Harrahs is launching WSOP Europe. The festivities are expected to play out from Sept 6-16 and shall take place at three casinos operated by London Clubs International – Fifty, Leicester Square and the Sportsman.
Additionally, Harrahs has relaxed their dress code in the US for the WSOP. They now are allowing multiple logos, not to exceed 12 square-inches.
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I strongly suspect the WSOP Europe event surely signals a willingness of Harrahs to diversify their WSOP business outside of the USA.
Back to the logo-ware, this move is apparantly being done to better afford players the opportunity to maixmize their sponsorships.
While multiple logos are allowed, they must fall under the following guidelines (Logos may not):
(a) Contain any false, unsubstantiated, or unwarranted claims for any product or
service, or make any testimonials that Harrah’s, in its sole and absolute discretion,
considers unethical;
(b) Advertise any habit-forming drug, tobacco product, handgun or handgun
ammunition;
(c) Advertise any malt beverage or any distilled liquor or any non-alcoholic product
containing the name of a liquor product other than Milwaukee’s Best Light or
another product of the Miller Brewing Company.
(d) Contain any material constituting or relating to a lottery, a contest of any kind in
which the public is unfairly treated or any enterprise, service or product that
abets, assists or promotes illegal gambling
(e) Contain any material that is defamatory, obscene, profane, vulgar, repulsive or
offensive, either in theme or in treatment or that describes or depicts repellently
any internal bodily functions or symptomatic results of internal conditions, or
refers to matters that are not considered socially acceptable topics;
(f) Advertise pornographic products of any kind;
(g) Include any element of intellectual property without the owner's consent to such
use or gives rise to any claim of infringement, misappropriation or other form of
unfair competition;
(h) Disparage or libel any person or product.
(i) Advertise a dot.com gaming site that conducts business with U.S. residents.
(j) Are or might be injurious or prejudicial to the interests of the World Series of
Poker, the Rio, Harrah's or its affiliated companies or are otherwise contrary to
honest advertising and reputable business in general. This includes but is not
limited to the name or logo of any person or entity that uses or has used the
trademarks, trade names or logos of Harrah's or its affiliated companies without
written authorization from an authorized officer of Harrah's.
(k) In addition, all logos, patches, and promotional language for any dot.net website
must contain a clear and visible "dot.net" suffix at least the same size as the site
name.
(l) Harrah’s reserves the right at all times to impose a ban on any apparel deemed
objectionable by Harrah’s, in its sole and absolute discretion.
Complete articles and press releases:
http://dps.twiihosting.net/wsop/doc/content/doc_591_58.pdf - 2007 WSOP Rules
http://www.worldseriesofpoker.com/news/fullstory.sps?inewsid=406630&itype=&iCategoryID=1514 - WSOP Europe
Related Posts
2006 WSOP Main Event Coverage
BPT Grand Final - 2 Trips to Oz on the line
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2007/02/28
| [+/-] |
WSOP Europe and American Dress Codes |
2007/02/24
| [+/-] |
More Doyle and UIGEA thoughts |
The other day, I posted how Doyle Brunson was kind enough to make some sort of arrangement with Full Tilt Poker, in that there will be a dollar for dollar transfer for US Players. While I respect the fact that he thought of the US Player when this whole thing went down, I cannot help but recall the words he sent to each and every player shortly after UIGEA was enacted.
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Shortly after UIGEA was enacted, Doyle Brunson sent out the following email:
Hi this is Doyle Brunson,
I know many of you will be concerned and dismayed about the bill signed into law by the President today.I want to confirm to all existing and potential poker players that it’s business as usual here at Doyle’s Room and we continue to accept players from all over the world including the United States of America.
We at Doyle’s Room have taken extensive legal advice and believe that it is far too early to fully understand the implications of this bill on our industry. Based on the legal advice we have received, the new bill does not make internet poker expressly illegal nor does it take aim at players who enjoy online poker. However, there are some U.S. States that have existing regulations in place that may prohibit online gaming, so we encourage all of our U.S. players to review the laws of the State in which they reside.
Until such time as the law becomes clearer, Doyle’s Room will operate as normal with our full exciting range of games and tournaments at all limits. And finally, please rest assured your money is completely secure at Doyle’s Room.
I personally guarantee it.. "
Doyle makes the following claims in his email:
1. Biz as usual at Doyle's Room.
2. All players worldwide are welcome.
3. They've taken legal advice - based on said advice:
a. UIGEA does not make online gambling illegal for US citizens.
b. Certain states within the US prohibit online gaming.
4. Until the laws become clearer, this will be their posture.
With the sale of Tribecca to playtech, this puts Doyle's Room in a "spot." The network in which his poker room resides is moving to a non-US friendly poker network. This result is that US Players are no longer welcome to play at Doyle's Room. Thus, 1 and 2 above no longer apply.
To the best of my knowledge, three A and B are still relivant. Additionally, the laws in which UIGEA stands for are no more clear than they were the day it was signed into law. In fact, I would argue they're moreso vague than they were on the day of signing.
This seems to be moreso of a business decision to go along with exiting the US Market than a legal one. If in fact it was a legal decision - meaning he takes the posture of "this shit is just not legal, Later Americans..." he'd not have cut a deal with Full Tilt to take dollar for dollar transfer of Doyle's Room accounts belonging to the US Players.
Whatever his motivation, this is one less option for US Players still in the game.
What's next for UIGEA?
What now seems like stock speculation, rumours were circulating that Barney Frank (D-MA), Chair of the House Financial Services committee, was considering proposing a two year amnesty on UIGEA pending further study of the law and its effects. "Sources" who understand how our government operates, however, cite doing such a thing would make entirely too much sense for the government to actually propose and follow through on. For that reason, a two year study will most likely happen when common sense actually becomes something every household and member of government possesses.
Then there's the World Trade Organization... The enactment of UIGEA is not in compliance with the WTO's ruling in favor of Antigua over the protectionist policies of UIGEA. While the US will, in my opinion, dismiss the WTO "as is," things "could" get interesting if the European Union steps up to bat for Antigua. Such a move, however, is not a "high priority" on the EU's agenda. The WTO is expected to render their final ruling in March as to whether or not the US is in violation of trade agreements.
What does all of this mean?
Unfortuantely, I have no clue as to what this all means. I do know it's becoming more and more difficult to fund, play, and remove funds on online poker rooms. While the US Government, some online "money movers," and many poker rooms are posturing as if all of this is definitely unlawful, it still remains unclear whether or not online gambling is or is not illegal for the US player.
What does remain clear, however, is that the squeeze is continuing. Hopefully someone will wake up in position of power with the foresight and common sense to do something about it...
Mike
Related Posts
UIGEA repeal in the making?
Doyle Bailing on US
Tribecca headin to playtech
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2007/02/22
| [+/-] |
Does UIGEA have a foe in a high place? |
Rumours are circulating that UIGEA may have a foe in somewhat of a high place in Congressman Barney Frank (D-MA). Congressman Frank is the chairman of the House Financial Services Committee and has called for a two-year amnesty on the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, which was attached in shitbag stealth mode by former Senator Bill Frist.
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It's reported that Barney would like to repeal UIGEA by offering the amnesty and instead conduct a study to regulate (and surely tax) internet gambling, including online poker.
Back in March 2006, during a discussion of online gambling legallity, he was quoted as saying "'Adults are entitled to do with their money what they want to do."
While I do not wish to create a "My God, the sky is in fact NOT falling" outlook, this does serve as hope. Keep in mind, the sky is falling and will continue to come closer and closer until UIGEA is repealed.
Congressman Barney Frank's website
Mike
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Legal or not?
Online Poker Room, anyone?
List of U.S. Friendly Online Poker Rooms
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2007/02/20
| [+/-] |
Doyle has exit strategy |
It seems as if Doyle Brunson has put together an "exit strategy" when leaving the US Market. Those who have an account balance at his poker room will have their balance transferred directly to Full Tilt Poker (see below for the email from Doyle's Room).
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IMPORTANT MESSAGE CONCERNING YOUR ACCOUNT
19 February 2007
Dear DoylesRoom Player,
This email is intended solely for US-based players at DoylesRoom.com. Please ignore this communication if you are based in any other country.
In view of the passage of the Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act (“UIGEA”) and the cessation of operations by Neteller and other payment processors, the management of the Doyle Brunson Poker Network (“DBPN”) has reluctantly decided not to permit online real money play by US-based players. We know this will come as a disappointment to you but we have taken the view that the most prudent course of action at this time to ensure the security of player funds is to conduct an orderly withdrawal from the United States market.
Effective immediately, US online poker players will not be permitted to sign up for real money play or deposit funds into existing accounts. Commencing March 1, 2007, all US play on DoylesRoom.com will be blocked and US players will be able to access only the withdrawals page.
You may withdraw your funds at any time or, should you wish to enjoy uninterrupted play, we are pleased to announce that Full Tilt Poker has agreed to accept direct transfer of your account balance. This will give you the opportunity to earn a signup bonus of up to $600 and use your action point balance on their site (terms and conditions apply, see below). This account transfer option will be simple, immediate, and allow you to take advantage of Full Tilt Poker’s wide range of games and tournaments. The transfer feature is available now.
DBPN assures all its players that their funds are safe but in view of the likely demands on our processing staff in the forthcoming weeks, cashouts may take a little longer than usual to process. We ask that players wishing to withdraw their funds be patient.
DoylesRoom.com will continue to serve non-US players and will increase its focus on Canada, Europe and Asia-Pacific.
We share your disappointment with this news and sincerely apologize for any inconvenience.
Thank You,
The Management
Doyle Brunson Poker Network
Full Tilt Poker is offering a signup bonus of 100% of transferred money up to a maximum of $600. To be eligible for the sign up bonus, players must be making their first deposit on Full Tilt Poker and a minimum balance transfer of $45 is required.
Action Points (“APs”) will be converted to Full Tilt Points (“FTP”) within 7 days of account transfer. Conversion rates as follows:
Doyle’s Club: 4 APs = 1 FTP
VIP: 6 APs = 1 FTP
Other tiers: 12 APs = 1 FTP
Related Posts
Tribecca says goodbye to the US Market
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2007/02/18
| [+/-] |
Is "Account sharing" legal...? |
As an online poker community, we have already dealt with the zeejustin ordeal, so that is not something I wish to mention. However, I do wish to pose the question as to whether or not sharing an online poker account is legal and/or ethical. By "sharing an online account," I mean either two people use the same account at different times (may or may not be different locations) OR a player starts a game or a tournament and another player finishes on their behalf (team play).
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According to the terms and conditions at poker.com - "You agree to keep your Account information secret and confidential and to not allow anyone else to use it." --- Apparently, they are “crystal clear” on their position, as seen in the text I have taken the liberty of bolding out. However, while they are clear on what is and is not "legal", they do not necessarily discuss what the punishment specifically would be for said rules violation. However, through the terms and conditions, they reserve the right to cease funds if cheating is discovered.
Bugsy's Club, on the other hand, is clear and specific on both the definition and the enforcement of this account sharing issue. They write:
One Player per Account
"Regarding all League promotions at Bugsy’s Club pleased be informed that all play in leagues is limited to one player per username. If it is found and proved that more than one player is playing under one username, that username will forfeit any and all prize money it wins in any league promotion at Bugsy’s Club and could be banned from Bugsy’s Club. Please respect this and play by the rules."
This stands to be important with Bugsy's Club because:
1. They offer monthly prizes based on league play (i.e. - accumulate x number of league points to gain entry to a special tournament, score high on the Leaderboard for leagues to win prizes within the league).
2. Nearly EVERYTHING on Bugsy's Club falls into some sort of league. This includes the cash tables, as there's competitions based on raked hands.
Why would this matter?
One might be inclined to ask what the big deal is. Why would this matter in the least bit? I propose it matters a great deal. In the instance of Bugsy's Club and the league games, the more you play the more leaderboard points you score. Players are "supposed to" play utilizing their own account. Theoretically, who is at an advantage, the honest player playing his or her own account and playing only when they are not sleeping, working, or doing something else "life-related?" Or is it the "team" of players, who have worked out a "shift schedule" to allow them 24-hour coverage of the poker room?
How about sharing of a player account within tournaments, such as a series of tourneys or satellites of some sort? Should a player who is great at Hold’em be "right," "legal" or "ethical" by sharing playing duties with a player who is skilled in Omaha, for example, when in fact Omaha and Hold'em will be played out in the hypothetical series? Or how about the player who can play his ass off, but has problems finishing? Should one be able to tag the other in?
Surely, when instances such as this occur, people usually have some sort of justification they fabricate as to why "it is ok" in this instance. It may be "well, the person is my (wife, girlfriend, brother, dog, grandmother, room mate, life partner, hero, neighbor, insert person of choice here) thus it should be acceptable. Personally, I do not buy into the "this time it's different" method of excusing behavior. Nor do I fall into the "yea, but you have gotta understand" version of rationalization.
Personally, I prefer fair play... regardless of whether it is online, live, home game, virtual poker room, or casino.
Mike
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2007/02/16
| [+/-] |
tribecca plus playtech equals bye bye US Market |
Short and sweet... Playtech, platform to poker rooms such as Noble Poker and Kiwi Poker are "eating" the Tribecca platform, home to poker rooms such as VC Poker and Doyles Room. The end result is that just like Noble, Kiwi, and Titan Poker, the old Tribecca rooms are no longer able to support US Players.
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This move seemingly removes Doyle Brunson from the US Marketplace. It was perceived that Doyle was in support of online play by US Players. We'll be watching this story as it plays out.
Mike
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| [+/-] |
Wrap-up of the Aussie Millions and CheckRayz Stuff |
A bit ago, I wrote a wrap-up piece for the Aussie Millions and submitted it via email to the Poker.com staff. Unknown to me, it published in the Blogger Poker Tour Blog. So for anyone wishing to read the Aussie Millions Wrap-up I wrote, click away. Additionally, I've placed a copy of this writing on my new Poker Writer Poker Blog. This blog is a new project (one of several) I am working on, which you'll surely here more about in the upcoming days and months. Click to check out the Aussie Millions Wrap on the Poker Writer Blog.
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Now that I'm a few weeks removed from Oz, I've been reflecting a good deal on my experiences. Now that I know exactly what I am up against... I will be at other toruneys in the future in some capacity - whether it's covering them independantly, covering them for a poker room or news outlet, a player host for those unable to travel to certain venues, and/or as a player. Whichever way, I intend to be a presenece.
Moving on... CheckRayz has been on "vacation" for a bit (read: I've been busy and playing phone tag with poker room reps). Expect a schedule for both February and the beginning of March early next week.
Have a great weekend,
Mike
Related Posts
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2007/02/14
| [+/-] |
More on Making Laydowns |
Since the writing of what is now part 1 of Making Laydowns, Jay wrote in explaining he did not like my play at all. I could not agree more. He writes:
"Mikey Mikey,
I hate your play. Either r/r AI pf or fold. Though I opt for the AI because I'm assuming you're TAG and don't open many pots so that small reraise is a straight feeler.
Obv never folding on that flop once you called pf.
Also consider raising to 14k pf.
I was actually in this situation in the sunday lottery from the SB's perspective where a LAG opened on the button for the 3rd orbit in a row and I repopped him x2.555 with A8 nearly comitting myself and folding to the push.
He got angry because I folded.
Anyway, I've been banned from the forum for being a bad boy or something and now my PM box is screwy so this is the only forum of communication for now.
Later
J"
My entire point of writing that article was to explain how badly I disliked my actual play and how I talked myself into weakly calling, then calling again when the circumstances and situations called for me to play it differently.
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Jay is 100% correct, preflop... I should have either moved (all-in most logically) or folded. However, he was not "on" with my current table image. As chip leader, I was quite the Loose and Aggressive player preflop. I was running over the table, scratch that... the entire tournament over with my blind aggression. Once the antes started, every pot I was entering was to a raise.
That being said, (in hindsight - without knowing what hand he had) it was reasonable to assume that this dude thought I was stealing. Additionally, I figure he thought he had a hand big enough to show down on it's own and/or stand up to the "big bad wolf." He stared me down, and I froze.
From a starting hand standpoint, my hand was strong enough to re-reraise. Positionally, it was also strong enough to call, as I had position post-flop, thus a re-raise to all-in does not benefit my position being last to act on the flop.
From a chipcount standpoint, however... This guy was pretty much the only player at the table who was capable of "hurting" me. He was really one of only three or four players in the tourney who, at that time, had the chips to injure me in any way, shape or form.
I win that hand, I am chip leader... Wait, already am, by nearly a mile. I fold preflop after my initial raise and to his reraise, I'm still convincingly the chip leader. I call preflop, I fold to the allin bet with top pair, I'm still chip leader, though the gap has closed a bit. I call the allin bet and win, I'm coasting to heads up - though I can already do so if I get away from not just that hand, but also that situation.
I lose that hand (after the all-in), I'm just your average tourney Joe... Everyone in the tourney sees me as a bully. With a loss, I'm a bully who "puts his pants on the same way everyone else does." I'm nothing special, I have not the chips to bully. I have no fall back for when I've got caught trying to steal with a semi-bluffing preflop raise. I have little, if any continuation betting power.
The point I am making is that I stood to benefit little if I won, but would suffer greatly if I lost (to the all-in). I had to reasonablly assume that if I would have called/moved all-in, that he'd get his money in. Why would I... with the chip lead, want to see a flop? He hits, he pushes. He misses he pushes. Again, my hand is strong enough to be there, but does the situation warrant me to be in the game? And if so, should I really allow him the luxery of seeing the flop before committing his chips?
Given the exact situation (my exact raise, his exact preflop reraise), I see the best course of action to be reraising (to all-in) roughly 60-70% of the time with that hand and the second course of action to fold to his raise 30-40% of the time with that hand and in that situation.
This being the case, maybe "making a laydown" is not the correct title to this post grouping? Actually, this is still the best of all possible titles, as I should have situationally folded with top pair, best kicker on the flop and the way I played the hand. Had I done so, I'd have lived beyond the bubble; and not having merely enough chips to just slide into the money either. I'd have still been in a position of power and had the assets to continue torturing my table and the tournament.
Mike
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2007/02/11
| [+/-] |
Making Laydowns... |
I haven't talked poker strategy of any sort in quite a while here, and really, I was kinda looking to stear clear of it. Then again, I thought I'd be talking Oz much more than I have done so recently ("no worries" though - the Oz posts will still come).
Anyway... While calculating pot odds, preflop strategy, hand groupings, making reads, and position are all pretty damn important in one's poker game; I think knowing when to make a big laydown just might be the most important factor in one's poker game from a strategical standpoint.
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An example --- a few weeks ago, I'm playing a tourney. Clearly I am the chip leader. The player second in chips sitting to my immediate left and we're two off the bubble. Blinds are 2000-4000; 500 ante and we're seven handed. I have roughly 250K in chips. Second place has roughly 120K. Action folds to me on the button, where I pick up AcJd.
I raise it up to 17000, which I felt was a standard raise, had the short stacked big blind covered, and was enough to scare away the SB/second in chips --- UNLESS --- he has a hand of some sort. He reraises me another 25000 chips on top, leaving himself roughly 78k behind into a pot of roughly 60K, 90ish if I call.
I sit here and think the situation over. Dude's second in chips, thinks I am stealing, and really has not made many plays at me all game long; thus unlikely to be playin at me now, right? Still, tourney on the line, I have position and I've made a statement of some sortl he's only playing back at me with a suited ace, two paint or a PP of some sort.
So here I am, not sure if I'm ahead or behind... Leading in chips. In fact, leading from coast to coast in this tourney, truth be told. I think my options through. Reraise, call or fold, right? 90K pot if I call. Thinking further, I have position and the stack so I can afford to call, right? I mean, he may check to me and I can check behind or bet out, depending on the board... And if it looks scary, I can fold right?
And as a matter of fact... considering I have position, reraising to all-in is out of the question, because I really do not wish to waste the button, right? I mean --- I have it for a reason. I'd like to reraise him here, but I cannot pop him here without pushing him all-in, as he is committed for one penny more, pretty much. Though, he "could" be committed right here, right? I mean, can he really fold with 67K in the pot and 98K or so behind?
More importantly, I'm like chip leader damn near twice over here... Imagine how I can so coast to first place if only I take this hand down!!! Then again, I could just fold now - preflop ... nah, silly idea. I really want to see a flop, I'll just call.
Flop comes J-10-8. Surprise surprise, he pushes the rest in on the flop. I'm behind aces, kings, queens, jacks, tens and eights. He's drawin comfortablly with nines, and sevens and less so with sixes-twos. I'm ahead of AK, AQ, A10... and fighting with KQ, but beating KJ and K10. Does he think I can fold here? Does he think I will fold here?
I mean, I probably should fold here. But, wait... aren't I more than likely ahead? I'm thinking he's putting a play on me. He KNOWS that I "can" afford to fold here. In fact, I fold, I'm still leading in chips... We're near the bubble and he's below average if he loses this hand. He "needs" to push and for me to fold... I'm certain I'm ahead, though there's gotta be something I'm not looking at here. What is it?
Ah yes... I benefit little by winning this hand, but stand to lose a lot by losing. While I'm pretty sure I'm ahead preflop, I have top pair and best kicker on a dangerous draw happy board that is well within and/or around his hand range. I do have pot odds to sufficiently call this hand, however; is calling this all-in the correct move (preflop play aside)?
I fold pre, I am left with roughly 230K. I don't think I should have folded there. I call an additional 17 and am down to 215K or so on the flop. He moves allin for 95K into a pot of 90Kish... So, I have to risk 95K to win 180K. TPBK and getting odds... From a purely pot odds standpoint, I'm a call here. Though, I fold now, I forfeit the pot of 90K, but I remain chip leader... I remain above the average stack and am positioned well to go deep.
If I win, I'm already the leader. I lose, I'm below average now... Clearly, a call in this situation with the draws on the board based on my believed hand range was not the smartest/most appropriate move on the board. I stand to win little, lose lot... Based on where I was in the tourney, the fold is the best of all possible options.
Often bigtime players like to make a big fuss about making some sort of monsterous read where they are certain they're against exactly aces, and they lay down pocket kings... Or even when they lay down middle set on the flop. Many times, this is done not because they truly think they're beat, but instead because IF they're beat, they stand to lose more and gain minimally from a win. So next time you see someone on the tele lay down a monster, look where they are chipwise, where they are in the tourney and see if the fold makes sense on that level...
By the way, he hit his straight on the turn and I ended up bubbling - not that we're results oriented...
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2007/02/10
| [+/-] |
Housekeeping items, cuz it's been a while... |
It's been a while since I've strung back to back to back posts here at the Poker Pub. Since I'm now doing so, I'll take the opportunity to get some housekeeping items out of the way.
First, I'm currently entertaining offers for the Freeroll Poker Blog of mine.
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Blogger Poker Tour Season 3 Starting soon and only at Poker.com!.
Some quick facts on the Freeroll Poker Blog:
Google PR-3.
Alexa Ranking of approximately 35,000.
Blog is just about one year old.
Drop me a line via my advertising address if you're interested.
CheckRayz News
The newly created CheckRayz-News blog will be the official way that I communicate anything CheckRayz related to our members. I anticipate posting on that blog no more than once a week, in that I do not wish to over news anyone. Ideally speaking, I will post there exactly once per week to keep everyone in the loop as to what is going on in the world of CheckRayz.
Syndicated column
I'm playing around with the idea of providing an article of sorts once weekly to anyone who is interested. This can be for blogs, websites or whatever and will be poker related. Currently, all I am asking to use this article is to not change the content in any way, shape or form, which also mean the links. I will want credit for my work, as always.
I also will need to approve who is using this service, as I have copyrights to everything I do --- thus, I'll need to issue each user a seperate license. Again, please email me through the advertising link so that anyone interested can get set up.
Edit: I've acquired the blogs in which I shall run this syndicated writing service from.
I'm also looking to put together a reputable team poker blog for those who are interested.
For both, topics will be poker related, and anecdotal or news (i.e. - tournament coverage) - as opposed to advice and how-tos. Drop me a line via my advertising email for anyone who is interested in either project.
Have a great weekend everyone. Look for our CheckRayz league to start up again next week.
Mike
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| [+/-] |
Carbon Poker Explained... |
For a week or two now, there's been confusion as to what is going on over at Poker.com, specifically with the emergence of this Carbon Poker brand and the Merge Gaming Network.
Here's the deal...
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The Aussie Millions was a learning curve for all of us. While there was much learned by all, one of the lessons learned was that brands had to follow specific standards in order to make it on television (in addition to the typical palm greasing and/or media approval, of course).
One of the areas addressed are whether or not you have a brand that has a URL that does not allow deposits to your poker room. For example, PokerStars has their PokerStars.com URL, which is where everyone who downloads is "able" to download, deposit and play. They also have PokerStars.net. This is the URL that is advertised on television, this is the "brand" that the pro's promote (in public).
While both of the above websites look very similar in nature and both allow download and play... PokerStars.net has disabled the deposit and cashiering function from the PokerStars.net side completely.
In fact, when I was a baby donkey, I first downloaded via pokerstars.net. My brother was talking about the bigger cash games going on. I could not locate said cash tables. He thought I was either crazy or "computer dumb." After troubleshooting and laughing for a bit, it was determined I downloaded via dot net. I had no access to the cash tables, in site or play.
What it will be
Poker.com are trying to accomplish something similar. Our players at the Aussie Millions had some significant face time on television. Unfortunately, when at the feature table, they were not permitted to wear the logo. The staff's arguement was that the logo met their standards, which were communicated to everyone in advance. However, the brand did not meet the other guidelines, specifically regarding "no deposit."
This seperate brand will allow Poker.com to better advertise in the mainstream media during high profile poker tournaments down the road.
Additionally, you heard talk of this Merge Gaming Network... Well, you've played on Prima and Microgaming before, right? This is the same concept. It allows for other buyers to come in and buy into the network. Several different "skins" playing in one poker room. Picture this as a large food court in the mall. Everyone goes to their own personal choice of resturant there. I might choose to go to the Pizza Joint, while Super Donk chooses Bob's Burger Barn, and Gerg chooses the Chinese place.
While we've all ordered and paid for our food at different restuarants, we're all able to sit down at the same tables in the commons area of the food court and eat together.
Translated to the world of poker, this will allow players to come in from both poker.com and carbon poker (for now, with more to come) and all sit down at the same common tables, even though they've bought in (ordered) via different poker rooms (restuarants).
Down the road, when the "food court" grows, there will be more rooms advertising and drawing players. This will translate to more traffic, more opposition, bigger tourneys, and higher guarantees. It is a win-win-win situation for Poker.com, the players, and the network as a whole!
What it will not be
While again, I am not an "insider," I can assure you this Merge Network will not be a second coming of Absolute Poker's network, where you're able to enter the same tourney from all network rooms. I can assure you that the poker.com team has in fact taken precautions to specifically avoid allowing any sort of collusion and/or cheating that is common and indirectly encouraged in rooms such as Absolute Poker/Vegas 24-7. The player's best interest is always kept in mind at Poker.com.
I hope this offers up a better overall understanding as to what might be going on over at Poker.com.
Mike
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2007/02/09
| [+/-] |
CheckRayz news... |
Effective immediately, all CheckRayz news and updates will be issued via the new CheckRayz News website. This is set to be the way I communicate actual news related items with the members of CheckRayz...
Forum is still in work...
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Going forward, this blog here (the Poker Pub Poker Blog) will be focused moreso on poker, and personal in nature, while the CheckRayz news will focus on news specific to CheckRayz and CheckRayz tournaments.
Mike
Related Posts
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2007/02/06
| [+/-] |
random stuff CheckRayz related... |
Let me preface this entry by saying "holy shit is it cold"... I do not function well in the extreme cold weather. Even when I am mummified in blankets indoors, furnace cranking; the fact that I know it's less than zero outside really messes with me. I become less productive, explore new and innovative ways to hybernate, and dream of being among the smarter species on this planet who fly south for the winter...
That being said, the brain is frozen... I did manage to write that piece, which "should" find it's way up on the poker.com poker blog and the BPT Blog very soon. Did I mention that it is the middle of summer in the land of the poker.com poker blog?
I think we can all see this post is pretty much a post of nothingness... Keep reading, there is some slight context to nothingness below... I promise!
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1. Bugsy's Club will be continuing with our CheckRayz League... I'd expect that we will not be going 5 days a week. 1-2 days a week is more realistic... Also expect this league to run it's course over the next two months or something...
2. Something will be announced regarding the CheckRayz Championships from second half 2006 shortly... I can promise it will be a great tourney and feature the best of the best... But as of present, I cannot promise where, when or for how much. I'm negotiating with a few different poker rooms presently, so hang in there.
3. The big buzz is about the CheckRayz forum... All I can say there is that it's still "coming soon." We (lil bro) has to do some programming work on his end for things to work the way they should.
4. Everyone who is a member of CheckRayz is going to be receiving shortly a new "opt in" request for newsletters. I'm working to both be in total compliance with all laws, AND changing mailers, so when you receive it, please opt in as appropriate.
5. More to come...
Mike
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2007/02/02
| [+/-] |
Time off to regroup... |
This week has been the first "normal" week I've had in quite some time. I'm two weeks removed from Australia and I think my body has readjusted to the timezone, though I know I'll never adjust to this cold weather. No matter how long I live here, I won't ever get used to winters. My natural inclination is to just fall asleep... hibernate even. Unfortunately, life does not always allow for such luxeries.
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I've cut back significantly on poker play and time spent writing/on the computer this week as well, as many of you might be able to tell. I've been spending every waking moment with my kids. I missed them while in Oz, and can't get enough of them now. We've been having Sorry tournaments every night this week. Last week too. Zack was champ last week, and this week Abby has captured the title. Daddy's next?
So, while adapting to "normal" it would seem as if I've neglected my blog just a little bit. No worries though... I suspect I'll be back to writing regularly again very soon. I've just needed time to downshift, decompress, and regroup. While doing so, I managed to accomplish two big things this week. I grabbed myself a full time job, as I suspect the party is over with regards to online poker... Additionally, I re-enrolled in school. This job is surely nothing I'm married to, but is flexable enough so that I can let it work around my life. School is set to start up in April and I'll be going straight through until Sept of '08.
The funny thing about this whole school gig... I've started school twice. Both times, I've quit without completing the degree. I landed the job I was looking to land each time, so why bother, right? This time around... no matter what, I'm goin wire to wire. If I've been able to quit smoking, I should also be able to finish school, it's that simple.
Moving on --- next week, look for more memories and photos from Oz, and also some CheckRayz news... specifically dealing with our February plan. Also, keep in touch with the Poker.com blog and the BPT home page, as my Aussie Wrap-up should find it's way there within the next few days...
Mike
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