I can’t help it. Strip poker fascinates me. I’d rather play for money than watch a load of guys strip every time I flop the nuts but I thought it was worth a bit of investigating! I decided to use trusty Google to have a look at the status of strip poker online and - unsurprisingly enough - there’s a whole heap of stuff out there!
The fact that you would even want to play online amuses me greatly. And how exactly does it work? Would you actually remove your clothes in the comfort of your own living room when you lost? I doubt it. I guess it’s a just chance to ogle some of the opposite sex in next to nothing (if you’re good that is) but surely the cash is more satisfying? But how desperate is that? Ha ha!
I have visions of old grannies with their hair in curlers lusting after some taut muscled men getting their kit off every time the old dear cops it on the river. And it’s not a nice vision - so I’ve shared it with you. They say a problem shared is a problem halved…
This book is all about Alson’s 2005 World Series of Poker experience. Written like a travelogue, it takes you through the highs and lows of every poker players dream tournament. All poker players fantasize about making it to the big time – to the prestigious WSOP!
So you’d think this would be a riveting read, wouldn’t you? Well…firstly, as all WSOP fans would know, Alson hardly made an impact in the tournament anyway - so what makes him think we’re even interested at all? It’s hardly the greatest story ever told:
POKER PLAYER GOES TO WSOP AND DOESN’T GET ANYWHERE
No! Really? For this reason, the angst just doesn’t quite cut it. It may come across as passionate to some, but it was more teenage turmoil than the trials and tribulations of a professional player in my eyes.But that’s the name of the game! You win some you lose some.
Although the poker information is decent, the book on the whole is at best mediocre. This book would probably suit a real beginner – and maybe even a complete fanatic - but I personally found it difficult to get into – or enjoy.
“Manners cost nothing” my old gran used to say, and she was right! Partial to the odd card game herself, she would be appalled at some of the goings on around the poker table these days.
We’re all there to play a game and get a stab at the glory (and hopefully a stash of cash too) and so there’s no excuse for poor cardsmanship. Manners do matter!
Here are some pointers to mind those casino hold ‘em manners:
Watch your language:
As intense or nerve wracking as your game of casino hold ‘em might be, there is no reason to utter profanities! Nobody appreciates a player who lets loose on the tongue and it’s best to keep your swearing to yourself.
A friend of mine shamefully got shoved into the “sin bin” in a Vegas casino for swearing at a bad beat – not only was he stunned, he was also highly embarrassed. Of course, we loved the story – it gave us hours of amusement at his expense.
But in all seriousness, online poker rooms will ban you from chat for using bad language, and if you keep it up you may find yourself removed from the site completely. Is it really worth it?
Keep your comments to yourself:
It is bad form to comment on a hand while the play is in progress. Don’t give your opinion and don’t offer to show the player how the hand ’should’ be played. Remember the old poker rule “one player to a hand”.
And in case you didn’t know – never, ever, break the rule of revealing what your cards are when you fold – especially if people are still playing. Believe me – people do and they are not invited back.
Don’t be a slob!
Don’t be a bad loser at a game by making sarcastic comments to the winner, and certainly don’t bad-mouth him or her by attacking them personally. Seriously, what’s the point? Apart from making you feel bad you’ll get thrown of the site.
If you’ve ever watched poker great Gus Hansen you will see he’s the king of cool. He’s always polite, calm and shakes hands when (if) he loses. So take a leaf out of his book and take it all in your stride.
Slow Play? No way!:
There’s nothing more irritating than a slow player. So you didn’t quite get the cards or a move didn’t come off? Get over it! It’s part of the game. Deliberately taking as long as possible to play your hand will make you unpopular but won’t necessarily put your opponents on tilt – you’re the one more likely to lose it!
And slow playing so people get knocked out before you to get close to the money? Get a life! If that’s what you need to rely on to get anywhere near the cash, then you’re going to bubble, at best.
Texas hold ‘em is undeniably the most popular form of poker played at casinos today. It’s played by millions of players around the world who are seeking a piece of the action - grand prizes, a bit of glory or seats to live events such as the World Series of Poker.
Many beginners see casino hold ‘em being played but don’t know how to go about taking that first step into the wonderful world of poker. To help you along the way to your slice of glitz and glamour in the poker hall of fame: here’s some tips to help novice players begin their journey.
Read all about it!
There’s nothing more important than learning as much as possible about the game of hold’em before trying it at the casinos. There’s more to it than just the cards and bluffing.
My mate thought that pocket aces were guaranteed to make him win: imagine his surprise when it didn’t come off - bad beat? Nope: not at all. Did you know the starting hand most likely to beat pocket aces is J 9 suited? That if he’d bet stronger initially then he’d probably have scared off the opponent? Ha ha! Unlucky!
A good book, such as Bill Burton’s “Get the Edge at Low Limit Texas Hold ‘em” will do wonders at showing you the basics.
Learn pot odds.
As a new player, you may be overwhelmed with all the information that you need to memorize, especially the great big fuzzy fog known as pot odds.
It may be daunting but it’s important you know the pot odds of the most common situations in a game of hold ‘em. Then you can make educated decisions about your hand and look like a pro - bonus!
Know your enemy!
As a game of skill, you play against others rather than the house, and so it’s a bit like a Wild West showdown. You have to be quick on the draw and keep your cool. One false move and you could be run outta town.
Bluffing is an important element in hold ‘em, but with practice you’ll be able to pick out who’s loose, tight or aggressive. Remember these traits (or use players notes on the software to keep track) and you’ll soon get to grips with all the opponents around a table.
But don’t forget - they’re watching you too. Try to vary your game a little to kick some poker butt and keep them on their toes.
Practice makes perfect
There are no two ways about it - the more you practice, the better you’ll get. Try free games or freeroll tournaments without denting your bankroll whilst improving. ‘Nuff said.
Stick to the basics
Many new players are tempted to copy the way they’ve seen their poker heroes play on televised poker events. They show fancy footwork and intricate bluffing methods, but; they know what they’re doing. You don’t - so don’t try and copy!
If you’re desperate to look good, however, watch this clip and learn how to fiddle with the chips like a pro - it’s guaranteed to get others in a sweat.
