2007 April 30

Monte Carlo Hotel & Resort in Las Vegas named for a gambling icon across the Atlantic has to fill some 'big shoes' because of the moniker. And fill them they do. Combining the Las Vegas all-out live life to the fullest style with the service, comforts and class of a European casino is exactly what the Monte Carlo does best.

I had just made the five o'clock deadline to sign-up for the Sunday No Limit Hold'em Tournament at the Mirage when a voice behind me asked, "Can you hold these for a minute?"

Turning, I was handed three racks of $5 chips by a very attractive green eyed redhead. She was wearing an emerald green silk blouse, black tailored slacks, white jogging shoes and a cameo broach on a gold chain around her neck.

"I need to get into my purse for the buy-in." she said.

Hey, you take your wisdom any way you like, but me - I'm not particular. I was dining in my favorite Chinese restaurant when I had an epiphany courtesy of the message in my fortune cookie. It reminded me of how important certain basics are in the game of poker.

The little piece of paper read, "A handful of patience is worth more than a bushel of brains." I've been playing a lot of limit hold'em lately, and this wisdom, right out of my cookie, reminded me that aside from a keen understanding of the game, patience is the most critical criteria in winning.

It's damaging when you don't follow the rules. You weren't supposed to chase down to the river; why did you? You weren't supposed to lose that much money; why did you risk it? You weren't supposed to call with those whole cards. Why did you? You weren't supposed to lose your cool at the table, so why did you?

There's a trait that goes beyond good poker skills. This is usually a trait that is reserved for players who like themselves, other players, and the game itself. It can turn lemons into lemonade. When you have been around this trait, you are glad you were there-even if you were beaten by another's good will and sense of humor. It's the trait of being happy and being up-in good times and in bad. Not many poker players have it. Those that have this trait seem to be the consistent winners.

May 18-20. DEADWOOD SHOOTOUT
Deadwood, SD
Hosted by the Deadwood Tournaments Directors Association
Estimated Prize Pool $200,000
Direct Buy-Ins $500 + $50
400 Players Max
For Additional Info, Log On To: www.deadwoodshootout.com

July 21-29. MASESTIC STAR HPT TELEVISED EVENT
Majestic Star Casino, Gary, IN
The total prize pool for their March 2007 event reached over $500,000 and this one promises to be even bigger and better!
Direct Buy-Ins $2,700
Satellites $560
Visit their website for details:
www.majesticstar.com

POPULAR WISCONSIN POKER ROOM RE-OPENS

Mike is one of the most unpredictable players you'll ever watch. He'll start a game chatting cheerfully, summing up the players, and lightening the mood. One of the things he's likely to do to achieve this is to splash one of his weak hands. "Splash" is a word usually used when a player throws chips into the pot haphazardly. But I've seen Mike splash weak cards in flamboyant ways. Why does he do that? One, he enjoys showing his weak hands to get a reaction out of his opponents; and two, it puts them at ease.

Young women all across the country have discovered a new game. It's beautiful and brutal. The best players are competitive, combative, and confident. But it's not no-limit hold'em; it is Roller Derby.

Peppermill poker dealer Errin McCann is one of the organizers of the "Battle Born Derby Demons," Reno's new woman's roller derby team. "It's athletic, fun, and completely different from anything else we do."

When I walked into the Burlington Hotel in Central Dublin at lunchtime on Good Friday to be greeted by the sight of hundreds of people massing around foyers, tea bars and registration tables the first thought to enter my head was; what would Terry Rogers make of all this?

Today we'll learn one of the most important psychological secrets in poker. First, I'm going to tell you how, 30 years ago, I allowed this cherished information to be published.

It was 1977 and I wasn't sharing poker secrets with anyone. I felt the same way some of the top pros do about discussing tools of the trade in public. Specifically, I believed you shouldn't do it, because that made opponents wiser and stronger. It limited the potential for profit.

What changed my mind?