New To Poker
May 19, 2008
Your new to online poker and you may be asking.
What is the best poker site to play on?
Who has the best poker software?
How can I learn to play hold’em poker?
What is the best poker strategy?
Where can I find the best poker books?
Can I learn poker online?
How to find six max poker hand charts?
How to bluff in a holdem game?
Is full tilt poker, pokerstars or absolute poker the best site to play on?
How can I play multiple games online?
How to play hold’em poker.
These are all questions of a new player a player just like you. I will try to help you with some of them and others you will have to experiment with. By the way you will soon find out that these are not the most important questions you can have in poker. The most important questions are usually about poker strategy and making the correct decisions.
Lets get to the first one.
What is the best poker site to play on?
This is sort of an individual thing. My suggestions however will give you an some idea on what I look for and many sites just do not qualify. The best sites are usually the biggest poker sites. The reason for this is due to the the stability of software, the number of games, the number of opponents and last but no least is that the big sites have to somehow protect the integrity of the game.
One of the other features you may wish to look at are the graphics suitablility and the speed of the software. Some software just holds up in certain computers. But most big sites have corrected this problem. I also look for sites that also have some type of pros giving some type of lessons. This is very important when you begin to learn how to play poker. Join a site and learn at the same time.
The last thing I look at is the deposit bonus usually on the opening page of the website. There are various deposit bonuses but one of the best is a 100 deposit bonus of $600. Once you make a deposit of they will match your deposit. This amount will be added to your balance as you play. It will help during the learning curve of first using the software and also give you credit to use in the actual play of the game.
Who has the best poker software?
Most sites have great software. I do not consider one better over the other. But you may have to try a few sites just to find which online site you wish to play on.
How can I learn to play Hold’em Poker.
As I have discussed before poker is a simple investment game with each card and turn of cards offering a risk reward ratio. If you happen to invest good you will make money if you do not you will lose money. I have given some lessons on this site and have also included a forum for your review. You can go thru the forum and look at various strategy. The biggest way to learn is to go to a site such as full tilt or pokerstars and read their online pros articles about the game. The second method is to buy a book from the local bookstore or borrow a book from the local library. You can also find a lot of data online about how to play. I however suggest you first look at the tips and lessons on this site first.
Can I learn online poker?
Just about anyone with an average IQ can learn to play online poker. I have seen average people learn the game and be big winners. I have also seen the smartest of people play like fools when it comes to hold’em poker. I know two heart doctors with huge IQs not be able to play a lick of poker. Each player seems to have either and attribute to be able to learn the game or they just don’t have what it takes to learn. But most players that work at the game can make money in the game. One last caveat to this is that the math of the game seems to be a no higher than grad 7 level. Whether you will will make millions at the game or be a loser at the game will be up to you to learn the nuances of the poker game.
How to find six max poker hand charts?
I have included a 6 handed chart on this site. But many other charts are online. I suggest however you use my guideline as a starter and build your own strategy. But there are many good charts online and you can check them out. I first suggest you get the feel for the game buy signing up and getting involved in a free game just to get the feel of the game.
How to bluff in a holdem game?
You to will have to be able to bluff when you first learn to play poker. Players that cannot bluff are easy to read. I suggest you think of a possible hand that matches with the board and then I suggest you play the game like you have that hand. For example if there are three flush cards on the board. Play the hand like you have the flush. Or if the board is paired, play the game like you have trips of a full house. This is the jest of bluffing and you have to start early to learn how bluff properly.
Is Full Tilt, Poker Stars or Absolute Poker the best poker site to play on?
Like I said before each site has its own feel. It will be up to you to decide which site will suit you. I suggest you download the site and look at the software and decide which site feels right for you. You have to decide this for yourself especially if you plan to play for hours. I can tell you which one I prefer but like I said each person has his own preferences. My plan is to help you along you way.
How can I play multiple poker games online?
You can play more than one game online at a time. Yes it is easy. Just open more than one game and put it on your screen. At the top of the games usually there will be some type of tiling system where the games will adjust to your computer screen. Many players like to play two games as the game seems to go at a speed that keeps their mind occupied. Many players will play six to eight games. This is not easy and takes time to learn how to play that many games. First start with one game concentrate then ad a second holdem and then so on and so forth. Go until you feel you cannot keep up with the games and seem to be losing track of the players. Some players can play up to twenty games and win.
How to play Holdem Poker?
Ah!!! This is the question of all time. Holdem poker although very simple in nature is very complicated based on the individual opponent. The game like watching Roger Federer in tennis seems simple but has taken many thousands of shots to perfect. Each opponent has to be adjusted too. So in other words I am saying that there is no set strategy to win at the game. There are standard average plays that all people make but there are plays you have to test on your own that will work against a certain type of opponent. If you think there is a cookie cutter approach to the game then you will fall behind other players. Players play aggressive and win, players play tight and win and players play loose and win. This is what makes the game of holdem poker so fun and great and has now become the American Past time which is also becoming a world wide past time.
No More Boring Poker Forums
May 7, 2008
It looks like Poker Strategy Forums has just gone over top with its new Poker Forum. We now add it to this web site as its official forum. Features that are included in the site are for players to talk to each other while they write about their favorite topics on Skype and various other chat rooms. The site also has a TV and Radio Section. I love this when I am playing online Poker. The site launched only last month has been gaining in popularity an players all over the world seem to be joining at an alarming pace. My understanding after talking to the owner is that their are many more things on the way. So players look out and keep an eye on this one.
I know he is personally open to any suggestions you have and has one of the best web programmers on his staff. So he can make any changes to the page that you may entertain. He suggests players just keep having fun while posting. The site contains sections for online chat, hand histories, sit and go’s, multi table, videos and much more. The site even holds its own poker events.
Absolute Poker Novel Idea
May 7, 2008
Absolute Poker has come up with a novel idea. Now you can assissnate your way into the World Series of Poker. Every opponent you kill off you get to keep some of the money and some of the money goes into the main prize pool for the event. According to the Absolute Poker web site it will take risky situations, right decisions, a little meditation and intense competition to make to the World Series. Every week Absolute will post on their site the top 10 assissins. We suggest you take a look at this novel way to try to get into the World Series of Poker. I have put the opening page up for your review. As always click on the logo to check it out yourself. 
Poker Forum
May 7, 2008
Interview with a Champion
May 6, 2008
Ed Hattori winner of the Conrad Open in Punte del Este Uraguay. He was the winner of the largest South American poker event. I was pleased to have the luxury of getting this interview.
Why do you go to South America to play poker?
I studied Spanish in school and wanted a chance to practice
it and to hear it daily. Came into poker by accident by being
in Paraguay on a tour and the local casino had a mini-tournament
for only $5 satellites and got hooked.
So How long have you played poker?
Only 2 yrs. Started in the old casino ‘Yacht’ in
Paraguay
How did you get into the big event?
I won a mini-tournament at Mantra casino in Uruguay for $3,000 and
took a ‘shot’ at the big money.
What did you think about the competition at the event?
Players like to gamble. Risk taking is necessary.
Did you have any big hands that changed the competition for
you during the tournament.
Yes, 2 big, big hands. On bubble(2) final 2 tables a solid player from Argentina
moved-in. The blinds were high and I needed to gamble with A-Qoff. He had
A-K and on the flop I paired my Queen and it was over for him. This hand
took me into the final table. And the last hand of the tournament ,again I
had to break A-K. Marcello from Brazil(another solid player) moved-in with A-K.
I only had A-4 suited but it’s a big hand heads-up.
I paired the ‘4’ on the turn and the A-K did not improve.
How did it feel to win?
First feeling was both joy and sorrow. I had to ‘suck-out’ against a very
good player. He had to come from behind to make the final 20.
It was a long 2 days. About 35 blind levels!
What have you been doing since your big win at the Conrad?
I am getting ready for the World Series of Poker and playing in many
mini-tournaments to get ready for the tough grind. Also playing in as
many online and live tournaments.
What do you think about the Casino and the poker tournaments
held there?
The casino is run by Harrah’s and the staff are very well trained. Very
professional. Great food and buffet with fast drink service. The rooms
are great with special room rated for players. Simply one of the
best Casino’s in South America.
What do you think of the Brazilian Players?
Aggressive, dangerous and big risk takers. This is good for tournaments.
The final table had 5 players from Brazil.
Where do you plan to play events in South America this year
and let me know some of the events you have competed in up to
now?
I think I’ll stick with Conrad and Mantra. Uruguay has the
best tournaments. Also in Corrientes Argentina and in Paraguay.
What are you plans for the future?
. Can you believe this?
I’ve never played poker in Las Vegas!!
I like to give the WSOP Seniors Event a try for $1,000 entry fee
and maybe a satellite. The Seniors Event is the 2nd biggest in the
world next to the Main Event. Last year 2007 they had 1,800 players.
This year they are expecting at least 2,200.
How has your game progressed?
I like to study books by David Sklansky. His tournament book is the best.
After the Conrad win my game moved up a level. Final table pressure.
What are you working on right now?
I like ‘Omaha’ poker and also the ‘hi-lo’ games. But it takes time to
be a well rounded player. Also Omaha is not a popular game outside
of Europe.
What advice would you give new Brazilians about the game?
Play in many ‘live’ tournaments. Online is great as well. The rule
Play better players if you want to get better.
How important is it to start with an edge in any game?
This is difficult for the beginner. Play in many mini tournaments
and get experience.
What do you enjoy most about playing poker in South
America?
I enjoy playing with the top players in Uruguay and Paraguay
there is a point system in both countries and I can see how
the best play and sometimes learn from them.
Closing thoughts.
South America has many good players in Paraguay, Argentina
Brazil and Uruguay so I hope one of these players can win
in Dec. 2008.
World Series of Poker
May 1, 2008
The World Series of Poker is less then one month away. If you are not willing to buy into the even you will have to try to win into the tournament online. Various sites are holding free roll events are small buy in events for players that just do not like to put up the $10000 to enter the event. Players from Brazil are trying to qualify as are many others. When playing tournaments for qualification to the World Series of Poker you must know how many seats are being given away. One of the biggest mistakes for many players is that they get close to qualifying with enough chips to qualify and getting knocked because they play the hand that they do not need to play. You must concentrate and calculate the short stacks at all times when getting close to the money. If you see you have ten times big blinds and you see another player only having five times the big blind you must sit and wait for him to play. You can wait him out do not let him wait you out. Make him make a play before you make a play unless you have a very big hand. The antes will cause him to play and you should let it happen. Lets say you have five short stack like this and you only need two to get eliminated before you get into the money. Let them play and probably one or both will be gone before you have to play. One other thing that you have to remember when playing tournaments with thousands of players. You must get the chips whether and a lot of these chips will be made by bluffing. Hardly any tournament is won without stealing some players money. Watch close who is capable of laying down hands and does not play the blind enough and then steal these players chips. Players that defend to much should be avoided unless you have a premium hand. Remember in Hold’em poker there is really no set strategy especially when playing no limit and in a tournament setting. Players will be stealing from early or late and you should do the same and watch for pots that are just up for grabs especially pots that have been checked twice. Pots that are also scary and hard to hit are another opportunity to steal for example when K84 flops this is a missing hand the opponent either hit or missed the flop. Bet at it if you get any resistance give up. If he does not resist you win the pot. He must hit the hand because their are just not many draws. For people the want to know the World Series of Poker will be held on May 29 2008 at: Rio Hotel Casino 3700 West Flamingo Road Las Vegas, NV US 800-752-9746 Full Tilt Poker has currently given 202 seats into the event. With many more being given by the start date of the event. Check out all the different ways you can get into the event by clicking on the logo and going to the Full Tilt Poker home page. 
