Dario Minieri - Poker's Italian Stallion

Yes Ladies, we should be swooning - it's nice when eye candy sits across us at the poker table hu?

Dario Minieri -

A young poker talent who has made waves as he has translated his online poker success into live action tournament final tables. This talented young poker player has made appearances in the World Series of Poker, cashing in every event he's participated. His highest WSOP achievement was placing 27th in event 8 of the 2007 series. However, his biggest cash came in event 55 of the same year, placing 96th and cashing in for more than 67 thousand dollars.

Last year as a member of Team Poker Stars, Dario cashed 5 times contributing the most significant part of Italy's representative 133,900 plus, bringing the country a solid foothold in the world of competitive poker.

Lets be honest about this 20 something poker player. He will draw in railbirds for many reasons. Talent, poker strategy, and his undeniably incredible Mediterranean good looks.

He has been elected as the first Poker Hunk in our new weekly feature -- got a hunk to nominate? He needs to be a poker player, and of legal age with at least one thing to separate him from the crowd - yes good looks are a must !

Online Poker in the US?

In a thread at Pocket 5's the poker talent is watching the online gaming legislation in the United States. The country that is notorious amongst online poker players for denying their citizens personal liberties and the opportunity to chose where to play poker online. There is speculation about the timing about a legal online poker room in the US.

The way the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) is written any online gambling establishment based outside the United States is unlawful. It does not cover any statutes with in the boarders. Should an US casino establish an online gaming venue, they would be considered legal, on the federal level. The complication comes when players in various states are involved with the games, as specific states and specific counties have laws regarding online gambling, some making this form of entertainment a violation and a felony.

Ok, but we're talking about online poker right? There is a difference between online poker and roulette. This is where pocket 5er's contribute some valid points for the politicians to consider.
First of all - the UIGEA is against their own basis for law, the constitution.
Second - There would be no real need to recreate or change the UIGEA as poker is a game of skill and should be exempt as are other cards games such as Hearts and Spades. These games of skill are permitted to charge entry fees to tournaments and more legally, as would be needed for any poker event.

This blog could easily turn into a rant. So we are going to end this here.

Online Poker Etiquette

The ethical code of behavior applicable to members of a specific community or profession is called Etiquette. Etiquette is something that touches every aspect of life, including poker, online and off. Thus if you want to play the game, you should make yourself aware of the expectations.

Lets sit down at the poker table, get some chips, and start the game. Feel free to trash talk from time to time, but keep it clean. This is applicable to online poker events, as well as live poker events.

Strategy can include how fast or slow you play your game. Excessively slow play can become a nuisance. This can be considered incredibly rude, particularly to the online poker professional you're competing against.

Should you sit down at a poker game in a casino, or start a game in the online poker rooms, make sure you know your game. Players hate an interrupted game that is not a Sit n Go. This online poker approach is deplorable and will be noted when other players are looking for tables, you may become an avoided player.

Do you like NoLimit Texas Hold'em? Don't over use the All-In strategy. Although this can be a very persuasive tool. This can be used excessively thus is perceived unnecessary, and incredibly poor strategy, even for a new player.

Largest PKR Tournament

They have done it again! PKR.com is forging new ground every day with their unique design, and incredible format. This online poker room is creating their own monthly tournament with incredible attention to player desire for competitive pots. PKR Masters is a 75 thousand dollar tournament. With the largest PKR prize pool to date, the first place card shark will win no less than 18 thousand. This event will keep the attention of virtually every online poker competitor who can appreciate PKR.com’s unique format. This will further solidify PKR as the home of online tournament poker.

“The PKR Masters offers players an exciting new prize pool to aim for in a highly playable format that allows the cream to rise to the top. We’re really excited about this and are looking forward to offering players ever increasing guaranteed prize pools as PKR’s player base continues to grow.” PKR.com Cardroom Manager, Neil Wright stated during the announcement.

The buy in for PKR Masters is 250 dollars. This event will be held the last Saturday of every month at 20 GMT or 8 pm EST for Canada and the US. Daily satellites will be available for this mega payout event starting as low as $1.30. The chips begin deep with 5,000. PKR Masters will have a 20 minute clock with broader blind structures than many of their other tournaments. With out a doubt, this tournament is designed for the best poker competitors online.