Poker Journey Where Did I Come From? Journey Part 1

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Poker Journey Where Did I Come From? Journey Part 1

I was pretty shocked today to be asked by a colleague and friend just how I started out in this wonderful world of poker. It prompted me to jump to my blog and do some all needed writing. I figured it was time to mark my poker journey. Where did I come from? How did it start? What have I achieved and where have I come to? The first part of a journey is always where it starts. So where did i come from? How did my poker life begin?

Once upon a time in far away Australia there lived a lady in her mid twenties who had some wonderful kids, no partner, no money and no social life. She spent many a night at home after the children retired to bed bored out of her mind for hours on end. Not being able to afford much at all this lady pulled out an old PC and started tinkering away on it on her newly ordered dialup internet connection. She was a big reader so spent most of her nights simply reading things on various internet sites.

One day she had read enough, she couldn't be bothered reading anything else, she felt like playing games and with no man around had no one to play with (lol). She typed in the words "online games" hoping to find something like a mind games site, something like Mensa mind games. Instead of Mensa Mind Games in front of her curious eyes popped up the words "Play Free Online Poker, Download Poker For Free, Play with Real Live people." The lady clicked the link and went to the download page and after waiting about an hour for her dialup connection to download the new poker game she made an account.

The curious lady went straight ahead and found a free money table she could join. There was one she found with 1 seat available and she could see the people on it all chatting very nicely to each other. She joined the table and immediately was welcomed and asked where she came from. Poker wasn't new to her, she had seen the game played as a child and had played many a draw game but playing online poker, keeping up with these weird betting techniques as well as the chat (which may as well have been like that at a BBQ) she found pretty hard.

Over the following hours she got to know a little about the people she had joined and also those who came along as the night grew. She found out that these people all gathered daily. At one stage they pointed out that there was a very long wait line to join the table and it was always a resident friend. The young lady was pointed in the direction of the buddy list and told to add them all and find them tomorrow by clicking their name. She did just that!

The same time the very next evening, the evening after and many, many, many evenings after the lady joined the same people to play a nightly game of poker and chat with her friends about love, life and all the things that came with it. She then found a freeroll tournaments tab and wouldn't you know it! She played her very first tournament with more then 800 players and WON!

Realizing there was not only fun, but also money in online poker the young lady decided she would take a punt and play each night after her kids went to bed to see how much money she could make. Before she knew it she was playing and winning a nice $300 a week which sure as hell made her life a little more comfortable.

The kids loved the bonuses, the lady started saving and she was no longer bored out of her brain. The lady and her family lived happily ever after! Actually; they lived happily ever after until today as she writes this blog post. This is just the start of an amazing poker journey. More tales from both sides of the felt of how my life became where it is today coming up!

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Danielle Poker World Update

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Danielle Poker World Update

Well, its been quite some time since I have written which is quite odd right? Regardless, here I go again with a Danielle Poker World update. Due to many things that have happened behind the scenes my blogging and article writing has been on the back burner. Time to kick it into gear again!


So behind the scenes for me I have been watching the updates and legal crap I really need to and want to know about when it comes to online poker. I have been sorting out my own poker game as I was slacking a little on my studies etc etc, I have been starting web development on my own sites and finalizing projects which have been running for a very long time. I have started working a regular job but to do with poker and casino gaming (of course).


During this course I have had many meetings and discussions about our Australian Poker News issues and the effect many online changes have had on it. I have also helped with the upgrading of Australian Poker Weekly from print to online (which is almost done - yay!)


My fair share of health problems has kept me from radio, although I started back again today on ontiltradio.com where I discussed all the health issues i have had - funny show, too bad you missed it :D Music scene has seen me write some more lyrics for Jimmie Lees up and coming album - make sure you watch for them!


I will get back to and continue my moms in poker articles on womanpokerplayer.com and when it comes to womens poker August sets womenspokernews.com back into motion and full operation.


I will be working as an editor on pokerlivenews.com and many other sites in the coming months you will see this in sudden full swing with pokerlivenews being a 2 year project in reality, the same for some other sites but pokerlivenews and womenspokernews my babies. You may also see pokersitenews.com and pokeradd.com pop up out of no where, kind of like my sons site did: deckboy.com (not bad for a 10 year old to own huh?).


I am looking for writers at the moment and have had many offers of contribution so people can get their name out into the industry. Most of us started working for free, if your interested keep this in mind. I am after alllllll kinds of writers! News, articles, strategy, pokerlife, sportsbetting, poker celebrity paparazzi if you must, comedy - anything poker that your heart desires that is YOUR style!!! Email me at hotauschick@gmail.com to submit an example of your work. Writers will be eventually paid, just like with every growing news site and every growing writer.


I am awaiting more details on the Poker Player Academy which I thought looked quite fantastic and will update as soon as i get them. It seems very upstanding with some great named pros in. Although it works kind of like a pyramid, its all about the training as far as i am concerned and if it comes from the best - yay!


I have had discussions with many people around the world about the live poker scene and are really happy to see some series expanding and also offering ladies only events. I have also been watching the WSOP carefully, up until Tony Hachem busted and then I turned it off (sorry everyone!). I was hoping to see a final table for him - NEXT YEAR!!!!!


My online tournament play has been pretty good. My last 3 games:


74/2955
26/387
50/1322


Still trying to work on that win, it surely will come this weekend! (Hopefully not in a $1 entry - an $11 or $20 would be better :) )


That is all for now, not much else to say other then i am hungry and tired and its time to sleep for this crazy little poker chick! Again, if you are interested in pushing your name into the community in a big way through writing email me as per above.

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THE JERSEY OUTLAW, JIMMIE LEE HITS BIG EVENTS THIS SUMMER

Thursday, June 9, 2011

THE JERSEY OUTLAW, JIMMIE LEE HITS BIG EVENTS THIS SUMMER

Jimmie Lee, The Jersey Outlaw-The Bad Boy of Country Rock, gets ready to make the big splash this summer in the country rock and poker arena with several big events that promise to be the best of the best! Jimmies got big events that include live venues, poker tournament appearances, the big photo shoot at the Chelsea Hotel , release of a new CD-KID VEGAS, and many more extravaganzas!! The Outlaw's just hit Vegas and left a trail of dust behind, in what claims to be the big poker anthem for the poker world with his new song , IM ALL IN. Jimmies new hit single combines rock with crossover country and a dash of rap , and perfectly captures the emotions that poker players feel while waiting for that crucial card! This explosive single has taken the poker world by storm, and has been the "talk of the town" in many poker magazines, as well as receiving major airplay on several poker radio stations. Supermodel Cindy Margolis loves the song, and commented, "The only thing hotter than Jimmies song....is Jimmie himself!"

Jimmie Lee is taking to the stage for the 2011 Jersey Outlaw "ALL OR NOTHING" Road Tour with planned stops in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Antonio, Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, Atlantic City and more. Some of the shows are headlining gigs, while others will see Jimmie open for classic acts as Thorogood, ZZ Top, and others. Our Bad Boy of Country Rock has the Big Photo Shoot slated for Weds, June 29th at the Chelsea Hotel in Atlantic City. The rumor is that Jimmies locked down Top Playboy Models for this event, compliments of Mike Esterman, celebrity booking agent!

So, as you can see, The Jersey Outlaw is definitely taking the ride into country rock stardom, and Jimmies one to watch and definitely one to listen to!


The Outlaw will also be making select appearances at Celebrity and Charity Poker Tournaments throughout the year. These events feature Jimmie and The Bandito Girls , with track shows, and are always a big hit with the poker players! There's rumor that Jimmies new single may make it to the World Series of Poker this year, as the theme song, which airs on ESPN.

And, there are big poker events planned in Atlantic City and Las Vegas throughout the year, and look for Jimmie Lee , who will be the featured artist at some of these live tournaments. The Outlaw is cross-branding with the release of the New Jimmie Lee Collector Poker T-Shirt, now available at www.highrollerclothing.com. So as you can see, Jimmie Lee has made a huge dent into the poker arena this year with his new hit single.

Hot news just off the press!! The Jersey Outlaw has just written a new poker song, HIT THE RIVER RUNNING, with hotaussiechick and poker guru, Danielle Adams-Benham, soon to be released along with 5 new killer songs. Jimmies new Album, JIMMIE LEE-KID VEGAS will debut this Fall 2011, with the style of music more in the rock genre!

Psst!! Jimmie may be appearing on a Top TV Reality Show later this year, as talks are in the works!! This is really big, and we'll keep you all informed on this.

Jimmie Lee brings a new breed of country rock music to the scene- country horse powered sound, that's sure to bring the house down!! Lee is known for delivering powerful shows and concerts, and he performs as though his life depends upon it. The Outlaw always delivers a stimulating show and packs in sold out crowds for all his performances. Jimmies hit songs include Lets Go, Kickin Ass, Country Rocker, Gimme A Holler, Forever 29 and more hot songs.

On June 29th Jimmie Lee will do a spectacular photo shoot for his new CD with beautiful models at the world famous Chelsea Hotel in Atlantic City. Jimmie Lee's models were booked via Esterman.com


Be sure to keep an eye on the Outlaw, check him out at www.jimmieleesongs.com, YOUTUBE, i-tunes, and be sure not to miss these big events this summer. . Jimmie Lee has ignited a fire that has put him over the top this year!! For interviews NeilCiruccipr@aol.com

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Phil Iveys Actual Legal Filing

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Phil Iveys Actual Legal Filing

Anyone who doubted Phil Iveys actions can rest assured it is sealed in black and white. Below the filing of the suit and below the filing I have copied and pasted, some indications of what certain legal terms within it mean:

The electronic filing:

Location : District Court Civil/Criminal Help
Register of Actions
Case No. A-11-642387-C
Phillip Ivey, Jr., Plaintiff(s) vs. Tiltware LLC, Defendant(s) §

Case Type: Other Civil Filing
Subtype: Other Civil Matters
Date Filed: 06/01/2011
Location: Department 1
Conversion Case Number: A642387
Party Information
Lead Attorneys
Defendant
Tiltware LLC

Plaintiff
Ivey, Phillip Dennis, Jr.
David Zeltner Chesnoff

Retained

7023845563(W)
Events & Orders of the Court
OTHER EVENTS AND HEARINGS
06/01/2011 Case Opened
06/01/2011 Complaint
Complaint for Injunctive Relief, Declaratory Relief and Damages
Financial Information


Plaintiff Ivey, Phillip Dennis, Jr.
Total Financial Assessment 270.00
Total Payments and Credits 270.00
Balance Due as of 06/01/2011 0.00

06/01/2011 Transaction Assessment 270.00
06/01/2011 Wiznet Receipt # 2011-57045-CCCLK Ivey, Phillip Dennis (270.00)

Injunctive Relief is a court-ordered act or prohibition against an act or condition which has been requested, and sometimes granted, in a petition to the court for an injunction. Such an act is the use of judicial (court) authority to handle a problem, and is not a judgment for money. (A problem such as paying the FTP players).

From Wiki:

A declaratory judgment is a judgment of a court in a civil case which declares the rights, duties, or obligations of one or more parties in a dispute. A declaratory judgment is legally binding, but it does not order any action by a party. In this way the declaratory judgment is like an action to quiet title, a paternity petition, or any other form of preventive adjudication.The declaratory judgment is generally distinguished from an advisory opinion because the latter does not resolve an actual case or controversy. A court may issue a declaratory judgment by itself or along with some other relief (such as an award of damages or an injunction). A declaratory judgment is sometimes called a declaratory ruling, a term which also includes decisions of regulatory agencies.

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Phil Ivey Statement Facts Reasoning Speculations

Phil Ivey Statement Facts Reasoning Speculations

Phil Ivey Statement Facts Reasoning and Speculations are flying high! Why has he done this, whats he going to get out of this, what does this mean, whats the real motive, how will this effect the WSOP, is this an insult to poker - the list of things that i have seen written today goes on and on and on about Phil Ivey boycotting, not playing and refusing to play in the WSOP as he sues TiltWare. Excuse the lack of ? Marks, there are just too many questions being asked. Is Phil Ivey's Robin Hood act right or wrong?

Lets look at some things that have happened, firstly the statement which yyou can scroll past as you have no doubt already read it:

"For many years, I have been proud to call myself a poker player. This great sport has taken me to places I only imagined going and I have been blessed with much success. It is therefore with deep regret that I believe I am compelled to release the following statement.

I am deeply disappointed and embarrassed that Full Tilt players have not been paid money they are owed. I am equally embarrassed that as a result many players cannot compete in tournaments and have suffered economic harm. I am not playing in the World Series of Poker as I do not believe it is fair that I compete when others cannot. I am doing everything I can to seek a solution to the problem as quickly as possible.

My name and reputation have been dragged through the mud, through the inactivity and indecision of others and on behalf of all poker players I refuse to remain silent any longer. I have electronically filed a lawsuit against Tiltware related to the unsettled player accounts. As I am sure the public can imagine, this was not an easy decision for me.

I whole heartedly refuse to accept non-action as to repayment of players funds and I am angered that people who have supported me throughout my career have been treated so poorly.

I sincerely hope this statement will ignite those capable of resolving the problems into immediate action and would like to clarify that until a solution is reached that cements the security of all players, both US and International, I will, as I have for the last six weeks, dedicate the entirety of my time and efforts to finding a solution for those who have been wronged by the painfully slow process of repayment."

Ok, so there's the statement that has caused more press action and poker community talk then the start of the WSOP itself! In saying this, that question has come up -

Is this a press stunt? A stunt to gain more popularity? In my opinion anyone who thinks that is a numbskull! Does Phil Ivey at the start of the 2011 WSOP really need more press? I think now you have thought of that question you would agree that the answer is NO. He is always smothered by press, no need for more! He is also one to avoid it other then the normal marketing tactics such as playing and winning! His entrance causes enough highlights.

Is doing this making him a class act? Regardless of what the motives the answer is evident-ally YES, in the eyes of the poker world (most of the poker world) of course it is.

Is this wrong as he is disappointing the fans at the WSOP and will it effect it? There are more fans that play online poker, I think he is not disappointing fans, he will go to the WSOP and make an entrance now and again is my guess; but will not play in it as he stated. But will it make a difference? I always have said "It takes more then 1 man to make a stand usually" The WSOP will suffer if everyone takes the same stand - this is not going to happen and I would never support even the thought of it.

Should Phils supporters INSIST he play? I guess it is up to him in the long run and for now it appears he isnt lol, people are saying they should insist he plays and give back to him the same as he is trying to give. Maybe they could insist he play and donate 100% of proceeds to charity? If he did this, he wouldn't be like the other players who are unable to play, he wouldn't be playing to make himself a fortune, rather someone who desperately needs it. Could this show a real Robin Hood?

Phil is suing FTP so does that mean he is suing himself? Doesn't he own % of the site? Phil is suing Tiltware aka the owners and creators of Full Tilt Poker not FTP itself from what I figure if that at all makes any sense? Its like me starting DanielleWare and opening 10 companies, 1 of them being FTP... thats my thought anyway.... I am not quite sure how the business operations runs.

What is Phil taking a stand against, his issues have nothing to do with the WSOP?
Whilst the WSOP has nothing to do with the issues at hand he is obviously making a stand for the players who have not been paid and have suffered terrible financial hardships. People are losing homes and livelihoods over this. As a friend wrote on my facebook wall; "Sounds like a man that remembers where he comes from, No Home Jerome that's what they call him!!!"

The biggest player in the world, the best player in the world not playing at the biggest and best poker tournament in the world is one hell of a fucking voice don't you think? This has nothing to do with WSOP itself.

Will his actions directly hurt FTP relations with people outside the US?
I think if any harm was to be done to players that do not reside in the USA it was already done. US players are not getting paid, the site is still full of players from other countries. There are however some people refusing to deposit until they know they are safe.

How will this effect his contract with FTP?
Only a few people would know this. I certainly can't voice what is in his contract but can assume it includes some amount of online play. I can however say that when I was unable to play online for a site I once represented my contract was obviously screwed up - I assume Phil has to play online for a period of time also. I think there would have already been contract issues and possible talks of cancellation for all US pros.

Is this because his account is frozen?
I am sure that he would be more then annoyed about his account being frozen, but ummm this is Phil Ivey we speak about here. Do you really think that having his FTP funds frozen means he will lose his house, starve, lose his car, have his phone services cut etc? NO the answer is clearly NO.

Anymore questions? Shoot me an email: hotauschick@gmail.com . Keep in mind, I am merely speculating my thoughts based on a little knowledge. I will be taking your questions and statements live on air to ontiltradio.com in a new up and coming debate over the weekend.

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Divided Global Online Poker United

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Divided Global Online Poker United

I am so annoyed right now about the divided global online poker issue. By divided I mean divided communities, divided friends, divided continents and divided countries. The division isn't just in relation to the laws that each country may have, or even the divide on whether or not online poker should be banned. This divide goes further then most people see. It goes deep into the hearts of once were close nit poker communities that played games together.

At the moment I have no right to sit and play a game of friendly poker online with friends that i have played with for almost 2 years. Some friends I have played online with for more then 7 years! We have to choose a site that caters for us both. A site that caters for both Australia and the USA and also of course the European countries. Its getting hard! Its getting very hard.

The sites that cater for all players have a low amount of traffic and so players are not happy and wont happily play there together. This causes a further divide as people beg their friends to join this site and join that site. When it comes to Australia mostly we do not have it too bad at the moment. We still have the luxury of playing on the online giants. That doesn't mean we can play with mates though and have discussions about our games. Simply we cant and that's something I personally treasured. Chatting to and joining into games with my buddies overseas is something I thoroughly enjoyed!

Many a player is happy to stick with the sites they are on and I respect that. I will personally continue playing the GTD tournaments and some cash games on FTP. Many of my overseas buddies have opted to play on merge which I so greatly miss. I say however we all work together on breaking the divide and breaking down the walls stopping us from having our regular play together. To stand united is just what we need.

There is no point USA and PPA standing up and attempting to just legalize online play in the USA for without Australia and Europe USA have still lost customers (as such). What we need is unity, global unity! I am the first to jump in and support the PPA but having branches globally is going to help. PPA (poker players alliance) as far as i am concerned is for all players and working at the moment on the areas most hard hit. Who however is working on preventative measures and discussion with governments in other countries other then the USA? I am thinking no-one! An individual here and there but there is no united platform.

As you see, it isnt just the FBI, DOJ and governments from around the world and of course the limitations to play on certain sites dividing global online poker - but rather the online poker players themselves. Uniting to places such as ELG sites, Bodog and BetSharks which accept all players from all countries is a good start. Branching the PPA out to other countries is the second thing we should do. Any takers? Australia? Europe? We need reps! If not reps as part of the PPA reps on an individual level that can pass information back and forth globally so everyone knows what on earth is going on on a global scale.

We really need to prove we will not give up and we need to keep online poker moving as much as we can. I know when it comes to the rules and regulations in Australia I know stuff all, I would like to be able to go to a site that spells it out for me though, as well as what is going on with developments on bannings and also reinstating against bans. Also knowing when there are law changes would be good!

Anyway there's my 2 cents worth, global uniting on sites that accept us all to make the job harder for the DOJ and FBI to close us entirely in the USA and joining forces all the way around the world! I would like to know your thoughts and also if you happen to be a representative from any country. Do let me know!

USA, Australian, Europe, ALL players are accepted!
Let me know if you would like a private game set up because I personally wouldn't mind one with my mates!

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Rich Poker Players Poor Poker Players

Friday, May 27, 2011

Rich Poker Players Poor Poker Players

I have always watched the top poker players in the world online and offline and realize while doing this that poker usually (I say usually for a reason) is like anything you invest in on the earth. You have to have money to make money. Sure the poorer poker players can still make money but not nearly as much as those already rich.

There are the poker players who have made the way up the food chain from pretty much nothing dollar wise (or were rich in life already). These are the exception and why I say "usually". But lets face it, on any given day where you might make $50, $300 or there about which is withdrawn for those little extras or for paying your bills if you are semi pro, the richer poker players are making up to $20,000 sometimes more. Evident-ally it is easier for a rich poker player to make that kind of money, how can you (if you are a poor poker player) possibly make 20k in 1 day, unless from a massive MTT cash of course!

Pretty much when it comes down to the line between rich players and poor players this is what is required to dive above that line and be a rich player - a big MTT win will get you there, a few big MTT wins will definitely get you there. Its either this, win the lottery or grind almost every day until you can not grind anymore. The issue is with this kind of grinding are you really going to suddenly become a rich poker player? I think you can make a lot of money but certainly not enough to safely place $10,000 on a table any time soon.

To become a rich poker player is going to take a game plan. It is going to take the big bankroll boosters in the form of MTT cashes. It is also going to take a lot of study and patience and persistence. Not almost as much however as grinding cash tables from a micro level for the next 5 years, or I would think not anyway!

So, putting that plan in place is the big step for most of "us". I am far from a rich player obviously. How does one make a plan to combat the micros?

Firstly you can read my last post on free coaching, strategy etc - this is a good start. Hit the books! Study up on your MTT play, SNG play, hand ranges, Cash Games, whatever you may need to study and include in this your own game play! Betting patterns, unnecessary risk taking behavior, playing your hands correctly and also reading your fellow players. Remember to keep your games separately cash is not tournament and tournament is not cash. But you do need to keep in mind that you will have to play both. Cash pays for tournaments!

Set up your schedule, play your cash games, grind them to enable you to play the next thing you should as part of your rising.... Satellites or small guaranteed buy ins. The satellites will see you make your way cheaply into the large tournaments. The large tournaments if you play your cards correctly; again; are where you are going to make the bulk of your money. You can not be taking money from your pocket non stop - this is another unnecessary risk and bad for you in my opinion. Work on a certain deposit and stick to it, work your way into the larger payers.

Step by step by step is the way to go in my opinion. Study, play cash games to fund satellites or small GTD buy ins and hit the big money from here. I have been grinding cash tables for too long now to make ends meet and would certainly prefer to win a cool $1k in hours from an MTT that I paid $3 entry for. Of course, once my roll is a little more built up that 1k is easy on cash tables whilst grinding.

There are many ways that poker players have become richer players. But this is one pattern I have noticed which seems to work for the majority and is also the way I am "attempting" to do it. The only thing I personally have to do is be careful at the micro cash tables. Currently as i write this blog post I am playing a 25c/50c table and being smacked :-| Smacked with hands such as AKc vs K3os when they hit K3 on the flop. Makes playing higher stakes seem like the thing to do, I am sure there will be an availability to read players easier when they are not calling 4 x the BB raises with absolute junk! Hopefully in the weeks to come I shall be able to let you know!

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Free Poker Strategy Coaching Lessons

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Free Poker Strategy Coaching Lessons

There is debate after debate after debate over the game of poker every day. We all think differently about the game and play differently too! No 2 players play the same and no 2 hands are the same, this make the game so hard to make a mark in. As it gets more and more competitive players are turning to coaches and books. Here is my thought on that! Get free coaching, free strategy and free poker lessons!

Think back to the days when you were learning the most basic aspects of the game. What did you do? You asked people and they told you what you wanted to hear. They told you how the game was played, what the best hands were, how to know when you have to put blinds out and what community cards are. You may have gone a little further and read the basic rules of poker on the internet.

From this point, you may have gone on to watch some players play some big pots and win some big tournaments such as the WSOP. You may have watched poker on TV for hours on end as you fell in love with the game. Furthermore, there may have been some additional things you wondered about in which case you jumped onto the internet and did a little search. You may have been curious of how much money people win or what the best sites to play on were.

Each time you have a poker question or want to know about your game you turn to someone or something. Usually that someone or something is a free source, even if that free source is simply to complain about a bad beat you copped or ask- what would you have done? In poker we are all each others free source. The issue is you ask 5 people for advice and they all give a different answer. Let's keep in mind unless it is an answer that does not contain variables this will happen every time.

There are so many people out there providing coaching and writing books. This can all add up to a fair amount of money for a new player. It can add up to a fair amount of money for a more advanced player as well. The books on poker mathematics as an example, these are far from "cheap".

I have a suggestion for you all - go for free advice, free lessons, free coaching and free strategy! Anything you find in a book you will find on the internet when it comes to strategy from the most basic to advanced levels. All opinions will differ that you read, but so do all poker books. There is no difference; ok there is a difference!!!! The internet costs you $0.

When it comes to coaching, are you better off with 1 coach or 20 coaches? Partaking in discussions in forums, asking your questions will get some quality answers. Its really as easy as typing to someone on the other side of the world as to type on a forum "sorry I dont understand what you mean!" Everyone who plays poker talks poker is the point, most of them type poker too. Get discussing, make yourself in the position where you have multiple sources for personalized information; free.

There are also many free coaches around, free until you win big! Lets face it though, if you do win big you can then smile as you hand over 10k! So what!?! You still have 90k! Get a Pro Bono coach to help you on your way, or rather - give you lessons. Many people will analyse your game before taking you on, a student must suit the lesson giver as much as the lesson giver must suit the student.

Its really easy to find what you want. Type a question and press enter or search for free strategy, free poker lessons, free coaching. If you would rather pay or are after a certain book then sure go ahead and buy them, but know that this is one persons opinion and you; again; can have 20!

What are you waiting for???? Get out there and start studying - poker study should be as important as playing the game itself for you and you have no time to waste! Get those graphs going up now! Be sure to make your own plan of what poker curriculum you plan to learn and study before you get started though otherwise you will be going around in circles. Structure it for yourself to work in perfectly for each study session!

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Benefits Tips Playing Suited Connectors

Monday, May 23, 2011

Benefits Tips Playing Suited Connectors

The big debate! Playing premium poker hands, waiting for premium poker hands, having patience, raking everyone's bucks up each time those pocket aces are in your hand. Do we sit and wait for these hands or mix and match it around a little? As Gus Hansen always says "A little bit of this, a little bit of that". Do we play all hands when we are in position to do so - ANY TWO CARDS or wait?

I answered a question on facebook not so long ago - "What is the best starting hand?". It doesn't take a genius to determine this right? AA without a doubt in my mind! AA was of course my answer. This does not mean that it is the best hand after the flop though, it also doesn't mean its the best hand if you are seen as a Gus Hansen and are deadly when it comes to those suited connectors and small pairs. Any good player post flop if they are smart enough will fold pocket aces if they suspect it must be done. Pocket aces are the best starting hand and premium hands are the best hands to start with, in most cases.

There are times when not sitting waiting for premium poker hands is a must. When must we mix and match our game about?

When you are being blinded out and need to protect your blinds, you must play in a tournament. Folding and busting with minimal chips just isn't going to work. Pick your spots and play your cards. Before you do however, be sure to have a plan in your head, if you miss the flop - you need to be representing a hand you do not have and be willing to back off.

When you are on a table full of tight bums playing suited connectors and small pairs its a must in my opinion to play suited connectors and small pairs, even 69suited is sexy to me! You know they are all waiting for their pocket aces and AK /AQ/ AJ/ JJ and so on and so forth so if you hit the flop nicely they are doomed. Be sure to get a nice price on these cards though. You wouldn't call an all in - that would be stupid. Get nice pot odds for your cards. As per above, be sure to have a plan in your head, if you miss the flop - you need to be representing a hand you do not have and be willing to back off.

Play them around the blinds on cash tables, specifically short handed. I have found this to be an optimal way of keeping the cash in your kitty for the premium hands that you will eventually get. You can not just sit there waiting for AA KK QQ - If you do, you are going broke. Raise, if you are re-raised again, back off. The amount of cash you can make stealing, stealing stealing is amazing. If you hit the flop with 2 pair or a set and your opponent hits their ace, again its bliss for you.

Play them occasionally to take away the "rock solid player" title you may have been given, it will ensure you will be paid off when your big hands hit. Show the cards if you need to fold (not always just once or twice) and the other players may be thinking this guy plays anything therefore when you hit a nice big premium hand they will throw their cash your way, believing you have crap (I must specify not all players just some).

Lets consider the attributes of a player that plays premium hands and pocket pairs only. They fold, fold, fold, fold and then call. What have they got? It doesnt take a genius to work out 22,33,44,55,66,77,88,99 is sitting in their hands right? Maybe A 10 off suit? We know they dont have 78, 9 10, 56 etc - they only play premium hands and small pockets. A 10 is likely the worse of the Ax combinations and 99 the worst of the lower pockets - why? They are rock solid and tight and flat called.....

Next your in a hand with them and they raise! ummm Dude, I know you have AA, KK, QQ, JJ, 10 10, Ak, AQ, AJ and possibly A10 suited. Do you really want to be as readable as that? Stop, think and smile as you play your mix and match hands as you know that they cant read you and if they do what are they reading?

Playing suited connectors and small pairs equates to the following attributes (compared to the rock solid premium card player):

Little me the mix and match player that has shown a few connected suited starting hands and small pairs and even a 69 suited has flat called - lets look at the difference of what my hand ranges are and how much harder I am to read. I flat call I could have 22,33,44,55,66,77,88,99, A10, 23s, 34s, 45s, 56s, 67s, 78s, 89s, 9 10s. also add 10 Jos, J Qos, KQos. Much wider range yeah? Not predictable! Very Scarey!

So, now I raise! AA, KK, QQ, JJ, 10 10, AK, AQ, AJ, A 10 suited or otherwise, KQs, QJ suited or possibly an of the lower pairs such as 99,88,77,66 depending on the table I play at - again, a much larger hand range right?

Let's place me in a fictional hand with the rocks - those only playing premium starting hands. I am in the BB and the rock raises 3 times the BB. I am getting not so bad odds with my 9 10s. The flop is QJ8 - The opponent is all but shipping every last cent into the pot with QQ, JJ right? Bring it on! I have a straight and a flush draw! Would they even suspect this if i had not previously shown I was a rock? I think not. The flop could be very different though, in this case I know i am beaten and its time to back off!

Playing suited connectors isn't a good idea from first position in my experience, there are so many more people to act so don't do it, you will waste you money pre flop. There is a time, there is a place too. In your blind areas and on a table when there are no more LAGS (loose aggressive players) left to act. A lot must be considered and studied before playing them. Don't lose your shirt attempting to hit a flop and know when and when not to chase.

Chase with your suited connectors post flop if you have a straight draw and a flush draw. No point taking a chance on a possible 6 outs right? Be a little aggressive if you are against a rock that you are positive have AK AQ AJ and see if they back off, if they don't its time for you to. Again do not lose your shirt! It can be a good trap or a very expensive outcome!

Before attempting to play suited connectors at any table with cash you really should study the odds and when and when not to play them a little more. Half of what I have written in this blog post is from my experience and I am not Gus Hansen or Daniel Negreanu. I don't claim to be an expert, just a person who wants to help players at a newbie level play the game a little more to its and their potential. I have been playing low limits of late and tonight I got my ass kicked playing premium hands only except for a miss click thanks to my little darling kids with an all in bet with me holding 74s lol. 2 days ago I smashed heads at the same limits as I threw in a "Little bit of this and a little bit of that". I certainly know what I prefer. Screw being read by other players bring on my suited connectors and some beautiful flops and tight players!

My favorite hand is today's blog pic! 78 is the year I was born, diamonds a girls best friend and suited connectors!

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APT Asian Series Manila 2011 Confirmed!

Friday, May 20, 2011

APT Asian Series Manila 2011 Confirmed!

The Asian Poker Tour (APT) is pleased to announce that it will be holding the latest stop in the APT Asian Series at the luxurious Resorts World Manila on August 17-23, 2011. The APT Asian Series is characterised by more affordable buy-in poker tournaments – typically half that of the regular APT tournaments – and is expected to attract strong interest from the region's poker community.

The APT Asian Series Manila tournament schedule has also been announced and will feature a
PHP 50,000 Main Event and 10 popular side events, as well as nine Main Event satellites. The series will kick off with the PHP 11,000 buy-in Heads Up event and be followed by the PHP 8,800 Head Hunter event. Other events on the calendar include a PHP 108,000 High Rollers event, the Ladies of Poker PHP 5,500 buy-in and the Greed PHP 8,800 event, among others.

Chief Executive Officer of the APT, Jeff Mann, said, "We are tremendously excited to announce the second installment of the APT Asian Series and are particularly pleased that we will be partnering once again with the very professional team and magnificent facilities – the best in the Philippines – at Resorts World Manila."

The last APT Asian Series tournament to be held was the inaugural Cebu event on January 10-17, 2011 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino's All In Poker Club. The honour of being the first winner of the Asian Series Main Event went to Sweden's Andreas Lindblom who outlasted a tough international field to take home a whopping PHP 1,875,300 in prize money.

Jeff Mann added: "The APT Asian Series tournament was conceived as a response to player requests for smaller buy-in tournaments in addition to the big APT events and the popularity of the Cebu event reflected this fact. The Manila tournament is expected to build upon this success and will provide the right events and structures catering to players of all levels."

Click here for a full list of the event schedule and stay tuned for more APT Asian Series updates as they come to hand, including information on how players will be able qualify for seats by entering satellites leading up to the tournament.

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