Archive for May, 2006

Online Poker FAQ

Wednesday, May 31st, 2006

Online poker has become incredibly popular over the past several years and it looks as if it will continue to do so. However, despite its worldwide popularity there are a lot of questions people have about online poker and would like to know the answers before they start betting their hard earned money online. Fortunately, there are answers to these questions. Just continue to read and you should find the answer to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding online poker and gambling on the Internet.

FAQ #1 What is Online Poker? First and foremost, individuals are unsure what online poker actually is. Basically, online poker is just like playing poker with your friends or at a casino and the cards are dealt automatically by the computer. This means no dealer mistakes! You must download software from a gambling site to play online poker and most of them have the appearance of a virtual room of gamblers playing poker. Each person’s screen name is denoted on their seat or at the table. So, it is as if you are playing with a group of friends, but on your computer screen. You can also place bets and pay in or receive payments through a variety of payment options available.

FAQ#2 Is online poker safe? People distrust the Internet and don’t like giving a website their banking information or other personal information due to the high increase in identity theft and other similar crimes. However, the majority of online poker sites are incredibly safe and use the same type of security software that online banks use. As a result, if you feel comfortable banking online, managing your stocks, or shopping on your favorite website, then playing poker online won’t prove any riskier and your information won’t be at risk.

FAQ #3 How do you know if a site is legitimate? There are many online poker sites out there and while many of them are legitimate and will pay out as they claim, there are always a few cheaters in the mix that simply want to take your money. So, like anything, take caution and pay attention to the site you are considering gambling with. Look for security measures, seals from Internet organizations, or Visa verified, things of that nature. Also, check out the years of operation, amount of players, and read the internet for a variety of reviews about the website. Any website that has been around for a while, is a member of Internet organizations, and provides strong security measures is safe to play. Others that do not should be avoided.

FAQ #4 Is online gambling legal? Online gambling is neither legal or illegal, so to speak. This also depends on where you live, but in general gambling online has no precedent in the United States that says it is illegal. However, there are no gambling websites registered in the United States either. So, gambling online is up to you and you should realize that technology is way ahead of legislation, but if you hear about any laws being worked out regarding the illegality of poker online you might consider clearing out your account instead of getting caught up in a bad situation. However, at the moment, millions of Americans play online every day and there are no laws as such at the moment that prove online gambling is illegal.

FAQ #5 How do I receive my winnings? A favorite question regarding online poker is how an individual collects their winnings. Typically, when signing up each player must choose payment options. This means ways to pay money in and a way to receive winnings. Many times it is through a bank account or an intermediary. Options like PayPal, American Express and the like do not work with online poker sites in case the sites turn out to be illegal and they are fined with aiding and abetting fines. Each website pays out at a different rate, so make sure you read about that before signing up with a particular gambling site.

FAQ #6 What if something goes wrong? Since you are playing online in real time you can expect that at some point something will go wrong. This might be with your computer, the server, the website, or any number of things. The best thing to do is immediately contact customer service and they will help you solve whatever problem to the best of their ability.

FAQ #7 Is it easy to cheat? Cheating at anything is possible if you are determined to do it, even online poker. However, for those individuals who choose to collude they are risking being found out. The reason for this is online gambling websites have high tech tracking software that keeps up with each player and every game they have ever played, as well as all the other players in the room. So, if you believe a player is guilty of collusion and you report them then an investigation will take place to figure it out.

There are many questions that individuals want to know before they begin playing their first online hand of poker, however these are a few of the more popular ones. If you have any questions about online poker or gambling then make sure you know the answers before playing. A great resource is the gambling website you are interested in as all information will be laid out for your perusal and you can decide if the gambling website meets your standards or not. Regardless, once you have found a good online poker site simply enjoy playing the game you love at any time of the day or night.

Blacklisted and Rogue Casinos

Tuesday, May 30th, 2006

As of late we have seen one well known Online Casino and Poker Room gain themselves quite an unfavorable reputation amongst the online gambling webmasters. This once reputable Online Casino and Poker Room now ranks number 1 on the internet for Blacklisted Casinos and Rogue Casinos.

When an Online Casino or Poker Room allows not only themselves but also their affiliates to participate in illegal activities on the internet their reputation then becomes questionable. This Online Casino and Poker Room has lost popularity of having an Alexa.com ranking of around 300 to a ranking of over 4800 all within a period of six weeks.

This once reputable Online Casino and Poker Room has no intention at this time of stopping their affiliates or themselves from conducting illegal activities. These illegal activities range from stealing other online gambling webmasters content to spamming which is totally illegal on the internet.

I had once thought to be an affiliate with them, but I will not be affiliated with a Casino Affiliate program that refuses to deal with problems that are not only illegal but also unethical. This once prestigious Online Casino and Poker Room doesn’t even have a policy on spamming or other illicit activities.

When I have came across their spamming on the internet, this is when I become quite concerned about the damage they are doing not only to their reputation but also to the reputability of online gambling on a whole. They have totally disregarded what is happening in the United States with the Internet Gambling Prohibition Act and the effect if passed it will have on the online gambling industry as a whole.

What also bothers me is the spamming they allow is also hurting those online gambling webmasters who have worked hard with their websites to get a first page ranking with the search engines. When I see their affiliate websites come up for search terms that are not relevant at all to their websites it definitely bothers me.

Redirects also is something I found which was happening with one of their affiliates, not even to have the supposed website domain open first without redirecting to their affiliate webpage. Rather unscrupulous practice to have a website with eighteen pages with no information to all redirect to the same affiliate website. This affiliate had six different websites that all redirected the same way and had first page ranking with the Search Engines.

For all of these activities this Online Casino and Poker Room have allowed their affiliates and themselves to do have ended up with them being the Number 1 Blacklisted and Rogue Casino on the internet. This is not their only problem or dilemma they have to face, they will also have to deal with their shareholders at one point as they are publicly traded on the London Stock Exchange.

Overall I believe that we all create our own dilemma in life and it is definite that this Online Casino and Poker Room has done that to themselves. When big corporations like this believe they are above playing by the rules of the internet they better think different, they are not. Whether you are a small business or a big corporation on the internet, we all have to play by the same set of rules and regulations.

If this Online Casino and Poker Room fails to do something about their actions or the actions of their affiliates, circumstances are only to deteriorate more for them. Until they become responsible, they will remain as the Number 1 Blacklisted and Rogue Casino on the internet.

Best Poker Cardrooms

Monday, May 29th, 2006

If you are ready to start playing poker online you may find that there are many sites that will try to get you to choose their site. Usually, most people will only want to take the time to play in one of the best poker cardrooms at a time. You will find the very best poker cardrooms will have many games available for you to play including Omaha, Holdem Poker, and even 7-Card Stud. You may also find that some of the best poker cardrooms also have free membership as well.

Another thing you will find in the best poker cardrooms is instructions to help those that are just starting out playing poker. Often rooms will allow players to practice in free rooms before they join rooms that play for money. The best poker cardrooms also have a variety of tournaments for their players as well. These tournaments are excellent opportunities to play for large pots of money and you can win in a variety of different ways as well.

Excellent customer service is another trait that you will find in the best poker cardrooms. The best rooms will have customer service that is available to you at all times. Not only will customer service provide helpful assistance but many rooms will offer customer incentives that give extra prizes and at times even free rolls to their players.

Online poker can be great fun, especially if you find the best poker cardrooms to play in. There is no longer any need to have to drive to a casino when you can play poker from the comfort of your home. Why not get started today and see what the best poker cardrooms have to offer you?

Poker Table Position

Sunday, May 28th, 2006

Poker seating and the position one has at the table is one of the most important and least talked about aspects of poker. It’s especially relative to the Texas Hold’Em poker game because it is positional in nature. Where a player sits each hand determines the amount of information he or she can gain on other players. This can have a big effect on your poker strategy and how a hand is played. This article will reference how to play poker from a table of 10 players and discuss playing from the dealer, early, middle and late positions.

Dealer Position — This position, also referred to as “on the button”, is the most coveted because once the flop takes place, the dealer is the last to act. This means you can watch and gather information on all the other players before making your decision. Aggressive play is expected from this position, especially when all others have checked. Almost any hand except trash hands like 9 2, 10 4 offsuit can be considered for play here.

For example, your opponent has Jc, Jh. You have Qd, Kd and are the dealer. Your opponent raised $20 before the flop and you called. The flop shows 2d, 3d, 5d. You both check the flop and the turn shows 8c. Your opponent checks, you raise $20 and they call. On the river the Js comes up and your opponent raises $50. From watching you figure they may have trips. You raise to $100, they call and you win with a King high flush. Had you been in your opponents position of having to bet first, you would have been hard pressed to figure what the dealer had.

Early Position — This is made up of positions 1, 2 and 3 to the left of the dealer and are the least advantageous as you are the first to act after the flop and have no information on the other players. Here one should play only the strongest hands like paired A’s, K’s, Q’s, J’s, Tens, or suited AK, AQ, AJ and KQ. Anything outside of these one should consider folding and waiting for a better opportunity, especially with an aggressive table. One thing that can be done from an early position is bluffing. Betting from an early position can imply that you do have a strong hand, but bluffing too often will result in others picking up on it and can be disastrous, particularly when aggressive bettors are at the table.

Middle Position — Positions for the middle are 4th, 5th and 6th to the left of the dealer. Because the disadvantage is not as great as with the early position, you have greater flexibility to play more hands. Hands like paired 5’s thru 9’s, suited connectors from 5 6 on up, unsuited connectors 5 6, 6 7, on up. There are more hands that can be played but this covers the majority that can be easily remembered. Being in the middle, it is better to raise than call if no one is in the pot, if you have a playable hand and you feel some players will fold.

Late Position — The 7th, 8th and 9th seats at the table to the left of the dealer make up the late position. Here you are in an excellent seating area of the table. You can gather a great amount of information about the players and their hands. In these positions, one should be aggressive if not many have entered the pot. If there are a lot of players, scale back the aggressive play unless you have the type of superior hand as discussed in the early position. Another advantage of the late position is that you can easily play cards like 5 8, J 7, Q 8. For example, supposing you have 5 8 in the late position and the flop is 2 6 7 unsuited and everyone else checks. Raising at a non-aggressive table would be the correct thing to do as it gives you a chance to gain control of the pot as well as keeping other raises in check from those who would try to steal the pot. But remember, it is not a license to play trash hands.

Poker seating is an advanced player concept, but the basics are simple enough for anyone to remember and take advantage of when the opportunity does present itself. Good luck!

Strategies and Tactics in Poker, Does It Matter

Saturday, May 27th, 2006

Not understanding strategy and tactics can be a major flaw in your poker game. Knowing them can even help you in understanding articles and poker books that teach you how the games are played.

Playing poker as a string of tactically optimal plays does not generally lead to an optimal strategy. However, an optimal playing strategy will lead to optimal playing tactics.

Strategy is about the big picture. An optimal strategy is one that maximizes your expected playing result over the long term. Think of strategies as things that have to be in place before you even set down at the playing table. Here are the basics: Bankroll, Playing Limit Selection, Game Table Selection, and Seat Selection.

Here are 2 examples:

1 - Have you heard, Scared money can’t win at poker? That’s bankroll. Buy in for twice the normal amount. Your comfort level will be better and this will help you play better. Other players will see you are serious and will attack you less because they will not think you’re scared.

If you selection a $4/$8 limit game and only have $100 for the buy-in; normally $400, it’s is almost impossible to play correct tactically. With this bankroll, play in a $1/$2 game.

2 - If you select a game with a lot of very tight players no amount of tactical superiority will win as much money as you would win by play at a table full of loose players. Ask the floor manager at the casino for a table change. Move to a new table online easily.

Tactics are about the individual decisions you make at the table. An optimal tactic is one that maximizes the expected result of the particular situation. Here are the basic tactics: Calling, Checking, Betting, raising, check raising, Slowplaying, semi-bluff, and bluffing.

Here are 2 examples:

1 - You bought into a $4/$8 limit holdem game for $800. You are the first player to act in a hand and you have Pocket Aces! The correct tactical play is to Raise. An easy and comfort play to make because of your buy-in strategy.

2 - You bought into a $3/$6 limit holdem game for $600. You are the last player to act[ on the button ]. Your pocket cards are Jack and Ten of Spades. The flop is K of spades, Q of spades and three of clubs. 5 players check before you then you bet. This is a semi-bluff but tactically correct. You have an open-ended Royal Flush, straight flush and straight draw. You are a 60% favorite to win this hand.

So, does strategies and tactics matter? Yes!

Reread poker articles and books will the knowledge that correct strategy must be in place and use correctly before you get to the table.

An Easy Introduction to a Poker Room on the Web

Friday, May 26th, 2006

Perhaps the easiest introduction to a poker room on the web is that you have access to poker, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. So when you have a hankering for a few games of Texas Hold’em or Seven Card Stud, you have a place to play – online! All you need is an internet connection and a computer and you are set.

There are a number of places on the internet to find a poker room and each one is different. When you find a poker room that you like, you will have to download the software from the poker website in order to play online. From there, if you are not quite ready to bet real money, then you just join a poker room that does not have any real betting and get some practice under your belt. Otherwise, if you are ready to gamble, you will need to create an account on the poker website and then transfer some money into it. You’re all set!

It doesn’t matter if you play cards good or bad; you will find a poker room that would best fit your skill set. If you are a newbie and need some practice and encouraging tips, you will find a poker room that best suits your needs. And if you are a whiz at cards and need a challenge, there are plenty of places online where you can satisfy competitive streak.

When it comes to a poker room online, there are countless possibilities. Therefore, you might want to focus on one certain game like Omaha Poker or find a place that offers tournaments all day long, if that is what you want. The bottom line for a poker room is that you will find what you want when you want it. That’s the power of the internet.

Nevada Casinos

Thursday, May 25th, 2006

Nevada, in particular, Las Vegas, is the first place most people think of when you mention the word “casino.” This state is known for gambling more than just about anything else. However, there is more to Nevada than gambling and the fine Nevada casinos.

The Hoover Dam, Pyramid Lake, Lake Tahoe and the vast desert spaces all add to Nevada’s pull as a tourist destination. Its capital, Carson City, is a town full of historical significance and of course, the lure of Las Vegas as a top travel destination, all add to the appeal of Nevada.

Casinos are plentiful in Nevada, with the major concentration of them being in Las Vegas. Almost all of Nevada’s casinos feature a large number of slot machines, table games, dining and entertainment options, with some more upscale than others. Nevada casinos are unmatched in terms of quality and most casinos around the world model their facilities after those found in Nevada.

Starting in Las Vegas, the higher end casinos include: The Aladdin Resort & Casino, The Bellagio, Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, The MGM Grand, Caesars Palace, The Excalibur Hotel & Casino, The Mirage, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, to name a few. These Nevada casinos all feature thousands of slots machines, hundred of table games and all of them feature special shows and entertainment options. From Broadway shows to musical performances by top artists to boxing matches, these Nevada casinos are the best of the best and are unrivaled. The Nevada casinos are visually stunning and from fountains to light shows, no expense in spared in the aesthetic affect of each one of the Nevada casinos. Up and down the Las Vegas “strip”, there are a number of smaller facilities, each devoted to helping you win and lose money. Each casino has facilities in place to pamper you, make you comfortable, and encourage you to stay longer, gamble more and spend more money.

Venturing outside of the bright lights of Las Vegas, there is a large of concentration of casinos in both Carson City and Reno.

Reno features the Atlantis Casino & Resort, Harrah’s and the Sands Regency Casino Hotel. Carson City boasts the Silver Dollar Casino and the Carson Nugget. Each of these Nevada casinos are not as large scale as those located in Las Vegas, but feature a nice mix of table games, slot machines and various amenities.

Nevada casinos are the best of the best and a casino can be found in almost any city in the state. The amenities are numerous, the stakes often high and the experience unforgettable. Finally, now and in the future, Nevada casinos will remain a popular tourist attraction.

How to Master Slot Machines

Wednesday, May 24th, 2006

We all know what it’s like to lose money on the slots, but that’s not why we go. We go because we know that feeling we get when we hit it big. We all love to win, that’s a no-brainer, but do you know how to master the slot machines and win every time? I personally thought it couldn’t be done, or maybe I couldn’t believe other people out there were making money. I was on a mission to find out the facts. I went to work and I researched everything I could. I bought book after book, looking for that secret that would give me an edge on how to master the slot machine. Many people told me it was impossible. Casinos do not lose. But, I kept searching anyway.

I finally came across a book that taught me about the inner workings of slot machines and how to manipulate your earnings. Once I gained that knowledge I already felt more prepared than ever before. Now you can learn from these three simple steps.

Step One

Maybe the most important step is learning money management, so you never have to walk away a loser again. Even your bad nights can be profitable if you know how to master the slot machines! The majority of people do not know when to walk away and that’s why even if they win big they don’t leave with a profit. Knowing when to cash in and leave separates the amateurs from the professionals.

Step Two

Have patience and be willing to take risks. Most of my friends lose money so I wouldn’t even call it a risk for them, more like an insure plan. Without patience however you’ll never be able to spot machines that are just waiting to pay out! This can be hard to do your first couple times, but as you get more skilled develop your patience and know that picking a ripe machine is worth the wait.

Step Three

You have to learn how to spot machines that are going to pay-out. I can honestly tell you there are secrets for mastering the slot machines, I’ve found them. Now you must find your resource for learning the tricks. You must take an aggressive approach to playing slots, if you’re not up walking the floor you’re wasting you time. There’s a system to watch for and you’d be surprised how many people know it! Don’t get stuck at a machine, go after the big payoff.

I will admit I was very skeptical at first; the author of the book is the best though. If you’re going to learn from anybody you should learn from the best. I discovered the difference between amateurs and professionals, and how anyone can master the slot machines! I won’t lie and say I’ve made thousands of dollars each trip to the casino but I have not lost money since reading the book. I think that’s a reward in itself. I also view winning much differently. I see a big win being in the thousands, not the hundreds! I highly recommended the book to anyone interested in learning how to master the slot machines.

Video Poker

Tuesday, May 23rd, 2006

Video poker is usually played against a machine, which displays the player’s cards on a screen. Combining elements of poker and slots, this form poker is one of the few games in the casino where you can actually have a realistic expectation of winning, as opposed to depending on the pure luck of slot machine games or roulette.

The player places a bet and the video poker machine deals five cards from a standard 52-card pack. The player then has one opportunity to hold or discard any number of unwanted cards, and is dealt an equal number of replacement cards from the deck.

After the replacement cards are dealt the winnings are calculated based on the 5-card poker hand. The payout depends on the particular type of game begin played.

There are a number of video poker variants, including: Deuces Wild, Jacks or Better and Bonus Poker.

The skill to betting the machine is knowing which cards to discard.

The aim being to the discard cards in a way that gives you the best possible chance of winning. The best strategy will change with the different payout tables. Check the payout table before deciding on your strategy, as some games require a maximum bet for you to be inline for the jackpot…

Read more: Video Poker

No Limit Holdem Tournament Tips

Monday, May 22nd, 2006

No Limit Holdem tournament strategy can be different than if you were playing in a cash game. Some people play tighter in tournament play than in cash games and some people may switch their strategy from tight to semi loose. Here are two tips that may help the amateur poker player and the more experienced player play No Limit Holdem tournament style.

Play the Bubble

In tournament play the worst position to finish in is the bubble position. The bubble is the position before you finish in the money. For example if you are playing in a tournament where there are 30 players, let’s say the top 5 positions will win some money. The bubble position would be the person who finishes in position 6. You can see why this is the wost position in which to finish the tournament.

If you play your cards right you can use this information to your advantage. Usually when the bubble position is closing in, players begin to play their cards tighter and tighter in order to avoid being put out of the tournament without any winnings. Take a good look around the table try to remember how players were playing there hands before the bubble position was approaching. If you see that a player was raising previously and now they are more conservative, you may have spotted your target.

Always turn the heat up on this type of player when possible. This type of player is more conscious of the fact that they would like to finish in the money and less likely to take a bunch of risk. If this player bets than you raise them. If this player raises then you re-raise them and if they are in the blinds, almost always raise their blinds. When put to the test this type of person will most likely play conservatively and wait for absolutely excellent quality hands.

Easy On the All Ins

As an experienced poker player there is nothing more annoying then sitting at a table when another player is constantly using the all in call. No Limit Holdem has become famous for this call but it is to be used for strategic means and not to be over used as a crutch. When someone does this constantly, it is like sitting there with a shirt on that reads “Amateur Poker Player. Take my money please.”

Besides an experienced poker player is going to pick up on your tendencies and it wont take long for them to figure out when the all in call is coming and bait you into using it at the wrong time. An experience player is able to see this a pick a person apart. So use the all in call sparingly and for strategy and do not abuse it.