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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2007/05/30
| [+/-] |
Appologies |
2007/05/25
| [+/-] |
If you truly cant understand... |
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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2007/05/20
| [+/-] |
CheckRayz Leaderboard at Poker.com update |
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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2007/05/19
| [+/-] |
Thanks Gary! |
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
Related Posts
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2007/05/13
| [+/-] |
Pink is just not a manly color... |
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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2007/05/10
| [+/-] |
CheckRayz Leaderboard at Poker.com |
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 |
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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2007/05/08
| [+/-] |
more on said ethical poker issue |
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
Related Posts
Leaderboard Tour at Poker.com
ethically bankrupt
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs2.5 License.Subscribe to the Poker Pub
2007/05/05
| [+/-] |
An Ethical Hot Topic |
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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2007/05/04
| [+/-] |
Poker tournaments, skins, derbies, other ramblings |
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
Related Posts
CheckRayz Leaderboard Tour at Poker.com
Freerolls at the Grand Opening of the Palace
2006 Derby Thoughts
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2007/05/03
| [+/-] |
Freerolls all weekend long at Pharaohs Poker Palace! |
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 |
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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2007/04/28
| [+/-] |
Legalized online poker anyone? |
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
Related Posts
Foe to UIGEA
Give me my f-ing money!
Neteller sells a brotha out
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2007/04/26
| [+/-] |
CheckRayz Leaderboard Event 5 |
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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2007/04/20
| [+/-] |
Leaderboard update after four events |
The top of the leaderboard has tightened up after four events.
Poker Pub Sponsors and deals:
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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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2007/04/18
| [+/-] |
CheckRayz Leaderboard, through 2 events |
The CheckRayz leaderboard at Poker.com, after 2 events looks as follows:
Poker Pub Sponsors and deals:
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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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2007/04/12
| [+/-] |
3 games a week for CheckRayz |
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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2007/04/09
| [+/-] |
BPT Reunion Game in the Works... |
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.
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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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2007/04/06
| [+/-] |
CheckRayz Leaderboard Poker Tour Announced |
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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2007/04/02
| [+/-] |
BPT discussed |
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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