I recently returned from an Australia/New Zealand cruise, having played 1/3 NL (the only offering) eight out of ten nights on the ship. Poker on a cruise ship has many idiosyncrasies, but the incredibly soft games kept me coming back despite the hassle and lack of sleep. Poker only gets[…]
Ryan the Lion
As we know from being around poker players and the scene, the persona we see at the table is usually a trivial portion of our opponent’s full life, or occasionally, even a completely deceptive image. Professional poker player Ryan Schnabel, who can be seen in a tank top, tie, and[…]
Construction and its Discontents, Part I
In one sense, the day someone becomes my student is the day they should fire me. Why? Because I supply them with the question that ultimately answers all poker questions:What is a bet?Not just any bet, mind you – although we start with that – but a bet in poker.[…]
Gargamel’s Greatest Hits, Vol. I
Gargamel resurfaces in a fucking thoughtful mood – P.I’m in the midst of a downswing and getting best handed a lot. Instead of writing about how I want to tear up the cards and flip the table, I figured this would be a good time to write about my favorite[…]
Vegas Matinée
Up, high among the shadowy beams of the ceiling or an unclear memory, I see or imagine a fan spinning so deliberately that I’d be wiser to say it was turning.An illusion of memory, though – and of a place I wasn’t sure I wanted to visit. In reality, light[…]
The Spirit of Solve For Why, Conclusion
The participants and assorted hangers-on, including your shady blogging servant, were listening. Christian Soto, cash game expert and tournament debauch, was wedged into one end of the living room sofa, a contradiction in posture and attitude. His arm was comfortably, even carelessly thrown across the black leather back of the[…]
Poker and The Culture of Narcissism
Guest post and artwork from Porter today – P.You are a serious poker player. You post hand histories in the forums, subscribe to the poker training sites, and watch all the latest vlogs. You even have a coach. Yet you still aren’t crushing the games. Probably variance. But humor me[…]
Millennial Boy
A guest post today from Fernando, a Las Vegas player and student of the game. Enjoy – Persuadeo.The following is a tale of chicanery, risk management, and people who play poker in the desert.Old Man Collin (OMC) has been been retired and living in fabulous Las Vegas for about ten[…]
Poker and Conscience
Recently a friend of mine sent me a photo he had taken of poker’s favorite villain. “I didn’t say hi,” he mentioned.No, it wasn’t Phil Hellmuth.Chris Ferguson is who I am talking about. Now smiles fade. The former owner, together with Howard Lederer, of Full Tilt Poker, not the most[…]