Nov 12th
Winner
LUIS COY
11/12/2006
11/11/2006
11/09/2006
Upcoming Wild Cards
Upcoming Wildcard Events
Sunday November 12 - The Collins
Monday November 13 - Bradley Roadhouse
Wednesday November 22 - Mexicali Rosa's
Thursday November 23 - Black Bull
The Winner of each event gets an automatic seat
in the Poker In Canada Tour Championshipon
December 3rd at Bobby D's in Burlinton.
Sunday November 12 - The Collins
Monday November 13 - Bradley Roadhouse
Wednesday November 22 - Mexicali Rosa's
Thursday November 23 - Black Bull
The Winner of each event gets an automatic seat
in the Poker In Canada Tour Championshipon
December 3rd at Bobby D's in Burlinton.
11/08/2006
11/07/2006
POKER SKILLS: The Free Card
by Scott Paterson
This is a trick designed to save you money when
you’re on a draw by letting you see the river card for free.
An opponent limps in early position.
You pick up the A10 of hearts in late position and
decide to call. The button and SB fold. The BB checks.
The flop comes 4 of hearts, K of clubs, and 9 of hearts.
The BB bets out and the early limper folds.
The action is on you. You have the nut flush draw
and have detected weakness in the BB. Maybe he
has bottom or middle pair. You have the nut flush
(9 outs) plus any A (3 outs) or 10 (3 outs).
You’ll make the winning hand if you can see the turn
and river cards about 50% of the time. What should you do?
I’d consider raising against a passive opponent. You have
a great draw, so it’s not like your throwing your money
down a rat hole. In addition, you’ve decided your passive
opponent is weak. If you raise now the chances are pretty
good your opponent will check to you after the turn comes.
Then you can check behind him and see the river for free
if you missed your draw on the turn.
Let’s look at how this can be a money saver.
First, when you raised your opponent after the flop.
You called the BB (50 chips), your opponent bet
after the flop and you raised (the 100 chips your opponent
bet plus your 100 chip raise), and your opponent feeling
a bit nervous about your raise checked the turn and you
checked behind them. You’ve seen five community cards
for a total of 250 chips. Now, what could happen if you
didn’t raise. You called the BB (50 chips), your opponent bet
after the flop and you called (100 chips), and then your
opponent bets the turn and you call in order to see the river
(200 chips). You’ve now seen the five community cards,
but it’s cost you 350 chips instead of 250. It’s only 100 chips,
but every little bit matters.
Some things to consider are:
Your opponent
If your opponent is very aggressive this won’t work
because they’ll likely bet the turn regardless if you
raise after the flop or not.
Position
Obviously this play won’t work unless you can
act last after the flop.
Your reading ability
This play will only work if your opponent flops
a weak hand. If you’ve misread the situation,
and your opponent has flopped a strong hand
they’ll either reraise after you raise or they’ll bet the turn.
This is a trick designed to save you money when
you’re on a draw by letting you see the river card for free.
An opponent limps in early position.
You pick up the A10 of hearts in late position and
decide to call. The button and SB fold. The BB checks.
The flop comes 4 of hearts, K of clubs, and 9 of hearts.
The BB bets out and the early limper folds.
The action is on you. You have the nut flush draw
and have detected weakness in the BB. Maybe he
has bottom or middle pair. You have the nut flush
(9 outs) plus any A (3 outs) or 10 (3 outs).
You’ll make the winning hand if you can see the turn
and river cards about 50% of the time. What should you do?
I’d consider raising against a passive opponent. You have
a great draw, so it’s not like your throwing your money
down a rat hole. In addition, you’ve decided your passive
opponent is weak. If you raise now the chances are pretty
good your opponent will check to you after the turn comes.
Then you can check behind him and see the river for free
if you missed your draw on the turn.
Let’s look at how this can be a money saver.
First, when you raised your opponent after the flop.
You called the BB (50 chips), your opponent bet
after the flop and you raised (the 100 chips your opponent
bet plus your 100 chip raise), and your opponent feeling
a bit nervous about your raise checked the turn and you
checked behind them. You’ve seen five community cards
for a total of 250 chips. Now, what could happen if you
didn’t raise. You called the BB (50 chips), your opponent bet
after the flop and you called (100 chips), and then your
opponent bets the turn and you call in order to see the river
(200 chips). You’ve now seen the five community cards,
but it’s cost you 350 chips instead of 250. It’s only 100 chips,
but every little bit matters.
Some things to consider are:
Your opponent
If your opponent is very aggressive this won’t work
because they’ll likely bet the turn regardless if you
raise after the flop or not.
Position
Obviously this play won’t work unless you can
act last after the flop.
Your reading ability
This play will only work if your opponent flops
a weak hand. If you’ve misread the situation,
and your opponent has flopped a strong hand
they’ll either reraise after you raise or they’ll bet the turn.
POKER SKILLS: Using Player's Aggression Against Them
by Scott Paterson
In Harrington on Hold’em, Dan Harrington talks about
two defensive strategies that can be used to combat
very aggressive players. These are “The Hammer”
and “The Rope-a-Dope”.
“The Hammer” is a preflop move used against very
aggressive players that raise with trash hoping to steal
the blinds and antes. These players are not looking for
an expensive confrontation, and since their starting hand
requirements are probably lower than yours the proper
move is to reraise or backraise them. Occasionally you’ll
find yourself in a world of hurt, but usually they’ll let their
hand go. This move takes intestinal fortitude, but if you
don’t try it once in a while the aggressive player will
run over the table. This move is also highly effective
against loose players that like to limp in with trash
hoping to flop big hands.
NOTE: You probably want some kind of hand to do
this with in case it goes to the flop.
“The Rope-a-Dope” is a postflop move that can be
employed when a very aggressive player has position
on you. Check when you flop a strong hand, let them bet,
and just call. Repeat after the turn comes. After the river
comes, check to them, let them bet, and then raise.
Always keep in mind that although your hand might not
appear that strong it probably is because the very
aggressive player is playing weaker than average hands.
In Harrington on Hold’em, Dan Harrington talks about
two defensive strategies that can be used to combat
very aggressive players. These are “The Hammer”
and “The Rope-a-Dope”.
“The Hammer” is a preflop move used against very
aggressive players that raise with trash hoping to steal
the blinds and antes. These players are not looking for
an expensive confrontation, and since their starting hand
requirements are probably lower than yours the proper
move is to reraise or backraise them. Occasionally you’ll
find yourself in a world of hurt, but usually they’ll let their
hand go. This move takes intestinal fortitude, but if you
don’t try it once in a while the aggressive player will
run over the table. This move is also highly effective
against loose players that like to limp in with trash
hoping to flop big hands.
NOTE: You probably want some kind of hand to do
this with in case it goes to the flop.
“The Rope-a-Dope” is a postflop move that can be
employed when a very aggressive player has position
on you. Check when you flop a strong hand, let them bet,
and just call. Repeat after the turn comes. After the river
comes, check to them, let them bet, and then raise.
Always keep in mind that although your hand might not
appear that strong it probably is because the very
aggressive player is playing weaker than average hands.
11/06/2006
New Start Times
Starting tonight, Monday November 6th
Poker In CanadaTour evening events
in London will have a new start time of 7pm.
Monday 7PM -- Bradley Roadhouse
Wednesday 7PM -- Mexicali Rosa’s
Thursday 7PM -- Bradley Roadhouse
Saturday 7PM -- Locker Room
Sunday 2PM -- Mexicali Rosa's
Sunday 7PM -- Bradley Roadhouse
Poker In CanadaTour evening events
in London will have a new start time of 7pm.
Monday 7PM -- Bradley Roadhouse
Wednesday 7PM -- Mexicali Rosa’s
Thursday 7PM -- Bradley Roadhouse
Saturday 7PM -- Locker Room
Sunday 2PM -- Mexicali Rosa's
Sunday 7PM -- Bradley Roadhouse
11/05/2006
New Stats Available
Point Standings have not been updated yet
at pokerincanadatour.com but will be available
at the Sunday & Monday events.
Londoner's have captured 4 of the top 5 spots ! !
(points as of Oct 26)
1. Penny Stoddart - 965 pts
2. Ray Falconer - 940 pts
4. Neil Millson - 930 pts
5. Janice Meyer - 900 pts
There are also 22 London players in the top 65 !
at pokerincanadatour.com but will be available
at the Sunday & Monday events.
Londoner's have captured 4 of the top 5 spots ! !
(points as of Oct 26)
1. Penny Stoddart - 965 pts
2. Ray Falconer - 940 pts
4. Neil Millson - 930 pts
5. Janice Meyer - 900 pts
There are also 22 London players in the top 65 !
11/04/2006
11/02/2006
11/01/2006
TOURNAMENTS: Survival vs. Accumulating Chips
There is a mind-set shared by all great
No-Limit Hold'em Tournament Players.
It is the polar opposite of most beginner
tournament players.
Tournament poker is about Accumulating Chips
NOT about Survival.
But I know you're saying ... "but the person who
survives the longest wins the tournament".
True enough... but in order to win the tournament
you must eventually accumulate ALL the chips into your stack.
You can't do this by playing survival poker. No one ever
folds their way to the final table.
At best, playing poker with a survivors mindset will get you
to the final table when you get a run of better than average
cards or you are playing against opponents with considerably
less skill than you. You may even make your share of final tables.
But when you do, you will be short stacked and praying for cards
that you can double up with.
Survivors dont want to risk their entire tournament on one hand.
The fear of being eliminated causes them to fold and miss
opportunities to accumulate chips. The truth is, there is little value
in remaining in a tournament. Bubble boy earns the same as
the very first person eliminated.
Dont get me wrong... Chip Accumulators dont have to play
wild and crazy trying to win every pot. They look for any edge.
They put their chips in the pot with the best hand or a situation
with a positive long term outcome. (EV or Expected Value).
You can play a Tight/Aggressive (TAG)
style and be a chip accumulator, but you must
Emphasize the Aggression and be willing to be
Less Tight when opportunities to win big pots arise.
The bottom line is....
Survivors will have marginal success, but rarely win tournaments.
Chip Accumulators may bust out early some times, but they are
the ones who win tournaments
No-Limit Hold'em Tournament Players.
It is the polar opposite of most beginner
tournament players.
Tournament poker is about Accumulating Chips
NOT about Survival.
But I know you're saying ... "but the person who
survives the longest wins the tournament".
True enough... but in order to win the tournament
you must eventually accumulate ALL the chips into your stack.
You can't do this by playing survival poker. No one ever
folds their way to the final table.
At best, playing poker with a survivors mindset will get you
to the final table when you get a run of better than average
cards or you are playing against opponents with considerably
less skill than you. You may even make your share of final tables.
But when you do, you will be short stacked and praying for cards
that you can double up with.
Survivors dont want to risk their entire tournament on one hand.
The fear of being eliminated causes them to fold and miss
opportunities to accumulate chips. The truth is, there is little value
in remaining in a tournament. Bubble boy earns the same as
the very first person eliminated.
Dont get me wrong... Chip Accumulators dont have to play
wild and crazy trying to win every pot. They look for any edge.
They put their chips in the pot with the best hand or a situation
with a positive long term outcome. (EV or Expected Value).
You can play a Tight/Aggressive (TAG)
style and be a chip accumulator, but you must
Emphasize the Aggression and be willing to be
Less Tight when opportunities to win big pots arise.
The bottom line is....
Survivors will have marginal success, but rarely win tournaments.
Chip Accumulators may bust out early some times, but they are
the ones who win tournaments
Fundamental Theorem of Poker
Poker is a game of incomplete information.
You rarely ever know the exact 2 cards your
opponent holds until the cards are flipped over.
This theorem from David Sklansky is one
you should keep in mind whenever you're
faced with a decision at the poker table.
It may seem overly simple, but that's the beauty of it.
Applying it on the other hand, is not always so simple.
The Fundamental Theorem of Poker
"Every time you play a hand differently from the way
you would have played it if you could see all your
opponents' cards, they gain; and every time you play
your hand the same way you would have played it if
you could see all their cards, they lose.
Conversely, every time opponents play their hands
differently from the way they would have if they could see
all your cards, you gain; and every time they play their
hands the same way they would have played if they
could see all your cards, you lose. " (1.)
As your play improves, you should be constantly trying
to make your opponents play in a way that would be wrong
if they knew what you had.
This is accomplished by reading your opponents
and their hands accurately, and by playing deceptively.
1. The Theory of Poker by David Sklansky, 1987
You rarely ever know the exact 2 cards your
opponent holds until the cards are flipped over.
This theorem from David Sklansky is one
you should keep in mind whenever you're
faced with a decision at the poker table.
It may seem overly simple, but that's the beauty of it.
Applying it on the other hand, is not always so simple.
The Fundamental Theorem of Poker
"Every time you play a hand differently from the way
you would have played it if you could see all your
opponents' cards, they gain; and every time you play
your hand the same way you would have played it if
you could see all their cards, they lose.
Conversely, every time opponents play their hands
differently from the way they would have if they could see
all your cards, you gain; and every time they play their
hands the same way they would have played if they
could see all your cards, you lose. " (1.)
As your play improves, you should be constantly trying
to make your opponents play in a way that would be wrong
if they knew what you had.
This is accomplished by reading your opponents
and their hands accurately, and by playing deceptively.
1. The Theory of Poker by David Sklansky, 1987
10/31/2006
POKER SKILLS: Limping Late with Small Pocket Pairs
Limping In With Small Pocket Pairs (22-88)
by Scott Paterson
This is one of my favourite plays.
You won’t flop your set often, but when you do
you’ll double up a great deal of the time.
A few justifications and considerations are:
Implied odds
The pot will usually not be giving you the right price
to make this play (unless there have been more than
eight limpers in front of you), but if one or more of your
opponents have a considerable amount of chips in front
of them your implied odds are excellent.
You’re an 8:1 underdog to flop a set from paired hole cards,
so technically the pot should be more than eight times
the size of the amount you must call. However, if loose players
that have decent sized stacks have limped in front of you,
or are left to act behind you, the pot will likely end up being
more than eight times the size of the amount you had to call.
Just imagine if two people who must act before you after the flop
have connected! Your chances of taking down a huge pot
are pretty good.
Deceit
The reason this play is so effective is because loose players
won’t see it coming. First, they probably raise with low pockets.
They won’t be expecting you to have a low pocket pair if you
didn’t raise before the flop. Second, they’re loose. Loose players
always overestimate the strength of their hands. If the flop
connected with them in anyway it’s all over but the crying.
Position
Position is an important consideration when making
this play because:
a) If you limp with low pockets in early position and
someone behind you raises, or a small stack moves in
you’re not sure exactly where you stand (do they have
overcards or a higher pocket pair). You might even feel
obligated to call their raise (depending on your stack size
and the pot odds) knowing you’re beat.
b) If a few people call your raise and overcards come
on the flop you must act first, and someone behind you
could have easily connected. In fact, considering they
called your raise before the flop you’re likely beat if there
are face cards on board.
c) After the flop you want to be in late position so that
everyone that has caught a piece bets in front of you.
It’s a great feeling when you flop a set and people in
front of you start betting!
Read the board carefully
Look at the texture of the flop. Could there be a straight
or flush out there? Could there be straight or flush draws
out there (if so watch the turn card carefully) ? Is it possible
that someone limped in front of you with a higher pocket pair,
and now has a higher set?
Slowplaying sets
I wouldn’t advise slowplaying bottom or middle set.
Someone that has a flush draw, straight draw, two pair,
or has even flopped top pair can easily beat you
on the turn or river.
by Scott Paterson
This is one of my favourite plays.
You won’t flop your set often, but when you do
you’ll double up a great deal of the time.
A few justifications and considerations are:
Implied odds
The pot will usually not be giving you the right price
to make this play (unless there have been more than
eight limpers in front of you), but if one or more of your
opponents have a considerable amount of chips in front
of them your implied odds are excellent.
You’re an 8:1 underdog to flop a set from paired hole cards,
so technically the pot should be more than eight times
the size of the amount you must call. However, if loose players
that have decent sized stacks have limped in front of you,
or are left to act behind you, the pot will likely end up being
more than eight times the size of the amount you had to call.
Just imagine if two people who must act before you after the flop
have connected! Your chances of taking down a huge pot
are pretty good.
Deceit
The reason this play is so effective is because loose players
won’t see it coming. First, they probably raise with low pockets.
They won’t be expecting you to have a low pocket pair if you
didn’t raise before the flop. Second, they’re loose. Loose players
always overestimate the strength of their hands. If the flop
connected with them in anyway it’s all over but the crying.
Position
Position is an important consideration when making
this play because:
a) If you limp with low pockets in early position and
someone behind you raises, or a small stack moves in
you’re not sure exactly where you stand (do they have
overcards or a higher pocket pair). You might even feel
obligated to call their raise (depending on your stack size
and the pot odds) knowing you’re beat.
b) If a few people call your raise and overcards come
on the flop you must act first, and someone behind you
could have easily connected. In fact, considering they
called your raise before the flop you’re likely beat if there
are face cards on board.
c) After the flop you want to be in late position so that
everyone that has caught a piece bets in front of you.
It’s a great feeling when you flop a set and people in
front of you start betting!
Read the board carefully
Look at the texture of the flop. Could there be a straight
or flush out there? Could there be straight or flush draws
out there (if so watch the turn card carefully) ? Is it possible
that someone limped in front of you with a higher pocket pair,
and now has a higher set?
Slowplaying sets
I wouldn’t advise slowplaying bottom or middle set.
Someone that has a flush draw, straight draw, two pair,
or has even flopped top pair can easily beat you
on the turn or river.
Soren Turkewitschn wins WPT Niagara Fallsview
Sun Oct 29 21:53:00 PST 2006
Soren Turkewitsch Wins the 2006 North American Poker Championship ($1,352,224)
Soren Turkewitsch Wins the 2006 North American Poker Championship ($1,352,224)
The Final Hand: Turkewitsch moves all in
from the button and Sagle calls all in for $3,260,000.
Sagle shows A5 and Turkewitsch turns over K2.
The board comes 7 6 2 4 J and Soren Turkewitsch
eliminates Jason Sagle and wins the tournament
earning $1,352,224 and a gold bracelet,
Sudbury Ontario native Jason "Big Bird" Sagle
finishes in second place and wins $676,107.
Sagle also finished 12th at the WPT Canadian
Open event.
Crowd favourite James "Krazy Kanuck" Worth of
Oakville Ontario finished in 4th earning $289,760.
10/30/2006
Wild Card Winner
Congratulations to BARTON MUREITHI
who won Sundays Wild Card event.
Barton gets an automatic seat in the
Poker In Canada Tour Championship
on December 3rd.
Upcoming Wildcard Events
November 6 - Powerhouse
November 12 - The Collins
November 13 - Bradley Roadhouse
November 22 - Mexicali Rosa's
November 23 - Black Bull
who won Sundays Wild Card event.
Barton gets an automatic seat in the
Poker In Canada Tour Championship
on December 3rd.
Upcoming Wildcard Events
November 6 - Powerhouse
November 12 - The Collins
November 13 - Bradley Roadhouse
November 22 - Mexicali Rosa's
November 23 - Black Bull
10/29/2006
10/28/2006
Sunday WildCard
Just a reminder that tomorrow,
Sunday Oct 29th, 2pm is the
WildCard event at Mexicali Rosa's.
The winner gets an automatic seat
at the Championship.
Sunday Oct 29th, 2pm is the
WildCard event at Mexicali Rosa's.
The winner gets an automatic seat
at the Championship.
London Player Wins Friday Night Battle
5 of the 10 players at final table were from
London, but Gloria Millson beat out 34
others to win the Friday night event on
www.PokerInCanada.com for a cool
100 points and about $150 !
Honorable mention goes to Mike McIntyre
with a very strong 4th place finish.
Hope to see more of you online next Friday.
London, but Gloria Millson beat out 34
others to win the Friday night event on
www.PokerInCanada.com for a cool
100 points and about $150 !
Honorable mention goes to Mike McIntyre
with a very strong 4th place finish.
Ray Falconer was Bubble Boy but managed to take out Chris Tufford (PICtourMgr) who was one of 2 available bounties during the tournament. Ray wins entry into a future event.
Hope to see more of you online next Friday.
10/27/2006
Negreanu Knocked out of WPT event early
Daniel Negreanu, one of poker’s most recognizable ambassadors
and most successful players, brought a rock star like buzz
into the event. A clear hometown favorite playing in his
native country, many hoped and expected him to advance
deep into the NAPC.
Instead, Negreanu became the first major poker star,
on either day one, to be eliminated during the tournament’s
first level. Less than forty minutes into 1B action, Negreanu
exited play when an opponent, holding pocket queens,
flopped a full house, cracking “Kid Poker’s” pocket kings.
for the full article go here:
more news from the NAPC and Canadian Open
at Niagara Fallsview Casino check these links:
Ontario plan to ban online gaming ads under fire
The Canadian Press - Thursday October 26
Ontario's plan to ban ads for online gaming came under fire
Wednesday from experts who said the proposed law would
only create headaches for media companies, and that provincially
operated slots pose a greater risk to the public.
While falling revenues at the racetrack influenced the
proposed legislation, so too did a recent study suggesting
young people are flocking to gaming sites, said Government
Services Minister Gerry Phillips.
"There was a study that just came out … that showed that
internet gaming among young people has quadrupled in
the last four years," said Phillips. "I think we need to take a step."
A study released last month by the Responsible Gambling
Council suggests 5.5 per cent of people in Ontario aged
18 to 24 gambled online in 2005 — up from 1.4 per cent in 2001.
"We don't allow drug dealers to advertise crack houses, and
we won't allow gaming sites that prey on children to advertise
either," said Phillips. The minister argued that online gaming
is illegal under the Criminal Code and, therefore, shouldn't be
advertised.
While traditional gambling is also illegal under the Criminal Code,
provinces have the right to operate lottery games, casinos, and
horse racing.
Difficult to enforce, lawyer says
The legality of online gaming sites — usually run from servers
based in foreign countries — is much less clear, said intellectual
property lawyer Danielle Bush. "That is a very grey area.
There's very little case law on it," said Bush, a partner at the
Toronto firm McCarthy-Tetrault. "You need to get past
fundamental issues like where is the activity taking place?
Where are the servers located?"
Aside from any legal challenges to the proposed law, Bush predicted
the ban will be nearly impossible to enforce. "I suspect exactly the
same situation as you see with pharmaceutical advertising, which
is illegal in Canada," she said.
"Yet, you pick up any magazine coming in from the States and
there's hundreds of advertisements for prescription drugs in there."
Although Phillips targeted gaming websites as a threat to the public,
Dr. Nigel Turner of Toronto's Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
said government-operated slot machines are the real menace.
"The bulk of the people in treatment for pathological gambling
are playing on slot machines," said Turner, a scientist with the
centre's problem gaming program. "There has been a definite
increase in the percentage of people going online to play poker,
but it still makes up a minority of the people in treatment."
Horse-racing industry partly behind ban
Ontario's horse-racing industry, claiming lost revenues in
the face of online gaming, is also "partially" behind the move
to ban internet gambling ads in the province, Phillips conceded.
He noted that the ban was first proposed in a private member's
bill last spring. "They are a legal business operating under all
the rules. … They've got a good argument."
Whatever the reason behind the proposed legislation, national media
companies and broadcasters who do business in Ontario will face a
"massive headache" sorting out which ads can run in the province,
said Bush. "Unless someone wants to set up a separate system for
vetting ads that will be seen in Ontario, all of the national broadcasting
services are going to have to go through this exercise."
Phillips, when made aware of the criticisms, insisted that the legislation
is a "step forward." "The long-term solution probably rests with
the federal government," Phillips said of combating online gaming.
"We can deal with advertising of illegal internet gaming sites;
that's all we can do."
Ontario's plan to ban ads for online gaming came under fire
Wednesday from experts who said the proposed law would
only create headaches for media companies, and that provincially
operated slots pose a greater risk to the public.
While falling revenues at the racetrack influenced the
proposed legislation, so too did a recent study suggesting
young people are flocking to gaming sites, said Government
Services Minister Gerry Phillips.
"There was a study that just came out … that showed that
internet gaming among young people has quadrupled in
the last four years," said Phillips. "I think we need to take a step."
A study released last month by the Responsible Gambling
Council suggests 5.5 per cent of people in Ontario aged
18 to 24 gambled online in 2005 — up from 1.4 per cent in 2001.
"We don't allow drug dealers to advertise crack houses, and
we won't allow gaming sites that prey on children to advertise
either," said Phillips. The minister argued that online gaming
is illegal under the Criminal Code and, therefore, shouldn't be
advertised.
While traditional gambling is also illegal under the Criminal Code,
provinces have the right to operate lottery games, casinos, and
horse racing.
Difficult to enforce, lawyer says
The legality of online gaming sites — usually run from servers
based in foreign countries — is much less clear, said intellectual
property lawyer Danielle Bush. "That is a very grey area.
There's very little case law on it," said Bush, a partner at the
Toronto firm McCarthy-Tetrault. "You need to get past
fundamental issues like where is the activity taking place?
Where are the servers located?"
Aside from any legal challenges to the proposed law, Bush predicted
the ban will be nearly impossible to enforce. "I suspect exactly the
same situation as you see with pharmaceutical advertising, which
is illegal in Canada," she said.
"Yet, you pick up any magazine coming in from the States and
there's hundreds of advertisements for prescription drugs in there."
Although Phillips targeted gaming websites as a threat to the public,
Dr. Nigel Turner of Toronto's Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
said government-operated slot machines are the real menace.
"The bulk of the people in treatment for pathological gambling
are playing on slot machines," said Turner, a scientist with the
centre's problem gaming program. "There has been a definite
increase in the percentage of people going online to play poker,
but it still makes up a minority of the people in treatment."
Horse-racing industry partly behind ban
Ontario's horse-racing industry, claiming lost revenues in
the face of online gaming, is also "partially" behind the move
to ban internet gambling ads in the province, Phillips conceded.
He noted that the ban was first proposed in a private member's
bill last spring. "They are a legal business operating under all
the rules. … They've got a good argument."
Whatever the reason behind the proposed legislation, national media
companies and broadcasters who do business in Ontario will face a
"massive headache" sorting out which ads can run in the province,
said Bush. "Unless someone wants to set up a separate system for
vetting ads that will be seen in Ontario, all of the national broadcasting
services are going to have to go through this exercise."
Phillips, when made aware of the criticisms, insisted that the legislation
is a "step forward." "The long-term solution probably rests with
the federal government," Phillips said of combating online gaming.
"We can deal with advertising of illegal internet gaming sites;
that's all we can do."
10/26/2006
10/25/2006
More Wildcard Dates
Here are the Dates for all WildCard events.
Remember that London members are
welcome to attend events in Hamilton
and vise-versa. Directions to event
locations can be found at:
http://www.pokerincanadatour.com
October 29 - Mexicali Rosa’s
November 6 – Powerhouse
November 12 - The Collins
November 13 – Bradley Roadhouse
November 22 - Mexicali Rosa's
November 23 - Black Bull
Remember that London members are
welcome to attend events in Hamilton
and vise-versa. Directions to event
locations can be found at:
http://www.pokerincanadatour.com
October 29 - Mexicali Rosa’s
November 6 – Powerhouse
November 12 - The Collins
November 13 – Bradley Roadhouse
November 22 - Mexicali Rosa's
November 23 - Black Bull
Rule Clarifications
There are a couple of rules that i would like
to clarify. I hope you will all help me spread
this knowledge at the tables as situations arise.
#1
Show One, Show All vs. Show One, Show Both
The primary reason behind " show one show all " is that players are entitled to receive equal access to information about the contents of another player’s hand. After a deal, if cards are shown to another player, every player at the table has a right to see those cards. During a deal, cards that were shown to an active player who might have a further wagering decision on that betting round must immediately be shown to all the other players. If the player who saw the cards is not involved in the deal, or cannot use the information in wagering, the information should be withheld until the betting is over, so it does not affect the normal outcome of the deal. Cards shown to a person who has no more wagering decisions on that betting round, but might use the information on a later betting round, should be shown to the other players at the conclusion of that betting round.
" Show one, show both " is often confused with show one, show all. If only a portion of the hand has been shown, there is no requirement to show any of the unseen cards. The shown cards are treated as given in the preceding part of this rule. Some times a player will show one of his hole cards after all other players have folded and he has won the pot. This Is Allowed and he is not required to show both of his hole cards because he exposed one of them.
Where "show one, show both" comes into play is at the showdown. The rules state " To win any part of a pot, a player must show all of his cards faceup on the table, whether they were used in the final hand played or not". For example: A player used the Ace of Spades from his two hole cards to make an Ace high straight. That player must still turn over BOTH of his cards in order to win the pot, even though he is only using one of his hole cards and four board cards.
to clarify. I hope you will all help me spread
this knowledge at the tables as situations arise.
#1
Show One, Show All vs. Show One, Show Both
The primary reason behind " show one show all " is that players are entitled to receive equal access to information about the contents of another player’s hand. After a deal, if cards are shown to another player, every player at the table has a right to see those cards. During a deal, cards that were shown to an active player who might have a further wagering decision on that betting round must immediately be shown to all the other players. If the player who saw the cards is not involved in the deal, or cannot use the information in wagering, the information should be withheld until the betting is over, so it does not affect the normal outcome of the deal. Cards shown to a person who has no more wagering decisions on that betting round, but might use the information on a later betting round, should be shown to the other players at the conclusion of that betting round.
" Show one, show both " is often confused with show one, show all. If only a portion of the hand has been shown, there is no requirement to show any of the unseen cards. The shown cards are treated as given in the preceding part of this rule. Some times a player will show one of his hole cards after all other players have folded and he has won the pot. This Is Allowed and he is not required to show both of his hole cards because he exposed one of them.
Where "show one, show both" comes into play is at the showdown. The rules state " To win any part of a pot, a player must show all of his cards faceup on the table, whether they were used in the final hand played or not". For example: A player used the Ace of Spades from his two hole cards to make an Ace high straight. That player must still turn over BOTH of his cards in order to win the pot, even though he is only using one of his hole cards and four board cards.
#2 Single Chip Bet
A bet of a single chip without comment is considered to be the full amount of the chip. However, if a player is acting on a previous bet with a larger denomination chip, he is calling the previous bet unless this player makes a verbal declaration to raise the pot. As an example: The Blinds are $100/$200, when a player bets $400 and the next player puts a $1000 chip in the pot without saying anything, that player has merely called the $400 bet. This same rule applies to acting on the forced bet of the big blind. The blinds are $100/$200 and the first player to act throws in a $500 chip without saying anything. He has only called the $200 big blind. This is why one of the things I always say in my little rules speach before the final table is "please announce all your raises".
10/24/2006
1st London WILDCARD Event
This Sunday... OCTOBER 29th
at Mexicali Rosa's 288 Dundas St.
at 2pm will be the 1st of 3 WildCard events.
The winner of sundays tournament will
automatically advance to the championship
tournament on Dec 3rd regardless of their
point standings. This is an especially great
opportunity for those who cannot attend regularly
or those who've been on a tough run of luck
to show off their poker skills and earn a spot in
the Championship.
at Mexicali Rosa's 288 Dundas St.
at 2pm will be the 1st of 3 WildCard events.
The winner of sundays tournament will
automatically advance to the championship
tournament on Dec 3rd regardless of their
point standings. This is an especially great
opportunity for those who cannot attend regularly
or those who've been on a tough run of luck
to show off their poker skills and earn a spot in
the Championship.
CHAMPIONSHIP Date Announced
Season 5 Championship
SUNDAY DECEMBER 3rd
Bobby D's Billiards and Grill
2317 Fairview St. Burlington
905-639-5550
Starts at NOON.
Registration starts at 11am
Dont be late. Spots for "No-Shows"
will start being given away if you're
not registered by 11:45.
SUNDAY DECEMBER 3rd
Bobby D's Billiards and Grill
2317 Fairview St. Burlington
905-639-5550
Starts at NOON.
Registration starts at 11am
Dont be late. Spots for "No-Shows"
will start being given away if you're
not registered by 11:45.
10/23/2006
10/22/2006
Online Bounty Announced
There is a special Bounty for the
Online event Oct 27, 2006 at PokerInCanada.com
Any London member of the Poker In Canada Tour
who eliminates either PICTourMgr (Chris) or
sun_man (Sonny) will have their entry into the
following Fridays tournament paid for by me (Will).
For those unfamiliar with our Friday night online
tournaments:
go to http://www.pokerincanada.com
Sign up using Bonus Code: PICTOUR
You Must Email your Name, Membership #, & UserName
to Chris@PokerInCanadaTour.com to be awarded Points.
Go to: "Registering Tournaments" and find "PIC Tour"
Tournament Starts at 8PM
$5.00 Buy-In (One $5.00 Rebuy allowed
Optional $5.00 Add-On at 1st break)
All money goes into the prize pool.
Poker In Canada Tour Members are awarded
points for Top 8 in addition to any cash prizes.
Online event Oct 27, 2006 at PokerInCanada.com
Any London member of the Poker In Canada Tour
who eliminates either PICTourMgr (Chris) or
sun_man (Sonny) will have their entry into the
following Fridays tournament paid for by me (Will).
For those unfamiliar with our Friday night online
tournaments:
go to http://www.pokerincanada.com
Sign up using Bonus Code: PICTOUR
You Must Email your Name, Membership #, & UserName
to Chris@PokerInCanadaTour.com to be awarded Points.
Go to: "Registering Tournaments" and find "PIC Tour"
Tournament Starts at 8PM
$5.00 Buy-In (One $5.00 Rebuy allowed
Optional $5.00 Add-On at 1st break)
All money goes into the prize pool.
Poker In Canada Tour Members are awarded
points for Top 8 in addition to any cash prizes.
Playing SMALL POCKET PAIRS (video)
A short video by Phil Gordon on
how to play small pocket pairs.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAQPE3fPGXY
how to play small pocket pairs.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAQPE3fPGXY
The Value Of Suited Cards (Video)
A short video from Phil Gordon which
explains the real value of your cards being suited.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUeghUzZ-So
explains the real value of your cards being suited.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUeghUzZ-So
10/21/2006
POKER SKILLS: STEALING BLINDS
Multi Table Tournament Blind Stealing
by Scott Paterson
First, let me clarify what I mean by blind stealing.
I’m talking about a pure steal. Raising someone’s
blind with a marginal hand, or any two cards hoping
they’ll fold and confrontation can be avoided.
Certain criteria must be met in order to successfully pull this off:
1. You should only be doing this in the middle/late stages
of the tournament when the blinds are higher. Blind stealing
is pointless early on because the starting pot is so small.
The negative consequences of "getting caught" and losing
a chunk of your stack early on far outweigh the positive effects
of winning a small pot early on. In the middle stages of the
tournament you’ll want a decent hand to back you up.
In the late stages of the tournament, or if you’re short stacked
you may need to make this move with any two cards.
Also, a great time to steal blinds is right before the final table
as players tighten up hoping to survive and avoid being eliminated
or losing a bunch of chips.
2. You should only be stealing from players you’ve identified
as tighter players. Prime candidates are people that play
one or two hands per table revolution, and players that
don’t defend their blinds against raises. Pay close attention
to the three people seated on your left (these are your potential
victims because you’ll be in late position when these people
are in the blinds). Who is folding a lot of hands?
Who isn’t defending their blinds against raises?
You’ll want to lean on these people hard.
3. You should usually only try this from late position
when everyone has folded to you, or a limited number
of people have limped in front of you.
First, if you raise the blinds from late position and
one of the blinds call your raise you may have the
opportunity to steal the pot after the flop because
you have position on them.
Second, if you try this from early/middle position
someone behind you could easily pick up a hand
and reraise, a short stack could move all in, or a big stack
with a speculative hand could call your raise with the
intention of stealing the pot from you after the flop.
Finally, the ideal time to try this move is when everyone
has folded to you, or there have been a limited number of
callers in front of you. As the number of callers in front of
you increases the chance you will get backraised increases
(someone in front of you might have limped in with a very
strong hand counting on you to raise behind them).
The "usually" stems from the fact that if you are shortstacked,
or it’s late in the tournament (the blinds are very high and
they come around very quickly) you might want to try this
from any position.
by Scott Paterson
First, let me clarify what I mean by blind stealing.
I’m talking about a pure steal. Raising someone’s
blind with a marginal hand, or any two cards hoping
they’ll fold and confrontation can be avoided.
Certain criteria must be met in order to successfully pull this off:
1. You should only be doing this in the middle/late stages
of the tournament when the blinds are higher. Blind stealing
is pointless early on because the starting pot is so small.
The negative consequences of "getting caught" and losing
a chunk of your stack early on far outweigh the positive effects
of winning a small pot early on. In the middle stages of the
tournament you’ll want a decent hand to back you up.
In the late stages of the tournament, or if you’re short stacked
you may need to make this move with any two cards.
Also, a great time to steal blinds is right before the final table
as players tighten up hoping to survive and avoid being eliminated
or losing a bunch of chips.
2. You should only be stealing from players you’ve identified
as tighter players. Prime candidates are people that play
one or two hands per table revolution, and players that
don’t defend their blinds against raises. Pay close attention
to the three people seated on your left (these are your potential
victims because you’ll be in late position when these people
are in the blinds). Who is folding a lot of hands?
Who isn’t defending their blinds against raises?
You’ll want to lean on these people hard.
3. You should usually only try this from late position
when everyone has folded to you, or a limited number
of people have limped in front of you.
First, if you raise the blinds from late position and
one of the blinds call your raise you may have the
opportunity to steal the pot after the flop because
you have position on them.
Second, if you try this from early/middle position
someone behind you could easily pick up a hand
and reraise, a short stack could move all in, or a big stack
with a speculative hand could call your raise with the
intention of stealing the pot from you after the flop.
Finally, the ideal time to try this move is when everyone
has folded to you, or there have been a limited number of
callers in front of you. As the number of callers in front of
you increases the chance you will get backraised increases
(someone in front of you might have limped in with a very
strong hand counting on you to raise behind them).
The "usually" stems from the fact that if you are shortstacked,
or it’s late in the tournament (the blinds are very high and
they come around very quickly) you might want to try this
from any position.
POKER SKILLS: TELLS
by Scott Paterson
A tell is anything that your opponent(s) do
to give away the strength of their hand.
Tells can be verbal or physical, and they can be instinctive
(unintentional) or designed to mislead (intentional).
Instinctive tells are more reliable, whereas tells designed to
mislead are much harder to decipher.
When you spot what you think is a tell the first thing you should
ask yourself is whether or not the tell you’ve spotted is instinctive
or put on (hint: instinctive tells are more common among average
players, tells designed to mislead are more common among strong
players). Then watch your opponent(s) closely over the course of
a few hands, and see if you can spot a pattern.
Some of the more common tells include:
Betting patterns (instinctive)
Betting patterns are easily the most common and most
reliable tell. They’re common because everyone must bet
at some point during the game. They’re reliable because it’s
human nature to make the best play we think possible.
Oftentimes that means creating patterns.
Does your opponent check or bet their draws?
Does your opponent slow play or bet their strong hands?
What does a minimum bet/raise from your opponent mean?
Does your opponent overbet the pot in an effort to protect weak hands?
All of these things create a pattern which you can use to help
determine the strength of your opponents hand.
General body language (instinctive)
This tell is fairly common and fairly reliable. Your opponent’s
posture will often give away the strength of their hand. Was your
opponent sitting back before looking at their hole cards or the flop,
and is now sitting up looking interested? Something what I like to do
is watch an opponent who has bet out and is awaiting a call.
Watch them closely as the person behind them acts. They’ll often
let you know how they feel about a potential call or raise
(particularly if the person behind them begins to count out chips).
Hand motions can also give away the strength of your opponent’s
hand. Watch how they put their chips in the pot. Players wanting
a call will often place their chips in the pot inconspicuously
(they don’t want to intimidate potential callers).
Chip loading (instinctive)
This tell is common and fairly reliable. Players that are dealt strong
starting hands, or that connect on flops often immediately glance at
their chips. I’m not talking about players that look at their chips
when the action is on them. I’m talking about an immediate and
very brief glance at their chips after they look at their hole cards,
or the flop comes out. Sometimes players don’t even move their heads,
Just their eyes. Preflop, I like to watch my opponent(s) look at their
hole cards, and then look at mine as the action approaches me.
I also like to watch my opponent(s) as the flop comes out, and then
look at the flop as the action approaches me.
Staring (attempt to mislead)
This tell is fairly common, but a little less reliable because
it is an attempt to mislead. There are actually three
manifestations of this tell, but they all mean basically
the same thing. Players that stare at their hole cards,
stare at flops, or stare down opponents are usually weak.
All are thinly veiled attempts to intimidate. Players stare
at their hole cards to make their opponents think that they
possess a powerful hand. They’ll stare at flops for the
same reason. After they bet, they’ll often stare down potential
callers to intimidate them. Since this tell is less reliable
you’ll really have to watch for a pattern to develop.
Gaining information
There are two things I like to do in order to elicit tells from
my opponent(s):
Reach for chips as an opponent is betting
If my opponent hesitates, looks back at his cards, or completes
his bet with added emphasis he/she is likely weak. If he/she
completes their bet in a smooth manner their likely strong.
Count out chips & make it look like I’m going to call
If my opponent stares at me or looks back at their cards
he/she is likely weak. If my opponent smiles at me genuinely
or appears uninterested he/she is likely strong.
REMEMBER: Tells become more reliable as patterns develop.
A tell is anything that your opponent(s) do
to give away the strength of their hand.
Tells can be verbal or physical, and they can be instinctive
(unintentional) or designed to mislead (intentional).
Instinctive tells are more reliable, whereas tells designed to
mislead are much harder to decipher.
When you spot what you think is a tell the first thing you should
ask yourself is whether or not the tell you’ve spotted is instinctive
or put on (hint: instinctive tells are more common among average
players, tells designed to mislead are more common among strong
players). Then watch your opponent(s) closely over the course of
a few hands, and see if you can spot a pattern.
Some of the more common tells include:
Betting patterns (instinctive)
Betting patterns are easily the most common and most
reliable tell. They’re common because everyone must bet
at some point during the game. They’re reliable because it’s
human nature to make the best play we think possible.
Oftentimes that means creating patterns.
Does your opponent check or bet their draws?
Does your opponent slow play or bet their strong hands?
What does a minimum bet/raise from your opponent mean?
Does your opponent overbet the pot in an effort to protect weak hands?
All of these things create a pattern which you can use to help
determine the strength of your opponents hand.
General body language (instinctive)
This tell is fairly common and fairly reliable. Your opponent’s
posture will often give away the strength of their hand. Was your
opponent sitting back before looking at their hole cards or the flop,
and is now sitting up looking interested? Something what I like to do
is watch an opponent who has bet out and is awaiting a call.
Watch them closely as the person behind them acts. They’ll often
let you know how they feel about a potential call or raise
(particularly if the person behind them begins to count out chips).
Hand motions can also give away the strength of your opponent’s
hand. Watch how they put their chips in the pot. Players wanting
a call will often place their chips in the pot inconspicuously
(they don’t want to intimidate potential callers).
Chip loading (instinctive)
This tell is common and fairly reliable. Players that are dealt strong
starting hands, or that connect on flops often immediately glance at
their chips. I’m not talking about players that look at their chips
when the action is on them. I’m talking about an immediate and
very brief glance at their chips after they look at their hole cards,
or the flop comes out. Sometimes players don’t even move their heads,
Just their eyes. Preflop, I like to watch my opponent(s) look at their
hole cards, and then look at mine as the action approaches me.
I also like to watch my opponent(s) as the flop comes out, and then
look at the flop as the action approaches me.
Staring (attempt to mislead)
This tell is fairly common, but a little less reliable because
it is an attempt to mislead. There are actually three
manifestations of this tell, but they all mean basically
the same thing. Players that stare at their hole cards,
stare at flops, or stare down opponents are usually weak.
All are thinly veiled attempts to intimidate. Players stare
at their hole cards to make their opponents think that they
possess a powerful hand. They’ll stare at flops for the
same reason. After they bet, they’ll often stare down potential
callers to intimidate them. Since this tell is less reliable
you’ll really have to watch for a pattern to develop.
Gaining information
There are two things I like to do in order to elicit tells from
my opponent(s):
Reach for chips as an opponent is betting
If my opponent hesitates, looks back at his cards, or completes
his bet with added emphasis he/she is likely weak. If he/she
completes their bet in a smooth manner their likely strong.
Count out chips & make it look like I’m going to call
If my opponent stares at me or looks back at their cards
he/she is likely weak. If my opponent smiles at me genuinely
or appears uninterested he/she is likely strong.
REMEMBER: Tells become more reliable as patterns develop.
To Bluff or Not to Bluff
by Scott Paterson
The following are some factors to consider
when deciding whether to bluff or not:
Number of opponents
This one is a no brainer. A bluff is far more likely to succeed
against a single opponent. Your goal is to make your opponent(s)
fold. As the number of opponents increases the chances of
getting a caller increases.
Type of opponent(s)
Consider the type of player(s) you are trying to bluff.
Tight players usually will not call your bluff unless they
have a reasonable hand (your bluff forces tight players
to have a hand in order to call). Strong players can
lay down a hand if they think they’re beat (strong players
are able to at least consider the possibility that your hand
may be superior to theirs). Try to avoid bluffing loose or weak
players because you’ll get called more often than not.
Your table image
If other people at the table see you playing an inordinate number
of hands, showing down weak hands, betting at every flop,
or raising/reraising frequently they’re more apt to call your bluff.
They know that if you’re playing too many hands you must be
playing some weak hands, and if you’re betting too often you
cannot possibly have something every time you bet.
Tighter players have more license to bluff because they play
relatively few hands, and are therefore often given credit for
stronger hands.
Your "Reading" skills
The better your reading skills are the more opportunities
you will have to bluff. If a tighter player flat calls before you,
and the flop is 4c 8h 2d you can attempt a steal. They probably
have unpaired overcards. They can’t have an overpair to
the board because they likely would have raised preflop.
They haven’t made a set from paired hole cards because
they checked their hole cards after the flop (a player who flops
a set from paired hole cards doesn’t usually need to check
and see if they’ve done so). They don’t have two pair because
they aren’t likely playing 48, 42, or 82. There is no flush draw.
This player is fairly tight. He may have A8 suited or A4 suited
and has top/middle pair. He may also have A5 suited and has
an inside straight draw. Unpaired overcards are most likely,
and you should take a stab at this pot. If he raises you some
additional thought may be necessary. Reads will rarely be
this simple, but learning to read hands will pay off in the long run.
The size of the pot
It’s much easier to steal small and medium sized pots
than it is large pots. Players are usually more heavily invested
in large pots, and large pots are simply more attractive and
psychologically harder to let go of.
The following are some factors to consider
when deciding whether to bluff or not:
Number of opponents
This one is a no brainer. A bluff is far more likely to succeed
against a single opponent. Your goal is to make your opponent(s)
fold. As the number of opponents increases the chances of
getting a caller increases.
Type of opponent(s)
Consider the type of player(s) you are trying to bluff.
Tight players usually will not call your bluff unless they
have a reasonable hand (your bluff forces tight players
to have a hand in order to call). Strong players can
lay down a hand if they think they’re beat (strong players
are able to at least consider the possibility that your hand
may be superior to theirs). Try to avoid bluffing loose or weak
players because you’ll get called more often than not.
Your table image
If other people at the table see you playing an inordinate number
of hands, showing down weak hands, betting at every flop,
or raising/reraising frequently they’re more apt to call your bluff.
They know that if you’re playing too many hands you must be
playing some weak hands, and if you’re betting too often you
cannot possibly have something every time you bet.
Tighter players have more license to bluff because they play
relatively few hands, and are therefore often given credit for
stronger hands.
Your "Reading" skills
The better your reading skills are the more opportunities
you will have to bluff. If a tighter player flat calls before you,
and the flop is 4c 8h 2d you can attempt a steal. They probably
have unpaired overcards. They can’t have an overpair to
the board because they likely would have raised preflop.
They haven’t made a set from paired hole cards because
they checked their hole cards after the flop (a player who flops
a set from paired hole cards doesn’t usually need to check
and see if they’ve done so). They don’t have two pair because
they aren’t likely playing 48, 42, or 82. There is no flush draw.
This player is fairly tight. He may have A8 suited or A4 suited
and has top/middle pair. He may also have A5 suited and has
an inside straight draw. Unpaired overcards are most likely,
and you should take a stab at this pot. If he raises you some
additional thought may be necessary. Reads will rarely be
this simple, but learning to read hands will pay off in the long run.
The size of the pot
It’s much easier to steal small and medium sized pots
than it is large pots. Players are usually more heavily invested
in large pots, and large pots are simply more attractive and
psychologically harder to let go of.
10/20/2006
Please Dont Be....Like Tony G.
Videos of the always obnoxious Tony G. during
his most famous tongue lashing at the WPT.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMPdKJXR6qo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-4GDyHhEC4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqnHX9tQv-w
his most famous tongue lashing at the WPT.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMPdKJXR6qo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-4GDyHhEC4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqnHX9tQv-w
10/19/2006
Top Canadian Poker Pros Return Home For WPT Canadian Open
Press Release:
Top Canadian Poker Pros To Return Home For Inaugural WPT Canadian Open
NIAGARA FALLS, ON, Oct. 18, 2006/PRNewswire/
- WPT Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ-WPTE) and Fallsview Casino Resort announced today that the anticipated field of 300 local and U.S. players at the inaugural WPT Canadian Open(TM) will also include three of Canada's premier poker pros - Daniel Negreanu, Gavin Smith, and Isabelle Mercier.Adding more excitement to the much-anticipated event, the three recently confirmed that they will return to their native country to celebrate the first ever Canadian stop on the WPT circuit and compete for the first Canadian Open title.
"It is certainly fitting that these three, who have risen to prominence on the WPT, are coming home to pay tribute to the millions of Canadian poker fans who have watched them become worldwide celebrities on their TV sets," said Steve Lipscomb, CEO and founder of WPT Enterprises, Inc. "Daniel, Gavin and Isabelle's participation in this ground breaking WPT event represents the importance of establishing a tournament that Canadians can call their own.
"It was also announced today that the WPT Canadian Open is completely sold out - a remarkable accomplishment for a first-time tournament.The WPT Canadian Open begins on October 22 and runs through October 24 at the Fallsview Casino Resort in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Immediately following the event is the WPT North American Poker Championship(TM) (NAPC), which runs from October 25-28. The NAPC final table will be played on October 29 followed by the WPT Canadian Open final table on October 30. Both will be played in front of a television audience.
The WPT Canadian Open will give many players a chance to experience a large-scale professional poker event at a lower buy-in cost than a large-scale main event and is the first major event of its kind in Canada.
About the players:
Toronto-native Daniel Negreanu is one of the world's most well-known and successful tournament poker players. Nicknamed "Kid Poker" per his ability to bet and play poker at a very young age, his numerous accomplishments include being named the Season III WPT Player of the Year(TM), 2004 CardPlayer Magazine's Player of the Year, 2004 World Series Of Poker® (WSOP) Player of the Year, and 2004 ESPN(TM) Player of the Year. In 2004 alone Negreanu made it to 11 final tables, won two WPT events, and won his third WSOP bracelet in Limit Hold 'em. His tournament winnings to date total over $8.4 million.
Gavin Smith came to prominence in poker by winning No Limit Texas Hold 'em and Seven Card Stud events at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Conn. in 1999 and 2000. Smith won the WPT Mirage Poker Showdown(TM) in Las Vegas in 2005, and made two other WPT final tables (the Doyle Brunson North American Poker Championship in Las Vegas and the World Poker Open in Tunica, Miss.) that year, earning him the Season IV WPT Player of the Year(TM) award. Smith's total tournament winnings exceed $3.2 million.
French-Canadian Isabelle "No Mercy" Mercier earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Montreal and then moved to Paris, France, to work and earn a master's degree. While in school, Mercier worked as the poker room manager at the Aviation Club de France and ended up playing poker full-time. Mercier made a name for herself by finishing second at the No Limit Texas Hold 'em tournament at the Masters Classic of Poker 2002 in Amsterdam and by winning WPT Ladies' Night® II, in 2004. In 2005, Mercier cashed three times in the WSOP. To date, her total tournament winnings exceed $500,000.
Top Canadian Poker Pros To Return Home For Inaugural WPT Canadian Open
NIAGARA FALLS, ON, Oct. 18, 2006/PRNewswire/
- WPT Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ-WPTE) and Fallsview Casino Resort announced today that the anticipated field of 300 local and U.S. players at the inaugural WPT Canadian Open(TM) will also include three of Canada's premier poker pros - Daniel Negreanu, Gavin Smith, and Isabelle Mercier.Adding more excitement to the much-anticipated event, the three recently confirmed that they will return to their native country to celebrate the first ever Canadian stop on the WPT circuit and compete for the first Canadian Open title.
"It is certainly fitting that these three, who have risen to prominence on the WPT, are coming home to pay tribute to the millions of Canadian poker fans who have watched them become worldwide celebrities on their TV sets," said Steve Lipscomb, CEO and founder of WPT Enterprises, Inc. "Daniel, Gavin and Isabelle's participation in this ground breaking WPT event represents the importance of establishing a tournament that Canadians can call their own.
"It was also announced today that the WPT Canadian Open is completely sold out - a remarkable accomplishment for a first-time tournament.The WPT Canadian Open begins on October 22 and runs through October 24 at the Fallsview Casino Resort in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Immediately following the event is the WPT North American Poker Championship(TM) (NAPC), which runs from October 25-28. The NAPC final table will be played on October 29 followed by the WPT Canadian Open final table on October 30. Both will be played in front of a television audience.
The WPT Canadian Open will give many players a chance to experience a large-scale professional poker event at a lower buy-in cost than a large-scale main event and is the first major event of its kind in Canada.
About the players:
Toronto-native Daniel Negreanu is one of the world's most well-known and successful tournament poker players. Nicknamed "Kid Poker" per his ability to bet and play poker at a very young age, his numerous accomplishments include being named the Season III WPT Player of the Year(TM), 2004 CardPlayer Magazine's Player of the Year, 2004 World Series Of Poker® (WSOP) Player of the Year, and 2004 ESPN(TM) Player of the Year. In 2004 alone Negreanu made it to 11 final tables, won two WPT events, and won his third WSOP bracelet in Limit Hold 'em. His tournament winnings to date total over $8.4 million.
Gavin Smith came to prominence in poker by winning No Limit Texas Hold 'em and Seven Card Stud events at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Conn. in 1999 and 2000. Smith won the WPT Mirage Poker Showdown(TM) in Las Vegas in 2005, and made two other WPT final tables (the Doyle Brunson North American Poker Championship in Las Vegas and the World Poker Open in Tunica, Miss.) that year, earning him the Season IV WPT Player of the Year(TM) award. Smith's total tournament winnings exceed $3.2 million.
French-Canadian Isabelle "No Mercy" Mercier earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Montreal and then moved to Paris, France, to work and earn a master's degree. While in school, Mercier worked as the poker room manager at the Aviation Club de France and ended up playing poker full-time. Mercier made a name for herself by finishing second at the No Limit Texas Hold 'em tournament at the Masters Classic of Poker 2002 in Amsterdam and by winning WPT Ladies' Night® II, in 2004. In 2005, Mercier cashed three times in the WSOP. To date, her total tournament winnings exceed $500,000.
10/18/2006
Taking it too far: Hiding Tells
A lot of guys wear sunglasses. A lot wear ball caps pulled down.
Phil Laak, the UniBomber wears a
hooded sweatshirt pulled tightly to conceal.
Then there's Corey Levetan.... He's taken it
to the next level - a motorcycle helmet.
10/16/2006
10/15/2006
OPP Raid Illegal Poker Games
October 13, 2006
70 charged as poker dens busted
As the song goes, you've got to know when to hold 'em,
but for 70 cardsharks at four Ottawa poker houses,
it was the OPP who knew when to fold 'em.
The OPP's illegal gambling unit raided four locations
late Wednesday, charging eight people with operating
an illegal gaming house and busting another 60 for
being found in an unlicensed gambling den.
Shortly before midnight Wednesday, about 60 officers
descended on The Poker Loft at 1211 Rooney's Lane,
The Ottawa River Club at 1111 Wellington St.,
The Uppercut Club at 2742 St. Joseph Blvd. and
The Royal at 140 Osgoode St. Police seized gambling
tools including gaming tables, chips and cards, as well as
furniture, electronics and entertainment units.
WEAPONS RAP Cops also seized over $12,000 in cash
and marijuana and charged one man with two counts of
possession of a prohibited weapon. Det. Sgt. Joe Amicone
said the raids came at the end of a six-month investigation
based on complaints that operators were charging players
fees for playing.
70 charged as poker dens busted
As the song goes, you've got to know when to hold 'em,
but for 70 cardsharks at four Ottawa poker houses,
it was the OPP who knew when to fold 'em.
The OPP's illegal gambling unit raided four locations
late Wednesday, charging eight people with operating
an illegal gaming house and busting another 60 for
being found in an unlicensed gambling den.
Shortly before midnight Wednesday, about 60 officers
descended on The Poker Loft at 1211 Rooney's Lane,
The Ottawa River Club at 1111 Wellington St.,
The Uppercut Club at 2742 St. Joseph Blvd. and
The Royal at 140 Osgoode St. Police seized gambling
tools including gaming tables, chips and cards, as well as
furniture, electronics and entertainment units.
WEAPONS RAP Cops also seized over $12,000 in cash
and marijuana and charged one man with two counts of
possession of a prohibited weapon. Det. Sgt. Joe Amicone
said the raids came at the end of a six-month investigation
based on complaints that operators were charging players
fees for playing.
10/14/2006
10/12/2006
SCHEDULE
Sunday 2PM Mexicali Rosa’s 288 Dundas St.
Sunday 7PM Bradley Roadhouse 1401 Ernest Ave.
Monday 7PM Bradley Roadhouse 1401 Ernest Ave.
Wednesday 7PM Mexicali Rosa’s 288 Dundas St.
Thursday 7PM Bradley Roadhouse 1401 Ernest Ave.
Friday 8PM Online @ PokerInCanada.com (see below)
Saturday 7PM The Locker Room 1286 Jalna Blvd
Afternoons Registration @ 1:00pm Start 2:00pm Sharp
Evenings Registration @ 6:00pm Start 7:00pm Sharp
Earn Points ONLINE every FRIDAY Night !
go to www.PokerInCanada.com
Sign up using Bonus Code: PICTOUR
You Must Email your Name, Membership #, & UserName
to Chris@PokerInCanadaTour.com to be awarded Points.
Go to: "Registering Tournaments" and find "PIC Tour"
Registration is open all week until tournament starts.
Tournament Starts at 8PM
$5.50 Buy-In One $5.50 Rebuy Allowed
Optional $5.50 Add-On after 1st Break
All money goes into the prize pool.
Poker In Canada Tour Members are awarded
points for Top 8 in addition to any cash prizes.
Sunday 7PM Bradley Roadhouse 1401 Ernest Ave.
Monday 7PM Bradley Roadhouse 1401 Ernest Ave.
Wednesday 7PM Mexicali Rosa’s 288 Dundas St.
Thursday 7PM Bradley Roadhouse 1401 Ernest Ave.
Friday 8PM Online @ PokerInCanada.com (see below)
Saturday 7PM The Locker Room 1286 Jalna Blvd
Afternoons Registration @ 1:00pm Start 2:00pm Sharp
Evenings Registration @ 6:00pm Start 7:00pm Sharp
Earn Points ONLINE every FRIDAY Night !
go to www.PokerInCanada.com
Sign up using Bonus Code: PICTOUR
You Must Email your Name, Membership #, & UserName
to Chris@PokerInCanadaTour.com to be awarded Points.
Go to: "Registering Tournaments" and find "PIC Tour"
Registration is open all week until tournament starts.
Tournament Starts at 8PM
$5.50 Buy-In One $5.50 Rebuy Allowed
Optional $5.50 Add-On after 1st Break
All money goes into the prize pool.
Poker In Canada Tour Members are awarded
points for Top 8 in addition to any cash prizes.
10/11/2006
10/09/2006
10/08/2006
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