bucklox academy graduate

This guy must have been the valedictorian of his class.

Vegetarian

Joe's episode #6 and new challenges

Ok, I finished the first 100 SNG challenge with a profit of $5.85. What can I say, I pushed games to get over with quickly so I could get in to the next SNG.

Started a new 100 NLHE $3.40 SNG challenge. I am 0 for 4 so I also started a 100 HORSE SNG, which I expect ITM between 30-50%.

Here is Joe:

100 SNGs and Joe the Pro

I finished up the 100 SNG challenge with a +$5.85 playing mostly $3.40 stt. I will post the breakdown shortly. Meanwhile, Joe the Pro has released episode 5 where he is broke.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-sWivOtnrk

Joe the Pro

I think this guy must have been BuckLox's roommate at the Poker Academy.

Episode 1:

The Life Of A Professional Internet Poker Player - video powered by Metacafe

Episode 2:

Episode 3:

Episode 4:

Bankroll management

I read a lot about bankroll management, but didn't pay too much attention since I do not rely on my poker income/winnings (losses to be more accurate) to support my living expenses. Basically, I am a recreational player that plays for entertainment and the thrill of competing. I still tried to avoid have 50% of my current bankroll on the tables at cash games or SNGs. Although, I have put 100% on the line on more than one occasion.

I originally looked at true bankroll management strategies as an issue only for pro or semi-pro players that didn't have any real access to other sources of income, like a day job or second job. In other words, bankroll management was only a real concern when you could not readily replace your bankroll if you lost it all. However, the recent changes in the gambling legislation make it difficult to replace lost or depleted bankrolls. Thus, bankroll management has taken a more critical role in which games I choose to play, at least while sober.

That said, I think you can separate it into two categories - bankroll management for those who need poker income to support living expenses and bankroll management for the recreational player who can lose it all with the only consequence being a brief hiatus from the virtual tables until the lost bankroll can be replaced.

My two cents for the pro/semi-pro:

- don't buy into a ring game for more than $10 (limit or $5 no limit - as long as you have at least $100) or 10% (limit or 5% no limit) of your bankroll, which ever is larger. This includes single table SNGs except the use the limit numbers no matter what type of tourney.

- don't buy into a MTT for more than $5.50 (provided you have at least $100) or 5%, which ever is larger.

For recreational players, you should be able to double the amounts.

Keep in mind that I assume you know how to play the game at more than a beginner level. Obviously, you shouldn't be a pro/semi-pro if you are a beginner. For the recreational player, you can still use these guidelines if you want, but expect to go broke before you graduate to intermediate level.

Pai Gow

Just got back from vacation and my computer broke. Since it will be awhile till anything poker happens, I thought I would post some strategy info.

Badbeat and Q are talking about a trip to AC or Vegas so I thought a casino game strategy post would be in order. Black Jack is obvious and the Hold'em table game is pretty obvious to a poker player. That leaves a game Q just loves but sucks at so here is some basic strategy for newbies and long time losers like Q:

Back = 5 card hand
Front = 2 card hand

NO PAIR: Use the highest card in the back and second and third highest in front

ONE PAIR: Place pair in back, highest other two cards in front.

TWO PAIR:
Big Pair is Jack thru Ace: Place small in front.
Big Pair is 7's thru 10's: Place both pairs in back ifyou can put Ace in front.
Big Pair is 2's thru 6's: Place both pairs in back if you can put King in front; otherwise split

THREE PAIR: Place big pair in front.

THREE OF A KIND:
Aces: Place an Ace and next highest card in front.
Kings and Below: Place three of a kind in back; two highest cards in front.

TWO SETS: Place pair from higher set in front.

STRAIGHT; FLUSH; STRAIGHT FLUSH:
With No Pair: Place two highest cards in front that leaves a complete hand in back.
With One Pair: Place two highest cards possible (pair or no pair) in front that leaves a complete hand in back.
With Two Pair: Use two pair strategy.
With Three of a Kind: Place complete hand in back, pair in front.

FULL HOUSE: Put pair in front.

FOUR OF A KIND:
Jacks thru Aces: Always split.
7's thru 10's: Place four of a kind in back if you can put Ace or King in front; otherwise split
6's or Below: Never split.
With a Pair: Play four of a kind in back; pair in front.
With Three of a Kind: Put highest pair in front; fullhouse in back.

FIVE ACES: Place pair of Aces in front.