Posts Tagged ‘poker’

Stu Ungar didn\’t have much going for him in most areas of life. In fact, it could very well be argued that he was downright inept in most areas of existence. He also had a self destructive streak that manifest itself in heavy drug use and other behaviors. Ungar, however, had one great gift–he was a prodigy with a deck of cards. He would become one of the first superstars of poker before it became a fixture on ESPN, but wouldn\’t live to enjoy the \’boom\’. Ungar would eventually be done in by his baser elements, and would be found dead in a Las Vegas hotel room in November,\’88.

Ungar\’s skills at the poker table were like Mozart\’s at the piano. While countless volumes of poker strategy and theory have been written, Ungar\’s understanding of the game was downright instinctive. Ungar\’s greatest achievement was his three World Series of Poker victories, but he won millions in informal games and profitable card room sessions. The amazing thing about Ungar\’s sheer mastery of Texas Hold\’em was the fact that it was the third card game he had mastered. Ungar first came to Las Vegas as a gin rummy prodigy; he had beaten all of the good players on the East Coast and moved to the desert mecca in search of new opportunities. He had soon run the table of Nevada\’s gin players, and then turned to blackjack out of necessity. He was quickly barred as a card counter at a number of Southern Nevada casinos. Needing a new vocation, he took up poker.

Ungar\’s problem was that he was awful at basic survival skills. He fought a number of addictions-most notably to drugs and sports gambling. After his WSOP win in\’97, he was nearly broke and wasted away from drug use by the time the\’98 tournament rolled around. Vegas casino owner Bob Stupak provided the $10,000 he needed to defend his title, but as the games began Ungar cowered in his darkened hotel room unable to pull himself together enough to play.

Other stories of Ungar\’s troubled life away from the poker tables evoke the same theme: buying a new Mercedes with cash after a WSOP victory and driving it until it fell apart from lack of maintenance; signing mortgage papers as he played in the Dunes poker room; losing 1.5 million dollars betting on sports or golf in the course of a weekend on more than one occasion.

Ungar\’s death came as something of a shock as he\’d shown signs of cleaning up his act. Longtime friend Bob Stupak and helped pay off his debts and staked him in the major poker tournaments. Ungar was found dead two days after the two had drawn up a formal contract. Ungar also left behind an ex-wife and a teenage daughter, who still live in Las Vegas. Though the official cause of death was listed as a \’heart attack\’, there were a mixture of drugs found in his system including cocaine and methadone.

Most of the famous gamblers of Las Vegas legend-guys like Puggy Person and Doyle Brunson– have been tough, larger than life individuals with a healthier than normal dose of self-preservation skills. In this respect, Ungar was an anomaly among gambling greats-he was physically frail and almost completely helpless away from the poker table. With a handful of cards and a pile of chips, however, he became a ruthless and indomitable warrior. His story is certainly not one that the modern day, publicity conscious Las Vegas will celebrate. He will be remembered, however, as part of the tradition that gives the city its unique character. From the mobsters that pioneered the city, to the Rat Pack that civilized it, to the corporations that cleaned it up, characters like Stu Ungar have provided the spice that makes Las Vegas America\’s \’Paris in the desert\’. Ungar may never have a statue on Fremont Street, but his spirit will live on.

Ross Everett is a freelance sports writer and respected sports betting expert. He is also a staff handicapper for Sports-1 Sportsbook and is in charge of setting NFL lines. He has written extensively on sports handicapping theory along with a wide range of other topics including fencing, self defense and falconry.

It is a well-known fact that you should always keep your specific state’s gaming policies in mind to enjoy a stress free weekend at the pub or casino. The Oklahoma gaming dept and the Ohio gaming dept have similar rules yet when you go to play at a casino or online, you should make sure and check out each state’s particular gaming policies. As with any state, these two states have distinct differences in age allowances, games allowed and other such rules. If one neglects to keep track of their specific state or casino’s rules, unfortunate consequences could occur such as being kicked out of the casino, small fines and even police intervention in rare cases. The lottery is taken very seriously and can be hours and hours of fun for those who know how to play and abide by the given rules.

On a similar vein, when playing the Ohio lottery Mega Millions, the drawing dates are on different days than that of the Oklahoma Mega Millions lottery. Though the rules are the same, the draw days are different and there may be some slight differences in smaller rulings or lottery results. For example, Ohio lottery results will not be the same as Oklahoma lottery results. Each state has their own draw time and place so keep that in mind when buying a ticket and playing a lotto game. Some lotto type games are national games though and the drawings will be all in one state. Powerball, for example, is drawn in Florida every Wednesday and Saturday. Each any every state as well as each game has its own unique rules, regulations, draw times, etc… You will enjoy the games better if you keep these things in mind.

No matter what you intend to do or what game you love the best, the gambling industry was intended for moderation, fun and socializing. Clubs, Groups, Sports Teams and even some families can enjoy gambling as a sport. Let’s help our states keep gambling in play by using the system wisely, moderately and with respect. Each any every gambler (whether avid or occasional) will have a better time when the rules are followed and intentions are met. From Slots and machines to Poker and Keno, give yourself a relaxed evening with your friends, family or co-workers and enjoy your favorite gambling game at your local bar or casino!

Poker is a tremendous game of not only luck, but of skill. Think of it as a battle of wills. Players sitting around the poker table are trying to “will” the other into submission with a finely played bluff, or confidence in the hand they are holding. Almost like two kings on ancient battlefields trying to get into the mind of their opponent before they strike. Today, you don’t have to battle wits with a person across the table. You can play a computerized opponent with a poker program.

Programs for playing poker have been around for quite some time. In the earliest days, the playing was quite rudimentary, and barely playable. Today’s poker programs are much more sophisticated and are even used by online video casino’s as a way to offer challenging poker play. Of course, the program itself is working on a principle of randomness; so there is still some skill involved.

While, you can’t bluff a computer program, or a video poker machine, you can still take your chances in either holding cards or throwing out cards. This is really the skill of poker. Of course, there is also chance involved, but having a knack for keeping some cards and changing out others is a development that can come over time, whether you are playing real poker or a poker program.

There are also different styles of poker. You can play Texas Hold ‘em, 7-Card Stud, Anaconda, Chicago Hi-Low, and even Poker Roulette. While the principle is the same, the game play in all of these varies from game to game. For instance, in Poker Roulette you can have from three to five players. If you have more than five players an additional deck is required. Players are dealt one face down card, plus to more face down ‘active’ cards, and one more face up card. Players must match the active cards with either the suit or number of the face up card. These are placed in a stockpile while those that don’t are thrown into a discard pile.

This continues in Poker Roulette until the deck is used up. Once that is done, then the players must try to assemble the best 5 card hand out of their stockpile. The betting now begins.

Whether you are playing poker in the traditional sense, testing your skills with a video poker game, or poker program, or are playing a different variety of the game – playing poker is a fun, and exciting, pastime. Learn the skills and you can even make a few dollars.

For decades people have been playing chance games like state run lotteries for the thrill of someday winning a mega jackpot. This is especially true for people playing Powerball. Colorado, for example, has had many people lining up at the local convenience store, or state lottery, to get their weekly Powerball tickets. Recent winners include several $1 million dollar winners.

Powerball is one of those games that you have no control over. It’s not like playing popular card games like poker. At least in poker, to some degree, you have a little bit of control over how each hand is played. You can ask for new cards and bluff other players for a chance at winning the cash pot. Powerball is much different. You choose the numbers you want to play and hope that when the winning numbers are called, yours is the one that is chosen.

Working on a system of random chance, and the way that certain balls drop once the button is pushed, the winning numbers are announced. When you stop and think about it, the odds of winning at Powerball are astronomical. But, people still line up for the chances at winning at Powerball. Arizona residents get the chance to win in that state’s Powerball every Wednesday and Saturday. Residents can also play the same ticket for ten consecutive weeks if they have the clerk mark off the multi week option.

For just a dollar a ticket, you have the chance of landing into the winning of a huge jackpot worth millions. For those who are not into those kinds of odds, there is also an excitement about playing card games for money. Many people get together, throughout the country, in their basements, living rooms, garages, or anywhere else they can gather for weekly nights of poker. Although there’s a lot of money changing hands at these friendly games, it still provides a better chance of winning than buying a Powerball ticket.

Powerball throughout the country is a huge business. While the chances of winning at it are astronomical, people do win. Some people even hit on the major jackpot, and then several smaller ones all within a few months of each other. When you think about it, paying $1 for the chance to win millions is a pretty small sum to pay. Even if all you get is the thrill and excitement of hoping for the right numbers.

For avid gamblers and people that love to play casino games, the destination of choice for vacations is typically Las Vegas. However for many regulars to Sin City, the tourist like environment can be a little bit too hectic when trying to get some rest and relaxation on vacation. This is the reason that many of these people have been deciding to turn to alternative destinations that have proven to be great vacation environments for people that want to visit casinos.

One of these alternative destinations is the Seneca Allegeny Casino in Salamanca, NY. One of the biggest benefits associated with this great Casino, located not too far from the Niagara region, is the incredible amount of money you will be able to save in comparison to the average hotel and casino in Vegas. Not only will you be able to save a ton of money, you will also have access to the best of luxury as the hotel is up to par with some of the most popular Vegas destinations. These are the precise reasons that so many recently have decided to visit this Casino rather than shelling out all that cash for the idyllic Vegas casino getaway.

Another great alternative that has garnered a ton of attention recently is the Seminole Hollywood Casino. From slots to poker or bingo, this great casino provides a great option for people that want to cut down on some of the glitz and glam and get right down to the gaming. Most hotels and casinos in Vegas pay attention to the environment making you feel like you are in a luxurious palace. However this often takes away from the enjoyment of sitting and playing games. For many all of the flash is a little bit too much and can be distracting or annoying. This is certainly not an issue with the Seminole. Whether you are interested in Fort Knox, Stinkin’ Rich, White Orchid, or any of the other popular Vegas style slots; you will definitely not be disappointed with everything that this casino has to offer.

If you have been looking for a truly affordable, yet luxurious casino vacation, look no further than the Seminole Hollywood Casino. With everything to do and see, you are bound to have a great time with your loved ones or friends at this high class gaming destination. Don’t wait to book your tickets and get away from the everyday stresses.

The Kitsap Peninsula is the most sought after holiday destination, partly due to its captivating scenery and the beautiful pines and cedars and partly due to its entertainment amenities. In the middle of such a captivating panorama is nestled the Clearwater Casino Resort which is, in itself, an expansive retreat boasting of four studded diamond amenities as well as a rich array of outdoor and indoor pleasures like a full service spa aside from all of the casino games to play, such as video slots, roulette, zero entry pool, craps and poker among others.

From Seattle, the resort can easily be accessed via a half hour ferry ride which passes through an extremely scenic expanse to the Bainbridge after which the Clearwater Casino courtesy shuttle will be glad to invite you to the home of fun and excitement.

Before you even decide to travel and vacation at the Clearwater Casino Resort, the line up of the Performances at the Passage are accessible. During the summer vacations hundreds of families swarm the Clearwater Casino enticing environment to catch the live, free and extremely fulfilling shows.

Without getting out of the excellent rooms, the Northwest’s stimulating scenery can as well be accessed from the comfort of the cozy 4-Diamond status rooms. Guests can marvel at the breathtaking water views as they enjoy the feeling of being at home.

Usually when people go for vacation, they are either cooling off after months of tireless working or alternatively looking for fresh business opportunities. Clearwater Casino has just unveiled a new waterfront business center to serve the needs of its business clientele. This center focuses on conventions, quaint business meetings, appreciation dinners, classes, cocktail hours and various other business needs. Free use of a Windows PC is available, as is Wi-Fi, fax, color printer and other basic office needs.

Even though the rooms at Clearwater Casino offer the best amenities possible, the excitement while relaxing on the Event Lawn, or the reflective stroll through the Native Art Gallery, are equally gratifying. On the other hand, the Angeline Spa is life giving.

Sumptuous dining at the Clearwater Casino is not a rarity. Four incredible restaurants serve to satisfy the visitor’s appetite for excellent meals. These restaurants sample a variable mix of the best rated international recipes. The presence of highly professional, friendly, understanding and spoiling service keeps the guests feeling at ease with their extravagantly furnished environment while they enjoy the very best foods that the world has to offer.