Poker, Poker, and More Poker

Someone recently told me that he reads my column because he never knows what I am going to write about; it could be anything from TDA rules, to "Play a Tournament With Me," to poker cruises. Keeping this in mind, here is another miscellaneous poker tidbits column.



Online Poker Support Sites … I enjoy reading poker news and exploring various Internet sites that contain poker content. We all know that the recent explosion in poker's popularity has spawned a myriad of online poker sites. Riding on their coattails, it is interesting to see a burgeoning of online poker support sites, as well. These sites typically offer "how-to" instructional materials based on well-practiced poker concepts. At this early stage of online poker support site development, we often see somewhat cut-and-dried websites that teach the basics of the games.



In my research into some of these support sites, I recently came across an intriguing one that offers a fresh new twist to learning and practicing the game.



The brainchild of James Leitner, a Las Vegas computer consultant and an aspiring poker pro in his own right, http://www.pokerprosvsearth.com/ promises to bring a poker professional level of gaming to the masses. The site's key draw is that it goes beyond the bland concepts and offers game play with a featured poker professional. The concept is this: A single player called "Earth" is comprised of the general public, and Earth plays heads-up in a tournament format against a poker professional. The current tournament professional happens to be Mark Gregorich, Card Player associate editor and columnist, and a very accomplished and respected player.



The mock games challenge the site visitor to "vote" on the correct course of action at each decision point during each hand. Upon viewing their downcards, visitors dictate the next move by voting to bet, raise, fold, and so on. The votes are tallied, the majority wins, and the move is then made. The poker professional then has a certain amount of time to make his/her move. It is fun to read the interesting comments of users with such nicknames as Iamdabest or Ih8tolose, who vehemently justify their reasoning for going all in with a "Motown" (J-5) or "Brunson" (10-2) preflop. This forum is educational and offers insight into the ways different players think and operate. The players' skill levels run the gamut, and I was pleasantly surprised to see implementation of some high-level concepts.



It is certainly a boon to our game and our profession to see such growth in poker support websites. With fresh new ideas, they can help drive our industry to the next level by getting the public involved.



Hush … I have been reading some articles lately about pet peeves at the poker table, and thought I would add a few of my own here. Dealers, please don't make comments about hands or how people play them. At the Wednesday Poker Discussion Group recently, one of the members said he was playing in a tight game, and after most of the players had folded to a raise, the dealer commented, "Isn't anyone going to call him? Don't be chickens!"



I recently was playing in a hold'em game and four spades hit the board. After it was checked around, the dealer said, "OK, who has the largest spade?" Dealers, (and players) please don't make comments like this during a hand – or after, for that matter!



No Poker Content … In my last column, I told you that the Ferrari/Maserati dealership at Wynn Las Vegas had started charging $10 to enter the showroom. I just read that a gambler who had won more than $1 million decided he wanted to buy a Ferrari, but didn't think that he should have to wait in line. He jumped in front of everyone in line and entered the showroom, and subsequently was told by a salesman that he would have to get back in line. He argued with the salesman, who ended up calling for security and had the man escorted out of the showroom. The gambler called his casino host, who arranged for him to get back in the showroom, but he was so upset by then that he decided to take his money somewhere else. Oops!



Poker, Poker, Poker … Las Vegans now have more choices when it comes to poker rooms. Recently, the Stratosphere, Tuscany, and Silverton all opened poker rooms in their establishments. By the time you read this, Green Valley Ranch will have debuted its new poker room, as well.



World Poker Players Conference … Mark your calendars for Nov. 12, the date of the 2005 WPPC. This will be the first time that this event will be held at Foxwoods Resort Casino. The details are being finalized, but should be available at http://www.cardplayercruises.com/ by the time you read this.



Now, let's play poker.

Linda is available to host poker events, corporate nights, and seminars. You can contact her through her business website at www.cardplayercruises.com or www.lindapoker.com.