Over the many years that I have played poker I have met many interesting people while playing. A few have become friends, while others have just been interesting for one reason or another. I'd like to share with you some of my experiences with these poker people. Mel Judah is a well-known and highly respected poker tournament professional. At one time he was a top hairdresser and the assistant of Vidal Sassoon. An Australian, Mel competes successfully on the circuit of tournaments held all over the world. On numerous occasions over drinks or a meal, he has shared with me his exceptional insights into poker. I greatly appreciate his generosity.
Alex was a highly respected, very wealthy doctor, who played in a home poker game with me. He was a consistent and big loser in the game. One night I caught him blatantly cheating, but all the other players said he just made an honest mistake. I disagreed strongly but to no avail. After the game, the host of the game asked me to stay behind for a few minutes. He confided that all the players knew that Alex was a compulsive cheater, but they tolerated it because of his big losses. I wondered what his patients would have thought.
I met Jerry Buhr in Las Vegas in the 1980's. He is owns a highly successful palm tree business in Phoenix. Over the years, Jerry became a good friend whom I always looked forward to seeing at poker tournaments. His camaraderie and strategy tips, especially those on Chinese Poker, have been great. But he and his wife, Gail, have been generous beyond the bounds of normal friendship. They literally opened their home to me for over a year when I had to go to Phoenix for medical treatment. I will never forget their generosity.
His name was Joe and he was a Vietnam vet who was "never quite the same" when he returned from the war. He lived in a cheap motel room in downtown Las Vegas and hung out in the downtown poker rooms. He would earn money by running errands for any player who needed something like cigarettes or snacks. Joe was always up and never said a negative word to anyone. He was liked by all. He was known far and wide for his trademark "words of advice" that he would give to each player that he ran an errand for. I would always smile as I heard Joe's booming voice say, "You got to get your load and hit the road!" I met Max Weaver when I started playing tennis around age 11. We became fast friends and soon double's partners. Max has always epitomized to me the best that a small town has to offer-the highest integrity, extreme loyalty to his family and close friends, and always giving back to the community. And Poker? We have played just about every type of game at every limit in home games and casinos. Sounds like a lot, but we have had 50 years to do it.
Some Tips for Playing Winning Poker On-Line 1. Select the right site-Before picking a site, download at least five sites and look at such things as referral and deposit bonuses, graphics, the number of players, the number of games running of the type and limits that you like, rake, and promotions. Has the site had any problems with cheating? If so, how have they dealt with the problem?
2. Use all statistical and opponent note-taking capabilities available.
3. Keep good records of your play for several reasons: determining income taxes, making certain the site keeps accurate records, and determining your best game.
4. Tells are fewer and different than in live play. Many sites let you determine your play in advance. Often you see an opponent that uses the auto-check or fold on the big blind. This generally indicates weakness.
