Hand of the Day

Gus Hansen - Every Hand Revealed - Hands On

2008-05-02T15:52:00.002-04:00

I finally got my mitts on Gus Hansen's book, Every Hand Revealed. Orders (and pre-orders) on Amazon already put it in their top 200.

The book is a chance to get inside his mind as he chronicles 329 hands on his way to winning the 2007 Aussie Millions. Only hands folded pre-flop are omitted.

I just read the first 25 pages (at lunch) and found it hard to put down. The style is an easy read and it seems he gives you just enough detail about the situation. Blinds, position and players are detailed for each hand and he gives you his reasoning for his actions. He also highlights some hands as being key for the tournament.

He started with a very strong first table and lost the first 10 hands he played, cutting his stack in half. He talks about reads, taking stabs, adjusting his play, etc.

I think it looks like a very solid entry and can't wait to see hands near the bubble and into the final table. It could easily be the start of a new trend - I think lots of the popular pros could repeat the format and provide fresh perspective on their play.

You can find it and other poker books Here.

WSOP Final Table Delayed for TV

2008-05-02T09:47:00.003-04:00

As you have probably heard, the World Series of Poker (WSOP) main event final table will be delayed until November. The Tournament plays down to the final table as usual, then everyone gets paid for 9th place and they restart it in November to coincide with ESPN's coverage. That way the final table is played out as close to live as possible.

The idea is to build buzz, ratings, and advertising revenue. Overall I think I like it. Certainly, live events generate more excitement and it seems to be a win-win situation for all parties. The Players Committee endorsed it through Daniel Negreanu.

Here is the Full WSOP Announcement.

Despite my approval, here are some random thoughts I came up with:

If it catches on, Vegas books may have an event to compare to Superbowl.

Is there now a waiver: no one who is six months pregnant can play the ME?

Sucks if you sneak into the final table with almost no chips. Wait 3 months to go all in on the first hand and get paid $0.

How much insurance does ESPN have on Norman Chad & Lon Mcheren?

I sense another reality show (groan).

Take it back a few: Moneymaker doesn't win, Raymer likely doesn't win, Gold has to change his style (because he gets warned) and doesn't win.

Huge, make that HUGE, advantage to the pro who makes the final table. Having had their hole cards exposed, amateurs are going to have to hire a coach, lawyer, publicist and bodyguard, develop a new game in 3 months, learn to hide any tells, study their opponents, sign contracts, play other events for practise, give out interviews, quit or arrange leave from their job, keep the family happy, etc.

Gus Hansen - Every Hand Revealed - Update

2008-04-30T09:42:00.010-04:00

Gus Hansen's book, Every Hand Revealed, looks like it's well on it's way to being the top poker book of the year - and it was just released. Orders (and pre-orders) on Amazon already put it in their top 400.

The book is a chance to get inside his mind as he chronicles 329 hands on his way to winning the 2007 Aussie Millions. Only hands folded pre-flop are ommited. Given his style (and reputation), it will be interesting to see his logic in making unorthodox plays.

The Name Game

2008-04-29T12:58:00.001-04:00

Hard Boiled Poker has an interesting post about the read you can get from an online player's name and/or picture.

As I always say, Poker is an information game.

Texas Hold'em Plus - Minus Me

2008-04-28T14:13:00.008-04:00

The Mirage in Las Vegas is testing a new game called Texas Hold'em Plus. It's only difference is that after the deal, for $1, you can change one of your cards (in a $3/$6), which goes into the pot. From here, it is a standard Hold'em game. Of course, the pots get bigger faster. And with the chance to improve your hand, more people will be seeing the flop. I'm sure it will be popular with the action junkies and the weaker players who already play lots of pots. And this many fish will attract some sharks who have figured out a decent strategy to beat this game.

But, do we really need this? Is dumbing down the game the way to go? And how far is this from having a wild card?

Off the top of my head, some of the impacts are:

position becomes even more important (one more round of information).

more dead money in every pot

medium pairs lose value

small pairs become nearly worthless

more trips and full houses being made

more trips over trips flops

more straights and flushes being cracked by a fullhouse

the days of calling a bluff with ace-high and winning are over.

Last but not least, it means there are now four ways to play pocket jacks - all of them wrong.

Poker Vitamins - Part 2

2008-04-28T12:56:00.007-04:00

After my previous post, I did a little digging. It seems that the only supplements aimed at poker players are various energy/vitamin drinks. The big drawbacks I see is that all of them are emphasizing short-term improvements rather than long-term gains and most have the problem mentioned previously for energy drinks.

Daniel Negreanu did flirt with promoting poker vitamins before but it seems that the deal must have fallen through. Phil Hellmuth certainly misses no chance to promote his Pro-Player drink, which makes for some annoying 'table talk' on Poker After Dark. And it obviously doesn't help you stay awake while driving.

Poker Vitamins

2008-04-26T00:36:00.004-04:00

Has your game levelled off?

Are you finding it harder and harder to win?

Well the people at CardVIGOR.com may have the answer: vitamins. Not just any vitamins but a specialized blend just for poker players. They claim to reduce stress and enhance memory. Other benefits include helping to prevent tilt.

They also have some interesting details about the effects of coffee, Red Bull and other "energy drinks". I didn't know that Red Bull was actually banned by some countries and others warn not to use it with alcohol. I can't remember the last time I was at the casino and someone didn't order a Red Bull and vodka.

You can check it out here.

Gus Hansen - Every Hand Revealed

2008-04-18T16:40:00.003-04:00

Gus Hansen's new book, Every Hand Revealed, is now available for pre-order here. It goes on sale April 29th.

It goes through the hands of his winning run at the Aussie Millions Tournament. Something new I'm looking forward to seeing. Hopefully, given Gus' reputation, it will offer some insight into his unpredictable style.

You can find it and other items in the New Items and Gifts section.

Poker After Dark - Season 4 Preview

2008-04-18T16:16:00.004-04:00

The new season of Poker After Dark will open up the format to include some cash game and heads up action. I'd like them to also move to other games (Omaha, anyone?) but it should freshen things up and give Ali something new to say.

They will also have a new Hostess. Leeann Tweeden, will take over the reins of the show next season. She has worked Best Damn Sports Show Period, the Mansion Poker Dome series, and as the host of the 2008 National Heads-Up Poker Championship.

From the Press Release

One week will feature a double elimination heads-up battle between the four winners of NBC's National Heads-Up Poker Championship; Phil Hellmuth, Ted Forrest, Paul Wasicka, and Chris Ferguson, who will put up $50,000 each and compete for the $200,000 winner-take-all prize. For the many fans of heads-up play, this match is definitely one not to be missed.

Also, look for two weeks of a $200/$400 no-limit hold'em cash game to be aired next season. The 12 players participating will be Howard Lederer, Dee Tiller, Gabe Kaplan, Patrik Antonius, Doyle Brunson, and Eli Elezra during one week, and Guy Laliberte, Phil Hellmuth, Tom Dwan, Allen Cunningham, Mike Baxter, and Antonio Esfandiari in the other.

There will be another Dream Match, as online qualifier Paul Featherstone will play against five of his favorite players in Mike Matusow, Jennifer Harman, Phil Hellmuth, Gavin Smith, and Mike Sexton. And speaking of Matusow, he'll have two additional chances to break his 0-8 winless streak during PAD4, as he'll play in one match against David Williams, Phil Hellmuth, Gavin Smith, Clonie Gowen, and Phil Laak, all former PAD winners, and in another against Williams, Andy Black, Lee Watkinson, Dewey Tomko, and Allen Cunningham, all of whom made the final table at WSOP Main Events since 2001 but did not capture the title.

Other matches include "Brilliant Minds," featuring Bill Chen, Chris Ferguson, Andy Bloch, Brandon Adams, Jimmy Warren, and David Sklansky, all highly regarded for their proficiency in mathematics. Another is "The Mayfair Club," which brings together players who honed their skills in the once prominent New York City poker club in Lederer, Dan Harrington, Mickey Appleman, Jay Heimowitz, Steve Zolotow, and Mike Shichtman, the manager of the club during its heyday.

Bragging rights galore will be on the line in the "Nets vs. Vets," a match featuring three highly successful young Internet players in Tom "drrrr" Dwan, Brian "sbrugby" Townsend, and Andrew "good2cu" Robl against veteran pros and former World Champions Doyle Brunson, Johnny Chan, and Huck Seed. And what would Poker After Dark be without a little controversy? "Speak Your Mind" will bring together Phil Gordon, Gabe Kaplan, Cory Zeidman, Phil Hellmuth, Todd Brunson, and David Grey. Whether as columnists, commentators, or simply as players, these six are known for their outspoken natures, so expect a little fur to fly.

More background on the players at the Poker After Dark website.

Poker After Dark - Apr 7th

2008-04-09T12:15:00.004-04:00

This week's show is a repeat of the World Champion show from February. It features Chris Ferguson, Huckleberry Seed, Berry Johnston, Johnny Chan, Jamie Gold, and Phil Hellmuth. I think that's 39 WSOP braclets, including 8 for the Main Event. Tough Table.

More background on the players at the Poker After Dark website.

Semi-bluff leads to a big pot

2008-04-07T09:23:00.012-04:00

Game: 2/5 No Limit Texas Hold'em, $100-$300 buy in.

Location: Fallsview Casino, Niagara Falls, Canada.

Situation: It's a Friday night game and the table is quite loose and friendly. After an hour, I'm in seat two, one off the button, with a number of regulars to my left. The Big Blind is a looser player who will often try to pick up the pot when a garbage flop seems to miss everyone. He has the largest stack at the table (over $1,000) but I haven't seen him play a large pot yet.

Dealt: A♠ 5♠

It's folded to me and I raise to $25. I'm just trying to pick up the blinds and usually $25 is enough warning for others to get out of the way. The button and small blind fold quickly but the the looser player defends. The pot is $52.

Flop: 3♥ 10♠ J♣

It's one of those weak looking flops and I'm not surprised to see my opponent bet out for $30. I have nothing but decide to call with the intention of making a play on the turn. I don't want him to think he can push me off every time. The pot is $112.

Turn: 3♥ 10♠ J♣ K♠

My opponent now bets $50. It's kind of a small bet given the size of the pot and the fact that it's his second lead out bet. I have picked up lots of outs and now my chance to make a play has turned into a semi-bluff. Any Queen or spade with likely give me a nut hand. I decide to min-raise and let him think it's a sign of strength. I think it gives me an excellent chance to win the pot here. He thinks for quite a while, trying to put me on a hand, and finally flat calls the extra $50. I think he wanted to raise but the thought that I was slow-playing a monster slowed him down (it's my first check-raise in any hand, if he realized that). The pot is now $312.

River: 3♥ 10♠ J♣ K♠ 4♠

Well, I've backed into the best hand. I'm hoping he will lead out again, enough to pot-commit himself, and be forced to call my all-in. Instead he checks. Despite putting a possible flush out there, I don't want to value bet too light. I want him to think I'm stealing. Given my stack is less than the pot, going all-in for $252 doesn't necessarily show strength.

He immediately says that the four on the river could not have helped me. Then he stops talking and takes a long time thinking through the hand, trying to put me on something. At one point he takes the chips off his cards and picks them up as though to muck them. Finally he tells me he doesn't think I have it and calls. He shows J♥ Q♣, for a pair of jacks, top pair on the flop. The pot was $816.

Conclusion: He takes it well. As I tell him, I tried to win it preflop and on the turn (and I would have been happy in either case). In addition to taking a very nice pot and putting this player on guard against me, the whole table had a lot to say about how the hand played out. A few people had put me on AK, but no one had me on a flush.

Pocket Jacks vs. Overcards on the Board

2008-03-17T13:09:00.007-04:00

Game: 2/5 No Limit Texas Hold'em, $100-$300 buy in.

Location: Fallsview Casino, Niagara Falls, Canada.

Situation: It's a Saturday night game. What does that mean? It means a looser table with more tourists and fewer regulars. And long lists ensure that players are primed to gamble by the time they reach the felt. I'm fairly new to the table and haven't shown down a hand yet. There's lots of banter between the younger players, a few of whom are friends. I changed to this table due to the decent stack sizes (averaging about $500) and casual atmosphere. The one player newer than me bought in for $200 and I've marked him as a tight aggessive player (TA hereafter) who is looking to get all in and double-up when he's ahead. I have position on him, two to his left, and have slightly more in chips as the hand begins.

Dealt: J♠ J♣

The TA is in early position and raises to $20. I consider raising but I think I can see a flop without too many in the pot and keep my strength hidden. The button, the loosest player at the table, calls and we are three handed to the flop. I put TA on a medium pocket pair or AJ suited through AK suited. If he had a bigger hand, I think he would have raised more to limit draws. I put the button on Ax - good news for me if TA has AJ-AK. The pot is $67.

Flop: 3♥ K♠ 6♣

It's not a disaster but the overcard has to be respected. TA bets out $30. Other than AK, I don't see him with a king. I also think he's the type of player who is only likely to bet out here with a made hand. Therefore, I put him on a pocket pair. I still have the loose player behind but I think he's done with this pot unless the king hit him. I call and the button goes away. The pot is still $127.

Turn: 3♥ K♠ 6♣ A♣

The button pushes away from the table when the ace comes out, so I'm pretty sure my read was good there and it's less likely that TA has an ace also. TA thinks, looks over his stack (about $150) and finally checks. I'm now pretty sure I'm ahead, say 80%. I'm also pretty sure he will fold to any reasonable bet. I decide to check and see what the river brings. The pot is still $127.

River: 3♥ K♠ 6♣ A♣ A♥

Now the TA bets out $30. At a quarter of the pot, it looks like a value bet. The second ace didn't change much in my mind, but it should tell TA that I likely don't have one. I go over the hand again and still like my reads. If he has a pocket pair I should still be good, so I call. If I'm wrong, the $30 has to be written off as an investment in getting a better read on this player in the future.

TA, looking unhappy, turns over pocket nines. I can't help but comment "That's what I hoped you had" as I turn over the jacks. The pot was $187.

Conclusion: I got a number of compliments on the call, including from my opponent. As nice as that is for the ego, I was glad I didn't have to call an all-in on the river. I think this hand shows the value of puting your opponents on a hand at each round. With that 'history' in mind, you have a much stronger case for picking off a bluff (or semi-bluff) at the end.

Flopping Quads and Getting Paid

2008-03-06T14:02:00.017-05:00

Game: 2/5 No Limit Texas Hold'em

Location: Fallsview Casino, Niagara Falls, Canada.

Situation: In last night's game I got one of those rare hands; a monster that gets paid. I'm new to the table and this is my first time on the button. There are a couple of familiar faces at the table and lots of discussion about key hands that played out prior to my arrival. I'm making a mental note to not get caught without a hand when between some of these rivals. I'm also liking the general distracted way most people are playing. As I said in a previous post's tip, observing the table is very important, even between hands.

Dealt: 3♠ 3♥

Again there are limpers until the guy to my right raises to $20. I call and thoroughly expect most of the limpers to follow. They do and it's five-handed to the flop with the pot at $100.

Flop: 3♦ J♠ 3♣

It's the monster flop and I try to watch the action without giving away my hand's strength. Unfortunately there is no action and I check. I thought the original raiser would continuation bet to thin the field but no such luck. The pot is still $100.

Turn: 3♦ J♠ 3♣ 9♠

Again it's checked all around to me. I cannot let it go again and decide to just bet $30. Hopefully it will look like a position steal and someone will at least pay to see the river. Two players fold and it's on a younger player who (the conversation had revealed) had been the recipient of several bad beats. He pondered for a while and I thought I had lost him. Instead he re-raises to $90, leaving him with about $70 more. The original raiser folds and we are heads-up. After his act before the raise, I give him credit for a big hand. I think he just pot committed himself even as he was trying to milk me. After getting a count of his remaing chips I raise all-in. He calls right away. The pot is $420.

River: 3♦ J♠ 3♣ 9♠ 2♥

The dealer puts up the deuce even before I can flip my cards and show the quads. My opponent had been making a motion to show but now mucks.

Conclusion: My opponent revealed to his friend that he had pocket nines. My check on the flop and the 'perfect' turn card let him improve his hand. There was nothing he could do after that. It wasn't Gus Hansen's quads versus Daniel Negreanu' s full house, but it was a big pot that gave me a lot of momentum for the rest of the night.

Setting a Trap with Ace-King

2008-03-03T12:06:00.020-05:00

Game: 2/5 No Limit Texas Hold'em

Location: Fallsview Casino, Niagara Falls, Canada.

Situation: The table has been experiencing long periods of quiet play with lots of pre-flop limping (and some empty seats), puncuated by several large all-in hands. I am one of two players over $600 in chips, several others near their $300 buy-in (including two aggressive players) and a few shorter stacks. I'm in the Small Blind.

Dealt: A♠ K♥

Again there are lots of limpers and it comes to me with four people already in. Usually I would raise here but I dislike playing out of position with this hand. I decide to just call and see a flop. If it comes ace or king high, I look to be a big favourite against limpers. The Big Blind checks and the pot is $30.

Flop: A♦ K♠ 6♣

I couldn't ask for much more on the flop. I want to see who will bet their hand, so I check. The big blind bets $30 and, quite surprisingly, it's folded around to me. She has shown she's a knowledgable player, even advising a friend from another table when he comes over to discuss strategy. Her bet here says she's trying to protect a hand. I think she may have just checked pre-flop with AQ or AJ but the bet would also fit A6 or K6.

I decide to see if she has a hand. I raise to $90. She hardly pauses and goes all-in for $275 total. Now I'm cetain she has two pair and I call immediately. I show her top two pair and she shows me K6 offsuit. The pot is $640.

Turn: A♦ K♠ 6♣ 7♠

Nothing changes and she's drawing to a 2-outer six.

River: A♦ K♠ 6♣ 7♠ 5♥

The river is a blank and I take down a nice pot.

Conclusion: Slow-playing the Ace-King disguised the strength of the hand and gave a weaker hand a chance to build a pot. She was very unlucky find such a strong but dominated hand, however, her conversations and advice to her friends had let me build a more complete picture of her play in a relatively short time.

TIP: Be aware that everything you do at the table will be noticed. The more observant players will use this information against you, just as they do your play in the hands.

Free Rolling with the Nut Straight

2008-02-29T13:17:00.019-05:00

Game: Cash game, 5/5 No Limit Texas Hold'em

Location: Fallsview Casino, Niagara Falls, Canada

Situation: We are on a very active table with lots of aggressive players. I have tripled up to about $900, showing down strong hands in every pot. I'm the Big Blind.

Dealt: A♠ Q♠

One of the looser players in middle position raises to $25 (standard at this table), leaving him about $100 behind. It's folded to the Button who flat calls. He's new to the table, so a call here might just be caution because he lacks table info. The small blind folds and I call the extra $20. The pot is $80.

Flop: K♠ J♠ 10♥

The flop is ideal for me and I decide to make a small bet to build the pot. I doubt that $35 will scare anyone off. The middle position player calls immediately. The button announces raise and takes his time coming up with $115 more, for $150 total. He's now committed just over half his stack. The raise here shows clear strength because he knows the middle position player cannot fold. Given this, I bet enough to put him all in. The middle position plays calls but his expression says he knows he's behind. The button calls instantly and proudly announces he has 'the best hand', turning over A♥ Q♣ for the broadway straight. I shake my head and tell him, 'no, I have the best hand', getting some chuckles from around the table as I show my hand. The pot is $770.

Turn: K♠ J♠ 10♥ 4♦

The turn is a blank and guy is middle position is reaching into his wallet for fresh ammunition.

River: K♠ J♠ 10♥ 4♦ 7♥

Another blank and the button and I split the pot, the middle position player mucking his cards without showing. It's a always disappointing not to get paid off in full but I was really looking for the elusive royal flush.

Conclusion: After showing yet another strong hand I was getting a lot more respect and was able to bluff my way to several pots in the next few hours.

Daniel Negreanu lays down a straight

2008-02-27T01:14:00.015-05:00

Tournament: Poker After Dark, International Week

Game: No Limit Texas Hold'em

Location: Poker After Dark

Situation: The tournament has just started. We are at Level I (100/200).

Everyone started with $20,000 and Daniel stole the blinds.

The seats are John Juanda(SB), Patrik Antonius(BB), Johnny Chan, Roland de Wolfe, Daniel Negreanu and Gus Hansen on the button.

Dealt:
Chan: A♣ 5♣

Negreanu: 4♦ 4♣

Antonius: J♦ 9♦

Johnny Chan raises to $600 under the gun. A marginal hand but perhaps Johnny thinks the table will start off cautiously. Daniel calls with pocket fours and Patrik Antonius takes the big blind discount. The pot is 1,900.

Flop: 3♦ 5♥ 2♠

Patrik checks and Johnny bets $1,600 with top pair and a gutshot draw. Negreanu raises to $3,600 with his pocket pair and open-ended straight draw. He's sending a message and trying to pick up the pot right there. Patrik folds and Chan calls. The pot is now $9,100, significant so early in the tournament.

Turn: 3♦ 5♥ 2♠ Ad

Chan checks his two pair. Negreanu bets $5,000 and I think he expects to take the pot now. Chan thinks but calls. I don't like the call. Daniel has check-raised the flop and now bets with an ace on the turn. What can Chan put him on here? He has to put him on a straight, trips or a bluff. So he's in bad shape to any real hand Daniel could have. The pot is $19,100.

River: 3♦ 5♥ 2♠ Ad A♠

Well Chan gets the perfect river card to the nuts. He bets out $7,000. Daniel is confused and asks if Johnny will show him a card. He's deep in the tank. He says that Chan "must have a full-house" or "nothing in the hand makes sense". Once again, he's spot on. He runs through everything again, taking three minutes to fold. Chan doesn't show and now calls Negreanu's hand as pocket fours, which Daniel confirms.

Conclusion: Gus Hansen makes fun of Daniel "coming all the way from Canada and folding a straight", but Daniel gets the last laugh now. He made one of his excellent reads and had the will power to fold when he thought he was beat. Chan's river bet was essentionally an all-in bet and he might induced a curiosity call for less.

We will have to watch and hope the rest of the week will offer more great hands.

International Week - Poker After Dark - Feb 25

2008-02-24T11:29:00.004-05:00

This week Poker After Dark looks beyond the U.S. with a group of 'internationals'. At least four of them live in America now but at least it puts together an interesting lineup: John Juanda, Gus Hansen, Roland de Wolfe, Patrik Antonius, Johnny Chan, and Daniel Negreanu.

It'll be fun to see if Negreanu's reading ability can match up against de Wolfe and Antonius' aggressive styles and Gus Hansen's reputation for playing anything. Chan and Juanda have more conservative styles but they may have to open up a bit to prevent someone else running away with the chip lead.

Laying Down Trips

2008-02-22T13:09:00.017-05:00

Cash Game: Million Dollar Cash Game, $100k minimum buy in

Game: No Limit Texas Hold'em

Location: London

Table: Tony G, Erik Seidel, Allen Cunningham, Andy Bloch, Chris Ferguson, Phil Ivey, Patrik Antonius and Brian Townsend.

Situation: $300/$600 blinds with $100 ante, Andy Bloch on the Button.

Patrik Antonius Dealt: K♥ 6♥

Brian Townsend Dealt: 7♦ 4♦

Allen Cunningham Dealt: 4♣ 4♠

Patrik Antonius calls, under the gun. Brian Townsend, new to the table, raises to $2,800, perhaps setting the tone for later hands. Cunningham calls. Antonius considers briefly and then calls. Pot is $10,100.

Flop: 4♥ T♥ A♣

Everyone gets a piece of the flop. Patrik checks his flush draw. Townsend bets $8,600. He's representing the ace but hit just the four. Cunningham flat calls. He may have made the mistake of letting Antonius into the pot or he may have him on on ace (called under the gun, then called a raise). Either way, Antonius calls and the pot is up to $35,900.

Turn: 4♥ T♥A♣ Q♥

Antonius hits his flush and bets $22,000. Townsend gets out of the way. Cunningham thinks about the bet but calls quickly. He knows Antonius is a creative player and he may put him on a semi-bluff. Pot is $79,900.

River: 4♥ T♥ A♣ Q♥ 2♣

Antonius asks what Cunningham has behind and then bets $75,000. His asking for a chip count and then betting (basically) pot, seems like a play to get Cunningham in. Allen Cunningham though passes, having the discipline to let it go.

Conclusion: Patrik's unconventional starting hand pays big dividends and he almost gets a monster pots. Allen Cunningham later said that he was 80-85% sure that Antonius had a flush. He'll be glad to know his read was good even though he lost the pot.

Watch it on : PokerTube

Cowboy Week - Poker After Dark - Feb 18th

2008-02-20T16:54:00.004-05:00

Poker After Dark this week is "Cowboy" Week (Yea-haw). With the "MIT Cowboy" and the "High Stakes Cowboy" they are stretching the boundries. But perhaps they just wanted Doyle Brunsen at the table again. They must be struggling to keep it fresh.

It was amusing when the players pointed out that real cowboys would play Stud or H.O.R.S.E but the producers weren't going for it. It's a shame; at least switching the format to Stud or H.O.R.S.E would mix up the action. Maybe we should start a petition...

More background on the players at the Poker After Dark website.

2008 WSOP Just 100 Days Away

2008-02-19T21:14:00.003-05:00

Tournament: 2008 World Series of Poker

Game: $10,000 Pot Limit Texas Hold'em

Location: The Rio, Las Vegas

Situation: 100 days and counting...

Salubrion Enso Clock

2008-02-19T20:32:00.005-05:00

This may be one of the nicest clocks I've seen in a while. It's aimed at the yoga and wellness crowd but the shape and multiple countdown functions could be used to time tournament levels and also provide a 1 minute 'clock'. The Salubrion Enso Clock is available via Amazon for about $100 USD.

Warning Signs - Omaha Hi/Lo

2008-02-18T01:11:00.004-05:00

Tournament: Low level ($5.00+$0.50), 9 seat, Sit n Go

Game: Omaha Hi/Lo

Location: Pokerstars

Situation: We are early in the tournament. Seat 3 is the table chip leader and we'll play along with him.

We are at Level I (10/20), seat 4 is the button.

Seat 1: Seat1 (1215 in chips)
Seat 2: Seat2 (1490 in chips)
Seat 3: Seat3 (2500 in chips)
Seat 4: Seat4 (1780 in chips)
Seat 5: Seat5 (1480 in chips)
Seat 6: Seat6 (700 in chips)
Seat 7: Seat7 (1455 in chips)
Seat 8: Seat8 (1480 in chips)
Seat 9: Seat9 (1400 in chips)

Seat9: calls 20
Seat2: calls 20
Seat3: raises 60 to 80 with [As Ah Th 5h]
Seat6: calls 60
Seat9: calls 60
Seat2: calls 60

Pocket aces is an automatic raise at this level but this raise invites calls. He has one suited draw but only weak low or straight draws. His raise only gets the SB out of the pot; everyone else with money in calls. The Pot is 330.

Flop: 4♥ J♦ K♥

Seat9: checks
Seat2: checks
Seat3: bets 200
Seat6: calls 200
Seat9: folds
Seat2: calls 200

This is a decent flop for Seat3 - he has four to the nut flush, needs a queen for nut straight and only one low card is on the board. His bet is only 60% of the pot. That will get rid on the low draws but invites the high hands in. Seat 6 flat calls, for a third of his stack, and Seat 2 calls with good odds. Seat 6's call is the problem. Calling here says he must have a big draw. Since Seat 3 has the A♥, a flush draw seems highly unlikely. That leaves a straight draw or trips. The Pot is 930.

Turn: 4♥ J♦ K♥ J♣

Seat6: bets 100
Seat2: folds
Seat3: calls 100

Seat 6 bets but the paired board cools the action. Seat 2 gives up but Seat 3's call again raises problems. The Pot is 1130.

River: 4♥ J♦ K♥ J♣ Q♣

Seat6: checks
Seat3: bets 320
Seat6: calls 320 and is all-in

Seat 6 finally checks and Seat 3 moves all in. Seat 6 thinks for a short while and finally calls. I don't like the call. Calling here only wins if he's bluffing. Seat 3 has shown strength on the turn and moving all in here confirms that. He knows any full house will call him, so you can throw out thoughts of a straight.

Seat3: shows [A♠ A♥ T♥ 5♥] (HI: a straight, Ten to Ace)
Seat6: shows [7♠ 9♠ 4♦ 4♣] (HI: a full house, Fours full of Jacks)

Seat6 collected 1770 from pot - No low hand qualified

Conclusion:

Seat 6 hit trips on the flop and was going all the way with it. Seat 3 could have saved money but couldn't give it up.

2006 Mirage Poker Showdown, 3 Handed

2008-02-14T08:28:00.001-05:00

Tournament: World Poker Tour, 2006 Mirage Poker Showdown

Game: No Limit Texas Hold'em

Location: Mirage, Las Vegas

Situation: Final Table, 3 Handed

The blinds are 40k/80k, with a 10k ante.

1 Harry Demetriou 4,300,000
2 Stan Weiss 1,200,000
3 Devin Porter 1,700,000

Dealt:

Harry Demetriou (SB): 10♦ 2♦

Stan Weiss (BB): J♠ 5♦

Pre-Flop:

Porter folds and Harry calls. Weiss checks.

Flop: K♣ 5♠ 2 ♠

Demetriou checked, Weiss bet 200k, and Demetriou called. Weiss had been very aggressive and given up a lot of chips betting with nothing. Harry is pretty certain Weiss cannot have a king. His deuce may be good.

Turn: K♣ 5♠ 2♠ 2♥

The perfect card for Demetriou. He checked knowing that Weis will try to take the pot with a bet. Weiss doesn't disappoint and pushes all in for 1 million. Demetriou calls and Weiss is disgusted to be down to a 2-outer or he's going home in third.

River: K♣ 5♠ 2♠ 2♥ 5♥

The river hits Weiss to keep him alive. Demetriou still has the chip lead but he was looking to be heads up and a huge chip-leader.

After the hand
1 Harry Demetriou 3,100,000
2 Stan Weiss 2,400,000
3 Devin Porter 1,700,000

Conclusion:

Weiss made a series of aggressive plays and was lucky to escape. It seems the all-in was his only play late in the tourament. Later, he beats Harry with a three-outer on the river to win the title.

WSOP Countdown

2008-02-13T21:50:00.000-05:00

106 days and Counting!

One of the things I've added is a countdown to the World Series of Poker (WSOP). You can see it in the right margin. It's set to the start of the first event of the series, rather than the main event. So, if you're trying to scratch up $10K, you have a few more days!

Poker After Dark - Feb 11th

2008-02-11T15:08:00.000-05:00

Poker After Dark will be bringing "World Champions Week". All the players have won the WSOP main event. Berry Johnston (1986), Johnny Chan (1987, 1988), Phil Hellmuth (1989), Huck Seed (1996), Chris Ferguson (2000) and Jamie Gold (2006) will battle it out.

More background on the players at the Poker After Dark website.