Kangaroos, Koalas, Wambats, and Penguins

I took the full day off from poker today to explore the animal parks of Melbourne. I rented a car which, I initially thought was defective; they had put the steering wheel on the wrong side. The attendant assured me that was how they all were, I figure they must have gotten a deal on them; maybe the Aussie's have labor issues just like we do in the US. The next issue is everyone is driving on the wrong side of the road, or perhaps it's just me, well when in Rome. It does make you wonder why it came to be that whole continents of people drive on different sides of the road. I have to say it was somewhat of an adventure, especially because on the return trip we stopped at a couple of vineyards for some wine tasting. The Yarra Valley where the vineyards were, are truly beautiful and the people we encountered, wonderful.

We visited the Healesvile Animal Sanctuary where we played with wallabies and kangaroos, watched some Koala bears hang out in a tree. Next we saw a platypus, a Tasmanian devil, and a wombat, which were pretty cool really. They also had some poisonous snakes and other reptiles which I chose to skip, I get to see them up close and personal in poker rooms on a regular basis.

I would like to answer some email questions I have received over the past few days. Steve from Tampa asks "how do you play small pairs in early position when playing tournaments versus cash games?" Thats a good question and keep in mind there is not one right way to play a hand. I like to mix it up in both cash games ant tournaments, my table image and the players at my table sometimes influence how I might play small pairs as well. I like to play them so I can maximize the amount of money I can make with them while at the same time minimize my risk. I often like to raise in early position with a small pair, because that will often times give you more options after the flop, because it disguises your hand and might allow you to represent a big ace after the flop. On those great days when you flop a set on a no scare board it might induce a bluff or if you are really lucky a bluff check raise. I am not a big proponent of slow playing hands and I like to bet my sets. It seems these days the pendulam has swung to where everyone is checking when they hit a flop. My philosophy is bet when you have a hand, bet when you miss, and when in doubt, bet or fold. Along with this I really trust my reads. If I think my opponent has flopped a monster, I will get out of the way. Too often players check and call, and check and call. You a need a stronger hand to call with then to raise with. How often do you hear someone say "I have a calling hand, but not a raising hand." Now there are hands I like to limp or call with, and I'm not saying there isn't a good time and place for it, but in general if I'm calling your flop or turn bet, I'm strong and going to raise you on the next card.

The Oracle