Talkin' Poker With the Pros and Other Related Stuff

People ask me all the time how they can improve their poker skills. Today, I am going to give you several ideas of things you can do to become a better player if that truly is your goal. If you don't like an idea in one paragraph, skip it and go to the next, because I am going to mention lots of different things, and one idea might just suit your fancy.

One great tool I have used lately is the Poker Odds Calculator that you will find at www.cardplayer.com. You can input different hands and get their chances of winning in a variety of situations. It is pretty cool, and is free and easy to use. If you wonder, after playing a hand, if you really had the best of it, the odds calculator will tell you. You also can make up and simulate situations. It is neat to input various starting hands and scenarios and see how they match up, or learn just how big a favorite one hand is over another. Some of the stats might surprise you.

Another great way to improve your game is to get instruction from the pros. Coincidentally, it is time again for Card Player Cruises to host the annual World Poker Players Conference. It will be held Nov. 6, and it is not too late to register to attend. In fact, until Nov. 1, you can get the early-bird special price of $99. Held at the beautiful Bellagio Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, this is a perfect opportunity for all of you who are serious about your games to bring a notebook and pen and take some notes on the many great poker ideas, theories, and anecdotes you will hear. Also, bring your cameras and autograph books, if that is your thing, because many of the poker stars and legends will be there, and will be available up close and personal. There is no excuse for anyone who is serious about his game not to attend this affordable full day of poker, poker, poker.

Slated to appear are Doyle "Texas Dolly" Brunson, Mike "The Mad Genius" Caro, Roy Cooke, George Epstein, Mark Gregorich, Jennifer Harman, Linda Johnson, Lee Jones, Daniel Negreanu, Mike Sexton, Barry "Poker Bear" Tanenbaum, and Mark Tenner. In addition, there are likely to be many other poker celebs. You will have an opportunity to listen to the pros talk poker strategy and discuss a broad range of poker subjects, and ask them questions, as well. I will be there and will look forward to meeting you.

One of my favorite ways to work on my game is to work with a poker mentor. Find someone whose game you respect and watch him play, take him to lunch to talk poker, and ask him to watch you play. One of the difficult things about having someone watch and critique your play is that you tend to play differently than you normally would. Doing that won't teach you a thing. You need to avoid the temptation to play to "impress" the mentor and just play your normal game. Then, be ready to listen to his evaluation – the good, the bad, and the ugly. It is very eye-opening indeed. The player who helps you needn't be world-class, but should be one of the better players in your poker world. You can learn something from virtually anyone just by talking poker theory. Don't be afraid to ask questions until you are sure that you understand what your mentor is saying.

There are many new poker products on the market, as well. There is poker software, whereby you can play at home on the computer and have a program access your play and make suggestions. There are a zillion new books. There are videos, camps and conferences, private instruction, and groups who meet to discuss poker. As I have frequently mentioned in this column, in Las Vegas there is a poker group that meets every Wednesday at 2 p.m. to have lunch and then discuss any and all things related to poker. We have been meeting for several years now, and have a wonderful core of regulars as well as guest visitors. If you would like information about how to join this group, either as a guest visiting Las Vegas or a regular, please e-mail me.

I hope to see you at the WPPC on Nov. 6, and welcome any questions or comments you have about that or anything else. Until next time, class dismissed.

Please contact me anytime with your poker comments, questions, and column ideas. Also, please visit www.cardplayercruises.com for more information about the WPPC, poker cruises, and other related topics.