entertainment - "poker"

Athletes in most sports generally agree that the night before a big game it is best to abstain from alcohol or the type of activities with the opposite sex that could result in child support payments. poker players don't seem to have figured out this aspect of competing yet, and the night before the World Series of poker can make Mardi Gras look like a Mary Kay party. So seeing as many of the competitors (and the media for that part) are hung over, over tired, with somebody occasionally curled up in the fetal position on the floor of the Amazon room whispering 'Can't sleep... clowns will eat me' over and over again, is it any surprise that at the end of Day 1 it is a cool headed former Israeli commando who is in the chip lead?

The official WSOP website had a nice interview with Andy Bloch yesterday, discussing his impressions on day one of the 39th annual World Series of poker, and how he was already buying into a number of events. The interview highlighted what a mellow, nice guy Andy is, but it also brought something to our attention that, given a few weeks, would have become obvious anyway.

The 2008 World Series of poker changed one tradition and continued several others as the series began its run of scheduled bracelet events on Friday in a big way. Eschewing the traditional casino employees event, which had opened...

PokerStars is guaranteeing at least 2,000 seats this year alone, and more than 1,200 players have already won a seat. read more in pokerworks.com

The World Series of poker was the first major institution to support poker players so it makes sense that attendees will find a booth announcing the benefits of membership in the poker Players Alliance. The PPA is a grassroots organization dedicated to protecting poker players' rights across the US, with the motto 'If you play, have a say,' referring to participation in poker politics. The booth is right outside the doors of the poker room at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, where thousands of poker players will see it over the next month and a half.Related Articles:WSOP starts todayThe WSOP moves the Main Event final table to November...

The NBC National Heads-Up poker Championship has been a popular show with the poker fans, and in recent developments has secured a home for the next four years. The Caesars Palace will be the location for the next four championships, as it has been for the last three. The first year of the NBC show was filmed at the Golden Nugget in 2005...

In Muncie, Indiana, the police stopped by the Bypass Bar and Grill Thursday night to check out a Texas Holdem tournament but, despite some anxiety, no arrests, warnings, or citations occurred. A sergeant said they responded to a complaint that was issued about the tournament, but after they checked it out it was determined that the complaint was not valid, it wasn't even a gaming issue. The tourney was for fun, not for profit, and the 100 people playing at the bar were not in any violation of the law.Related Articles:Poker games impoundedHigh stakes poker game raided...

What is table dynamics? The simple answer is it's how the other players at YOUR table are playing and how you can best take advantage of their weaknesses and avoid their strengths. The problem is finding out what their weaknesses and strengths are. And herein lies the question - how do you figure out what a players weaknesses and strengths are? The answer, while simple, is not nearly as simple to apply and to learn. It's by watching - observing - paying attention to the players at your table. read more in pokerworks.com

The first day of the World Series of poker is exciting in itself, no matter what the event that kicks it off. But when the initial tournament is one that is sure to bring out the stars of the game - the best and most avid players from around the globe - the level of excitement increases exponentially. read more in pokerworks.com

Big bands, big stars and big buy-ins all collided in the Amazon Room at the Rio All-Suites Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas to mark the beginning of the 2008 World Series of poker. After the UNLV marching band played a rousing rendition...