It didn't occur at the poker tables.
It was on The Price is Right.
Showcase showdown at the end
of the show. First player missed
their showcase by only $270.
Second player missed the price by
only $116 and won both showcases.
To be so close to the price and have
your opponent come closer is a
bad beat.
2/18/2009
2/14/2009
Good Ol' PokerStars
I was home alone dogsitting tonight,
a perfect time to log some online
poker hours, earn some frequent
player points, and maybe even make
a few bucks to take with me to Vegas.
Decided to play some NL cash on
PokerStars, something I haven't done
in quite a while. I mostly play my cash
games on Full Tilt. About all I've used
my Stars account for lately is to play the
Elite Poker Tour (http://www.elitepoker.ca/)
events on Friday nights and the odd
big Sunday tournament.
I figure I should be able to handle 4 tables.
I didn't want to take on more than that
right away since I find the P-Stars graphics
a little harder on my eyes than Full Tilt.
I get on the waiting list for 6-7 tables.
First table pops up and I get it tiled
just the way I like it.
Second hand, I get dealt KK in the
cutoff. Couple of limpers so I
make it 6 big blinds. Small blind
raises me by about the pot.
All others fold. I pop it enough
that he has to fold or get it all in.
He shoves and turns over TT.
I'm 80% to win, he's a 4:1 dog.
Turn is a T. He wins. I go broke.
I start cursing. " F*ckin' PokerStars ".
A few years ago when I was trying to
grind out a bankroll at the $0.05/0.10
and $0.10/0.25 tables, I went through
several rough stretches of bad beats
where I just got pounded. Suckout after
suckout. Nut flushes were no guarantee.
Full houses were no guarantee. Sets were
continually drawn out on the river.
It got to the point where I referred to
any suckout (even in live games) as
"getting Poker Starred".
I guess this beat tonight caught me
off guard since I went broke in only
the second hand.
I told P-Stars in a very harsh voice
(they can hear me yelling through
my moniter, you know) ...
"F*ck you ! I'm not reloading.
I'm going to sit out and take up a space.
You're not going to earn any rake until
you kick me off after a couple orbits."
This threat did not go unnoticed by the
software at P-Stars. My seats at the
other 3 tables got incredibly hot.
Within about 10 minutes I not only
had my money back, but had a profit
going on all 3 tables (about 40%).
I wish I had figured out this secret to
getting lucky on P-Stars a few years ago.
a perfect time to log some online
poker hours, earn some frequent
player points, and maybe even make
a few bucks to take with me to Vegas.
Decided to play some NL cash on
PokerStars, something I haven't done
in quite a while. I mostly play my cash
games on Full Tilt. About all I've used
my Stars account for lately is to play the
Elite Poker Tour (http://www.elitepoker.ca/)
events on Friday nights and the odd
big Sunday tournament.
I figure I should be able to handle 4 tables.
I didn't want to take on more than that
right away since I find the P-Stars graphics
a little harder on my eyes than Full Tilt.
I get on the waiting list for 6-7 tables.
First table pops up and I get it tiled
just the way I like it.
Second hand, I get dealt KK in the
cutoff. Couple of limpers so I
make it 6 big blinds. Small blind
raises me by about the pot.
All others fold. I pop it enough
that he has to fold or get it all in.
He shoves and turns over TT.
I'm 80% to win, he's a 4:1 dog.
Turn is a T. He wins. I go broke.
I start cursing. " F*ckin' PokerStars ".
A few years ago when I was trying to
grind out a bankroll at the $0.05/0.10
and $0.10/0.25 tables, I went through
several rough stretches of bad beats
where I just got pounded. Suckout after
suckout. Nut flushes were no guarantee.
Full houses were no guarantee. Sets were
continually drawn out on the river.
It got to the point where I referred to
any suckout (even in live games) as
"getting Poker Starred".
I guess this beat tonight caught me
off guard since I went broke in only
the second hand.
I told P-Stars in a very harsh voice
(they can hear me yelling through
my moniter, you know) ...
"F*ck you ! I'm not reloading.
I'm going to sit out and take up a space.
You're not going to earn any rake until
you kick me off after a couple orbits."
This threat did not go unnoticed by the
software at P-Stars. My seats at the
other 3 tables got incredibly hot.
Within about 10 minutes I not only
had my money back, but had a profit
going on all 3 tables (about 40%).
I wish I had figured out this secret to
getting lucky on P-Stars a few years ago.
Great Dane Television
Gus Hansen is starting his own
online TV channel on February 21st.
www.GusHansenTV.com.
What kinds of things will we get to
watch ? We'll likely see some of the
high-stakes action Gus plays in at FTP.
Other than that, the only thing scheduled
for gus tv so far is a boxing match featuring
Gus against Theo Jorgensen which is taking
place during the EPT Copenhagen events.
Gus and Theo have a prop bet
online TV channel on February 21st.
www.GusHansenTV.com.
What kinds of things will we get to
watch ? We'll likely see some of the
high-stakes action Gus plays in at FTP.
Other than that, the only thing scheduled
for gus tv so far is a boxing match featuring
Gus against Theo Jorgensen which is taking
place during the EPT Copenhagen events.
Gus and Theo have a prop bet
on who will win, $35,000 vs $25,000.
Current Odds:
Theo Jorgensen is -285 fave
Gus Hansen is +200 dog.
Gus Hansen wins by knockout: +2600
Theo Jorgensen wins by knockout: +850
Match ends in draw + 1400
Current Odds:
Theo Jorgensen is -285 fave
Gus Hansen is +200 dog.
Gus Hansen wins by knockout: +2600
Theo Jorgensen wins by knockout: +850
Match ends in draw + 1400
2/13/2009
PAD Nerd-O-Rama
Is it just me, or is this possibly the
most boring week of PAD ever ?
Oli Nejad summed it up pretty well.
" 6 geniuses + 1 math problem = 4 aspirin"
I've always wanted to over hear geniuses
disgussing geometric proofs and proofs
by induction. .... Not !
The "Brilliant Minds" have so much potential.
Unfortunately for the audience, these guys
show that being extremely math smart
doesn't often combine with being a
conversational, social animal.
This could easily be called:
"Revenge of the Nerds Week".
"Revenge of the Nerds Week".
The only semi-entertaining guy with
some personality is David Sklansky,
and he was knocked out first.
Hostess Leanne Tweedan has some how
gotten the idea that these "math pros"
are doing sophisticated algebra and
calculus equations in their heads while
the rest of the world is asking the
the rest of the world is asking the
magic 8-ball whether to call or fold.
Sklansky even explained to her that
everyone can figure out pot odds and
the percentage of times your hand
will hold up. That's not what makes
these "math" guys special.
Its GAME THEORY !
Atleast I have something to look
Atleast I have something to look
forward to. Next week (Feb 16) it's the
"Nets" versus "Vets" cash game with
Taylor Caby, Cole South, Gabe Kaplan,
Dave Benefield, Doyle and Eli Elezra
2/12/2009
Heads-Up Practice
... and a chance to enter a big
televised tournament.
Both FullTilt and PokerStars have
freeroll satellites for the National
Heads-Up Championship in Vegas.
Its a great chance to practice your
heads-up skills. Its something almost
everyone needs to polish up on.
I've finished somewhere between
3rd and 10th countless times,
but cant seem to crack the
final four (out of 256).
I'll keep trying.
televised tournament.
Both FullTilt and PokerStars have
freeroll satellites for the National
Heads-Up Championship in Vegas.
Its a great chance to practice your
heads-up skills. Its something almost
everyone needs to polish up on.
I've finished somewhere between
3rd and 10th countless times,
but cant seem to crack the
final four (out of 256).
I'll keep trying.
2/05/2009
PPT Online Tx Update
The lower buy-in NL Holdem K/O
tournaments have been a big success !
We're going to extend that buy-in
and format to our other nights.
We've had as many as 17 players !
Mondays 7pm, $3 + .50, Bounty NLH
Tuesdays 7pm, $3 + .50, Bounty NLH
Wednes 7pm, $3 + .50, Bounty NLH
Thursdays 7pm, $3 + .50, Bounty NLH
Fridays 7pm, $3 + .50, Bounty NLH
These new events will start Feb/6/09.
Everyone is Welcome !
The buy-in for the KnockOut tournament
is $3 + $0.50, with $2.40 going to the
prize pool and $0.60 paid as a bounty
every time you Knock another player out.
To locate our tournaments, click the
"Private" tab in the tournament lobby.
Password is " PPT "
Sign up for a new Full Tilt Poker
account using bonus code PPT.
2/03/2009
High Stakes Poker, Season 5
GSN has started running commercials
for the upcoming season of HSP.
Season 5 premieres Sunday, March 1st.
I'm so excited ! HSP is probably
my favorite show on television.
Taping was done December 19-21 at
the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas.
The upcoming season will have a
minimum cash buy-in of $200,000,
which is the largest to date.
for the upcoming season of HSP.
Season 5 premieres Sunday, March 1st.
I'm so excited ! HSP is probably
my favorite show on television.
Taping was done December 19-21 at
the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas.
The upcoming season will have a
minimum cash buy-in of $200,000,
which is the largest to date.
Prospective Lineup:
Daniel Negreanu
Doyle Brunson
Phil Hellmuth
Eli Elezra
Antonio Esfandiari
Tom Dwan
Dario Minieri
Howard Lederer
Peter Eastgate
Ivan Demidov
Barry Greenstein
Sam Simon
Giorgio Medici
Ilari Sahamies
Phil Laak
Patrik Antonius
David Benyamine
Bob Safai
Nick Cassavetes
Mike Baxter
Filming on Friday December 19th featured
Doyle Brunson, Dario Minieri, Phil Laak,
Tom “durrrr” Dwan, Eli Elezra, Mike Baxter,
Alan Meltzer, and David Peat.
Saturday’s action features Daniel Negreanu,
Joe Hachem, Howard Lederer, Patrik Antonius,
Antonio Esfandiari, Sam Simon, Tom Dwan,
& Nick Cassavetes.
Sunday’s table will include Peter Eastgate,
Doyle Brunson, Ivan Demidov, Phil Ivey,
Barry Greenstein, David Benyamine, and
Ilari Sahamies.
Although that is the order in which the tables were
filmed, GSN may not necessarily air the episodes
in that particular order.
High Stakes January recap
Courtesy of http://www.highstakesdb.com/
Gus Hansen became the biggest winner
last month when he closed January for
a $500k profit. There´s been a lot of
action on his PLO HU tables, and also
some huge swings.
Patrik Antonius looked good all through
the month but was passed at the finish
line by Gus Hansen as the biggest winner
this month. Patrik still made a total profit
of $2.6M and played his A-game
straight through January, making most
of his profit on the HA tables.
Gus Hansen won his biggest pot ever,
the hand was played against durrrr and
trex313, a $537k pot.
Patrik Antonious wins his third biggest
pot ever, which also was the biggest of
the month, $562k pot
Durrrr didnt have a good month, experiencing
his presumably biggest poker loss ever.
There have also been alot of roumors going
around him, some about his huge loss and
some about he not being able to run his
Million dollar challenge. Most of these were
straightened out when durrrr did a radio
interview, in which he talked about the
rumours and stated that the challenge
was in no danger. All in all he is UP about
$1.0M in NLHE but STUCK $4.0M in the
other games in January.
Gus Hansen became the biggest winner
last month when he closed January for
a $500k profit. There´s been a lot of
action on his PLO HU tables, and also
some huge swings.
Patrik Antonius looked good all through
the month but was passed at the finish
line by Gus Hansen as the biggest winner
this month. Patrik still made a total profit
of $2.6M and played his A-game
straight through January, making most
of his profit on the HA tables.
Gus Hansen won his biggest pot ever,
the hand was played against durrrr and
trex313, a $537k pot.
Patrik Antonious wins his third biggest
pot ever, which also was the biggest of
the month, $562k pot
Durrrr didnt have a good month, experiencing
his presumably biggest poker loss ever.
There have also been alot of roumors going
around him, some about his huge loss and
some about he not being able to run his
Million dollar challenge. Most of these were
straightened out when durrrr did a radio
interview, in which he talked about the
rumours and stated that the challenge
was in no danger. All in all he is UP about
$1.0M in NLHE but STUCK $4.0M in the
other games in January.
2/02/2009
Montel Williams new Poker tv show
Former talkshow host Montel Williams
has announced his new one hour tv show
titled "International Team Poker League"
that will combine online qualifiers with
bricks and mortar casinos.
The show, starting with satellite tournaments
in March and set to be televised starting in
November this year, will combine NLHE with
‘reality TV’ style segments about the players.
Creator and CEO of ITPL, Montel Williams
comments: “I love poker – it’s a game that has
everything, played by kings and leaders and
regular joes alike. It crosses boundaries and
borders, now, thanks to technology and the
Internet, a global phenomenon that brings
people of different ethnicities and origin
together around the world. It is truly international,
and the time is right for the International
Team Poker League to take poker to a new
level and a wider audience.”
In a similar format to the more familiar talent
shows, the series will begin with a selection
process through regular NLHE satellite tournies
in both land-based casinos and online poker sites.
Entrants play to win entry into a three-day
Draft Pool Seeding Tournament at a Las Vegas
host casino at which the leading players will be
selected into six teams before fighting it out to
build chip stacks for the final one-day SuperTable
team event.
The six winners will become the ITPL Team for
the season, and will be filmed as they live the poker
lifestyle, play the pros and possibly find or create
celebrity for themselves.
has announced his new one hour tv show
titled "International Team Poker League"
that will combine online qualifiers with
bricks and mortar casinos.
The show, starting with satellite tournaments
in March and set to be televised starting in
November this year, will combine NLHE with
‘reality TV’ style segments about the players.
Creator and CEO of ITPL, Montel Williams
comments: “I love poker – it’s a game that has
everything, played by kings and leaders and
regular joes alike. It crosses boundaries and
borders, now, thanks to technology and the
Internet, a global phenomenon that brings
people of different ethnicities and origin
together around the world. It is truly international,
and the time is right for the International
Team Poker League to take poker to a new
level and a wider audience.”
In a similar format to the more familiar talent
shows, the series will begin with a selection
process through regular NLHE satellite tournies
in both land-based casinos and online poker sites.
Entrants play to win entry into a three-day
Draft Pool Seeding Tournament at a Las Vegas
host casino at which the leading players will be
selected into six teams before fighting it out to
build chip stacks for the final one-day SuperTable
team event.
The six winners will become the ITPL Team for
the season, and will be filmed as they live the poker
lifestyle, play the pros and possibly find or create
celebrity for themselves.
1/30/2009
WSOP Europe on ESPN
Pretty good coverage of the event.
Commentary by Lon M. & Norman Chad.
ESPN:
Sunday, February 1st
6-10pm ET
(Episodes 1 thru 4)
ESPN2:
Sunday, February 1st
10:00pm: Episode #1
11:00pm: Episode #2
Sunday, February 8th
10:00pm: Episode #3
11:00pm: Episode #4
Sunday, February 15th
10:00pm: Episode #5
11:00pm: Episode #6
Sunday, March 1st
10:00pm: Episode #7
11:00pm: Episode #8
Commentary by Lon M. & Norman Chad.
ESPN:
Sunday, February 1st
6-10pm ET
(Episodes 1 thru 4)
ESPN2:
Sunday, February 1st
10:00pm: Episode #1
11:00pm: Episode #2
Sunday, February 8th
10:00pm: Episode #3
11:00pm: Episode #4
Sunday, February 15th
10:00pm: Episode #5
11:00pm: Episode #6
Sunday, March 1st
10:00pm: Episode #7
11:00pm: Episode #8
1/24/2009
'08 a rough year for vegas casinos
Hotel statistics released in a report
yesterday by the Nevada Gaming
Control Board present a dismal picture.
Major hotel-casinos suffered a huge drop
in net income in fiscal 2008, bringing in
$721.2 million... only a third of what they
netted in the previous (2007) year.
The report reveals that 266 resorts grossed
$25 billion but were hammered by increasing
expenses during the fiscal year ending June 30.
Their net income was just 2.9 percent of the gross,
down from 9.1 percent in fiscal 2007.
yesterday by the Nevada Gaming
Control Board present a dismal picture.
Major hotel-casinos suffered a huge drop
in net income in fiscal 2008, bringing in
$721.2 million... only a third of what they
netted in the previous (2007) year.
The report reveals that 266 resorts grossed
$25 billion but were hammered by increasing
expenses during the fiscal year ending June 30.
Their net income was just 2.9 percent of the gross,
down from 9.1 percent in fiscal 2007.
1/23/2009
New PPT online tournament
Starting on Jan 26th, the PPT's
monday night format is changing.
We're taking a break from Omaha
and going for a lower buy-in NL
Holdem KnockOut tournaments.
The buy-in for the KnockOut tourny
is $3 + $0.50, with $2.40 going to
the prize pool and $0.60 paid as
a bounty every time you Knock
another player out.
Mondays 7pm, $3 + .50, Bounty NL Holdem
Wednes 6:30, $5 + 1, NL Holdem Deep Stack
Fridays 7pm, $5 + 1, NL Holdem Deep Stack
Log in to FT with your Player ID and pwd.
Click on "TOURNAMENTS", then
"PRIVATE". Click on "DATE", then
scroll down to the date/time of our
scroll down to the date/time of our
tournament (01/26/09 19:00 ET).
There may be more than one tourny
at that time so click on each one
until you find the one called
"PremierPokerTour.ca"
(There's an info box to the right
that lists the name and details
of each tournament as you click
on them.)
When you find our tournament,
click on either "TOURNAMENT LOBBY"
or "REGISTER NOW" (on the right side)
click on either "TOURNAMENT LOBBY"
or "REGISTER NOW" (on the right side)
and Register for the tournament.
You will need to enter the PASSWORD: PPT
Hope to see you there !
1/12/2009
CAKE Announces more sites open to Canadians
The Cake network announced in a
press release this week that it has
opened up poker, casino and sportsbook
poker sites for players in Canada,
specifically Sportsbook.com and
Superbook.com.
The move will "expand the player base
and the network alike, increasing the
value and possibilities players can
achieve from these sites."
"Sportsbook.com is a growing poker
site and continues to rise in popularity,"
the release claims. "This site offers
online players the ability to play poker
and casino games as well as place
sports bets all from one account.
The software has a great menu system
that is simple and easy to use. "
"For Canadian poker players looking for
a great poker game, Sportsbook.com is
a highly recommended poker room for
its soft competition, easy deposits, quality
software and excellent customer service."
The release describes Superbook.com as
a popular and well established sports betting site.
"This site earned the title "Online Sportsbook
of the Year" in 2005 and continues to be a
leader in the online sports betting arena.
It offers no-fee deposit methods, great
customer support and quick payouts."
press release this week that it has
opened up poker, casino and sportsbook
poker sites for players in Canada,
specifically Sportsbook.com and
Superbook.com.
The move will "expand the player base
and the network alike, increasing the
value and possibilities players can
achieve from these sites."
"Sportsbook.com is a growing poker
site and continues to rise in popularity,"
the release claims. "This site offers
online players the ability to play poker
and casino games as well as place
sports bets all from one account.
The software has a great menu system
that is simple and easy to use. "
"For Canadian poker players looking for
a great poker game, Sportsbook.com is
a highly recommended poker room for
its soft competition, easy deposits, quality
software and excellent customer service."
The release describes Superbook.com as
a popular and well established sports betting site.
"This site earned the title "Online Sportsbook
of the Year" in 2005 and continues to be a
leader in the online sports betting arena.
It offers no-fee deposit methods, great
customer support and quick payouts."
1/11/2009
Annie Duke on Celebrity Apprentice
On March 1st, Annie Duke will
appear on the second installment of
Celebrity Apprentice, joining the 15
other [cough] "celebrities"
I'm not sure if she's buddies with
Jeff Immelt (CEO of General Electric)
but she has a habit of appearing on
NBC shows. I remember seing her on
the gameshow 1 vs. 100 (on NBC) .
She is like a flaming car crash to me,
I dont want to watch, but I must watch.
I find myself yelling at her/my tv when
an episode of 'Best Damn Poker Show'
or 'Winstar Poker-The River' comes on.
Her criticism of any player who isnt a
super-nit drives me crazy... but I digress.
Others appearing on Celeb Apprentice II:
Clint Black - Country Music singer
Khloe Kardashian - "Keeping Up w/ the Kardashians”
Brande Roderick - Playboy skank ? ?
Scott Hamilton - Gold Medal Skater
Tom Green - Gameshow Host / Actor
Jesse James - Monster Garage, WestCoastChoppers
Natalie Gulbis - Sexy Golf Pro
Claudia Jordan - Gameshow Model...?
Joan Rivers - Cosmetic Surgery Speciman
Melissa Rivers - Only claim to fame is mom
Dennis Rodman - retired Chicago Bull
Andrew Dice Clay - Washed up Comedian
Herschel Walker - retired Dallas Cowboy
Brian McKnight - R & B musician
Tionne Watkins - The "T" from TLC
appear on the second installment of
Celebrity Apprentice, joining the 15
other [cough] "celebrities"
I'm not sure if she's buddies with
Jeff Immelt (CEO of General Electric)
but she has a habit of appearing on
NBC shows. I remember seing her on
the gameshow 1 vs. 100 (on NBC) .
She is like a flaming car crash to me,
I dont want to watch, but I must watch.
I find myself yelling at her/my tv when
an episode of 'Best Damn Poker Show'
or 'Winstar Poker-The River' comes on.
Her criticism of any player who isnt a
super-nit drives me crazy... but I digress.
Others appearing on Celeb Apprentice II:
Clint Black - Country Music singer
Khloe Kardashian - "Keeping Up w/ the Kardashians”
Brande Roderick - Playboy skank ? ?
Scott Hamilton - Gold Medal Skater
Tom Green - Gameshow Host / Actor
Jesse James - Monster Garage, WestCoastChoppers
Natalie Gulbis - Sexy Golf Pro
Claudia Jordan - Gameshow Model...?
Joan Rivers - Cosmetic Surgery Speciman
Melissa Rivers - Only claim to fame is mom
Dennis Rodman - retired Chicago Bull
Andrew Dice Clay - Washed up Comedian
Herschel Walker - retired Dallas Cowboy
Brian McKnight - R & B musician
Tionne Watkins - The "T" from TLC
1/06/2009
Corey Z on PAD
This guy has been added to my list
of favorite players now. The way
Corey Zeidman ripped on Phil Hellmuth
on episode 1 of this weeks Poker After Dark
has endeared me to him.
The theme is "Speak Your Mind" and
Corey has taken this literally.
Corey has taken this literally.
PAD will easily be the best thing on
tv every night this week at 2:05am.
You can watch mondays episode here:
Hellmuth proves that he can dish out
lines like "this guy can't even spell poker"
(at the '08 wsop) but he cant take it when
someone gives it to him.
Here's some highlites:
-Zeidman to Hellmuth: "Do you
always complain when you win a pot ?"
-After Hellmuth calls Gordons river bet
with the losing hand, Corey says:
"I think he needs to put more bracelets on"
-Hellmuth says "I just had my own
reality tv show on Fox Sportsnet".
Zeidman retorts "Yeah, that was a gem".
The table erupts with laughter.
-Hellmuth states he's on the 20,000th
peg of a 30,000 peg holdem ladder,
but Zeidman is only on the 4th peg...
"so you dont have a right to ever
talk to me about poker"
-Phil modestly proclaims that he gave
a speach at Oxford University like
"Clinton, Churchill, and those guys"
-Hellmuth doesnt enjoy the needles so
he threatens to ask for protection from
the floorman.
- Phil Gordon takes a shot at Corey
referencing Zeidmans incoherant rant
during the '07 wsop pay-per-veiw.
Corey (high or drunk?) was rambling on
about having a toothache before the
ME, so he went to the dentist office and
was disgusted by what he saw, the
dentists chair had bread crumbs on it.
Corey is most famous for his straight-flush
"slow-roll" of Jen Harman at the 2005 wsop
main event. He'll probably never live that
down even if he lives to be 100. If you watch
the video, I dont think it was intentional,
but that doesnt really matter when you
slow roll the most popular woman in poker.
1/04/2009
Why I dont play at Casino Niagara much
Its been a while since I played poker
at Casino Niagara so I made that my
target for Saturday afternoon/evening.
I called ahead when driving by Hamilton
and got my name on the list to minimize
any waiting time when I got there.
I arrived at the poker room before 4pm
and was told that it would be a minimum
One Hour wait, probably longer since there
were about 15 ahead of me on the list.
Considering CN had 8 tables running and
plenty of empty tables, I find this unacceptable.
Not only that, the only games they had
running were $1/2 - $100 max. No $200 max
games being spread any more I guess.
I called over to Seneca and asked how long the
wait was. No wait, immediate seating.
Plus, they had $1/2 100max, 200max,
$2/5, and 2/4, 3/6, and 4/8 limit spread as well.
After a quick drive across the river, (less than
30 minutes later) I was sitting in a game.
The difference between these two casino's ?
Seneca can/will open up a new table when
demand dictates because they schedule an
adequate number of dealers. Casino Niagara
is happy to turn people away or make them
wait, hoping they will drop some money
out on the casino floor.
at Casino Niagara so I made that my
target for Saturday afternoon/evening.
I called ahead when driving by Hamilton
and got my name on the list to minimize
any waiting time when I got there.
I arrived at the poker room before 4pm
and was told that it would be a minimum
One Hour wait, probably longer since there
were about 15 ahead of me on the list.
Considering CN had 8 tables running and
plenty of empty tables, I find this unacceptable.
Not only that, the only games they had
running were $1/2 - $100 max. No $200 max
games being spread any more I guess.
I called over to Seneca and asked how long the
wait was. No wait, immediate seating.
Plus, they had $1/2 100max, 200max,
$2/5, and 2/4, 3/6, and 4/8 limit spread as well.
After a quick drive across the river, (less than
30 minutes later) I was sitting in a game.
The difference between these two casino's ?
Seneca can/will open up a new table when
demand dictates because they schedule an
adequate number of dealers. Casino Niagara
is happy to turn people away or make them
wait, hoping they will drop some money
out on the casino floor.
1/03/2009
Mini TR: Point Edward Casino
I headed down the 402 towards Sarnia
Friday afternoon searching for somewhere
new to apply my poker trade.
Arrived at the Point Edward Charity Casino
in Sarniatown around 3:30pm.
It has a small poker room, 5? tables or so.
2 full tables running. All $1/2 NL 100max.
Nice tables although the material wasnt
speed cloth, more like suede ? Cards dont slide,
they stick/bite when pitched across the table.
No cup holders, but tables available.
Chairs were simple, but not uncomfortable.
Dealers were technically skilled although
they seamed to lack control of the game
at times. There was way too much table talk
and the informal chatter between the dealers
and the regulars was inappropriate at times
(foul language, etc). It seemed more like a
home game than a casino atmosphere.
Poker managers were attentive and polite.
Drink service was a little hit and miss,
long gaps in between visits. Actual servers
were excellent, propt with orders and polite.
The entire session, there was never less than
7 regulars at my table, all knowing each other
by name and how each plays to a good extent.
The game itself was fairly straight forward.
Mostly tight passive. The odd lagtard.
A couple good players, a couple not so good
and some average players. A couple of the
weaker players hit some cards and were up
with $6-700 in front of them. They realized
that they were lucky and if they stuck around
they'd only lose it back, so they bailed.
Friday afternoon searching for somewhere
new to apply my poker trade.
Arrived at the Point Edward Charity Casino
in Sarniatown around 3:30pm.
It has a small poker room, 5? tables or so.
2 full tables running. All $1/2 NL 100max.
Nice tables although the material wasnt
speed cloth, more like suede ? Cards dont slide,
they stick/bite when pitched across the table.
No cup holders, but tables available.
Chairs were simple, but not uncomfortable.
Dealers were technically skilled although
they seamed to lack control of the game
at times. There was way too much table talk
and the informal chatter between the dealers
and the regulars was inappropriate at times
(foul language, etc). It seemed more like a
home game than a casino atmosphere.
Poker managers were attentive and polite.
Drink service was a little hit and miss,
long gaps in between visits. Actual servers
were excellent, propt with orders and polite.
The entire session, there was never less than
7 regulars at my table, all knowing each other
by name and how each plays to a good extent.
The game itself was fairly straight forward.
Mostly tight passive. The odd lagtard.
A couple good players, a couple not so good
and some average players. A couple of the
weaker players hit some cards and were up
with $6-700 in front of them. They realized
that they were lucky and if they stuck around
they'd only lose it back, so they bailed.
Its nice that Pt. Ed is a shorter drive than Niagara, but i'm not sure there's enough action here to make it a worthwhile regular stop. I might check it out on a Saturday evening to see if they get more tables going and some more casual traffic, rather just the same regulars passing money$ back and forth.
( I left around 6:30pm + $45 )
1/02/2009
1/01/2009
Test, do not download
http://www.manformation.com/teleseminar/intro_1.mp3
http://www.manformation.com/teleseminar/Session_Two.mp3
http://www.manformation.com/teleseminar/Session_3.mp3
http://www.manformation.com/teleseminar/Session_4.mp3
http://www.manformation.com/teleseminar/Session_5.mp3
http://www.manformation.com/teleseminar/Session_6.mp3
www.manformation.com/teleseminar/MANformation_Introduction.pdf
www.manformation.com/teleseminar/MANformation_Session_One.pdf
www.manformation.com/teleseminar/MANformation_Session_Two.pdf
www.manformation.com/teleseminar/MANformation_Session_Three.pdf
www.manformation.com//teleseminar/MANformation_Session_Four.pdf
www.manformation.com/teleseminar/MANformation_Session_Five.pdf
www.manformation.com/teleseminar/MANformation_Session_Six.pdf
www.manformation.com/teleseminar/Checklist.pdf
http://www.manformation.com/teleseminar/Session_Two.mp3
http://www.manformation.com/teleseminar/Session_3.mp3
http://www.manformation.com/teleseminar/Session_4.mp3
http://www.manformation.com/teleseminar/Session_5.mp3
http://www.manformation.com/teleseminar/Session_6.mp3
www.manformation.com/teleseminar/MANformation_Introduction.pdf
www.manformation.com/teleseminar/MANformation_Session_One.pdf
www.manformation.com/teleseminar/MANformation_Session_Two.pdf
www.manformation.com/teleseminar/MANformation_Session_Three.pdf
www.manformation.com//teleseminar/MANformation_Session_Four.pdf
www.manformation.com/teleseminar/MANformation_Session_Five.pdf
www.manformation.com/teleseminar/MANformation_Session_Six.pdf
www.manformation.com/teleseminar/Checklist.pdf
12/30/2008
More Glitches Reported at UltimateBet
Reports earlier this week that a winner's
payout had been given to the loser of a
hand at UltimateBet.com have been
followed by further incidents, suggesting that
the original mispayment is not an isolated
incident. Posts on various forums like 2+2
and the UltimateBet blog
http://blog.ultimatebet.com/2008/12/hand-1162170993/#comments
indicated at least three other highly questionable
payouts to the wrong players had been made,
suggesting a glitch in the recently upgraded,
Korean made, Cereus Network software which
is used by UltimateBet and Absolute Poker.
In one incident, a player claimed that he had
been congratulated for finishing 16th in a
tourney...before the last two cards hit the table.
And at table #1165492664: Razz Normal
$0.25/$0.50 - 2008-12-22 12:55:02 (ET)
a player who was apparently sitting out was
awarded a pot.
In yet another incident, a player waiting for a
big blind was allegedly awarded part of the pot,
which appeared to be confirmed by a re-player
at Tableratings.com.
The positive side to the incidents is that both
UltimateBet owner Tokwiro and the Kahnawake
Gaming Commission have reacted to early alerts
sent by concerned players. Tokwiro C.O.O. Paul
Leggett has promised on the company blog that
the investigation is underway and will report back,
and a spokesman for the KGC confirmed that the
regulator was also studying reports and monitoring
the situation.
However, the KGC spokesman said, it was essential
that players with a genuine and substantiated issue
lodge a formal complaint with the Commission,
rather than relying on merely posting on industry
message boards. He confirmed that the player
"Doubleballer" in the original incident had now
been paid the full value of the pot, although he
had not actually submitted a KGC complaint,
and said that the Commission would investigate
all legitimate and factual complaints it was sent.
"What does slow things down is when forum
posters randomly send disparaging comments to
the KGC about an operator, but don't substantiate
any claim or provide any intel which would be of
use in opening an investigative file," he observed.
"If there are legitimate claims, I would encourage
any potentially wronged players to contact the KGC."
payout had been given to the loser of a
hand at UltimateBet.com have been
followed by further incidents, suggesting that
the original mispayment is not an isolated
incident. Posts on various forums like 2+2
and the UltimateBet blog
http://blog.ultimatebet.com/2008/12/hand-1162170993/#comments
indicated at least three other highly questionable
payouts to the wrong players had been made,
suggesting a glitch in the recently upgraded,
Korean made, Cereus Network software which
is used by UltimateBet and Absolute Poker.
In one incident, a player claimed that he had
been congratulated for finishing 16th in a
tourney...before the last two cards hit the table.
And at table #1165492664: Razz Normal
$0.25/$0.50 - 2008-12-22 12:55:02 (ET)
a player who was apparently sitting out was
awarded a pot.
In yet another incident, a player waiting for a
big blind was allegedly awarded part of the pot,
which appeared to be confirmed by a re-player
at Tableratings.com.
The positive side to the incidents is that both
UltimateBet owner Tokwiro and the Kahnawake
Gaming Commission have reacted to early alerts
sent by concerned players. Tokwiro C.O.O. Paul
Leggett has promised on the company blog that
the investigation is underway and will report back,
and a spokesman for the KGC confirmed that the
regulator was also studying reports and monitoring
the situation.
However, the KGC spokesman said, it was essential
that players with a genuine and substantiated issue
lodge a formal complaint with the Commission,
rather than relying on merely posting on industry
message boards. He confirmed that the player
"Doubleballer" in the original incident had now
been paid the full value of the pot, although he
had not actually submitted a KGC complaint,
and said that the Commission would investigate
all legitimate and factual complaints it was sent.
"What does slow things down is when forum
posters randomly send disparaging comments to
the KGC about an operator, but don't substantiate
any claim or provide any intel which would be of
use in opening an investigative file," he observed.
"If there are legitimate claims, I would encourage
any potentially wronged players to contact the KGC."
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