Man vs. Machine

Phil “The Unabomber” Laak and Ali Eslami (poker pros) recently took on a sophisticated poker software program in an interesting test match.

You can read the article here.

The poker pros managed to eek out a slim victory this time around, but everyone seems to think the time is coming when computer programs will be able to consistenly “outsmart” us humans.

The point of the excercise was to create more intellegent software that could aid the human thought process in the future but at what cost?

You paid $20 for What!

ESPN is broadcasting the final table of the WSOP this year live on pay-per-view for $19.95. This may seem like a lot of money to pay to watch poker. I would agree.  I mean, you could watch it for free in a few months anyway, right? Well a loyal reader got me thinking, is this the worst way to spend $20? If not, what are the 5 worst things to do with $20?  So off the beaten poker path we go and without further adieu, I give to you my TOP 5 WORST THINGS TO DO WITH $20….

Sticky Situations at The Ranch

I played a long session last night (sleep deprived as usual) and it definitely had its share of very interesting situations as table was action oriented. I am going to pick a few key hands that came up and let the loyal readers make their decisions before I share the decisions I made.

The WSOP Main Event is Here!

This week thousands have gathered in Las Vegas for the chance to take home millions in prize money and the coveted gold bracelet. Last year’s winner, Jaime Gold, took home 12 million for his first place finish.

 You say, why do I care about a bunch of guys and girls I have never heard of, from places I have never heard of, playing a game I do not understand?

Bluff the River?

                                      Setting:

Ocean’s Eleven Casino, Oceanside

Game:

$2\$3 No-Limit Hold ‘Em $300 max buy-in

Pertinent stack sizes:

The villain- slighty over $300, myself- around $200

Scenario:

I am in the Big Blind the action is folded around to the button who raises to $15. I defend my blind and make the call with QsJs.

WHY?

Poker is NOT gambling.

 Just wanted to get that out of the way first. This site is not about gambling, but about a game of skill in which the score is kept with money.