Poker Pub Poker Blog

WBCOOP - '08

2008-12-15T11:11:00.000-05:00

I have registered to play in the PokerStars World Blogger Championship of Online Poker!

This PokerStars tournament is a No Limit Texas Hold’em event exclusive to Bloggers.

Registration code: 787951

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type the rest here

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Offtopic - Walk Down Memory Lane or "I speak Scottish"

2008-12-05T10:10:00.003-05:00

It's safe to say that I've lived a full life thus far. I've had the opportunity to see different parts of the world, I've done the college gig, the family thing, and have been occupationally diverse. Several times over, I've encountered great change in my life. When encountering or enacting such changes, I historically choose to never look back and live without regret...

Despite being busier now than I've ever been, I have spent the past year reflecting on my life. One of my goals was to take some time to look back, to reflect on my life - perhaps to learn from my past, maybe even to take a moment to enjoy it even. What good is experience if you don't look back upon it?

That being said, one of my goals is to reconnect with some of the people who are significant to my "past lives." I bumped into one of those people online this past week and want to share a story that has me absolutely rolling...

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From 1992 to 1996 I was enlisted in the Navy. From Jan - June 1994, my squadron was attached to the USS Saratoga. We spent the majority of our time floating outside of Bosnia. Because it was the decommissioning cruise for the "Sloppy Sara," there were several ports-of-call that we "should" have hit - Haifa, Turkey, Greece, Spain, Italy... Circumstances in Bosnia, however, cancelled the majority of our liberty.

We did, however, manage to make it to Spain - Palma, Spain more specifically, which is where the Beer Guy turned 21 (for the first time).

After spending the majority of the day on the beach, enjoying tasty beverages from the Daiquiri Palace, the boys n I set out for a night on the town. While out and about, we came upon a store that sold football jerseys. I picked up an FC Porto jersey, and my buddy Jason selects a Scottish national team jersey. Drunk as all hell, sun burnt - the rest of the guys abandon Jason and I.

Jason and I of course, are not your run of the mill sailors... It was no secret as to why he and I were named numbers one and two in the old Great Northwest Chapter of the Brewster Club. When we were out, we were out for the duration. None of this going home early shit, even if we were blistery, sunburned, feverish and incoherently drunk... No biggie, we pushed on to the club. We arrive at this club, though my memory betrays me as I do not know which club it was, and immediately we begin chatting it up with two young, attractive British ladies.

Bright young ladies they were, they quickly pick up that I'm American. They proceed to complain about all the dirty American Sailors that are carrying on, acting like a bunch of asses, being ridiculously drunk and what not. They move to end the conversation when the light bulb goes on...

Ever so quick on my feet, I inform them that we (Jason and I) are not in the Navy. In fact, Jason isn't even American! No, not at all... He was my foreign exchange student from Scotland (glad he bought the football jersey), and that we were travelling around Europe together in celebration of our respective 21st birthdays.

These chics were so not having it when they thought we were in the Navy, but now that we're not... We're students vacationing and having fun, just like them - we were in! They're buying us drinks, we buy them drinks, great drunken conversation - laughing. Everyone's buying the story. In fact, everyone's so sold that Jason himself not only believes he's from Scotland, but he also somehow was touched by God's hand and can now speak Scottish!

He reminded me of the Scottish answer to pro wrestling's Tito Santana, who would give interviews in English and then break off into Spanish. Jason would gab away, and then say something in "Scottish."

Things are going real well at this point, until Jason turns a bit green. I had a deal brokered with one of the girls that we'd all go back to where she was staying and continue the festivities when Jason blurts out, "Mike - I'm going to be sick, we have to go back to the boat - I think I'm going to die."

He makes it to the bathroom before letting loose projectile style. No amount of drunken smooth talking got me out of that one. The girls knew they were tricked - tricked into talking to the drunken sailors they swore they wouldn't be caught dead talking to...

Jason and I did in fact manage to stumble back to the ship in one piece. And though it was frustrating not sealing the deal with the ladies, it was a most entertaining 21st birthday - so entertaining that I've turned 21 every year on my birthday since then...

Mike

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Some things never change...

2008-12-02T09:14:00.003-05:00

For any of you who wonder if the BeerGuy still has an obsession with "the hammer," here's your answer... The guy was steaming before that hand, due to another player playing at him. I decided to join in and call station my way to raking in the pot...

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PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em, $2.00 BB (8 handed) - Poker-Stars Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com

BB ($203.80)

UTG ($284.65)

UTG+1 ($200)

Tiltboy (MP1) ($149)

MP2 ($224)

CO ($200.50)

Hero (Button) ($193)

SB ($203)

Preflop: Hero is Button with 2, 7

2 folds, Tiltboy raises to $6, 2 folds, Hero calls $6, 2 folds

Flop: ($15) 8, 9, 10 (2 players)

Tiltboy bets $8, Hero calls $8

Turn: ($31) 2 (2 players)

Tiltboy bets $16, Hero calls $16

River: ($63) 5 (2 players)

Tiltboy bets $40, Hero calls $40

Total pot: $143

Results:

Hero had 2, 7 (one pair, twos).

Tiltboy had A, J (high card, Ace).

Outcome:

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Update from the Beerguy

2008-11-28T09:14:00.005-05:00

I've been mostly away from the online poker scene for quite some time now. Several reasons kept me away - anything from playing live more, spending time with the family, not wanting to tie up the live bankroll, letting the Rayz site go...

This past week, however, I had the itch to play. I found that I missed playing online. It's relaxing, enjoyable (at least when one is runnin well). I forgot how nice it is to have Pokertracker workin with ya.

To curb the itch, I put some dough on Stars and played for a spell. Among the various games, I managed to stumble upon the Second Annual Turkey Cup, hosted by Dr. Pauly.

I got to see a lot of friends and acquaintances that I've not seen or heard from in far too long... More specifically, John - it was a pleasure donking ALL my chips off to ya! I did manage an 8th place finish, despite my donkey-ness...

I also had a great time listening to the commentary and coverage from BDR - thanks for the shoutout, by the way...

So I guess I'm sayin - I'll be around...

Mike

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Online Poker Scene - Industry Reacts to Passage of UIGEA Regulations

2008-11-15T14:56:00.002-05:00

Online Poker Scene - Industry Reacts to Passage of UIGEA Regulations

Posted using ShareThis

No guarantees

2008-11-13T12:54:00.002-05:00

Nope - it's surely not your imagination (speaking to the whole 1 reader left in the blogosphere). I'm actually posting something - so it seems. Actually, among other things - I'm not guaranteeing a regular post, an update... or anything. It is what it is around here, I guess...

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In any event, this comes in no particular order... but may answer the "where the hell have you beens, what the hell have you been doings, and the what nexteses..."

Where have you been?

Well, anyone following the online blog or who has been in the know on my screennames sure the hell know I've not been busy updating the blog or playing online.

Nor have I been touring the world, for that matter.

So I guess that begs the question "where have you been?" --- ah, what a great question that is...

What the hell have you been doing?

in bullet points (without the bullets)

building a relationship

raising the kids

building a franchise

busting my ass

playing cards

What's next?

Who the hell knows...? Maybe come back to visit and find out...?

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Cash out and Boycott Absolute Poker

2008-01-28T13:48:00.000-05:00

I'm the first to admit that I've not been 100% on top of the recent occurances in the online poker community. I do, however, manage to catch up in my reading. One of the things that has popped up is the total mess of a so called poker site known as Absolute Poker.

As you may or may not know, Absolute Poker (AP for short, considering I'm increasingly lazy and won't be bothered typing out their formal name) was acquired by Ultimate Bet (UB).

Prior to this acquisition, AP began opening skins (i.e. Vegas 24/7). It was around this time where I pulled my money from the AP realm. Not because they skinned themselves, however... It was in fact because I no longer felt comfortable with the integrity of the poker room.

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I was playing a private tournament, talking to one player... and another player responded. In fact, it seemed to me that this regularly occured. Almost as if the same person could be in the same tournament under two seperate accounts.

I emailed AP support and did not get a response in which satisfied me. As a result, I pulled my money and deleted their software from my computer. I'm not one to complain about the way things run or how a given place conducts business. If I do not agree with how things run or how someone conducts business, I simply do not give them my business. To do otherwise is hypocritical, among other things.

I was convinced their was cheating in their poker room. I presented what I believed to be hand history evidence and the corresponding chat log to support my belief. AP simply blew me off. They did not thank me for my concern, they failed to address my complaint. They left me less than satisfied. As a result, I no longer play there. No more Beer Money for AP from this kid.

Fast forward some time. An unknown player goes deep and wins the AP $100K. A player requests hand history of the tournament to go over a hand that was played. Instead of getting said hand history, he is given the entire tourney hand history, which includes email addresses, account numbers, ip addresses and observers for EVERY HAND in the tournament! What the...?

Long story short, this is far from an oops. This is a ginormous breach of integrity here! How does a support person at AP come accross this? Furthermore, how does a player get ahold of this file? Additionally, can just any player access said info at will?

It turns out, the player in question has ties to AP. It appears to me as if AP has either embraced or enabled cheating of this sort and is choosing to do little, if anything about it.

Had I not boycotted AP some time ago, I'd have done so a million times over right now.

Mike

More detailed info on the AP Scandal

http://loukrieger.blogspot.com/

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Happy New Year's Update and stuff...

2008-01-06T11:44:00.000-05:00

I did mention that I'd be posting once a week or more. I guess I failed to mention said posting would kick off after the first of the year? So, on that note, Happy New Year!

I suspect the burning question in everyone's mind (at least the one or two peeps who drop in on the Poker Pub Poker Blog) is "BeerGuy, where the hell have you been?" Perhaps (no promises) I'll answer that... Keep reading.

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For starters, after UIGEA, the online business previously known as CheckRayz was all but dead in the water. The douchebags in congress took what was a nice home based business and drove it into the ground. That being said, I had to seek out opportunities outside the household. Unfortunately, said opportunities keep me out of the house for the majority of my time. The free time I do have (all be it miniscule) is earmarked for family.

That being said, I finally turned the lights off at the old CheckRayz site recently. The lights were left on for a while, but really... no one was home. CheckRayz does still exist, but no longer in it's online form. If anyone's ever in the neighborhood, feel free to give me a shout - I'll give ya directions to the Club. Here, the lights are on five days a week, tourneys run often and the NL game is quite juicy. I'm also starting a league to send one of my friends to the 2008 WSOP. I look forward to the challenges that this task presents.

I'm working to get back into soccer after my unprescidented tenth retirement. This may be my last comeback, however. The back is aching and I'm no longer feeling like the 21 yr old I've been for the last 13 or so years. The team, Beer FC, still exists, but it too has taken on a new form.

Additionally, I'm planning to go back to school for the fourth time, as well as take on a task of being a guest writer for a local online publication.

2008 is a rebuilding year for your's truly - evolving with the times as conditions dictate. I look forward to said evolution in the times to come. Here's to the new year. I wish everyone the best of fortunes, and may variance in life and on the table be on your side!

Mike

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How is it you post again?

2007-12-18T09:57:00.000-05:00

It has been so long since my last post, I've damn near forgot how to post on this thing formerly known as the Poker Pub Poker Blog. I say formerly, as a blog "should" be updated somewhat regularly. In looking through my posts, it's far from regular for me.

I'd say I've not had the time to post, but that would be roughly three-quarters of the story. More correctly, I've not made the time. I enjoy writing. It allows me a creative outlet of sorts. And quite frankly, I've not "made" the time to do many of the things in which I enjoy.

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I'd like to thank John, Earl, and Robert for stopping by to say hello. I'll be popping in on the three of you to say hi shortly. Additionally, a tip of the beer mug to my friends who may stumble upon the blog post. I miss you all and will be "back in business" soon.

Well, this 21 yr old has tired himself out... Expect at least one substantial post per week from here on out.

Mike

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Still Alive...

2007-08-07T17:30:00.000-04:00

Just wanting to give everyone a quick update. For those of you wondering, yes I am in fact still alive. I'd say there's nothing to write about, but that would be far from the truth. Truth be told, I've not made time to write much (obviously). Though, in the interest of fairness, I've not really had much what I'd call "free time" to sit down and write.

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Recently, my main focus has been on the live front, where there's been some very interesting hands playing out, as well as on the home front, where my twins have been keeping me ever so busy.

Please do check back periodically, as I do have lots to tell - time willing.

Mike

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CheckRayz Games to resume

2007-07-28T07:37:00.001-04:00

Starting in August, games for CheckRayz will be set to resume.

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Mike

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Sick beat on table 13...

2007-07-26T00:38:00.000-04:00

1-2 NL "Table 13" 5 handed...

Folded to me on the button...

I raise to 7 with Q-10 offsuit

The SB and the BB both call. Each of us have anywhere from $150-200 in our stacks.

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Flop comes Q diamonds, 10 diamonds, nine clubs.

Checks to me, where I bet 16 into the 20 pot. I get one caller in the small blind, who is a tricky, trappy player - more than capable of bluffing or call bluffing.

I begin to think about what kind of hands he called me on the flop with. He could have anything, thinking I was on a steal and continuing it. Or he could have a hand such as AQ, KJ, J10, Q9, A9, AA, KK, a smaller pocket pair. Additionally, any K, Q, J combination could have called here if in his hand.

Turn is a 10. I'm sure I now have the best hand. I have to bet here, to make it look like a somewhat disguised steal to my opposition, otherwise, I risk either a check behind or a fold. I bet out 40 into the 52 dollar pot.

The player thinks, and says "I have to push, I'm all in."

He has me covered. I think for a second, a quick second and call.

"You have me beat, don't you?" he asks.

I tell him I think I do, and ask which he has, an overpair, a straight or a flush. He tells me he needs a king, knowing I have a boat. He calls for a king on the river, and sure enough, he hits his 2 outer. Kings over queens vs my 10s over queens.

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How do you get away from this hand?

2007-07-08T10:30:00.000-04:00

$1/2 NL - $100 max 10 seated.

UTG, I am dealt 10 ♦ - 9 ♦ . I limp for $2. Player next to me raises to $12. Action rolls back around to me. I call for $12, with $59 behind. My call makes the pot $72 preflop, as there are six callers. To give you background on the players involved, there are two short stacks, another stack similar in size to my own. Additionally, there are two stacks containing well over $300 and another with almost $200.

This table has been rather soft, as there has been little reraising prior to this, and the players - less one, are not tricky. Of course, the table often lacks "standards" in that hands such as A-9 offsuit have been raised and shown. Additionally, Q-9 is a regular "calling hand" here too. So, while I do not have any delusions that I'm the best, or even close preflop, my hand is "playable" at this table oop.

The flop delivers 7 ♦ , Jack ♦ and the King ♣ .

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The blinds check, as do I. My check was with the intentions of raising or calling. This is a great board for me, as I have eight outs to the flush. Additionally, I have three additional queens that can give me the straight, though not the nut straight. Speaking of nuts, three eights give me the nut straight and the 8 ♦ gives me the nut straight flush. In total, I have 15 outs, though some of them may make me second best. I'm ready to let a pot be built, then push.

The guy to my left continues with $20 into that $70 pot. There's a raise to all-in, followed by another raise to all-in. Two of the deep stacks call cleanly, one of the blinds fold and I move all-in as well. The initial better folds. The main pot now contains about $375.

Action does continue on the turn between the deep stacks, as the turn card is an 8 of ♣ . The two deep stacks end up all-in. The river brings me my eight of ♦ , though I already hit the nuts on the turn. But the straight flush on the river was a nice touch.

The hands shown were queens, King Jack, Queen Jack, and my 10-9. No one saw the straight on the board. The dealer, in fact, almost did not see it. They did call it a flush initially, I corrected saying it was a straight flush.

Now, in the interest of fairness, I had my ass handed to me in the next session, as I could not hit a set during the entire 18 hour session. In fact, I made some really really nice second besters that were great on the push, and bad on the come. That session was absoutely sick, and going to be mentioned no further here (for now, until my stomach settles).

Mike

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Mistake in a big pot

2007-06-30T18:22:00.000-04:00

One of the strategies I employ in NL Hold'em cash games is making small mistakes on purpose in small pots in exchange for others making big mistakes in big pots. Here's a hand in which I made a huge mistake, which cost me a lot in missed opportunity:

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Live game 1/2 NL $100

SB (seemingly lucky player who has over $300 in chips. While he seems lucky, he's not necessarily shown down garbage or less than the nuts thus far.).

BB (friend of SB, more solid player has over $200 in chips).

UTG (playing any two cards. Stuck to the table for over $600 at this point, has $85 in chips. Would love to isolate).

Late position player ($275 in chips. Seems to overplay draws quite a bit. Not very aggressive until the river).

Your's truly ($225 in chips and on the button).

Hand

UTG limps for $2
2 more limpers.
Late position raises to $12.
I call cleanly on the button with A ♣ 5 ♣.
The SB, BB, and UTG.
All others fold.

Pot contains roughly $50

4 handed, the flop comes: 3 ♣ , 10 ♥ , jack ♦

When I initially called with this hand, I was not so delusional that I thought I had the best hand. I was looking to get into a big pot, catch, and/or knock someone off the pot and take it down. I'd taken down several pots in position with aggressive play, betting with nothing. Sometimes, firing two barrells to get my point across.

SB & BB & UTG check. Late position (original raiser) - bets $25. I make the call cleanly, looking for a reason to pop it on the turn, or maybe a free card, for that matter.

The SB, BB, and UTG all call as well.

Pot now contains roughly $150.

Turn: 8 ♣

This card is good for me in that there's a flush draw on the board, of which I have the ace of clubs. It also presents a possible straight on the board.

The SB checks, BB bets out $20. UTG shoves allin for $43. Late position calls cleanly. I sit there and think. I KNOW I have the implied odds to call. I also have correct pot odds. I'm really worried about one of the blinds and the money they have behind. Too many people have bet out at this point, and I'm pretty convinced that someone has a straight, and/or a set, maybe even a flush draw. While the odds scream call, I fold. The BB calls after the SB folds.

The river is a Jack ♣ . This gives me the flush, however it also puts the possibility of quads or a bot on the board. The BB moves allin, and the late position calls. BB had AJ, SB had flush 9-7, UTG had pocket queens. It appears that had I stayed, I'd have had the nuts.

Opportunity missed. My mistake! Overall, it was a quite profitable session though.

Mike

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through 21 events

2007-06-28T21:19:00.000-04:00

Here's the top of the leaderboard through 21 events.

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Reelcrazy 207.9
cardluvr 191.1
yellowrose 185
careybear 173.4
imjusthere4thebeer 156.7
vegasjj 142.7
bc5457 124
Lazrus 89.6

Tonight we crown the champion...

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noteworthy live hands - hammer drop 1

2007-06-27T23:37:00.000-04:00

Lots of live play for the Beerguy this week. Here's the highlight reel...

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Hand 1 - Charity tournament

Blinds - 50 - 100 10 ante 32 players started, 24 players remain... 8 handed, avg stack 2666

UTG (3500 chips) raises 2.5 times the blinds,
button calls (1700 chips),
I call from SB (4500 chips) with 2 ♠ 7 ♦

BB also calls (roughly 900 chips)
Pot contains: 1080

Flop comes: 2 ♣ 10 ♣ king ♥

Action:

I check, BB checks, utg bets out 500. Button folds. I suspect BB is going to either fold or go allin, so I raise to 1200 - which is enough to both cover him and not make it appear as if I'm trying to force him out. Additionally, I'm interested in seeing how the UTG plays this. He thinks and calls cleanly.

Pot contains: 3480

Turn card is the 7 of ♥

I check, being reasonablly certain he's going to bet here again - especially considering there are now two flush draws on the board, not to mention the straight draw. All of which have not been filled on the turn. My suspician is that he will bet here hoping for a fold.

He does in fact bet out, and bets 800. I again raise to put him all in. He postures and someone at the table mentions I'm playing the hammer. He thinks some more and says, "We're boys, he wouldn't drop the hammer on me." He concludes I'm either on a straight or flush draw, so he calls with top pair, ace kicker.

River's a blank and the hammer correctly holds up. I go on to finish fourth place...

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Happy Father's Day to all

2007-06-17T10:33:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Father's Day. Sometimes being a father is easier than other times... However, whether easy or challenging, it's all worthwhile!

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My kids are my world. They put a smile on my face, as well as the faces of everyone around them. Nothing, no one brings me a greater joy.

All you fathers out there, take a second to thank your children for allowing you the privilege of being a father, their father. Abby, Zack... it's an honor to be your Dad. Happy Father's Day, kids!

Daddy/Mike

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CheckRayz Forum coming soon...

2007-06-16T21:51:00.000-04:00

In a few short days, We'll be opening the CheckRayz forum... It's been quite some time since I've posted on a forum of any sort. After the "falling out," I posted in a few different forums, but nothing seemed like "home."

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The new CheckRayz forum will serve as my new "home." Some of the best conversations and blog posts I've participated in have been started from forum posts. I can't wait to get the forum fired up...

I've been short on words lately, and I really can't explain why...

Coming soon... CheckRayz Forum!

Mike

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Leaderboard update

2007-06-14T22:48:00.000-04:00

Despite what was said last post, it was after 15 events. Here's the CheckRayz Leaderboard after 18 events...

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player total
Reelcrazy 197.9
cardluvr 179.1
careybear 167.4
yellowrose 150.9
imjusthere4thebeer 148.7
vegasjj 102.4
bc5457 89
Lazrus 68.5
shamanalix 44.3
bomber44 33
angels2005 32.1
texasdan333 29.2
Ohmanda 25.1
TSM12 16
deadmonk26 15
creepykenny 12
runroughshod 11
clayshooter 10.6
hyppichyck 10
Chinga2 7
acekicker2 5
PrinceSheba 5
1breaks 4
roneil33 3
ThreeDimes 3
Merlin558nj 3
Knapping 2
Braisco 2
Willplay 1
TJMoney08 1
Superdad6 1

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CheckRayz Leaderboard Update...

2007-06-07T07:47:00.000-04:00

Here's the CheckRayz Leaderboard after 16 events.

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Reelcrazy 179.4
cardluvr 168.1
careybear 121.9
yellowrose 116.6
vegasjj 102.4
imjusthere4thebeer 99
bc5457 82
Lazrus 60.5
shamanalix 44.3
angels2005 31.1
bomber44 33
texasdan333 29.2
Ohmanda 25.1
TSM12 16
deadmonk26 15
creepykenny 12
runroughshod 11
clayshooter 10.6
hyppichyck 10
Chinga2 7
PrinceSheba 5
1breaks 4
roneil33 3
ThreeDimes 3
Merlin558nj 3
Knapping 2
Braisco 2
Willplay 1
TJMoney08 1

The CheckRayz Leaderboard Tour at Poker.com plays out every Wednesday and Thursday nights at 9pm EDT. Passwords are available on the CheckRayz tourney schedule and passwords page. You must be registered and logged in to access the passwords. Register for free at CheckRayz.

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Appologies

2007-05-30T12:09:00.001-04:00

My appologies to the CheckRayz members for dropping the ball this week. Between intermittant internet connection, family "events", birthday week and other things, we did not get any games in this week.

We'll resume a full schedule next week (starting Friday this week) and all games will be posted on the Rayz site by this evening.

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Mike

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If you truly cant understand...

2007-05-25T08:43:00.000-04:00

If you truly cannot understand how one cleanly can make a call of a 7x raise preflop (in a cash game) with a hand such as 5d-4d, and take a flop, especially when that player terminates preflop action AND is in the big blind, I really want you playing at my table.

By "Really," I do in fact mean, please, sit next to me - and "good luck, ole chap!"

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I have seen several instances recently, both live and onine; hands I've been in, or observed - and some people just do not get it. Stopping short of trying to educate the masses, playing cash game is so much more than playing premium hands in a "tight, aggressive manner." There's so much more to cash play than actual pot odds.

An example or two...

UTG+1 raises preflop 7x's blinds. Button calls cleanly. I sit in the BB with 5d-4d, terminating action. Both the button and the raiser have a sizable stack. I suspect that I'm way behind preflop, but also know that the raiser seems to overplay his hands, at least some of the time. I also suspect the button "may" be calling with an ace, suited ace, or a small pocket pair and is likely playing position.

Odds are, I'm behind now, no matter how we look at it. However, investing six more BB into a pot containing 14ish BB, terminating action and the potential to win at least one stack "if" I get the right flop. On the other hand, I will lose no more if I do not get the right flop. So, I'm investing six more BB's to win at least 50 BB's, maybe even 100 BB's.

The flop just happens to come 4-4-J. I check, raiser continues, button folds. I was hoping the button would either call or raise, then I'd push. He did not, so I call cleanly, not fearing the jack. Turn is a nine. I bet out about 1/2 my remaining stack. Raiser moves allin. I insta-call, he has QQ. River delivers a redundant five.

Scenario number two, UTG (an ABC player who plays premium and semi-premium hands hard) raises 6x blinds. The button, one of the most disciplined cash game players I've sat with locally calls cleanly, as does the SB. Rubbish flop of 2-6-10 rainbowed arrives. SB bets out 10BB, UTG raises to 30BB. The button reraises minimally. The SB, who is a successful cash player as well, folds - thinking top pr is no good here. UTG reraises "putting the button all in." The button postures for a bit, and "calls his kings or aces."

Sure enough, UTG turns over his KK, thinking he's way ahead. The button turns over his 2h-6h. The turn and river fires blanks and roughly 240 BB's head over to the button. UTG goes absolutely ape shit.

Again, implied odds, and justifying of loose calls.

Again, have a seat!

Mike

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CheckRayz Leaderboard at Poker.com update

2007-05-20T09:32:00.000-04:00

The CheckRayz Leaderboard Tour at Poker.com has a bit more than one month to go, and the race at the top is tightening. With twelve events remaining in the tour, it is still anyone's to capture.

This week, we'll be featuring a seven card stud tournament on Wednesday and a pot limit omaha game on Thursday night. Don't miss out!

Additionally, there's an exclusive CheckRayz deposit bonus at both Poker.com and Carbon Poker!

Both rooms are offering our members either a first time 200% up to $100 using the deposit code initialcheckrayz or a reload bonus of 75% up to $100 using the code reloadcheckrayz. Don't miss this opportunity!

Below is the leaderboard standings...

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Reelcrazy 146.6
cardluvr 143.1
yellowrose 108.6
imjusthere4thebeer 95
careybear 93.9
bc5457 73
vegasjj 69.8
Lazrus 40.3
shamanalix 39.3
bomber44 33
texasdan333 29.2
angels2005 28.1
Ohmanda 25.1
deadmonk26 15
TSM12 12
creepykenny 12
runroughshod 11
hyppichyck 10
PrinceSheba 5
1breaks 4
roneil33 3
ThreeDimes 3
Merlin558nj 3
Knapping 2
Braisco 2
Willplay 1
TJMoney08 1

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Thanks Gary!

2007-05-19T23:09:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to say a quick thanks to Gary Carson. I received an autographed copy of his book, "Hold'em Poker - A comprehensive guide to playing and winning" today in the mail.

Very much appreciated, Gary - thank you!

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I'll do a review upon completion.

Mike

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Pink is just not a manly color...

2007-05-13T19:04:00.000-04:00

Note to self, pink is not a manly color. I had two big hands against Pink_Lady today at Bugsy's Club in the $3K Guaranteed. These hands occured back to back. The hand history really speaks for itself...

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Hand Number: 437,178,899
Table Number: 6,115,551
Event Name: $3K GTD $20K SUPER LEAGUE (#3900258)
Event Started: Sunday May 13th 3:00:04 PM CDT 2007
Event Type: Real Money Tournament
Event Buy-In: $30+$3 ($3,000 guaranteed)
Total Prize Pool: $3,000
Game: No Limit Hold 'em
Level XI: 200 Ante 800/1,600 Blinds (100 Minimum Chip)
Average Stack: 36,296.29 (10,000 starting chips)
Remaining Players: 27 (98 started)
Seat 2 : Dbugs starts with 24,300
Seat 3 : cparsley starts with 74,300
Seat 4 : F-ingIrish86 starts with 40,300
Seat 5 : captainNdiet starts with 41,200
Seat 6 : julie_s starts with 50,100
Seat 7 : Pink_Lady starts with 11,100
Seat 8 : ckim1004 starts with 9,100
Seat 9 : Montizle starts with 19,500
Seat 10 : CheckRayz starts with 18,100
Seat 8 : ckim1004 has the dealer button
>>>DEALING HOLE CARDS<<<
CheckRayz dealt down Kc Ks
Dbugs posts the ante 200
cparsley posts the ante 200
F-ingIrish86 posts the ante 200
captainNdiet posts the ante 200
julie_s posts the ante 200
Pink_Lady posts the ante 200
ckim1004 posts the ante 200
Montizle posts the ante 200
CheckRayz posts the ante 200
Montizle posts the small blind 800
CheckRayz posts the big blind 1,600
Dbugs folds
cparsley folds
F-ingIrish86 folds
captainNdiet folds
julie_s calls 1,600
Pink_Lady raises 9,300 to 10,900 and is all-in
ckim1004 folds
Montizle folds
CheckRayz raises 7,000 to 17,900 and is all-in
julie_s folds
CheckRayz takes back 7,000
CheckRayz cards were Ks Kc
Pink_Lady cards were As 7s
>>>DEALING FLOP<<< [ 6h Jc 3s ]
Pink_Lady: vn
>>>DEALING TURN<<< [ Qc ]
Pink_Lady: gl all
>>>DEALING RIVER<<< [ Ah ]
Pink_Lady wins 26,000 with a pair of aces
Pink_Lady: sorry
>>>SUMMARY<<<
Hand Ended: Sunday May 13th 5:53:01 PM CDT 2007
Total Pot: 26,000
Board: [ 6h Jc 3s Qc Ah ]
Seat 2 : Dbugs lost 200, folded pre-flop
Seat 3 : cparsley lost 200, folded pre-flop
Seat 4 : F-ingIrish86 lost 200, folded pre-flop
Seat 5 : captainNdiet lost 200, folded pre-flop
Seat 6 : julie_s lost 1,800, folded pre-flop
Seat 7 : Pink_Lady bet 11,100, won 26,000, net +14,900, showed hand [
As 7s ]
Seat 8 : ckim1004 (button) lost 200, folded pre-flop
Seat 9 : Montizle (small blind) lost 1,000, folded pre-flop
Seat 10 : CheckRayz (big blind) lost 11,100, showed hand [ Ks Kc ]

------------------------------------------------------------

Hand Number: 437,179,151
Table Number: 6,115,551
Event Name: $3K GTD $20K SUPER LEAGUE (#3900258)
Event Started: Sunday May 13th 3:00:04 PM CDT 2007
Event Type: Real Money Tournament
Event Buy-In: $30+$3 ($3,000 guaranteed)
Total Prize Pool: $3,000
Game: No Limit Hold 'em
Level XI: 200 Ante 800/1,600 Blinds (100 Minimum Chip)
Average Stack: 36,296.29 (10,000 starting chips)
Remaining Players: 27 (98 started)
Seat 2 : Dbugs starts with 24,100
Seat 3 : cparsley starts with 74,100
Seat 4 : F-ingIrish86 starts with 40,100
Seat 5 : captainNdiet starts with 41,000
Seat 6 : julie_s starts with 48,300
Seat 7 : Pink_Lady starts with 26,000
Seat 8 : ckim1004 starts with 8,900
Seat 9 : Montizle starts with 18,500
Seat 10 : CheckRayz starts with 7,000
Seat 9 : Montizle has the dealer button
>>>DEALING HOLE CARDS<<<
CheckRayz dealt down Kh Kd
Dbugs posts the ante 200
cparsley posts the ante 200
F-ingIrish86 posts the ante 200
captainNdiet posts the ante 200
julie_s posts the ante 200
Pink_Lady posts the ante 200
ckim1004 posts the ante 200
Montizle posts the ante 200
CheckRayz posts the ante 200
CheckRayz posts the small blind 800
Dbugs posts the big blind 1,600
cparsley folds
F-ingIrish86 folds
captainNdiet folds
CheckRayz: no worries
julie_s folds
Pink_Lady raises 5,800 to 7,400
ckim1004 folds
Montizle folds
CheckRayz calls 6,000 and is all-in
Dbugs folds
Pink_Lady takes back 600
Pink_Lady cards were 5c 5h
CheckRayz cards were Kh Kd
>>>DEALING FLOP<<< [ Qc 8c Jh ]
>>>DEALING TURN<<< [ 2c ]
>>>DEALING RIVER<<< [ Jc ]
Pink_Lady wins 17,000 with a queen high flush
CheckRayz has left the table
CheckRayz finishes in 27th place
Pink_Lady: oh man
(Observer) CheckRayz: that is sick...
captainNdiet: ul
(Observer) CheckRayz: lol
>>>SUMMARY<<<
Hand Ended: Sunday May 13th 5:53:49 PM CDT 2007
Total Pot: 17,000
Board: [ Qc 8c Jh 2c Jc ]
Seat 2 : Dbugs (big blind) lost 1,800, folded pre-flop
Seat 3 : cparsley lost 200, folded pre-flop
Seat 4 : F-ingIrish86 lost 200, folded pre-flop
Seat 5 : captainNdiet lost 200, folded pre-flop
Seat 6 : julie_s lost 200, folded pre-flop
Seat 7 : Pink_Lady bet 7,000, won 17,000, net +10,000, showed hand [ 5c
5h ]
Seat 8 : ckim1004 lost 200, folded pre-flop
Seat 9 : Montizle (button) lost 200, folded pre-flop
Seat 10 : CheckRayz (small blind) lost 7,000, showed hand [ Kh Kd ]

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CheckRayz Leaderboard at Poker.com

2007-05-10T23:37:00.000-04:00

After ten events, here are the current standings on the CheckRayz Leaderboard at Poker.com. The player who has the most points at the end of June will receive at least $100.

This CheckRayz Leaderboard Poker Tour takes place every Wednesday and Thursday Nights at poker.com at 9pm EDT. All passwords for these events are on the CheckRayz Tournament Schedule and passwords page.

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Reelcrazy 113.7
cardluvr 106.1
yellowrose 100.6
careybear 88.9
imjusthere4thebeer 83
vegasjj 60.8
bc5457 49
Lazrus 40.3
shamanalix 39.3
bomber44 33
texasdan333 25.2
Ohmanda 25.1
deadmonk26 15
TSM12 12
creepykenny 12
angels2005 12
runroughshod 11
hyppichyck 10
PrinceSheba 5
1breaks 4
roneil33 3
ThreeDimes 3
Merlin558nj 3
Knapping 2
Braisco 2
Willplay 1
TJMoney08 1

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Aussie Millions Final Table This Weekend on FoxSports

2007-05-10T00:27:00.000-04:00

This weekend, the final table plays out on Fox Sports for the 2007 Aussie Millions. While I did "accidentally" cheat and watch two weeks ago, I had not planned to watch this event until I could watch it start to finish. I have pages and pages of notes that I took while I was there. As many know, originally I was to go there to cover the event for Poker.com on the Aussie Millions Blog. However, what we will call "technical issues" prevented proper coverage. I took pages and pages of notes, of which I've went over once since my return. I'm really wanting to break them out, but not until the entire Aussie Millions plays out on television. I'm really wanting to watch this cover to cover.

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While I did mention that I "accidentally" cheated and watched two weeks ago, I plan to purposely cheat and watch the final table on television. I remember the buzz on the floor the day of the final table. Tina and I, along with several other of the poker.com crew (Scott and Lenora, Ben, Cornelius) went down to the main floor to watch the final table. The table was actually in the TV room on the other side of the casino.

I met several familliar faces on this day - while the final table was playing out. Ellen from Poker Analysis, the owners of SharkScope - to name a few.

There was such excitement on the floor as this table played through. I was really pulling for gobboboy to come through and take this tournament down. Gus ended up being too much for him though.

After the tournament, the Crown through one hell of a party. I hung with Tina, the Collins and the Allens for the majority of the party - mostly helping Tina score photos with as many of the pros as possible. I kept introducing her to Pauly, trying to sell her on the fact that Pauly is a doctor.

Speaking of Pauly, he and I had a nice talk that evening. While he has a job that is a dream to most of us, it was then - at that very moment (at the reception) that I realized that while doing what he is doing is one sweet gig, there's a whole lot of work involved in what he does. Covering an event of that magnitude, whether with a staff or flying solo, is not an easy task. 16-18 hours plus in actual work is put in daily - many times without breaks, without food, and sometimes feeling like nothing is going right.

It was... and still is quite overwhelming to think about my time there. I do not typically watch poker on television. I enjoy the game, how cereberal the play is, and the social aspect that poker brings. I also enjoy the challenges involved in playing. I never really got into the spotlights or the glamour of the game, however. So, while I was not star struck by being in the presence of many of "the pros," I was in awe over the magnitude of the event. I still cannot properly put into perspective that which Oz was.

I'm thinking/hoping that when I do finally sit down to watch the entire Aussie Millions, I'll begin to process my experience in Oz.

Mike

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more on said ethical poker issue

2007-05-08T10:04:00.000-04:00

I've received a bit of a response on my discussion of the ethical issue I mentioned in regards to affiliates encouraging players to create multiple accounts at the Merge Poker Network. I'd like to further discuss this by further clarifying my position, as well as address other people's positions on the topic (who have written in).

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Joey writes in asking "Isn't there a feature where if you are signed on at one account of a skin, you are blocked access from the other (i.e. crappy Titan and Kiwi Poker)??"

Joey, there is a feature that blocks a player from being signed on at the same time, meaning that you can not run more than one occurance of the poker software per computer at a time. This did not stop Absolute Poker/Vegas24-7 players, however from registering themselves for the same tournament multiple times.

Additionally, many people have multiple computers in the household. It was not uncommon, especially in the private games, to be sitting talking to someone and they answer your question with their "other screen name."

So, with respect to that question, simply allowing one occurance to run will not knock down the multiple account possibility.

Royal writes in with the following feedback:

"I don't see the logic behind calling multiple skin accounts (and hence the encouragement of affiliates) unethical. If, for example, Nordic poker offers a better rakeback than Carbon I would be foolish not to sign-up and play under that skin. This has been standard ever since party launched skins and it's really no different today.

Now if someone is choosing to abuse this by have multiple accounts at the same ring game, SnG, MTT, etc. then of course that's unethical. And as I wrote in a blog post if Merge allows this then shame on them. Even party got that one right and their software is way behind poker.com's."

Good response. I think that in order to answer this I need to further clarify my position. I'm not totally against taking advantage of opportunities (i.e. - rakeback). In fact, I'm all for maximizing one's opportunity. I am, however, against mining a bonus at poker.com as imjusthere4thebeer and then coming through Nordic as CheckRayz taking advantage of their bonus or offer.

From a business standpoint, I don't believe that anyone who is an existing player should be permitted an additional first time deposit bonus at either poker room in the network. I think that will hurt business, especially with the network being relatively new.

Where the ethics come into play is when people are encouraged to use new email address and new screen name to buck the system, even if it's not said "do this to buck the system." The intent is there.

Solutions?

Microgaming actually has this one correct, IMO. When I register at River Belle and work their bonus off. Then, I come across another Microgaming room, say 32 Red, for example (forget for a second that 32 red no longer accepts US Players). I am able to take advantage of the 2 seperate bonuses, however, when I register my email address the system notifies me I already have an account with the network and LOCKS ME INTO MY SAME SCREEN NAME. This prevents multiple accounts in so far as I'd have to register as my wife, dog, kid, girlfriend, dead uncle, etc. in order to get two accounts going at the same time.

Additionally, they too only allow one occurance of the software to run at a time on the computer. Now, not that this "prevents" cheats from having two accounts, but it makes it a bit more of a pain in the ass.

IMO, this would be the best way to solve the potential problem.

Mike

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Leaderboard Tour at Poker.com

ethically bankrupt

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An Ethical Hot Topic

2007-05-05T22:10:00.000-04:00

There's been a bit of a buzz regarding the Merge Poker Network (MPN) - which is chiefly Poker.com and Carbon Poker. Recently MPN took on a skin called Nordic Poker. For those of you not in the know, often poker rooms that are owned by multiple companies band together in a network to merge their pool of players together to allow everyone bigger tournaments and more players. The seperate poker rooms are referred to as skins. Although the tables may look different, they're all being played in the same online card room.

As stated, recently, Nordic joined the MPN. Lately, there has been a push by an affiliate (person who promotes poker rooms, hoping to bring players in that will deposit, play and make money for the poker room and the person marketing it) for players to download and deposit at Nordic Poker. This in and of itself is acceptable. Poker rooms thrive on affiliates spreading the word and bringing players to the marketplace.

However, when these players are encouraged to "use a different email address and screenname to register with the new skin" we're treading on a ZeeJustin-like ethical issue.

I'm going to make this clear - registering an account under a different email address and screenname at a network where you already have an active account is unethical and is a form of cheating. Anyone knowingly encouraging such activity is encouraging you to cheat.

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This sort of thing was going on at Absolute Poker, as the skin of AP - Vegas 24-7 was accepting new players under "email addresses unique to AP." This resulted quite often in the BeerGuy sitting at a table at AP with the same person under two different screen names. How many times do I need to knock a donk out of a tourney in a freezeout before he's eliminated? Am I playing the screenname or the player? Surely you can see where I am coming from...

I will not be surprised if action is taken over this issue at the MPN. The staff at poker.com have always been on top of things. I know for a fact this issue has been brought to their attention. I also know they've taken action. I strongly suspect further action may be taken. I'd not be surprised if accounts are closed, if not frozen. Not that I'm in the know, or speaking for anyone, but I know these guys personally, and I suspect they do not tolerate cheats, and will not accept this sort of unethical marketing going on in their house.

I strongly suggest that anyone who has accounts in both places close the newer of the multiple accounts immediately. I'd also suggest that you steer clear of anyone telling you "just use a new email address" or "register the account in your dog/wife/kid's name." All of this is shady. Poker.com is a second home to me, and I do not like my house being disrespected in this manner. You're encouraging cheating, being unethical, and attempting to manipulate the system. It needs to stop now. Nuff said

Mike

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Poker tournaments, skins, derbies, other ramblings

2007-05-04T11:54:00.000-04:00

As perhaps a bit of foreshadowing, I'm posturing to make up for the last month or so of non-substantial posts. While I do not offer an appology for the lack of posts, I shall point out that I've got a million of projects running simultaniously, all of which take up a great deal of time. In addition to family responsibilities, along with the additional duties of breathing; when I actually have time to sit down and write, I've just got no gas left in the tank. That being said, today the tank is full and I just might have something to say!

Freeroll weekend

For starters, in case you didn't get the memo, tournaments all weekend long at the grand opening of Pharaoh's Poker Palace. CheckRayz will be there for the festivities, as we have THREE private tournaments scheduled there this weekend, two of which are freerolls. Download Pharaoh's poker palace here.

Nordic Poker

Along the same topic, it's been asked of me several time if I am supporting a poker room that is a skin of poker.com. I'm going to preface this by stating up front, I am a poker.com guy. That out of the way, I obviously support Carbon Poker, as it's an evolution of sorts that is going to be the focal point of the Merge Poker Network. Carbon was created out of the need to mainstream advertising, which was uncovered due to logistical challenges in Australia with respect to branding.

Upon the conclusion of the Aussie Millions, Carbon Poker and Merge Gaming Networks were revealed. Nordic is a skin in the Merge Network. "In theory" networks of this sort are created to help several different marketplaces come together to create 1 pool of players. The benefit is that each of these standalone marketplaces (skins) will combine to help support one another, in that more players will equal more games, bigger tournaments; and thus all parties involved will benefit, because more players more opportunity to play, more game selection, bigger prize pools, and more money all around.

In theory, each skin brings it's own marketplace. When asked if I am promoting Nordic Poker, the answer is "no." I have my marketplace in the Merge Network. I represent the Carbon Brand and/or the dotcom brand. It's neither right, nor ethical for me to utilize the Nordic brand to market a network I'm already marketing. The goal, once again, is to bring new players to market, not to recycle the marketplace. My understanding is that all current players are... or will be barred from having duplicate accounts at Nordic, if they already participate at dotcom or Carbon. And additionally, I will not encourage anyone to get accounts in their wife's or dogs name either. That, again, is unethical and is very used car salesmanish in recommending such a thing (no offense to any honest salesman out there). Disclaimer: There's nothing wrong with Nordic, it's just not my marketplace, and I will not resell my market on a place they already are, period.

TRANSLATED: MArketing Nordic under the premise of "You'll need to use a unique email addy and a unique screen name (unique from poker.com/Carbon) when installing (hoping that solves the prob)" <=== shady - unethical, very AP/V247-like... not doing it, not condoning it and will report when/if discovered.

Now, all that being said, I will be "properly" positioning the Poker.com and Carbon Poker brands by offering a special CheckRayz First time deposit bonus and Reload bonus. THIS is how one would/should properly represent the network. Details of the deposit bonuses, as well as the codes, all will be revealed at the top of next week.

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Moving on...

Derbies

This is the weekend of Derbys - the Kentucky Derby and the Manchester Derby. Usually, I closely follow the KY Derby, however, partially because I've been extremely busy, and also because this race is so wide open, with little in track records to follow; I have no prediction. Not that I'm a horse picking expert, but I have been a bit fortunate in my predictions, specifically with the Derby - but this year, I don't see anything that gives me a bettors edge in this race. Thus, no predictions, no bets. Greenstein would advise me to sit this one out and rest.

However, one Derby I do know something about is the Manchester Derby. I do not see the UEFA defeat sitting well with United. Look for United to wrap up the Premiership this weekend, and focus on the Double with the FA.

Other Ramblings

I mentioned the Aussie Million a bit earlier in this post. I have to say, I've managed to see very little of it on TV. My friends mention seeing me a few times, and they talk of seeing "that Jimmy kid." I'm waiting (for more free time) to watch it in full. I have so much stored upstairs, that I want to watch the television taping from start to finish so that I can brain dump and reflect all at once.

Finally, I'd like to give a shoutout to one of my partners in crime Matt a.k.a. - "bornsupreme." Look for Matt to have a guest spot right here at the Poker Pub in the near future. He's got lots to say and knows his stuff, and I'm thinking it's time to bring in a guest blogger or two, as well as to attempt to refocus my energy.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Mike

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Freerolls all weekend long at Pharaohs Poker Palace!

2007-05-03T20:43:00.000-04:00

This weekend marks the launch of Pharaoh's Poker Palace. To properly celebrate the opening, Pharaoh's Poker Palace will be having freeroll poker tournaments all weekend long.

CheckRayz will also be holding two private freeroll poker tournaments at Pharaoh's Poker Palace, and one money added buyin. We'll be holding a CheckRayz $100 freeroll on Saturday May 5 at 4pm EDT, and Sunday May 6 at 12pm EDT. The password for these events are at the checkrayz tournament schedule and passwords page.

Additionally, there will be a $3+.30 buy in, with a $100 overlay to the prize pool.

This is a great opportunity to get in on the ground floor at this new, innovative poker room, as there will be lots of free and added money floating around, along with players who are acting accordingly. I know I've had tremendous success at rooms of this nature in their infancy stage, and I expect this to be no different.

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Pharaoh's Poker Palace is offering various first time deposit bonuses:

25% bonus up to $100
100% bonus up to $300
or 500% bonus up to $1000!

Additionally, Pharaoh's Poker Palace is positioning itself as the first poker room that utilizes webcams during poker play. This is a great way to show off your poker face.

Freerolls and other promotions will be going on all weekend at Pharaoh's Poker Palace, so be sure to stop by. Download Pharaoh's Poker Palace here and get playing!

Mike

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CheckRayz Leaderboard through event 8

2007-05-03T20:28:00.000-04:00

After 8 events, the CheckRayz Leaderboard at poker.com looks as follows:

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Reelcrazy 106.7
cardluvr 89.7
yellowrose 82.6
imjusthere4thebeer 73
careybear 54
vegasjj 46.2
bc5457 38
Lazrus 33.3
shamanalix 33.3
bomber44 33
texasdan333 25
deadmonk26 15
TSM12 12
creepykenny 12
angels2005 12
runroughshod 11
hyppichyck 10
PrinceSheba 5
roneil33 3
Braisco 2
Willplay 1
TJMoney08 1

updated 5/4 - 8am

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Legalized online poker anyone?

2007-04-28T10:06:00.000-04:00

According to Lou Krieger's Blogm it appears as if legislation has been introduced to both regulate and legalize online poker in the US. Lou has been following the issue of UIGEA since it became a possibility, let alone a reality. He's done a phenominal job in keeping his readers informed and this time is no different. Lou's blog is a daily read of mine, and if you're not following his writing, you're really missing out.

Below are two links to his blog following this breaking news:

Rep Barney Frank Introduces legislation to regulate online gaming

Poker Players Alliance supports Frank's legislation

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This does seem to be a great first step in moving to legalize onling gaming, specifically poker. Additionally, the PPA seems to be finally getting their shit together. For a while, it seemed as if the PPA was as impotent and ineffective as... well, let's just say they weren't doing much where it mattered most. Perhaps now, with a bit of reorganization and some support in-house, they'll be better focused in their efforts to get poker formally legalized in the US.

Mike

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CheckRayz Leaderboard Event 5

2007-04-26T20:51:00.000-04:00

Through five events, here's the CheckRayz Leaderboard at Poker.com. This Leaderboard event plays out every Tuesday and Wednesday night at 9pm EDT at poker.com. The tournaments can be found in the tournaments area, under the private and scheduled tabs.

Passwords for these events can be found under the CheckRayz tourney schedule and passwords area of the 'Rayz site.

Top prize for this tour is at least $100!

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1 yellowrose 80.8
2 imjusthere4thebeer 66
3 cardluvr 64.7
4 Reelcrazy 38
5 vegasjj 36
6 careybear 34
7 shamanalix 30.3
8 bomber44 30
9 texasdan333 25.2
10 bc5457 27
11 TSM12 12
12 deadmonk26 15
13 Lazrus 17
14 creepykenny 12
15 angels2005 12
16 runroughshod 11
17 hyppichyck 10
18 PrinceSheba 5
19 roneil33 3
20 Braisco 2
21 Willplay 1
22 TJMoney08 1

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Leaderboard update after four events

2007-04-20T08:01:00.000-04:00

The top of the leaderboard has tightened up after four events.

1. cardluvr 65.1
2. imjusthere4thebeer 65
3. yellowrose 61
4. vegasjj 37.4
5. careybear 34
6. shamanalix 30.3
7. bomber44 30
8. PrinceSheba 30
9. texasdam333 25.2
10. bc5457 23
11. TSM12 16
12. deadmonk26 15
13. Lazrus 13
14. creepykenny 12
15. angels2005 12
16. Reelcrazy 12
17. runroughshod 11
18. hyppichyck 10
19. Braisco 3
20. roneil33 3
21. Willplay 1
22. TJMoney08 1

These games play every Weds and Thurs at poker.com at 9pm. Passwords are on the CheckRayz website. This CheckRayz leaderboard tour at poker.com runs until the end of June, so don't miss out!

Mike

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CheckRayz Leaderboard, through 2 events

2007-04-18T20:30:00.000-04:00

The CheckRayz leaderboard at Poker.com, after 2 events looks as follows:

1. Cardluvr 33.5
2. Shamanalix 30.3
3. vegasjj 26.2
4. bomber44 20
5. deadmonk26 15
6. careybear 14
7. bc5457 13
8. creepykenny 12
9. imjusthere4thebeer 12
10. runroughshod 11
11. yellowrose 10
12. angels2005 6
13. PrinceSheba 5
14. Reelcrazy 4
15. roneil33 3
16. Willplay 1
17. TJMoney08 1

The actual CheckRayz leaderboard is undergoing maintainance. I hope to have it up shortly. Events 3 and 4 are tonight and tomorrow at Poker.com. The passwords for these events are on the CheckRayz tournament schedule and passwords page.

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3 games a week for CheckRayz

2007-04-12T19:34:00.000-04:00

Well, it looks like the motor on the CheckRayz website has begun turning once again. Every Wednesday and Thursday CheckRayz will be at Poker.com for the CheckRayz Leaderboard Tour at Poker.com.

Every Monday night, CheckRayz plays the CheckRayz League at Bugsy's Club. Additionally, there may be an occasional satellite freeroll poker tournament to gain entry to the CheckRayz League.

These games will go on throughout the entire third quarter, thus giving CheckRayz members at least three quality games per week.

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CheckRayz News - Keep up with all the CheckRayz Leaderboard Poker Tour happenings.

Each league will be independant of one another. Prizes for the league winners will be announced soon. The CheckRayz Leaderboard Tour will pay out a prize of at least $100 to the winner.

Passwords for both events can always be found on the CheckRayz Tournament Schedule and Passwords page. All members of CheckRayz are welcome to participate.

Additionally, the books at CheckRayz are currently open. Anyone wishing to register as a member can register at CheckRayz for free by clicking.

The leaderboard for the CheckRayz Leaderboard Poker Tour will be maintained on the CheckRayz site, while the BC League will be held on site at Bugsy's Club.

Mike

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BPT Reunion Game in the Works...

2007-04-09T10:33:00.000-04:00

Quick update on the BPT. It's been said on the Blogger Forum at Poker.com that Shane is going to work on a reunion game of sorts for the Blogger Poker Tour Community.

Details have not been issues as of yet, hwoever, I will monitor the situation and keep everyone informed. I am really looking forward to a reunion game of this nature.

Mike

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CheckRayz Leaderboard Poker Tour Announced

2007-04-06T08:27:00.000-04:00

Well, I finally got "most" of the details worked out, but here's the scoop. We're doing a leaderboard poker tour with CheckRayz and here's how it works. The leaderboard points will be accumulated between April 1 - June 30 of 2007. The games will be announced and designated as official CheckRayz Leaderboard Poker Tour Events. Each event will assign points for the place you finish, so if you finish tenth out of ten, you'll receive one, ninth of ten - two, etc.

Additionally, you'll receive points for cashing. So, if you finish first place of ten, you receive ten points for your first place finish and then you'd also receive one point per dollar earned. So if first prize was $20, to keep it simple, you'll receive 20+10 or 30 points to the leaderboard.

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Additionally, the games will vary - not just NLHE. Event 1 and 2 have already been announced and will be at poker.com on 4/11 ($1+.1 R/A) and 4/12 ($1+.1 PLO8). Passwords are all on the CheckRayz website. I'll additionally get around to making a complete list of rules to post on the website.

The way this is going to work though, is that the top portion (top portion to be determined at a later date - not too much later though) of the leaderboard will compete for our grand prize, which will also be determined at a somewhat later date and will vary based on participation.

Mike

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BPT discussed

2007-04-02T12:21:00.000-04:00

I'm going to start off with a disclaimer... I do not know anything, nor do I have any special insight about any of what I'm talking about (unless noted). That being said, I'd like to discuss the recent speculation on the state of the Blogger Poker Tour.

As we all surely know, I'd been a quite active member of the BPT since it's first season. During that first season, the BPT sent one blogger to the WSOP. There was a bit of down time, then the tour was back for a season 2, where they sent two bloggers to Australia for the Aussie Millions. Your's truly was one of such bloggers. I strongly suspect there was an expectation from the BPT community that there'd be a quick turn-around and there'd be a season three starting right away. Based on a few things, I'm not sure that expectation is/was realistic.

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As I may or may not have discussed before, there were some technical... "issues" in Australia for the Millions. Among said "issues," the poker.com logo was not permitted on the formal featured table. It should be noted that the logo met all of the stated specifications in terms of size and what not. However, apparantly Fox Sports took issue to the fact that the logo pointed directly to a website that one could download, deposit, and play poker. This is not to be confused with poker rooms such as Pokerstars, who advertise their "dotnet," which does in fact point to their poker room, however, the cash table and cashiering functions are disabled. This, and other unmentioned "politics" led to the poker.com logo to not be allowed on the televised featured table.

That being said, when everyone got back to the "office," there was a scramble of sorts to resolve the logo issues. After all, what good is a banner if you cannot fly it, right? My strong suspician is that the Carbon Poker brand was created as a result.

How does this tie into the BPT?

Even if there were intentions to immediately turn around and hit up a season 3 in time for the WSOP, I'd guess that this rebranding of sorts takes time, energy, and focus. As a result, it is not now, nor has it been my belief or expectation that the BPT would have yet been underway.

That being said, I remain confident there will be a season 3 in the near future. My guess is that the great staff at poker.com/carbon poker are working out the details, top to bottom so that everything from logoware, to the affiliate program, to defining what "total access" means, and other important stuff - details, redtape, etc are taken care of with respect to the brand. Until that, projects such as the BPT naturally have to take a backseat.

Rest assured, poker.com gave their best effort to make the Aussie Millions something special. It was... Additionally, it served as a learning experience for all involved. My best guess is that they're breaking down the "hand history" from the Millions, and working it out from the business end first, before proceeding with a business venture of this sort (the BPT).

My guess is that season three starts mid-summer.

Until then...?

That being said, what shall we do in the interim? Lately, I feel like the busiest person in the world. Between raising my children, this new job, CheckRayz, trying to launch a few businesses, and running my weekly charity game I barely have time to breath.

However, Sunday is my designated poker day, it seems. I'd be willing to host an unoffical blogger poker tour reunion game, league or series at poker.com - if there's an interest and we have Shane's blessing to do so.

Some logistical problems, however, do occur with this. Of course, if I were hypothetically hosting, while I'd hope to accomidate the masses with respect to day and start time, the fact remains that I'm going to first accomidate my own needs regarding timeslot. Said another way, I check my availability and bounce it off of that which would seemingly best suit the masses.

If something like this was put together, Sunday at 9am EDT would be the timeslot. Realistically, that is the only time slot I have where I am free start to finish. This timeslot would seem to be UK friendly, meaning most likely a favorable time for "Hot Laura," but would be bad for those living on the West Coast of the US such as Joey.

On that note, perhaps I'll talk to Shane and discuss as to whether or not he'd give this his blessing. As I said, the blessing of the commish is important to me, and I'll not proceed forward if I do not have it, and/or are stepping on anyone's toes.

Also, drop me a line, either via the comments or email, letting me know if you'd be interested in a game of this nature. The tourneys would be a low level buy-in. We can play around with pricing. I may or may not be successful in securing an overlay.

I'll keep everyone posted... As for those of us who are members of CheckRayz. Tune in tomorrow, as I'll have some news regarding what's in store for the CheckRayz games (and yes, there will be regular weekly games in April).

Mike

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ReelCrazy takes down CheckRayz Event

2007-03-29T22:44:00.000-04:00

ReelCrazy takes down the CheckRayz Sunday Guaranteed Satellite last week at poker.com. This continues his dominance on the poker.com site. My understanding is that he cashed in both the 50K freeroll and the Sunday Guaranteed. Way to go Steve!

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In other news, we'll be holding more games at poker.com really soon. More details to follow shortly.

Mike

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Poker.com and Omaha

2007-03-26T18:33:00.000-04:00

Passing time today, I decided to play in a PL Omaha tourney at poker.com. Which, have I mentioned how top notch not only the poker room is, but also the peeps behind poker.com - totally awesome.

While all of them are totally awesome, I'd like to send a special thanks to Liam. Liam stepped up and helped me out in a situation in which I did need help, but he was really under no obligation to assist. He went above and beyond the call of duty, and for that I'm eternally greatful! Thanks Liam!

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So, as I was saying, playin a lil pot limit omaha tourney today and it just so happens that the flop hit me hard, yet I still got action. Only a picture will do at this stage.

Speaking of Poker.com, CheckRayz are having themselves a satellite to the Sunday Guaranteed today at 9pm. Added to the prize pool is one seat to the Sunday Guaranteed. Great tourney, the Sunday Guaranteed is. Stop by if you get a second. The password is on the CheckRayz site, and of course you do have to be a member of CheckRayz to view the password.

Mike

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BeerGuy Update

2007-03-25T09:20:00.000-04:00

Warning --- There may be very little poker content here.

Further Warning --- This content is actually written, as opposed to the two lines by me I've put out lately.

Final Warning --- Reread the first two warnings, as I'm serious...

Yes, the rumours of my death are false. So the magic questions become, "Mike, where the hell have you been and wtf have you been doin," I strongly suspect. And even perhaps one of those infamous "what's the plan," questions too.

Well, keep reading and perhaps we'll find out those answers and more.

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First, "where have I been".

Well, for starters, I had to get one of those job things --- you know, outside the house and what not. I've been working long hours for shit compensation and it's been wearin' a brotha' out. Actually, it's not been that bad, however, it has been that bad when it comes to the twins. It's been difficult to find a spare minute to spend time with my children, especially considering my shifts have been mostly falling on the times they'd be out of school and with me. That makes me cranky.

Fortunately, as of this week that's changed. They've adjusted my hours to better accomidate my family life. I'm now both less cranky and more able to spend time with "Daddyz Lil Angels." We've got to spend quality time this week, the twins and I have.

Ironic that UIGEA was written under, among other things, the battle cry of protecting children and families; yet somehow not only I was able to spend more time with my family before UIGEA's enactment, but also as a result, I was able to better watch over and protect (read: parent) over my kids at the same time. Interesting, isn't it?

What have I been doing?/What's the Plan?

Well, if one was paying attention, they'd have heard above that I'd been working a lot, and thus could conclude that that work is what I've been doing, but that's not the whole story either.

There are other things going on in the BeerGuy's life as well. I'm in the process of establishing 1 poker and one non-poker related business. Both will be established with silent partners, though one of the businesses will have less silent... more like "quiet partners." I'm looking to launch each of these biz's in June or July, unless of course I get "the call" to make an appearance of some sort in Vegas in June/July for some unknown reason.

So, those of you reading between the lines, it's not in my plans to work for someone else the rest of my life. It never has been. My plan has always been to be my own "boss" in one form or another.

In other news

In other news, I've been playing phone tag with Michelle ("ChipTricks") for the last two weeks or so. She called me up a bit ago to let me know she is alive. We've been just missing one another by about five to ten minutes. I'm hoping to get ahold of her this evening - maybe in between games.

Speaking of games, the "monthly game" is today. Rumour has it that Mitch's ninjas will be returning from their secret mission and will be capping at the "monthly game." Of course, I prefer to think that the ninjas are returning only after confirming Chuck Norris retiring from protecting my hand to cashing in a WSOP Circuit Event in Atlantic City.

So, now that Chuck has in fact pulled his services, I'm now looking for a new protector of hand. The "Endgame Poker Pooch" has offered to temporily guard my hand. So, we'll have to see if that works out. I've also sent out offer sheets to the ferocious rabbit from the Quest for the Holy Grail, Cowboy Bob Orton to acquire his pink cast, Roddy Piper's Coconut, and of course Slimer from Ghostbusters, though I hear he may have hired Jamie Gold as his agent. I hear they're both kinda difficult to work with.

Needless to say, I'm still interviewing/taking suggestions for my new hand protector, so we'll see.

Well, that's all for now. Kids and I are off to go bowling. I've long since retired from the bowling world, however, the twins get really ~~combative~~ competative when they throw the bumpers on the rail. Game on!

More soon.

Mike

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Planet Poker Leaves Poker Universe

2007-03-24T10:15:00.000-04:00

Planet Poker, a pioneering poker room in the online poker universe, has announced intentions to suspend real money operations. Their announcement reads as follows:

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Dear Valued PLANET POKER Affiliate: CheckRayz

After 9 years in business, Planet Poker is ceasing real money operations. Management regrets this decision but the impact of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act in the U.S. leaves no reasonable alternative.

During the past several months, Planet Poker explored every reasonable option to continue real money operations. This included working with other cardrooms and ecommerce processors to find solutions to the issues existing in the industry today. Unfortunately, no viable solution was found.

As always, all funds on deposit are safe and secure at Planet Poker.

Real money tables and tournaments will continue at Planet Poker through to 31 March 2007, but effective immediately, players will no longer be able to make a deposit. As an affiliate, players whom you have signed up will continue to earn commission until closure of the real money tables and tournaments on March 31st. The final affiliate payments for March earnings will be posted in the first week of April after which, you will have the same options as the players to either cashout through the normal CASHIER channels, or transfer funds to a participating cardroom.

Players are being advised via email and public announcements in the Cardroom.

Thank you for your support during the past 9 years.

Planet Poker Management

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Is Neteller Ready to Return Our F-ing Money?

2007-03-22T18:52:00.000-04:00

This press release was originally published on neteller's website. The good news is that it "seems" that neteller will be releasing the funds it seized from US Customers within the next seven days, though I cannot help but wonder at what cost will this so called 55 million be properly returned the US customers?

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NETELLER Takes Positive Step Towards Returning US Customers’ Funds

Wednesday, 21 March 2007 – The NETELLER Plc Group (LSE: NLR), the leading global independent online money transfer business, today announced that it has signed agreements with each of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York (“USAO”) and Navigant Consulting, Inc. (“Navigant”).

On 8 February 2007, the Group announced that it was in discussions with the USAO to manage an orderly return of funds to US customers and that it was contemplated that a forensic accounting firm would be engaged, at the Group's expense, to assist in this process and to examine the Group's financial position.

The Group is pleased to announce that on 20 March 2007, it signed agreements with the USAO and Navigant which, among other things, outline terms and a timeline under which NETELLER will work toward the orderly distribution of funds to its US customers. Per the agreements, the Group anticipates that within the next 75 days it will announce a plan by which the funds will be distributed to US customers. Navigant will also provide a report to the USAO on the Group’s current financial condition.

“We continue to be committed to returning funds to our US customers and working with the US Attorney’s Office,” said Ron Martin, Group President and CEO. “Progress, while not always visible to the outside observer, has been steady and these agreements mark a milestone in the process.”

NETELLER is continuing to cooperate with the USAO’s investigation, under the advice of its legal advisers and in accordance with court orders in the Isle of Man.

Further updates with relation to the US situation will be made as soon as there are any material developments. In the meantime, US customers should visit updates.neteller.com for more information, including newly updated FAQs that provide additional clarity, where the Group is able, around certain issues currently being raised in a number of public forums. Additionally US Customers can contact NETELLER Customer Service on the web or by phone at 1-888-258-5859.

About the NETELLER Group

Trusted by millions of consumers in over 160 countries to move and manage billions of dollars each year, the NETELLER Group operates the largest independent online money transfer business in the world. The Group specializes in providing innovative and instant payment services where money transfer is difficult or risky due to identity, trust, currency exchange, or distance. Being independent has allowed the Group to support thousands of retailers and merchants in many geographies and across multiple industries.

The Group is quoted on the London Stock Exchange’s AIM market, with a ticker symbol of NLR. NETELLER (UK) Limited is authorised by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) to operate as a regulated e-money issuer. For more information about the Group visit www.netellergroup.com.

Media and Investor Contacts
Citigate Dewe Rogerson
Sarah Gestetner or George Cazenove
Tel: +44 (0) 207 638 9571

More info

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Neteller hearing postponed yet again

2007-03-19T12:59:00.000-04:00

Surely coming as no surprise, the hearing for neteller execs Stephen Lawrence and John Lefebre has been postponed yet again. This time, April 16th is the new day of reckoning.

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Still seemingly unaccessable, however, sits the "55 mil" in US Dollars that remains tied up in "the system."

Rumours are also circulating that the charges will be dropped, but this is a rumour at best.

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Poker.com moves to it's own timezone again

2007-03-11T09:38:00.000-04:00

Today's the big day when poker.com takes it's traditional move away from the Eastern Time Zone and goes into what's called Poker.com time. Perhaps more specifically, it could be argued that since Poker.com remains in the GMT-5 Time Zone, that it is always poker.com time, and the Eastern Time Zone simply leaves poker.com time, ousted in favor of the Central Time Zone, who is now GMT-5.

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Not to worry though, us confused Easterners have options... First, you can look at the lobby clock at poker.com, which is in fact prominantly located on the top right side of the lobby. Second, you could simply remember that poker.com is still GMT-5, and WE made the adjustment.

Third, you can have one of those more elaborate setups, such as found in the old fashioned major news rooms and have the times of major places in the world, such as New York, London, Paris, Moscow, Tokyo, Poker.com all have their own clocks on the wall.

No matter how you do it, just remember that Poker.com is still GMT-5, and the Eastern Time Zone is now GMT-4.

Speaking of Poker.com, CheckRayz are holding a private Free Entry Poker Tournament at Poker.com on 3/13/07, which is scheduled to start at 9pm Poker.com Time. The tournament is a free entry poker tournament, however, you do need a password to join the tournament. The password can be found by logging into the CheckRayz website and going to the tournament schedule page, where the CheckRayz Tournament Passwords are all located.

From there, download Poker.com if you've not yet done so (and of course register). You can click the link on the CheckRayz site to download the poker.com poker room. Once you've downloaded poker.com, go to the Private Tab in the lobby, then the satellite tab. You'll see the CheckRayz tournament, simply register by joining the tournament and typing the case sensitive password into the box when prompted.

Mike

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WV about to allow table games

2007-03-07T08:11:00.000-05:00

It appears that West Virginia is about to allow table games, or at least allow individual counties to vote on whether or not to allow table games, such as poker and blackjack in their casinos.

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Pennsylvania, is beginning to explore the same possibilities, however, we're just beginning while West Virginia is acting.

http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2007/03/06/ap3490255.html

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Seemingly slots...?

2007-03-06T01:13:00.000-05:00

So, let me get this straight... PA recently legalizes slots. Table games, such as poker, are not yet legal. Though, somehow electronic games that "mimic table games such as poker" 'may' be legal...?

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While I am all for having poker in PA any way I can get it, and do not necessarily have problems with electronic poker tables in and of themselves... I think it would be rubbish if we allowed only virtual felt and not genuine felt.

Either make table games such as poker legal in PA or don't...

Mike

http://www.eveningsun.com/localnews/ci_5355188

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WSOP Europe and American Dress Codes

2007-02-28T11:12:00.000-05:00

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

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More Doyle and UIGEA thoughts

2007-02-24T10:24:00.000-05:00

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

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Does UIGEA have a foe in a high place?

2007-02-22T08:28:00.000-05:00

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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Doyle has exit strategy

2007-02-20T07:07:00.000-05:00

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

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Is "Account sharing" legal...?

2007-02-18T10:43:00.000-05:00

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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tribecca plus playtech equals bye bye US Market

2007-02-16T21:25:00.000-05:00

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

2007-02-16T08:16:00.000-05:00

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

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More on Making Laydowns

2007-02-14T14:05:00.000-05:00

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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Making Laydowns...

2007-02-11T23:15:00.000-05:00

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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Housekeeping items, cuz it's been a while...

2007-02-10T22:03:00.000-05:00

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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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...

2007-02-10T08:26:00.000-05:00

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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CheckRayz news...

2007-02-09T23:03:00.000-05:00

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

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random stuff CheckRayz related...

2007-02-06T17:18:00.000-05:00

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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Time off to regroup...

2007-02-02T21:46:00.000-05:00

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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What to write about now...?

2007-01-29T17:13:00.000-05:00

Before I even get started, I need to interupt myself and this post to give a shout out and congrats to one Mr. Korte Yeo a.k.a. - Bertiewooster on poker.com.

Not that I ever advise anyone to avoid competition, but the way this guy has been running, first qualifying for the Aussie Millions via Poker.com, then becoming the first ever (one of only two) players to convert their satellite win into cash via poker.com... and at the Aussie Millions. He then fights off what had to be some serious f'ing jet lag, keeps pace just off the lead lap, and closes with a vengence to capture the Poker.com Winter Championships by the narrowest of margins. "Bertie got game" is the battle cry from here on out. Congrats to ya! For his efforts, poker.com is apparantly going to send him to a major tourney of his choosing. I'd not want to be entered in a tourney he's in, as he's been running down brothas left and right here, it seems.

Edit: This just in... In addition to taking down the Winter Championship at poker.com... on top of his Aussie Millions cashing. I've just been informed he's taken second place in the Mansion Poker 100K guaranteed for a sweet $15K pay. Dude's money, I'm tellin' ya.

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Oh yea, I was planning to make a post, wasn't I? For those of you reading, there's only a few second pause... In actuallyity, I may have forgot that I was posting, in addition to interupting myself before I even begin...

Where was I...? Oh yes, if I were to guess, I was getting ready to talk about Oz. Tina was a doll (I could end that sentence right there), but I won't... Tina was a doll and put together a list of the people who went to the Aussie Millions with us. I'm looking forward to re-establishing and maintaining contact with many of the people going forward. In case you've not noticed, I can't speak high enough about many of the people I met through the Poker.com community.

And wow, how about some serious writer's block coming on here... On top of that, time for soccer. Well, I guess I'll continue tomorrow when I will actually write about something meaningful relating to Australia. If I were to guess, I'd probably be inclined to discuss the bubble of the millions.

More tomorrow,

Mike

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Small CheckRayz Freeroll tonight

2007-01-27T16:47:00.000-05:00

9pm tonight, poker4ever - CheckRayz Player's Club $100 Freeroll. I'm only expecting about 40 people tops tonight, as I did not mass advertise.

No cost to enter, but must be a member of my player's club. Download Poker4ever here to join the CheckRayz Player's Club.

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Gobbo thoughts

2007-01-26T17:40:00.000-05:00

I had planned to maintain some sort of order for my Aussie memories postings. I'd like to skip ahead and talk about an individual I got to know a bit while in the land of Oz. I had what I consider the pleasure of meeting a young, up and coming poker player while in Australia named Jimmy Fricke. Jimmy had first been pointed out to me by Ryan Fisler, while we were in the Auckland, NZ airport. He mentioned something about Jimmy, PCA, Dave Williams and some sick hand. Later, at the Crown, Jerry had mentioned the same. Given the buzz surrounding this kid, I had to meet him.

Before I write any more, however, a few disclaimers...

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First, anything I write here is my thoughts... and my thoughts alone. They don't reflect the thoughts or ideas, to the best of my knowledge, of anyone else. Second, unless I specifically quote someone, consider that I am paraphrasing from my memory. Do not, in any way, shape or form consider this particular work to be an interview, a gossip column, nor something that I've quoted. This is simply my thoughts being spoken here at my Poker Pub Poker Blog.

One may wonder why I feel the urge to fly disclaimers like this on my own blog...

A friend pointed me in the direction of a two plus two thread that forced me to change things up just a bit, with respect to the ordering of my posts. Now, historically speaking, I've read two plus two from time to time, but I've steered clear of posting there. While I hold no ill will or feelings towards any individual or group there, I'm just not comfortable with the community there and do not find myself a good fit at that particular venue.

Anyway... to paraphrase the issue at hand, 2 incidents took place during or shortly after the Aussie Millions:

1. "Gobboboy" or Jimmy ended up in a big hand with "Shaniac" (whom I also met while in Oz). Shane got his money in while best and Jimmy improved, sealing the deal on the suckout with all the money in the center. Shane went to the rail, and Jimmy had made a comment, something along the lines of "ship it."

2. Jimmy was informally interviewed by a friend on his friend's blog, where he was openly critical of specific opponent's play.

Above issues aside, which for the record, that 2+2 thread has seemingly resolved itself. It was asserted that Jimmy came off sounding like a douchebag, and very disrespectful and maybe even as if he was "better than everyone else."

From what I saw of Jimmy, his ego is very much in check. He presented himself as a courtious, polite, and fun loving guy. He was definitely not "full of himself." In fact, for the effect he had on the majority of the players he encoutered and the onlooking "railbirds," I'd say he was quite humble - truth be told.

Hell, I spoke to him after his big day 1 - specifically in regards to the table where he sat next to "the croc" and had busted Wille Tan and Jack Lee in one hand. We discussed the reaction of both the players and the rail. It really seemed as if not one person at that table liked his playing style, his ruthless and seemingly blind aggression. To me, it seemed as if he had tilted the entire tournament and even people looking on were wanting to hop the rail, buy in and bust him.

It was truly an amazing reaction, especially considering that one of the players, right before the break had belittled Jimmy for making what he considered a "bad call" and was talking mad shit on him. When he knocked Willie and Jack out at once, you could sense the frustration on everyone's face. Suddenly, he has chips; not that he hasn't been raising havoc on the table before, but now... Now the monster is awake and well fed. Not one person was happy, be it player or rail bird.

I ask Jimmy what he thought about that, after day 1 is behind, and he laughs it off, claiming that's not at all how it was. "Really, you think so?" he asked.

I told him there was not a doubt in my mind. I applauded his composure, noting that as a 19 year old kid, let alone any man, he held himself very very well during the whole time I observed his play. "Wow", "Holy shit", and "Absolutely amazing" were pretty much the only three phrases that came to mind that would do any justice to what I witnessed.

I asked him how long after he takes this tourney down is it going to take for him to write his book. He laughed me off, citing that he's "really not that good" and that he can name off several others there that are far more qualified than he is to write a book.

We joked about a quote that had been rumoured around the poker room to one of the pokernews people, where he had been quoted as saying he was going to win the tournament, from what he's has seen of the level of competition down here. We laughed together and made a few joking comments, and then he brought it home and said something along the lines of "no, seriously, there's a lot of good players left and still a long way to go." He also cited, "but I have been practicing for Australia. I like the outback, which is Australian" implying he feels comfortable in his "native environment."

Again, all the while; a fun loving, joking, yet humble tone.

I continued to follow Jimmy throughout the tournament. His second place finish was surely something special in my opinion. He seemed to really enjoy what he was doing, but not at the expense of others (from what I observed).

Jimmy and Scott (jester3) from the Aussie Millions

I strongly suspect I was not the only one who felt this way. It seemed that a few of the people on the rail who were at first jeering the kid were now 100% behind him, supporting him all the way. To some people, Scott and Lenora in particular, he came off very polite, well mannered, and as a great all-around guy!

After his second place finish, I bumped into one of Jimmy's friends at the after party. I was hoping Jimmy would be making an appearance. I had previously been willing to bet he'd show, even if for only ten to fifteen minutes. He in fact did. We went and found him, I shook his hand, gave him mad props and made sure he knew he had so much to be proud of. Then I asked for a picture with him. When I first went to Oz, I had said the only picture I wanted of me and any of the pros was with the Fossilman. Now Gobboboy joined those ranks.

I have the utmost respect for Jimmy Fricke as a player and a person. The sky's the limit, my friend. Keep on smilin, and keep on raising!

Mike

--- Said photo will be posted as soon as my data cable returns from Australia.

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Take that, bitches

2007-01-26T17:01:00.000-05:00

WTO Rules against US in internet gambling laws.

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hammer clinic

2007-01-26T00:00:00.000-05:00

Rare piece of hand history --- just because I can...

Edit: Before we get into hand history, here's the CheckRayz Leaderboard at Bugsy's Club for our CheckRayz League.

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------------------------------------------------------------

Hand Number: 400,018,569
Table Number: 5,597,451
Event Name: $300 CheckRayz League (#3538373)
Event Started: Thursday January 25th 8:00:02 PM CST 2007
Event Type: Real Money Rebuy Tournament
Event Buy-In: $2+$0.20
Total Prize Pool: $26 (10 entries, 3 rebuys)
Game: No Limit Hold 'em
Level I: 25/50 Blinds (25 Minimum Chip)
Starting Chips: 10,000
Starting Players: 10
Seat 1 : knapping starts with 10,000
Seat 2 : cardluvr starts with 20,000
Seat 3 : gary812 starts with 20,000
Seat 4 : _scorpion_ starts with 10,000
Seat 5 : phildaphish starts with 10,000
Seat 6 : CheckRayz starts with 10,000
Seat 7 : albafish starts with 10,000
Seat 8 : TSM12 starts with 10,000
Seat 9 : reelcrazy11 starts with 10,000
Seat 10 : BC5457 starts with 10,000
Seat 1 : knapping has the dealer button
>>>DEALING HOLE CARDS<<<
CheckRayz dealt down 7c 2h
cardluvr posts the small blind 25
gary812 posts the big blind 50
CheckRayz: lol... i'm a final tabling machine... 2 for 2 this year in checkrayz tourneys
_scorpion_ calls 50
phildaphish: me 2
phildaphish calls 50
CheckRayz raises 720 to 770 <=== a hint?
reelcrazy11: not me ina fish
albafish times out
albafish folds
reelcrazy11: ima fish
TSM12 folds
reelcrazy11 folds
BC5457 folds
knapping folds
cardluvr folds
gary812 folds
phildaphish: did u do any good at 3d tonight Chchrayz?
_scorpion_ calls 720
phildaphish folds
>>>DEALING FLOP<<< [ 2c 7s Kh ]
_scorpion_ bets 1,625
CheckRayz: no
CheckRayz raises 7,605 to 9,230 and is all-in
phildaphish: me neither
_scorpion_ calls 7,605 and is all-in
CheckRayz cards were 7c 2h
_scorpion_ cards were Js Kd
phildaphish: out early
>>>DEALING TURN<<< [ Ad ]
>>>DEALING RIVER<<< [ 3c ]
CheckRayz wins 20,125 with two pair, sevens and deuces
BC5457: beware i am goint to win tonigt so i can play tom
(Observer) bornsupreme: mike the hammer valintine
>>>SUMMARY<<<
Hand Ended: Thursday January 25th 8:03:03 PM CST 2007
Total Pot: 20,125
Board: [ 2c 7s Kh Ad 3c ]
Seat 1 : knapping (button) did not bet, folded pre-flop
Seat 2 : cardluvr (small blind) lost 25, folded pre-flop
Seat 3 : gary812 (big blind) lost 50, folded pre-flop
Seat 4 : _scorpion_ lost 10,000, showed hand [ Js Kd ]
Seat 5 : phildaphish lost 50, folded pre-flop
Seat 6 : CheckRayz bet 10,000, won 20,125, net +10,125, showed hand [ 7c 2h ]
Seat 7 : albafish did not bet, folded pre-flop
Seat 8 : TSM12 did not bet, folded pre-flop
Seat 9 : reelcrazy11 did not bet, folded pre-flop
Seat 10 : BC5457 did not bet, folded pre-flop

------------------------------------------------------------

Edit: I was tired as hell when I posted that. I had a good bit more that I was wanting to add, but I couldn't keep the eyes open.

When I went into this game, I was fairly certain I was going to play "differently" than normal; well, differently than I normally play a CheckRayz game, at least. Although, it's not uncommon for me to drop the hammer with the 2-7 not suited.

That aside, it should be noted that I was caught playing hands such as 5d-3d, 8s-7s, and Ah-4d; and often to a raise. I was even inclined to raise with such hands. And truth be told, I'd sometimes call, other times reraise with these hands. If there was one thing I learned about tournament poker play while in the land of Oz, it was that aggression takes down pots. There were antes, they were sizable (last night at Bugsy's). For that reason alone, there was added incentive to raise pre and come out firing.

When the one player (I cannot recall who it was) raised over top of me to all-in, I had no choice, mathamatically speaking, but to call. I knew I'd be calling from behind and even said "shit, not what I wanted," but I had to call anyway.

Phillyd ended up taking down the tournament. He played very well... I think back to one critical mistake I made. On a raised board, I flop 2 pr K-Q-J. I bet out almost pot sized and he calls. My bet size was mostly random. I thought to myself I'd wanted to just end the hand and not really overcommit to it. I didn't want to see a ten or an ace on this board. Turn brings an ace, and philyd moves all-in. I thought and lay down my 2 pr. In retrospect, I should have put him on an ace (any ace) and made the call, but laid it down to a ten hitting the board.

Oh well, I failed to put him away, and thus I end up second. There's always tonight!

Speaking of tonight, I think I'll write more about Oz tonight, specifically I want to write about my thoughts on the second place finisher in the Aussie Millions - Jimmy Fricke.

Mike

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coffee and the poker.com freeroll in Aussie

2007-01-24T18:42:00.000-05:00

Our first full day in the land of Oz, and Jerry and I run around town to try to find some decent grub for breakfast. For those of you keeping score, Jerry was the winner of the Blogger Poker Tour Grand Finale. We finally find this restuarant to sit down and do breakfast. The food was great for the most part. The coffee, however, was really lacking.

I'm not sure what it is about the land of Oz, but it takes an act of God to get a real coffee around here. Now, let me explain what exactly I mean by "real coffee." I'm old school... I just want a regular, plain old black coffee. Nothing spectacular. No milk, no cream, no creme, and surely "I would not like any sugars." Just straight up classicly brewed black coffee. I believe there is only two people in the land of Oz who can make suitable coffee of this nature... Hannah from the Crown and the airlines, which is scary as all hell. Anyway, after breakfast, Jerry and I opt to head back to the casino, because we have this "feeling" that the poker.com festivities "might" be starting sooner than expected.

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As if we're prophets, we get back to the hotel and we're T minus fifteen minutes and counting from the freeroll's start. Are we good or are we good? We straggle down to the poker room and find our spot. The crown had two tables for us, which worked out well considering we had 20 players with the poker.com crew. At the same time, freerolls from Prima, tilt, and other rooms were taking place.

We start off with 2K in chips, blinds elevating every ten minutes. We're off to a seemingly smooth start. Third hand in, a player is ousted from the tournament. I breath a sigh of relief, as the first one out is not your's truly. Then comes the big hand. I'm in the small blind with 9s-7s. Action folds to the button (Druce), who limps. I call, and the BB ("Dr." Scott) checks. The flop comes 2-9-6, with one spade on the board. I bet 1/2 the pot. The BB folds and the button min raises. Feeling as if this is a steal attempt, I reraise to all-in. He insta-calls and turns over AA.

I'm so not worried, however, as I know a suckout card is coming very soon... and by very soon, I mean on the turn, which I then hit my two pair. Aces fail to improve and I stack the man. Fortunately, he was the chip leader at the time, so he was able to weather the storm.

Shout out to Tina, "the Queen of Hearts," who was also playing in this tourney and a table away.

Play continues, and we consolidate to one table. I suspect I am first or second in chips. A successful hammer drop later, and blinds increase right at the same time there's a fourth dealer change. This time we get the most moronic dealer I've ever seen in my life. I'm not one to dealer bash, but this dude was BAD. By bad, I mean he sucked... horribly. He took it upon himself to fast forward the tourney three blind levels, and change the format to five minute levels. Did I mention I was coming into the big blind here?

My M now sitting at roughly 4 (as the chip leader, mind you), and this comfortable tourney has now turned into a bingo match. I'm truly not happy. The field begins to drop, part of which due to the blind structure, and the other part due to the dealer's gross inability to count chips. Of the seven times he was needed to count chips to make sidepots, he fell short of this seemingly basic goal six times. Hell, even the floor manager at one time was trying to help him and she failed to help this guy. Once, he tried to take all of my behind chips, even though I had the two all-in's covered, which for the record, the second of the two alleged all-ins were not fully all-in, but he took it upon himself to decide she in fact was.

We're down to five players, top three get paid. With the blinds so high now, that it becomes a game of foldsmanship. It's in everyone's best interest to try to fold their way into the money, as the chip leader's M is roughly 3. The move of the night comes when the chip leader moves all-in. The Big blind was all-in to begin with, due to blinding out. I sat under the gun and would have been all-in come the small blind. So, he folds, leaving his M under 1. Big blind is all-in, manages to double up. Next hand is a SB-BB battle, which I win. Bam, I hit the money. I blow out in a blaze of glory one hand later to cash in third place.

The tournament was a good time, though the dealer really tried to rain on our parade. The day continued on with Shane, Jerry and I taking a walk around town, chatting and looking for stuff to buy. Then we hit the poker.com drunken dinner, which is a whole 'nother story in itself.

Mike

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head spinning from Australia

2007-01-23T16:41:00.000-05:00

I am quite certain that everyone is waiting to hear all about how Australia was. Hell, I think even I am waiting to hear that. Truth be told, my head is still spinning from the trip, the time change, the flights and the airport sleeping due to being bumped around from flight to flight. Blah!

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In any event, I fully plan to tell most of the tale of the trip. Some things, for various reasons, are best left unsaid... or perhaps told at a later date. Also, it would be quite simple for me to continue to bash those who ran the tournament at the casino. I won't be doing that, however, as it would be a waste of energy... and besides, I'd prefer to focus on the positive.

So, in no particular order, here are some of the things you can expect to hear about over the next few weeks:

(disclaimer: some of this may not make sense to you now... however, the important thing is that it makes sense to me right this moment, so that later i can pull my stories from the memory bank).

1. the poker.com freeroll,
2. soundbytes from the rail,
3. time spent with the Allens,
4. Tina,
5. the $500 tourney,
6. Simon, Justine, Declan, Clark Kent, and the unauthorized biography of "that one pokerpro table"
7. the Collins family,
8. outfolding one another from across the room,
9. more about the poker.com community,
10. the plane ride to Oz,
11. victory dinner,
12. bowling,
13. Jimmy Frickke,
14. found in my notebook,
15. "overheard in casual conversation"
16. stories about some of the pros,
17. negreanu heads up,
18. the after party,
19. the world is all relative,
20. Gus

Until then, here's to my head not spinning!

Mike

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finally home

2007-01-22T16:54:00.000-05:00

Well, I've finally made it home. Lots of stories to tell, but now is not the time. I'm exhausted, and my head is spinning, in more ways than one.

So, off to get my bearings, and then... a lifetime of stories from Australia --- some told, others not... one thing is for certain though, I could write a book.

Mike

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Stuck in Oz...

2007-01-20T01:49:00.000-05:00

Well, as the title suggests, I am stuck in Australia. My connecting flight was AFU, in that I wasn't allotted enough time to connect flights, so I am now stuck in Sydney, Australia --- not knowing anyone and on my own dime.

Hopefully this will be all sorted out soon. This has been a "challenging" week, needless to say.

While I really enjoyed myself and met a lot of great, special people; there's been so much that has happened in which words cannot describe --- this being one of them.

I'm hoping to get a flight out tomorrow back to the states, until that, stuck in Sydney, not knowing a soul I am.

Mike

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I'll post much much more when I get home on this, my experiences, and the aussie millions.

Mike
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$100K buyin from the Aussie Millions

2007-01-12T16:40:00.000-05:00

Sick event yesterday... The Aussie Millions 18 person 100K buyin. At one point, Lindgren, Ivey, Negreanu, Hansen, and Seidel were all at the same table. I do not officially start work until Sunday (tomorrow), but I managed to grab a few photos.

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The balance of these pics are a pot between Eric Lindgren and Phil Ivey, where they collectively built a huge pot and Eric pushed all-in on the river. Gavin Smith was standing next to me sweating his boy Eric and talking smack to Tony G. Ivey spent a great deal of time pondering his action. He made what had to be a huge laydown, as he became the short stack, along with Tony G. Both of which busted out after the break, sending Lindgren, Seidel, and the unknown into the money.

Pics of the Aussie Millions $100K buy-in.

Tomorrow I actually start work. Today, we have a Poker.com dinner and freeroll, getting to hang out with Liam, Shane, and "oh my god, she's more beautiful in person, which I didn't think was even possible" Tina. I'll dump photos from the festivities next post.

Mike

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teaser post from Aussie

2007-01-12T08:06:00.000-05:00

I've landed in Oz... I'm a bit on the exhausted side, many long flights, little sleep, etc. I'll dump photos tomorrow from the $100K tomorrow, as I was right up front on top of all the action. Until then, it's midnight... I'm needing sleep.

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Mike

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pokertracker stats... now i know why...

2007-01-10T03:12:00.000-05:00

I was just reviewing my pokertracker stats... Now I know why I want to get the tattoo I discussed earlier in the week.

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2-7 offsuit --- BB/hand won = 3.50, VP$IP 24.32%, won money when saw flop: 40%, preflop raise:21.62%...

I'll take it. Next post is from Aussie...

Mike

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CheckRayz tourneys at Poker4ever

2007-01-09T12:54:00.000-05:00

It seems that Poker4ever is going through some changes as far as who my affiliate manager is there. Anyway, the tourneys on the calendar for us at poker4ever are going to be postponed. There's not enough time for me to submit my tourney request and also ensure the tourneys are set up correctly between now and Aussie. We'll just wait until I return to have the tournaments at poker4ever.

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Mike

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we found the missing goal...

2007-01-09T02:51:00.000-05:00

Champs, bitches... that is all...

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type the rest here

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