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Poker Blog established in 2003 as the first stop for poker news, poker stories, and bad poker advice.

July 31, 2006

The Hammer Strikes Again

by Luckbox

Playing the Hammer is a skill borne over time. But some people seem to take to it fast than others. Jena is one of those players. I first wrote about her back in May when I sat next to her at a table in New Orleans. It's there that I introduced her to the most powerful hand in poker.

It wasn't long before she was using it to her advantage. And now, she's done it again:

More in this Poker Blog! -->
Permalink | Tournament Action

July 29, 2006

Phil Hellmuth Busts

by Luckbox

I'm not sure why Phil decides it's a good idea to miss the first two hours of play, but that's exactly what he did again this year. Perhaps he enjoys the attention more than the chance to chip up early against some terrible dead money players.

When Phil finally arrived at 2:13pm, he had lost a tenth of his stack. The first hand he played he ran his pocket J's into Randy Jensen's pocket Q's. The second hand he played he ran his pocket K's into pocket A's. And at 2:23pm, we got our first, "You've got to be kidding me!!"

He still had chips and started to build back up, until he ran into a few more hands and found himself short stacked right before the second break. In fact, it was the last hand before they stretched their legs for 20 minutes.

Phil got himself all in with AQ and ran into 77. The board never got higher than an 8 and Phil busted. He seemed as calm as can be expected as he shook the hands of the player who busted him and the others at his table. Unfortunately, some jackass in the crowd chose that point to heckle him.

"You got real class, buddy," Phil told him, as he walked toward the bleachers. There he shook more hands before walking out of the room. I guess there's irony in Phil saying that to someone in the crowd, but this WSOP featured a kinder, gentler Phil. Too bad he showed up so late, otherwise he might still be alive.

Permalink | 2006 WSOP

July 28, 2006

Rockin' the WSoP

by Luckbox

It's day #1 for the Main Event, and it's predictably crazy. The total number of entrants has topped 8500 and it continues to climb. In fact, you'll be able to enter yourself all the way up until the first level on Monday.

I've been doing floor work today for the PokerStars blog. It's been fun. I've found some good stories of players who are a lot like you and me. They were just fortunate enough to win their seat. One table I've been sweating has 5 PokerStars qualifiers in a row. They've developed a bit of a bond. Of course, that doesn't mean they won't felt them if they have a chance.

I don't think there's a whole lot of other "fun" stuff on the schedule tonight, but once I get a chance, I'll do a picture tour of the ladies at all the WSOP expo booths. You're welcome in advance, Drizz.

Permalink | 2006 WSOP

July 27, 2006

Live-Blogging the Media Event

by Luckbox

URGENT!!!: Otis makes the final table!!!!!!

This is a complete violation of the WSOP rules and could result in my dismissal from the event entirely.

But I've always been known to challenge authority, so here it goes.

Thanks to my untimely exit from the Media Event, you'll get "live" updates of the remaining last-longer participants. Here's how we stand:

Change100: 4700
Otis: 2000
Tuscaoosa Johnny: 1900

Live updates below....

More in this Poker Blog! -->
Permalink | 2006 WSOP

Day 1: Are you Ozzie?

by Luckbox

Let me start by saying that Change100 is a bit of a wimp. Here was the challenge:

She grabs Phil Gordon's ass (and we were within grabbing distance) and I'll get punched by Jose Canseco.

Her part of the deal was easy, mine would take a little work. The plan was to go up to Jose and say, "Ozzie? Ozzie Canseco??? Man, you must be back on the juice, you look great!" Ozzie is Jose's significantly less talented doppleganger. And that says a lot consider Jose doesn't have much more talent than where to stick the needle.

It never happened. Instead, we got a great show from the Pussycat Dolls. That's right, Drizz, I'm sorry, we saw the Pussycat Dolls without you. And, yes, they were spectacular. Unfortunately, I left my camera in my room, so hopefully I'll get to steal one from Change100.

In case you're wondering, this was all happening at the Full Tilt Poker WSOP Gala at Pure at Ceaser's Palace. I was lucky enough to be the lovely Jen Leo's "+1". The most interesting hello from the evening was a Gavin Smith middle finger 6 inches from my face while having a conversation with Howard Lederer's stepmother. Yesh, he didn't know who it was.

Today is the Media Event and maybe an Absolute Poker party tonight, courtesy of the lovely Jen Tidwell and the great people at Absolute. I've got my Luckbox with me and I'm feeling pretty lucky. More to come...

Permalink | 2006 WSOP

July 25, 2006

Vegas Calling

by Luckbox

Since all of you punks (except Drizz) got your chance to do Vegas earlier this month, I'm taking my revenge by spending 12 days there and getting paid to do it.

I'll wait a moment for your intense jealousy to build up.

Waiting...

Waiting...

Okay, you've had enough time. Not only am I going to be immersed in the WSOP Main Event, but I'm going to get to play in the Media event and I'll be hitting up the hottest WSOP parties I can find (thanks Jen and Jen!) And I'll be throwing down a grand of my own money to play in the August 3rd NLHE event. Finally, I'll be working side-by-side with the best poker bloggers in the business.

If you're running the "Otis at the WSOP" graphic in your sidebar, feel free to update to the new one:

Here's the code: http://www.upforanything.net/poker/OtisWSOP.jpg

Expect to see the bulk of our work over at the PokerStars blog, but I promise they'll be plenty left over for Up For Poker. See ya on the other side of Sin City!

Permalink | Las Vegas

July 24, 2006

Ballot box

by Otis

Two months ago, I wrote my Congressman. Today, I got an e-mail back. A form e-mail no less. Congratulations, Bob. You've tied yourself to an issue that makes sure you'll never pull me into your fold.

More in this Poker Blog! -->
Permalink | Poker in the News

Yo! Bloggers!

by G-Rob

Whatever happened to the wide world of poker blogs? There was a time, not too long ago, when I could kill an entire workday reading your fantastical tales. Sadly, that time has passed. There are, of course, some of you who never miss a beat. You're still on my daily reading list. Some of you, however, have dropped right of the face of the Earth and are simply munching away space on our poker blogroll.

I suggest, and of course CJ actually MAKES decisions like this, that it's almost time to pare it all down.

Get writing or get out.

That goes for the disappeared G-Vegas types... and the other South Carolinians.

More in this Poker Blog! -->
Permalink | Poker Web Sites

July 23, 2006

For WIL

by G-Rob

Not long ago, when I was on quite a roll in those WWdN tourneys, I was SO confident in my play (at least as compared to Wil's) that I made him a wager. If he outlasted me, I said (or typed), I'd write a piece of "Star Trek" fan fiction.

I won.

But, because it's a slow news day, here's the story nonetheless.

LONG LIVE WESLEY CRUSHER!


He always heard hum. Even in the vacuum of space, there was always a hum. Wesley Crusher was smart enough to know there was no sound in space, but so goddamn bored with his life in it, that every moment sounded like a mechanical yawn.

For 18 hours, sitting on the bridge last night, Wesley took the helm. It's almost unthinkable for Starfleet, for the ENTERPRISE, to allow someone so young to take such an awesome job, but Wesley was unimpressed. It 18 hours, with his spine cracking in chairs that hadn't been improved with 4 centuries of science, Wesley turned the ship 18 degrees to port.

Once.

Space is fucking dull, and Wesley needed a buzz.

More in this Poker Blog! -->
Permalink | G-Rob's Thoughts

July 22, 2006

Because It's How You Roll

by Luckbox

Because you know if you were in little Peyton's shoes, you'd want people to help you.

Because you know if you won the WSOP Main Event, you'd make sure some of your riches went to help someone like Peyton.

Because that's just what Bobby Bracelet would do, and who doesn't want to roll like him?

Get out your poker bankrolls again and pull off a few bills. We've got some outstanding new additions to the ForPeyton auction and you only have a few days left to bid!

More in this Poker Blog! -->
Permalink | Luckbox's Thoughts

July 19, 2006

Poker people

by Otis

It's just after 9am in Vegas. I woke up two and half hours ago and haven't been able to go back to sleep. Four weeks into a 6.5 week stay, there are too many faces, names, and win/loss records to keep in my head. When I shudder awake from a dream of dismembering the corpse of a very nice and dedicated poker player, I know it's time to stay awake, the eventual fatigue be damned. I mentioned I have many stories to tell. Right now, though, the outline in my head is a bit blurry. Still, there are things in my head that want out.

More in this Poker Blog! -->
Permalink | Las Vegas

Auctioning Off Clonie Gowen

by Luckbox

Okay, I'm lying. Full Tilt Poker is not auctioning off their hottest property. But... win this auction and you'll get to see her looking as hot as possible.

It's your chance to win an invitation for two to the Full Tilt Poker WSOP Gala. Expect to see all the pros and celebrity-hangers-on you can imagine. It's bound to be one of the hottest parties of the summer.

Of course, none of that really matters. What matters is that your bid can help change the life of a little girl who lost her mother to a rare form of cancer. It's the latest item in the ForPeyton.com auction.

So if you're going to be in Vegas, or get can to Vegas, on July 26th, get your bid in now!

Play Online Poker
Permalink | Las Vegas

July 18, 2006

It's On Its Way

by Luckbox

Just in time for Vegas, it's my new card protector:

It measures 3 1/2" x 1 1/4" so it's small enough so that it won't completely cover my cards. Let's hope it does its job!

Permalink | Luckbox's Thoughts

July 17, 2006

Pai Gow abridged (now less abridged)

by Otis

Now less abridged!

I have five minutes until I get on a plane back to Vegas. I have more stories from the past three weeks than I will ever be able to write. I don't have time to tell this story, but something inside me is dying to start.

More in this Poker Blog! -->
Permalink | Other Gambling

July 15, 2006

Normal Human Beings

by G-Rob

I'm not one to mock a man's weight. I've struggled with mine for years. Still, I've always wondered why an otherwise average young man would attract attention to his most unflattering traits. "Buddha1" does that and, in a different way, so does his buddy "Coop1."

Both of them, Buddha1 and Coop1, are regulars in our underground games. Both fancy themselves to be amazing card kings. Both of them are losing players.

Last time I saw them, Buddha1 was modeling his new ballcap with his nickname written in giant white script across the back of the black fabric. His buddy already had a personalized cap, but "Coop1" was written in smaller type along the side of his white hat. The front said "True Grinder."

They are "Buddha1 and Coop1".

I am G-Rob.

More in this Poker Blog! -->
Permalink | G-Rob's Thoughts

Pure Unadulterated Torture

by Luckbox

I'm an idiot. I signed up for what I thought was a Deep Stack NO LIMIT tournament, but as you can see, I managed to find a LIMIT tournament.

More than 10 hours later, I ran into a card rack and busted in 3rd place for a nice little profit. I'll have much more to write about this later, but right now, I'm exhausted. There are lots of thanks to go around, and I'll get to them all! I'll leave you with this tidbit:

34 players left, 27 pay, The Luckbox is in 34th with T2600 and blinds at 600/1200. I'm like MacGyver trapped in a cage with only a toothbrush and a cracked DVD.

Permalink | Tournament Action

July 13, 2006

Who's The Man?!?!

by Luckbox

Congrats to Bobby B., et al on their very successful charity auction. The ForPeyton.com fund now has an extra $1600 in its piggy bank. Thanks to everyone who participated, and my aplogies to those who adore Isabelle less than I do!

Permalink | Luckbox's Thoughts

July 11, 2006

It Passed

by G-Rob

The Associated Press is now reporting:

CAPITOL HILL (AP) - The House has passed legislation aimed at
making it harder for Americans to gamble on-line.

It would keep gamblers from using credit cards to fund their
on-line wagering, and it could block access to gambling Web sites.
And it would spell out that most gambling is illegal on-line. But
the measure is not considered a high priority in the Senate.

Update from CJ:

  • Find out how your politicians voted here.
  • Read the text of the legislation here.
  • See if your Representative is a sponsor of the bill here. (Screw you South Carolina and Michigan, with 3 sponsors each.)

    Update from CJ II: The bill makes an exception for online horse racing betting and most fantasy sports. Now why is that okay?

    Permalink | Online Poker
  • Get Out Your Wallets

    by Luckbox

    Poker Pro's Donate Items for Charity Auction ForPeyton.com LESS THAN TWO DAYS LEFT TO BID!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    I've come to learn that the poker blogging community is one of the most caring and giving communities I've ever known. When I wanted to raise a little money to fight MS, the community came through. When Spaceman wanted to raise money for Charlie Tuttle, there was no hesitation.

    Now it's time to dig deep for a 2 1/2 year old girl who tragically lost her mother to an extremely rare form of cancer. Little Peyton has a difficult time ahead, but we can make the road ahead much easier for her.

    Bobby Bracelet (with help from Spaceman and Shelly, as well as poker pros like Gavin Smith) is spearheading a huge auction and fundraiser to raise tens of thousands of dollars. It's simple, click on the links below and make your bids now!

    More in this Poker Blog! -->
    Permalink | Luckbox's Thoughts

    July 8, 2006

    The Turn

    by G-Rob

    The first time I went to Vegas, I didn't play poker. In fact, I thought the friends who did were stupid for trying. We went as an enormous throng, old friends and new, and I ended up sharing a room with CJ, his brother, and a guy named "Carmine". I hadn't seen Carmine before. I haven't seen him since. He did, however, have enough of a Vegas connection to guarantee that 25 drunken morons don't pay cover at the areas "finest" adult establishemnts.

    Meanwhile, I played blackjack and lost every dollar I took. I expected that, of course, you take to Vegas what you plan to lose.

    Or so I thought.

    Otis and CJ played poker that time. I have no idea how they did.

    I assumed anyone who played poker in Vegas was an expert.

    I've been back to Vegas several times since. There's another trip coming on the first week of August. This time, I'm taking a test.

    More in this Poker Blog! -->
    Permalink | Las Vegas

    July 3, 2006

    Your Next Poker Book

    by Luckbox

    If you're like the rest of us, you've probably read a few bad poker books in your day. Well, it's time to get yourself a good one. And I'm confident in saying that about a book I've never read. Why? Because it's written by, perhaps, the best player in the WPBT. It's written by a guy who consistently beats the cash games he plays and still finds time to crush the tourney circuit when he wants to. The guy is smart and he's good. He's someone you can learn from, and now's your chance.

    Scott, aka DoubleAs, has written Pressure Poker. Get your copy by going to his blog and clicking on the link. I'm getting no kickbacks for this. I'm buying a copy for myself and you should, too.

    And if Scott's words aren't enough, take a look at this spectacular list of contributors: hdouble, Pauly, Iggy, Grubby and our very own Otis.

    So get your copy now! You won't be sorry.

    Permalink | Reading Material

    July 2, 2006

    Not So Lucky?

    by Luckbox

    I'll give live results for those not watching (in reverse order, scroll down for earlier races)...

    In the end, the Pick 6 paid more than $300K and getting just 5 of 6 paid $1175. It's the kind of pay day we were shooting for. Next time, we just gotta do better.

    And we missed the final race. We knew it was going to be the toughest race to call and we really didn't go as deep in this race as we'd like. Our top choice, Marquis Form made a nice run on the rail, but had too far to come and finished 2nd. Sixcess, the winner, was one of our backup horses.

    Race #10 makes back-to-back winners. We really liked 1 Charming N Lovable, making her our second choice. We were really willing to go just two deep in this race because we were confident in the picks. If we hit this last, it'll be bitter-sweet.

    Finally a winner. In Race #9, our top pick, Siren Lure ran a perfect race. He went off as the co-favorite and looked the best closing from off the pace in this sprint. We're now 1-4. BG put the over/under at 3.5 and we both figured we'd hit three races. That means hitting the last two. Won't win us any money, but might help our pride.

    After watching Race #8, I wonder if we'll be able to find investors next month. Our pick, Attima, got out front for most of the race, but, as happens on turf races, he was caught by just about everyone. The third choice ended of running away from the pack and won by a mile. We're 0-3. There aren't many excuses.

    Race #7 wasn't much better. This time, a 10-1 shot beat the post time favorite. Our horses finished 2nd and 3rd. Getting 4 of 6 doesn't pay, unfortunately. I can't imagine anyone hitting this Pick 6 today. Even if you had the 33-1 in the first race, there's not much chance you had the 10-1 in the second. Picking 6 winners isn't easy. Hell, picking one is hard enough. I just wish we had gotten off to a good start.

    Race #6 was a disaster. A 33-1 shot won. It's a horse we never considered, and I have to figure it wasn't a popular horse on most tickets. Our horses were near the front much of the race, but couldn't quite finish. The only good news is that a 33-1 shot likely kills a large majority of Pick 6 tickets. Getting 5 of 6 could still play. We'll see.

    Permalink | Betting the Ponies

    The Lucky 13

    by Luckbox

    It's a crazy idea, really. Boy Genius and I thought maybe we could put together a ticket for today's $1 million guarantee Pick 6 at Hollywood Park. That means picking the winners for the last 6 races on today's card. Of course, on yesterday's Arlington Park card, we had trouble picking 2 winners, but I digress.

    Apparently, we've been able to fool 11 other people into jumping on board with a $30 investment. And so the Lucky 13 are all rooting for a nice six figure payday. Here are the picks:

    More in this Poker Blog! -->
    Permalink | Betting the Ponies

    July 1, 2006

    A Day at the Races

    by Luckbox

    Apparently sucking out for 7 straight months catches up with you, and the karma of poker is returning the favor. I don't mind losing a race here or there, but one too many two outers is leaving me discouraged. I know, I know... correct decision. Still doesn't take the sting away.

    With that in mind, I'm devoting another weekend to the ponies. First, it's the card at Arlington Park. Later, I'll probably do a little Hollywood Park. Then, I may drive out to Evangeline Downs for the big stakes race tonight. Finally, tomorrow is a big Pick 6 with Boy Genius.

    So as I go, I figure I'll live blog a little for you. Enjoy!

    More in this Poker Blog! -->
    Permalink | Betting the Ponies