Poker Stars Adds a Woman to Team

PokerStars has added yet another amazing professional poker player to its ranks this week. The latest member of Team PokerStars is the lovely Victoria Coren. Victoria will be traveling the world, alongside the rest of the team, representing PokerStars at major tournaments. Her name on the site is “Vicky Coren”, should you get the chance to take a seat at a table with her.

Victoria was given the European Poker Awards Most Outstanding Tournament Performance of the Year honor in 2006, after winning the European Poker Tour’s main event. She is the first woman to ever have won this event. Other noteworthy wins in her career include a win at the 2004 Celebrity Poker Club Series. She is reported to have cashed over $1 million in chips to this point in her career.

Poker is not the only talent of this Oxford graduate; Victoria has been a published journalist since the age of 13, writing for various London publications, such as the Guardian and the Observer. She also has a authored and co-authored a few books, some of them quite controversial. Her choice of career is just an instance of her following in the footsteps if her late father, the humorist and writer Alan Coren.

By joining with Team PokerStars, Coren joins the ranks of some of the best known players on today’s poker scene. Her teammates include names like Chris Moneymaker, Tom McEvoy, Greg Rainer, and another new team addition, Gavin Griffin

A couple of great Strategy Books

Someone came across my 'im' recently w/ a great book. I took a look at it and started to find some significant value to this book, soooo I'm sharing.

The book is written by Kim Birch AKA KB and Danish Dragon.
He has only been playing online pro since 2001. In the book he is outlining some great strategies - I haven't finished the book yet, but I'm loving it. She is actually looking at some of the poker strategies as you might a small business, although he is very practical.

Online Poker Strategies by the Danish Dragon

Now you will VERY rarely find me endorsing books, because we all have our own style, but there is one more that I wanted to recommend - also an ebook - It's Called "Beating the Odds" It is written for women, encompassing our point of view. It is something that after applying the approaches here, my game has improved. This is one I've completed and have gone back to several times. It is sooo worth the investment - well it has been for me. I love RAZZ and Hold'em (polar opposites I know) but the basics are in this book.

Beating the Odds: A Guide for Women To Becoming a Champion Poker Player

Doyle's on a Tirade and Antonius is causing it!

The 74 year old, 10 World Series of Poker Champion has been repeated challenged by a young upstart poker professional, and its only becoming worse. Everyone is waiting for the challenge to come to a head, but Doyle's going to have it on his terms. According to his blog, the heads up poker event of the 21st century can be televised but they would play the games Brunson chooses. After reading his blog, he leads me to believe he's not talkin holdem Patrik.

As Doyle's tirade came to a head at the end, he offered a challenge of his own - 100,000 dollars a hole - a game of golf. Although that is an expensive game of golf, Doyle has proven he doesn't gamble often, thus he knows he's going to win a large pot from Patrik Antonius.

Now as the poker world continues to buzz, and Doyle starts to become impatient with the chatter, the heads up match is becoming more intense. With this kind of drama before the game, what would happen across the felt?

This poker enthusiast has one question - is Patrik man enough to play the match in Vegas?

Poker Stars Personal Description

Our Website: poker turnieje

Description: PokerStars is home to the world's largest online poker tournaments and qualifies more players for World Series of Poker Satellites, the World Poker Tour, and the European Poker Tour than any other internet poker site.

This truly is one of the best online poker rooms in the world.

PocketFives.com and Bodog Offer You a Trip to the World Series of Poker - Win It!

Contributing Writer: Sue Coyle

April could very well be your lucky month, if you’re a Pocketfives.com member that is. The site is teaming up with Bodog for a promotion that will, in the end, earn one PocketFives.com member a World Series of Poker Main Event package worth $12,500. Here’s how it works:

Sign up for a real money account at Bodog. Once you have your account information, e-mail your account number and screen name as well as your PocketFives.com screen name and e-mail address to promotions@pocketfives.com. You have until April 5 to do this. Then, start playing poker. Between April 1 and April 30 you’ll earn points. PocketFives.com will keep track of them for you, updating the listings weekly. At the end of the month, the top three earners will automatically have a spot in the 9-man Sit-n-Go (SnG) game that will determine the contest’s ultimate winner. The players with the fourth through twelfth highest amount of points will compete in their own SnG game on May 3 at 2:35 EST. The top three will go on to the final match. Similarly, any player with 150 or more points will compete in a multi-table poker tournament on May 10 at 2:35 EST. Again, the top three will earn seats in the final SnG game.

On May 17 at 2:35 EST, that game will take place. When it’s over, one PocketFives.com member will have won the Main Event package and will be on his way to the 2008 World Series of Poker in Las Vegas.
It’s a prize most definitely worth competing for, so sign up today, start playing, and good luck!!

UIGEA making headlines again: Conference High Lights

April 2nd brought a discussion about the US law hidden and passed in the dark of the night. The Congress of the United States came together to discuss and determine how to approach the law. Below is a link to a video with selected excerpts from that meeting.

MSNBC UIGEA VIDEO

Free Poker Room Review: TripleJack

I came across this site, and it looked very fun so I've done a poker room review for all of you. Triplejack Poker has a fun new take on your traditional poker room. With the entertainment aspects of this poker room, it far out weighs the expected standard of any other poker room. It is a great place to play. If you enjoy a little 'trash talk' this room brings 'taunts' to a whole new level.

Game Play:

Now the Avatars are customizable, and great fun to play with. The fun however is barely touched there. the real fun in this programing is the poker room taunts and behaviors. Do you find yourself a fan of the loony toons? If so, this is going to be an easy love for you. You are able to drop bombs on your opponents. Now, in a poker room, what could a bomb be? How about a pie on the head? or would you enjoy dropping anvils on your opponents? The options are not limited there.

If you are a strategic minded player, which if you win, you are, then you would find the option to reveal your cards intriguing, or annoying. Your choice no one else's. You can limit the reveal to color or you can tell everyone what you have in your pocket.

Adding to the already established fun is the side bet options. Once you are out of a hand, or game you are able to place a side bet with another non-active player.

Prizes:

Every player who registers with Triple Jack is eligible to win a wide variety of prizes. Daily they offer hand prizes. To clarify how this works, a given hand or hands is selected and assigned a prize every day. The selected hands are kept secret so the prizes are as well. You come on to the table and play your game, and you may end up a winner at the virtual felt.

The more competitive method used to award prizes is through tournament play, which is often intense and worth the time to hone your skills. Logo designed ball caps to cash prizes are awarded with every tournament, daily and weekly. Finals held regularly with qualifiers available daily for the Laptop Tournament.

Tournaments:

Monthly Laptop tournament which awards players either 499 dollars or a new lap top. Daily events are open to qualify for the monthly award. If you like to see a good movie, Fandango tickets are also avilable on a montly award basis, qualify daily for that as well, don't be fooled into believing the tournaments are limited there to. Players can compete in daily, and weekly tournaments the award everything from a ball cap to playing for a year subscription to Bluff Magazine.


Poker Versions Available:

TripleJack is a fun poker room that plays two versions of poker, so don't jump in if you are a RAZZ fan. If your game is Hold'em, Limit or No, or if you love a good Omaha game, this is one of the best free poker sites to play on. You don't want to miss out!


Software:

TripleJack is a no download poker room. To play you register and log in, from there you pick your table and go. No need to take up space on your computer to play and enjoy a good game across the poker table. Triple Jack also maintains a strict privacy policy, so any information placed on the site stays in the secured locations on the server.

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.

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.