the sixes, the Shulmans. The cards should have been out by Christmas but I assume a shortage of child labourers delayed the release. You could have always asked Annie Duke if you could put her childeren to work. Annie Duke is ranked a ten. If you would like to introduce a joker into your game that would be Mike Laing! I think they should sell well at the WSOP. Whats a tenner to all those people there to enter a $10,000 tournament?

Posted by at 11:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Let's start this week with Human Head's Think Big post on gambling prohibition. It's always good to stay current with legal developments on the evolving sport of poker. Next, I think Bad Blood's heir is the youngest person to check-raise, he did it to his mother, he's 4 years old! For a dose of humor, check out Bill's post on how on-line poker looks to a fish. I gave the scoop on the Commerce during my stint on Card Club this week, so head over to Lord Armiral Radio for that tidbit. If you're looking for entertaining poker content, Linda never ceases to provide a great read and Ultimate Poker Challenge is posting up new pro tips each week in video format.

Finally, congratulations to Otis and Double A's for taking 2nd and 3rd respectively in a 10K guaranteed tournament and a big cougratulations to PokerGeek on winning his cruise seat.

Posted by pokerprof at 2:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

The eve of the Big game, the Super game, the Super Big game or the Big Super Game. Call it what you want; but, if you are in Vegas don't call it the Super Bowl. Las Vegas casinos have been warned that legal action may result if they host parties for the Big Game. In past years fans could pay a charge to watch the game on large screen television, have a constant supply of game day food and hang out with sport's stars and silicone reinforced cheerleaders. Las Vegas is the destination for thousands of Super Bowl party goers; but this year the anticipated 200,000 visitors will not have the option of paying admission for a good seat, a huge screen, food and a crowd of fans mutually enjoying the biggest game of the year. Thank the NFL.

The league informed the Vegas casinos they cannot offer the televised game at the paid admission parties. The sport's books can show the game on their banks of monitors; but no parties with paid admission. Some game fans will attend private parties set up for special invited guest. In fact, the casinos are running scared and no where in town can you find the words, "Super Bowl," on a marquee. It's referred to as "The Game" or the "Big Game" or the more daring call it the "Super Game;" but no one is calling it the Super Bowl.

Might this be a prelude of things to come? Paul Tagliabue, NFL Commissioner, issued a thinly veiled threat to ESPN/ABC television on Friday that alludes to the football league creating its own TV network to televise prime time games that were offered to ESPN/ABC. Negotiations for the prime time games on Sunday and Thursday nights between the league and the ESPN/ABC networks have stalled. The Fox network has shown an interest in the games and the network may compete heads up with ESPN. The NFC has extended the contracts for the Sunday afternoon games with Fox for the next six years at a cost of $4.3 billion while the AFC has retained CBS for the Sunday afternoon package at a cost of $3.7 billion. Tagliabue indicated that the league is considering games in Mexico and Canada as early as the upcoming 2005 season and might stage some games in China prior to the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

Will the most popular televised sport become its own network? Will we fans have to purchase tickets to watch a Sunday afternoon game on cable pay-per-view? Will the Super Bowl become the highest collected gate in sport's history when everyone is charged the same price of admission whether at the game or at home? Only time will tell.

Considering all the recent threats and press releases by the NFL that directly affect Las Vegas I decided to offer a list of the best ways to know you are watching the "Big Game" in Vegas. This week's Nines...

9. You are served with a lawsuit after trying to "Super" size your McDonalds' meal.
8. Cannot order a "bowl" of soup in the coffee shop.
7. Only league approved beer (must be advertised on the Big Game) can be served.
6. Two words, Prop Bets.
5. You can have picture or sound but not both.
4. Must keep putting quarters into slot on TV so it stays on.
3. Tagliabue keeps breaking into telecast warning Vegas casinos of consequences of showing game.
2. Cocktail girls dressed like referees in striped shirts, just the shirts.
1. The only TV channel the sports book can get is showing reruns of Lassie!

That's it for today. Tomorrow has the Week in Review and J. Santos' "Muck It" cartoon.

Posted by flipchipro at 11:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Tim Poster and Tom Breitling have left the building,the Golden Nugget, after a hectic thirteen months in charge of Fremont Streets poshest casino. The Travelscape, Internet travel company now Expedia, founders have found the bricks and mortar world exhausting and decided to sell to Landrys, primarily a restaurant company that owns Joe's Crab Shack and the Rainforest Cafe theme restaurants as well as Landrys.

Tim and Tom formerly took over the Nugget in January; which, along with its sister property in nearby Laughlin, was purchased from MGM for a reported $215 million. They had a great first quarter acommodating a lot of players from the WSOP. The newly opened poker room was packed and they regularly hosted the big game (Phil Ivey, Johnny Chan, Lyle Berman, Gus Hansen, Barry Greenstein and Chau Giang).

Most of the top British players stayed there for the duration of the WSOP. I attended Ram Vaswani's wedding reception in a Nugget suite so spacious and stylish I could not believe I was downtown until I looked out of the window at the next door detention center.

The poker room business dropped alarmingly after the WSOP but the owners relocated and downsized the room. The old tented poker room was used for one off functions. We at LasVegasVegas attended a Z list celebrity poker tournament that featured girls from dog food commercials and an extra from 90210 in the room. The Nugget took good care of us. We were given comps to the comedy festival featuring Judy Tenuta and a lunch the following day. I also attended a UNLV poker tournament there.

Away from poker Tim and Tom thought they had pulled off a coup by having a reality programme called umm... "Casino," filmed on site. They even showed the episodes outside on Fremont St. on Monday nights. The show was a ratings disaster and was hastily taken off air although one episode featuring Andy Bloch as a card counter was worth watching.

The last time I was in there the Mayor was giving his "State of the State" speech. The homeless were not invited.

In November they sold the Laughlin Nugget to Big Bad Barrick, owners of the downtown Plaza, for $31 million. They said the money would allow them to improve the Vegas Nugget. Staind played there for the younger crowd, Tony Bennett entertained the older crowd and Jewel, a natural by name for the Nugget,the people in-between.

Obviously, since Landrys do not have a gaming licence the proposed $140 million sale will not happen overnight; although, I suspect that sightings of Tim and Tom will not be a daily occurence.

Who knows maybe they will start a poker website.

Posted by at 12:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (8)

Professional Poker Player, Max "Italian Pirate" Pescatori, is in Los Angeles playing in the 2005 LA Poker Classic at the Commerce Casino. We are pleased to offer his latest report from the field.
-Poker Prof

After spending one week at the Commerce Casino in Los Angeles, California, I consider my trip fair. I did finish 4th in the $500 buy-in Stud tournament and I also won almost every time I've played cash games. However, my plans to win 'Player of the Tournament' were slowed down by one of the Lavassani "Twins", Fred. He grabbed second place in the Pot Limit Hold'em won by the "Great Kid," John Murphy. Fred now has 100 points, followed by Paul Darden with 60 points and about 20 other players plus myself, Max Pescatori, with 50 points. At stake, the prestigious Best Player Award and $22,500 to make the effort even more sweet.

The big players are starting to show up and the field will now be tougher then the first week. Congratulations to Amir Vahedi, who after a long drought, won the $500 Shootout NL Hold'em.
-Italian Pirate

Posted by at 12:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The WPBT event on Poker Stars was a total blast, if you missed it you missed out. Pauly cracking Aces and Kings with the bloggers favorite hand was priceless. I ended up 33 out of 151 and was on the ropes short stacked for most of the tournament. I sucked out Kings with Queens early on to stay alive, got total trash for about an hour after that, then doubled up again when my A-7 cracked the Hilton sisters. Trying to take out AK with AJ cost me about half my dwindling stack, and finally I got all-in preflop in a multi-way pot with A-10 which didn't hold up. Not my best performance; but, not my worst either. Thanks to Iggy for setting everything up. I can't wait for the next one.

Now, I noticed a couple of posts, one from Internet celebrity, Boy Genius, and another from the good doctor on the state of poker blogs which has become a fairly large community. I just have to add my two cents to this. I try to read my ever growing blogroll once a week to catch up with everything everyone is doing, and most of what I read is boring. We have the ability to vote for the blogs worth reading with links, quality begets links, it's that simple. So, avoidng a lengthy philosophical discussion of what defines quality, let me offer a bit of advice to bloggers looking to gather readers. First, reach out to the community. I sent e-mails to a lot of the bloggers when I first started blogging in an effort to get to know the community. Second, and I believe Pauly made this point, decide what your blog is going to be. If your blog is really just for you; then cool, alot of blogs are really personal diaries. If you want readers and links then find a niche and fill it. I targeted the Las Vegas poker scene, Iggy does uber posts and keeps up with the quality content from 2+2 and RGP, Hank does a lot on strategy and analogy, Poker Grub is the bonus master, Linda tells it like it is from the other side of the table, Pauly is a gifted writer, as is Otis. I am not a writer, I'm a programmer, so my best contribution is coding new sections for the site and evolving the look/feel/usability of things.

There is always room out there for more quality content. There is always room for another poker blog. I want to see this niche group continue to grow and prosper as a community; which brings me to my next point. Communities tend to form a standard bell curve... a few really bad, a few really good, and most falling somewhere in-between. A year from now, providing the community continues to grow, the in-between blogs of today will have the readership of current top blogs and the entire curve will rise up, so all of the efforts that go into a blog are rewarded. When individual blogs are rewarded the community prospers. As a closing thought, I believe any single blog, even the top ones, are a drop of water when compared to the power of the collective voice of the community. The poker blogger community has been empowered with a strong voice. Let's use it to guide the poker industry toward continued growth and health.

Posted by pokerprof at 9:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Las Vegas is preparing for the upcoming NFL Super Bowl weekend. The Super Bowl is the second busiest weekend, second only to the New Year holiday. Even though there is no west team in the big game this year it will have little impact on the size of the crowds of visitors in Las Vegas for the big XXXIX Super Bowl party. The sport's books will be standing room only and most are offering free tail-gate style food to anyone making a wager on the game. Vegas is a great place to spend Super Sunday. Watch the games on big screens while setting a personal best in number of hotdogs consumed and washed down with bottomless cups of beer. Many of the books will have noted sports stars presents to keep the party going.

Poker rooms will be full with sport's bettors trying their luck at the cards. Most of the poker rooms are located adjacent to the books making it convenient to play poker while watching the game on the multitude of TV monitors scattered through the card room. The weekend poker aquariums are another great reason to come to Vegas for the Super Bowl. Come for the game, stay for the fish.

The smart money has made the New England Patriots a 7 point favorite over the Philadelphia Eagles. The over/under of 47 1/2 points promises a high scoring offensive game. The list of prop bets range from the sublime to the ridiculous. How many points will each team score? Will there be an overtime? Will there be a two point conversion or a safety? Will there be a score in the first 6 1/2 minutes or the last 3 minutes of the game? Will Philadelphia Coach, Andy Reid, smile at least once during the game? Will the Patriots' Bill Belichick quit mid-game and announce his return to Cleveland? Will one of the over 300 pounds lineman have a stroke during the game? Will anyone say, "I'm not going to Disneyland!"

Super Bowl weekend is one of the few times J. Santos shows up here in Las Vegas; although, he won't stay long after he figures out the Dallas Cowboys aren't in this year's game. I'll be hanging out in one of the card rooms, eating free hotdogs, drinking free beer and enjoying America's biggest day of sports.

I am adding unrelated photos to this article. We are certainly not above using good looking ladies to get your attention. If Las Vegas is your destination of choice for the Super Weekend then make your arrangements now before town is booked full.

Posted by flipchipro at 10:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Day two at the Palm's Michael Waltrip Invitational. It is not as crowded today. Maybe poker is too slow for NASCAR fans or maybe NASCAR fans are too slow for poker.

The sign says the drivers will not sign autographs. Maybe they have to protect their hands pre-season or maybe they are illiterate. I don't ask. The inside word is that Casey Mears is nice. The other players seem to pick on him. Casey is from Bakersfield, California; maybe that's why he is picked upon. You might not have won the tournament Casey; but, you had your photo taken with Lee Cazinho, that's a top prize.

The winner gave $50K to his charity of choice and Michael Waltrip's charity benefitted by the same amount. The money was provided by the Speed Channel, which I believe is an affiliate of Fox Sports.

None of these guys are going to win this year's WSOP; which will be held across Flamingo Road at the Rio. Karina Jett tells me Dale Earnhardt Jr threw away the nut flush on one occasion. I think I will throw away Phil Gordon's book if that is what he taught him to do yesterday. Only joking Phil, I don't own a copy of your book.

Matt Savage complained,in his nice way,that I didn't put a picture of him on my blogs. I thought you had just got married,Matt,twice. Once in Monte Carlo, once in Vegas.

Elliot Sadler was asked to commentate for a piece called backseat driver. Karina told him what the players hole cards where and he was then supposed to comment on the hand. However he announced rather loudly that one player had Aces. Everyone folded! Ah well, that's a start, I suppose.

Posted by at 10:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Eleven NASCAR drivers were at the Palms today for a charity poker challenge. I arrived two hours early; but not before a crowd of approximately two hundred had formed an orderly line stretching all the way to the sports book. I knew this along with the TV cameras could prove a problem; but, Matt Savage promptly arrived at the entrance and sheepishly told me to keep my camera out of sight and that he had already informed them of my wish to be on site. I walked down the line to pick up the midweek odds for the English soccer and thought of Al Can't Hang's "Chelsea" chanting at the Commerce (Yes I was there but a rather quiet version of me).

The drivers present were Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon, Ryan Newman, Dale Earnhardt Jr, Benny Parsons, Kyle Petty, Casey Mears, Jimmy Johnson, Elliot Sadler, Dale Jarrett and Brian Vickers.

An hour later I arrived at the entrance and sure enough I was in the VIP section with complimentary food and coffee, always a plus for us bloggers yet to hit the big time. Which leads me to my conversation with Chris Ferguson. I told him he had signed a good one in Hank. He told me to look after his carrots (Is this what Hank will be doing at Full Tilt?). He used the carrots to demonstrate his card throwing party trick. I told everyone I was using them in a low budget porno movie I was shooting after the Poker tournament was over.

Robert Williamson III and Phil Gordon gave the players a crash course in NLHE. Chip Jett kept the score and Karina was backstage with the lovely Lee Cazinha. I did not miss the chance of a photo opportunity with the girls. I didn't bother much with the drivers. Nothing new there.

The four games went fast. They must have been playing speed poker with a loaded deck. The show was being filmed by the Speed Channel. I am sure it will be a smash hit if anyone subscribes to that channel. I don't remember seeing it on my Cox cable. Flipchip arrived to chauffeur me home. I will be back tomorrow for the final table.

Posted by at 3:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)