One Man March Misses the Mark

Sometimes one man's love for poker can extend over an entire state. But that was not the case for Tony Sandstrom of California. Although Tony tried to organize a one man petition to collect 430,000 signatures to force the state of California to start and operate and state run an online poker site, he ran a little short. At his deadline on December 1st Tony had nearly 30,000 signatures about 400,000 short. According to Cardplayer.com, Tony said "It was my first foray into the world of public policy, and I did it completely on my own. I acknowledges that I was out manned from the start, and if I try to tackle this issue again, I will seek the assistance of a larger group to help generate interest".

Despite Tony's failure I still give him a standing ovation for his admirable intentions. From one poker lover to another I applaud you.

'Chip' Dead at 56

Today the poker world lost another one of the greats. David 'Chip' Reese was announced dead this morning at the young age of only 56. Reese leaves quite the legacy behind as many players considered him to be one of the greatest of all time. He was the winner of three WSOP bracelets and perhaps the best cash game player to date. Reese was one of those players who got good quick and in 1991 he was the youngest player ever to be inducted into the poker hall of fame.
The cause for his death has not yet been released but there is speculation around the blogosphere that he was hospitalized with pneumonia like symptoms and died in his sleep. Reese will certainly be missed.

A Poker Legend

In a recent post on Tom Sexton's 'Sexton's Corner' a biweekly blog, Sexton wrote several captivating stories about Stu Ungar. Literally the greatest poker player of all time, Stuey as he was referred to by friends, was a very unique character. As Sexton highlights, "He was eccentric, impatient, temperamental, and explosive in disposition over small things, but on the big stage, when the spotlight was on him, he was the most decorated and accomplished tournament poker player in history". Sexton goes on to tell several memorable stories of Stuey and this one is my favorite...

Stories about Stuey are legendary, like the time in 1989 when Stuey was running late to get to Caesars for the final table of Amarillo Slim's Super Bowl of Poker. Here was Stuey speeding down Hwy. 15, and as he took an exit he crashed into another vehicle in his Jaguar. The car he ran into, of course, was a police car. Always hyper, Stuey got out of his car to explain why he was trying to get to the poker tournament in such a hurry. Incredibly, the police officer recognized him, and as it turned out, he was a big fan of Stuey's. In 1989, Stuey had already won the 1980 and 1981 WSOP Main Event, plus two Super Bowls of Poker… he was like a living poker legend, who was on his way to try and win his third Super Bowl of Poker. The officer decided to let Stuey off, without even a warning ticket, as most of the damage was to Stuey's Jaguar. Stuey was lucky in the sense that another policeman might not have been so amused. He might very well pull his handcuffs out, explaining that they love to play cards down at Clark County jail. Stuey did arrive a little late, but unfazed, and amazingly went on to win his third Super Bowl of Poker that day.

Wynn Macau

When most Americans hear the Wynn, they think of the new Las Vegas destination. But in 2006 the Wynn Macau opened and has become a world leader in casino luxury. Here is a video of the dancing fountains at the Wynn Macau.

Casinos in Kansas

Following a newly expanded gambling law in the state of Kansas, it was not long until casino and resort super power Harrah's tried to take advantage. They recently submitted a $500 Million plan for a resort style casino in Sumner County, Kansas. The plan is designed to drive tourism in Kansas and includes nothing but world class amenities. Of course the plan has a Las Vegas like gaming floor with a World Series of Poker room. Also several celebrity themed restaurants headed by Food Network star Paula Deen and country music star Toby Keith. But no 500 acre resort casino would be complete without a 1,600 seat amphitheater for outdoor concerts, a 30,000 square foot conference center, and a championship golf course. The plan for the hotel part of the resort includes 275 luxury rooms, 30 suites, and 5private pool villas.


Though this plan may appear perfect it meets many challenges before it can become a reality. The first challenge is getting approved by the state which is still contemplating the law. And out doing its competitors who have also submitted plans like MGM Mirage and Foxwoods Development (who have joined forces in their plan), Penn National Gaming Inc., and Butler National Service Corp.

Self Marketing

While creating my last several posts, I couldn't help but notice several major poker players who have home pages that are nothing less than stellar. Clearly with popularity just soaring in the poker industry it is important for players to market themselves but some of these players have taken the extra step.

Of the players I researched the two that stood out the most were Doyle Brunson's website and Sam Farha's page. These are top of line websites with everything from simple biographies to guides and strategies. Check them out at http://www.doylebrunson.com/ and http://www.samfarha.com/.

A Legend is Born

This is video of a hand that has begun to meet legendary status in the poker circuit. Its two very famous faces, Jamie Gold (World Series of Poker main event 2006 winner) and Sam Farha, in an all out battle KK vs. AA. Watch and enjoy as the drama unfolds into history.

Poker on TV

The latest venture in the Poker market is poker on your television. No not just watching the latest tournaments because that already exists (Check out the MOJO channel, a 24 hour poker on cable mecca). This is interactive television in the form of a poker magazine show in which viewers email anything poker related such as home game stories, big wins, or bad beats. Sky Poker, which launched earlier this year, is paving the way in interactive poker television with their show 'The Club'.

Next for WPT

The next stop on the 2007 World Poker Tour comes brought to you by a very famous name. This seniors only event (50+)is named for none other the poker legend Doyle Brunson. December 12th- December 18th the Bellagio hosts the Doyle Brunson Five Diamond World Poker Classic. With a steep entry fee of $15,000, this tournament is designed for the elite in poker play. But if $15,000 is to much for your wallet to handle don't give up just yet. During the week of November 26th there will be several $1000 satellites to the tournament.

Harrah's Looks into Online Possibilities

Major US casino company Harrah's has begun to express interest in expanding into the online market. During a Global Gaming Expo, Chief Executive Gary Loveman revealed that the company is looking into creating World Series of Poker branded online poker sites. The idea has met mixed reaction as it would be forced to completely leave out the US market because of legal set backs. Should a US company really be controlling a European gambling site?

Casino Earnings

PokerNews.com has reported the final third quarter earnings for three major casinos. Check out the numbers.

Harrah's Entertainment:

"Harrah's is in the process of being taken private, so their earning had little sway in the stock market. For their pending private equity buyers, there was some good news and some less than good news. In the third quarter of 2007, Harrah's total revenues grew by 13 percent when compared to the same period a year ago. Its third quarter adjusted earnings per share grew by 6.4% to $1.00 per diluted share from $0.94 per diluted share for the prior year, but still falling short of Wall Street's expectation of $1.05 per diluted share."

MGM Mirage:

"Wall Street had reduced their expectations for MGM Mirage's third quarter results, but apparently hadn't reduced them enough. MGM reported a third-quarter net income increase of 18 percent to $183.9 million, or 62 cents per share, compared to $156.3 million, or 54 cents per share, for the same period a year ago."

Wynn:

While MGM has to wait for validation its Macau investment, the third quarter served as both validation and vindication for the Wynn's Macau property. Wynn Macau opened on September 6, 2006 and only had 25 days of operation for the same period last year. With a full quarter of results to report this quarter, Wynn Macau generated net revenues (after discounts and commissions) of $347.7 million and adjusted property EBITDA of $92.8 million. Overall the company boosted adjusted net income in the third quarter to $73.4 million, or $0.67 per diluted share compared to an adjusted net loss of $1.3 million, or ($0.01) per diluted share in the third quarter of 2006. Not to be outshined by its baby Asian sister, Wynn Las Vegas generated adjusted property EBITDA of $93.2 million, a 20.6% increase from the third quarter of 2006.

Weekly You Tube Installment

Here is a weekly video from YouTube.com. This is a cute home video, always good to start them young.

It's That Time of Year

Just one word... Foxwoods. A gamblers oasis, the largest casino in the United States, and home to the Foxwoods World Poker Finals. A WPT event that ensures action and excitment. Here are a few photos of the action for your enjoyment, compliments of the World Poker Tour crew.

A Hidden Messgae

Recently Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick proposed a bill that would allow restore gambling within the state. This would appear to be a gamblers dream but in fact they are the very people that are opposing the bill. Hidden on page 28 of the bill is a clause that would make online gambling illegal. It reads:

"Any person who knowingly transmits or receives a wager of any type by any telecommunication device, including telephone, cellular phone, Internet, local area network, including wireless local networks, or any other similar device or equipment or other medium of communication, or knowingly installs or maintains said device or equipment for the transmission or receipt of wagering information shall be punished by imprisonment in a house of correction for not more than 2 years, or a fine of not more than $25,000, or both."

Fortunately the Poker Player's Alliance (PPA) did not allow this to go over looked and they are urging gamblers to send letters to the Governor in an attempt to stop the bill from being passed.

Don't Eat the Chips?

No not your ordinary potato chip, this warning is about standard poker chips. Though it may be hard to believe the state of Arizona (my hometown) has actually released a statement warning people to not ingest poker chips. The warning issued states that poker chips may contains dangerously high levels of lead. More specifically, the chips that were tested were Paulson brand which are the most widely used poker chips in major casinos and are also sold to retail consumers.


Though eating poker chips may seem comical this issue is actually very serious. The amount of lead found in these poker chips was astronomical. One chip contains 45% lead which is 750 times the legal limit. When investigators asked Paulson brand representatives about the results they refused to respond.

WPT North American Poker Championship Wrap-up

With over 500 entries this years WPT North American Poker Championship had quite the turn out. As I highlighted in previous post, the tournament was hosted at Fallsview Casino Resort in Niagara Falls, Ontario. And the action was just as great as the scenery. Being called one of the greatest final tables in WPT history the field narrowed down into these top players at the final showdown:

Seat No. 1: Kofi Farkye — 1,504,000
Seat No. 2: Jonathan Little — 2,616,000
Seat No. 3: Jeff "ActionJeff" Garza — 1,320,000
Seat No. 4: David Cloutier — 1,614,000
Seat No. 5: Barry Greenstein — 447,000
Seat No. 6: Scott "BigRiskky" Clements — 2,483,000

The talent ranged from two 19 year old Internet players to an amateur and an old poker pro. Also two former WPT champions battling it out for Card Player player of the year race. But in the end it Scott "BigRiskky" Clements who took home over one million dollars in prize money. This was no easy task as this event set the all time record for most hand played at a final table. A memorable event to say the least.

Final Table WPT North American Poker Championship

'Stud Poker Strategy'

The most bankable strategies in poker include not only playing the right cards but knowing how to read your opponents. Often even the most experienced players have what are called 'tells'. Poker tells are certain actions or body movements a player might make that would allow the other player to read into his cards. This can be very useful for calling out bluffs.

In a recent article by Ashley Adams for pokernews.com he highlights some of the greatest poker strategies (for STUD poker) that emphasize on reading other players tells. One of the tells he explains happens when a player receives his/her river card (the final card of the hand). Right after the player peeks at their final card, know pay attention cause this happens very quickly, they immediately look down at their chip stack. This lets you know that their hand requires a bet because their action is reflexive to their final card.

This is perhaps one of the most profitable tells in Stud Poker, so play close attention next time you find yourself at the tables.

Exciting News at the Venetian

By far one of Las Vegas's leading hotel and casinos, The Venetian rises above the competition with luxury and first class service. And what would a world class casino be without hosting a series of major poker events? Kathy Raymond, director of poker operations for The Venetian has just announced that the casino will hold its '2008 Deep Stack Extravaganza Series' which will feature both a tournament in February and one in June which will run the same time as the World Series of Poker (a strategy that hopes to bring in more players who will already be in the city). Like last years 2007 DSE, The Venetian promises, "With lower buy-ins, larger chip counts, more play and great blind structures and our luxurious, spacious, and exquisitely decorated poker room, these tournaments are like no other in Vegas."

Here is a complete list of the tournament schedule, events, and buy-ins for the February tournament compliments of pokernews.com

Date Buy-In Event
2/04 $330 NLHE (No Limit Hold'em)
2/05 $540 PLO w/ Rebuys
2/06 $330 NLHE
2/07 $540 NLHE
2/08 $1,060 NLHE
2/09 $540 NLHE
2/10 $1,060 NLHE
2/11 $330 NLHE
2/12 $540 Omaha 8 or Better
2/13 $330 NLHE
2/14 $540 NLHE
2/15 $540 NLHE
2/16 $540 NLHE
2/17 $1,060 NLHE
2/18 $330 NLHE
2/19 $540 H.O.R.S.E.
2/20 $330 NLHE
2/21 $540 NLHE
2/22 $1,060 NLHE
2/23 $540 NLHE
2/23 $225 Satellite w/ Rebuys
2/24 $2,060 NLHE

WPT North American Poker Championship

This years North American Poker Championship is turning out to be quite the event. The host of the event is non other then the great country of Canada. More specifically, Fallsview Casino Resort in Niagra Falls, Ontario is the stie for the much anticapted event and it has so much to offer. Known for being the largest gaming facility in Canada, Fallsviews is 2.5 million square feet of luxury and gaming. More than 3,000 slot machines, 140 gaming tables, and 368 extravagant rooms. Fallsview is the perfect location for this exciting WPT event.

World Poker Tour New Site

The World Poker Tour (WPT) has recently renvoated their website. I think it looks really great, very catchy. It looks like their new approach is more sex, as several scantily clad women can be found on the front page awaiting your click. Check it out for yourself at wwww.worldpokertour.com

A Touchy Subject

Currently in today's world the rules and regulations on gambling are very much up in the air. Last week when NBA Comissioner David Stern relaxed some of the rules that applied to league referees off court behaviors, it really raised some eyebrows. After the highly publicized scandal involving long time ref Tim Donaghy, a general investigation in the league found more than half of the NBA's refs in mild violatio of the rules on gambling.



But most of the violations involved everyhting from $5 lottery ticktes to sitting at low stake poker tables. In a league Board of Governers meeting Stern noted it is to easy to make rules on their (the refs) faith alone. However, the low stakes poker table Stern refers might have been the one held at the NBA's annual Officials Training Camp, where a poker game has long been one of the camp's social functions.

Poker How To

As I was searching the Internet for enticing poker related news, it dawned on me that not everyone even knows how to play poker. Although this is foreign to me, it must be brought to light. So for all those who do not have a clue when it comes to the difference between three of a kind and a straight flush here is a great video compliments of non other than YouTube.com.

My Favortie Part of Grade School

In light of the recent PPA rally against the 'Unlawful Internet Gambling Act', here is an old school tribute to Capitol Hill...

Rally, Rally

Online poker players unite! And that is exactly what is going on as the PPA (Poker Players Alliance) kicks off some serious citizen lobbying on Capitol Hill.In an attempt to make strides against 'The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act' (UIGEA), PPA has organized not only citizen lobbying but also policy conferences to educate those who disapprove of the act.

Some of the most famous names in the professional poker world are expected to be apart of the conference including,Barry Greenstein, Andy Bloch, Howard Lederer, Chad Brown, Vanessa Rousso and Victor Ramdin. Here is a list of some of the planned events and guest speakers:

• "How to Lobby Congress" Breakfast

• Member of Congress/Staff Meetings

• Capitol Hill Reception

• Policy Forum

• Invited speakers include: Charles Nesson, Professor, Harvard Law; Sallie James, Policy Analyst, Cato Institute; Keith Whyte, Executive Director, Nat'l Council on Problem Gambling; and other experts in the field of public policy and law

Further Developments in 'Absolute Poker' Scandal

After further investigation, according to VNUNET.com, 'Absolute Poker's' own are being held responsible for the recent security breach. In fact it is the co-founder of the website who is being accused of cheating. Scott Tom who lives in Costa Rica was using the site as a registered player but he allegedly used his access to see players hole cards to his advantage along with other players. If this information is prove to be true it could possibly be fatal for the 'Absolute Poker' site and Tom along with others involved with face serious jail time.

Fellow blogger and economist Steven Levitt commented on the situation; "If all this is correct, it shows exactly how the cheating would have transpired: an insider at the website had real-time access to all the hole [hidden] cards (it is not hard to believe that this capability would exist) and was relaying this information to an outside accomplice".

More Chip Tricks to Look Like a Pro

A Big 'Oops' from Absolute Poker

Popular online poker site, 'Absolute Poker', experienced a recent security breach. After talk of suspicious happenings on the site around the poker blog world, 'Absolute Poker' released this statement:

Dear valued player,

Absolute Poker has identified an internal security breach that compromised our systems for a limited period of time. The cause of the breach has been determined and completely resolved. In addition, all necessary resources, both internal and external, have been engaged to ensure this does not happen again. Our investigation is not fully concluded, and we wish to thank the extended poker community for any and all assistance related to the matter.

Game integrity has always and continues to be of the utmost importance at Absolute Poker. The Management of Absolute Poker is appalled by these findings, and is committed to our players and to the integrity of our site and the online poker industry.

All players affected by the security breach will be identified during the audit process that has been initiated and all funds, including interest, will be returned. Absolute Poker would like to apologize for the recent events and is committed to diligently working with outside security firms, auditing firms, the extended poker community and the Kahnawake Gaming Commission to ensure the situation is entirely resolved.

This breach, though taken care of fairly quickly, is a serious blow to the struggling online poker market.

Shocking Poker Crime

On Monday night in New Smyrna Beach, Florida a man was shot and killed while playing in an in home poker game. Pokernews.com reports that around 9:30PM two masked men broke into the house where eight people were engaging in a rumored high stakes poker game. After a heated argument,shots were fired inside the house fatally injuring 62 year old Dennis Michael Turner.


The homeowner was known for hosting games several times a week at his home and this was not the first time his house was targeted. A few months earlier burglars made off with more than $30,000 in cash and valuables. Although the murder is the Police's main focus they are further investigating the homeowner who could potentially face charges for hosting illegal high stake poker games.

WPT Spainish Championship Winner Crowned

Another one of my heroes has fallen. Unforunatley, Gus Hansen could not hold his commanding lead with only one day of play to go. Hansen finished fifth overall taking home just over $140,000 not bad for a few days work.

The champion at this WPT event was amatuer player Markus Lehmann who cashed in at over $780,000. Lehmann was the second short stack going into the final table, playing his cards strategically eventually payed off as he picked off his fellow international oppoents one by one.
And an international field it was at the final table with repersentation from six countries including, Russia, Sweden, Korea, France, Austria, and Denmark. A true World Poker Tour Event.

"A chip and a chair"

Probably one of the most famed sayings in poker is "a chip and a chair". Its is something I hear every time I play poker and by far my father's favorite poker saying. But where did this widely used phrase come from? This week in Tom Sexton's blog he discovers the legend behind the famous words.

In fact the story Sexton unfolds in one of poker history greatness. On the second day of the 1982 World Series of Poker main event player Jack Straus made a move that will never be forgotten. On a single hand he bet around 15,000 chips, thinking he made an all-in move but not declaring it verbally. As the cards unfolded Straus lost the hand and as he stood up to leave the table believing he was eliminated, the dealer kindly asked if that was his single chip under the table railing. And in fact it was, Jack Straus had a single chip and of course his 'chair' in the tournament.

But what is even more extraordinary about this Poker tale, Straus went on to win the 1982 World Series of Poker main event. Perhaps the most unbelievable win in Poker history.

WPT Spanish Championship Update

Only 11 remain in the great city of Barcelona. This years 2007 Spanish Championship finds a very familiar face on top in perhaps the final day of play. One of my personal favorites, Gus Hansen, is the current chip leader with 807,000 chips. Ludovic Lacey finds himself in second with 467,000 giving Hansen a demanding lead. Four more professionals and five professional hopefuls round out the remaining few. The field began with 226 players and like always only one will walk away with the top prize.

College Level Poker Training?

Having gaming training at a collegiate level would be a dream for many and those dreams nearly came true this week. Gatlin Educational Services recently announced a partnership with the University of Buffalo to provide an entire gaming curriculum. It would consist of casino dealer courses in blackjack,baccarat,and poker all hosted by famed poker professional's Johnny Chan Academy.

GES feels it is answering a community's call for this type of education but UB immediately trumped their ideas by cancelling the agreement. UB stated that the educational program did not agree with the school's mission. However,future gaming hopefuls can still register for the Johnny Chan Academy through the Buffalo based Casino career training center.

World Poker Tour: Spanish Championship

Today marks the start of another World Poker Tour event. The Spanish Championship kicked off today in the beautiful city of Barcelona, Spain with a total of 97 players buying into the action. The buy in fee was 7,500 Euro and the event is being hosted at the extravagant Casino Barcelona.

Play will continue until Tuesday October 16th and like all World Poker Tour events it is sure to be an exciting several days. Some familiar faces at this tournament include the poker women of the year, Annette Obrestad.

A Big Sigh of Relief for the Poker World

Today’s poker news brings a great sigh of relief for anyone who plays high stake poker especially professional poker players. Recently there was a scare, when the government attempted to pass and implement a 25% (!!!) withholding tax on poker tournament winnings over $5,000. Fortunately, today news broke that the tax is not going to be put into place even though it had been reported by many poker news outlets that it was.

Despite the confusion, The American Gaming Association is pleased with the final decision because overtime it would reduce the number of players who could regularly afford to play in high stakes tournaments. Instead of the 25% tax players will be given earnings/tax statements to declare their winnings. This will be used to file on W-2 forms as miscellaneous income.

The final decision in this situation is a great move for the poker world. Popularity and amounts of players would have severely suffered at the cost of the 25% tax.

World Series of Poker Craze Lives On

The more popular than ever World Series of Poker continues to capture the attention of the public. Tournament information for the 2008 World Series of Poker was released today and I can hardly wait.

The 2008 event will be held at its' usual home, the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino. It will be presented by Milwaukee's best Light and run May 30th through July 17th. The specific tournament schedule has not yet been released.

2008 will mark the first year I will actually be eligible to participate in any live poker event. Hopefully I can make my dreams come true.

How to Look Like a Pro

Sure everyone wants to play like a pro but the reality of it is that no matter how hard we try we all can’t be poker champions of the world. But not to worry there is some hope in this matter. If we all can’t play like the pros at least we can all try and look like a pro.

Recently while browsing You Tube for some material, I found this video by Wrestling Ferret Production that teaches the average poker Joe how to shuffle chips like a pro.

Take notes and enjoy!

Poker Chip Mania

Poker Chip Mania is the leading online retailer of gaming products for not only households but prominent casinos throughout the world. The recent release of the 15g clay poker chip, the first of its kind, is turning a lot of heads. Not only is it the heaviest poker chip to date, its feel is distinctively different from the array of chips all ready on the market.

The official name of the chip is the ‘15g Las Vegas Casino’ and the face of the chip features an etching of the ‘Welcome to Las Vegas’ sign and the denomination of the chip. All orders are available custom and these chips are sure to be a great seller for the online retailer.

Poker Blogger Tournment

My dreams have finally come true! I have found the best poker news of the year.

For the third time, although this is the first of I have heard, a major online poker site is hosting the World Blogger Championship of Online Poker. Yes, that is right; anyone who can prove they have been a Blogger of poker for at least two months is eligible for this tournament. There is over $40K in prizes including iPods, Xboxs, and plasma screen Tvs.

The tournament will begin October 14th but it will be no amateur event. Famous poker Blogger Daniel Negreanu will be playing in the event.

Who is this man?

Who is this man clearly stuck in the 1980s’ you ask? Well believe it or not, this 80s’ ‘hair band’ original is actually rallying for a very good cause.

Vince Neil, pictured above, formerly of the bad boy band ‘Motley Crue’ is calling for porn stars and poker players alike to come together for his third annual ‘Off the Strip’ poker tournament. The tournament is a fundraiser for a cause that hits close to home for Neil whose daughter died of cancer at a young age in 1995. Money raised goes towards the Skylar Neil and TJ Martell Foundations. The tournament is just apart of Neil’s efforts to raise money for the cause which he has done since his daughter’s passing.

Despite the serious cause, Neil likes to keep his charity events light hearted including a live auction during the tournament hosted by adult film stars.

The event will be hosted at The Joint at the Hard Rock Casino in Las Vegas. The buy in is $550 and anyone interested can check out skylarneil.org.

Poker Trouble in Sweden

Like pretty much the entire World, Sweden too is experiencing the current poker craze storming the globe. The popularity of poker in Sweden has sky rocketed over the past several years and even prompted the country to start a state run online poker site, ‘Svenska Spel’. But also like the rest of the world interested in poker, Sweden has come across legal troubles concerning underground poker clubs and unlicensed tournaments.
Commercial for Svenska Spel

Recently six men were arrested for such a crime. Facing up to four years in jail, the men are being accused of hosting and organizing what they called The European Poker Classic. Despite being unlicensed the event was well publicized and attracted 700 players who each paid a 250 Euro buy in fee. The top prize, which was never rewarded due to the raid, was to be 50,000 Euro. All men being charged are denying the allegations and a court date has been set for November.

'Seven Majors’ of Poker According to Tom Sexton

Any true professional sport has its crowning moments, its grand slams, or major events. For football it’s the Super bowl and baseball it’s the World Series. In golf crowning moments come in the form of majors. Like when Bobby Jones took home the Gran Slam in golf winning The US Open, US Amateur, British Open, and British Amateur. Today golf had evolved and so has the world of Poker so why should this sport not have its crowning moments or major events.

According to poker legend Tom Sexton, greatness in poker like other professional sports should be measured based on accomplishments in seven major events. Sexton’s picks for the seven majors are:

1. World Series of Poker Main Event
2. World Poker Tour Main Event
3. World Series of Poker H.O.R.S.E. Event
4. World Series of Poker Main Event Europe
5. NBC’s National Heads Up Poker Championship
6. World Series of Poker Tournament of Champions
7. High Stakes Poker

Together these events would be the true measure of a poker champion.

What’s the deal with online poker in the United States?

Many of you may believe it is currently illegal to gamble online, including online poker, in the United States. When did this come into effect? Ironically on (Friday) October 13th, 2006 perhaps the most un-luckiest day of the year President George Bush signed a bill that tightened security measures from online gambling including everything from poker to bingo. This bill also put heavy restrictions on banking institutions that knowingly transfer funds to such people or businesses.

But the truth about this bill is that it is technically not illegal to participate in online casinos in most of the US. In fact only 11 states have laws against this including Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana (felony to play online poker), Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington (felony to play online poker) and Wisconsin that disallows gambling online. So why is it still difficult for people in the other 39 states to gamble online? The truth of the matter is that when the news of the bill broke nearly all of the available online casinos dropped US members and users.

Online gamblers don’t fear! There is still several sights including some great online poker sites that still accommodate US users. A few to check out are Absolute Poker or Full Tilt Poker.

Hand #206

Two players left and its ALL IN action Q9 vs. a pocket pair of tens. It was Rhynie Campbell and Erik Cajelais in the ultimate show down. Campbell’s pocket pair looked pretty strong but as the flop came, Q 9 3, Campbell’s fate seemed sealed. Then came the turn, it’s a K, even worse news. But then the river came and the only card Campbell could win with was a ten and believe it or not it was a ten! The crowd at the Turks and Caicos Poker Classic went wild.

This years WPT Turks and Caicos Poker Classic winner is Rhynie Campbell. He takes home just over $400,000 and a priceless WPT title.

Turks and Caicos Poker Classic Kicks Off

A slight delay due to original plans being changed has taken but the luxurious Turks and Caicos Poker Classic is slated to kick off today in the beautiful Caribbean. Play was scheduled to start yesterday but there was no complaint from the players who enjoyed the beautiful beaches and endless list of things to do at Club Med The Players Club where the tournament is taking place. With a prize pool of over $1 million, really who would complain?

Host Jack McClelland and his staff from the Bellagio hotel and casino in legendary Las Vegas have prepared nothing but the best for the expected 168 poker pros. Action begins at 12 noon today and is expected to end by midnight each night. The buy in for the event is $7,500, players start with 20,000 chips, and blind levels increase every 90 minuets. Hopefully, after a relaxing unexpected day off the players will be ready for some serious high stake action.

A Political Poker Star?

Well maybe not a star but Senator Barack Obama is no first timer to the poker room. As the Associated Press reports, starting in 1997 Obama and other senator and associates began playing in poker nights they often referred to as ‘Committee Meetings’. Although it is illegal to play poker for money outside a deemed casino in the United States, low stake poker games like the ones Obama and friends organized are often overlooked and viewed as harmless fun. And in fact it was fun, on a typical night players joked and bantered about legislative leaders and never lost or own more than about $100. A self proclaimed ‘pretty good’ player, Obama became known to fellow competitors as a cautious player with a good poker face.

Low stakes poker nights are a small change now for Barack who is now in the most difficult competition of his life, the presidential race. But his poker tactics are very similar to his analytical approach to his campaign. Like Larry Walsh, a former Senator, said, “When Barack stayed in, you pretty much figured he's got a good hand”. Hopefully this proves true in his race to the White House. His poker buddies are looking forward to maybe one day having a ‘committee meeting’ in perhaps the oval office.

Poker Games Number One Download

Even before Apple’s iPhone made its market debut ‘Scenario Poker’ became the number one downloaded game. Although it is no longer the number one download the popularity of poker simulated games is still astronomical especially when it comes to games for cell phones and personal computers. The game ‘Scenario Poker’ allows users to participate in a three round shoot out style tournament with 27 other competitors. Perhaps the best component of the game is that as soon as you make your move the play move lightning fast around the table and it is almost instantly your move again. This allows the player to see an unreal amount of hands and the usual mandatory patience aspect of live poker is taken away. The poker application has been listed on Apple’s ‘Top 50 Widget List’. Apple’s ‘Widget List’ consist of the current top 50 downloaded widgets, which are for MAC OS X Dashboards. Some more of the popular downloads include Starry Night Widget which allows users to view the sky from any location on Earth and the You Tube widget that gives full access to the website.

Other popular poker downloads include ‘Texas Hold’Em’, Full Tilt Poker, Poker Stars, and Party Poker. Start downloading your favorit Widgets HERE.

Sheikhan Faces Deportation

In a departure from typical poker updates, The Las Vegas Review-Journal has released information that high stakes poker room staple Shahram "Shawn" Sheikhan is facing possible deportation due to a misdemeanor conviction nearly ten years ago. In 1995 Sheikhan was convicted for ‘sexual battery and annoyance or molestation of a child' and served nine months in jail for the crime. Sheikhan, a citizen of Iran, is a legal citizen of the United States because his wife is American born but on August 30th he was arrested by immigration police and later released a week later when he met the $10,000 bail.

Why is this legal US citizen now facing deportation? According to The Las Vegas Review Journal, A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesperson, Virginia Kice, noted in the release that Sheikhan "was targeted for ICE arrest because of his criminal history. We want to see him removed from the United States." Currently the ICE has an ongoing ‘Operation Predator’ program.

Sheikhan is being represented by none other the famous poker attorney David Chesnoff who being known when he represented and won the case for Bruce Crispin Leyser against Jamie Gold winner of the 2006 Word Series of Poker 2006