Several readers and some of my students have asked about the Poker Seminar for Engineers that I will present on May 4 for the Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE) at the Long Beach (Calif.) Convention Center. Yes, it is oriented to why and how engineers can win at Texas hold'em, but the info will be quite useful for nonengineers as well. All are welcome to attend. It will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 pm on Thursday, May 4, at the Long Beach Convention Center. For registration information, visit the SAMPE web site, www.sampe.org, or phone 626/331-0616.
Topics to be Covered. After explaining Epstein's Four Basic Rules for Winning at Poker (which apply to all games of poker), we will discuss in detail how my hold'em algorithm was developed and how to use it for maximum profit, and then explore exceptions to the criteria provided by the algorithm. The algorithm is a mathematical/engineering concept but non-engineers can also benefit from its use. (A poker player in England called it "awesome!!!"). It considers the key factors/parameters that are important in deciding whether or not to call the blind pre-flop: the value of your two hole cards - how high they are, suited or not, or connectors; your table/betting position; number of opponents staying in and remaining to declare; and types of opponents in the pot. The pre-flop hold'em-or-fold'em? decision, of course, is the most important one you will make during the play of a hand. . .
Epstein's A-B Chart demonstrates why your starting hand is so important. It explains by basic logic why it is to your advantage to start with a strong hand. It is essential to understand the difference between made and drawing hands; and what are quasi-made hands? How does probability theory lead to the best strategies for playing pocket aces and other pairs; the best strategy for playing "Big Slick" (Most players play it wrong!), and strategies for other drawing hands - both premium and marginal; and when it is to your advantage to raise with a drawing hand?
During the seminar, we'll explain the difference between positive and negative expectations as determined by the card odds and pot odds. This can make playing poker more of an investment - less of a gamble! An example will prove the point. . .
Evaluating each opponent is an important part of winning poker. Is he deceptive? Very aggressive? Timid? Tight? Often, you should adjust your strategy depending on your assessment of your opponents. What is the best way to handle the situation when a very aggressive player keeps raising every time you call the blind with a drawing hand? What if a tight player raises from an early position?
"Tells" can be helpful in reading your opponents' hands. Interpreting a tell can be tricky. . . But you can develop skills by observing your opponents - even during the hands you sit out. Bluffing and raising are powerful tools when properly used. We can regard them as weapons to help defeat your opponents.
At the seminar, we will relate how the "Esther Bluff" came to be and describe it. (It works for me about two out of three attempts!) When is it wise to try to bluff? There are various reasons for raisng the pot. Most often it is to force out opponents or to build the size of the pot; but there are other reasons too.
No, we will not play any hands of hold'em, although we will explain the basic mechanics and principles in playing the game. "Will the seminar make me a winner?" someone asked. For experienced players, it is bound to help. For less experienced players, it surely will help move you along the path to success.
