anyone here play poker?

[Kal]

I don't mind playing the odd $1 and $2 tournaments online, and I occasionally go to the 'Australian Poker League' tournaments that they have in various clubs. I started off 2007 with a tournament win, my maiden 1st place, beating 378 other people in the $1 tourney!! :D

[davidpretorius]

congrats , we have a monthly tournment with up to 30 mates. a lot of fun and a chance to get out of the house

[Ric]

Congrats Kal, I dont play it well enough to have a go at something like that.

Cheers

[xelasnave]

I love the games on TV but never get to play.
One can form many "business" rules from he game.. dont bet unless you will win.. anything else is a waste of time.
It is interesting in some of the games on TV the players are in some cases "maths" experts. I dont think life is much different to the game..you are dealt your cards and you play them the best way you can with a view to winning... just remember some hands should be folded immediately and others put all your effort into because you are holding a winning hand.
alex

[Kal]

Alex, alot are math experts, but the math is pretty simple and easy to learn. There are, after all, only 52 cards in the deck, so it doesn't get too complex. Alot of the great players are also great because of their psychological abilities, they can 'read' another player, looking for small 'tells' or signs of strength/weakness. I'm not a math expert but I have a good enough understanding of the math to be adequate in that area, but my weakness is on the psychological side =/ I think that is why I play better online rather than in real face to face poker tournaments, since the psychological game is greatly removed.

[xelasnave]

I was a bit of a chess player once upon a time... never had much of a problem with other players but when I played the computer I could not use "the personal touch" and it would see through my ploys and I found it a somewhat different game. I find it harder to beat a computer than a human and I believe even in chess body language plays a part.. I must say I love some of the bluffing that goes on in the TV games.
I have resisted having a go at it because I feel it would grab me and not let go.. I find the game extremly appealing ..not for the money but the opportunity of matching wits with others bent on the same.
alex