Ask anyone anywhere to name the Las Vegas resort where they would most like to stay and the instant response from around the world replies, "Caesars Palace!" The Roman realm became the instant benchmark for Vegas luxury when it opened in 1966 and continues to be the gold standard for today's casino/resorts around the world.

Because so many rumors have been swirling around, I thought I would set the record straight and lay down the official version of events. I'll tell you right now that the story does not have a happy ending: I did not turn a piece of my posterior into a million dollar payday at the LA Poker Classic. But at least I took a shot.

Harrah's announced that later this year it will be taking the WSOP to Europe for the first time. They are planning a three-event series in London this September at three casinos owned by London Clubs International, a UK casino chain recently bought by Harrah's. The series kicks off with a £2,500 ($4,900) H.O.R.S.E event followed by a £5,000 ($9,800) Omaha event and topped off with a £10,000 ($19,600) No-Limit Hold'em Main event. WSOP bracelets will be awarded to the winners of each event.

Assuming you don't hold any of the cards in question in your hand and there is no raise before the flop, what do you regard as more dangerous in a hold'em game: an ace on the flop, or a flop that contains either a ten or a jack? That was the subject of a discussion I had recently with a well-known poker theorist. One line of reasoning we discussed is that an ace is more dangerous because so many players are prone to play aces - any ace at all - and it doesn't much matter what the side card is.

Seven columns ago, I held a contest. In sifting through my old files, I had discovered an unfinished lecture.

The object of the contest was to finish it, using 250 or fewer words.

I can't help but be continually baffled over the current legal assault on our game of poker. I thought that the ban on online poker in the USA was simply a lawmaker's gesture prior to midterm elections - nothing more than a bit of unabashed politicking for those on the campaign trail to boast to their conservative constituents.

Normandie Casino exec Robert Turner marvels at how a life can hang on the threads connecting it to unexpected moments.

There he was . . .

A young man, not yet out of his teens, working in a men's store in Huntsville, Ala., when a customer invites him to a poker game, a 50-cent game is what it was. Sounded like fun. Turner showed up and sat through the evening only to later decide he had probably been cheated.

Rules of Poker-Essential Work!

As the author of several poker books, including the outstanding primer Hold'em Excellence and it's follow up, MORE Hold'em Excellence, Lou Krieger has established himself as one of the premier poker player/ writers of our time. Once again, he has teamed with publishing whiz Sheree Bykofsky to offer this solid, must-read (by house and players) guide.

In limit hold 'em games, there's a frequent error that tends to damage the bankrolls of both weak and knowledgeable players. It's the error of calling too frequently on the river against a bet and a raise. Players fail to consider the implications of the raise when added to the size of the original call. Yes, the pot appears big, resulting in the players seeing dollar signs instead of the reality of their cards. Their hearts beat in triple time as they survey their hand and the pile of chips before them.

Spring is finally emerging in the Midwest bringing with it April showers, May flowers, and some great new poker tournament opportunities. As intrepid Midwesterners shake off cabin fever like a heavy winter coat, the open road beckons and resistance is futile. Luckily, this spring brings unprecedented opportunities for players to hit the trail and head westward, first to Minnesota then on to South Dakota, to enjoy some exciting new tournament action.