Brian Townsend Confesses To Online Poker Multi-Accounting
August 29, 2008
American professional poker player Brian Townsend came clean Tuesday, confirming the growing suspicions of many poker fans by confessing in a blog post that he was in fact guilty of multi-accounting at two of the most prominent online poker rooms in the industry, PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker.
Townsend, currently one of the top instructors of poker video tutorials at CardRunner.com, admitted to using two identities at PokerStars – his usual name “aba20”, with which he is known to be Brian Townsend and participated in higher stakes games, plus “Makersmark66”, Townsend’s lower stakes username.
In March of 2008, Brian Townsend dropped his known nickname at Full Tilt Poker, “sbrugby”, and became a Red Pro instead, using his real name “Brian Townsend” to play at the online poker room. According to his blog admission, Townsend was also playing under the nickname “Stellarnebula”.
In recent years, the discovery of multi-accounting – a practice that is strictly forbidden by PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker, as well as every other respectable poker site - has caused several scandals in the online poker industry.
Full Tilt Poker has already handed down punishment to Brian for his iniquitous actions. Townsend has been suspended from Red Pro status at Full Tilt Poker for the next 6 months. PokerStars, on the other hand, has yet to comment on the matter.
In Townsend’s public ‘blogged’ apology, he affirmed that he never abused his multi-accounts for collusion purposes, seating both in the same tournament or cash game. Allegations nor evidence of that sort were ever brought up, and Townsend is adamant that he has not participated in such activities.
In concluding his apology, Brian Townsend stated, “I hope that people can not only look to me for poker education but also for the way to live their lives. I made a mistake and I am willing to take responsibility for it. I am willing to stand up and face the music. I apologize to entire the online community. I will never partake in this type of activity in the future. This post should act as a full admission of my guilt, and I sincerely apologize to anyone that I've wronged.”
Townsend made the decision to come clean after speaking at length with Cardrunners COO Lee Jones, former PokerStars manager and EPT host. Knowing his actions were not that of a true professional poker player - who should be a role model, not a red mark on the reputation of the poker community – Townsend has gone a step farther than apologizing by reprimanding himself with a hefty fine. Townsend will be donating $25,000 from his Cardrunners earnings to a yet-to-be-determined charity.
Titan Poker – Single Satellite Awarding 50 Seats In $2.5M GTD
August 28, 2008
It’s no breaking news headline that Titan Poker is the premier online poker room of the iPoker Network, but what has the industry in a stir is the announcement of a single Satellite tournament awarding a record-breaking 50 seats in an upcoming $2,500,000 guaranteed.
Titan Poker will be hosting its largest guaranteed online poker tournament Sunday, September 7th, with a guaranteed prize pool of no less than $2.5 million. Direct buy-in to this event is a whopping $1,500+$80, but Satellites are ongoing daily.
The biggest Satellite to the Titan Poker $2.5m Guaranteed will occur Sunday, August 31st at 8:35 pm (GMT +1), listed in the Titan Poker Lobby as “$2,500,000 Stage 1R/A 50 Seat”. What makes this upcoming Satellite competition so intriguing is that Titan Poker will award the top 50 players – yes, 50! – a seat in the $2.5m GTD. That is more guaranteed seats than any Satellite competition in the history of online poker.
“This is an exciting eleventh hour opportunity for players who have not yet secured their seats to the online tournament of a lifetime,” stated a highly enthused representative of Titan Poker. “Low stakes and the chance to win big - it's a dream for most players.”
Direct buy-in to the 50-Seat GTD Satellite is $160 + $12; much more cost efficient than the express buy-in of $1.5k. However, players can bypass this buy-in as well by entering daily Stage 2 and Stage 3 Satellites, which award seats in this Sunday’s 50-Seat Guarantee.
Stage 2 Satellites incur a buy-in of $20+$2, while Stage 3 Satellites cost only $2+$.20, and are played as single-hand Sit’n’Go tournaments. The Stage 3 awards a seat in the Stage 2 - Stage 2 awards a seat in Sunday’s “$2,500,000 Stage 1R/A 50 Seat”, where the top 50 players will be rocketed into the massive $2.5m Guaranteed.
Scotty Nguyen Apologizes For Drunken belligerent Poker Play at $50,000 HORSE event at the World Series of Poker.
August 28, 2008
"Where the **** are the ******* cocktails!?" - Scotty Nguyen
Fourteen hours is an enormous test of endurance for a tournament poker player. Imagine yourself battling it out, table after table, building your chip-stack, your table image, and holding it all together for hour upon hour. A poker player is said to have to options, make the right decision under a tremendous amount of pressure, or go home early.
Now let's look at the game of H.O.R.S.E. Take this back to the cowboy days if you will. In the worldof poker, you are not a pro, you are not an old timer, you're not a cowboy until you've broken the horse.
H.O.R.S.E stands for Holdem, Omaha, Razz, Studd, and Eight or better. Five of the most challenging poker games, all wrapped up into one tournament. That's what this years WSOP $50,000.00 horse contenders were up against. The best of the best, in one of the biggest high stakes poker matches there are, at the most prestigious poker event of the year.
It looks like the pressure might have gotten to a few of pro poker players, Scotty Nguyen a bit more than others, add all the pressure outlined above, plus the fact that his beer was apparently not being delivered in a timely manner, the Poker World was treated to less than the classy behavior we're used to seeing from the man known to many as the prince of poker.
Cake Poker Bonus - $500 in Free Poker mOney!
Amanda Leatherman from Poker News interviewed Micheal DeMichele, who came in second place against a really tough field, he went heads up against Scotty with a short stack, he missed.
DeMichelle explained that he had rubbed Eric Linden and Scotty Ngyuen the wrong way by playing into the audience a bit, DeMichelle apologized, he told Scotty he wanted to conduct hmself in a professional manner at the poker table, and said that he wasn't going to do it again. But Scotty who'd had a bit much to drink didn't let it go there.
"Enough is enough man, we play this game we wait for ******* cocktail!"
In fact, at one point, during his drunken poker play, Scotty, who was never warned for language, and received no penalties, picked cards up off the table, and showed them to the audience while in a hand.
"It's no fun when Scotty Got the Gun Baby!" Scotty slurred to another player after beating him in a hand.
"When I did the interview with him, he was falling down a little bit - but he's a good guy" explained Amanda Leatherman.
Nut Nut BABAY! Scotty yelled into the crowd, the crowd yelled back, "Nut Nut BABAY - What What BAYBAY"
The blunt of Scotty's outburst was taken by DeMichelle, however he did have his moment with Eric Lindgren, who told Scotty that he was not on his team, never had been. On his way out, he said "I Hope the kid wins" in reference to DeMichelle - 23 year old professional poker player.
Scotty made a public apology for his drunken behavior during the event, which he posted on Cardplayer.com poker forums, in his apology Nguyen explained that the tournament was 14 hours long, but asked the fans to keep in mind that the cut edited for television was only 2 hours long, with of course the most entertaining [drunken] moments included.
This tournament was too important for me, the trophy, the fifth bracelet, and history, my head was zoned in for this event, and for that time, I forgot the fans were watching me. I said things I shouldn’t have said that have disappointed you, and I apologize for my actions. Scotty said to fans in his apology.
The tournament was played in the honor of Chip Reese, Scotty Nguyen eventually won the tournament, 2 million dollars and a Chip Reese Trophy.
APT TO HOST ASIA’S LARGEST CASH GAME – MINIMUM BUY-IN HK$1 MILLION!
August 28, 2008
28th August 2008 (Macau, China) – The cards are in the air at the Galaxy StarWorld Hotel and Casino in Macau as Day 1A of the eagerly awaited APT Macau finally got underway! ‘Godfather of Poker’ Doyle Brunson and the legendary host of the 1970 World Series of Poker ® Jack Binion joined Asian Poker Tour Tournament Director Matt Savage to ‘Shuffle Up and Deal’ as a world class field took their seats. Jack Binion, standing alongside Doyle Brunson, addressed the players as they took their seats.
“This is the future of poker,” said Binion. “This is so exciting and significant - you can see the potential and feel the energy.”
A formidable line-up of players are at the StarWorld for the landmark USD $5300 (US$5000+$300) event. Amongst those spotted include Johnny Chan, Todd Brunson, Liz Lieu, J.C Tran, Kenny Tran, John Juanda, Nam Le, Quinn Do, Steve Sung, Huck Seed, Michael ‘Chino’ Rheem, Mel Judah, Mansour Matloubi, Harry Demetriou, Carter Gill, Richard En and APT Philippines champion David Saab. You can follow all the action LIVE at http://www.pokernews.com/live-reporting/2008-apt-macau/main-event/ with a selection of videos available at http://www.thenutz.tv/ . Information can also be found at the official website http://www.asianpt.com/
Amongst those choosing Day 1A include Doyle and Todd Brunson but there was considerable interest on the rail as Saab and JC Tran got drawn on the same table and locked horns. The APT Macau is making history by offering US$1,500,000, the largest guaranteed prize pool ever to be offered in Asia, with the first prize also guaranteed at US$500,000.
On Friday 29th August at 7pm, the Asian Poker Tour will make history again with Asia’s largest cash game, coverage of which will be televised and distributed worldwide at a later date. The details are simple, minimum buy-in is HK$1,000,000 (US$130,000), starting blinds are HK$3,000 - $6,000, straddling and blinds are raised at the discretion of the players. Even the most conservative estimates suggest that HK$15 million (well over US$1.5 million) will be at stake, MORE than the guaranteed prizepool of the APT Macau tournament! Amongst those taking part include Doyle Brunson, Todd Brunson, Johnny Chan, Nam Le, JC Tran, Kenny Tran, John Juanda, Steve Sung, Yevgeniy Timoshenko, Waki, Yamazaki, Gary Benson and Bruce Parker. Doyle Brunson has already wired in HK$2,000,000 (US$260,000) and quipped “that’s just the start.”
Chris Parker, CEO of the Asian Poker Tour, will also be taking a seat in the lions den.
“I’m so glad we have such soft tables!” joked Parker. “In all seriousness, we were astounded by the interest in the high stakes cash game – everybody wants a piece of the action. We set the mimimum buy-in at HK$1,000,000 but anybody who knows anything about Macau or the potential of poker in this area of the world knows this will be small stakes by the end of the night. It is going to be something very special – when it airs we predict you will witness record breaking pots! You think the action in Vegas is big, just wait and see what comes out of Macau!”
Beating Low Limit No Limit Hold’em Cash Games
August 27, 2008
For all you grinders just starting a bankroll, let's discuss a few points on how to beat the low limit no limit cash games online. The games at this level are surprisingly mixed with new poker players who can and will draw out on you, and multi-tabling sharks that play 10 tables at a time and grind out $50 an hour while playing low limit poker and clearing bonuses.
There are few adjustments that need to made to your game, regardless of your level of experience.
Low Limit Poker Strategy: Don't Bluff
Bluffing works, and it's very profitable but not at this level. A key concept in using a bluff in no limit hold'em is relying on your opponent being good enough to fold his hand. When you're grinding it out in the micro no limit games, you cannot do this profitably except for rare situations, very rare situations. The likeliness of your opponent folding a bad hand is not great.
Cash poker games are not like tournaments where you need to steal blinds and antes just to survive. In these games, we are looking to buy in with the maximum allowed stack and wait patiently for the nuts (the best possible poker hand) and someone who will pay it off. Thank you for your whole stack sir, fish again.
Low Limit Poker Strategy: Play Post Flop Poker
Keep in mind, you will run into a lot of people limping in with big hands. Ace King and high pocket pairs like Aces or Queens. All of these hands will be limped a lot both by beginners who are afraid to broadcast the strength of their hand, and more experienced players looking to trap you. While I don't encourage limping with these hands myself, I definately don't over commit to them pre-flop either.
Knowing the large range of hands I will be called with, I prefer to put in "value-raises" of 2.5 x the big blind with big hands and see where the cards fall before putting them on a hand to continue the action on later streets.
You can and should fold JJ and QQ, or AK AQ after missing a flop, it simply depends on the reads you make. The exception to this style of play is that if you hold KK or AA, you should raise AT LEAST 4 times the big blind. It is also okay to open shove all in with hands like this, you never know who will wake up and call behind you with a pocket pair of fives!
If you feel you have the best hand, but aren't quite sure or know that your opponent will call to the river on a strong draw, don't be afraid to use a small value bet or even check the flop to see if the draw hits. Using the turn to extract value instead of the flop helps insure you won't be semi-bluff shoved all in by an opponent with a 30% draw that may or may not hit. After the turn, you can evaluate your odds to win much easier by seeing how it may or may not have improved your opponents hand.
These poker tables are a gind and you should treat them as such, for the most part you need to play very tight poker and wait for 80% or greater edges to get your money in with, this will help your bankroll grow at a steady pace without big risks and with the added benefit of clearing your first bonus. Players who can multi-table four or more of these low limit cash game tables find that it is easier to play tight poker as they don't get "bored" as easy.
Try your low limit strategy where all the fish play! Cake Poker - home of the 100,000 gold chip tournament!
Democratic Convention Charity Tourney Results
August 27, 2008
On August 16th we brought you the news of a charity poker tournament that was going to have over 200 professional poker players and celebrities in attendance. The reason that this charity tourney got so much attention was that it was held at the Democratic Convention.
The Poker Players Alliance hosted the tournament and the proceeds went to the Paralyzed Veterans of America. Since it was a charitable event the PPA could host the tournament and lobby for online poker at the same time. Besides professional poker players and celebs there were also lawmakers, aides and delegates that played in the tournament as well.
All 100 poker players started out with 5,000 in chips for the tournament that was expected to play for around 4 hours. Affleck outlasted celebrity players Seth Meyers from Saturday Night Live, Sarah Silverman, Montel Williams and Richard Dreyfuss. He also had to take out professional poker players to win the event so maybe he should consider a side career?
There were new ethic rules and laws put into action in 2007 to make it harder for lobbyists to buy their way in. But this charity tournament got the okay from the Congressional Ethics Committee because all of the proceeds from the tournament were going to charity.
The tournament wasn't the only entertainment at the Democratic Convention, there was also a live performance from Kanye West, drinks and cigars and some got to play ball at the Coors Field and all was provided by different lobbyists.
The charity tournament did two things it helped to raise about $60,000 dollars for the Paralyzed Veterans of America and it might have changed the thinking of our lawmakers, who knows. The Poker Players Alliance is far from done however as they will be holding another tournament next week at the Republican National Convention in Minnesota.
If you want to know more about what went on at the Democratic Convention you can read the previous article, PPA Parties with the Democratic Party to Legalise Poker.
Growing Your Poker Bankroll With Poker Loyalty Programs
August 27, 2008
Just about every online poker room offers a poker loyalty program of some kind that can be utilized to grow your bankroll. Some poker loyalty programs are better than others, but all hold value on some level.
Poker loyalty programs are based on a VIP Level, requiring point accumulation to reach the various VIP Levels. Other poker loyalty programs, especially those that run on a weekly or monthly rewards basis, just require point accumulation, without the occurrence of VIP Levels.
Poker Loyalty Programs - Cash Back for your Bankroll
The most common Poker Loyalty Program awards 'cash back' for points collected. For example, collecting 100 points may grant a $1 cash back reward. Another poker loyalty program may offer $10 cash back for every 100 points. While the latter may seem much more valuable, chances are it's more difficult to acquire points. In the long run, they are probably close to equal.
Poker Loyalty Programs - Special Tournaments
Another poker loyalty program frequently offered also requires point accumulation, but allows players to utilize the points in a different manner. These are usually Special Tournament Entries that require a specific number of points. For example, a $1,000 Loyalty Freeroll may require 250 points to enter.
Free Merchandise from Poker Loyalty Programs
This particular poker loyalty program will not add to your bankroll, but many players like getting free merchandise. Again, point accumulation is required. Online poker rooms with a 'Points Store' or 'Loyalty Store' for example will allow players to trade in their points for various items at the poker room store. Full Tilt Poker, for instance, is well known for offering some of the best merchandise.
Poker Loyalty Programs - Reload Bonuses
Another benefits of poker loyalty programs can be offered via reload bonuses. This can be an excellent way to increase your bankroll. Loyal players - those who participate frequently in tournaments and/or raked ring games - will often be privileged to special promotions like reload bonuses. Different online poker rooms vary as to the value of the reload bonus. Some offer 15-25% reload bonuses, while others promote as high as a 200% or higher reload bonus to their most valuable players.
High Rollers Poker Loyalty Bonuses
Online poker rooms love high rollers! A high roller is a player who participates in high stakes ring games and large tournaments on a regular basis. Any online poker room with a VIP Level or similar promotional offer will take very good care of these players, offering frequent reload bonuses, high point accumulation and entry to big tournaments. The largest poker rooms who offer 'Teams' commonly provide high rollers with a shot at exclusive tournaments awarding the chance to join the Poker 'Team'. For example, the Full Tilt Poker Team is a group of highly skilled poker professionals sponsored by the poker room to enter major, offline poker events like the WSOP, EPT, WPT and others.
Poker Loyalty Programs - Boosting Points
Most, if not all, poker loyalty programs are based on point accumulation. The fastest way to collect points in generally by playing in tournaments. Tournaments fees accumulate points at the fastest rate, usually X-amount of points per $1 in fees. For this reason, just any old tournament won't due. There must be a buy-in and fee to collect points. Don't confuse the Buy-In with the Fee! The average fee is based on 10% of the buy-in. This means a Tournament buy-in of $10 + $1 fee will acquire points, most often 5 to 18 points per $1, depending on the poker room. Again, just because the points granted are higher doesn't mean it's the better deal. Compare the point collection with the return ratio to determine the best poker loyalty program.
Be sure the online poker room you're playing at offers a good poker loyalty program, and watch your bankroll grow. Always read the fine print. Know how much you must wager, contribute to the rake, or pay in tournament fees to collect points. Also be aware of online poker rooms that require the player to manually convert points to cash back. In this case, if the online poker room offers cash back monthly basis, don't forget to convert your points as you may lose them when the month is over.
Each online poker room has it's own rules regarding poker loyalty programs, point accumulation, conversion rates and expirations. Take a pain pill, squint your eyes and read the fine print - in the end, it's worth the headache!
Titan Poker Hits $7M Mark In SNG Jackpot Payouts
August 27, 2008
Titan Poker, the pride and joy of the iPoker Network, happily announced today the pay out of more than $7,000,000 in Sit’n’Go Tournament Jackpot prizes.
Titan Poker was launched in 2005, and it wasn’t long before the online poker room introduced its now famous Sit’n’Go jackpot tournaments. Since that time, the popularity of these tournaments has grown enormously.
Robin Steel, manager of Titan Poker, commented on the inspiring growth of Titan Poker and its SNG tournaments. “This shows that Titan Poker's jackpot tournaments are very popular, and
are continuing to grow at a fast rate."
Titan Poker offers 4 SNG Progressive Jackpot tournaments - the Fort Knox, the Rio, the Maui and the Dirty Dozens. The favorite, by far, is the Fort Knox, with the highest Sit’n’Go Progressive Jackpot, starting at $50,000. The buy-in at a Fort Knox 6-seater SNG is $50+$9. Any player who manages to win 6 of these tournaments in a row will release the jackpot of $50k, which continues growing until a jackpot winner is revealed.
The Rio SNG Progressive Jackpot starts at $25,000. Also a 6-seater Sit’n’Go, the buy-in for the Rio SNG is $20+$3.50. Again, 6 wins in a row releases the $25k+ progressive jackpot.
The Maui SNG Jackpot is also a progressive, starting at $15k. The buy-in is only $5+$1, entertaining a full table of 10 players. Since there are more participants, you’ll only need to win 5 of these Maui SNGs in a row to release the jackpot.
Last is the Dirty Dozens SNG Jackpots, with a buy-in of $2+$.40 and two 6-seater tables (12 players). The progressive jackpot starts at $2,000, requiring 4 wins in a row to release the jackpot.
With more than $7,000,000 awarded thus far in Titan Poker’s progressive jackpot Sit’n’Go tournaments, it’s no wonder they continue to draw such large numbers.
Republican Party Drops Online Gambling Prohibition From Platform.
August 26, 2008
I came across some positive news today on political news ticker CQPolitics.com in regards to the hotly-contested UIGEA ban. The story has reported that the Republican Party has removed online gambling prohibition from its upcoming party platform set to be announced at the Republican National Convention later next week. The draft of the actual document could still include other stipulations from the original UIGEA bill, however, it is still a big victory in the eyes of the PPA.
"The draft’s shortening from nearly 100 pages represents a victory for the Poker Players Alliance, a group that has lobbied to legalize and regulate Internet gambling. The million-member group has spent $1.2 million during the first half of 2008 and members have contributed more than $350,000 to candidates this election year," according to CQ Politics.
As many 4Flush readers already know, the upcoming Presidential election could have a huge effect on the gambling industry in general. Over the last year and a half, Democrats have been fighting strongly for a resolution with their rival party to regulate online gambling and allow the United States to get a piece of the annual $15 billion dollar industry. Unfortunately, the Republicans have been staunch supporters of the UIGEA and have repeatedly asserted they will do everything in their power to rid America of internet gambling.
It could be a trying time for the government either way, mainly because there really is no effective way to regulate online poker and other forms of electronic wagering. Congress knows they can’t punish American citizens for doing what they want with their money, and they know they can’t possibly penalize every bank or credit card company if they allow gambling transactions and deposits to go through. Despite every effort to find a solution to ban all forms of online gambling since the ’06 UIGEA passing, it’s been two years and many U.S. players are still finding ways to play poker and casino games. On top of that, there has been a lot of speculation that many more poker rooms who originally pulled out of the U.S. market after the passing of initial U.S. anti-gaming laws are preparing themselves for possibly re-entering the market very, very soon.
If presumptive Democratic Presidential nominee Barack Obama has his way in this year’s election, there could be a lot of change to look forward to – especially for online gambling.
Bodog Poker Open II; Main Event October 5th
August 26, 2008
In March 2008, Bodog Poker launched the very first Bodog Poker Open, a 6-event series that proved highly lucrative for Main Event winner “phatcat”. Now, as September draws near, Bodog Poker has finally announced a date for the Bodog Poker Open II Main Event, schedule for Sunday, October 5th at 4:00 pm ET.
The online poker room has yet to release a full schedule of events for the second installment of the Bodog Poker Open, but an announcement is anticipated within the week. However, even without a full schedule yet available, Bodog Poker has begun hosting Satellite competition to the Bodog Poker Open II Main Event. These Satellites can be found in the Bodog Poker lobby under ‘Scheduled Tournaments’, then ‘BPO’.
Direct buy-in to the BPO II Main Event is $470+$30, and registration is already open with unlimited seats available. Daily Satellites to the BPO II Main Event can be entered for as little as 50 Points or $5+$.50.
Earlier this year, Bodog Poker hosted its inaugural Bodog Poker Open, attracting a field of 596 players in the Main Event, establishing a prize pool of $305,120 after Bodog Poker threw another $25k-cherry on top. There were a lot of familiar names taking on the first BPO Main Event challenge, but heads-up play came down to “phatcat” and “_TheFinisher_”.
Now a historic landmark name at Bodog Poker, “phatcat” went on to win the first Bodog Poker Open Main Event, pocketing $76,280 for his clearly exuberant poker skills. For this exceptional victory, Bodog Poker also awarded phatcat with a commemorative Omega Speed Master watch, valued at more than $4k.
4Flush will provide the full BPO II tournament schedule as soon as it becomes available. Until then, mark your calendars for Sunday, October 5th as the Bodog Poker Open II Main Event kicks off at 4pm ET.
When To Bluff In No Limit Hold’em
August 25, 2008
A well timed and perfectly executed bluff in No Limit Hold’em is a relative work of art, but it is not as easy to do profitably as it may look on the television. Good poker players know that a successful bluff on the river or catching a bluffer in the act can add a lot to a winning players expected value over a players career. Picking your spots and knowing the other players at the tables tendencies (how they react based on similar situations in the past) are key skills, and bluffing is not to be attempted at low limit games with a large number of bad players.
When deciding to bluff, it helps to put your opponent on a range of hands first, starting pre-flop. This will allow you to set-up the bluff, by becoming what the player fears in a hand. I can and do successfully bluff Pocket Aces out of scary boards, but only when I deem the player good enough to be capable of folding (and this is simply not the case at low limit games for the most part). If you are confident in your play, and your read of the opponent – you can represent any hand that is possible on the board. A few tips:
Holdem Strategy: Don’t Bluff On The Turn:
Bluffing on the turn is the hardest to pull off, and I generally don’t recommend it. If a player stayed in after the flop the turn usually improves a hand or adds a draw, so players are simply more likely to call or even re-raise on a draw at the turn, because the potential to make their hand becomes great in their own eyes (straight and flush draw for example). Instead, the one time I highly recommend using this play as by semi-bluffing a big draw – that is, give yourself a lot of outs if you are bluffing on the turn, because it might just turn into a big pot. And when we are playing big pots, we want to have the maximum chance of scooping it as possible.
Holdem Strategy: Do Bluff The River
And do it often, especially versus tight/passive players. A player with pocket queens is susceptible to a river King or Ace, a flush card, or even a gutshot. Become the hand they fear most, and prey on their ability to “make a good fold”. Bluffing on the river can be risky of course, but I swear by it – it works well especially in heads up poker games. In multi-handed pots I only recommend attempting a stone cold bluff if you have position in the hand, thus ensuring you have the most information possible on what the other players might have – but in general a bluff works best in heads up poker situations.
If you haven’t been trying the occasional river bluff, you are losing a lot of pots that you don’t need to. Target players that check behind in showdown situations with hands like top pair weak kicker – just don’t over use the play as this style should fit solidly into your winning tight aggressive image to ensure the highest success rates, good luck!
Charity Poker Event at Starworld Macau: Doyle Brunson Book Signing,
August 25, 2008
Charity Poker Event at Starworld Macau: Doyle Brunson Book Signing, Opening of APT Poker Room
Macau, China – 25th August 2008 --- Ahead of the $1.5 million GUARANTEED APT Macau, that runs from the 27th – 31st August, the glamorous Galaxy StarWorld Casino Resort and Hotel will be bustling with the arrival of the world’s greatest poker players. However, Tuesday 26th August is also a hectic day as the APT officially hits town!
At 3.30pm on Tuesday 26th August, the APT Poker Room on Level 2 will be opened. This is followed at 4.30pm by book signings in the lobby by US poker legend Doyle Brunson, the ‘Godfather of Poker,’ who has won 10 WSOP® bracelets and is the most revered poker strategy writer in the world. Doyle will be on hand to meet fans until 6pm. At 7pm a special charity Celebrity Poker Challenge will be hosted by leading poker tournament director Matt Savage. Proceeds go to Caritas De Macau, the social service organization of Macau. The goal of Caritas de Macau is to provide services to the individuals, families, communities and societies, to help them to live in the society in a more humane condition economically, morally and spiritually.
Flying in from Manila to play in the tournament is Manny Pacquiao, universally seen as the best pound for pound boxer in the world and the first Asian boxer to win four world titles in different divisions. The charity game will also feature movie actor Michael Wong, singer Renee Dai, commentator Angie Mak and models Natalie Ng, Erica Yuen, Janice Man, Cha Cha and Wylien Chiu. Also in attendance will be Miss Hong Kong winner Tracy Ip and cult glamour model Tila Tequila. Poker legend Doyle Brunson is also due to participate.
Chris Parker, CEO of the Asian Poker Tour – “We are delighted to bring the APT to Macau and really excited about offering Asia’s largest ever guaranteed prize pool. The charity poker challenge will be good fun, and, most importantly, it is an aid of a brilliant charity in Caritas De Macau.”
“I’m looking forward to Manny Pacquiao going head-to-head with Doyle Brunson. Manny never goes down but will we see the flyweight king get knocked out by the heavyweight poker legend? That said, perhaps both will get distracted by all the models at the table!”
Following the Celebrity Poker Challenge there is an exclusive after party at StarWorld’s famous Whisky Bar.
The APT Macau is a USD $5300 ($5000+$300) tournament and there are two day ones on the 27th and 28th August so there is still time to sign up and play. Amongst the players expected to take part include the Chinese born Johnny Chan, a 10 time WSOP® bracelet holder and the inspiration for Matt Damon and Edward Norton’s characters in the 1998 Hollywood movie ‘Rounders.’ Joining him are top pros Todd Brunson, J.C Tran, Kenny Tran, John Juanda, Liz Lieu, Nam Le, Quinn Do, Steve Sung, Mel Judah, Huck Seed and APT Manila champion David Saab. Vietnamese players are expected to be a dominating force. The event organizers have extended an open invitation to Olympic megastar and poker nut Michael Phelps to take part for free. On Friday, there will be an exclusive HK$1million buy-in high stakes cash game featuring the world’s best players.
Doyle Brunson will also be signing books between 4.30pm and 6pm on the 27th August.
Living Large – Former AP Exec is a Big Spender
August 24, 2008
It has been reported recently that Allan Grimars also known as AJ Green has been seen in Costa Rica, AJ is one of the people that was implicated in the Absolute Poker Cheating Scandal.
According to rumors he just bought a brand new Toyota Prato Land Cruiser it's also been said that he owns what some might call a pretty huge yacht.
Grimars is also supposedly in the process of building a very large mansion in one of the richest Pacific Coast resort areas in Los Suenos, Costa Rica. For those that don't know Green used to be a part of the Absolute Poker team, so far officials from the company haven't held Green quietly of cheating even though several fingers have pointed his way.
His recent purchases have caught our attention as his salary wasn't large enough for his recent acquisitions. There was no way that he could afford a yacht, mansion or a Prado on just his salary alone. There is also news that an investor in Absolute Poker has been under a sealed indictment.
Poker Players Alliance Chairman Alfonse D'Amato said last month, "The Poker Players Alliance is the political and public policy voice for poker players in America. Central to our mission are advocacy efforts in Washington D.C. and around the country to protect poker players from misguided and vague laws and to establish licensed and regulated Internet poker in the U.S.,"
He goes on to say that the PPA isn't a regulator body for either poker players or the poker industry, but that the organization still feels compelled to speak out when their mission is being undermined by actions that put online poker in a negative light.
"Trust is paramount in poker. Sadly, this foundation has been undercut by admissions from two well-known online poker companies, Absolute Poker and Ultimate Bet, that cheating has occurred on their poker sites," D'Amato said.
"The Poker Players Alliance condemns any and all cheating in poker no matter the forum in which it is played. Because of the current legal uncertainties and the lack of federal regulation and oversight, it is especially troubling when cheating occurs in online poker."
In response, the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, which oversees both Absolute Poker and UltimateBet, has hired a former New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement director, Frank Catania, to look into the matter.
The Asian Poker Tour Writes an Open Letter to Michael Phelps…
August 22, 2008
Is the ‘Human Dolphin’ Really a Fish?
22 August 2008 (Macau, China) – With the recent revelation by 8 time Olympic gold medallist Michael Phelps that he is a big poker fan and that he was looking forward to playing again, the Asian Poker Tour (APT) have written him an open letter inviting him to stop off on his way home and play in the APT Macau next week.
The second leg of the Asian Poker Tour gets underway at the Galaxy StarWorld Hotel and Casino Resort in Macau on August 27th running until August 31st and GUARANTEES a prize pool of US$1,500,000 and a first prize of US$500,000 – the largest to date in Asia.
Amongst those committed to take part in the USD $5300 ($5000+$300) main event include a range of the biggest poker names in the world including ‘Godfather of Poker’ Doyle Brunson, Todd Brunson, J.C Tran, John Juanda, Kenny Tran, Nam Le, Quinn Do, Steve Sung and APT Manila champion David Saab. In the next few days even more star names will be published so watch this space! Joining the stars are players who have won seats to the event by qualifying through online satellites at PartyPoker.com, Datapoker, Titan Poker, Bodog, JBetPoker, Virgin Poker and Poker Trillion.
Dear Michael,
First of all, congratulations on your eight gold medals and world record breaking feats – what a supreme sporting achievement and I hope superstardom treats you well. However, I write this open letter to you to say that I am in a position to add weight to the argument that you should be crowned history’s ultimate sportsman.
I noticed recently that you have told your local newspaper that you were a big fan of poker and look forward to playing again. By a strange twist of fate, I represent the Asian Poker Tour and we are running Asia’s largest ever guaranteed tournament NEXT WEEK in Macau. It starts on the 27th and runs until the 31st and guarantees a prize pool of $1,500,000 and a first prize of $500,000. This is the biggest prize pool ever offered in Asia! While you are already in China, why don’t you give it a go? It would be our pleasure to fly you in, organize your accommodation and buy-you in to the tournament!
Some have said you are a ‘human dolphin’ but we’re keen to know if history’s greatest swimmer is really a fish. You may have feet that can reach angles others cannot to give you the ultimate swimming technique but just you wait until you’ve got sharks like Vegas poker legend Doyle Brunson chasing you. We’ll see how fast you really are then when they smell blood - get some flippers on those size 14’s!
Don’t bring your goggles, bring a pair of sunglasses – dive in at the deep end and we would love it if you showed us your hand. You’ve almost certainly got more chance of making good money from our $1,500,000 prize pool than securing any commercial deals! Your homecoming to a delirious country can wait.
Go all-in Michael! We’ll even get some special one-on-one lessons for you from poker’s greatest players. If it makes you happier we’ll even bring in Mark Spitz too and you can play heads-up! Some have campaigned for poker to become an Olympic sport. The fact that you are a ‘human dolphin’ doesn’t mean you will necessary get a gold medal for Texas Hold’em!
In all seriousness, come join us, you may as well while you are there! We’ll definitely show you a good time and would be honored with your presence. Get the closing ceremony over and done with first though!
Best Wishes,
Jeff Mann
The Asian Poker Tour
PPA Announces New Celebrity Attendees to Fundraiser for Paralyzed Vets and Issues Clarification on Rules and Procedures of Poker Tournament
August 22, 2008
PPA Announces New Celebrity Attendees to Fundraiser for Paralyzed Vets and Issues Clarification on Rules and Procedures of Poker Tournament
Actors Seth Meyers, Paul Rudd, and Sarah Silverman to Attend
The Poker Players Alliance (PPA) and the Paralyzed Veterans of America today announced additional celebrity players to the “Poker at the Ballpark” charity poker tournament and also issued clarifications on the tournament’s rules and procedures. The charity event will take place on Tuesday, August 26th at Coors Field and is hosted by the PPA, with all proceeds going directly to the Paralyzed Veterans of America (www.pva.org).
New confirmations to the list of celebrities and poker professionals in attendance include actors Seth Meyers, Paul Rudd, and Sarah Silverman. They will be joining poker players from across the nation as well as actor Ben Affleck, professional poker players Andy Bloch, Barry Greenstein, and Erik Seidel.
“The PPA is honored to have these talented actors join us in raising much needed funds for those who have fought to protect our country,” said John Pappas, Executive Director of the Poker Players Alliance. “We look forward to a great event and encourage everyone to donate to this worthy cause and thank our nation’s veterans for their service.”
Additionally, the PPA issued clarifications to the rules and procedures of the charity poker tournament. Those clarifications include:
- Tournament play will begin promptly at 10:00PM
- The PPA and Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) will seek donations to the event from individuals who wish to play or simply attend. This is a voluntary donation and is not required to gain access to the event or play.
- An RSVP is required (rsvp to nicholek@pva.org) for all attendees. Space is very limited.
- All individuals attending the event will be given a door prize drawing ticket (free of charge) upon entry. More than 175 great door prizes will be awarded by random drawing.
- In order to comply with Colorado Charitable Gaming laws, there will be no door prizes, including the “Grand Prize” 2009 World Series of Poker Main Event Buy-In, given to anyone based on how they perform playing in the non-monetary poker tournament.
- Individuals will have opportunities to contribute to the PVA if they so choose during the event. Donation forms will be made available at the event (please note all donations are tax deductible).
Ladbrokes Announces the Return of the LEOCOP
August 22, 2008
Ladbrokes Poker has announced the details for the return of their major online tournament event. The Ladbrokes European Online Championship of Poker (LEOCOP)2008 will begin on October 26th and run until November 9th 2008. The Main Event will take place on the last day of the Series.
The return of the LEOCOP marks the fourth time the series has taken place. The series will have seventeen money added tournaments with the Main Event being a $1,000 + $100 buy in No Limit tournament with $250,000 added to the prize pool. A few weeks after the series ends, a Masters Event will take place that is a $120,000 Freeroll and is an invitation only event.
The top 80 players overall from the LEOCOP will be invited to play in the tournament. The top 80 will be chosen based on the results of their playing during the series. You can keep track of your stats during the series by checking the tournament leader board.
Players can buy in to the events directly or try to win your seat by playing satellites that will be running every day at Ladbrokes Poker.
Edward Ihre of Ladbrokes Poker stated in a press release yesterday that Ladbrokes has “put a lot of emphasis on the importance of community and the LEOCOP is like our annual family gathering. It’s the one time you can guarantee that everyone will make an appearance.”
Schedule of Tournaments for the upcoming LEOCOP:
Sunday, October 26
Event 1
$10,000 added
$150 NLHE Re-buy
Monday, October 27
Event 2
$10,000 added
$50 Re-Buy
Tuesday, October 28
Event 3
$10,000 added
$300 NLHE
Wednesday, October 29
Event 4
$2,500 added
$50 NLHE
Wednesday, October 29
Event 5
$10,000 added
$20 NLHE Re-buy
Thursday, October 30
Event 6
LEOCOP Second Chance Plus
$10,000 added
$200 NLHE
Friday, October 31
Event 7
LEOCOP FL Championship
$10,000 added
$250 FLHE
Saturday, November 1
Event 8
LEOCOP Omaha Hi/Lo Championship
$10,000 added
$200 PL Omaha Hi/Lo
Sunday, November 2
Event 9
LEOCOP Sunday Deep Stack
$10,000 added
$100 NLHE
Monday, November 3
LEOCOP Omaha Championship
$10,000 added
$200 PL Omaha Re-buy
Tuesday, November 4
Event 11
LEOCOP DADDY 2
$10,000 added
$300 NLHE
Wednesday, November 5
Event 12
LEOCOP PL Championship
$10,000 added
$200 PLHE
Thursday, November 6
Event 13
LEOCOP Second Chance Plus 2
$10,000 added
$200 NLHE
Friday, November 7
Event 14
LEOCOP Short Handed Championship
$15,000 added
$500 NLHE 6-max
Saturday, November 8
Event 15
LEOCOP Heads-Up Championship
$10,000 added
$500 NLHE
Sunday, November 9
Event 16
LEOCOP Main Event
$250,000 added
$1,000 NLHE
Saturday, November 22
Event 17
LEOCOP IV Masters Event
$120,000 added freeroll
Titan Poker Satellites Reward Twofold For Online Poker Player
August 22, 2008
Titan Poker has been promoting some major tournament Satellites of late, and Austrian online poker player Michael Schwaiger has made the most of it, not winning just one exceptional Satellite competition, but two.
Schwaiger has landed himself an all-expense paid trip and buy-in to the illustrious Sun City Million Dollar Poker Tournament in South Africa, as well as a seat in the most lucrative online poker tournament in the history of Titan Poker; a $2.5 million guarantee. Both events are scheduled to kick off in September.
Palace of the Lost City Hotel, Sun City, South Africa
The $10,500 prize package to the Sun City Million Dollar Poker Tournament includes the Main Event buy-in, seven-night luxury hotel accommodations at the Palace of the Lost City Hotel (pictured), ranked among the world’s most extraordinary hotel lodgings. A week’s free entry to the hotel’s Spa is included, along with a few other perks, like golfing, a hot air balloon ride and tickets to ‘Let There Be Rock’. $2,500 of the prize package is provided for travel expenses and extra spending cash.
“A dream became complete with this win!” exclaimed an elated Michael Schwaiger after his triumphant victory. “To participate at the biggest poker tournament in Africa is, for me personally something very special. To stay in one of the most beautiful hotels in the world is almost inapprehensible."
Upon returning from this impressive vacation package, Schwaiger’s thrill ride continues as he will attempt to battle it out with the best of the online poker world by competing in the Titan Poker $2,500,000 Guarantee, the largest prize pool in the history of the online poker room.
“Thanks to Titan Poker for affording me entry to these events,” Michael very appreciatively - and surely still in awe of his new-found situation - expressed. “More than this, congratulations to Titan Poker that it has such a large assortment of tournaments to offer."
Some of the Titan Poker tournaments Schwaiger was likely alluding to would be the upcoming Grosvenor UK Poker Tour (GUKPT) and the 2008 Australia Poker Cup in October. Satellite and qualifiers to these stupendous live poker events are held daily at Titan Poker.
New Poker Lounge for Hard Rock Casino in Vegas
August 21, 2008
The Hard Rock Casino is usually on top of most trends, a trend creator rather than a follower, but they are definitely behind the competition when it comes to poker, poker rooms, and poker profits.
In the past a lot of the visitors of Las Vegas were found wandering a long the strip were generally in search of slots machines... and an icy cold free drinks, slot machines still have their fans, but it's poker that's creating all the buzz on the is the game of poker.
In response, casino's throughout the strip have started beefing up their poker rooms to more then a small cabled off area into a large stylish poker rooms full of poker tables. Turns out poker players like these stylish new poker rooms, and therefore more players are attracted to the area.
Well if you were casino hopping looking for a casino full of fish you would have been surprised when you asked the staff of the Hard Rock Casino where there poker room was. Because up until now they didn't have one so to catch up with other casinos in the area they have created a new Poker Lounge.
The Poker Lounge is a $30 million dollar tear drop shaped poker room and a club. Now when you ask where the poker room is you will be quite happy with the answer and what awaits you in the Lounge. The Poker Lounge is equipped with a full service bar, slots, video poker and 18 new poker tables.
Zaff Designs was in charge of creating the new hot poker place at the Hard Rock Casino and you will find dark wood accents throughout and over sized leather chairs, no more squishing into tiny uncomfortable chairs. Players can now play all kinds of poker in the new facility including No Limit with Kills as well as Straddles.
There will also be tournaments played regularly including deep stack tourneys on weekends for a $330 and a $540 dollar buy in. You can also play in a variety of sit n go styled games for much lower buy ins, starting at $65 dollars up to $2,200 dollars.
Since it isn't just a run of the mill poker room players and guests in the Poker Lounge will be treated to a sixteen zone speaker system so you can dance in your seat and have something to listen to besides other players bluffing and bragging.
FTOPS IX Rides Into The Sunset: Full Tilt Poker Series Recap
August 21, 2008
It was a short, but intensely thrilling 11-days at Full Tilt Poker as the ninth installment of the 25-event Full Tilt Online Poker Series (FTOPS IX) has closed its final chapter, locked the door and ridden off into the sunset – at least until FTOPS X rolls around next year (and the crowd goes wild!).
The largest kudos of the series has to go to ‘dubbeemin’, who took down the FTOPS IX Main Event on the final day. Battling it out with ‘valleyho’ in heads-up, dubbeemin held the clear lead of more than 3-to-1 in chips when the final hand played out. The Flop - 9c-7c-6d – gave both players a strong Flush Draw, with valleyho hiding Kc-10c and dubbeemin the Qc-Jc. The Turn brought Ad, no help for dubbeemin, but when Jd fell on the River, he paired up to take the pot, the 1st place prize of $432,400, and the esteemed FTOPS IX Championship Title.
The FTOPS IX Main Event victory was certainly an admirable accomplishment, but the MVP of the entire Full Tilt Poker series went to Kevin ‘GetPWN4D’ Saul, winning the FTOPS IX Leaderboard competition by 61 points. Saul started things off with a 4th place victory in Event #12, followed by a 10th place finish in Event #16 and 2nd place in Event #17 to give him the clear lead throughout the remainder of FTOPS IX, ending with 500 points.
Saul’s only rival on the FTOPS IX Leaderboards was Yuval ‘yuvee04’ Bronshtein who gave an astounding performance worthy of the record books by becoming the first player in Full Tilt Poker history to win back-to-back FTOPS events. Bronshtein finished 1st in Events #14 and #15, which – even more amazingly – started on the same day, at the same time. The latter being a turbo style tournament, you simply have to commend such devout concentration. Bronshtein earned 200 Leaderboard points for each win, boosting him to 439 as the series came to an end.
Last but not least, we have to mention the biggest single-cash prize winner of FTOPS IX who was not the winner of the FTOPS Main Event, as one may reasonably assume, but rather ‘hAAydon’, winner of FTOPS IX Event #22. With a $2,500+$120 buy-in, the 2-day event saw 942 entries trumping the original $2mil GP to $2,355,000 – enough to pay a top prize of $541,650 to hAAydon for routing the competition.
Congratulations to all of you FTOPS IX winners out there who earned a combined total of well over $15 million. As the excitement slowly flickers like a candle flame with depleting air supply, we say a fond farewell to FTOPS IX; and to Full Tilt Poker, please do hurry back with the next, anticipated installment of the Full Tilt Online Poker Series.
Absolute Poker Back in the Hot Seat
August 20, 2008
The online poker cheating saga began with Absolute Poker, insider cheating, corrupt ownership, or a programmer that left a whole in online poker software, a whole that millions of dollars leaked out of. Then the Ultimate Bet Scandal put Absolute Poker and their skeletons back into the proverbial closet. However, according to Poker News Daily rumors have surfaced that Phil Tom the father Scott Tom, Absolute Poker's founder was indicted in conjunction with the Absolute Poker Cheating scandal.
Phil Tom is one of Absolute Poker's original investors, one of the first four guys from way back in university days that hooked up and put together what is now known as Absolute Poker. A lot has happened with these boys since college days however, and recently there has been whisperings of sealed documents around the internet. It's said that these documents were filed in the United States and that these documents are aimed directly at the senior Tom.
An article written on Poker News Daily hinted that Absolute Poker's management and founders can no longer travel freely to and from the United States. The article goes on to further explain that the founders of the online gambling company fear prosecution from the Federal Government.
Phil Tom denies any such rumor.
The Absolute Poker scandal first came to light in later 2007 when Marco Johnson also known as "CrazyMarco" online began questioning fellow online poker player POTRIPPER. The hands that caught Johnson's attention included POTRIPPER calling Johnson with a Ten high hand against his Nine high.
A customer service representative at Absolute Poker sent a document that would eventually change the history of online poker as it was written. In an email Johnson received all the information he needed to be pretty sure foul play was involved in the outcome of an online poker tournament. IP addresses were included, players hole cards, among other personal information about each player in the tournament and those merely observing the game.
The online poker world became it's own clean up crew. The data was used to uncover the fact that an online poker account belonging to online poker player POTRIPPER was owned by none other than Scott Tom.
Phil Tom was asked if there was any truth to the rumors reported by Poker News Daily. 'No' he told them, "I don't know what I'd be indicted for' he went on questioning the validity of the question itself when he asked, 'How do they know what's in the supposed indictment, It's sealed!'
The Kahnawake Gambling Commission served as the governing authority in the first cheating incident uncovered. Their findings showed no evidence of the 'impugned activities benefiting the corporate entity'. As a result, Absolute Poker was fined less than the original damages in question and told to pay $500,000.00, no ones really certain to whom the money was to be paid. In addition to the fine Absolute Poker was required to pay all of the investigation costs.