A Real Poker Problem

Dear Acey: I have a real poker problem for you. It's not a problem like when to call or when to raise with pocket aces in the big blind. And it's not some silly, once-in-a-lifetime card-playing situation. It's a real problem, one that poker players have faced since time immemorial. What should I do when a friend asks to borrow money? Should I just hand him the money? Or, should I give it to him with a dose of my sage advice? Or, should I refuse and give a reason? Or, should I just say, "No, not a cent, and don't bother to ask me again"? As a regular poker player, I am faced with this problem frequently. What should I do?

- Fred From Fremont

Dear Friendly Fremont Freddy: Your problem is not unique. Most poker players have been confronted with this dilemma. Dear Acey's advice is simple: If you can afford it and want to help him out, hand him the money; give no advice, just hand over the green. Experience has taught Dear Acey that most poker players are honest folks and more than willing to pay off their poker debts. When they get their money situation together, they will pay you back. I've loaned money to many friends, and so far, I've been paid back every time. Be patient with your poker friends; they won't stiff you intentionally. They want to pay you back. And, Freddy, someday the "green" shoe may be on the other foot, and you, Friendly Freddy, may be in need of some "short-term green."

Dear Acey: Do you have any tips for a frustrated tournament poker player? Do you know anything useful that I should remember when playing in a poker tournament? You've won some tournaments, so please advise.

- Troubled Tournament Tommy

Dear Troubled Tommy: First, know the details of the tournament (the buy-in, the cost of rebuys, the number of players, the betting structure, the time limits, the payout schedule, and so on). Then, go to the restroom prior to the start of the tournament. If a tournament offers a single rebuy, always take it. Play good position aggressively. You must steal the blinds on occasion. Try to trap others when they try to steal your blinds. Be selective in your play. Don't be predictable. Always play as tough as possible. Always know your own chip count. Know the total amount of chips in play for the entire tournament. Know the amount of chips in front of each player at your table. Be patient, and when the right opportunity arises, bet and/or raise – be aggressive. It's almost always better to be betting than to be calling. Make the other guy guess what you have. Make good decisions. If you start to run low on chips, take more chances with weaker hands than you usually would play. If you are going to get knocked out, do it by taking a chance rather than by being blinded off. Always think "lucky." You must have some good luck at key times to win tournaments. Always play to win the tournament. If you do all of these things, you're likely to be the last one remaining at the final table and holding the trophy.

Dear Acey: What is the easiest way to establish a loose image at the poker table? I see loose players winning big pots, while tight players win only small pots. What's the easiest way to be considered a loose player?

- Tight Twanda From Toledo

Dear Twanda From Toledo: There are two ways to establish a loose image at the poker table. The first way is to bet and raise at every opportunity on four of the first five hands that you play, regardless of your cards. I guarantee that will plant the idea in the other players' brains that you are a "loose" player. The second method is to wear a low-cut dress that's two sizes too small. The other players will get the idea that you may be a "loosie" the moment you sit down.

Dear Acey: What can I do to improve my luck at the poker table. I need more good luck.

- Unlucky Victor in Las Vegas

Dear Unlucky Vegas Vic: According to John Gollen's book Las Vegas Trivia, there are more churches in Las Vegas, per capita, than in any other city in the United States. More than 65 religious faiths are represented in more than 500 churches. No, the churches do not have neon signs or slot machines, but everyone is welcome. Find a nice church, mosque, or temple, and go inside and try a little prayer. It may help your luck at the poker table. It certainly won't hurt.

Readers are encouraged to E-mail Dear Acey at [email protected].