I preface this by saying kudos to the Ottawa Senators, I am still licking my wounds from last night. But as Dan Aykroyd so aptly said in the film classic Tommy Boy, savor the flavor cuz it's not gonna happen again. Now on with the show
Online poker, as well as the hole cam, has revolutionized the game of poker. It has made poker accessible to so many wannabe players and has been used to speed up the maturity of poker players around the globe. Primarily now in the United States, there is no cash poker since Congress poked their nose into the homes of Americans again and banned payouts for online gaming. But I digress. What makes online poker such a good teaching tool? Simple, you can see so many more hands playing online than you can in a live game. Most sites, including my favorite Ultimatebet.net and Partypoker.net allow you to keep stats on your own play including % of hands played, showdowns won, Flops and turns seen and % wins of each. These sites also allow you to keep notes on game play for your opponents, helping you to track and see betting patterns, thus sharpening these skills for live games. The fact that the pot is also enumerated on the screen is a very helpful teaching tool in calculating pot odds, which is another essential skill for beginners to the game.
The drawbacks to playing online poker, especially with "play money" are great. With some players, it is virtually impossible to get people off of hands (as it is in some home games). It is also hard to gauge hands preflop because online players almost always see a lot of flops, regardless of the cost. You have to find the happy medium and play your game and try to get in with the best of it, but that does wear on you after a while. My best advice is play tournaments where there is a prize to work towards and hope that the players aren't the types to run with J-6 offsuit (once again, as in some home games). Try to hone your skills and get in with the best of it, just as you would in any live game.
Most online sites are now awarding point prizes now since the ban has occurred. There are multi level tournaments on almost every site now to win trips, seats at large tournaments (such as the WPT and WSOP) and even some that will stake you for a year to play poker professionally. Since the ban on the cash payouts, online sites have learned to adapt and thrive. There is no risk involved in joining an online site and the rewards can be great, so download, create your username, sit down and learn. Just stay out of coachsassy's way!
Any nice poker sites to suggest, send it to the heronegreanu mailbag at sassypoker@gmail.com
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
The Phenomenom Rages On
Who would have thought that an obscure game that was played in dark alley hideaways in the dust bowl of Texas would have exploded into one of the most popular spectator "sports" in the world. Texas Hold'em has captured the imagination of the masses and made every casual poker player into a virtual expert at the game. How did this happen, how did our hero become part of the vocabulary of the everyday watcher of ESPN ? How did Doyle Brunson become a legend in his own time and why is it that seemingly every rockstar, movie star and athlete aspires to be the next Phil Ivey? The answer is simple-the Hole Cam.
The hole cam has made it possible for everyone watching at home get a glimpse into strategy in game play and theory that was once unheard of. This definitely puts the top players into a bit of a quandary, they don't want to reveal too much of their style, because now they can be scouted just like the Jets in week 3 against the Colts, but without the cam-the monies available for them to accumulate would be decreased 50 fold. So how do players avoid being victims of their own fame? That's an easy question, they become public figures, they become friendly to the masses, they become less threatening in the eyes of those that they may see sitting across from them at the Main Event of the World Series of Poker. Then the situation is wow, that is Daniel Negreanu-I see him on TV all the time, he's a real nice guy, instead of how can I take down the best poker player in the world? Even with the hole cam and the influx of players in the game because of it, the best players in the world are still the best players in the world. Granted, we are seeing young guns like David Williams storm the scene, but those are few and far between. Johnny Chan, Doyle Brunson, Daniel Negreanu, Allen Cunningham, Phil Hellmuth, Howard Lederer, Erik Seidel and the likes are still the dominating faces of the game and will be for some time to come.
So what's the best path for the amateur looking to become Erick Lindgren? I wish I knew, I wouldn't be typing this drivel right now. My advice would be to watch, read and learn, but do not think it can be done overnight-just ask Rob Mariano aka Boston Rob (of Survivor and Amazing Race fame) he tried to take the lessons of our hero and make it in Vegas, but from what has been shared thus far, is much more interested in becoming a quick pro, not a solid pro.
I will take the path that comes in front of me, I have no expectations, but you will all be privy to the journey.
As for the phenomenon, it does rage on, how do I know that the train will not screech to a halt anytime soon? Take a minute and do a search on your TIVO or digital cable box in your living room and do a keyword search for poker, I did it and had over 600 programs pop up for the next 14 days-that train is not stopping, and I believe that we have not peaked yet. So if you're trying to make it, keep your head up and look out for those check raises.
The hole cam has made it possible for everyone watching at home get a glimpse into strategy in game play and theory that was once unheard of. This definitely puts the top players into a bit of a quandary, they don't want to reveal too much of their style, because now they can be scouted just like the Jets in week 3 against the Colts, but without the cam-the monies available for them to accumulate would be decreased 50 fold. So how do players avoid being victims of their own fame? That's an easy question, they become public figures, they become friendly to the masses, they become less threatening in the eyes of those that they may see sitting across from them at the Main Event of the World Series of Poker. Then the situation is wow, that is Daniel Negreanu-I see him on TV all the time, he's a real nice guy, instead of how can I take down the best poker player in the world? Even with the hole cam and the influx of players in the game because of it, the best players in the world are still the best players in the world. Granted, we are seeing young guns like David Williams storm the scene, but those are few and far between. Johnny Chan, Doyle Brunson, Daniel Negreanu, Allen Cunningham, Phil Hellmuth, Howard Lederer, Erik Seidel and the likes are still the dominating faces of the game and will be for some time to come.
So what's the best path for the amateur looking to become Erick Lindgren? I wish I knew, I wouldn't be typing this drivel right now. My advice would be to watch, read and learn, but do not think it can be done overnight-just ask Rob Mariano aka Boston Rob (of Survivor and Amazing Race fame) he tried to take the lessons of our hero and make it in Vegas, but from what has been shared thus far, is much more interested in becoming a quick pro, not a solid pro.
I will take the path that comes in front of me, I have no expectations, but you will all be privy to the journey.
As for the phenomenon, it does rage on, how do I know that the train will not screech to a halt anytime soon? Take a minute and do a search on your TIVO or digital cable box in your living room and do a keyword search for poker, I did it and had over 600 programs pop up for the next 14 days-that train is not stopping, and I believe that we have not peaked yet. So if you're trying to make it, keep your head up and look out for those check raises.
Monday, April 9, 2007
Heads Up!
Maybe the purest form of poker, heads up. Some are intimidated, some relish the opportunity. Having played heads up many times, I have to say that I have mixed feelings. Be aggressive, B-E A-G-G-R-E-S-S-I-V-E, as the cute cheerleaders would say. It fits my style, I know that I do enjoy the game within the game and heads up gives me the opportunity to play some mind games, but you have to watch your step. Get involved with a gambler and your heads up match could end quickly.
Many online poker sites have heads up matches that you can get some major practice, seeing a lot of hands in a short amount of time and honing your skills. What a lot of people don't realize is that even when there are 8 or 9 rounders at a table, most time you are playing heads up, and it behooves the players that want to improve to get as much heads up play in as possible.
NBC is now airing the National Heads Up Poker Championships on Sunday afternoons, for a different look at how the best players in the world approach the heads up game, it's a good watch. In 2005, the great Phil Hellmuth took the title over Chris "Jesus" Ferguson, and in 2006 "Jesus" fell once again, this time to Ted Forrest, universally recognized as one of the best poker players in the world. What can this tell us? Simply that the most talented poker players in the world excel in the heads up game, so a quick tip. Want to become a better poker player? Let's play heads up!
Many online poker sites have heads up matches that you can get some major practice, seeing a lot of hands in a short amount of time and honing your skills. What a lot of people don't realize is that even when there are 8 or 9 rounders at a table, most time you are playing heads up, and it behooves the players that want to improve to get as much heads up play in as possible.
NBC is now airing the National Heads Up Poker Championships on Sunday afternoons, for a different look at how the best players in the world approach the heads up game, it's a good watch. In 2005, the great Phil Hellmuth took the title over Chris "Jesus" Ferguson, and in 2006 "Jesus" fell once again, this time to Ted Forrest, universally recognized as one of the best poker players in the world. What can this tell us? Simply that the most talented poker players in the world excel in the heads up game, so a quick tip. Want to become a better poker player? Let's play heads up!
Saturday, April 7, 2007
Feelin' "The Mouth"
Have you ever tried to play poker with someone that has no idea? Have you ever smiled at someone that just caught a gutter that they had no business chasing and said, "nice hand dude". Well I just went through it over and over and over again less than 12 hours ago.
Now I know why Mike Matusow blows up, I know why some poker pros hate playing against the young amateurs. Now I'm not saying that my game is anywhere near that of Mike Matusow or our Hero, or Phil Ivey or even Jamie Gold for that matter, but geez, there has to be a limit to the stupidity that can be tolerated at a poker table. So I am coming up with a few rules off the top of my head that I will try my best to adhere to in upcoming games.
1. Anyone that is making "what the hell" calls a half hour into a poker game should be banned.
2. Anyone that is too intoxicated to shuffle or deal cards in a self deal game should be banned.
3. Anyone who spills a beer onto a poker table when he is reaching for his hole cards should be banned.
4. Anyone who justifies chasing a gutter after 2 post flop bets by saying "well I had to run with my 5-6 off suit" should be banned.
5. Anyone who thinks that calling down someone with King high is a wise play, especially when there's an ace on the board should be banned.
Now how will I try to adhere to these rules? Simple, if I hear of anyone that is supposed to be playing in a game that I am invited to, and is a perpetrator of any of the above listed behaviors, I will take the night off. I will not invite anyone to my home to play poker that has exhibited the above mentioned behaviors. I will not politely smile and say "nice hand dude" to anyone who commits any of the above poker felonies any longer, they will be berated by myself, mercilessly. I PROMISE.
Now I know why Mike Matusow blows up, I know why some poker pros hate playing against the young amateurs. Now I'm not saying that my game is anywhere near that of Mike Matusow or our Hero, or Phil Ivey or even Jamie Gold for that matter, but geez, there has to be a limit to the stupidity that can be tolerated at a poker table. So I am coming up with a few rules off the top of my head that I will try my best to adhere to in upcoming games.
1. Anyone that is making "what the hell" calls a half hour into a poker game should be banned.
2. Anyone that is too intoxicated to shuffle or deal cards in a self deal game should be banned.
3. Anyone who spills a beer onto a poker table when he is reaching for his hole cards should be banned.
4. Anyone who justifies chasing a gutter after 2 post flop bets by saying "well I had to run with my 5-6 off suit" should be banned.
5. Anyone who thinks that calling down someone with King high is a wise play, especially when there's an ace on the board should be banned.
Now how will I try to adhere to these rules? Simple, if I hear of anyone that is supposed to be playing in a game that I am invited to, and is a perpetrator of any of the above listed behaviors, I will take the night off. I will not invite anyone to my home to play poker that has exhibited the above mentioned behaviors. I will not politely smile and say "nice hand dude" to anyone who commits any of the above poker felonies any longer, they will be berated by myself, mercilessly. I PROMISE.
Friday, April 6, 2007
High Stakes Poker
High Stakes Poker on GSN is the #1 poker on TV to watch to learn how to play, bar none. Why you ask? I believe that J-Dags said it best in an interview during the 4/2/07 episode when he stated that it's not like Tournament Poker where you can shove all of your chips in, force a call and HOPE that your hand stands up in a showdown.
HSP allows you to see some pre-flop strategy, especially betting patterns with all sorts of hands, limp with a monster, hope for a raise and pounce on the poor sucker ( that's what I love to do), or raise with garbage, get a caller with an obviously better hand, hit a monster flop and felt the guy as he asks for a marker, you see it all. From Jesus Ferguson playing as tight as a 17 year old virgin, or Sammy Farha playing as loose as a trick turner from Liberty Ave.
Our hero, Daniel Negreanu, is the best example of how to vary your game when the situation calls for it. In a lot of situations, he'll play almost any hand, but when there was $4.5M on the table, he was looking for the monster to double up. We've seen him hit big with 10-7 off, we've seen him flop quads, and we've seen him bluff a pair of Q's when an ace hit the board. We can all learn from our hero.
Watch and take notes from High Stakes Poker every Monday night 0n GSN, I know I will, so watch out for the big bluff.
HSP allows you to see some pre-flop strategy, especially betting patterns with all sorts of hands, limp with a monster, hope for a raise and pounce on the poor sucker ( that's what I love to do), or raise with garbage, get a caller with an obviously better hand, hit a monster flop and felt the guy as he asks for a marker, you see it all. From Jesus Ferguson playing as tight as a 17 year old virgin, or Sammy Farha playing as loose as a trick turner from Liberty Ave.
Our hero, Daniel Negreanu, is the best example of how to vary your game when the situation calls for it. In a lot of situations, he'll play almost any hand, but when there was $4.5M on the table, he was looking for the monster to double up. We've seen him hit big with 10-7 off, we've seen him flop quads, and we've seen him bluff a pair of Q's when an ace hit the board. We can all learn from our hero.
Watch and take notes from High Stakes Poker every Monday night 0n GSN, I know I will, so watch out for the big bluff.
Welcome to Hero Negreanu
Poker is life, poker is life, poker is life. I wish I could make my living playing this game that has consumed me over the last couple of years, maybe down the road, but on with the credits first. I would like to thank Dave "Sinsei" Miller for teaching me the game and for all the advice over the past 3 years, it must be good to the be the king.
Thanks to all the boys in the 'hood that play regularly in the home games, and let me take your monies, I know, I know you're all getting better, but I enjoy "stealing" every once in a while.
Thanks to the wifey for letting me get out of the house and have some fun, without your love and ear listening to the bad beat stories, I wouldn't be so well behaved at the table. And finally thanks to all of my math teachers through the years for giving me the skill of calculating odds, I couldn't have done it without you.
Thanks to all the boys in the 'hood that play regularly in the home games, and let me take your monies, I know, I know you're all getting better, but I enjoy "stealing" every once in a while.
Thanks to the wifey for letting me get out of the house and have some fun, without your love and ear listening to the bad beat stories, I wouldn't be so well behaved at the table. And finally thanks to all of my math teachers through the years for giving me the skill of calculating odds, I couldn't have done it without you.
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