1. Observe your opponents. This is probably the most crucial part of poker. When
playing against someone, the more you know about them, the easier it will be for
you to take advantage of their weaknesses. It is always a good idea to observe
an opponent’s betting habits. Some players bet extremely high when they have a
good hand. Other players will attempt to make several seemingly small raises.
Anyone who consistently raises after each flop might have a good hand. However,
some players will try to bluff. Noticing patterns can help you adjust to the
moves of your opponents. This will help you save money, and possibly have great
gains.

2. Bet wisely and watch your money. Every poker player should set limits when
going into the casino. The pros don’t have to worry about money so much, but the
average player definitely does. Set a limit and do not exceed it. Being money
conscious can help ensure that if you have a bad day at the tables, you don’t
put yourself in debt. Along with managing money is managing bets. Some players
like to bet high (high rollers), but this can lead to drastic losses. Some of
the best players bet moderately, and increase their bets slightly when they have
a good hand. The best advice for betting is “avoid the extremes.” Don’t bet too
little, because you will end up losing money in the long run. At the same time,
don’t bet too much because you might lose a lot of money on only one hand, and
that is never good.

3. Take your time. The pros seem to think very fast, but that is because they
are pros! You don’t have to make decisions too rashly. Take time to look at your
hand and figure out what you have and bet accordingly. Also, take the time to
survey your opponents and surmise what hands they might have. The pros are
always thinking and are simply faster than the average player. It is important
to realize that every poker player has to think logically and make educated
guesses.

4. Know when to fold, and when to stay in. Many players do not understand the
best solutions for folding or staying in. The best players understand their
chances and only stay in when they have at least one type of hand. Having two
face cards is a good reason to stay in, but having two different low number
cards might not be such a strong hand. When observing other players, if you
notice high bets from a player who does not bluff, then you should probably
fold. Knowing when to take risks and when to be conservative is a very important
element to being a solid poker player.

The pros may seem like they are doing impossible things, but they are really
just following basic tips. Poker is a game of chance, but you can always tip the
odds in your favor by studying your opponents, being smart with money and
betting, and thinking through your decisions. Play smart and you will notice a
great increase in your poker winnings.

Cake Poker is a fully licensed and regulated poker website running out of the Dutch Antilles, where it is operated in full accordance with local law. Since Cake Poker operates legally in its home country, it expects its players to likewise respect the laws of their own territories with such laws apply, but does not actively police players on this issue. As a result of this policy, players from the United States of America continue to be welcomed at Cake Poker, although the methods of financial transactions are available to them are not as broad as for players from other countries.

The look and feel of the lobby and tables makes for a very enjoyable poker experience. Some very cool features of Cake Poker’s software are the ability to separate the different poker game variants and the ability for players to ‘mark’ their competitors with phrases like ‘easy money’ and ‘crazy’..

Full Tilt Poker is the only online poker room conceived, designed and played by professional poker players, including Phil Ivey, Chris Ferguson and Howard Lederer.

• Learn: Access our library of poker lessons written by the game’s best players
• Chat: Get answers to your questions directly from our pros at the table or in our pro chat sessions
• Play: Sit down with any of our 100+ pros, who play more than 1,600 hours every week at Full Tilt Poker

Download the game now and start playing at the only online poker room designed by the world’s best players.

Start your real-money poker career without any risk by playing in a no money poker Freeroll today. Our daily Freerolls are open to all and with over 500 Freeroll tournaments every month, you can earn your share of a prize pool worth $60,000.

Freeroll poker tournaments allow you to win real money without making a deposit or paying an entry fee. You can learn what it’s like to play when there’s real money at stake, without the risk of losing any of your hard earned cash. If you win, you can use that money to build a bankroll and play in higher stakes games, just as Team Full Tilt’s Chris Ferguson did when he turned $0 into a $10,000 bankroll.

If you’re new to poker, Freerolls will help to improve your game. In addition to No-Limit Hold ‘em, we offer Pot-Limit Omaha, HORSE and Razz Freerolls to help you sharpen your skills and knowledge of these free poker games.

With more than $1 million in combined guarantees up for grabs each Sunday, there’s never been a better way to end the weekend than by playing at Full Tilt Poker.

Play for your share of the more than $1 million in guaranteed prize pools on Big Money Sundays by competing in these great events:

• The Sunday Brawl – The fight begins at 14:00 ET (19:00 GMT) where you can play for Knockout Bounties and your share of $350K in guaranteed prize money
• The $750K Guarantee* – Take a seat in our biggest weekly guarantee tournament starting at 18:00 ET (23:00 GMT)
• The Sunday Mulligan – Tee it up one last time in our popular $200K Guarantee at 19:05 ET (00:05 GMT).

Satellites for all of these events – and our other popular Guarantee tourneys are running now starting for just $2 + $.25 or 50 Full Tilt Points.

Start playing today and see why Sundays are big money days at Full Tilt Poker.

*One Sunday every month the $750K Sunday Guarantee will be replaced by the $500+$35 $1M Monthly Guarantee.

Games available:
Texas Holdem, Omaha, Omaha Hi-Lo, Seven Card Stud, Seven Card Hi- Lo, Five Card
Draw, 2-7 Triple Draw, Razz, HORSE, HOSE. These games are available as cash games,
tournaments and Sit & Go’s.

Special Features
PokerStars offers players many special features including; poker table themes, poker
player images, opponent poker notes, player statistics, hand history, game lobby sorting
options, table re-sizing, table focus choices and internet connection status displays.
It’s also available for Mac users.
Tournament Poker
PokerStars offers qualifying satellites for:
• World Series of Poker (WSOP)*
• European Poker Tour (EPT)
• Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT)
• World Championship Of Online Poker (WCOOP)
• PokerStars Caribbean Adventure (PCA)
• World Cup of Poker (WCP)
• Many other leading poker tournaments across the globe

Real Money
PokerStars offers a large selection of real money poker games, from micro-limits of
$0.02/$0.04 up to high stakes games of $1000/$2000. PokerStars also offers no-limit
tables, with games of $0.01/$0.02 blinds and $1 buy-ins up to $100/200 blinds, $8000
buy-in games.
Deposit Options
PokerStars has a minimum $10 deposit across all deposit options – unless otherwise
stated. You can make a deposit via one of the payment methods:
• Moneybookers
• NETeller
• VISA / VISA Delta / VISA Electron / Gift and Prepaid VISA†
• MasterCard / Gift and Prepaid†
• Diners Club International
• Solo / Maestro
• Cashier’s Check / Money Order / Bank Draft – minimum deposit $100
• Local Bank Transfer
• ELV
• Online Bank (selected countries)
• paysafecard
• eChecks

Online Poker Player Search

Poker Crusher™ tracks the strength, weaknesses, and betting patterns of over 1 million online poker players.

Find out what Poker Crusher™ knows about you!

November 2008 saw the merger of Absolute Poker with Ultimatebet; both are now part of the reputed Cereus poker network. Since, it was only after the merger that I signed up with Absolute Poker, I was able to get the best of both worlds.

Absolute Poker features some of the best poker games and has one of the biggest numbers of players. This poker room is open to players from the US, has excellent graphics and its software is absolutely user friendly. I found that it downloads quickly, requires very little time for installation and does not require very high system configurations. The software allows for a very high level of customization, along with excellent multi-table functions. This poker room is known for having the best Bad Beat Jackpot and thanks to it merger with Ultimatebet, players are able to transfer funds back and forth.

All the well known and sought after poker game variants are found in Absolute Poker. Games like – H.O.R.S.E. and H.O.S.E, Omaha Hi-Lo, Seven-Card Stud Hi-Lo, Omaha Seven-Card Stud, Razz and Texas Hold’em are all there.

Together with the popular poker games offered in this high-quality poker room, I also discovered good bonuses and loyalty programs. I was particularly impressed by the 100% sign-up bonus of up to $500 for all players. There is also a reload bonus on offer, which I am planning to take advantage of soon. This bonus ranges from 15% to 100% and I still have not found a bonus range from any of the other poker rooms to match this. The loyalty program known as FAME is open to all players at Absolute Poker. This is definitely a well structured program and comes highly recommended. There are five levels in the program, with the highest level getting players the highest credit.

What really caught my attention at Absolute Poker is the $5000 freerolls. This takes place every month so for those who want to make money without making any buy-in this is the perfect opportunity. Absolute Poker is the place to play for first timers and small stakes players. There is no fierce competition around hence everyone has a chance of winning. The rake at Absolute poker is 5% no matter what type of game it is.

With the merger, the financial security that is offered by Absolute Poker is confidence inspiring. All the transactions are done in a transparent manner. The payouts are done quickly. This poker room has all the major and reputed deposit and payment gateways registered with it. This makes it very easy for players to make deposits and request payments using any of their preferred methods. Payments are also made via checks and courier checks.

I found the learn section on Absolute Poker very useful. There is a tutorial included for those who are new to the game of poker and there is also a very detailed write-up on the rules. The poker hand rankings, Texas Hold’em rules are all explained in detail which would be of immense help to those who are new. This section clearly goes to show that Absolute Poker is doing everything possible to give players the best playing experience.

There is 24/7 e-mail support available which I found to be very responsive and professional.

Visit Absolute Poker

Full tilt poker: Erick Lindgren: He makes constant efforts to play a better poker game by observing his opponents very closely. The first major tournament of poker won by Erick was at Bellagio and since then this famous poker player has been playing at Full Tilt poker exclusively.

Chris Ferguson: Due to the special appearance of this poker player, people nicknamed him “Jesus”. For 18 straight years Chris Ferguson was enrolled at the UCLA, as a graduate for 5 years and as an undergraduate for 13 years. Even though he had to leave, he was given PhD in Computer science before leaving.

Howard Lederer: He is popular as the “professor” of poker. Howard is also a world champion chess player. Besides Howard, his sister Annie Duke is also a professional poker player and Ultimate Bet sponsors her.

Eric Seidel: He is also a famous poker player who has been a fan of the game. He found out about the poker game when he was playing backgammon with players like Howard Lederer. This famous player even tried becoming a Wall Street broker, but after the market crashed in 1987 he chose poker.

John Juanda: John Juanda a famous poker player tried his hands at many jobs including that of a door-to-door salesman for the Bible. He wanted to be a medical doctor, but took to the world of poker.

Jennifer Harman: She is a poker player popular for her involvement in high stake cash games. She belongs to the category of female poker players who turned pros. In Doyle Brunson’s Super System 2, Jennifer has a section related to playing Texas hold’em with fixed limit.

Phil Gordon: He became a popular poker player when he was placed on the 4th rank in 2002 in the WSOP. He won 400,000 dollars in this game. He has also done Binion’s Horseshoe analysis and written many books too.

Mike Matusow: He is popular by the name of ‘The Mouth” Matusow. He does not worry about creating a scene at the poker table while playing. He has also been imprisoned for some time due to drug involvement.

Ultimate bet: Antonio Esfandiari: He is primarily known as “The Magician”, a guy who loves to flare up to 8 chips in both his hands. When he plays poker he flaunts many chip and card tricks.

Annie Duke: She is Howard Lederer’s sister, well known for knocking her brother out in the multiple major multi table tournaments of poker, even in the World Series of Poker.

As a part of the Merge Gaming Network, WassPoker is one of the few poker sites allowing US and Canadian Players to still play. Until regulations are lifted even the high flyers of the online gaming world are restricting access and many players are missing out. But on WassPoker all players are welcome and will be instantly glad they are.

Upon entering their laid back site, you’ll see that they are different. As well as offering a broad range of poker games, WassPoker gives you insight into up and coming live poker events, allowing players to both compete and read about their favourite game.

Their uniqueness does not stop there. They offer a variety of cash bonus incentives that are simply irresistible: Royal Flush Bonus, Back Beat Jackpot, monthly $50,000 comp point free roll and a guaranteed Sunday tournament prize of $20,000.

With such amazing offers, WassPoker set themselves apart from other online poker sites by rewarding their players every time they play. You won’t be able to ignore their sense of community when you visit their site. Giving their players both the competition they need plus constant support, visit WassPoker today and become a part of their community.

Software

Using vector-based graphics, on WassPoker if you resize your screen, your game will not be affected. WassPoker understand that after hours of game play, the last thing you need is your screen losing definition when you increase the size to compensate for your blurred eyesight. To help their players, they have up-graded all their games, so you will never have to deal with pixelated screens again.

To spice up your competition, WassPoker have recently added a new bonus feature where you can view your vital stats as you play. Knowing where you rank amongst other player’s means you will know who to challenge with their multi-player gaming options.

Compete against other players from across the globe and improve your ranking. The higher you rise the more bonuses you’ll receive so give them a try and start earning cash bonuses today.

Other software extras, available for you to play with are:

• Quick start – get on the game tables you want faster by creating a favourites list. That way when you log on, you can access all your favourite games.
• Multiple windows – play as many games as you want at the same time. Test your mind and increase your chances of success.
• Smilies – let other players know that you mean business by adding animations to your conversations.
• Player tag – when you spot a player who you think is a bit fishy. Tag them so you’ll recognise them the next time you play.

Depositing Bonuses

WassPoker are in a league of the own with their multitude of cash bonuses and incentives. You will not find many poker sites that will reward you every time you play or make a deposit, but WassPoker are dedicated to making your experience the best it can be and we cannot deny that they have more than surpassed themselves with such fantastic incentives:

• 100% up to $500 bonus on first deposit
• $50,000 free rolls
• Refer a friend
• Back Beat Jackpot – win even when you lose. $0.50 is collected from every ring game and put into a jackpot. When a player gets a monster hand cracked, the jackpot is won and split amongst the players involved in the game, with the losing player receiving the highest percentage.
• Reward points – on every match there are fixed reward points to be won. As these mount up they can be converted into cash to be used in WassPoker’s merchandise shop. You can even use your reward points to get your hotel and buy-ins covered at the next Wass live event.
• VIP Club – depending on the size of your deposit receive extra cash bonuses

-Wass Pro: receive 75% on 1^st deposit of up to $1,000

-Highroller: receive 50% bonus on 1^st deposit of up to $2,500

• Reload Bonuses – you’ll be rewarded for every deposit you make

-LoadWass: 25% bonuses on any reload deposit of up to $1,000

Game Variety

WassPokerknow what their players want. Offering the all time favourite Texas Hold’em, players are also treated to poker classics of Seven-Card Stud Hi and Hi-Lo, Omaha Hi and Hi-Lo, Razz, Five-Card Stud, Five-Card Draw, Triple Draw and Badugi. With their fast and reliable software, you can be playing these visually stunning games within a matter of minutes and they are free to download.

WassPoker cater for all, offering players the chance to compete in a wide range of stakes. From high flyers, to games played just for fun, you can find a betting game for you. Ranging from 1¢/2¢ to $50/$100, you can enter betting games of all sizes, and are always guaranteed a win with WassPoker’s Back Beat Jackpot.

All games are available as heads-up, shorthanded and full tables for cash games, and tournaments are available in both multi-table and sit-and-go format.

With such a variety of gaming options, you’ll be always be spoilt for choice on WassPoker.

Ring Game Traffic

At their peak, WassPoker have up to 1,000 real money players online at a time, but these numbers are increasing. With their player base growing in popularity every day, you are guaranteed to encounter good ring game traffic and when you challenge their other players to Texas Hold’Em, expect to play games not only fierce, but fun and enticing.

Competition

If you are looking for new exciting competition, you’ll be in for a treat with WassPoker. Their fast loose games; continually rising player numbers and profitable games, means you’ll be in for none stop action.

Their variety of promotions and tournaments means there is a chance to win money every day, all day:

• $5,000 Saturday guaranteed
• $700 Midnight Shorthanded
• $200 guaranteed freeze-out.

These are just a few of the daily tournaments available for players to enter.

Winning has never been easier.

]]> http://yspoker.com/poker-bonus/wass-poker/feed/ 0 http://yspoker.com/poker-articles/blackjack-rules-and-tips/ http://yspoker.com/poker-articles/blackjack-rules-and-tips/#comments Mon, 21 Sep 2009 18:09:54 +0000 admin http://yspoker.com/?p=51 How to Win in Blackjack

The main aim of this popular game is beating the dealer and getting less than 21 points and not more than that. There is a unique style in which the score is calculated, but the pattern of scoring is easy and simple. This rule is common in real life and online casinos.

Scoring rules in Blackjack: 1 or 11 is the value that an Ace can have and it depends a lot on the game situation. Hand with an Ace can be hard as well as soft. In soft hand, the players can safely draw another card and there are no problems of being busted. Every card from 2 to 9 bears a respective face value. 10 is the value of 10 and all court cards; Jack, Queen and King. The rules of online Blackjack are not difficult to understand. Ace is 1 or 11, all court cards are 10 and the rest are their face value. In order to calculate the score, the total of all the cards available in the hands of a player is taken.

Terms of Blackjack: The terminology of Blackjack is special. Hand in Blackjack is just a one player hand. There are multihand and multiplayer variations available as well which means, just like the classic blackjack rules, one player has a group of cards. These variations are played in online casino as well. Bust is a situation under which a card is drawn by a hand and 21 points are received. This can be a losing situation. In Natural hand or Blackjack hand, first two cards of a player score 21 points. This situation can be made possible only with a ten valued and ace card. Blackjack hand or natural hand is the remnant of the original rule of Blackjack. A push or tie is a game resolution where natural hand as well as equal score either win or bust. In case of a tie, the bet is returned to the player.
Two cards are dealt by the dealer to himself and every other hand. The game begins once the dealer has dealt the cards. Every hand makes decisions in turns. A player gets the first turn in classic blackjack.

Winning in Blackjack:

There are no complicated blackjack betting logics and due to this the payoff table is very simple. You will be paid 1 to 1 in case your hand is the winner. In case of insurance being invoked (a situation where your bet is insured and the dealer has natural hand) you will be 2 to 1. When a player has a natural hand he or she will be paid 3 to 1. This does not apply in cases when the dealer has a natural hand too. In such cases it will be a tie and the bet will be returned.