Misc Poker Musings

Ultimate Poker

The first week of unquestioned legal online poker (Ultimate Poker) in Nevada seems to have brought to light many problems and issues. People using Verizon are not able to access the online system. People close to the Nevada border seem to also be having issues. Although a sweet in-person deposit and cash out system has been set up in the Las Vegas Station Casinos, it just seems like this first effort is sort of like baby steps. Things will obviously get better. This is just the start.

Online Poker in Illinois

My home state, Illinois, recently proposed some online poker legislation that would help to right our failing state employee pension system. Unfortunately, in the Land of Lincoln -- backwards and politically corrupt -- gambling laws have traditionally been put aside as the pols fight over the rights to gambling in Chicago. Instead of having a top rate poker room in Chicago, Illinois residents are forced to go to Hammond, Indiana.

Although online poker was part on one of the latest bills being proposed, it was axed for fear that it would make almost any progress negligible. But ... at least this was a step in the right direction.

My Home Game

Although I had thoughts of making a road trip and playing some poker in Peoria, Joliet, or Hammond the past few weeks, it was just so much easier to slide back into my home game for a time. As I noted in a previous pot, the blinds have been increased and the aggression has been ramped up. Sometimes the hands resemble bingo more than poker.

I have notched profits the past three weeks despite a run of terrible cards for 2 1/2 of the three sessions. Because of the low number of hands I played (certainly compared to some of the aggro guys), I have gained a reputation as Senior Rock. I have used that rep to my advantage, however, and now have some of the players not being able to figure out when I have the goods and when I don't. This is exactly the sweet spot I like to hit.

First Time for Staking

I have always avoided staking other players, preferring to just use my poker money for myself. However, I dipped my toes in the water on a deal I could not pass up. I made some money with blog advertising and then used the money to stake one of the people who brought some advertising to my blog, thus I am freerolling in my mind. The player has a good track record of cashing in Las Vegas tournaments and will be playing in a number of tournaments this summer. I could make a respectable profit for a small investment, or at worst just lose money I got from advertising. In either case, it will make for some fun weeks as I follow the progress of my horse.

Have a great week!