(Atlantic City, NJ) - The most recent World Series of Poker Circuit final table began on the eve of the Main Event and went so long, it ended just as players were funneling into the room preparing to play the next day's championship. Indeed, if some poker tournaments have become an around the clock pursuit, most of the WSOP Circuit events played this year at Caesars Atlantic City may as well start serving breakfast. Today's early bird special included hot coffee, bacon, eggs, and about ninety grand in prize money.

The man who scrambled his opponents and toasted the competition was Thomas 'Sandy' Taylor, who brought home the bacon with his first WSOP-related victory, following a number of big cashes in other tournaments. He is a 27 year old professional poker player from Innisfil, Ontario (Canada). Taylor collected a cash prize totaling $89,570. He was also presented with his first gold ring, which is the ultimate token of achievement given out to al... Continue reading Sandy Taylor Wins WSOP Circuit Event #8, $89,570 and Gold Ring at Caesars Atlantic City

The father of five considers himself to be a recreational poker player. But he has aspirations of improving and doing big things in the game. Vogel plays online primarily. However, he has competed in the WSOP Main Event twice. This marked Vogel's first major victory ever and was the biggest payday of his career, so far.

This marked the seventh of 12 WSOP Circuit events on this year's Caesars schedule. The two-day tournament attracted 196 entrants. Most of the field was eliminate... Continue reading Paul Vogel Earns Well Deserved Victory

After spending almost $80 per person to enter the theme park, the patriarch of the family dragged his wife and kids from ride to ride in a blistering pace. The kids were cranky, tired, and hungry. His frustrated wife suggested that they find a comfortable spot to sit for an hour or so to take a break. Although he knew it sounded like a good idea, he urged everyone to forge onward in an attempt to 'get our money's worth.'

By late afternoon everyone was physically and emotionally worn. There were more complaints than laughter and more arguments than smiles. The dad's attempt to squeeze every last second of fun out of the day backfired utterly.

This same phenomenon happens at the poker tables all too often. We know that poker is best played when we stay patient. We know that we should fold most of our hands before the flop and wait for good cards and good position.

Yet we often feel rushed and driven while we play poker. With our lives so busy,... Continue reading A Poker Season Pass

Greg 'Grumpy' Heslip's 10-8 topped Shawn Delargy's 6-4 in the final hand and the San Diego quality engineer pocketed the $8,000 first prize at the $25,000 Annie Duke Free Roll Texas Hold'em Poker Tournament Saturday, January 30 at Pala Casino Spa & Resort, located outside of San Diego, CA.

Heslip beat 66 players, including Duke, for his first tournament victory. Duke, a top poker professional, hosted Pala's first major tournament in its new 15-table poker room that was part of the casino's $100 million renovation.

'It was competitive. There were a lot of good players here today. Annie was terrific as the host and it really feels good to finish first against this field. I play here two or three times a week and will definitely be back,' Heslip said.

Delargy, a control operator for a major utility in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, took home $5,900 that included $1,000 bonus for knocking Duke out of the tournament. Kyle Perez from Pala, CA, finished thi... Continue reading Greg Heslip Wins Annie Duke Poker Tournament at Pala Casino

In the early 1970's Mike often played five-card draw in Gardena, CA, then known as 'the poker capital of the world.' You see, Gardena was where the pros gathered to play against newbie's and intermediate players who liked to challenge them.

Gardena style. During those days Mike discovered that a considerable number of poker players had adopted the bullying technique as a way to intimidate other players in the hopes of enlarging their own chip stacks.

Aggressive intimidators would often prey on their weaker opponents by ridiculing them for their feeble decisions or unusual betting methods. The idea behind this type of behavior was to distress their opponents into making grievous errors, on the theory that this supplied profit to the tormenter.

Avoidance. While observing the tables where the bullies reigned, Mike also noticed that players frequently avoided pots that involved the bullies. He determined that when a player applied this type of i... Continue reading Intimidation: Gardena Style vs. Caro Style