Poker Hunk: Gus Hansen - The Great Dane of Poker

Contributing Writer: Sue Coyle

He was voted one of People’s sexiest in 2004, joining the likes of Brad Pitt, Jude Law and Matt Damon, a position that was undoubtedly well deserved. Hansen’s piercing blue eyes, bad-boy shaved head, perfectly pronounced cheekbones and rare yet undeniably adorable smile are enough to make any woman forget that she’s even holding cards. It’s no wonder that Gus Hansen is this week’s Poker Hunk.

A Bit about the Hunk of the Week:

A native of Denmark, Gustav (Gus) Hansen has become world renowned for his aggressive, loose poker style. He can (and does) play any two cards at any table and still walk away with the pot even if all he was holding was a black two and a red three against a considerably better pair. This skill has enabled him to trounce the competition at the World Poker Tournament (WPT) almost every time he’s entered. In fact, he is the only poker player to win three WPT open tournaments. These wins along with his other victories, such as the one at the Bad Boys of Poker tournament in 2004, as well as his undeniable ability to master all aspects of poker earned him a spot on the World Poker Tournament Walk of Fame. He, Doyle Brunson and James Garner are the only three players to have warranted this honor.

Today, our favorite Dane resides primarily in Monaco dividing his time between tournaments (he won the $10,000 Aussie Millions Main Event in Melbourne), his cash game, television appearances and, best of all, his family - don’t worry ladies that doesn’t include a wife - and if that’s not enough to make you melt, his looks certainly are.

Josh Arieh's Bodog Bounty

Contributing Writer: Shannan Powell

Congratulations are in order to fellow poker blogger Abby17, who took out Josh Arieh in the Bodog Poker blogger tournament this past Wednesday. Strong play by Abby17 busted Josh in 47^th place overall, out of 53 tournament players. Abby17 not only collected the $100 bounty on Arieh’s head, but also went on to finish third in the standings for this week’s tournament.

The Bodog Poker Blogger Tournament is guaranteeing a seat for one skilled poker blogger at the WSOP Main Event, as part of a $12,000 WSOP prize package. Weekly qualifiers are being run every Tuesday through June 3^rd, with the top 18 players competing on June 10^th for the grand prize, and of course bragging rights. Buying in to the weeklies is reasonable, at $10+$1. The prize package includes the WSOP seat, plus $2,000 for travel and expenses.

To qualify to play in the tournament, you must be an active poker blogger, with a Bodog account, and submit your blog to Bodog for review. If you are approved, you will receive the link from Bodog that will allow you to go and pay your buy-in and secure your seat in the qualifier. The top five players each week will earn a $109 credit and the top five bubble players get an $11 credit, allowing them to enter the next week for free.

Good luck to all of the bloggers taking part in the tournament. We look forward to watching one of our own take part in this year’s WSOP main event.

UIGEA making the headlines again: Hope for US Online Poker

Contributing Writer: Sue Coyle

In October of 2006, President Bush signed the Unlawful International Gambling Act (UIGEA). Regulations were supposed to follow within a year, but a year and a half later they are still in the proposal stage. Nothing concrete has been decided. Why? Opposition. Very few individuals, corporations or organizations are able to agree on the proposed regulations.

Fortunately, April may be a month of change, or at least action. On the second at 10:00 am, there will be a hearing to discuss the proposed UIGEA regulations, held by the Domestic and International Monetary Policy, Trade and Technology Subcommittee. The hearing will examine whether the planned directives will benefit the majority or will prove to be more trouble than they’re worth. It should provide some sort of answer to the many questions currently revolving around the UIGEA.

Therefore, you, as an avid poker player, will want to know what happens. Luckily, you have several options. You can watch the hearing live, via webcast; you can read a printed version of the hearing, which will be posted online; or you can sign up for e-mail updates and receive a summary of events after the fact.

All options and more information are available at the House Committee on Financial Services Web site. Check in frequently, for as the hearing draws closer more details will be added, enabling you to remain as informed as possible.

The European Commission to Investigate the United States

Contributed by Sue Coyle

The next several months could prove to be rocky for the United States, as the European Commission investigates the U.S.’ treatment of international gambling organizations. The investigation is a reaction to a complaint lodged by the Remote Gambling Association (RGA) alleging that the United States favors domestic online gambling while discriminating against remote organizations. The group claims that European sites are being punished for acts that American sites receive no sanction for. If the European Commission confirms these accusations, the United States will be reported to the World Trade Organization unless a direct agreement can be reached between all parties first.

For the Remote Gambling Association (RGA), either option is fine so long as their goals are met. They want first and foremost for the United States to create non-discriminatory regulations, allowing everyone to apply and receive a gambling license regardless of their country of origin and subjecting all organizations, American or otherwise, to the same rules. The RGA also wants the United States to cease action against deeds committed before the UIGEA was passed. This would even the playing field between European and American gambling sites in the United States, giving all individuals a fair hand.

How the investigation will play out is anybody’s guess, but the fact that it was launched at all doesn’t bode well for the U.S. In a matter of months, the country could have a lot to answer for and even more to make up for.

Massachusetts Poker Players Take Your Stand 1

On March 14th an eye catching post appeared in Pocket 5's. The Poker Players Alliance (PPA) is planning a rally for personal and civil liberties on March 18th. At 8:30, before the state senators and representatives enter the state house, the Poker Players Alliance and local Massachusetts poker players will be making their wishes known. As they come together over a warm drink and some breakfast they will be protesting a bill that is up for a vote that day. This bill would turn online poker into a felony, making this the first north eastern state to take a stand against civil liberties. This bill would protect the interests of the 6 brick and mortar casinos in the state.

Only a handful of other states have taken things to such a protectionist level. The brick and mortar casinos are regulated, as of yet, there has been no regulation in the United States of the online gaming market. Many state legislations have made this an issue that has great focus. With this in mind, the majority have voted down such laws. It will be the endeavor of the PPA and the poker players of the state of Massachusetts to prevent this violation from becoming law.

WHAT: PPA Rally against Gov. Patrick's Casino 'Compromise' Bill

WHEN: March 18th, at 8:30 am EDT

WHERE: Corner of Beacon St and Park; Shaw 54th Memorial; Across the street from the state house.

Details can be found here:

http://www.pocketfives.com/5399F67D-C5D8-4073-BFFE-AA7E11A0F82B.aspx

http://www.pocketfives.com/66623350-5775-4687-8D83-BCBB57B58D3D.aspx

Poker Players are getting their opportunity to stand united against the legal violation of personal rights and civil liberties. Take a stand and make voices heard loud and clear.

Common Sense Poker

Contributing Writer: Michelle Mogil

People love to give advice. Considering the myriad sites devoted to tips and strategies, people love to give advice on their winning methods for playing online poker. You can find everything from how to read virtual tells to methods for sharpening the skills necessary to rake in that winning pot.

One large question looms in my mind, though. How do you strategize a good game of poker?

The simple answer is use common sense. As I skimmed through the advice columns and articles, a recurring theme stood out for me: Just Don’t Be Stupid. For example, if you’re dealt the two of hearts and Jack of clubs, it’s considerably wiser to fold rather than take your chances on the board cards turning your way. Don’t allow your emotions to place your bets for you. So, the guy across from you beat your three aces with four jacks. Playing for revenge will distort your judgment and probably cause you to bet on a garbage hand that should have been folded. It seemed to me that the best advice was the most basic: stay calm, stay focused, and don’t risk more than you can afford to lose. Which, come to think of it, is decent advice for just about any endeavor.