mortal_one's Poker Journey

Poker in a Post-Allegedly-Ponzi World

2011-09-23T12:32:00.000-04:00

No, this will not be some insightful, informative post on where the online poker industry is at present. Quite frankly, I could care less about online poker at this point. I do still play the occasional game with my son, but it is not really challenging me at all. I am out of work, with no bankroll, and a place to play poker only 20 minutes away. Is this the definition of hell? Maybe if I was as poker obsessed as I was 4 or 5 years ago, the answer would be yes. I am finding I can live without poker. Not that I want a pokerless existence.

The main problem I have seen and continue to see with online poker is not getting the website to run a clean game and keep their books straight. The main problem is cheating players. And it is not just that they cheat. It is the erosion of trust the sites have because they allow cheating to go on. This is the reason that when I was playing with real money, I was playing the lowest stakes (that and lack of bankroll). Why would I want to play in the middle or upper levels when I know there are easy ways to cheat and get away with it. I don't consider myself too much of a mark. I am always trying to figure out how thing can be done and cheating with online poker seems to be a fairly easy thing to do.

Legislation: Do states really believe they can make money with online poker limited to their own state? I am not sure how. The big sights had one thing going for them. They had tons of players, at all hours of the day and night. You wanted to play a game, it was there. With State-limited poker, there would be a lot fewer players out there, fewer games, fewer dollars to rake. And cheating would still occur.

What is the solution to online poker? I don't know. At the very least it needs to be heavily regulated, audited, and policed. I think the best level to do this in the US is to do it at the national level.

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness,

mortal_one

Poker Dream or My Dreams of Winning the WSOP Dashed.

2011-08-13T15:53:00.000-04:00

Last night I had an interesting poker dream.

I was entered in the WSOP Main Event. There were so many entrants that my starting table and about 15 others were in a "back room" somewhere in the Rio. The dealers were shady and took breaks when they felt like it. I did not recognize any of the players. What was even sketchier about the whole situation is that they didn't have enough tournament chips so some of my chips were Monopoly houses and hotels.

I would step away from the table and this one player who was way down on chips sat in my seat and tried to take over my chips. The dealer did nothing. I called the floor over and he said there was nothing in the rules to prevent it. At this point, I see AlCantHang over at another table talking with someone he knew. I tried to get his attention so I could explain what was happening. Al gave me a very disdainful look, apparently because I knew his name and did not have the SoCo to back it up. So he left.

At this point, the table is broken up and I am told I will be moving to a table in the main room. My chips are not counted or bagged. They are left on the table with chips from two other players. These two teenagers instead start pushing the table to the main room. I am following, because I do not trust them. They are pushing the table through the casino and at one point the table bumps the corner of a slot machine and some of my chips fall off. The table pushing teens ignore this and push the table faster. I grab the chips off the floor and continue my pursuit.

I lose sight of the table. And I come to an unmarked fork in the hallway. I ask someone which way the main room is and am pointed to the left. I follow the hallway up and come into a bar overlooking the main room just in time to see my table and chips come in through an entrance below. The teens stop the table and look at each other and grin. I know what they are going to do. I climb up on the railing and leap down. But I am too late to stop the teens from pushing 3 players worth of chips onto the floor mine included.

I am told by the tournament director that since the chips were not real chips and that they were mixed in with other players chips that I was disqualified. I start screaming at the TD and wake up.

I wonder if anyone had a similar, real experience.

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

Bits & Pieces

2011-07-24T16:58:00.000-04:00

I am always amazed (and I shouldn't be) that my pageviews go up this time of year. I think I went through most of the WSOP season and did not post once. Do I still like poker? Yes. But since the "reputable", and I use that term very loosely these days, poker sites are either under investigation, under indictment, or just plain shady, I have played little poker lately.

Why don't I just find a home game or visit the Poker Room that is 20 minutes from my house you say? Well, I have this little employment problem. I have no job, so I have no money, so I have no bankroll. Yes, I could play with my kids, but I don't feel like losing on purpose and I don't feel like dealing with them getting upset when they lose.

I did get to see some of ESPN's coverage of this year's WSOP. I kind of liked it. It was quieter, smarter, and not "in my face". I wasn't told that the team name from every college was "The Rambling Wreck". It was poker, almost the way it is actually played.

Can anyone name Penn National Gaming's top earning casino? The answer is: Hollywood Casino in Charles Town, West Virginia. I won't bore you with the numbers, if you are interested read "The Journal" article here.

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness (for me)!

Sponser Ad Down

2011-06-29T15:19:00.000-04:00

I have taken down the ad for Full Tilt Poker. If they get their $hl# together, I would be more than willing to put it back. I have not heard from a representative of FTP in over a month. And after today's suspension of their license, it seems that their troubles are more than they were letting on. Read more on the suspension here.

I hope you all have found a place to Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

As Predicted

2011-05-01T22:06:00.000-04:00

I was definitely dead money (play chips) tonight on PokerStars. I had not played in over a month and had not played at 'Stars in much longer. Oh well, at least I had fun. went out with pocket 4's. I had it until the turn came up with a king.

Maybe next time I will make it to the break.

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

Actually Playing Tonight

2011-05-01T20:50:00.000-04:00

Playing at PokerStars for the first time in a long time. Click here for the details. I hope the others enjoy the dead money (play chips).

Enjoying the Pokery Goodness!

Death of Online Poker: Day Zero

2011-04-15T23:04:00.000-04:00

With the indictments today of the Big Three online Poker providers in the US today, there is a virtual blackout of online play. I am sure you can still feed your urges at some of the smaller sites, but I would not encourage it. This is the reason I have played very little with real money since UIGEA was passed by congress.

For details on what is happening, I suggest you got to Pokerati.

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness (just not online for the time being)!

What A Great Day!

2011-01-30T15:23:00.000-05:00

This afternoon I went to make a withdrawl from my FTP account. I have done this often enough that it almost seems like clockwork. I make a withdrawl request for a check to be sent to me. It gets approved. And in less than 3 weeks, I have a shiny new check to deposit.

Well, this afternoon that changed. Apparently FTP is having some kind of issue with check withdrawls and will "contact" me by email when it is fixed. Huh? I hope this isn't some kind of UIGEA related problem.

Being unemployed, the meager funds I have at FTP are very helpful. If anyone knows what is going on, please let me know.

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

Unexpected Turn

2011-01-30T10:46:00.000-05:00

I missed playing in WBCOOP. I sent an email to PokerStars because I had two different starting times for the last qualifier yesterday. I of course chose the wrong time. I trusted the website to be correct. It wasn't.

But something unexpected happened. PokerStars sent me 300 FPPs and a ticket to play in a freeroll. While not the WBCOOP, it was something. What I really want to know is why there was a discrepancy in the starting times. I am wondering if it was just me, or did other bloggers have the same thing happen to them. If it did, I am somewhat surprised that I haven't heard anything about it.

I will be keeping an ear open to hear what PokerStars has to say.

To any of my readers who qualified for the WBCOOP main event today: Congratulations and Good Luck!

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

Well, At Least I'm Consistent

2011-01-29T17:43:00.001-05:00

In continuation of my previous post:

I was unable to play in yesterday's WBCOOP due to children playing on my computer. So I was really looking forward to today. According to PokerStars WBCOOP page the tourney starts at 19:00. OK, I have time. I fire up PokerStars and look for the tournament. I can't find it. I request to see my tournament tickets. At the top it shows the tickets, but below, it does not show the tournaments.

So then, I go to the email confirmation they sent me and gee, guess what? They changed the tourney start time to 15:00. Guess what else? It is 17:30! WOW! Thanks PokerStars for making my first time playing at your site in over a year sooooo enjoyable. Any to the bloggers who played; good luck tomorrow in the finals. I didn't get my chance, but you have yours.

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

WBCOOP, So Far

2011-01-28T10:53:00.000-05:00

So far I have played in exactly zero of the first four events. Let's break this down shall we?

1. 1/24 event - did not have ticket in time to play
2. 1/25 event - busy applying for two jobs online
3. 1/26 event - too late in the evening
4. 1/27 event - remembered it too late to register

So there you have it. My poker playing life in a nutshell. Hopefully, I will be able to play today and tomorrow to try and qualify for the main event. But who knows, maybe I will goose-egg it.

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness

Anyone Need a Job? (Besides Me That Is!)

2011-01-23T15:35:00.000-05:00

Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races is currently looking for a Poker Room Supervisor. If you would like to apply, you need to do so online. Here is a brief job description and requirements:

Supervise gaming operations and personnel in an assigned area. Circulate among tables and observe operations. Ensure that stations and games are covered for each shift. May explain and interpret operating rules of house to patrons. May plan and organize activities and create friendly atmosphere for guests in hotels/casinos. May adjust service complaints.

Must be 21. Job in Charles Town. Full-time. Must be able to work flexible schedule. Must be able to obtain West Virginia Lottery and Racing Commission license. Must have bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university and a minimum of 3 yrs comparable table games management experience, or equivalent combination of education or experience. Responsible for the efficient operation of the table games on the assigned shift. More detailed description on web site.

I do not qualify, but if you do and you are looking...

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

Book Review: Power Hold'em Strategy

2011-01-18T10:13:00.002-05:00

"Power Hold'em Strategy" by poker pro Daniel Negreanu was and interesting read. It had a lot of really good information, but it had a lot of "extraneous" material as well.

The best chapters were those written by Evelyn Ng and Daniel himself. There were a few nuggets in the rest of the book, but they were for the most part for micro-specific situations.

I don't know yet if this book and the small ball concepts it outlines will help my game. Of course, just about any advise would help my game as poorly as I play.

If you want to buy the book, go to this link. If not, do what I did and check your local library. For someone without a job like me, it is much cheaper.

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

Grab the Gamblers

2011-01-14T17:44:00.000-05:00

In an online article on The Journal, there is an article which reports that there is now a Table Gaming bill in the Maryland Senate. Grab the Gamblers while you can Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races!

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

Hope to be There!

2011-01-14T13:53:00.001-05:00

Dead money on board!

I have registered to play in the PokerStars World Blogger Championship of Online Poker! The WBCOOP is a free online Poker tournament open to all Bloggers, so register on WBCOOP to play.
Registration code: XXXXXX 480857

10K Challenge

2011-01-13T07:57:00.003-05:00

Not me, but this guy. Go follow the Rush PLO exploits of this beknighted breakfast food.

He recently bet Bayne that he (Sir Waffles) would surpass 10K in winnings this year. Regardless of whether he makes his goal or not, he is always a good read. Go give him some love (Just don't donk off to him on purpose). And just to help him out with his challenge, I am posting this on the 13th. Good luck Waffles!

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

Poker Prof @ Las Vegas Vegas

2011-01-11T07:19:00.005-05:00

Yeah, I seem to be going through some of the older blogs at the moment. That does not mean you shouldn't go read them. If you want a feel for the Las Vegas experience, go read this blog. I love the photos on this blog. It makes me wish I had money to travel out west and play some poker.

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

Pokerati

2011-01-09T07:42:00.003-05:00

This blog has been around a long time. If you want to read about Poker News and opinions about that news, this is the place for you. Go read them. You will be not unglad.

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

How Did I Miss This One?

2011-01-07T07:52:00.000-05:00

I feel ashamed to be a poker blogger. No, it isn't because in the past I have posted infrequently. No, it isn't because I can't write worth a damn.

No, in the six plus years I have been posting here and reading poker blogs, I seem to have missed quite a few. This blog, "Yestbay1's Poker Blog" has been around almost as long. And as an added bonus, he posts more about poker than I do.

Go read, he plays better than I do too!

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

Oops, Life Happens

2011-01-05T13:06:00.000-05:00

Yeah, I know I said this morning that I might play in the "Very Josie" tonight. But right now that doesn't look like it's going to happen. There are too many things to get done today.

1. Laundry
2. Dishes
3. Trip to the Workforce Center
4. Writing
5. Workout
6. Fix dinner for Mrs. _one and the (not so) little _ones.
7. Wrangle homework

This leaves precious little time for poker today, much less playing in what sounds like a good little tourney on FTP. If you have the time stop by here for details.

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

I Think I Am

2011-01-05T07:55:00.001-05:00

I think I am going to play in the Very Josie monthly tournament tonight. It will depend, of course, on my being able to complete all my husbandly and fatherly duties here at the house.

Looks like a fun tournament to play. I am sure they will appreciate my dead money. Who knows, maybe I will do a write-up. It will by definition be short as I do not expect to last long.

If you are thinking about playing, go here for the details.

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness.

I Love This Blog

2011-01-03T07:27:00.003-05:00

I can't help it. I could read Linda Geenen's blog forever. In fact, a couple of years ago, I read it in it's entirety. She used to be one of the better dealers in Vegas and blogged about poker and the people who inhabited the chairs around the table. I have yet to play in a bricks and mortar casino, but I know when I do, I will follow proper table etiquette because of what I learned from here blog.t

If you have been reading this blog long enough (one question, Why?) you will know that I have been out of work for some time. I applied to become a dealer at Hollywood Casino. I thought at the time,"How cool would that be?" But alas, I was done in by my credit check. I was very open and up front about what I had not paid, and why I had not paid (Kind of hard to keep up on payments when you are unemployed), and that when I got a job, I was going to make good on those payments. But, they have to hire by the numbers. OK, let's get away from this digression.

Go read "Table Tango"!

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness.

Double Time

2010-12-31T07:48:00.002-05:00

There have been a lot of poker bloggers who have been blogging longer than me. Most of them actually post more frequently than I do. And it is easy to say that most also have more poker content than this miserable blog.

So I give you doubleas, a blog that has been around longer, posts more frequently, and has more poker content than I do.

Go. Read. Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

Call of the Wildcat

2010-12-29T07:56:00.003-05:00

There is a fine balance between Sports Betting and Poker. This blogger seems to have achieved that balance. Other than the occasional office football pool, I have never been one for the Sports Bet. Poker on the other hand has a strong grip on my attention.

Go read and Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

Yes I know it's another UK Blog... what are the odds...

Bad Beat on the Feet

2010-12-27T07:29:00.001-05:00

Amateur is (of course) another UK blogger. But unlike other UK bloggers, he recently had a bad beat while training for a half-marathon. During a run he developed several huge blisters on his feet requiring time off from running. Go read and sympathize. Then enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

Poker Play the Soap Way?

2010-12-25T07:05:00.001-05:00

I am not exactly sure what the "Soap Way" is. Blogging the soap way seems to be about hand histories of bad beats, and listing of Sports Betting results. If that is your thing, go read, then come back and read more crappy stuff here.

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

Poker Pro's Blog

2010-12-23T07:16:00.002-05:00

Eric Lynch, to say the least has been very successful playing poker online. And he isn't too shabby playing live either. So go check out his blog. See what he is up too. Enjoy the "low key" poker lifestyle that oozes from your computer screen.

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

Mark Your Calendars!

2010-12-22T16:48:00.000-05:00

They have announced the dates for the 2011 WSOP, but have not yet made up the schedule. There is a rule change this year where they will be capping a day's play at 10 levels no matter how many are left in the field. That should help some people from getting over tired.

Read more here!

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

British (Poker)Idol

2010-12-21T07:32:00.002-05:00

Chris Edwards from Reading, UK has a pretty nice blog. He works for PokerIdol and occasionally plays too. OK, I am really pimping the UK blogs lately. Sue me. I will get back to some in the US soon. But poker is now world-wide so it is smart to try and keep up with the latest anywhere you can find it. Go read "The Beginning"!

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

Poker and Congress

2010-12-20T07:29:00.001-05:00

This guy is following the plight of online poker in Congress much more closely than I am. Go read about what happened to the Reid Bill and what may happen next.

At this point, I don't play poker for an income. I play poker for fun. Mostly I play for the "play chips" and occasionally use money. This would not be an option for me if there weren't online poker. Yes, they offer play chips to point you in the direction of using real money at their sites. I just ignore all the adds for real money tournaments that show up.

My hope is that the Congress will come around soon and offer legislation (which can pass) that will regulate online poker nationwide. I do not trust that the Several States can accomplish that on their own. I don't want online poker to be a patchwork.

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness

Holden on Hold'em

2010-12-19T07:44:00.000-05:00

Steve Holden is yet one more UK blogger. He hails from Blackpool, where he blogs about playing in live tournaments. If you like that kind of thing, go read his blog. If not, go and...

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness.

Question for WPBT'ers about Hollywood Casino

2010-12-18T16:42:00.000-05:00

If and when Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races decides to add tournament play to their new "poker room", would there be any interest in having a WPBT event there? I know you can't go casino hopping like you do in Vegas, but they do have a nice facility. Besides Poker, they offer horse racing, Pai Gow, other table games, as well as over 5000 slots. (Yes there are several strip bars within driving/cab/limo distance so those of you who need that kind of entertainment can indulge.)

Let me know if there is any interest.

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

Quitting Online Poker????

2010-12-17T08:24:00.003-05:00

Not me! (A huge sigh of relief is heard from all the sharks) A few months ago online poker was renounced by the poster of this blog. Of course it wasn't permanent. Even if they don't play online, that is no excuse for not posting! Keep 'em coming!

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

Very Nice Blog

2010-12-16T16:32:00.000-05:00

Very Josie is a blog by, you guessed it, Josie. Josie just got back and is posting about the recent WPBT Winter Classic. I have a feeling I need to read this blog regularly.

And as an added bonus, she runs a regular tournament on FTP on the first Wednesday of every month. I haven't played in it yet, but who knows, I have a couple of bucks in my account...

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

Horse Racing and Poker

2010-12-15T07:29:00.003-05:00

OK, I like the Poker, the horse racing doesn't interest me so much. I hope this UK blogger returns to listing his monthly awards. Maybe if you all go to his blog and leave a comment, he will.

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness.

Poker and Life

2010-12-13T08:01:00.001-05:00

"iam23skidoo" is a blog I can identify with, he has kids, I have kids. He has lost weight, I have lost weight. He is a good poker player... well there the comparison does not match. Go read his blog.

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

G - Another Pro Blogs

2010-12-11T07:55:00.000-05:00

Tony G has made a pretty good living playing poker by most accounts. My poker skills are so poor that he wouldn't bother berating me. Go read what is on his mind today.

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

Not in Vegas, Baby!

2010-12-09T21:37:00.004-05:00

As a courtesy to the WPBT members either currently in or headed to the annual WPBT Winter Classic in Vegas (details here, here and here), I will attempt to give my non-trip reports. This will, I think, provide a good contrast to the goings-on in that shiny city in the west.

Thursday the 9th: I am not getting on an airplane to Las Vegas. I do not have reservations to any of the mega-hotel/resort/casinos there. I picked up my daughter from 4th grade Math Field Day practice and brought both of the "little" _ones home for snacks and homework before meeting Mrs. _one for the Christmas Band Concert at the school where she teaches. We thoroughly enjoyed the music then made our way home for dinner and finishing up homework.

You will not find me at the Geisha Bar at IP with the poker bloggers who made it in early today. Well at least there is no chance of any of them calling for a dial-a-shot, as none of them know my number. Safe again.

Sometimes I miss the days in 2004 before the first WPBT Winter Classic. The poker blogger community was a lot smaller, and a lot more unified in some ways. But as time went on, the community fractured and stratified. I am one of those that was left behind. I did not post often enough, with enough content, or with enough editing for some people's taste. That is OK by me. I never wanted to be recognized as a good writer. I just wanted to be a part of the community. It was just fun reading and commenting.

Ehhhh! What the hell was that?

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness (in Vegas or where ever you are)!

PS: If you must dial-a-shot, and everyone else in the poker universe is unavailable, call me and I will fulfill my duty.

Team Blog

2010-12-09T10:33:00.001-05:00

This blog is a team effort. Although as with most team blogs one member seems to carry the weight. Go read and see for yourself.

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

Hand To Hand Combat

2010-12-07T19:24:00.000-05:00

Who can argue with a gun, some cards and an asteroid at the top of a blog. Hopefully this guy from the UK will post more often.

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

Utter Rubbish!

2010-12-05T19:54:00.000-05:00

UK blogs abound! No way I am going to trash this guy. Go read "Rubbish@Poker". Find out if he is running good or if he is in the dustbin.

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

Not Blog-Pimpage or Book Review - Actual Poker Content!

2010-12-04T07:00:00.004-05:00

Over the last week, a couple of interesting poker-related things happened. I played a hand in a tournament that put a player severely on tilt. The other is that I am in the middle of FTP's Rush Week.

I really don't want to bore you with all the details, but I feel compelled to give you most of them.

The set-up for the tilting hand:
I was playing in a $250 freeroll at FTP. These are donkfests at least through the first hour or so. I was moved to a table sometime during the last half of the first hour needing a lot of chips to get up to even. I landed in chip heaven. Of the 8 other players, six were sitting out. I played a little standard poker until I go a feel for the other two players. Player A had me out chipped about 10 to 1 and Player B (henceforth known as Bad Guy) had me out chipped about 5 to one. Even the players sitting out had more chips than me.

About this time the deck hits me pretty well, and I double up a few times. I notice that Player A is playing very weak-tight (my guess is that he got a lot a chips early and was sitting for the most part). Bad Guy was playing almost every hand, but checked a lot.

I decided to start playing into Bad Guy and just run over Player A. During the course of the next 15 or so hands, I busted out Player A, and severely crippled Bad Guy. At this point I have about 16k in chips and Bad Guy has almost 4k. One of the short stacks is all-in in the big blind. Bad Guy calls and I raise with KhJh in the big blind. Bad guy calls.

The flop comes Ad-Tc-2c. The way Bad Guy had been playing, if he hit the flop or had a flush or straight draw he would have raised. Bad Guy checks and I check. The turn comes up 9c and Bad guy checks again. Bad guy could have been slow playing a flush at this point so I was being careful.

The river comes with 3c making it four cards to a club flush. At this point Bad Guy puts in a very small value bet. I know he has a flush. But I know if he had the Ac he would have bet on the flop. So, I can either fold, call or raise. If I fold, he will run all over me even though he has fewer chips. If I call, he beats me with his "less-than-nut" flush. Or I could choose C and raise, knowing that he will lay down his "less-than-nut" hand to a big bet and that my cards will be seen because of the all-in sitting out player, I bet about 125% of the pot. Bad Guy folds, my cards are shown, I scoop the pot from the all-in players K4o. Then the fun began.

At this point I get no cards unfortunately. In the middle of the next hand Bad Guy says in the chat box, "I'm gonna rape your face if i can find your address." Excuse me? Bad Guy gets this worked up over having to fold a hand in a freeroll? Unfortunately I was not able to capitalize on his tilt as the table broke up after a few more hands.

I did not go on to even make the money in the freeroll, but I outlasted about 93%. Bad Guy went out shortly after folding to my bluff.

Note to any at FTP: Bad Guy's comments crossed a line. In some jurisdictions it could even be considered assault. If you wish to sanction him, I will give you the details. And please keep your database secure as I don't want him showing up at my house and doing bad things to my right ear.)

-------

I am playing in FTP's Rush Week. I like Rush Poker. And so far I am a winning player on the micro-limits. Not much of a winning player or else the free $10 for playing about 10 hours of poker seems like a good deal. (I have to accumulate 10 FTP points a day for 7 straight days.) So far so good.

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

Tilt? I Don't Think So...

2010-12-03T07:25:00.001-05:00

"Tilt Tilt Tilt Reload Tilt Tilt" is the name of today's featured blog. Although if he is on tilt and winning as much as he blogs about, I want to play on tilt too. Go Read, then come back.

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness.

Blog About Poker

2010-12-01T08:20:00.001-05:00

This blogger recently got married. It will be interesting to see how this affects his play. His profile says he started playing 18 months ago. Probably longer at this point. Go see how is results are in low buy-in mmt's.

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

Warning: Poker Hand Replays Abound!

2010-11-30T07:51:00.003-05:00

I am not sure if this is a good thing or a bad thing. Go read "Red Square Poker" (I couldn't get my R's reversed in the title), This online player's laptop broke down recently so he had to play without his HUD (Heads-Up Display showing him player tendencies). I don't own a HUD. Should I? Let me know.

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

Pokerus Interuptus

2010-11-28T07:43:00.002-05:00

I have to pimp this blog just because I like the title. Mr. Origami - yet another UK blogger plays micro-limits and might need some assistance in getting his blog to work the way he wants. Anyone want to help? Go Read!

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness.

Poker Pro's Blog

2010-11-26T07:28:00.001-05:00

No, I do not have a man-crush on this guy the way Norman Chad does. But who knows, maybe I can learn a little by reading his blog. Read it if you feel like it.

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

Poker for a living

2010-11-24T07:11:00.000-05:00

I know I can't do it yet, but apparently this UK blogger can. From online at PokerStars to live tournaments, he seems to have pretty good success. Go read!

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

Stuff Going On

2010-11-23T07:27:00.000-05:00

I have so much going on in my head at the moment. My poker play at this time is meh. I am unemployed, with a family. My house is starting to fall apart.

It seems at times that I can to nothing right. I tailor my resumes and cover letters to sell myself properly for each job I have applied for. The jobs where I have interviewed, I thought I did a great job in selling myself. The interviewers seemed enthusiastic about my chances. I sent either a follow up note or email thanking them for the interview, their time, and that I hoped I would hear from them soon.

I know how the interview process works, I either helped hire or hired people myself in three of my former jobs.

And then I do hear from them. We are sorry. We were looking for someone with [more experience/less experience]. (Then comes my favorite...) We will keep your resume/application on file and keep you in mind for any new position that becomes available. I have not heard from them even though I have applied with the same companies since the initial job application.

It is just so discouraging. I am a good, hard worker. I am loyal to a company that shows me loyalty. I have had 3 jobs post college - one 7+ years, one 10+ years and one 2+ years. The job of 2+ years was convenience retail and two years is a lifetime.

I have had the good fortune in these jobs, to do many things, open and manage a bookstore, troubleshoot computer and credit card problems over the phone, write technical and troubleshooting guides, train new helpdesk personnel, write software, create reports using reporting software, use SQL to datamine information, and fix broken slurpee machines.

I have a proven track record of success and yet no one will hire me. Didn't someone once say something like the definition of insanity is to continue to do the same things expecting a different outcome? Well, I guess I will be insane until I get a job. (Thanks for the job climate Bush/Obama.) If you have any suggestions, or better yet, a job offer let me know.

OK, you have suffered enough. Go Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

No Cash - Literally

2010-11-22T07:50:00.000-05:00

I am not sure what I can learn from a blog titled "NoCash - Literally". Does he mean he has no cash or that he does not play cash games. From reading the blog, my guess would be the former as he does write about online cash games. Complete with pictures and graphs even.

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

Book: Phil Gordon's Little Blue Book

2010-11-21T07:54:00.008-05:00

Phil Gordon, poker pro, man about town, and friend to poker bloggers wrote a series of books. So far I have read two of them. This is what I had to say about the first one I read.

I liked Little Blue Book because he went through hands and explained what he did and why. Although it is a bit much to read straight through. I know I will go back to this book and study up when I have questions.

I don't know how this book will affect the way I play poker, but considering my level of play this book certainly can't hurt it.

Go here to buy the book. But if you are a cash poor unemployed poker player like me, check your local library.

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

Another UK Blog

2010-11-20T08:34:00.001-05:00

Neil Ross blogs about poker and life. Read about his results. Read about his vacation. Just go and read here, now. OK!

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

WPBT Winter Classic Coming Soon!

2010-11-19T11:09:00.000-05:00

The WPBT Winter Classic is less than a month a way. Bloggers from all over will descend on Las Vegas with all the hammers they can find. Lots of booze and fun to be had. What will I be doing? The same thing I do every year Pinky, I will be at home (and all the bloggers breathe a sigh of relief knowing they won't have to put up with hearing "Enjoy the Pokery Goodness" every 10 minutes). Just make sure you post a trip report of whatever you can remember.

Seriously, if you can make it, it will be and awesomely amazing time.

Go read here for details.

Enjoy the... wait I already said that.

Book: Aces and Kings

2010-11-19T07:48:00.000-05:00

This is a mini review of "Aces and Kings" by Michael Kaplan and Brad Reagan. This book is a series of short biographies of many poker legends. From Puggy Pearson to the rising stars of "today" (the book was published in 2005), the authors tell various stories about the poker players.

The book is easy to read and enjoyable. While there is very little on the specifics of the "Million-Dollar Strategies" from the players, they do clue us in to the general strategies of the players.

Remember those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it. This is a good book that gives a broad sweep of the history of poker from the 1940's up through the 2000's.

This book can be purchased here, or you can do what I did and visit your local library.

Triple Threat

2010-11-18T07:48:00.000-05:00

Poker, Fantasy Football, and he runs too. He also posts a hand history every now and then. Quadruple threat! Go read Jake's "Jurn8's Poker Adventures".

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

High Steaks and Poker

2010-11-17T07:14:00.000-05:00

No that isn't a typo. Hollywood Casino has opened their newest restaurant, a high end steak house called "Final Cut" That should satisfy the high rollers. As I am still unemployed (Hire me, I am worth it.), I can not afford to eat there. I can't even afford to Enjoy the Pokery Goodness at one of the 27 poker tables available.

An article on the restaurant can be found at "The Journal".

In the Land of Poker

2010-11-16T07:38:00.001-05:00

What's not to like, personal poker results, poker news, and football talk. Poker blogger hoopie1's blog "In the Land of the Blind..." is worth a look. Go, read, and come back to the worst poker blog ever.

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

WPBT Winter Classic 2010

2010-11-15T13:21:00.000-05:00

Yes, it is that time of year again. Unfortunately, my current job status does not allow me to attend. Someday, I will have a job... and one that pays enough for me to afford this trip. Either that or we organize a WPBT event at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races.

For information on the Winter Classic, go read here.

In the past, this has been THE event. I have so much enjoyed reading the trip reports. If half of them are true, it is amazing that everyone has survived.

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

PS: I am available for dial-a-shots if you get desperate. :-)

Book: All In

2010-11-15T07:56:00.001-05:00

I finished All In by Jonathan Grotenstein and Storms Reback a couple of days ago. This book's subtitle is "The (Almost) True Story of The World Series of Poker". Overall a good read. Well written and plenty of interviews with interesting people.

It is interesting to note that there were no records of the finishes for the WSOP before the 1980's. I guess the Binions and their Texas poker playing friends liked it that way.

The book flowed well (unlike most of my posts). There was not much strategy discussed although it was interesting that they broke up the book chronologically by playing styles - Texas Road Players, Mayfair Players, Computer Whizzes, and Online Amateurs.

If you are at all fascinated with poker, this is a good book to read. Go, buy it here. Christmas is almost around the corner. Or you can do as I did and see if your local library has the book. (I am sure poker authors around the world will be happy when I get a job and can pay for their books. Maybe they will find me a job.)

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness.

Please Post More!

2010-11-14T07:19:00.001-05:00

After having read a few posts from "The Iron Blog", I find myself wanting to read more. Almost a year ago, he was in Vegas, playing live for the first time. He promised a trip report which never materialized. Maybe someday...

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness.

Poker Is a Big Deal

2010-11-12T08:17:00.001-05:00

I don't normally read blogs that put up monthly charts showing progress or lack thereof. You on the other hand might like it. Ben Holmes posts his wins and losses (last month he was down online) at "Holmes' Big Deal".

Note to self: Need to win enough to update Poker Tracker.

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

No Laughing Matter

2010-11-10T07:43:00.001-05:00

Trying to improve your game can be tough. Sometimes you have to look deeply and see something you don't want to see. I know that this blogger is looking. He knows there are holes in his game and he is looking. And he writes pretty well too.

Go read "havin_a_laff"

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

Hard-Boiled Poker

2010-11-08T08:08:00.000-05:00

This blog is written by a guy who goes by "Short Stacked Shamus your average jingle-brained sap" Well for a jingle-brained sap, he writes about poker a lot better than I do. Go and read and give is blog some hits.

Read it here.

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

Book: Tournament Poker

2010-11-07T14:35:00.001-05:00

Today. I am writing up a little review of "Championship Tournament Poker (Championship Series)" by Tom McEvoy. I finished reading most of this book last week and have been trying to make sense of some of the ideas in it. I read the Hold'em chapters, along with the Razz, Omaha, and 7-Stud. These are the games that I am somewhat familiar with.

There was really nothing I found in the Hold'em chapters that I did not know already, the standard "Play tight early, take advantage of tight players on the bubble, open up your card selection a bit as the blinds and antes go up."

That seemed to me to be the message regardless of what game was being discussed. The chapters at the end of the book, at least to me, were the most informative and/or entertaining. The chapter on "The Business of Big League Tournament Poker" I think I will find the most helpful.

All in all a good read. If you want to pick up a copy follow this link, or better yet do what I did and see if your local library has a copy.

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

WSOP Main Event Final!

2010-11-06T15:32:00.002-04:00

Is set to begin shortly. If you need your November Nine fix what are you doing reading this blog?

Go to ESPN3 for live streaming.

Go to Tao of Poker for live updates. (Just don't tell Dr. Pauly I sent you or he may ban your IP address, heh)

Enjoy all the Pokery Goodness the final table has to offer!

An English Blog Again!?!?!

2010-11-06T07:21:00.002-04:00

OK, so I have been finding blogs from the UK a lot lately. Doesn't mean you shouldn't read them. This one is good and juicy. I don't know the back story, but it makes a good read. From her side of the story, her ex sounds like a real piece of work.

Plus, the site has a little fish tank. Tap the glass and the fish come. I killed ten minutes on that alone.

So go read "gobshite on legs".

And Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

Forever Learning... Aren't We All

2010-11-04T07:47:00.000-04:00

Nice little blog. "Forever Learning" is blogged by Gavin, a self-described MMT and Super Series player on "Will Hill". Beware, if you are at work (why are you reading poker blogs at work anyway?), there are some jokes, you know what I mean. There is also the occasional NSFW (not safe for work) picture. All in all, not a bad read.

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

Rising From the Ashes

2010-11-02T08:14:00.000-04:00

Ben Dobson is another blogger from the UK. Seems to be worth a read. Go on over to "Fenix35's Poker Blog" and check it out. You know you want to.

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness.

27th in 2010

2010-11-01T07:24:00.000-04:00

I just watched Johnny Lodden finish 27th in this years WSOP Main Event. I then found his blog. Not much updating, but then I am sure he is a bit busy. Check it out if you want.

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

From Scottsdale, Arizona It's...

2010-10-31T08:02:00.000-04:00

"DubsPoke's Bankroll Building Experience". This is today's pimped blog. Go read and see if you like it. Then come back here and read stuff you know you won't like.

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

Gone Fishin'

2010-10-30T10:59:00.003-04:00

I finished reading Jay Greenspan's book, "Hunting Fish: A Cross-Country Search for America's Worst Poker Players" published in 2006 by St. Martin's Press. I remember the buzz in the poker blogging community at the time. Just about everyone thought it was a +ev idea. I also remember the ribbing going on between the Author and the fine folks at Pokerati.

I would have picked up the book earlier, but at the time I was unemployed (I have since been employed and am now unemployed again. Hire me.) and could not scrape up enough money for such luxuries. When I had my job, I needed my paychecks to cover necessities.

I broke down and went to the Library. Sorry Jay, no royalty from me. I owe you. The book, while vaguely informative, was thoroughly entertaining. And in some places it is scary how much alike a guy from New York and a guy from West Virginia think alike. Heh. Take that however you wish.

So give Jay some love, go buy his book. I know I will once I get a job and my finances have stabilized.

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

Eureka!

2010-10-29T07:32:00.001-04:00

Andrew Ferguson lives in Melbourne, Australia. He not only plays poker, but he plays football (soccer) and cricket as well. He also sets monthly goals for himself. Go read his blog, "Eureka Kid", to find out more about him.

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

Technical Help Needed!

2010-10-28T16:20:00.000-04:00

The owner of this Blog needs help! He can't connect to FTP with is laptop running Window 7 Pro 64bit. Having been through the FTP technical support nightmare last year, I can sympathize. Maybe someone from FTP still reads this blog. Go read and see if you can help.

I know he would like to be Enjoying the Pokery Goodness.

Secrets of Sit'n'gos

2010-10-28T15:29:00.007-04:00

I just finished reading "Secrets of Sit 'n' Gos" by Phil Shaw. So far I think it has been a helpful book for me. Some of it I had picked up intuitively just by playing a lot of play money SnG's and it was nice to know there was some math behind it. There were a lot of things I did not know and judging from the small sample of SnG's I have played since reading the book, they are important concepts.

I haven't committed the tables to memory yet, maybe the next time I read it. I want to let these ideas sink in a bit before going back. Who knows, maybe I will start playing these things for real money at some point.

If you haven't read it and you like playing SnG's, you should go and buy it.

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

You Requested it James, Here It Is

2010-10-27T07:12:00.003-04:00

A couple of days ago, I posted on what kinds of comments I allow on this blog. I got two comments. One I had to delete because it featured what I consider to be a spam site. The other was a request from a blogger, asking if I would put up a link to his blog. Rather than just stick up a link on my blogroll, I am featuring it in this post. So without further ado, I give you...

James Atkin's Poker Blog!

James has been blogging since 2007 and currently lives in Lincoln, UK. He is in the middle of working through his PokerStars SuperNova Quest. According to his profile he has been playing professionally since 2006. (This means he is a much better player than I am and reading his blog will make you a better player than me. Of course, flipping a coin before deciding to play a hand would make you a better player than me.)

So go read and Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

Ahhhhh! I Needed Those Brain Cells

2010-10-26T08:16:00.003-04:00

If you are serious about learning to play poker, crushing your opponents, and frying up the fish, do NOT read this book: Teach Yourself How to Win at Poker.

It is written in a way that is easy to understand, with nice illustrations, but it has, in my view very little substance. It only talks about poker in vague terms. One of it's pieces of advice was to deal yourself lots of hands and figure out for yourself what starting hands are worth playing. Pre-Internet poker, this might be reasonable, but with so many sites, you would do just as well playing every starting hand until you figured it out. Play chips are cheap.

I want my brain cells back, please?

Someone actually wrote a much better review of this book on Amazon. If you want to read it, click the above link.

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness (you just won't find it in this book!)!

Vegas one day baby...

2010-10-25T07:32:00.000-04:00

is the name of the blog being pimped today. Be warned, there are some images that would not be deemed safe for work and probably not to be viewed with small children around. ~~Because of that~~ In spite of that, it is a pretty good blog. Go read it here. And it even has a link to Liverpool FC results.

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

Samuel Taylor Coleridge?

2010-10-23T08:24:00.000-04:00

No it isn't poetry time. Go read "Rime of the Ancient Mariner" by dD. Yet another fine blog from Scotland. I don't know why I have found so many from this region lately, but I am going with it.

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

Yet Another Poker Blog

2010-10-21T07:46:00.003-04:00

Does this Poker Blog need to be pimped? Probably not. But anyway, go and read "Daniel - Poker Journal" and get inside the mind of a poker great.

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

Comments To This Blog

2010-10-20T20:35:00.000-04:00

Once I get the blog updated there will be a link to the comments policy. I have recently gotten comments from someone who was commenting to highlight what I would consider to be a spam site. I deleted the comments. If it was you who provided the comments and feel I deleted them unfairly, please let me know.

In the meantime, here are some types of comments I will delete:

Comments which contain links to gambling sites. (If your site is a Poker site, let me know and I may review it.)
Comments which are incoherent.
Comments which are off topic.
Comments discussing alien conspiracy theories.

Comments which are always welcome:

Comments about Poker.
Comments which civilly point out what a donkey I am.
Comments which are actually about the topic of the post.
Comments offering me a job.

Yes I have covered this topic before. Here and here for sure, but there may be others.

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

Half of Take 2 = Take1?

2010-10-19T12:15:00.000-04:00

I am five days into the 10 day Take 2 promotion at FTP. So far I have met the requirements for the first level. That means $5.00 will go into my account on Monday. If I meet the requirements for four of the five next days they will add another $20.

At this point is seems like taking candy from babies. I have been playing on the micro-limit Rush Poker tables. (I had a little cash in my FTP account.) Who knows, this could be the start of my online bankroll without having to run afoul of any UIGEA regulations.

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

Best Blogger in the World?

2010-10-19T10:10:00.001-04:00

Yet more blog pimpage. This blogger states, under his ID and location that this is "The best poker blog in the world."

Go check out "Daleroxxu's Blogaments" and find out for yourself. Then come back here to the worst poker blog in the world.

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

It's Donkey Thrashing Time!

2010-10-17T07:19:00.001-04:00

Yes, this is another blog pimp. Today's featured blog is "Donkey Thrasher". Another player from the UK and right now he seems to be going through a bad patch. I don't know if he is open to suggestions. Be gentle and...

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

Small Stakes Cash Game?

2010-10-15T09:16:00.000-04:00

No this isn't a post of me playing in a small stakes cash game. Actually "small stakes cash" is part of the description for "Brenos Poker". And he seems to be a pretty good tournament player as well. Go check out his blog here.

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

Note: If you have a Poker Blog and I have not mentioned you (or mentioned you in a while), let me know.

Hollywood Casino Poker Room

2010-10-13T16:41:00.000-04:00

Pardon me, but I did not have time to stick around long. I had to pick up my wife. But here goes.

The first thing that struck me when I entered Hollywood Casino was that they still have their ton of slot machines. And there were some areas blocked off for construction. My guess is that they eventually are going to have the table games toward the center of the casino where the construction is. In the mean time the table games are located on the higher priced slot end of the main floor.

I was there at 2:00 pm on a Wednesday afternoon and there were more people playing slots than at any other time I visited. At that time they only had about 15 to 20 percent of the tables games open. Mostly Black Jack, and Pai Gow. No roulette, baccarat, or craps open at that point.

In my wandering, I found about 3 or 4 signs pointing (not very well) to the Poker Room. I finally found it after going toward the race track side of the casino and finding a glass door with Poker Room stenciled on it. From there it was up a stairwell (there is also an elevator) to the "under the grandstand" area. I walked past the betting counters and there, roped off, was the poker room. It looked like about 20 of the 27 tables in use at that time.

Above the roped off entrance area was a screen with the waiting lists displayed. There were about 6 different kinds of poker being spread and interest lists for a couple of others. What I saw listed ranged from 1/2 Limit Holdem to at least one table of 7 Stud, and one table of Omaha. The tables looked clean, the chairs looked comfortable, and even the chips looked new.

Like I said, I did not have too much time to spend. Hopefully next time I will be to give you more details. Since as of today, the Poker Room is open 24/7, I may be able to go at a more convenient time and bring back a better report.

If you have any questions, let me know.

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

Note: I not being paid to mention Hollywood Casino, nor am I employed by Hollywood Casino.

Milkybarkid's Poker Blog

2010-10-13T09:00:00.001-04:00

The pimpage continues...

"Milkybarkid's Poker Blog" is online poker pro Ben Grundy's blog. He lives in London and posts about once a month now, but his archives go back to 2004. Lots of reading for you poker readers out there. Go forth, read, enjoy, and come back.

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

We Know What is Best For You

2010-10-12T08:23:00.002-04:00

This is just wrong!

Washington Supreme Court upholds the State's Internet Gambling Ban. (Thank you Congress for not passing a regulation and taxation bill on Online Poker! Grrrrrrr!) You knew it had to happen. We can now look forward to every state making their own laws concerning online poker. And if you live in a state that allows poker to be played, expect online poker to be banned from your state. I live in West Virginia where Poker just became legal at the racetracks and one resort. I expect the State Legislature to pass a law in the next year or two to ban online poker (and gambling). Why? To protect their stream of revenue. I think this is short sighted. If they would regulate and tax internet poker (and gambling) they would have two streams of revenue instead of one.

With gambling laws being left to the individual states, I am sure more of this will happen in the future, unless Congress acts. And Congress is highly unlikely to act anytime soon. Right now the Democrats (who favor regulation and taxation) will be too scared to bring up legislation on this "hot button" issue before the election. They do not want to be pilloried by the Teapublicans, er, I mean the Republicans. The Republicans don't want to touch the issue because: One, they are afraid of the Tea Party, and Two, they feel they have dealt with the issue several years ago when they snuck through UIGEA.

PokerStars has now banned citizens of Washington State from playing real money on their site. If you are from Washington and have not yet read about it, PokerStars has information here and here.

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness while you can!

Play Like an Animal

2010-10-11T08:00:00.001-04:00

Yes, more Blog Pimpage.

Today it is: "ANIMALPOKER" presented by Robert "Animal" Price from Cornwall UK. He has been blogging about poker since 2006. Most of his posts seem to be about grinding out a living online. Give him a click here and read for yourself.

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

From Littleacorns...

2010-10-09T14:36:00.000-04:00

Caution, Blog Pimpage ahead! From time to time in the past (and hopefully more frequently in the future) I have featured a poker blog in a post. The blog doesn't have to be big, or popular, or well written (see my blog) to get a plug here. All it takes is that you blog about poker and are doing it on a fairly regular basis.

The blog featured today is a blog called "Littleacornman's poker n life blog". The blogger is from Scotland and apparently plays SnGs on Party and Stars. Haven't seen a bad beat story yet, but I haven't read a lot of his posts yet.

Go read, then Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

Hollywood Casino changes Poker Room hours

2010-10-08T19:19:00.000-04:00

By popular demand Hollywood Casino has changed their Poker Room hours. According to their official twitter account, on Wednesday October 13th 2010, they will open at 1pm as usual but will remain open 24 hours a day seven days a week!

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

Update on Hollywood Casino Rakes

2010-10-08T19:05:00.002-04:00

A couple of days ago, I reported on Hollywood Casino's Poker Game rake here. I emailed back asking for clarification and specifics and this was the reply:

"There are too many to list. What game do you like to play??"

I am guessing what he means is that they haven't put them in a list accessible by computer. I guess I will go over there soon and write them down myself.

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

Now with more Readers

2010-10-08T10:52:00.000-04:00

Just a short note as I need to get to my Son's school for an award luncheon.

mortal_one's Poker Journey: Now read in 12 states and the District of Columbia! (Plus a few other places around the world.)

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

Hollywood Rake

2010-10-07T15:23:00.000-04:00

I received and answer to my question. Earlier this week I sent a message to Hollywood Casino (at Charles Town Races. That question was: What is the rake on your Texas Hold'em, 7 Card Stud, and Omaha games. I was expecting a breakdown by game and by limits of what the rake is. Instead I got:

"Some of our games are raked at 10% up to $6 and others are time raked at $12 an hour per player or above. Hope this helps.

Have a great day,"

Only slightly helpful. Seriously 10% rake? I am not sure, having not played in a brick & mortar poker room but I think that is a bit high. Can I get a confirmation from someone? The most puzzling part of the answer (or maybe the most ominous is "... and others are time raked at $12 an hour per player or above" What? Again I have nothing to compare this to, but it seems a bit high. Does this mean that at some tables they charge more that $12 per hour per player?

Again I don't know if the rake here is good or bad. Please let me know.

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

New Look?

2010-10-07T12:43:00.000-04:00

I am thinking about updating the look of this blog. (My two or three reader are shouting "It's about time!" at their screens.) Look for some changes in the next week or so.

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

Book Learnin'

2010-10-06T12:12:00.001-04:00

I am doing what any sane poker player does when they find out they are not playing well. I looked for a book. As I am currently unemployed (hire me), I loaded the Little _ones in the car and headed to the library. Not many poker books there and about a third of the ones they do have were checked out.

I settled on Phil Gordon's Little Black Book by Phil Gordon and Jonathan Grotenstein. So far it seems like a good read. I haven't had and "AHA" moments yet. But there is still hope. I think I have a pretty good idea what my problem is, but I am not going to broadcast it here. I don't want the 2 or 3 people reading this to get any ideas of separating me from my microlimit bankroll.

I will probably be re-reading Skalansky's The Theory of Poker next. The answer to my problem is probably there. Oh, well...

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

Running Bad?

2010-10-04T13:44:00.000-04:00

I think I am running bad. Either that or my recent hot streak was just a fluke. I have not yet determined whether it is me or variance. I am leaning toward me. I guess I will have to break out the 5 Poker books I own. Three of which are instructional, and two that aren't. (Note to self: Once your lazy ass gets a job, pick up a couple of new books.)

I have been doing my online playing at Full Tilt Poker lately. Ultimate Bet used to be a favorite, but they have pretty much abandoned the lowly dial-up speed at which I can connect. (Another Note to self: When you get a job, spring for a cable modem.) I have a feeling that PokerStars will be the same as UB, but I will try later anyway.

Anyone have any site suggestions? Are there any sites that have a shortage of fish like me? Let me know.

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

Dead Money Again

2010-10-02T09:08:00.002-04:00

Once again I find myself qualified for Full Tilt Poker's $1000 Weekly Freeroll Sunday October 3rd at 3:40 pm eastern time. Who knows where I will finish this time. Two weeks ago I outlasted more than 90% of the field and still did not make the money.

If you want to see some truly awful poker playing, drop by and sweat me. My FTP ID is "the mortal 1". Of course my 3 or 4 readers probably have better things to do on Sunday...

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness. I know I will tomorrow.

Another Year Older

2010-10-01T17:03:00.000-04:00

Yes my 3 readers, I have been blogging for 6 years as of today. Considering the content and the look, that is kind of a dubious distinction.

Do I still have the same hunger for the game? Yes. In fact in the past couple of weeks I have been playing more and playing better than I have in a couple of years. But again, that is not saying much. At least I enjoy the hell out of it.

I am not going to bore you with links to my "best of" posts. I don't think there are many.

A lot has happened in six years. Poker in the US has waxed mightily and is now waning. Casinos were illegal in West Virginia, and now there are five of them. Poker for money on the internet was once "legal" and now it is "illegal" (at least funding your account with funds from US banks). I have held two widely diverse jobs. I quit one and was unceremoniously let go from the other. In between them I was out of work for 11 months. And currently I am unemployed. If you have been waiting to offer me a job, now would be the perfect time to offer.

I will give you an article I found in "The Charleston Gazette" online. I find it amazing that the new Hollywood Casino, not 20 minutes from my house, is doing so well. If you are like me and too lazy to click the link, here is the article:

September 29, 2010

Charles Town table games offset Lottery problems elsewhere

By Phil Kabler

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- A second gangbusters month for table games at the Charles Town casino/racetrack bolstered an otherwise dismal August revenue report, members of the state Lottery Commission learned Wednesday.

In their first full month of operations, table games at Charles Town's Hollywood Casino raked in $9.75 million in August -- far more than the state's four other casinos combined.
Charles Town accounted for 58 percent of all table games revenue in the state, followed by $3 million at Mountaineer Racetrack and Casino, $1.8 million at Nitro's Mardi Gras Casino, $1.46 million at Wheeling Island, and $776,318 at The Greenbrier resort casino.

Blackjack alone brought in $2.23 million at Charles Town -- more than the entire table games revenue for Wheeling Island and The Greenbrier combined.
Dean Patrick, Lottery deputy director for table games, told Lottery commissioners that these figures could be just the tip of the iceberg for Charles Town.
He said Charles Town is set up for 85 gaming tables, but is operating about half the tables at any given time because the casino doesn't have enough licensed dealers.
Because of high demand and limited spaces, the tables at Charles Town have minimum bets of $25 or higher, he said.

Charles Town also accounted for more than half of the state's share of table game profits in August, paying accounting for $3.4 million of the state's total $5.88 million in table games "privilege taxes" for the month.

Charles Town's success was the bright spot in another dismal month for state Lottery revenues overall.
In August, total state Lottery revenues were $118.3 million, down 4 percent from $123.2 million in August 2009.
Racetrack video lottery was down about 9 percent, at $64.5 million, and traditional on-line and scratch-off games were also down about 9 percent, at $15.86 million.
Limited video lottery, at 1,594 bars and clubs around the state, was off 2 percent, at $31.7 million.

Spurred by Charles Town, table game revenues were up 205 percent over August 2009.
Conversely, the new casino at The Greenbrier has failed to meet Lottery revenue projections since its opening, providing the state with a total of about $974,000 in table games and video slots revenue since July 1, about 16 percent below projections.
But Jim Toney, the Lottery's deputy director for revenue, noted that The Greenbrier saw improvement in August, with the state's share of revenue coming in at $591,000.
The Greenbrier opened its permanent, $80 million casino July 2.

So until I get a job and a bankroll, Enjoy the Pokery Goodness for me.

P.S.: Thank you for reading what for me is an "uber-post". Sorry Iggy, I could not resist. I miss your posts, but I guess the time for them is over.

Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races: Poker Room

2010-09-30T19:33:00.000-04:00

OK, I haven't been there yet. But being unemployed as I am, I can still research the new Poker Room at Hollywood Casino online. You can too. Here is the link.

If you don't want to go to the link yet, here is the information it contains:

Hours of the Poker Room are currently 1PM to 4AM Mondays through Thursdays. On Weekends they are open 24 hours (Friday 1PM through Monday 4AM).

There are currently 27 Tables offering Limit and No-Limit Texas Hold'em, Limit and Pot-Limit Omaha 8 or Better, and 7Card Stud. It also says games are will be based on Player demand and table availability. So if you don't see your game, and you can get a full table, you can probably play it there.

Another piece of information not yet available on the website (I asked them via email):
They do not currently run any poker tournaments, but they are planning to do so after the first of the year.

So if you are going to be in the neighborhood, let me know.

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness!

PS: Yes they have Pai Gow!

WSOP Coverage

2010-09-24T16:57:00.000-04:00

I have been watching the WSOP coverage on ESPN On Demand. And from the coverage I think I have figured out what Norman Chad's ex-wives call him... I think he is called "The Rambling Wreck".

Enjoy the Pokery Goodness.