Slow Play is Good

I have noticed that my play is better when I play on a slower connection. I haven't fully figured out why or measured the difference completely. But I think there are a few interesting things going on.

First, because on a slower connection, I typically have less time to act when play comes around to me, I am thinking ahead. Do I really want to play these cards? What kind of bet will get my opponent to Call? to Bet? to Raise? to Fold? How can I get my opponents to act the way I want them to act? Slower connections cause me to focus more on the game.

Second, I think my slow connection masks my decision times. Most of the time when I act I am being counted down on the time to act clock. It confuses most opponents who are not paying attention. They tend to think I am slow, dumb, and a newbie fish. This gives them the wrong impression, and I work with that.

Third, my slow connection irritates my opponents. I am used to my slow connection, because I always deal with it. My concentration is good so I don't get bored. Most of my opponents are from the MTV generation of after and have shorter attention spans. They want action, Action, ACTION now, Now, NOW. I can see their irritation in the Chat Box. If they are cursing me for playing slow in the chat box, I know they are getting irritated and I concentrate on finding a way to work on that opponent.

Oh Jeez, was this actual poker content?

My advice? Slow down and Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

Probably Old News to Anyone Reading

I received the following press release and thought it might be of interest to the one or two people still checking this blog. I in no way am profiting by passing along this press release:

FORT WORTH, Texas – Gatlin Education Services announced today its Casino Poker
Dealer course is now available for immediate enrollment. The 100-hour course,
supplied by poker industry’s elite high-roller and founder of Johnny Chan Academy , will be offered through Gatlin’s partnership with major colleges and universities.

The online course, offered in both English and Mandarin, will prepare students for a career in the casino industry’s table game environment by providing direction from 10-time winner of the World Series of Poker, Johnny Chan. This highly interactive training program teaches the methods, techniques and mannerisms of professional poker players through the use of streaming multimedia and instructional video e-mails.

Casino Poker Dealer is the first of three courses to be released in 2007 as part of the
Casino Gaming program. Gatlin plans to provide Learn to be a Black Jack Dealer and Learn to be a Baccarat Dealer in September.

“We are really excited to have this partnership with Gatlin Education Services,” said Kevin Upton, Director of Distance Learning for Johnny Chan Academy . “A career as a casino poker dealer is not only well-paying, but it’s gaining more interest as the game of poker has increased its popularity worldwide in the last few years. We are happy to provide students with the opportunity to be successful by learning from the best in the industry.”

Casino Poker Dealer is a perfect course for long-time poker fanatics as well as individuals who are new to the game. The course covers basic fundamentals such as shuffling, limits and how to handle cheques in today’s most popular card games including Seven Card Stud, Omaha and Texas Hold ‘Em. Students will have their skill progression critiqued by a professional poker dealer instructor, and after successfully
completing the program, the advisors at the Johnny Chan Academy will assist with
job placement and support.

Established in 1989 by Stephen Gatlin, Gatlin Education Services is the largest provider of Web-based, instructor-supported training to community colleges and universities. Gatlin’s online career training courses are open enrollment, allowing interested students to start their desired training immediately. Gatlin’s courses are designed to provide the skills necessary to acquire professional caliber positions for many in-demand occupations.

The Johnny Chan Academy offers the only poker school on the Internet that features lessons, tips and insight from poker legend, Johnny Chan. Chan has been described as the world’s most famous professional poker player, holding two World Series of Poker championship titles (in 1987 and 1988) and an impressive ownership of 10 WSOP bracelets. He is a founding member of the World Poker Association and was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2002.

I am in no way endorsing this. If you find it useful - great.

As always, Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

Three Quarters Poker

The infinite wisdom of the citizens of three counties has spoken. There will be Table Games including POKER in at three of the four West Virginia race tracks. Unfortunately, Charles Town Races and Slots is in Jefferson County which voted not to have Table Games. So, if you are planning a trip to West Virginia (and who isn't these days) plan it around one of the three tracks that has gaming. Of course you might need to wait until they are actually set up and ready to go. They were hoping to be ready in late September, but it looks more like at least mid-November before they actually shuffle up and deal.

Until then, enjoy beauty of the Mountain State and later - The Pokery Goodness.