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________________
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2005 WSOP Winner Joseph Hachem

Wins $7.5 million!
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Paula Abdul Loves TopPair!
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____________________________________
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______________
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October 2005
contents
feature story
46 Poker is WAR!
Chuck Liddell: The Warrior Within
By Gavin Jerome & Priti Patel
features
14 Heading Off to Boot Camp By Earl Burton 78 Celebrities in the TopPair Booth
Part I.
80 Three-Tweeners By Scott Tharler
20 Suffering from Superiority Syndrome. A Trio of Handheld Poker Games to Fill the Void
The Pitfalls of Rationalization. By Dennis Oehring
84 Ferguson Continues Lead in TopPair Player of the
22 Johnny Brenden Has A Secret By Gavin Jerome Year Race By Earl Burton
24 Spotlight On Vegas By H. Scott Krause 88 The Psychological Love Affair with Poker
By John “Poker Counselor” Carlisle, MA
26 2 Cents on the Turn
Odds: How Strong is Your Hand?
By Husband and Wife Players, Neil Schmidt and
Rebekah Foley
departments
38 Back in the Saddle Again By Oklahoma Johnny Hale
8 The In-box
40 The Un-paired Ace By Sam Mudaro
10 Publisher’s Note
44 Popper’s Floppers By Bob Popper 12 Editor’s Note
30 Feature Model: Elita
56 How To Avoid Going on Tilt By Roy Rounder
50 TopPair at the Movies
58 On Break with Michael “The Grinder” Mizrachi 54 PokerScopes
By Gavin Jerome 90 Tournament Schedules
60 Changing Hand Values By Angel Largay
62 Chip Chatter By Susie Isaacs

Texas Hold’Em
this month’s angels
63 Rocky Mountain Poker Tour By Gavin Jerome 18 Anjelea
66 Tales from the Felt By Jill Ann Spaulding 28 Karen
The Orleans Open 2005 Poker Tournament
42 Cilicia
66 A Dose of Deisel By Sonny Deisel 52 Alba
67 Greenstein’s “Ace on the River” A Classic 64 Kathy

By Earl Burton 74 Kristina
68 Getting Better By Ashley Adams 86 Crystal
72 Poker School of Knish By Alex Falcone
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Chazz
Palminteri
says rent his
new movie
“Noel“
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The In-Box
I found the July Issue on my desk and I You’ve put out a top quality magazine, the Dear Sirs, I recently obtained the July issue
began to read it. I have not been able to let only problem I had was with all the half of TopPair magazine and while reading it i
it down. You have the best girls and the naked women. I actually pulled the first found out it was only the 2nd issue—could
best poker knowledge this industry has to magazine from our casino. There are more you please send me the first issue—this is a
offer. I am a avid poker player and work ladies than ever playing poker and this will be magazine worth collecting.
for a casino (Go Figure). You guys are the offensive to quite a few of them. Our business
truly best magazine out there thus far. has come a long way overcoming the many Thank you.
negatives that law enforcement and others
Thank You, have labeled us with. W.P.T. has given us an
Richard Lugo opportunity to get positive exposure. Build Darrin A
Director of Security, Safety & Investigations your Magazine on quality articles and infor- Wichita, Ks
Normandie Casino mation and you will be back on our shelves.
1045 W. Rosecrans Ave
Bob Moyer ✍
Gardena, Ca 90247
_________
(310) 352-3519, Fax (310) 352-3266 General Manager/Partner
rlugo@normandiecasino.com Ocean’s Eleven Casino
We relish any and all comments, and if
“If You Fail To Plan, You Are Planning To you have something to say, positive or
✍
___________
Fail” negative, send it to me at :
✍ editor@toppairmagazine.com
Well I heard about TopPair magazine
because I sat beside Jill Ann at the WSOP
and I watched her in action. Just to let you
know she won the single table event. So
from that point on I became a fan of
TopPair Magazine. Keep up the good work!
Steven J.
Ottawa, Ontario, CANADA
Photos for the feature story on Chuck Liddell were taken by our very own
Jill Ann Spaulding. The shoot was done at Green Valley Ranch Casino
located at 2300 Paseo Verde Parkway in Henderson.
Green Valley Ranch is Vegas’ newest AAA four diamond resort.

Only minutes away from the Las Vegas Strip, you will discover an escape
that combines exciting casino action and the hottest nightlife with the
pampering and relaxation of a luxury resort and spa.
Special thanks to Amy Christenson, hotel Public Relations Director and

Green Valley Ranch for allowing us to do the photo shoot at
their beautiful hotel.
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The Game Girls Love TopPair!
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I will admit it; I am having World tinue to present a feminine perspective in

Series withdrawal. Never before has there a masculine game. I would like to see
been a spectacle quite like this. All the more women become dominant players
greats of poker, some soon to be greats and really change the face of poker, as we
and many wanna bees and railbirds all know it.
gathered in one spot for 6 weeks. If you Maybe that is the future of poker.
weren’t there, and you love poker, you With Joseph Hachem winning the grand
truly missed something special. prize of 7.5 million dollars, it showed the
I am sitting here wondering just what international flavor of poker as well. This
the poker world will be like a mere 300 Aussie took home the top prize and I
plus days from now. The folks at the Rio think that is great. It gives poker a more
have been saying that they will need a global perspective and a quick look at the
bigger room to house the tournament next bracelet winners in all the events will tell
year, possibly housing play in the grand you that this is indeed a global game.
area that the lifestyle show was held in. It was exciting to me to see all the
That would be something indeed. brand new, start up companies and web-
And what will the lifestyle show be sites that are jumping on the bandwagon,
like? If you weren’t there, you missed out hoping to reach that brass ring. Wide-eyed
on something special as well. If you have excitement and energy and an optimism
ever been to a trade show or convention that is only seen on Opening Day at
for business you know what to expect. Wrigley Field.
Except these booths were cool and had A few were pragmatic. I had a con-
TONS of cool poker stuff. There were versation with a gentleman that actually
online sites, both established and brand said, “It this show doesn’t really rock for
new, there were poker accessories, poker us, we are done. We are going to pack it
apparel and books and games. in.” I thought that was an unbelievably
And beautiful girls were all over the honest statement and at tradeshows you
place. It was a bevy of beauties even by rarely hear such candor. We immediately
Vegas standards. It was hard to stay tried to throw him some business. Maybe
focused on business. And my business is he will make it. Maybe he won’t.
publishing a magazine. We were thrilled One thing is for sure, the ones who
to say the least with the turn out and the will make it, will be a little different. They
fan support at our booth. The traffic was will have something to offer that others
more than we expected. It was nice to see don’t. I think the poker world will hit the
so many people get our concept and saturation point soon and the poker con-
really respond to it. We gave out free sumer will become very picky. You will
subscriptions and all sorts of goodies in have to offer something special to get
order to meet people up close and person- their attention.
al. It was a blast. More than just free crap that they can
Sure there were a few eye rollers as stuff into a bag. Ultimately, that is where
they walked by and you will have that. you sink or swim. The free crap might get
What I found so exciting was the number them in the door, but you have to have
of female subscribers who love our maga- something to keep their attention. That is
zine and are not threatened or demeaned true with magazines as well. I hope all of
by seeing a beautiful woman presented those who got our free subscription in the
tastefully in a magazine. That makes me coming months will find something inno-
happiest of all. This is a magazine pub- vative and unique in the pages of TopPair
lished by a female and it will always con- Magazine. We will keep cranking it out. If
for no other reason than I really want to
be at the World Series again next year.
Only 300 plus days to go and count-
ing…see you there!
__________________
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Tony Orlando Loves TopPair!
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PUBLISHER Jill Ann Spaulding

A copy of passage of “Causing your brother to
TopPair maga- stumble…” EDITOR Gavin Jerome
zine has proudly What it all boils down to for me ASSOCIATE EDITOR Angel Largay
been on display is what is in your heart. My heart is
LAYOUT AND DESIGN Graphics Etc.
on my Mom’s right and when I look at the models in
coffee table our pages I truly think they are beau- WEB GODDESS Melissa Collins
since it’s cre- tiful. I have had conversations with all NEWSLETTER WIZARD Kris Tanner
ation. She got a of them and know for a fact that they
huge kick out of the are beautiful on the inside as well. I SENIOR WRITER
Earl Burton Ashley Adams
In-Box column when I attributed that believe that we have been created in John Carlisle
quote from her that said, “Why didn’t God’s image and I believe the human
you go to law school and do some- form isn’t dirty or shameful, especial-
PHOTOGRAPHY
thing productive with your life?” ly if it is it covered by a swimsuit.
Bruce Gifford Jill Ann Spaulding
_____
As most of you have probably It all comes down to is this. Frank Capp Andy Meng
figured out by now, that was a joke. When I see a beautiful sunset, I stop Gary Kaplan IMAGEZZ.com
My Mommy is proud of me and this and admire God’s handiwork. The Michael Palmer Marty Gast
magazine. Even though there are girls same holds true when I see a beauti-
PUBLIC RELATIONS/MEDIA: Priti Patel
in bikinis in it. ful woman on the street or on the
You see, that is what has totally pages of a magazine. I don’t covet the
CONTRIBUTORS
baffled me since we started all this. sunset. I don’t say, “I wish I could
So many people have been freaking have that for my own.” The same Angel Largay Scott Tharler
Susie Issacs Kelly Holiday
out because we have models in our holds true for these models. My heart Joel Sheskey Dr. Mark Burtman
poker magazine. In fact, I have talked is in the right place. Bob Popper Joseph Hawes
to many card room managers who If you are threatened or offended Rebecca Foley John Vorhaus
have told me that although the patrons or shocked from a moral perspective Neil Schmidt Sonny Diesel
H. Scot Krause Joe Rutledge
LOVE the magazine and it is flying by this magazine then I will challenge Roy Rounder David Eisenstein
out of the poker room but the want to you to examine your own heart first Jim Denney Tom Leonard
discontinue it because ONE little old before you try to dictate morality to Alex Falcone Tom Burgoon
Leo Cummins Sam Mudaro
lady complained. everyone else. David Apostolico Dennis Oehring
That’s cool. As previously stated, In regard to gambling and the “Oklahoma” Johnny Hale
our magazine isn’t for everyone. church, my research uncovered some-
There will be people who don’t dig thing interesting and little known. In MODELS
us. But pull the magazine because the early days of Vegas, before it Anjelea Elita
ONE person complains? Doesn’t because what it is today, the casino Karen Kristina
make great business sense to me. If I owners pooled their resources and Alba Crystal
owned a casino, I wouldn’t want paid off the mortgages of all the Kathy Cilicia
someone so short sided running my churches in Las Vegas.
poker room that is for sure. You read that right. Gambling CORPORATE OFFICES
So I started out on this journey of gave back to God in the most pro- TopPair Magazine
discovery. Is this magazine harmless found way possible. Many of those 3454 E. Southern Ave., Suite 104
Mesa, AZ 85204
fun with bikini-clad eye candy or am churches are still standing today and
I the Larry Flint of the new millenni- their land and buildings were paid for
um? First stop was to my pastor. by the same places that many so- SUBSCRIPTIONS
That is right, you read that cor- called “religious conservatives” have $25.00 US Dollars
rectly. I am a Christian, a fully devot- been complaining against for 1-800-964-2846
ed follower of Jesus Christ and proud decades.
of it. I travel all around the country If you don’t like this magazine FOR ADVERTISING RATES
doing contemporary messages of because you think it is a piece of crap,
faith for churches of all denomina-
tions. My pastor is young and hip but
filled with little or no poker content,
then I am totally cool with that. It has __________
call 1-800-964-2846 or visit
www.toppairmagazine.com
I wasn’t sure of his response. always been poker centered and we
“Wow,” he said when he saw Jill are adding more hard-core poker © 2005 TopPair Magazine.
Ann’s picture. “Those could really strategy each issue. But don’t hide All material is strictly copyrighted, and all rights
cause some back trouble” was the behind the whole morality issue like a are reserved. Any reproduction or duplication of
this material without the written permission of
first thing out of his mouth. coward and try to justify your posi- TopPair Magazine is strictly prohibited.
We had a long theological dis- tion. Printed in USA
cussion about gambling and bikini It won’t hold the water the Jesus
clad women. It all came back to the walked on…
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Brad Garrett Loves TopPair!
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Heading Off To
Boot Camp
PART ONE
by Earl Burton
he last time I was invited to of the World Poker Tour, four dozen
T attend boot camp, they shaved

my head and sent
overseas…literally! I had joined the
me
poker players that are sponges for infor-
mation and two days in a casino. All in
all, a much better experience than the
first “boot camp” I attended!
United States Marine Corps and, within
months of enlisting, found myself in the For those of you who haven’t fig-
sunny climes of the Naval Base at ured it out yet, what I found myself at
Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. While the four was a fantastic and educational mix
year tour was one of the best formative called the World Poker Tour Boot Camp,
experiences that I have ever had, the conducted April 30-May 1 at the
words “boot camp” still send a shudder Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in
throughout my frame. Hollywood, FL!
So what did I get when I volunteered The WPT Boot Camp is the brain-
for boot camp this time around? What I child of Steve Berman and Ron Rubens,
got was one of the most recognizable whose goal was to give something to
players in the game of poker, a person players to improve their game. “What
who has seen the entirety of the history we try to do is bring the knowledge of
some of the greatest minds in the game
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to the player whose goal is to become a gets together to talk about anything, be ing this phase of the Camp. “Even the
better player,” Steve said to me before it poker or themselves. After this fuel- best professionals have to sometimes go
things got started early on a Saturday ing session, it’s off to the tables to start back to the basics, especially when in a
morning. “By using some of the best learning more about the game of poker! downswing,” Clonie was quick to
professionals in the game as well as the One of the most interesting emphasize during this phase of the class-
background and tools from the WPT, we moments came at this beginning time es, and Alex vehemently agreed. “If you
think we are doing that.” when Alex (called “The Insider” because don’t have the basics, then you have
When I asked him what set the WPT of his absolute knowledge of the WPT nothing to build upon,” he stated.
Boot Camp apart The gears really change after this
from other camps beginning. There are intense labs that
that are offered, are conducted, which put some of the
Steve quickly fired The WPT Boot philosophies that are taught into physi-
back his response. cal reality for the players. They actual-
“I think one thing Camp is the ly sit at a poker table, against other
that makes up spe- campers, and play out hands which, in
cial is that we limit
the size of the
brainchild of some cases, are drawn directly from
final tables of WPT championship
camps. Some of events. There is emphasis placed early
the others have Steve Berman and on many aspects of the game, from
two, three hundred knowing your own style of play to rec-
participants. My Ron Rubens, ognizing that of your opponents.
experience in cor- Mathematics
porate America told me that no one
learns much when you are sitting in a
whose goal was played a part in the
camp as everyone
large conference room or hall, listening learned the basics
to people drone on and on about things. to give something of poker math, such
By keeping classes small, there is an as calculating outs,
intimacy to it. You can concentrate on to players to pot odds and other
what the instructors are saying and you matters. “This is
don’t get bored.”
“Alex (Outhred) and Clonie
improve their important because,
if you don’t know
(Gowen) are great instructors for us to what your chances
have for this event. Alex has seen every game. are, then you do not
final table at a WPT tournament, so he have the knowledge
brings an extensive knowledge of top- of whether it is cor-
level tournament poker. Clonie is one of Final Tables) and Clonie asked, “What is rect to bet or call in certain situations,”
the best professional players out there, your purpose in poker?” Many of us Alex stated. Clonie added in, “You will
as are our other course instructors at the mumbled out differing responses from avoid many things if you know where
different sites (the other instructors are “enjoying myself” to “making money” to you are math-wise and, by knowing this,
Mike Sexton, Ron Rose, Linda Johnson, “beating the other player”. Alex then will be able to make the correct deci-
Scott Fischman and Vince Van Patten). gave the response as Clonie nodded in sion.”
When you add in the intensity of the agreement: “Your purpose in the game of Other aspects looked at throughout
courseware, the labs and the tourna- poker should be to make the correct the two day camp were the “little things”
ments that we play, a student at the Boot decision! With that, everything else you that many do not examine. There is a
Camp is definitely on the fast track to said will come along with it.” This was tremendous emphasis placed on putting
the final table!” a pretty startling revelation for all of us opponents on a hand, something that
For anyone who has wondered if campers and really started the course out many players don’t even look at.
such an experience would be good for on the right foot. Bluffing, staying away from traps, and
them, the answer would be a resounding The beginning of the course is a controlling information that you give
“YES!” The course starts bright and basic overview of the game. While more other players through talking at or away
early at eight in the morning on advanced players might find something from the table were just a few of the
Saturday, with breakfast provided for the like this boring, you would be amiss not things that were examined in great
campers and the counselors. Everyone to pay attention and take notes even dur- detail.
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I saw the instructors instead of two, so the ratios

founders of the will still be the same and we can keep
Boot Camp, the intimacy that we have here.”
Steve Berman For someone who is consider-
and Ron Rubens, ing going to a poker camp (and there are
packing up many out there), you should be at the
equipment and I WPT Boot Camp! While I am sure that
approached them there may be an overlap as far as infor-
to thank them for mation goes, the small size of students
putting this attending the course, the excellent mate-
together. “As rial provided from the WPT and, without
long as you a doubt, the knowledge and experience
Student check-in learned things provided by Clonie Gowen and Alex
here that improve Outhred was an indispensable part of the
your game, that experience. I walked away from the
The courseware is wrapped up is the goal,” Hard Rock on Sunday night with a new-
through a solid look at tournament play Steve smiled and said. Indeed, it was found confidence in my game. When
and an overview of online play. These one of the things that Clonie and Alex they say it is “the fast track to the final
were advanced principles that were emphasized throughout the two days is table”, the WPT Boot Camp is telling it
looked at, as they gave a great strategy that, in reality and whether a profession- like it is!
overview and also examined what reac- al or someone who wants to be, we are For more information on where
tions a player should have after suffering all students and constantly learning in the WPT Boot Camp heads in the future,
that inevitable “bad beat” that everyone
has at one point or another in a tourna-
the game. “We are thinking about hav-
ing a larger camp, but it will only be 100 _______
be sure to check out the website at
wptbootcamp.com or you can call 1-866-
ment. people max and we will have four WPT-BOOT(978-2668).
What was a great part of the camp
was the actual practice and execution of
this glut of information during the sit-
and-go tournaments and the main camp
tournament that everyone participated
in. Our group was excellent (OK, I’m
biased!) when it came to executing the
philosophies that we had been given and
everyone, whether they won or lost,
came away from these events with more
knowledge than what they had when they
started.
It did not seem that two days had
gone so quickly! Late in the afternoon
on Sunday, we were all brought together
for final photos, last discussions with the
instructors and final goodbyes and
exchanges of e-mail addresses between
the campers (believe me, I made some
great acquaintances there who will be
great people to be able to discuss the
game with!). In many ways, as we all
lingered around, no one wanted it to end.
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Britney Sky Loves TopPair!
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Anjelea
What’s your man sitch?
Available
What does a guy have to do to make your final table?
Be honest, funny and not try to hard. He has to be real.

I’ll like him for him, not what he is pretending to be
because he thinks it is what I am looking for. He also
has to be secure. I have dated enough insecure men.
What can get a guy busted out of your tournament?
Lying, trying too hard and insecurity. The biggest

problem guys I date have is they are insecure. They
don’t realize that I am serious.
Describe your idea of the perfect romantic evening.

Dinner at Fix, followed by drum practice (teaching
each other new tricks) then sitting on the hood of a car
chatting the night away while it is raining. Then danc-
ing the night away in the rain. I know it is far fetched
but hey a girl can dream cant she?
What celebrity would you most like to go “heads up”

with?
Scott Weiland, Cindy Blackman, Matt Sorum, Trent

Reznor, James Sloan and Brody Dolyniuk.
Most embarrassing moment with the opposite sex?
When I was on a blind date I fell down the stairs right

as I was introducing myself to him. LOL, that was
classic.
Do you have your own personal Website or any other

accomplishments you would like to plug?
www.onemodelplace.com/anjelea ,
www.anjeleafans.com , Sept issue of FHM baby! Jeff
bates music video “good people”, Party at the Palms
TVshow w/ Jenny McCarthy and Hard Rock hotel and
Casino print ad.
If stuck on a desert island, what three things would

you take with you?
Drum set, Significant other and Mischa (my cat)

Photo by Eric Jarvis
Anything else you want the world to know about you?
I love nights of witty banter and playful rhetoric. I

wear leg warmers. I ride dirt bikes, surf and snow-
board. I love taking road trips to the beach. I have a
weakness for a black-haired rebel without a cause,
although I haven’t found him yet….
Who is your favorite Poker Player?
“Jesus” Chris Ferguson
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Suffering From you move up in limits where you would expect to find more knowledgeable play-
Superiority Syndrome ers like yourself and thus a level of competition more suitable to your playing style,
only to find that you’re still losing, but now at an accelerated pace. The faces or
The pitfalls of rationalization handles are different, but the playing styles don’t seem to be. People are still play-
ing A rag out of position; any two suited cards; raising when they should be call-
By Dennis Oehring ing; calling when they should be raising; and staying in and hitting runner/runner
on the turn and river to bust you when they have no business being in the pot in the
ou’re playing in your favorite game of limit Texas hold’em. It could be first place.
Y a $15/$30 game at the Bellagio or a $.25/$.50 game online; it really does-

n’t matter. The cards, though, haven’t been running well of late, and as
much as you hate to admit it, you haven’t had a winning session in some time now.
You decide you’re playing either too aggressively or too passively; too tight
or too loose; whatever it is, you need to change gears and try something new in
order to recapture the glory of those winning sessions you used to have many more
The guy on your left is winning the big pots, and seems to play nearly every hand. of. Once you do, you find yourself in poker’s Dead Zone, an area where things look
The kid across from you doesn’t understand the rules very well yet…he’s a fish for familiar but nothing seems to quite mesh. You find yourself out of your comfort
sure, but his stack is twice the size as yours. The lady in the third seat has called level, both in your style of play and the limits you’re playing at. All the while, your
you down on every hand you’ve played, winning every time she has. losses continue to mount.
Your pocket aces keep getting cracked; you can’t recall the last time they You may switch to no-limit for a while, figuring the change of pace will do
held up. You know that if you hold KK, the odds of your opponent having AA are you good like it did for Chris Moneymaker before his World Series win. You enter
44:1 against, but it seems to happen to you every time. Whenever you’ve looked a few tournaments at your local casino and play the sit & go structures online.
down to find big slick and then hit a pair on the flop, which hasn’t been often, You’ve read that professional Scott Fischman is not below playing in low-stakes
you’ve been consistently beat by the guy who stayed in from middle position with tournaments or low-limit games online in an effort to get into the thought process
an offsuit 4 8 and caught a straight or two pair. You consider yourself a serious play- of players at these levels thereby improving his game, something you admire that
er; not only have you read Barry Shulman’s book, 52 Tips For Texas Hold’em he would even admit. Yet you find yourself finishing 6th consistently at a $10 sin-
Poker but you’ve studied it, yet every time you’ve played against a single opponent gle table sit & go, not making the final two tables in a 3-table event, or getting bust-
and the board flops a pair, on Shulman’s advice you’ve bet aggressively with your ed out in 1457th place in a low-stakes mega-tournament. In other words, as Rolling
ace or other pair only to lose to trips. You want to write Shulman and tell him how Stones lead singer Mick Jagger lamented in “Nineteenth Nervous Breakdown”,
much Tip 24 has cost you personally, and that perhaps he should consider rewrit- Well, nothing I do don’t seem to work
ing the tip should a second edition be published as he is obviously wrong on this It only seems to make the matters worse
one. Does any (or all) of this sound familiar? Are you guilty of justifying your style
That third club on the river doesn’t scare you as you’re confident you’ve bet of play, the quality of your play, and the limits you play according to some miscon-
and raised the flush draws out, yet you still lose to a flush. You know that holding strued premise you’ve come to believe in which tells you that as an ardent student
two suited cards only increases your chances of winning by roughly 6%, but it of the game with far more knowledge than most of your opponents, you deserve to
seems no one else does as you see people playing any two suited rags and winning win much more often than you currently are? And when you’re not winning, do
with them, like 2 3, 4 9, and 5 K. “What is the matter with these people?” you ask you frequently find yourself saying, “It’s just not fair!”? You’ve read interviews
yourself. “Don’t they know anything about how to play the game?” You lower with top pros who have admitted they’re not big readers, like Carlos Mortenson,
your eyes and gently shake your head in disgust while going on tilt in the casino, Layne Flack, and Paul Darden, and while you may not have the “gift” that they pos-
or scream at the top of your lungs at your opponents when playing online. You’ve sess for the game, you’re confident that hard work will make up for it over time.
sent an email to the WPT suggesting that the game be renamed Texas flush’em, but Yet right now you can’t beat the guy who stays in with 2 4 offsuit consistently in a
haven’t heard back from them yet. Surely they’re giving strong consideration to $5 sit & go.
your suggestion; that has to be the reason for their lack of response. Perhaps you have acquired a case of “superiority syndrome” to rationalize
You start to wonder whether you experience bad luck, especially when play- your losses. Someone once said that when you dissect the word “rationalize”, it
ing, more so than other people. You begin to believe that Eric Clapton wrote his hit breaks down into two components; “rational” and “lies”. Our egos will tell us what
song “Born Under a Bad Sign” specifically with you in mind and find it playing in we want to hear, but the plain truth of the matter is that many of us are just not as
your head incessantly. Could your bad luck be inherent in your genetic code? You good as we think we are, or even worse, as good as we think we should be. We
research articles on the Internet, looking for a link between DNA composition and tend to discount the role luck plays in our overall success while we’re winning,
luck itself. You’ve never been interested in genealogy, but now wonder whether attributing that success exclusively to our superior skills, or dwell on it way too
your ancestors had a history of bad luck like you seem to be having now. You begin much when we aren’t. We forget that time is the great equalizer, balancing out the
to fear Roget’s will soon display your picture to illustrate an antonym when the roles that skill and luck have in our play, whether over the long haul or in a major
newest edition of their Thesaurus is printed and someone looks up the word event. The one-hour rounds at the WSOP events are indicative of this understand-
“lucky”. ing. The rounds could easily have been shortened to better accommodate the huge
You subscribe to all the poker publications and read them diligently, intent on number of people playing this year, but such a move would do more to reward a
improving your game. You’ve bought poker-related books by the boxful, and player on a hot streak than the skill also needed to outlast such a huge field. Both
you’ve not only read them, but have highlighted them in different colors to corre- play a significant role, but the organizers realize one should not have an unfair
spond with the different times you’ve read them. You participate in online poker advantage over the other.
forums, discuss hand strategies with more knowledgeable players, and seek the Once it dawns on us that maybe we’re just not as good as we thought we were,
counsel of floor personnel and dealers about plugging leaks they’ve noticed in your and/or that all players experience runs of bad luck from time to time, then we can
play. In short, you feel you’re doing everything possible to give yourself an edge step back and make the adjustments that will really make a difference in our game
when playing, even going so far as to add to the coffers of Phil Hellmuth by buy- in the future. While these changes often will require acquiring more knowledge,
ing his instructional CDs, despite the fact that he’s your least favorite player. Your skill, and experience, they may also involve simply a change in our attitudes. We
resolve to find that edge and to become a better player knows no boundaries, how- would have to endure far fewer “bad beat” stories if poker players didn’t think of
ever, the “Poker Brat” notwithstanding. themselves so often as victims; the presumption that you are often the victim of
You’ve fallen prey to every online poker site advertisement in the poker peri- inferior play will only serve to augment the symptoms of superiority syndrome.
odicals, making deposits to get the bonus money they offer new players in hopes of Think about this the next time you see a chronic whiner on television, or listen to
finally finding a site that you can win on, only to discover the software sucks on one in your local card room.
these new sites just as much as on the other ones. You get up in the morning and Just remember, if Texas hold’em was an easy game to master, millions of peo-
find eight new emails, and they’re all from sites you’ve tried but didn’t like because ple would be listing their occupation as professional poker players with the IRS
you didn’t win on them, trying to lure you back with reload bonuses. You keep instead of only a handful. Most amateurs, despite their dreams to the contrary, will
returning to the sites you’ve had some success on in the past, but that success now never compete against the pros on television for WPT titles. That should not, how-
seems to be eluding you. Clapton’s line “if it wasn’t for bad luck…” continues to ever, deter those of us who love playing from constantly trying to hone our skills,
play in the jukebox of your mind. and from having fun while doing so. But if you are one of those suffering from
You figure you must be playing in games beneath your ability, as they are full superiority syndrome, eliminating it from your mindset will help you enjoy the
of maniacs, animals and newbies who obviously don’t know what they’re doing, so game far more than carrying it around your neck like the proverbial albatross.
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Pro Poker Player Pascal

Perrault Loves TopPair!
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Johnny Brenden Has

a Secret
Adversity.
We all face it in our lives, in our work

and at the poker table.
ake this story for example. Imagine losing your father at an early age, being stuck
T with a learning disability as debilitating as dyslexia and then finding out you have
alopecia, a rare disease that makes you lose your hair.
All before the age of twelve.
That would break most people. In fact, prisons are full stories just like that, people that
got handed a few bad beats in life, people without a strong mentor for guidance.
Now, imagine your strong mentor is your grandfather, Mr. Ted Mann, pioneer of the
theatre exhibition industry. The man who built and operated the former Mann Theatre
Corporation based in Los Angeles.
Now you have a fighting chance. I had the pleasure of interviewing Mr. Brenden just a
mere hour before the NBA Draft.
Gavin: What is the best advice your grandfather ever gave you?
I got great advice from my Grandfather. Keep your word. He was big on honesty.
Good advice…
Pay your bills on time, and don’t feel sorry for yourself.
That must have been hard to do, given your circumstances at the time.
Yeah, here I am 12 years old and I was shipped off to boarding school in Boston.
Must have been hard trying to figure out why you are being shipped away…
I will never forget, one time visiting my grandfather back in those days, he took me by the
hand and we went to a place called Rolling Acres…
That’s a facility in Minnesota for young adults who are mentally retarded, right?
Right. He showed me these people who couldn’t even feed themselves. And it put a smile on
their faces just because you were there. My grandfather said to me, “I never want to see you
cry again.”
Wow.
Yeah, it put things in perspective.
So the story is well documented and I won’t rehash it too much here. Your grandfather
tripled what you had saved up and you purchased your first theatre…
In Pittsburgh…
PA?
No, CA. Pittsburg, California, it is near Walnut Creek.
And you grew your empire to what it is today, 86 screens of „Movie Magic“ in the East
Bay of Northern California and Southern Nevada.
That is right, and we always have an eye on the right opportunity. But bigger isn’t always
better…
Don’t tell that to our Poker Angels… But this is a gambling magazine. What is the biggest
gamble you ever took in the business arena?
It would have to be the Modesto project. I brought a theatre complex into the heart of down-
town Modesto. Up until that point, it was a ghost town…
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That is a gamble… One last question, you are 41 years old, a multi-millionaire, living the
But it paid off. It revitalized the whole city. In fact, George Lucas, the cre- high life, a success by anyone’s definition. What is the one thing that
ator of Star Wars, is from Modesto. We had a huge premiere for his latest you have to do before you go to that big Multiplex in the sky?
film there as a fundraiser for a new 60 million-dollar Arts Center being Big Multiplex in the sky? I love it. I grew up Lutheran.
built right across from us.
Of course, you were in Minnesota and that’s the law…
Giving back seems to be one of the cornerstones of your business then… To make my Mom mad, my grandfather would always say, “What are you
That is another thing my grandfather taught me. You have to give back, to worried about, this is the main event!”
help others.
(Laughs) That will set off a Lutheran…
Your charitable donations are legendary. Any favorites out of the I guess I don’t have any one specific goal. I want to continue to nurture
bunch? what I have, send out a positive message to young kids and help others.
I support a variety of causes, many of them focused on children. My
grandfather helped start the Boys Club of Minnesota, so I support the With those goals, your work will never be finished!
Boys and Girls Clubs programs. And I contribute to the school that helps I have no problem with that!
children with dyslexia as well. The Make-A-Wish Foundation and
Candlelighters for Childhood Cancer are fantastic too. They both work Milwaukee is on the clock, I appreciate your time!
with children who may be terminal. It is humbling that when some of Thank you!
those kids come to watch a movie, they may be doing it for the last time.
To put a smile on their faces, at a time when smiles are almost impossible As the interview concluded, I couldn’t help but smile. I have done
to come by, that is the true meaning of success. hundreds and hundreds of interviews with a wide variety of people. This
So what is the best part about the theatre business, the stars, the glam- one was different somehow. Johnny Brenden was friendly, candid and
orous openings, the free popcorn would be high on my list… charismatic.
You won’t believe me if I tell you, but when things are hopping, it is a big We had talked like we had known each other for years. We did have
opening weekend, and there are only 20 minutes in between shows and a few things in common, both growing up in the wilds of Minnesota, both
you have to clean up the theatre…. I love that… huge Minnesota Vikings fans, both sharing a common desire to provide a
quality entertainment experience, him with a movie, me with a magazine.
Come on, you actually sweep up in your But this interview was different some-
own theatre? how. This interview changed me a little bit.
Absolutely, it may sound crazy to you but Johnny Brenden just let me in on the secret to
I love cleaning up auditoriums and get- I got great all success, one that I will never forget.
ting them ready for the next show. Whether you want success in life, in
That has to be the worst job in the movie

advice from my business or in poker, the answer is so simple,
yet not simplistic at all. When Johnny
business… Brenden, multi-millionaire entrepreneur and
I love it, what can I say… Grandfather. philanthropist extraordinaire told me that he
LOVED to sweep up his theatre, it hit me and
What else do you love to do? hit me hard.
I like to snowboard, any outdoor sports… Keep your word. If you love something that much, have
the kind of passion for something that you
And Sacramento Kings basketball… can take pleasure in the most mundane part
Yeah, one of the owners, George Maloof is one of my best friends in the of the whole experience, you cannot help but succeed.
world…plus there isn’t much else to do when I am checking on my the- If you can take a metaphorical broom and clean up the gunk and
atre in downtown Sacramento… melted malted milk balls in your life and love every second of it, you have
found the key to success.
(Laughs) Yeah, there is nothing much around Arco Arena is there? So Here I sit, at three in the morning, banging away on a well-worn lap-
poker is all the rage now, what do you think of this craze? top. The rest of the sane world and I am guessing all the other editors of
I love it! I mean, no one used to think twice about poker and now it is just poker magazines have long called it a day.
everywhere. But I had to get these words down. I had to get these ideas on paper.
The mundane and difficult task of putting pen to paper, fingers to key-
And they film poker at the Palms quite a bit. Tell me about your board and writing the stories that would interest the poker world, that is
Celebrity Suite… what it is about for me.
I have this Celebrity Suite we use for VIP events. We have had major The sweat, the creation, the agony of finding the right words.
celebrities such as Jack Nicholson, Sean Penn and Nicholas Cage all visit. It isn’t the money, the glamour of being an editor of a national mag-
The poker players have used it to practice, warm up and get ready. azine, seeing your name in print, having poker celebrities actually know
who you are. It isn’t the hot models…
They warm up? Like stretching and lifting as such? Okay, it is the hot models a little bit, but my point is this.
No, but they get ready to play in various ways. It is the passion, having something to say, the desire to give back that
keeps me writing this story until three in the morning.
Ever been tempted to sit with any of them? If you want success as a poker player, you have to find passion and
Nah, not yet. I save my gambling for the business arena. love in the mundane, little things that the other players miss. I hear stories
of the great players of yesteryear and what they went through to even play
Looks like it is not much of a gamble these days. So we are about 5 min- this game we all love.
utes from the draft, I will let you go, the Kings draft in the 23 spot… They knew the secret. And now, thanks to Johnny Brenden, we all do
We need rebounding… too.
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Spotlight on Vegas
By H. Scot Krause
naments start at 8 p.m. with a $44 buy-in, one located in Henderson has also added live poker
I
s this game on fire or what? Each issue we
continue to bring you the latest on card $40 re-buy and one $40 add-on. (and a Prime Rewards slot club, similar to
room openings in Las Vegas, and this Sam’s Town.) The Poker Room offers Texas
month is no exception as several more have • Hold’ em, opening daily at 9:00 a.m. Low limit
emerged. Without taking an actual count, I daily tournaments are held at 11 a.m. and 2
would hazard a guess that perhaps as many as Player incentives are an important component p.m. and evening tournaments get underway at
60-70% of all Las Vegas casinos now currently of the Stratosphere Poker Room. Players earn 7:30 p.m. every Sunday through Thursday.
offer a card room with still more slated to open comp dollars (currently $1 per hour up to a
by the end of this year or in 2006. Only a few maximum of $12 per day) for hours played that •
years ago, the few casinos that offered live can be used in any of the Stratosphere’s seven
poker had a difficult time even keeping the restaurants. Players are also allowed to eat right The Cannery, also considered a “local’s casi-
games going and often hired poker shills just to at the tables. The primary incentive is offering no” located in North Las Vegas (Craig Rd at I-
fill the seats. What a difference we see today! high hands instead of jackpots. “High hand 15), continues to expand its poker operations.
bonuses allow us to give more players, money In addition to various limit and no –limit Texas
It was only a few years ago that the more often. That makes more sense than hav- Hold’em games and tournaments, they are now
Stratosphere Casino Hotel and Tower ing money out of action, growing in some bank spreading Seven Card Stud and Omaha on a
opened and closed a poker room within about a account,” added Dunning. In addition, they are regular basis. Current games also include: $2-
year’s time. They are back now, bigger and bet- currently in negotiations to bring high stakes, $4 Limit Hold’em, $4-$8 Limit Hold’em and
ter than ever! The recently opened smoke-free, high profile tournaments to the property. $2-$5 Blind No Limit Hold’em. In addition,
eight table poker room features a wide variety The Stratosphere Poker Room is conve- the Cannery hosts a $23 buy-in No Limit
of games, daily No-Limit Hold ‘em niently located next the Sportsbook just steps Tournament that begins daily at 10:00 a.m.
Tournaments and player incentives. from valet and self parking. For more informa-
tion, call 702-380-7777 or 1-800-99-TOWER. •
•
• Another new feature at The Cannery is “Ladies
“The surge in poker’s popularity coupled with Poker Day” where ladies can feel more com-
constant guest requests convinced us to open Next is a smaller room that opened at the fortable learning to play. Ladies Poker Day les-
the Stratosphere Poker Room,” said Bobby Silverton Hotel Casino in June. The six-table sons including Hold’em demonstrations are
Dunning, manager of poker operations for the poker room with custom chairs and plasma offered free at noon on the third Thursday of
Strat. “We want to do poker right. We created TV’s is non-smoking, although the casino is each month. The complimentary demonstra-
a fun, friendly atmosphere with a no abuse pol- planning (pending gaming approval) to open a tions are followed by a 1:00 p.m. live game for
icy that will cater to all poker players, from „patio table“ outside that will permit smoking. the newcomers. Feel free to phone the poker
novice to veteran professionals,” he added. room at 702-507-5835 for more information.
•
• •
Back on the Strip, one of the oldest and still
The Stratosphere Poker Room is spreading a most popular card rooms in Las Vegas is locat- Finally, for more great local’s action, grab the
broad range of games including: $2-$4 and $4- ed at the venerable Stardust. They offer nice free shuttle from the Stratosphere to check out
$8 limit Hold ‘em; $3-$6 Omaha high-low promotions including drawings on Sundays at the newly remodeled poker room at sister casi-
with a half kill; no limit Hold ‘em with $1 and 2 p.m. for $200 cash (winner has 5 minutes to no Arizona Charlie’s Decatur. They now
$2 blinds, with a minimum $40 and a maxi- collect, or prize is applied to the following feature No-Limit Texas Hold’em Tournaments
mum $200 buy-in; no-limit with $2 & $5 Sunday’s drawing) and two Stardust jackets every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday start-
blinds, with a minimum $100 and a maximum (winner need not be present). Players receive 1 ing at noon. They also offer a Bad Beat Wheel,
$500 buy-in and $1-$5 Seven-Card Stud. The free entry daily and additional entries are High Hand Jackpots and free poker lessons.
Stratosphere Poker Room’s policy is to accom- awarded based on play and for designated
modate players by spreading whatever the hands (aces full or better). The poker room is Until next time…go nuts!
players’ request. smoke free and No Limit Poker Tournaments
are held every Monday, Tuesday and Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, H. Scot
• Wednesday. See the poker room for complete Krause is a freelance writer, gaming industry
details. analyst and researcher. Scot reports, research-
No Limit Hold ‘em Tournaments are held es, and writes about casino games, events,
twice a day, Monday through Friday. The • attractions and promotions. He is a nine-year
morning tournaments are held at 9 a.m. with a
$22 buy-in and one $20 re-buy. Evening tour- Joker’s Wild, a Boyd Gaming “local’s casino” _______
resident of Las Vegas. Questions or comments
are welcomed at: krauseinvegas@att.net
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Mike Matusow Loves TopPair!
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2 Cents on the Turn

Odds: How strong is your hand?
By husband and wife players, Neil Schmidt and Rebekah Foley
ou are dealt A-J spades on the big blind. can. If it is anything else, you will check.
Y Someone raises, and you call. The flop

comes Qh-10d-9s. What do you do?
In an ideal world, the turn card would be
Remember that if it is a Jack or an Ace, you have a
problem and if it is a Q, 10, or 9, you have a terri-
ble problem. But what if it is a 7-6-5-4-3 or 2? You
a King, giving you the nut-straight. However, an 8 just paid for a card, and got no help. Do you pay for
also gives you a straight. How do you figure out the the river?
strength of your hand? Again, you need to go back to your odds 8/47
The answer is by determining the odds of or 1/6. If someone else has bet the flop or the turn,
hitting your ideal cards, the cards that make you they have you beat right now. You need to catch. A
win. There are four Kings and four Eights in the terrible mistake that many players make is what is
deck, so you have eight outs. Outs are cards that called “being married to a hand”. This means that
give you the winning hand, probably. Remember you tell yourself that you have put so much money
that you do not know for sure what cards your in already, that you are not folding – no matter
opponents hold. what. All this attitude does is cause you to lose
Is eight outs good? There are 52 cards in the more money than necessary. Money you might need
deck, and you have seen five of them: your two hole later when you have four of a kind! Look at the pot
cards A-J, and the flop Q-10-9. 52 cards take away again. Is it five times as large as what you are about
5 leaves 47 cards unseen. 8 cards out of those 47 to add to it? How many opponents are still in? Are
give you a probable winner; therefore your odds of any of them betting aggressively?
winning are 8/47 or roughly 1 in 6. At this point, In order to call, you need to expect to win five
you have to take into consideration the number of times what you are putting in. For example, to call
opponents who are still in the hand and the size of $12, the pot needs to have a minimum of $60 in it
the pot. already. Otherwise, calling is a waste of money. The
Why? Because right now, even a 9 card beats reason is because only one of 46 cards remains to be
you, so does any 10 or any Q, also someone may dealt, and if 8 make you win, then 38 make you
already have a straight by holding any J-8. Plus the lose. You are almost five times more likely to lose
person who raised pre-flop could have pocket Kings than you are to win. Notice how when you decided
or some other monstrously large hand. At this point, what to do with the turn card, you looked at how
you need to realize that if a Jack is dealt, you are a likely you were to win; but with the river card you
sure loser as someone will have a king and make the have to look at how likely you are to lose. Why?
straight. Additionally, if an Ace is dealt, you will Because all you have is Ace High! Again, any pair
probably still lose to an A-K, A-Q, or A-10. beats you. Some crazy player in with pocket deuces
So is your hand bad? Certainly not, but you are is still beating you, and believe me, it does happen.
looking for a straight, not Jacks nor Aces. One pair If there are less than five times the bet in the
will probably not win. In order to stay in, you have pot, our advice to you, based on the odds, is to fold.
to go back to that number 8/47 or 1/6. Realize that But, you shout, you have already put four small bets
you could put money in the pot for both the turn in the pot! This reaction is the essence of “being
card and the river card, and still end up losing to a married to a hand”. The reality is that “the cards
pair of Nines. Now you have to use those numbers play”, meaning you have diddley-squat. Hey, you
to decide what to do next. This is where the strate- can still try to steal the pot by bluffing and betting
gy becomes advanced. into your opponent, but why not save your money
You believe that if you hit your straight, by for a hand that has a better chance of winning? The
getting either a King or an Eight, you will definite- purpose of figuring out your odds is to help you
ly win but you realize that right now you have noth- decide how much money to wager on any given
ing. Based on 8/47 or 1/6, you need six bets to go hand. Right now, the odds are telling you that you
into the pot to make it worth your while to stay in are gambling, playing on superstition because you
and hope for your King or Eight to hit. This could “feel lucky” or simply calling because you are stub-
be five other callers or three callers in for a bet and born. Why not just throw your money into the toilet
a raise. Under those requirements, no-one would and flush it?
ever call the turn card; but you also get to count the The wise poker player folds, and the King
money already in the pot right now. Therefore, comes on the river. Arrgh! Take comfort in the fact
based on the size of the pot, you decide to pay for that 38 out of 46 times or 82.6% of the time, you
the turn card, even if there was a bet and a raise after would be right to fold. Remember that you are
the flop. learning to play a very complicated game of strate-
Forty-seven different scenarios could happen gy and luck, and it will sometimes punch you in the
with the turn card. If it is a King or an Eight, you stomach.
have a likely winner and will bet as much as you Next time: How strong is a flush draw?
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___________________
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Karen
What does a guy have to do to make your
final table?
He’s gotta be able to make me laugh— a lot!
And of course he has to be hot and an all
around cool guy
What can get a guy busted out of your tour-

nament?
If he thinks he’s too cool for everyone and
everything—you gotta be able to have fun no
matter what you are doing
Describe your idea of the perfect romantic

evening.
Somewhere on a beach, with great food and
cocktails, then maybe a little rolling around
in the sand!
What celebrity would you most like to go

“heads up” with?
Colin Farrell—I like bad boys!
What do you want to be when you get older?

Extremely happy
Do you have your own personal Website or

any other accomplishments you would like to
plug?
I have my own custom swimwear line
If stuck on a desert island, what three things

would you take with you?
Vodka, all of my friends and a really hot
bikini!
If you could change one thing about your

body, you would change your….
I wouldn’t change anything—I am happy with
things as they are!
The one thing about my body that gets the

most compliments is…
My stomach
Anything else you want the world to know

about you?
These are my favorite words to live by: “Ever
notice that “what the hell” is always the right
decision?” Marilyn Monroe
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Amazing Johnathan Loves TopPair!
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W hen you mention Swedish model, it conjures up images of the Old Milwaukee ad campaign using the Swedish Bikini Team. Brilliant
marketing actually. I mean, it almost made me want to drink Old Milwaukee beer.
Almost.
_____
But Sweden is a hot bed for beautiful models and our feature model this month makes all those previous images of bikini clad Swedish
models just fade away. And she is the spokemodel for a great online poker site called MultiPoker.com. So much better than Old
Milwaukee beer. TopPair had an opportunity to meet and chat with Elita when she was in Las Vegas for the World Series of Poker.
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live web cams like that?
_____ _____
Elita: I guess you have been watching my video-chat at http://elita.mul-
tipoker.com? I enjoy doing spontaneous things like that.
TP: Over and over and over… Ever get any weird requests(other than
mine..) and what is the weirdest one? And what are the most frequent
ones?
Elita: Not all people asking me how to play A/K from late position in
______
my video-chat, if you know what I mean. I also get a lot questions about
the monthly bonuses at MultiPoker.com
TP: What does Elita like to do for fun?
Elita:I am the party princess, I just love to go out and party. I also trav-
el a lot in my work and I love it. My newest passion is scuba diving. I
can really recommend that.
TP: Our readers want to know, describe your perfect man…
Elita: As far as looks is concerned, a Ryan Philippe or Tom C

ruise
look-alike is very much welcome. The most important however is that
he makes me laugh and that he loves me above everything else. Love
and trust are really important for me in a relationship.
TP: For those who don’t know, tell us

a little bit about yourself. Any guy who TP: Describe the perfect
romantic evening…
Elita: I am a 2-4year-old Swedish girl
living in the capital of Sweden, name-
slow-plays a pair of
Elita: The perfect scenario
ly Stockholm. I have been modeling
for about four years now. When I am
aces does not would be Stockholm at winter-
time, when it’s snowing to
not working I love being with my fam-
ily, friends and to work out.
deserve my love… much to be outside. With lit
TP: Tell our readers about your modeling credits and some things you
have done in your native land.
Elita: I have been on a series of covers for different magazines and

papers in Sweden. I have also been doing some covers in Australia and
the UK. I am in the August issue of Playboy in the US. Most Swedes
recognize me from the reality show Big Brother though.
______
TP: How did you get introduced to MultiPoker.com?
_____
Elita: MultiPoker.com contacted me some half a year ago and asked me
if I wanted to be their feature model. I didn’t need to think twice about
that.
TP: Had you ever played poker before?
Elita: Actually no. Well, some strip poker, if that counts. But that was
_____
a long time ago, maybe something for the next Monday Meeting at
MultiPoker.com, LOL…
_____
But seriously, now that I have had the chance
to learn from the real pros at MultiPoker.com. I am starting to get the
feeling for it. But as they say, It takes a minute to learn and a lifetime
to master. I will probably need to read Super System 2anyway…
TP: I have seen you on their site! Pretty sexy! What is best part of doing
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Flashman Loves TopPair!
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Elita: It was really cool to see the actual WSOP. Meet all the different
people who come together for playing the events. I don’t think the aver-
age poker player understands how huge the WSOP really is.
TP: Whatever happens in egas

V stays in egas,
V did you do any wild and
crazy things that you don’t mind sharing?
Elita: I always do crazy stuff, that is just me. We were drinking exact-
ly as much as we Swedes are supposed to do, and were partying all day.
TP: What makes you laugh and ruins your poker face?
______
Elita: Actually my poker face is pretty bad, why do you think I play
online at MultiPoker.com? You can see by just looking at me if I am
happy or sad, and I laugh at almost everything.
______
TP: Tell us more about MultiPoker.com and what makes them such and
awesome company to be a spokes model for.
Elita: Their methods are not what you would call orthodox, so they suit
me quite well. Needless to say we do a lot of crazy stuff and I love every
bit of it. Why don’t you ask some of the player we invited to the WSOP?
We always have cool promotions going on, like live events, invitation-
al tournaments, satellites and more.
candles and Mariah C arey on the speakers and that perfect someone
snuggling up to you in on couch.
_________
If you want to speak with Elita, please feel free to join her company at
http://elita.multipoker.com I think I am going to log on and ask her
more about the strip poker games she mentioned… ■
TP: What are MAJOR turn offs that can get you to show a guy the door.
Elita: Any guy who slow-plays a pair of aces does not deserve my
love…J
TP: A woman after my own heart…

Tell me one thing you want to
accomplish in your lifetime?
Elita: For me the single most important thing in life is my family. I

want to make a lot of money, so I can give them everything I think they
deserve.
TP: My family has given me everything they think I deserve… but I

guess you meant that in a good way… Obligatory silly question, if you
were stranded on a desert island, what 3things would you take?
Elita: Toothbrush, shaver and a guy who makes me laugh, oh I forgot

the chips and a deck of cards.
TP: I guess we can count the two in one toothbrush/shaver as one

thing…
Any upcoming projects that our readers should know about?
_____
Elita: I really hope that I will do more work with MultiPoker.com in the
______
US. I really love your country. We also have some very interesting proj-
ects going on back in Europe with MultiPoker.com.
TP: This country really loves you as well…

You were at the WSOP this
year, what were your impressions?
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“Eight Is Enough“ Loves TopPair!
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Back in the Saddle Again

By Oklahoma Johhny Hale
W hich comes first the egg or the chicken—-or do you get

your poker hand first and make the pot later? —Or do you
make the pot and then get your hand?
Ab ovo—-would you play the poker hand different if you
could start it again?
was known like {Johnny Moss, Bill Boyd or OK-Johnny or you or
a thousand other poker players} for their cleverness and cunning —
-He was a suitor of Helen of Troy.
But Menelaus was married to Helen and during the wed-
ding Eris, the goddess of strife, had a little too much wine and threw
Ab ovo usque ad mala—-The translation is “From the eggs a golden apple (Ab ovo usque ad mala) into the middle of the wed-
to the apples!” It was first penned by the Roman poet Horace—and ding. Later on Menelaus became the ruler of Helen’s homeland
in— poker talk it would means —starting with one thing and ending Lacedaemon. Now into this love triangle comes Paris, who was the
up with another. son of King Priam of Troy.
Horace, in the account of the Trojan War began with the Paris, was playing a little poker with Odysseus and
mythical egg of Leda, from which Helen (whose beauty sparked a Menelaus and the minute that Helen walked into the poker room he
war) was born. Now Johnny, what in the hell’s (Hale’s) half acre just knew that she was better than A’s in the pocket. Paris, fell for
does this have to do with poker? Helen big time and did not mind losing a few hands of poker to her
Well, this is going to require husband Menelaus in the poker game —-
you the reader—-to think a little—If you Paris just forgot the cards and the poker
want to know that an {A will sometimes
beat a K}—-go read that other writer’s
when you lie in a poker game—he had a little romance on his
mind. Paris, abducted Helen and sailed off
stuff in — what did Jill Ann call it? —-
the Reader’s Digest—-If you want Jell-
game you are not lying- with her to Troy. Well, folks Menelaus was
a little upset with Paris for kidnapping his
O go over there—but here in TopPair
you get something different {the meat
you are just playing poker- wife Helen. So much so that he got all of
Greece to declare war on the city of Troy.
and potatoes.}
So think with me for just a
you are just At one point Menelaus
wanted to settle the conflict by single com-
couple of minutes. First—when you lie
in a poker game you are not lying—you
“Hoodwinking” bat with Paris. Yes, Paris got out of
Lacedaemon and took Helen with him
are just playing poker—you are just back to Troy. Menelaus called in a few of
“Hoodwinking” his markers and enlisted the aid of Odysseus and some of the origi-
You are trying to dupe the other poker players into believ- nal suitors of Helen to come with him and help him fight to get his
ing something is different than the facts. (If in fact you are bluffing wife Helen back from Paris at the city of Troy.
and you are trying to convince the other poker player that you have The Greeks all got together and build a great giant wood-
a really big hand) you must sometimes do a little Hoodwinking or trot en horse {The Trojan Horse}and during a daring nocturnal raid
out a Trojan Horse now and then. fooled Paris and his boys into letting the Trojan Horse inside the
You are trying the best you can to make the other poker gates of the city of Troy.
player believe something that may or may not be true. Now my old They hoodwinked Pairs and his troops into thinking that
English literature professor would roll over —if she could wake up the Trojan Horse was a Duce/Seven off suite. So the stratagem of this
long enough to read what I am trying to do here when I twist a part column is if it waddles like a duck, acts like a duck and quacks like a
of Homer’s Odyssey into a poker column. duck it may not be a duck! —But that’s the way I would bet.
Odysseus was the ruler of the island kingdom of Ithaca and Until next time remember to Stay Lucky!!!
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The Un-Paired Ace

By Sam Mudaro
e Hold-Em players all know the feeling. You digit returns and excellent win percentages. Each decrease
W have been sitting there for what seems like

an eternity waiting for a playable hand and
then you look down and see a beautiful Ace. You reach for
in rank produces an approximate 4.6% win rate reduction
and a drop of over 35% in return from the previous hand.
The A-T shows a decline of 8.1% in win percent as well
your chips and say to yourself I am playing this hand as a 51.7% reduction in net from the A-J. Hands below A-
regardless of what my second card is. I have watched the 7 can get you in deep trouble unless you are fortunate to
WPT events and have seen those guys go “all in” with Ace flop two pair. If you get played with while holding these
anything all the time. hands you may want to dump them. When dealt A-2 or A-
The problem is you are not at a final WPT table, 3 you should consider folding them unless you are in the
playing shorthanded, in a no limit tournament. You are in small or big blind and even then you must proceed cau-
a cash game, at you local poker room, at a full table, in a tiously.
limit game. So I must have the best of it right? Just how
good is the Ace anything? Suited
To begin with, there are numerous differences No Callers
between no limit and limit Hold-Em to address here. Hand Win% Net PreFlop PostFlop Split
Tournament Hold-Em is played differently from live or
cash games. How you play a particular hand depends on
A-K 67.5% 23.37 17.3% 29.0% 2.3%
your position and how many opponents are at your table.
Finally, how well you know your opponents may deter- A-Q 62.0% 11.18 17.3% 26.6% 2.0%
mine what you do with an individual hand. These are all A-J 50.7% 5.64 17.0% 19.6% 1.2%
topics for future articles. Today I will simply look at play- A-T 35.5% 1.24 13.5% 12.9% 0.7%
ing Ace-any card in a cash game.
Here is how I set it up. I dealt 2,000,000 hands to a A-9 21.6% (0.66) 7.8% 8.1% 0.4%
tight player holding A-X suited and unsuited in a $10/20 A-8 11.0% (1.40) 3.6% 4.5% 0.2%
game at a full tight table. I gathered the results and pres- A-7 10.9% (1.58) 3.6% 4.5% 0.2%
ent them in two separate tables, suited and un-suited. Let
A-6 10.6% (1.81) 3.6% 4.4% 0.2%
me remind you that these are not mathematically generat-
ed numbers. They are the results of simulations where the A-5 10.6% (1.72) 3.5% 4.4% 0.2%
player and opponents have the same options as they do in A-4 10.5% (1.91) 3.5% 4.4% 0.2%
a live game. They can fold, bet, call or raise.
A-3 4.9% (2.28) 0.6% 2.7% 0.1%
Suited A-2 4.9% (2.37) 0.5% 2.7% 0.1%
No Callers K-Q 37.5% 1.99 12.6% 16.5% 0.6%
Hand Win% Net PreFlop PostFlop Split
A-K 69.1% 30.36 17.3% 29.8% 2.1% Looking at the un-suited version of the same hands,
A-Q 64.5% 18.54 17.2% 28.0% 1.9% the A-K and A-Q retain their excellent playability. The
A-J 59.8% 11.99 17.0% 24.4% 1.6% win % has diminished by 1.6% and 2.5% respectively.
A-T 51.7% 5.79 16.7% 20.1% 1.0% The net has similarly dropped 23.0% and 39.7% from
their suited counterpart. The A-T and A-J remain prof-
A-9 42.0% 3.07 16.5% 14.8% 0.7%
itable while all others will produce a negative return.
A-8 34.8% 1.83 12.9% 13.1% 0.6%
Remember! It is not win % that counts but how much you
A-7 32.4% 0.80 12.8% 11.7% 0.5% win or loose on average each time you play the hand.
A-6 21.7% 0.23 7.4% 8.6% 0.4% The problem with playing Ace-King or any of the
A-5 21.9% 0.51 7.3% 8.7% 0.4% other hands is they are drawing hands. If you are up
A-4 21.6% 0.15 7.3% 8.6% 0.4% against a pair, you will need to improve. If your second
A-3 21.4% (0.22) 7.1% 8.3% 0.4% card is lower then or equal to your opponent’s pair half of
A-2 20.9% (0.53) 7.1% 8.2% 0.4% your outs are lost. Next time I will run simulation to look
K-Q 55.8% 7.90 15.6% 25.6% 0.9% at the effect of playing Ace anything against a pair.
K-Q suited or un-suited may be worth a call from late
I chose to present the suited version first. It should position in an un-raised pot. If you hit your king or queen
come as no surprise that the suited version outperform the you may want to bet or raise to determine where you are.
un-suited version. The column labeled Win % shows how If an Ace falls you may still want to bet or raise to drive
often you should win when dealt the specific holding out a week ace.
under Hand. Net is the average amount won per hand from So what have we learned? A-K or A-Q suited or not
all positions. The percentages listed under the columns and A-J suited are playable hands for which you may wish
Pre and Post Flop represent how often you will win with- to enter a raise pre-flop. A-2 and A-3 suited and A-9
out seeing a flop and how often you will win on the flop through A-2 probably should be mucked unless you are in
before seeing the turn. The last column labeled ‘Split”, the blinds in an un-raised pot. Even then you should
shows how often you will split or share the pot. proceed with caution looking to flop two pair or a flush
A-K, A-Q and A-J do reign supreme with double draw.
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CAJUN BLT FOR 4 Recipe

Ingredients:
1 lb of Black Pepper Bacon. ( I use Bob Evans)
1 Head leaf lettuce
2 (beef-stake) Tomatoes
1 cup of Mayonnaise
3T of Cajun Seasoning
8 or more slices of sourdough bread
Toast the bread and set aside. Cook bacon to desired doneness and set aside on a paper towel to absorb excess grease.
Clean leaf lettuce in cold water, pat dry with towel. Slice tomatoes 1/4” thick. In a bowl mix the mayo with the Cajun seasoning until blend-
ed. You may find that you want more or less mayo depending on how much you want on your sandwich. The mayo should be evenly mixed
with the seasoning so its not too over powering.
Take bread and spread equal amounts of mayo on each piece. Place 1 or more of the leaf lettuce on the bread and add 2 of the sliced tomatoes
and 3 o 4 pieces of the peppered bacon. Put together and you will have one KICKING sandwich!
Hope everyone likes this one as much as the French Toast from last months. In the coming months ill be having some Pico Di
Gallo, Egg Salad, Maple meatloaf, Gazpacho and Chicken dishes for you.
As football season is approaching we might have to do some sport picks for the college and pro teams, either here in the column or
on line. If anyone is interested in that let me know via email and ill set something up and we can all go against each other and see how things
pan out through a free on-line service.
Well until next month I hope everybody is “COMMITED TO EXCELLENCE” and for all the poker players out there, live by this
__________
motto, (my motto)“JUST WIN BABY” - GO RAIDERS! PRIDE AND POISE!! COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE!!! JUST WIN
BABY!!!! Cori - RAIDERCHEF@Yahoo.com
“MY ROOM OR YOURS?”
________
GreenTiePoker.com powered by
Ultimate Bet Software. We might
be seeing a lot of new poker rooms
pop up but many of them are
virtually the same sites with
different titles
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Cilicia
What does a guy have to do to make your
final table?
He has to have a great sense of humor, great
conversation skills, good teeth
and tattoos!
What can get a guy busted out of your tour-

nament?
Lying, cheating, and talking with food in your
mouth…

evening.
Cooking dinner together and eating dessert in
bed.

Hmmm…I would have to say Christina
Aguilera, when she was “Dirrty”.
Do you have your own personal Website or

any other accomplishments you would like to
plug?
_______
www.ciliciateal.com

Water, Chapstick and Gum…I’m a simple
girl
If you could change one thing about your

body, you would change your….
My hands;I have man hands;they’re not very
dainty and pretty.

My stomach, I work hard for my abs, keep the
compliments coming!
Mark at Imagezz.com
_________
Anything else you want the world to know

Photo courtesy of
about you?
I have a ton of tattoos, mostly on my back,
and one on the front of my ankle. I never
understood what people meant by saying tat-
toos are addicting. Now I know. After three
days of getting my first tattoo I went and got
my second. I’ve been itching to get another
one, but I have to pace myself. I have a lot of
years ahead of me, and only so much skin
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Lauren German Loves TopPair!
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motion where guests had a chance to win food coupons, mystery gifts and
a share of over $150,000 in cash and other prizes.
The promotions just got bigger and better in June when Resorts
announced two new promotions which would give guests the opportunity to
win a $5 million cash prize or a 2005 Volkswagen Beetle. The Swipe and
Win contest took place from June 1-31 and June Bug Mondays was sched-
uled to give a car a week away each Monday during the month. They also
had five drawings each Monday for $500 where anyone spotted with a
Resorts bumper sticker on their car had their license plate number entered
into that drawing.
One of the 2005 Volkswagen winners was R. Falk of Gary, Indiana,
who was declared the winner of the new car after swiping his R Card at the
June Bug kiosk at Resorts. He selected the winning icon which declared
him the grand prize winner.
esorts East Chicago (formally Harrah’s East Chicago) has been “When I saw the screen, I couldn’t believe that I had actually won a
R ‘playing a rush’ since their official opening back on Tuesday,

April 26 when an affiliate of Colony Capital, LLC completed
the acquisition which included Resorts Tunica (formally named Harrah’s
new car” Falk stated. “I’ve never won a prize like this in my life so it real-
ly feels good to walk away as a big winner!”.
The fun and festivities continued with the official Grand Opening
Celebration which took place June 24-26 at Resorts with a $150,000 slot
Tunica), Bally’s Tunica and The Atlantic City Hilton. Colony Capital, one
of the few private investment firms licensed in the gaming industry, also tournament, cash prizes, live entertainment, food and beverage specials and
owns Resorts Atlantic City and the Las Vegas Hilton. other exciting offerings. Resorts Vice President and General Manager Joe
Most customers, old and new, are excited about the new look and DeRosa, along with several invited dignitaries, celebrated the event with the
action in their East Chicago, Indiana property with their “The Best Just Got ribbon cutting ceremony to kick off the excitement.
Better” motto. The 53,000 square foot facility is the largest casino in the “We’ve taken the best facility and have looked to add a variety of
Chicagoland area with a wonderful Lake Michigan shoreline setting. They enhancements that will improve the gaming experience of each and every
offer almost 2,000 slots ranging from nickels to the high roller denomina- customer who walks through our doors” DeRosa stated. “During our grand
tions and the 50 plus table games give players a wide variety of choices to opening celebration, we are inviting everyone to come in and celebrate with
make while visiting. us as well as get a first hand look at everything that Resorts East Chicago
Poker players can enjoy a comfortable environment while partaking in has to offer”.
their favorite games in the 16 table poker room at Resorts. They offer a K. Klukas, Portage, Indiana, was the lucky customer awarded
wide variety of games, stakes and great tournaments for all to choose from $100,000 after winning the $150,000 VIP slot tournament. He won the
on a daily basis. The recent Chicago Poker Championship event has been event by finishing first among the 286 contestants who competed in a two
one of the highlights of the poker operations and, as promised, provided top round preliminary tournament on Saturday, June 25. The top 60 scorers
level players and excitement for all including an appearance by profession- advanced to the finals where Klukas rose to the top. The second place fin-
al poker player Annie Duke (more about that later) at the finals. isher took home $15,000, third place captured $10,000 and fourth place
Joe DeRosa, Senior Vice President and General Manager, promised through 60th place final round winners also grabbed some cash prizes.
customers who visit their casino ‘premier gaming excitement’ with valu- In addition to the regular grand opening events and slot tournaments
able benefits and privileges offered to their Resorts R Card players. The for customers, Resorts held a special Media Slot Tournament on Friday,
three levels, Preferred, Platinum and Elite can provide for cash, food and June 24 with various personalities and celebrities in attendance. The nice
hotel comps, discounts and a wide variety of other goodies. touch here was that all proceeds would be benefiting the winner’s charity of
I recommend trying TJ’s Steakhouse, where you can feast on a great choice.
steak, lobster and other fabulous selections, or the All Sports Café for a great The fun did not stop in July as Resorts dug deeper into their prize and
meal or snack. Of course, the Buffet at Resorts, Coffee Corner and Double promotions vault to come up with a huge Independence Day Weekend cel-
Down Diner offer selections to satisfy most any taste. ebration, a Wild West Wednesday extravaganza and Push Your Luck event
The fun at Resorts with cash and prizes flowing to customers. The food and beverage specials
started back in May with a continued and for those still hungry, a pie eating contest was held offering
Cinco de Mayo celebration the contestant who could consume the most pies in five minutes, a $350
with a karaoke contest, prize with $200 for second and a $100 prize for the third place finisher. I
Mariachi bands, Mexican hope they used some of that money for some Alka Seltzer!!!!!!!!!
dancers and the opportunity Just when you might think they reached the bottom of the prize and
for visitors to win cash promotion barrel, Resorts, partnering with WGN-TV, Who Wants to Be a
prizes. They also had a Millionaire, and NETFLIX came up with an open casting call for the
Jukebox Jackpot weekend “Million Dollar Movie Edition Week” of Who Wants To Become a
and Elvis impersonator con- Millionaire. On August 1, contestants who successfully passed an audition
test in May and the contest- process had the opportunity to potentially appear as a contestant on the syn-
ant performing the best Elvis dicated program where they could win up to $1 million.
impersonation won the top What about poker you ask??? Glad you asked!!! Tournaments are
share of the $1,000 prize pot. now running almost every day now with a Thursday buy in which increased
More fun and excite- from $220 to $330 to offer winners bigger pots. In our last issue, we includ-
ment took place every
Tuesday in May when their _________
ed an August tournament schedule and more information can
be obtained by going to the Resorts website at www.resortseastchicago.com
or calling the poker room directly at 219-378-3558.
Putt for Cash promotion
offered customers a shot at In addition, the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday “Poker Palooza”
up to $1,000 cash. In addi- tourneys offer Hold Em and Stud events. Anyone getting a Royal Flush
tion, they had a Lucky Puck will qualify for special give-a-ways and the Poker Room will offer ‘instant
and Piggies Gone Wild pro- delights’ such as tee shirts, hats and other logo merchandise.
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Boulous Estafanous captured the $5,600 first place purse in the 8/7/05 Hollywood Casino in Aurora, Illinois, last month’s Top Pair Feature
Texas Hold Em event at Resorts besting the other 27 contestants. He was a casino, is still cranking out poker tournament winners every Wednesday at
winner last year on the property winning a seat at the WSOP through their property. The most recent first place $4,000 winners were Edwin
Resort’s Super Satellite tourney. Alstor, Yorkville, Illinois, Ken Tuelp. Danville, Illinois,
Earlier in the month, Frank Deangelis snapped up the James Hansen, Naperville, Illinois, Yousef Oushanna,
Texas Hold Em top prize of $8,600 besting 42 other play- Elgin, Illinois, David Weeks, Yorkville, Illinois and Denny
ers in the event while Hubert Chow pocketed $5,600 in his Cartwright, all the way from Gardiner, New York.
victory against 28 other rivals. Min Suk won a nice purse Second place tourney participants who took home a
of $12,400 in the Resort’s 8/3/05 62 player Texas Hold nifty $2,000 prize were James Bates, Terrance P. Hawkins,
Em tournament to kick off a super month of offerings at Lombard, Illinois, James Ricke, Elburn, Illinois, James
Resorts. Grosser, North Riverside, Illinois and Richard D.
Now, the icing on the cake, the ‘piece de resistance’ Maciejewski. Robert Karney, Wheaton, Illinois, Richard
for we muckers, the Chicago Poker Championship at B. Frye, Kenosha, Wisconsin, Dennis Hansen, Sugar
Resorts held from August 1 through August 14. Resorts Grove, Illinois and Edwin J. Aister, Yorkville, Illinois all
Thomas Doyle - 1st Place
East Chicago, teamed up with Q101 and The Loop radio took home third place money of $1,000. Other winners
stations, held the largest tournament of it’s kind with an included Ryan Olson, Wheaton, Illinois and Richard Swart
estimated pot of over $1 million in a series of daily poker Jr., Oswego, Illinois.
tournaments as well as an estimated $350,000 prize pack- Trump’s Indiana poker tourneys draw huge crowds
age. who compete for one of the largest purses in the area.
On Saturday, August 13, the Chicago Poker Their July 27 winner, Marvin Thompson, took home the
Championship at Resorts found 35 contestants testing top prize of $12,532 with Brian Tom netting $6,266 and
their skills for a prize pot of $87,500. Tom Doyle was the third place Chas Thompson grabbing $3,133. The rest of
big winner snatching $43,750 for his first place efforts. the top 10 that week were Eric Rice $2,349, David Radbel
Davie Arfa grabbed second place honors and a nice $1,566, Raymond Wu $1,409, Joseph Zuilek $1,253, Nick
$21,875 piece of change. Issa Tadros finished third and Polizzotto $1,096, Piotr Szeliga $939 and Larry Vaughn
took home $13,125 while Daniel Hart’s fourth place finish $783.
earned him $8,750. Dan Arfa - 2nd Place The August 1 event also had a five figure winner in
The daily tournaments started August 1 with a trio of Jim Jones who captured the first place prize of $11,472 for
No Limit Hold Em single table satellite events taking place his efforts besting Marvin Guss $5,736, Brian Radfar
three times each day. Participants had a chance to win $2,868, Chris Maris $2,151, Sam Nuzzo $1,434, Benjamin
cash prizes or advance into one of the remaining tourneys Stiller $1,290, Ricky Gushi $1,147, Paul Bianchi $1,003,
leading up to the championship round on August 13 at Stanley Rivas $860 and Michael Bennett $717.
Resorts. Professional poker player Annie Duke made an The following week, Antonio Scott flopped his Top
appearance during some of the final days of the champi- Pairs more than the rest and went home with the champi-
onship and was certainly a crowd pleaser. onship purse of $11,930. Musa Mohammed grabbed
I had a chance to sit down with Annie and find out $5,965, Larry Brooks $2,982, Jeffrey Alan $2,236 and
more about her as a person as well as professional poker Scott Brooks$1,491 rounded out the top five finishers at
player. I found out she started playing poker in 1994 ‘to the 8-8-05 event. The rest of those who cashed in the top
pay the mortgage’. She credits her brother, professional Dan Hurt - 3rd Place 10 were Jason Ryman $1,342, Boulos Estafanous $1,193,
poker player Howard Lederer, with teaching her in her Jole Akransth $1,043, Ted Zelman $894 and Kevin
early years as well as today both at the poker tables and in McKinney $745.
life. Argosy’s Empress Casino is running promotions in
“I learned from Howard every day and still do” Duke August and have expanded their hours in both the poker
commented. “Howard taught me how to live life to the room and casino. According to Mike Dickson, Director of
fullest every day and be a good person along the way”. Casino Operations, now, guests can enjoy poker from 10
Annie’s biggest thrill on the tables came in 2004 AM to 6:30 AM Sunday through Thursday and from 9 AM
when she won her first WSOP championship in the $2,000 to 6 PM Fridays. The casino hours have also been expand-
buy-in 8 or Better contest where she pocketed over ed and are now welcoming guests from 8:30 AM until 6:30
$135,000. Her biggest thrill in life came with the birth am daily.
of her children, Maud, 10, Leo, 7, Lucy, 5 and Nelly, A week long Grand Opening took place August 18-
3 years old. Isaa Thomas - 4th Place 25 where live entertainment and chances to win a share of
When I asked Duke what advise she would give to $5,000 in gold highlighted the events. The five lucky win-
both new and season poker players, she had a trio of rules ners received a U.S. Mint American Eagle gold coin set
she said players should look at when evaluating their games. valued at a market purchase price of $1,000. In addition, they had a Trading
“First, in Hold Em, most players play too many hands. They should be Card promo where guests had a shot at winning $1,000 and a trip for two to
folding 75-80% of the time. Next, having the best hand is important and a 2005 World Series game.
playing tight in a loose game is the way to go but many players do the oppo- Argosy also bumped up the perks for
site. Finally, being aggressive is a key to winning at the tables” Duke stat- their Gold and Platinum players and opened
ed. She also said that players should get their hands on as many books, a new Oasis Gold lounge for guests to enjoy.
DVD’s, magazines and other related materials to keep their game sharp. They offer an original, private club with
I asked her what goals she had for herself and Duke responded that ‘ value priced drinks, snacks and is open
I want to look in the mirror every day and say I am a better person than I Thursdays and Sundays from noon to mid-
was the day before’. She continued saying ‘I want to set a good example night and noon to 2 AM on Fridays and
for my children and pass on to them the good things in life and not regret Saturdays.
decisions I have made along the way’. By Bob Popper
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ChuckLiddell:
The Warrior
Within By Gavin Jerome and Priti Patel
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uring this year’s World Series of Poker, I was talking with the Jeremy Horn fight at the MGM. There wasn’t a trace of fear…
D our PR Director about a story idea that I had. I noticed

that the combatants in this tournament were indeed that,
combatants. And to be really successful in a poker tournament of this
CL:If you are a fighter, fear shouldn’t be in your eyes. The same hold
true for a poker player. You can’t worry about getting beat. I am not
scale, you would need to be a real warrior. afraid of anything.
So I sent off to find out what makes a true warrior tick. But
where to find such a warrior? It was Priti Patel who suggested that the TP: When I spoke to you before the Jeremy Horn fight you were con-
greatest warrior on the planet was probably not a poker player, but fident without any hint of arrogance. Where does that confidence
Ultimate Fighting Champion Light Heavyweight Chuck Liddell. come from?
I slapped my forehead like I was in a V8 commercial. I am a
HUGE fan of the UFC. For those unfamiliar, it is a mixed martial arts CL: It comes from training. You have to have that. I wonder how
competition where two combatants meet in an octagon shaped cage. many poker players have any kind of training regimen? I know that
They battle “heads up” until one fighter is knocked out, submits or his knock out is going to come. I know it. That kind of confidence comes
corner throws in the towel. from total and thorough preparation.
The more I thought about it, the more I realized that the two
sports had a great deal in common. So much so in fact that the UFC TP: So how does a world-class warrior prepare? Take us through a
actually owns several Station casinos in Las Vegas including the mag- normal training week leading up to fight night.
nificent Green Valley Ranch where we coincidentally met up with
Chuck Liddell. CL: Since I have gotten older I have cut back from 6 days to 5. But
during the 5 days the intensity is perhaps great. I work out for about 4
TP: Thanks for taking the time to talk with us. I want to talk about hours a day. I do strength-training everyday. And I do cardio everyday,
the warrior spirit. What does it take to be a true warrior? I run/swim for about an hour and then I work on striking and
sparring…
CL: Knowing that it is a true mental game. Fighting is a lot like
poker. Poker players are often sitting at the table for a long time. The TP: What kind of sparring?
same is true of a fight. It can last several rounds and many minutes…
CL: Mixed Martial Arts striking, with my opponent trying to take me
TP: Except if it is one of your fights…you usually knock an opponent down…
out quickly…
TP: That is the one thing poker players don’t have to worry about.
CL: (laughs) Sometimes. But you have Getting banged up. How do you stay healthy?
to stay focused. That is the key. I
always stay focused on the job at CL: I started using a supplement called Xyeince. It really helps in the
hand. I never let emotion get the recovery process. The Jeremy Horn fight was the first fight in a long
better of me. time that I was totally healthy.
TP: That is a lesson that every TP: Let’s talk about that fight. For those who may be unfamiliar,
poker player needs to Jeremy Horn had beaten you previously when you were just starting
hear…Poker players can also in the UFC. For your first title defense, you chose him. Why?
learn from you about how a
warrior handles fear. I watched CL: I wanted to get the mark off my record. He is a very tough
your eyes before both fighter, but I knew that if I stuck to my game plan I could avenge that
the Randy loss.
Couture
pay per TP: So a true warrior always seeks out the best competition and tests
view themselves all the time?
fight
and CL: Exactly. I have only 3 losses on my record and I have avenged
two of them.
TP: Horn beat you in the first meeting and he was never really in this
recent fight, you totally dominated it. How has Chuck Liddell changed
as a warrior?
CL: Experience. Every warrior needs as much experience as he/she

can get. Also, my training was really good and I was healthy.
TP: You mentioned a game plan before; let’s talk about that. You
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are recognized as one of the most feared strikers to ever step into the
Octagon. Were you confident that you could knock him out?
CL: Yeah, he had never been knocked down before. But I know if I
was patient I would catch him.
TP: And you did, with a right hand in the first round but the most
impressive thing to me was that when he went to the ground you
didn’t chase…That is a lesson that I will take from this…never chase!
CL: I followed up the strike as best I could, I didn’t know how badly
he was hurt but I didn’t want the fight to go to the ground.
TP: His strength is on the ground as he is a submissions expert. A is a genius…

warrior not as wise might have chased him to the canvas in order to
finish it, and got caught in a submission. CL: Yeah, he is sharp.
CL: Exactly. The key was to be patient and work the game plan. TP: Did you like being a part of the reality TV phenomenon?
TP: You knocked him down again and finally a third time you hit him CL: I loved coaching these guys. I liked everything about it, the train-
so hard he lost his vision and had to quit the fight. Did that surprise ing sessions, what you saw was what happened.
you?
TP: How cool would that have been to learn from the greatest striker
CL: He had taken quite a beating before that. And if you can’t see, in mixed martial arts…
you can’t see. No use risking permanent injury.
CL: Actually, I learned as much from them as they did from me.
TP: Are you getting recognized when you are out in public? There were some really talented guys there.
CL: Yeah, it is cool. It takes some getting used to but it is fun. TP: So a true warrior never stops learning and shares his knowledge
with others, thereby growing in his own journey…
TP: People recognize you from your stint as a coach on the Spike
Channel TV show Ultimate Fighter. How did you get that gig? CL: Yeah, I guess…
CL: I fought in August and they thought Randy Couture and I would TP: Don’t worry, I am not going to call you “Grasshopper” or any-
fight. By being coaches on this show, it would further hype the fight thing…was it weird being on the show with Randy, knowing you
and help attendance. would have to fight him down the road?
TP: Brilliant move on their part. That Dana White, CEO of the UFC CL: No, we are both professionals and Randy is a great guy. Sure, we
were going to get into the ring and try to kill each other but we are
professionals. It was not a big deal.
TP: So Randy won the first fight, you won the second fight, is there
going to be a rematch? Like Ali/Frazier? Your version of the “Thrilla
in Manila”?
CL: I am sure there will be. He gave me a rematch, I am happy to

give him his shot.
TP: What is next for Chuck Liddell?
CL: I have a fight in February. I am not sure who with. I will continue
to train hard. And work on my website.
_____
TP: www.iceman.tv?
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CL: Yep. Check that out for fight info and such. CL: Well put. I would also add healthy. If you aren’t healthy, you
won’t be able to succeed in anything you do.
TP: Many of our readers are wondering what in the hell this has to do
with poker. Do you play? TP: One final question, any suggestions to someone who, wants to be
a true warrior and a true champion?
CL: Yes, I do but I am not very good. I play online and on my phone.
My brother installed it on my machine. I play every once in awhile. CL: You have to love it. If you love it, you will put in the effort. I
have always loved to compete. When I first saw the UFC, I knew that
TP: Where do you play? this is it. The same holds true if you want to be a poker champion.
_____
CL: UltimateBet.com, I think…
You’ve got to love it. And put in the effort because it will take all you
have. Not a lot of people are going to make it.
TP: That is probably the only place that our readers will ever be able TP: You made it indeed. You are a true warrior and a true champion.
to knockout Chuck Liddell… So to sum up the essence of a true Thanks for taking time to talk to TopPair Magazine!
warrior, a warrior is: focused, well trained, unafraid of losing, always
testing themselves, patient, learning all the time.
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TopPair at
the Movies
Deuce Bigalow European Gigolo Charlie and the Chocolate
Factory
Okay, this I have to admit was one of those
kinds of movies that you wanted to laugh have to say I loved it. My friend
but you still looked around to see who was however fell asleep. I however
watching you laugh. From the girl with a don’t think it was because of the
penis for a nose to guys defecating on the movie I think it was the large din-
pavement it was I must say a little bit over ner prior to the show. I thought it
the edge. I have to admit I did laugh a lot was the best movie. I absolutely
through the movie. I also seem to have thought it was magical, colorful,
talked about it for the past week on differ- entertaining, and Johnny Depp was
ent occasions. It was like so wrong, but brilliant. It is a must see in my
pretty damn funny all at the same time. If opinion.
you like this kind of humor you will proba-
bly love this movie. I did cover my eyes
and say “oh my gosh” many of times. Oh
and many “eeeeeeeeews.” Hey, how many
movies can say that! The best thing about
this movie is sitting with an audience full of Fantastic Four
celebs. I was at the World Premiere at the
Palms Casino in Las Vegas and amongst the It was good but not my
audience was David Spade, Joe Jackson, favorite. I did find myself looking
Carlos Ponce, Zoe Telford, Elisabetta around and thinking of what I was
Canalis, Vincent Mart, Federico Dordei, going to eat after the show. It
Hanna Verboom, Eddie Griffin, Ryan was a little predictable but I still
Cabberra, Mike Bigelow Director, Rob would go see it because it was
Schneider, and who was sitting in front of entertaining for the buck.
me but “OJ Simpson!” and yes I had the
opportunity to get him holding up aces. He
was signing autographs and was very pleas-
ant to everyone but I was worried on how it
would reflect the magazine. I am not sure Must love dogs
if that was wrong or not but I decided not to
ask even though I think he would have done It was very cute but a
it. I wanted to ask you all “What was your very much chick movie. I would
thought’s about someone that is controver- not recommend it for guys unless
sial!” What would it have meant to you yes maybe on a romantic date. It
or no? My take on the movie was if you had great actors and actresses in
like sexual content and dirty jokes you will it. I like gooshy movies and
enjoy this movie. even this one was a little gooshy
for me.
Photos (Top to bottom):

Hannah Verboom,
Bobbie Sue Luther,
Ashley Snieder, Gaby Kristen and Mandy Kosnos,
OJ Simpson and guests,
Eddie Griffin
Mike Bigelow, Director and Rob Schneider
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Shannon Elizabeth Loves TopPair!
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Al ba
Not even looking
What does a guy have to do to make your final table?

Be a gentleman
What can get a guy busted out of your tournament?

Cheesy lines and come-ons, and bad breath

Candle light dinner by the water on a summer night.
What celebrity would you most like to go “heads up” with?

Heidi Klum
What do you want to be when you grow up?

I currently graduated with a diploma in counseling.
I’ll be working with troubled teens.
Most embarrassing moment with the opposite sex?

I was walking down the street when I spotted this
hot guy. I turn around to look at him and since I
am not paying attention where I was going, I
walked right into a lamp pole and fell to the
ground. The worst part was when I heard the
guy laughing at me.
Do you have your own personal Website or any

other accomplishments you would like to plug?
I was Miss Hawaiian Tropic 2005
If stuck on a desert island, what three

things would you take with you?
Food, music and a man
The one thing about my body that gets the most

compliments is…
My ocean blue eyes
Anything else you want the world to

know about you?
I am a sweet, understanding and
fun loving girl. I like to be adventurous
and sometimes take it to extremes.
I live life day by day enjoying
every minute of it!
Photo courtesy of
Michael Palmer
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Aries (March 21-April 19) Cancer (June 21-

See things as they really are and if you July 22)
were wrong about them, change your Listen to the world around you
mind. Your old belief system is changing Cancer. Take time and listen to peo-
and it’s changing for the better Aries. ple, they mean well, especially this
There is no reason why you cannot expand yourself and change month. Your way isn’t always the best, sometimes those
your mind about certain issues. Go with the flow and stop around you may be wiser than you think. They may have the
swimming against the current. Relax and enjoy the simple solution that will solve your biggest dilemma. So pay atten-
things, joy is simple. tion, be still and absorb everything around you.
Luck: depends on playing the right cards, not just any cards. Luck: depends on watching your opponents, closely.
Taurus (April 20-May 20) Leo (July 23-August 22)

Do not use your brain as a filing cabinet Think outside of the box. Listen to
Taurus. This month you will have your dreams and the possibilities
dozens upon dozens of great ideas, write they express to you. This is a great
them down. Your heart will have an out- month to re-asses your goals and
pouring of strategies and thoughts in the your life’s ambitions. Why can’t
next thirty days. Play every single hand like you are playing you have all you’ve ever wanted? It’s because you do not
for a million dollars, trust your intuition and appreciate every- allow yourself to want, to desire, to yearn for all that you want.
thing you receive. Leo, you must establish exactly what you want in your mind
Luck: depends on trusting your gut. before you can have it.
Luck: depends on playing aggressively.
Gemini (May 21-June 20) Virgo (August 23-

Take a good look at yourself in the mir-
ror and say “I love you.” Gemini you September 22)
take time to care about everyone but What was it you wanted to be when you
yourself. Loving yourself does not mean grew up? Virgo, you need to get back to the
being conceited or self absorbed, it means treating yourself true essence of your existence. Right now,
with care and respect. It’s time to stop neglecting your health, you are wrapped up in making a living,
your emotions and your thoughts. Nurture yourself and you instead of designing a life. Spend time by
will become a better player and a better human being. yourself and do things that make you happy,
even if nobody else understands them. Regain that side of you
Luck: depends on feeling good. Good health = Good play.
that believed anything was possible, it will help you get
through today.
Luck: depends on playing the suited connectors.
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Libra (September 23- Capricorn (December

October 22) 22-January 19)
You are in a place Libra, where you You are living in a silly state of
can make things happen. You are the concern that’s affecting everything
mover and shaker of the zodiac at the around you. Capricorn, stop feel-
moment. You can achieve all you ing sorry for yourself, you are
want, like Nike says “Just do it.” This month is the best month doing better than at least four billion other people on the plan-
of the year to set up important meetings and make important et. You’ll make it through the rain. What you need to under-
calls. Do all the important things you’ve been putting off. You stand is that you’re making the circumstance worse than it is.
have the Midas touch this month. There’s no reason to feel down, you’ve come a long way.
Luck: you will win this month but make sure to quit when Luck: depends on being positive in and out of the casino.
you’re up.
Scorpio (October 23- Aquarius (January 20-

November 21) February 18)
The future needs your attention right You have so much to offer the world
now, plan for the future Scorpio. If the Aquarius. You must learn to manage
future is worth living it’s worth plan- your emotions. Your sign goes up and
ning for. Save money and plan a new goes down, you must learn to balance
finance strategy. Plan a new health your moods. Physical activity is the best
regimen. Plan your day before it begins, it will make this antidote for imbalance. Exercise like
month highly productive. This is not the month to be lazy, you never have before; push yourself, six days exercise, one
move, get things done. day rest, not the other way around. Aquarius, the world is
Luck: depends on playing conservatively. waiting for you, get healthy and start your real life’s journey.
Luck: depends on your physical well being.
Sagittarius (November
22-December 21) Pisces (February 19-
You know what your problem is? March 20)
Your problem is that you think too Surrender to a relationship and stop
much about things you have no con- trying to analyze it. This relation-
trol over. All that has happened to ship is very important to your life
you was for the best whether or not you realize it. Live for the whether or not you believe it, Pieces.
moment, let life touch you Scorpio. Be positive and you will Sometimes it’s better to let things take shape before we try to
come through and life will have a whole new meaning, a better figure out why? You’re obviously gaining something for this
meaning. combo. Let nature take its course and you will finally under-
Luck: depends on betting confidently. stand why things are the way they are.
Luck: depends on waiting for the face cards.
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How To Avoid Going On TILT

___________
By Roy Rounder, www.NoLimitHoldemSecrets.com
hen a poker player goes on “tilt”, it means that he is playing In fact, your brain trying to win the money back as QUICKLY AS
W in a way that is DIFFERENT than normal... in a way that is

based on EMOTION and the events of the game.
For example... if you got pocket Aces and lost a big hand to someone
YOU LOST IT.
Make sense?
It’s kind of like the stock market...
with pocket 2’s, you might go on TILT because of that bad beat... When a stock goes from $100 per share to $50 per share, it’s a
Or let’s say you had a pair and your opponent went all-in... and once decrease of 50%.
you folded, your opponent showed you that he was BLUFFING with a But for the stock to get BACK to $100 per share, it has to
nine-high. INCREASE BY 200%.
You might go on TILT after that... because you were TRICKED and That’s a big difference. And if you know ANYTHING about the mar-
you blew the chance at doubling your chips. ket, you know that 200% increases are hard to come by...
The point is, TILT is an EMOTIONAL state. And the most important The reality is it will probably take YEARS for the stock to gradually
thing you should know about tilt is this: Tilt is DANGEROUS. climb back to $100 per share.
It’s dangerous because it will cause you to lose money... LOTS OF But the investor doesn’t want to think about it that way. The investor
MONEY. wants his money back RIGHT NOW...
Why? And therefore the investor will go on TILT and make poor buying
Well, put simply, tilt makes you do things that you wouldn’t decisions with his money... hoping to find that „miracle“ stock.
“normally” do. Poker is the same way. Except insted of hoping for a miracle
It makes you place over-aggressive bets... it makes you stay in pots STOCK, a player on tilt is hoping for a mircale MONSTER HAND like
longer than you should... and it ZAPS your self-control and discipline. trip aces or a royal flush.
The good news is, I can show you how to “avoid” tilt. But first, let’s The problem is... the ODDS don’t work like that.
look at EXACTLY how tilt occurs when you play... You can’t SUDDENLY win a ton of money... just because you lost it
The PRIMARY REASON that tilt occurs is because of a MAJOR in the previous hand.
LOSS. There are other causes, but this is the main one, so we’ll focus on That money is no longer yours...
it here. In addition, a major lost pot SKEWS YOUR ENTIRE PERCEP-
By “major loss” I mean a BIG POT that you COULD have won... or TION:
even perhaps SHOULD have won... but DIDN’T. A pre-flop raise of 1,000 chips no longer looks “big” after you’ve
For some reason, poker players can always remember the BAD just lost 10,000. So you decide to call the raise with your K-4 offsuit...
BEATS and BIG LOSSES they’ve suffered, but never remember the big because TILT has got you by the balls.
victories. The point is this:
Tilt works the same way. You must AVOID TILT. Period.But how?
You can be winning hand after hand after hand all day... but then sud- A lot of pros will tell you that the way to avoid tilt is to, “Think log-
denly go on TILT following one lost pot. ically, take a deep breath, and remember that it’s all part of the game.”
When tilt occurs, it first impacts your EMOTIONAL mind... because Phooey.
like I said, tilt is just an emotional condition. You and I both know that that stuff doesn’t work.
Then it will impact your LOGICAL mind. Because like we said before, TILT IS EMOTIONAL. And that means
As much as we’d like to believe we can SEPARATE our emotions it CANNOT be solved with LOGIC.
from our thinking, we just can’t. The truth is, emotions are FAR MORE The key to avoiding tilt is to CATCH IT right before it happens...
POWERFUL than logic or reasoning... So the VERY MOMENT you lose a big hand... or take a bad beat...
So when tilt occurs, you’ll start playing in a way that JUST DOES- THAT IS WHEN YOU MUST “INTERVENE” with your mind.
N’T MAKE SENSE. THAT is when you must take control.
You’ll try to bluff more, you’ll raise more, and you’ll be more And you can’t just tell yourself, “Hey, this is just a part of the
aggressive. game...”
Why does tilt work THIS way? No.
Why does it make you play more AGGRESSIVELY, rather than You must SEPARATE YOURSELF from the game... for however
TIGHTEN UP? long it takes to “regroup”.
The answer lies in what our brains are trying to “accomplish” with For instance... if I lose a big hand at a casino I’ll usually have my
tilt. You see, in poker... and in all of gambling... the rule is this: chips covered up and I’ll go grab a quick bite to eat. I’ll get some fresh
GAINS COME SLOWLY. LOSSES COME QUICKLY. air... call my girlfriend... go back to my hotel room... whatever.
It can take three hours to win a hundred dollars but only THREE THEN I will come back to the table and continue playing.
SECONDS to lose it all... and more. When I’m not in a casino and don’t have the luxury of being able to
Now I’m NOT talking about something like winning the lottery here. take a break from the game, I’ll simply “sit out” for the next few pots and
I’m talking about being able to CONSISTENTLY win money by pay my blinds.
playing SMART and KEEPING THE ODDS IN YOUR FAVOR... I’ll fold my hands and just watch... I’ll breathe deeply and focus on
That’s what Texas Holdem strategy is all about: Keeping the odds in MY GAME. Period.
your favor. This “separation” is the secret to avoiding tilt.
Because the more you play with the odds in your FAVOR, the more Because first of all, it keeps your emotional brain from consuming
money you win. your LOGICAL brain. Don’t ask me why... I’m not a scientist. I just know
Well, when a major LOSS occurs, you lose all that time you spent that it WORKS.
building up your GAINS... so your brain goes on TILT. And secondly, separation allows you to KEEP THINGS IN PROPER
And what your brain is TRYING TO DO is to win back all that PERSPECTIVE.
money you lost... fast. You’ll be in control. You’ll know that a pre-flop raise of 1,000 chips
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IS A LOT... and you’ll fold your measly K-4 because you’re thinking and years... and „figuring it out“on your own...
CLEARLY. OR...
You’ll go back to YOUR GAME. You’ll remember your strategies By using the system of WINNING strategies and methods created
and techniques... and you’ll gradually start winning with the ODDS by someone else.
BACK IN YOUR FAVOR. If you’d like to get MY complete, step-by-step „foolproof“ system
Honestly... of all the tricks, techniques, and Texas Holdem secrets for playing an winning Texas Holdem poker, just surf on over to my
I teach, avoiding tilt can quite possibly have the BIGGEST effect on
your bankroll...
Because whether you spend ten hours or ten THOUSAND hours
____________
website right now and sign up for my free POKER TIPS newsletter.
Here’s the URL:www.NoLimitHoldemSecrets.com
“grinding it out” at the poker tables, your money will VANISH if you See you at the final table,
go on tilt. Roy Rounder
Which brings me to ANOTHER interesting secret I’ve discov-
ered... The EXPERIENCE OF TILT is actually just an EXTREME
form of experience that happens ALL THE TIME when you play poker.
What I mean is EVERY TIME YOU LOSE A HAND you’re going
on tilt. Except, this tilt would be a small version of “the real thing.”
Stick with me here...
If TILT is just an EMOTION, then you’re ACTUALLY going on
tilt all the time... except it’s only noticeable during the really big pots.
The truth is you’re going on „Tiny Tilts“ all game... every game...
that are swaying you back and forth and back and forth from the REAL
STRATEGIES AND ACTIONS YOU SHOULD BE TAKING.
That’s why the PROS are able to avoid tilt so effectively...
Because they’ve played SO MUCH POKER that they know the
RIGHT play to make... in virtually every situation. Emotion just does-
n’t factor in.
And ultimately, that’s the BEST way to avoid tilt...
...is to adopt a complete SYSTEM of playing STRATEGIES and
techniques that YOU STICK TO throughout the game.
Take emotion out of it. Just play the proven, step-by-step methods
that will help you CONSISTENTLY win the most money at the table.
And the way you do that is by either playing for years and years
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On Break with…
Michael “The Grinder” Mizrachi
he Grinder is a machine”, is emblazed proudly on Commerce in LA where I got my first win. When I am in Vegas I
“T Michael Mizrachi’s hat. Part cyborg, part wun-

derkind, he is all gentleman. One of poker’s hottest
young stars was gracious enough to chat with me about a great
really like the Bellagio.
The 2005 WSOP you seemed disappointed with your results.
What was your impression of the event? I loved it; the people real-
many things. ly did a great job running the tournament. I just had some bad
luck. I couldn’t quite get there.
You burst onto the scene winning the LA Open, describe what that
was like and when did you know you had it. What happened in the main event?
“I just felt it was my time. Everything seemed to be going my I had a bunch of chips, I think 3 rd or 4 th most and then lost
way. I had Ace/9 and the flop came Ace/King/2. I knew I had my three hands in a row….bam, bam, bam I am gone. It was a tough
first million dollar win in sight. way to go out.
What is the one thing that you want people to know about you that The most cashes is pretty impressive…
no interview has mentioned? “That I always take time to talk to I was actually tied for the most cashes with Marco Traniello
people. I am friendly and approachable. I have never been one of and Tony Cousino. I might have broken the tie but I had to fly back
those, “I am sorry I can’t talk right now kind of people.” to Florida for my cousins wedding. Family is family, poker is just
Tell me about your NUTZ:( an opportunity to plug your prod- a game.
uct not talk about your testicles…) “About 6 months ago we decid-
ed to create a solid gold coin card protector that people could This was your second series, what was different this year from last
design for themselves. So far it has been selling pretty well. year?
“My pockets were thicker this year…(laughs)
Most young players are wild and reckless, yet you are not. How
can you be so disciplined at such a young age? (Laughs) I still What advice do you have for another 24 year old who might be
play some reckless cards. But being a Grinder means staying thinking of following in your footsteps?
focused and playing your best game all the time. That is what I do. “Stay focused, keep grinding, play your best game 100% of
You travel the country in a tour bus purchased from your the time. And get your SLEEP!
poker winnings? Describe your pimped out ride: I just sold it! My
tour bus is gone, and I got a upgraded Hummer. It is hooked up! So you would tell someone to emulate your career choice?
Not necessarily. But if you can’t play poker, you better get a
What are some of your favorite poker venues? Obviously I love the real job!
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Your wife is an accomplished player. Tell our readers about her I think I would be in trouble. The wife reads me well. She
and how she learned the game. always knows when I am lying…
She is tough. She is going to play in the tournament at the
Bike. She watched over my shoulder and picked up the game What is next for “The Grinder?”
while I was playing online. I am heading to Tunica. My main goal is to win TopPair
Magazine Player of the Year!
What sites to you play on?
Poker Stars, Full Tilt, Bodog… If we had a award for being a class act, Michael “The
Grinder” Mizrachi would definitely be one of the favorites.
Who would win between you and your wife?
May You
Always Flop
TopPair!
Check us out online!
www.toppa i r m a g a zi n e . co m
___________________________________
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Changing Hand
Values Y ou may have heard before that hand
values change based upon the number
of players in the hand. For instance,
small suited connectors such as 65s play well
19.37% equity 10-handed against random hands.
The average equity of a hand played 10-handed
is 10% and so this is a 93.7% increase over the
average equity. Not bad. How does J/J fare five-
against a field but play poorly heads-up. On the handed? Five-handed JJ has equity of 40.31%
other hand, a hand like A7 offsuit plays poorly and an average hand has equity of 20%. This is
against a large field but heads-up it plays quite a 101.6% increase over the average equity.
well because it will often win unimproved. In Based on these numbers, would you prefer
other words, if you are heads up with A7 offsuit, to play J/J against 10 players or five? If each of
you may win with ace-high if neither of you ten players put $10 into the pot while you are
make a pair. To more easily understand how holding J/J there would be $100 in the pot and
hand values change, it is helpful to think about a your equity would be 19.37% of this or $19.37.
concept called equity. If each of five players put $10 into the pot while
Let’s say we play a bizarre version of Hold you were holding J/J there would be $50 in the
‘em in which everyone calls all the way to the pot and your equity would be 40.31% or $20.16.
river regardless of what they hold – you know, Therefore, if you are in a game where everyone
like a $2/$4 game. If you are playing in a 10- is typically calling unraised pots preflop but a
handed game like this you should win, on aver- raise would thin the field to about five players,
age, 10% of the hands. A random holding then you may choose to raise.
would have 10% equity. The whole idea behind I got curious about what these numbers
starting hand requirements is to play those hands could tell me and so I decided to run some simu-
which have a better than average equity and to lations on Mike Caro’s Poker Probe. I started
fold preflop those hands which have a negative with A/A against nine random hands and decided
equity. to run one million simulations to get an accurate
While it’s unlikely that everyone would stay number. That worked out so well I went on to
all the way to the river regardless of my cheap K/K and ran one million simulations on kings
shot against $2/$4 games, the value of hands and against nine random hands. Then I did the other
how they change depending upon the number of 167 starting hands the same way. Of course this
players in the game is still of great value to didn’t allow me to compare changing hand val-
understand. Take for instance our example above ues as the number of players changed and so I
of 6/5 suited. In a 10-handed game it has equity then did all 169 starting hands heads-up. Then,
of 11.93%, which means that it has a positive because I’m a little bit obsessive, I ran simula-
equity since the average equity for a random tions for 9-handed games, 8-handed games, 7-
hand is 10%. In a heads-up match however 6/5 handed games etc. All together I ran
suited doesn’t fair as well only claiming 43.08% 1,521,000,000 simulations and put them in a
equity when a random hand heads up has 50% handy dandy chart for easy viewing and compar-
equity. 6/5 suited then has a positive equity with ison. Then I made another chart, devoid of num-
many people seeing the flop but loses equity the bers though based upon them, where I simply
fewer players in the hand until it finally has a listed the hands from strongest to weakest 10-
negative equity. handed, 9-handed, 8-handed etc. and put them
Now let’s look at our other example, A/7 into another handy dandy chart which made
offsuit. In a 10-handed game it has equity of accessing some data easier.
9.93%, which means that it has a negative equity It was a very interesting project,
but heads up it has a positive equity coming in at although a very time consuming one as well. I
58.78%. Here’s a hand which you would do well learned quite a bit from the charts and continue to
to throw away preflop unless the game is short- do so. I’d recommend doing the project to every-
handed in which case you may even want to raise one, except for the little matter of the almost 200
with it. hours I spent putting it together and so, for those
Numbers like this have limitations. They of you who can’t find a spare 200 hours to waste;
don’t take into consideration how well you play TopPair and I have teamed up to pass it on.
or how well your opponent plays. Too, they are
based on results, which are run hot and cold;
meaning they assume that all players will stay in
all the way to the river – showdown poker.
Despite these limitations though, the numbers
have value. You can see how a hand stacks up
against its peers and how they change values as
the game becomes short-handed or fills up. You
can also see how its equity increases or decrease
against multiple players and plan strategy based
on that data.
For instance, the ever-troublesome J/J has a By Angel Largay
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10-Handed 9-Handed 8-Handed 7-Handed 6-Handed 5-Handed 4-Handed 3-Handed Heads-Up

10.00 11.11 12.50 14.29 16.67 20.00 25.00 33.33 50.00
AA 31.06 34.70 38.66 43.50 49.24 55.79 63.87 73.42 85.25
KK 26.09 29.18 32.91 37.42 43.01 49.79 58.18 68.95 82.42
QQ 22.30 24.89 28.35 32.55 37.90 44.71 53.55 64.96 79.93
AKs 20.67 22.70 25.05 27.65 31.06 35.38 41.41 50.61 67.00
JJ 19.37 21.68 24.65 28.55 33.57 40.31 49.13 61.21 77.45
AQs 19.29 21.19 23.30 25.94 29.25 33.66 39.84 49.50 66.25
KQs 18.61 20.34 22.54 25.19 28.31 32.46 38.10 47.07 63.43
AJs 18.16 19.82 22.04 24.69 27.94 32.22 38.51 48.33 65.43
KJs 17.64 19.32 21.42 23.82 27.03 31.02 36.82 45.81 62.50
ATs 17.34 18.97 21.06 23.51 26.70 31.08 37.21 47.00 64.82
TT 17.22 19.15 21.81 25.28 29.98 36.35 45.27 57.58 75.03
AK 17.19 19.22 21.58 24.45 27.89 32.31 38.49 48.17 65.26
QJs 17.10 18.72 20.79 23.17 26.31 30.16 35.68 44.07 60.22
KTs 16.88 18.43 20.45 22.91 25.86 29.89 35.65 44.80 61.79
JTs 16.65 18.01 19.75 22.01 24.91 28.62 33.89 41.94 57.51
QTs 16.46 14.47 19.92 22.20 25.22 29.06 34.56 43.17 59.44
99 15.59 17.20 19.44 22.45 26.58 32.65 41.17 53.67 72.05
AQ 15.54 17.54 19.67 22.48 25.91 30.48 36.83 46.69 64.47
A9s 15.30 16.97 18.73 21.03 24.19 28.34 34.57 44.56 62.75
KQ 15.13 16.97 19.08 21.70 25.08 29.23 35.10 44.39 61.47
K9s 14.85 16.40 18.20 20.34 23.25 27.19 32.86 42.20 60.01
A8s 14.73 16.22 18.04 20.22 23.20 27.41 33.48 43.46 61.93
Q9s 14.72 15.90 17.60 19.87 22.51 26.49 31.82 40.67 57.62
J9s 14.51 15.91 17.57 19.67 22.42 26.01 31.22 39.41 55.75
88 14.47 15.86 17.76 20.37 23.97 29.49 37.57 49.99 69.14
A5s 14.41 15.82 17.46 19.55 22.21 25.96 31.68 41.38 59.90
A7s 14.32 15.63 17.33 19.54 22.39 26.41 32.42 42.38 61.00
AJ 14.30 16.06 18.30 21.05 24.35 28.83 35.28 45.48 63.47
A6s 14.21 15.32 16.78 18.89 21.64 25.46 31.31 41.16 59.85
A4s 14.19 15.49 17.04 19.11 21.64 25.35 30.99 40.49 59.06
T9s 14.08 16.07 17.73 19.75 22.40 26.04 30.99 38.73 54.04
A3s 14.01 15.16 16.73 18.67 21.16 24.76 30.30 39.64 58.23
KJ 13.98 15.64 17.72 20.33 23.53 27.73 33.70 43.13 60.64
77 13.68 14.80 16.41 18.63 21.93 26.81 34.36 46.45 66.26
QJ 13.66 15.39 17.35 19.83 22.95 26.95 32.57 41.22 58.09
A2s 13.63 14.70 16.25 18.16 20.62 24.13 29.43 38.85 57.42
K8s 13.56 14.92 16.53 18.68 21.43 25.12 30.77 40.24 58.41
AT 13.38 15.09 21.06 19.70 23.06 27.58 34.05 44.26 62.72
98s 13.32 14.56 15.99 17.80 20.22 23.64 28.52 35.91 50.82
J8s 13.21 14.44 15.99 17.97 20.45 23.99 29.05 37.49 54.04
Q8s 13.16 14.44 16.07 18.06 20.78 24.40 29.73 38.50 55.97
K7s 13.15 14.36 16.00 18.02 20.73 24.39 29.96 39.17 57.59
JT 13.11 14.57 16.33 18.59 21.47 25.41 30.67 41.94 55.25
66 13.07 13.96 15.43 17.27 20.08 24.44 31.44 43.33 63.27
T8s 13.05 14.74 16.25 18.06 20.58 24.00 28.86 36.70 52.36
KT 13.00 14.78 16.71 19.19 22.26 26.45 32.42 41.84 59.81
QT 12.95 14.47 16.41 18.69 21.66 25.72 31.39 40.19 57.29
K6s 12.88 14.04 15.48 17.55 20.02 23.54 25.25 38.36 56.68
87s 12.85 13.73 15.07 16.81 18.99 22.10 26.62 33.75 47.96
K5s 12.54 13.67 15.21 17.05 19.52 22.98 28.23 37.20 55.75
97s 12.54 13.50 14.95 16.66 18.85 21.95 26.68 34.11 49.16
76s 12.37 13.31 14.40 15.95 17.90 20.79 25.09 31.94 45.30
55 12.37 13.24 14.41 16.08 18.52 22.45 28.93 40.03 60.32
K4s 12.34 13.43 14.85 16.60 19.00 22.40 27.42 36.65 54.83
T7s 12.29 13.35 14.83 16.51 18.91 22.13 26.97 34.67 50.57
44 12.17 12.85 13.97 15.21 17.36 20.64 26.27 36.84 56.95
Q7s 12.15 13.29 14.70 16.59 19.04 22.51 27.72 36.44 54.30
K3s 12.13 13.25 14.65 16.32 18.70 21.86 26.86 35.73 54.08
33 12.00 12.69 13.49 14.75 16.27 19.13 24.03 33.62 53.67
J7s 12.00 13.15 14.66 16.42 18.84 22.23 27.11 35.39 52.29
22 11.96 12.55 13.16 14.16 15.52 17.73 21.89 30.70 50.40
86s 11.95 12.89 14.05 15.64 17.71 20.63 24.97 31.93 46.28
65s 11.93 12.74 13.84 15.18 17.07 19.67 23.67 30.22 43.08
K2s 11.92 13.05 14.31 16.02 18.25 21.33 26.22 34.97 53.14
Q6s 11.80 12.86 14.29 16.04 18.48 21.91 27.06 35.78 53.59
54s 11.67 12.58 13.53 14.78 16.44 18.92 22.71 28.94 41.42
Q5s 11.59 12.63 13.97 15.81 18.03 21.24 26.26 34.84 52.85
96s 11.44 12.42 13.54 15.15 17.47 20.36 24.87 32.10 47.43
75s 11.41 12.37 13.43 14.80 16.74 19.43 23.40 30.19 43.68
Q4s 11.31 12.32 13.72 15.38 17.58 20.73 25.56 34.05 51.80
T9 11.25 12.63 14.16 16.14 18.84 22.55 27.60 35.69 51.46
A9 11.16 12.69 14.73 17.02 20.20 24.60 30.98 41.61 60.80
T6s 11.16 12.21 13.55 15.19 17.35 20.45 25.02 32.82 48.96
64s 11.15 11.90 12.94 14.22 15.82 18.43 22.22 28.51 41.38
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© Pairs from deuces to tens should be played

for as little investment as possible pre-flop. I
wouldn’t even play deuces through sixes from
early position if there has been a lot of action at the
table. If you are at a conservative table, go ahead
and limp to see the flop, and then remember, no
set, no bet.
ß Never play ace-little (ace with a card less
than an 8) suited or unsuited in front position. If
you bet and someone behind you raises, you’re
between a rock and a hard place. If they have an
ace, his kicker is probably bigger than yours. If you
No-Limit check and he bets, you have the same dilemma.
® It is okay to play ace-x (ace-little) suited in
Texas late position if the pot has not been raised. With
everyone acting before it is your turn, you have
more information. If an ace flops and it is checked
Hold’em to you, your ace is probably good, but if it is check-
raised, minimize your losses.
However, if there is a big bet you can get
away from the hand with a minimal investment. If
ot too many years ago, no-limit Texas what hands to play and from what position. To
N
the flop brings two of your suit, you can decide
hold’em was not a ring game you could make these decisions, there is no better informa- whether or not to take the fourth card by the action
find in every casino that spread poker. tion you can accumulate than knowledge of how in front of you. If checked, good, you get a free
Nor was it an overly popular tournament event. your opponents are playing. card; if bet, it will depend on the amount of the bet
Today no-limit hold’em is one of the Example: You have an A-Q in middle posi- for you to make your decision.
most popular games (live action or tournaments) tion. Most players automatically would call or © You will have to fold many hands from
available, that’s the good news, and it is the most raise with that hand, but your opponents and how early position but you can raise with these very
misplayed game in the history of the poker uni- they play should determine if and how you play hands from late position when no one has opened
verse - that is the bad news, all because of TV. this hand. If you are at a very tight table, you may the pot. Example: 10-K, J-Q, A-X, J-K, 10-J.
The basics of no limit are simple to under- want to put in a raise of approximately three times ß Drawing to make a hand in no limit is very
stand, that’s why everybody and their dog is join- the big blind. On the other hand, if there is a rock different from drawing to the same hands in limit.
ing in on the fun. However, it is the most compli- at your table who is to act after you and you can tell In limit you would rarely fold a four straight or a
cated version of poker to play successfully. that he is going to call or raise, let this one go and four flush especially if your draw is to the nuts. But
I go out to play poker and am delighted to wait for an better opportunity to get involved. If, in no limit drawing could cost you all of your
find no-limit ring games and tournaments with all against your better judgment, you decide to call chips.
ranges of buy-ins. There are a zillion new faces in because you believe A-Q to be a playable hand and ® Calling a bet with a drawing hand, a flush
our poker world and most of them don’t know the then the rock raises you, now what? You know he draw or a straight draw also depends on pot odds.
proper way to play the game. The game they play has a better hand than you. Let’s say you call his (We will get into pot odds in the advanced study of
is “mimic what I saw on TV” no-limit. If these sun- raise “just to see the flop” and you flop an ace. You this game.)
glass wearing, hat over their face, every hand pon- bet, the rock raises, now what? ß The time to consider such draws in no limit
dering, terrible players have any desire to become More money is lost on A-Q and A-K than is in multi-way pots where you can draw relatively
better players , Dr. Susie is here to help. any other hand. Players seem to think this is a nut inexpensively — but only if you are drawing to the
The following are simple, easy to understand hand. Remember that deuces beat it preflop. I’m nuts. It’s even sweeter when you are drawing to the
tips on how to play no-limit hold’em that if prop- not saying steer clear, not at all, but if you flop nuts and have a pair.
erly administered will help you on the road to nothing and there is action, that is the time to let it Example: You are in late position with a
recovery. If you will devote yourself to correcting go. 10-J. The flop comes 4-K-Q, rainbow (different
your wrongs, you can even except to live a long, ® There is nothing wrong with calling occa- suits.) You are drawing to an ace for the nut straight
healthy, and prosperous poker life. sionally, and sometime it is the proper play, but if or to a nine. The turn brings a 10 so now you have
ß What you should ask yourself in a game of you always enter a pot with a call, you will never a pair and a good draw. The odds have turned more
no limit is how much should I bet, rather than how be a big winner. Aggression is important, especial- and more in your favor.
much can I bet. The biggest mistake I see with new ly in no limit. Calling is not aggressive. However, ™ In no limit do not commit half your chips
no-limit players is how they overbet or underbet always be selectively aggressive. And always think to the pot unless you are willing to commit all of
the pot. about your position. your chips. In other words, don’t overbet your
© Do not just pick up a stack of chips and ß You do not want to waste the profitability hand.
splash them in the pot. Think! How much should I of your big hands because these hands normally ® Try never to go all-in on a call. You want to
bet? You’re goal should be to maximize your wins are rare. Your goal should be to get one or two be the one putting on the pressure. If you go all-in,
but minimize your losses. This takes some thought. callers. Raise approximately three times the big it should be your bet, raise or a reraise – put the
Example: You have pocket aces under the blind. If someone raises you, reraise about the size pressure on them!
gun. Now why on earth would you make a huge of the pot. ß This is a perfect
bet, run off all your customers and pick up only the ® If you pick up a big hand in late position example of how important
blinds? and the pot has already been raised, just call if you it is to know your players.
® You do not want to waste the profitability believe you will be heads-up. Should you flop a If the player who raised
of your big hands because these hands normally monster like trip aces just check-call for more prof- you is a rock, you know
are rare. Your goal should be to get one or two it and then raise on the turn. you must fold. If he is a
callers. Raise approximately three times the big Example: You have pocket sixes in the cut off bully you might decide to
blind. If someone raises you, reraise about the size seat. Three players have limped into the pot. Just reraise.
of the pot. call; do not raise. If the flop does not have a six,
ß In your quest to maximize your winning you’re finished with it. Even if the flop is all baby Class dismissed for
hands and minimize the losers, you need to know cards, you do not call a bet. Minimize your loses. this issue. More next time.
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Rocky Mountain
Poker Tour
By Gavin Jerome
oker is being played in the Rockies, but with a twist. You can
P flop a straight at your local watering hole. And if you are really
good, you could be declared the first Champion of the Rocky
Mountain Poker Tour.
The Rocky Mountain Poker Tour is the brainchild of Rico Ramirez, a
retired police officer of 17 years. Seeing an opportunity to bring free poker
into bars as a source of entertainment for playing customers and way to
make money at the same time. He ran the idea past several bar owners and
they loved the idea.
The popularity has been increasing. Rico began the company with 1
tournament per week on March 5, 2005, and in less than 6 months, the
Rocky Mountain Poker Tour has grown to almost 35 tournaments per week
Some of the locations where they host tournaments are: Old Chicago,
Champps Restaurant, Tailgate Tavern Bar and Grill, Celtic House Pub,
Celtic Isles Public House, Ironworks Brewery The Kasbah, Robin Hood
Pub, Adam’s Apple Lounge, Appalousa Gentlemen’s Club, Twister’s
Restaurant.
With the biggest venues being Old Chicago, Tailgate Tavern Bar and
Grill and Champps Restaurant in Colorado Springs. All 3 of these have
averaged approximately 60 players per tournament (not bad for bar enter-
tainment.)
Running a tour like this is not without its challenges however. “The
biggest challenge would be having good dealers stay on.,” says Ramirez.
“For the most part, I have pretty solid dealers, but every once in a while I
have personal issues that come up with my dealers.”
The whole tour will culminate in a big event to determine a tour
champion. The final tournament will be held at Champps Restaurant at
Park Meadows Mall in Littleton, CO, October 1st. It will be the final 100
players after 4 days of semi-final tournaments.
Rico expects approximately 500 players from both Denver and
Colorado Springs to play in our semi-finals over the course of 4 days with
the final 25 players from each semi-final advancing to the October 1st
final.
First place will win a travel voucher for $2,500.00, 2nd place will
receive a 1-month’s mortgage payment up to $1,500. The top ten finishers
will be paid out. All for free poker.
Ever the astute businessman, Rico Ramirez has his eyes on the future.
The Tour runs tournaments in Colorado Springs and Denver, but is expand-
ing to Salt Lake City, UT, within the next month or two. Since Salt Lake
City is still part of the Rocky Mountain region, they felt this would be a
good place to include.
“Our plans are to have 100 tournaments per week in the Denver and
Colorado Springs area by this time next year. I incorporated also as USA
Poker Tour because I plan to eventually take this outside the Rocky
Mountain region.”
Starting in October they will do it all over again and end in March
2006. The winner from that tournament will win a seat in the WSOP for
the $10,000 buy-in into the Main Event.
What really intrigued me was the way players earn chips for the
finals. “All the winners from all of our tournaments receive a certificate
that says where and when they won,” Rico concluded
“Each certificate is worth $1,500 in starting chips. A player may win
as many tournaments as they are able to, but can only bring a total of 3 cer-
tificates to the final tournament for a starting chip count of $4,500. This
causes the players to come back to their local watering hole week after
week, the bar owners love it.
And so do we. TopPair Magazine will be there and cover the final
event as the official magazine of the Rocky Mountain Poker Tour.
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Kathy
Available
What does a guy have to do to make your final

table?
For a guy to make my final table he has to be
intelligent, witty and mature.
What can get a guy busted out of your

tournament?
A guy can get busted out of my tournament if
he starts playing with another stack…
of cards
that is.

evening.
Dinner, red wine and dancing (in any order)

Matt Damon
Describe your favorite strip poker experience.

Let’s just say it involved whip cream.
What do you want to be when you grow up?

A wonderful mother.
Most embarrassing moment with the opposite

sex?
I was working out with a boyfriend and fell off
a treadmill!
Do you have your own personal Website

or any other accomplishments you would like
to plug?
_________
www.kathyontheweb.com

My smile.
Photo courtesy of Andy Meng

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THE ORLEANS OPEN 2005 POKER TOURNAMENT

Wednesday July 20th, Noon.
am of course again on the bubble. Close tle blind I assume sees that I am low on waited for the flop and if I didn’t hit my A or
I to the money but not in the money. I

have had cold cards for over three
rounds. I slowly move to the following table
chips and will probably raise. Sure enough
the little blind raises. I look down and find
A Q unsuited. I three bet it. The little blind
Q then give it up? Should I get up after
playing my heart out for 6 hours and attrib-
ute it up to bad timing? What do you all
with my handful of chips. I have enough to says how much do you have left and I roll think? One of my weaknesses even after all
survive if I could just get one good hand. It the 3 remaining chips out into the pot and the years I have played is deciding what
was 6 p.m. and I had already been playing they put me all in. I am thrilled to turn over someone would or wouldn’t do in each situ-
since 12 that morning. I have 1500 in chips my AQ to find they have pocket kings and I ation before the situation even occurs. This
left. The blinds are 200 400. Two hands am out of the tournament. Now is this just often blinds me from the truth of those hav-
later the entire table folds and it is down to another bad beat story? Or did I play this ing a good hand or being just born lucky and
the little blind and me the big blind. The lit- incorrect. Should I have taken the raise, hitting the flop? Tell me your thoughts!
A Dose of DEISEL
By Sonny Deisel
you didn’t play in this year’s 2005 World John Juanda on my right and David Sklansky was funny with David short stacked and a
I Series of Poker you missed the time of

your life. It was a chance to play with the
Legends of Poker, celebrities and all the
on my left. I’m in heaven. What a chance to
learn and watch the best. From the book,
numbers, odds man to a gambler. Andy Bloch
very tight player and John with his normal
tons of chips being schooled in poker. Who
would you like to play like or which stack of
young poker guns. I played on tables in the was also on this table. What a training table chips would you want? David couldn’t
2005 WSOP with such greats as Layne Flack, Thanks! change John’s mind on his play so he decided
John Juanda, Robert Williamson III, Andy It became funny real quickly when to gamble with John
Bloch, John Phan, Randy Jensen, Paul Wolfe, David was going to teach John how to play David wanted to pick 14 guys in the final
Humberto Brenes, David Sklansky, Tony Ma, him on 6th street in stud. They argued or dis- event to bet on against John’s 14 picks.
David Chiu, Mark Seif (winner of 2 bracelets cussed for 3 complete hour rounds, with Example, who would double up in chip the
2005), Eric Frohlich (youngest bracelet win- David never changing John’s ideas or play. 1st day, last longer, etc. David wanted to put
ner in history), T.J. Cloutier (2005 bracelet David is by the book that we have all read, up $500.00 per man, but John wouldn’t play
winner) Toto Leonidas, Edward Moncada many times. David can give you any odds, at for less than $5000.00 a pick. David couldn’t
(2005 bracelet winner) Thom Werthmann anytime, but John plays like all the real pros stand the heat but still ran back and fourth
(2005 bracelet winner) Young Phan, Tobey on different poker level. These guys play on between John and Daniel Negreanu at anoth-
McGuire (no photos please) and many more. levels that are unbelievable. There like a cun- er table getting advise on different players to
Many young guns with so much money it was ning tigers stalking our dead money. John bet on. Needless to say the bet didn’t go
Scary! knew when to start with hands the book peo- down. The pros don’t care about the money
I have great stories on these pros but I’ll ple would never play but he would win with it. and are fearless. Because of this can the
only tell a few. I’m in a 7 card stud event with Back to the David – John discussion. It average Joe ever be on their level?
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Greenstein’s
‘Ace On The River’
A Classic
by Earl Burton
oyle Brunson, when he was looking to update the surrounds us. It is plainly evident for someone who reads
D legendary ‘Super/System’, called on some of the

greatest players in the game today to be his con-
tributors for the new book. Jennifer Harman, Daniel
the book that Barry probably has one of the greatest minds
that is in the game today. He comprehends more than most
can ever hope to capture and, with a few swift strokes of his
Negreanu, Johnny Chan and his son Todd Brunson all were pen (or, more likely, his keyboard) has graced us by passing
a part of the equally fantastic ‘Super/System 2’ which, by the knowledge he contains to the readers of ‘Ace On The
now, most everyone has. Another player who was asked to River’.
be a part was superb cash game expert, tournament player For those that are into ‘only’ the nuts and bolts of
and philanthropist Barry Greenstein. poker, Greenstein has presented a first class look at how to
Greenstein was to write for Doyle, according to Barry, play the game at a professional level. He shows the mathe-
about how to make money at the game of poker. What matics behind the game, presents a look at how game theo-
Doyle assigned as a twenty page chapter for ‘Super/System ry is a part of poker (and useful in everyday
2’ became, in the hands of the brilliant Greenstein, a one living) and talks about the variables that affect the game as
hundred page dissertation. When Barry asked what he well. Barry also looks at how to determine what levels to
wanted to use from it, Doyle said, “There isn’t anything I play at, the Internet game and money management for poker
would cut.” Doyle then presented Barry with a decision; players.
either cut it down to fit into ‘Super/System 2’, or expand it Where the book is additionally special is in the
into his own book. The poker world must thank Doyle tutorials on poker that come from Barry's own personal
Brunson for providing it another gift, as Barry Greenstein experiences. He presents these with very accurate and
expanded the document he produced for Brunson into his detailed displays of the action on a real life poker table,
own book, ‘Ace On The River’, which will be able to stand which deviates from past poker books which only had a card
beside both of Brunson’s books as must have literature for display or, in some cases, a screenshot of an Internet game.
all poker players. It is probably the most comprehensive This will allow the reader to immerse themselves in the
look at the world of poker and, when you add in the poker hand at play and give them the feel that they are actually sit-
strategy that Greenstein gives, makes it simply a must have ting there and attempting to make the decision.
for anyone involved in poker! When the situation is set up, Greenstein does not just
At first look, the book is simply one of the most pro- present a one question test. He asks several questions that
fessional looking publications that there has been. There is place you not only into his mind process but into that of
beautiful, glossy photography of the major gaming halls of your opponents. This is the optimal thing that he presents
the world and the players that are in it. It is distinct in its in the lessons is that he wants you to not only look at the
looks and quality and will be a benchmark for future poker game from your angle but also wants you to place yourself
books to strive to achieve. It’s price as well, at $25, is well in the mind of the player against you. These suggestions are
within the poker aficionados budget. critical for anyone who plays the game of poker and, as
By far, though, ‘Ace On The River’ is not all glitz and demonstrated by Barry, is a must if you wish to play at a
no guts. Greenstein displays his very advanced mind on vir- world class level.
tually every page of the tome, including the dedication to his The lessons are very useful and can be very revealing
children that starts the book. When you have a man that can into different playing options that a player holds.
dedicate a book to his children and asks for their forgiveness Greenstein is also quick to point out his own mistakes on the
for when ‘I have failed as a parent’, you know you are sit- hands, which is refreshing to see that even one of the best
ting at the feet of someone who can pass on to you much players can make an ill-advised move. In the appendices,
more than the poker knowledge you are about to receive. there is a thorough explanation of the odds and outs a play-
The quotations that lead off each chapter are brilliant er can hold. These will be useful to the players who strict-
and pass along the lessons that you are about to learn. Even ly play mathematical poker but, as Barry points out at sev-
with this said, there are many people who may find the first eral points, there is more to the game of poker than just
half of the book to be a bit of a bore. The people that pass math.
by it will miss out on the total learning experience that ‘Ace On The River’ is a must have book for any level
Barry is passing along to would-be poker professionals. of player to have. It is an excellently and thoroughly writ-
The descriptions and details that he hands out over the first ten book (when is the last time you saw a poker book with
144 pages should be handed out as a guideline for every per- a bibliography featuring Woodward & Bernstein, game the-
son who wants to not only become a poker player but also a orist Roger Myerson and mathematician Edward Packel?)
better person in everyday life. It analyzes not only how to with more information on one page than most poker books
conduct yourself in the world of poker but how to become contain cover to cover. Throughout it all, Greenstein pres-
the best money manager you can, the pitfalls that a poker ents the information in a precise and almost parental man-
player needs to avoid and how to keep your mind mentally ner. He never becomes preachy or dictatorial, which would
sharp. It even steps into how sexuality can affect a person’s have been easy for most any writer to do. Barry
game. Greenstein’s ‘Ace On The River’ is destined to become a
Through it all, Greenstein displays his depth of knowl- classic work on not only how to play a professional game of
edge not only about the poker world but about the world that poker but a look at the poker world as a whole.
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GETTINGBETTER
By Ashley Adams, All rights resserved by author
o you want to get better at poker? somewhere who play too conservatively pre-flop,
D Sure, you want to do better at the

poker table. You’d like to win
more money more of the time. You’d like your top
for the most part, players play too many starting
hands – and they play many of them thoughtless-
ly. There are books that list the types of hands that
pair to always hold up and never get out drawn. you should be playing in different positions and
And you’d like to hit your draws more of the time. against different types of players. I’m not going to
Who wouldn’t? replicate all of the good work done by many other
You’d surely like to be thought of as a better authors in this brief column. Nor do I expect you
player. It’s a great ego stroke to be thought one of to memorize some table of starting hands. This
the better players in the casino or in a home game. lesson requires that you become more selective by
It’s a nice feeling to walk in to a room and to see thinking more seriously about which hands you
people whispering about how good you are. Who really want to be playing and how you will play
doesn’t like that?! them.
But that’s not what I’m asking about. I’d like This lesson comes down to asking and
to know if you’d like to actually play poker better answering one two-part question thoughtfully
than you do now? Playing better actually involves before each decision to play. That question is,
work. Who really wants to do that? “Do I really want to play this hand? And if so,
Think of lovemaking. Ah, a nice distraction. what is the best way to play it?” That’s all. Start
If you are like most red-blooded males you’d like to do that mechanically at first and it will become
to be thought of as a great lover – as a sexy, hot, second nature to you. As you’ll see, other lessons
lovemaking machine, no? What a boost for the flow from this one.
ego. And if we could all become better lovers by
drinking a magic potent, whom of us would deny Getting Better Lesson #2
ourselves or our partners the advantages of being Play More Aggressively Pre-Flop
masters of this sensual art. Many beginning and intermediate players
But how many of us actually take the time to play too passively – by calling when they should
learn about being better lovers? How many of us raise. And they raise by too little – raising only the
actually read or watch videos or even discuss our amount of the big blind when they should be rais-
love making with our partners? Ah, now that’s a ing by three or four times the big blind.
totally different matter, isn’t it? That involves This lesson also begins with a question,
work, and a kind of self-awareness in the bedroom “Might I want to raise instead of call with this
that many of us really aren’t willing to go through hand in this position?” Make sure that if you
to become better. decide to play that you consider the possibility
If you are interested in doing the work, I have that a raise might be better than a call. Consider
five specific lessons that you can follow to the reason for a raise. Do you want to drive other
improve your game. Though these lessons are players out? Do you want to get them to call, but
meant to apply specifically to no limit Texas Hold for more money than they would otherwise put in
Em, they can surely be adapted to fit just about if you just called? And then make the raise neces-
any game. They are geared toward the serious sary to achieve your purpose. Don’t be afraid to be
beginning or intermediate player who is either try- bold.
ing to get better in his home game or to make the
leap to being a consistent poker room winner. Getting Better Lesson #3
Remember the Action of Your Remaining
Getting Better Lesson #1 Opponent(s)
Play fewer starting hands more thoughtfully. There are not a lot of clues to the holding of
Yes, it’s true that there are some players your opponent(s) in hold em. Unlike stud, your
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opponent(s) do not have exposed cards in have a very strong hand. They don’t mix timid, and the second one clueless. You
front of them to help you deduce their up their play and rarely fold, though they broadly consider that since he is a solid
likely holding. Nor are there folded cards may overplay their hand in desperation, player in early position that he is unlikely
to remember that might help you figure especially if they are pot committed. to have anything but a very strong hand –
out the cards that remain in the deck. But Wild: someone who plays aggres- probably a medium or high pair or two
you do have the betting action of your sively with a wide variety of hands. very big cards like A-K or A-Q.
opponent(s) to consider. They can tell These players may go all in with any two The flop is Ah Jh 6d. The solid play-
you a lot about what they are likely to cards. Their raises don’t necessarily indi- er checks. The first of the other two play-
have and what they are unlikely to have. cate strength, though they’re unlikely to ers, who is generally timid, checks. The
But you must remember their action. call large raises without strong hands. third player, who is clueless, bets $20.
Say, for example, that you are in late Solid: a player who sticks pretty The first player calls. You think that he
position and called an early position rais- close to conventional play, playing strong must be concerned that his opponent has
er who raised the $10 Big Blind to $40 hands strongly, calling with hands when a pair of Aces. The only hands that he
pre-flop. The Big Blind also called. they are being offered proper pot odds to would call with would be Kings or
Everyone else folded. The flop comes Jd do so, and occasionally, though not indis- Queens or maybe a flush draw – but since
Th 6h. The player in front of you checks. criminately, throwing in a bluff – espe- you didn’t put him on a flush draw pre-
You check and the Big Blind bets $100. cially if the betting action of his opponent flop (realizing that his raise meant he
The pre-flop raiser folds and the action indicates weakness. probably had a very strong hand) you dis-
comes to you. You need to consider not For this lesson, don’t think about count that possibility.
just the fact that your opponent is betting how to exploit these players; just concen- The Turn is the 9h. The solid player
$100 but also the fact that he just called trate on typing them and then remember- checks. The clueless player checks. You
before the flop. It tells you a lot about ing their type for future reference. You figure that the solid player is more likely
what he is likely to have and not have. can work on this during the frequent times to have that high pair.
Work on this skill and you will get better. when you are not in the hand. Remember, The River is the 2c. The solid player
roughly, if they tend to fold a lot. Observe bets $50. The clueless player thinks a
Getting Better Lesson #4 the hands they show down and try to long time and then calls. Sure enough,
Cast Opponents into Broad Categories recreate in your mind their betting deci- the solid player had a pair of Queens and
Based on Their General Style of Play sions. If they raised with junk then they the clueless player had a Jd 3c.
Most players, especially most players are probably a wild player. If they fold You may not always get it right, but
in the relatively low stakes version of no repeatedly after calling the pre-flop bets the process of thinking through what
limit hold em that you’re likely to be in, then they are probably timid. If they real- other players have by remembering both
will fit into very few broad categories. ly don’t seem to know what they are the type of player they are and their prior
These categories will be invaluable when doing then they are clueless. And if they betting action will help you get better in
it comes to figuring out what their likely seem to be selectively aggressive then the long run. It will help you figure out
holdings are. Use four basic categories they are solid. Of course, this system is what your opponents are likely to have
into which you should place each oppo- very basic and could be improved with when you’re in a hand – helping you
nent. And then remember into which cat- many different sub-categories. But for decide on what the appropriate betting
egory you’ve placed them. now, keep it simple and learn to put peo- action is. This is especially important in
I’ll give you the four very basic cate- ple into these basic categories. no limit hold em, because you can put
gories and a brief description of each. your entire bankroll into action in one
Feel free to tailor and expand this list as Getting Better Lesson #5 bet.
you develop experience categorizing your Use Your Observations to Figure Out
opponents. But start with these. What Other Players Are Likely to Have One final note. Much as you would
Clueless: really a rank beginner who Use what you have learned from do in school, it will be helpful for you to
doesn’t understand the nature of no limit. Lesson #4 and #5 and from what appears keep track of how you’re doing. The best
Their moves are likely to mean anything on the Board to figure out what other method I have found is taking notes after
at all. They don’t understand pot odds, players are likely to hold. This too can be each playing session. Dedicate a note-
bluffing, or any sort of basic strategy. done when you are not in a hand. And book for this chore – dating it for each
They don’t really understand the relative don’t worry about being very accurate. session and noting how you did on each
value of starting hands. They are often Just go through the thought process to put lesson. Try them out one at a time – ded-
transparent, though the fact that they are players on a range of hands. Often this is icating a few sessions to each lesson in
honestly happy about their hand doesn’t done through the process of elimination – turn. Consider how you did on each spe-
necessary mean that there hand is really by starting with a broad range of hands cific lesson rather than how you did in
very strong. and then narrowing it down based on the general. See if your ability to type your
Timid: someone who understands factors you have observed during the play opponents, remember their action, be
the basics but is so afraid of losing that of the hand. Here’s an example. selective aggressive and the like is
they will frequently fold to any pressure. A solid player raises the $5 Big Blind improving. This will help focus your
They are disinclined to be aggressive. So to $20 pre-flop from early position. He attention on those areas that need the
if they bet strongly then they probably gets a couple of callers, the first one most work.
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Jennifer Tilly Loves TopPair!
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Poker
School
of
KNISH
By Alex Falcone
t’s a good thing I watched Rounders when ple would behave this way. Chris it into a blockbuster, they could make some
I I did instead of, say, Pulp Fiction. My

parents will have a much better time
accepting “poker player” than “heroin addict-
Moneymaker represents an everyman, an
amateur, winning the big one. And if he can
do it, I can. I don’t need to go to the trouble
plays they were proud of and a couple bucks
along the way. The way it works in poker is
taking lower limits more seriously, playing
ed murderer” as a hobby. I was at the tender, of keeping records, studying the game, fold- within your means, and learning along the
impressionable young age of 13 when ing A-5 against a raise and a re-raise, or pay- way. You’ll be proud of yourself for doing
Michael McDermott’s girlfriend left him and ing attention to the subtleties that make a well and there’s plenty of money to be made
he went to Atlantic City to make poker his player truly great. That’s not the way to get this way.
rebound girl. That was all it took. I haven’t famous. Don’t get me wrong, I’d like to be
been able to stay away from the game since Yet even if it seems easy, winning the famous. It’s on my list of things to do next
that day. World Series is a lot like getting famous in week. But the rest of this week is dedicated to
If you do the math, that would put me on Hollywood. A few people make it huge and working my way up from the bottom. If I won
the upward slope of the poker boom; I joined the rest are lucky to make it into porn. There a super-satellite that paid $10k for a seat in the
only days before the rest of the world did, is only one Tomb Raider. Charlie only has World Series, I’d just take the cash. No hesi-
because the game offered the possibility of tation. Even though it cuts back my chance of
fun, fortune, and masochism. But after I start- becoming instantly famous, I know that
ed playing, the flood gates opened and the $10,000 would be much better spent paying
new popularity created a massive TV market Mike may buy-ins for hundreds of smaller tournaments
allowing newcomers to the game have anoth- where my chances of winning are better.
er possibility: fame. Sure, it isn’t on par with be a talented What can I learn from playing the main event
the fame offered in the music industry, that I couldn’t learn playing the $1,500 event
movies, sports, or spending three weeks on an poker player, six times and spending the last $1,000 buying
island eating bugs and arguing, but it is sub- every poker book I can find?
stantial while at the same time appearing more
easily attainable. There’s a problem, though.
but the But what am I doing playing super-satel-
lites that pay the same amount for just a few
If you play poker to be famous, you probably
aren’t playing good poker. You’ll be much
better off if you take it slow, study, and prac-
real hero places? Why would I play a satellite that paid
one winner the entry to another tournament
instead of playing single table tournaments
tice like you would with any other game of
skill.
of Rounders that pays three places? Both of these deci-
sions are financially stupid for a young up-
If you look around, you can see that
many people don’t want to take it slow. You is Knish. and-comer. The goal is to get experience and
the money. Those are both better met playing
can see it in who they talk about and how they a game where I could at least get my money
carry themselves. Those wishing to reach the back for third.
highest levels of poker these days may still three angels. But Big Al’s bed seems to be Mike may be a talented poker player, but
look up to players like Mike Caro or David able to accommodate thousands. the real hero of Rounders is Knish. He pays
Skalansky, but they idolize the Crew. Chris If you’re looking to be a flash-in-the-pan the rent while Mike rides off into the sunset
Moneymaker is more widely recognized than on the poker scene, we’re glad to have you. ready to start playing beyond his means again.
Doyle Brunson. That would be like if people But if you actually want to be good at this He may not have put a move on Chan, but he’s
recognized the group that did “Mambo #5” game, why not treat it the way you would a the master giving advice to the student who
but couldn’t place The Beatles. Yet all the potential acting career? Future movie stars doesn’t listen. He makes 50% staking
time I see kids trying to make replicate might train, perfect their craft, and put them- rounders like Mike who screw up. That’s the
“Mambo #5” with their iPods and sunglasses selves in a position to get lucky. They would position I’d rather be in. I may never be one
even in home games. probably study acting and work in some of the of Charlie’s Angels, but I’m going to work
Of course, it is understandable that peo- lower level theatres. Even if they never made hard to keep out of Big Al’s bed.
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Scott Fischman Loves TopPair!
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Kristina
table?
Soft eyes, and a strong back and butt are my
major attractions, but I always make sure to
check out a man’s hands –a girl can tell a lot
from the way a man’s hands look (job, hobbies,
stress, grooming, hygiene, and perhaps if they
enjoy poker…).
What can get a guy busted out of your tourna-

ment?
(Turn offs) If a guy has body odor, a big ego, bad
manners, or if he cheats, he’s out!

Something that is Imperfect is more perfect to
me. A “romantic date” itself will not sweep me
off my feet, but a guy that treats me well after the
first date, will. As for a nice date, surprise me
and do something different – not the normal
mushy stuff.
In Poker, big cards rule. To you, does size really

matter?
How you use your cards and play the game is
what really counts
_________
Yes, my website is www.kristinacarroll.com and
I’ve been traveling the world with Hawaiian
Tropic for a couple of years. I’ve modeled in
France, Milan, Venice, Switzerland, China,
Mexico, USA and more. I also attended universi-
ty for four years to become an Elementary School
Teacher.
If stuck on a desert island, what three things would

you take with you?
chocolate… lots and lots of chocolate, my puppy,
and a man slave (for building shelter, making
drinks, and… well, you get the idea)
If you could change one thing about your body,

you would change your…
Height. I would love to be called “sexy” instead
of “cute”.

compliments is…
that I am all natural. There aren’t a lot of girls
out there that can say that anymore, so I think
guys appreciate to see natural-born beauty.
Who is your favorite Poker Player?

Photo courtesy of I like the “Unibomber” (Phil Laak). He’s a great
Michael Palmer poker player and he seems like he’d make me
laugh a lot. I like that.
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Thom Werthmann Loves TopPair!
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2 3
1
Celebrities 7
in the
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TopPair Booth!
1 Jennifer Tilly & Jill Ann
2 Diamond Dallas Page & Gavin Jerome
8
3 T.J. Cloutier and Bob Popper
5 4 Miami John Cernuto and Jill Ann
5 Amir Vahedi, 6 Cyndy Violette
7 Lupe, Owner of the LIPS Tour
8 Johnny Chan and the Man
9 “Little Joe” Rutledge and
Chuck Frierson,
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10 Joe Awada and Bob Popper,
11 Kristine Wolfe-Creel and Jill Ann
6
9 11
10
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12
13
15
Celebrities
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in the
TopPair Booth!
12 Nolan Dalla
13 Scotty Nguyen
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14 Phil Laak
15 David Levi
16 Thom Werthmann
17 Mike Sexton and Bob Popper
18 Diamond Dallas Page, Jill Ann
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and friend
17 18
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THREE ‘TWEENERS’:
A Trio of Handheld Poker Games to Fill the Void
By Scott Tharler
t’s a scary concept for poker junkies to venture out into the real world. Away from their digital video recorders, full to the brim with shows keyword-searched on “poker.”
I And away from the online sites where they play “for fun” (four screens at a time until 2am). For those awkward moments, TopPair has found three of the best handheld
electronic poker games on the market. You may want to keep one in your pants pocket at all times—or better yet, one in the glove compartment, should you really need to
play poker but somehow get separated from your pants…
Excalibur – World Series of Poker® style, but are given 2,000 (twice the normal) credits to start.
Texas Hold ‘Em Playing
Modes Saitek also features tiny suit symbols. Plus, the dealer button isn’t marked
“WELCOME TO THE WORLD SERIES OF POKER,” clearly. Although, it does offer special graphics for folding and going all-in (which
an excited male computer voice bellows upon turning on tend to come up fairly frequently in no-limit games).
Excalibur Electronics’ official WSOP-licensed game. Demo The games start with the blinds at 10 and 15. It’s easy to check, bet and raise.
mode gives you a good feeling for the quick pace of the game. And when selecting the bet amount, it automatically increases 5 at a time, unless
In Practice mode, you’re up against five other players at the table. going all-in (by pressing a specific two-button combo).
You’re able to choose between Limit (betting only a fixed It’s possible to change the game speed, so that computer players take four or
about), Pot Limit (betting up to the amount in the pot) and No six seconds per action. If as the lowly human you’re not sure what to do when the
Limit (betting up to everything you’ve got). And in Tournament action’s on you, the Hint button gives a quick suggestion. And if you don’t do any-
mode, you can battle against 119 virtual opponents for a shot at thing for a few minutes, it automatically saves the game and shuts off to conserve bat-
glory. But just as the real WSOP was in the 70s, either you win tery power.
the whole thing or you lose—no consolation awards! Other Information
Playing The helpful hard protective cover that’s included lists the hand rankings on the
When you’re ready to play, a realistic-but-too-loud sound effect lets you know it’s inside. The directions for using the game are very good. And the manual also includes
“shuffling.” The high card determines where the dealer button is placed. Although the handy instruction on jargon, the basics of the betting rounds and strategy tips on posi-
button is marked, it doesn’t spell out where the blinds (the two players just clockwise tion, bluffing and specific player types.
from the button) are. The cards are small, but clear and readable. Just be sure to double- Summary: As compared to the Excalibur, Saitek’s cute little sound effects—for shuf-
check the tiny suit symbols because, for instance, the spades look like clubs with little fling, folding, going all-in and winning—are easier on the ears. But you can only play
hats. When you’ve got your two-card starting hand, you can check the odds that it’ll against up to three players and there’s no tournament mode. Finally, it offers a bigger
win. screen and half as many buttons. So it’s really a more simplis-
Before each round, you’re reminded of the blinds level and, in Limit play, the lim- tic—but still well done—game. It requires three AAA bat-
its. The betting whirs around the table; but at any point, you see how much is in the
pot and can press a button to review a particular player’s last bet. When it’s your turn,
the status screen tells your options (check, bet, raise, fold).
____________
teries (not included) and sells for $49.95 off of
www.saitekusa.com/usa/prod/holdem.htm.
Dedicated buttons allow you to conveniently increase or decrease your bet in

increments of 25, 100, 1,000 or 10,000—or just automatically bet the minimum or Radica® – World Poker Tour™ No Limit
maximum. The Zip button skips the rest of the betting and zooms right to the show- Texas Hold ‘Em
down, where it displays which cards made the winning hand. Lastly, pressing Off Modes
or just waiting three minutes (for auto-shutoff) pauses/saves the game for later. Radica’s WPT-branded take on the poker handheld comes in the
Other Information form of a blue parallelogram. Slightly smaller than each of the others, it real-
The 2-line text marquee plays host to all sorts of other poker info. You can deter- ly offers just one mode. In it, you face up to five players, each reputedly with a distinc-
mine your percentage of hands won. A glossary defines 33 common poker terms. And tive style. The “tournament-style action” means that sometimes empty seats are filled.
you can scroll through the rules of 25 other poker games. Everything from Anaconda But it doesn’t tell you how many players are left or if you’ve won the whole thing. So
to Baseball to Chicago—you can’t actually play these fun, typical dealer’s choice home it’s not really tournament-like.
games that have nothing to do with the World Series, but it’s interesting to have that Playing
poker knowledge at your fingertips. Speaking of which, the operating manual explains The suit symbols are a little bigger. And the layout has a more point-of-view-driv-
the ranking of hands and discusses in detail how the betting rounds work. en feel to it. So it looks more like you’re playing across the table from your opponents
Summary: Excalibur’s official WSOP handheld has a lot of bells and whistles— (as opposed to the typical overhead-styled view).
which would be nice to hear on a lower volume. But the betting is easy and the With only six buttons, it’s pretty basic. Just pick it up and start playing. The
gameplay in the practice and tournament modes is relatively decent. The game On/Deal/Enter button wakes up the game, then starts the shuffling animation and deal-
requires three AAA batteries (not ing. Between the primitive-but-distinctive sounds and graphics it’s easy to tell who’s act-
________
included) and sells for $29.95 on
www.excaliburelectronics.net.
ing, from what position (dealer, one of the blinds or out of position) and what they’re
doing (checking, folding, calling or raising).
The Op. Bank button shows you each player’s bankroll and most recent bet. It’s
easy to adjust your bet up/down (it increases incrementally as you hold the button, until
Saitek – No Limit Texas you’re all-in). And when your A.D.D. kicks in, it’s easy to “skip” or “zip” through the
Hold ‘Em Poker action to the payoff/next hand.
Modes Other Information
With its smooth, rounded, The single-page fold-out instruction manual does a good job of not only explain-
more poker table-esque horizontal lay- ing the buttons and how to play, but also in recognizing all of the graphical symbols that
out, Saitek takes a different orientation. It appear in the game. Additionally, it lists the hand rankings, explains the betting rounds
also has a Demo mode to let you observe the action. In Easy mode, you play against and defines a handful of the most necessary terms for playing.
three players of different predetermined styles: Conservative, Statistical and Aggressive. Summary: It looks a little wacky and isn’t very ergonomic to hold onto for a while. But
Normal mode is similar, but the three players have random styles for you to figure out. the combination of competent gameplay, super-ease of use and perspective-geared
In Custom mode, you get to actually select which style each of your 1 to 3 opponents
will have. And finally, in Head To Head, you face only one computer player of random _______
graphics make it a standout amongst the group. It requires one CR2032 battery (includ-
ed) and retails for $19.99. See www.radicagames.com for more info.
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Luke Perry Loves TopPair!
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Richard Kind Loves TopPair!
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Ferguson Continues Lead In

TopPair Player Of The Year Race by Earl Burton
s we get ready for the stretch drive in the TopPair Magazine GAVIN SMITH LEADS FOREIGN TOP TEN
A Player of The Year race, Chris ‘Jesus” Ferguson continues to

be the dominant force atop it. There is a strong field behind
him, however, should he falter.
One of the most important things about the TopPair Magazine Player
of the Year race is the recognition given to the foreign tournaments. In
many cases, the prize pools generated in those rival tournaments that are
Ferguson has used a tremendous first half of the year to build up his held in the United States. It seems only correct to recognize that poker is
points total. From January, when he placed in the first World Series of a worldwide game; thus, the foreign tournaments gain recognition, as well
Poker Circuit event held in Atlantic City, through March, when he won the as those players who have, as of yet, not ventured to the American shores
Rincon WSOP Circuit event, and even through the World Series itself, to compete at the felt.
when he placed at two final tables, ‘Jesus’ has shown that his methodical Canada’s Gavin Smith holds a slim 410 point lead at this point in the
and mathematical style is a proven winner. He has been the leader on the season when you look at the top ten foreign players. While he has
TopPair POY since its inception. accumulated his points in American tournaments thus far this year (and
While Ferguson has been the constant, the battle rages on behind many of the other foreign players have as well), there is still a representa-
him. Phil Ivey has been able to draw the closest to Ferguson yet. He is tion from the European tournaments and the European Poker Tour. Juha
only 340 points behind the leader and was in rare form during the World Helppi has been able to fight his way into the foreign list and, along with
Series. If he can continue on his success from there, Ivey has to be 2005 Grand Prix de Paris victor Roland De Wolfe, both find themselves
considered a true contender for the crown. on the foreign list and in the upper echelons of the TopPair POY race
The remainder of the Top Ten are jostling for position. While Ted overall.
Forrest, Michael Gracz, Michael ‘The Grinder’ Mizrachi and Erick
Lindgren hold the third through sixth places, respectively, action beneath Here are the top ten foreign players:
them has been hectic. Gavin Smith has added on to his points total from NAME HOMETOWN POINTS
a final table at the Ultimate Poker Challenge, but Doug Lee has come 1. Gavin Smith Guelph, Canada 3,810
along with him as well by virtue of a final table finish at the World Series. 2. Doug Lee Calgary, Canada 3,400
They hold the seventh and eight place slots.
3. Joseph Hachem Melbourne, Australia 3,300
2005 World Series of Poker World Champion Joe Hachem has now
Jeffrey Lisandro Salerno, Italy.
made his debut on the TopPair POY list. Along with taking the Main
Event championship, Hachem also made a final table in another 4. Roland De Wolfe London, UK 3,200
No-Limit event to make it onto the very end of the Top Ten. 6. Juha Helppi Littoinen, Finland 2,860
7. John Gale Bushey, UK 2,650
Here’s the Top Ten in the TopPair Player of the Year race: 8. Rob Hollink Groningen, the Netherlands 2,300
NAME HOMETOWN POINTS 9. Paul Maxfield Stoke On Trent, UK 2,160
10. Jay Martens Vancouver, Canada 2,100
1. Chris ‘Jesus’ Ferguson Pacific Palisades, CA 6,140
Haralabos Voulgaris Montreal, Canada
2. Phil Ivey Atlantic City, NJ 5,800
3. Ted Forrest Las Vegas, NV 4,841.25
4. Maciek ‘Michael’ Gracz Raleigh, NC 4,800 Of the tournaments that qualified this month, four of the nine cham-
5. Michael ‘The Grinder” Mizrachi Hollywood, FL 4,220 pionships were fought for in England and France. Such dangerous poker
6. Erick Lindgren Las Vegas, NV 3,890 players as Marcel Luske, Tony ‘G’ Guoga and Pascal Perrault have all gar-
nered points through the European tournament circuit. With the European
7. Gavin Smith Guelph, Canada 3,810
Poker Tour starting events this month, there should be a distinct foreign
8. Doug Lee Calgary, Canada 3,400 feel coming to the overall race.
9. Danny Nguyen San Jose, CA 3,310
10. Joseph Hachem Melbourne, Australia 3,300 ***
Jeffrey Lisandro Salerno, Italy
VETERAN HARMAN TAKES THE
Qualifying Tournaments: 2005 World Series of Poker (complete), LADIES’ LEAD
2005 Bellagio Challenge Cup, 2005 Ultimate Poker Challenge, 2005 With all the action on the TopPair Magazine Player of The Year list,
Grand Prix de Paris (WPT), 2005 London Open, 2005 European Poker somewhat overlooked are the women in the poker world. It was estimat-
Championship, 2005 Victor Chandler Poker Cup, 2005 Legends of Poker ed that of the 5,619 players at this year’s World Series Main Event, only
(incomplete), 2005-6 WSOP Circuit-Tunica (incomplete) about five percent of them were women. As this seems to be the norm in
While these men continue to battle among the Top Ten, there are sev- tournaments overall, it is difficult to find female players on the TopPair
eral prominent names in close striking distance to them. Blair Rodman, POY. They are there, and they are the usual suspects!
Allen Cunningham, Erik Seidel and Antonio Esfandiari are all within a Longtime professional Jennifer Harman has made her comeback
major tournament victory from surging into the Top Ten and certainly from a near fatal kidney illness in 2004 to become the top female player
have to be watched. in the TopPair Magazine Player of the Year race. With the point total she
*** has been able to amass, she is also a threat to make a move in the final
months of 2005 for the overall championship, as well!
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TopPair’s own Cyndy Violette has been able to place herself in 4. Jennifer Tilly Hollywood, CA 640
contention for the TopPair POY race as well. Both she and Harman had 5. Joanne ìJ. J.î Liu Palo Alto, CA 560
excellent performances at this year‘s World Series and seem primed to
make noise as the ladies take the fight to the men!
Through August, almost 1400 players have earned points in the
Here are the top five female players in the race: TopPair Magazine Player of the Year race, and there are several high
NAME HOMETOWN POINTS profile tournaments yet to come in the final months of 2005. It is plainly
1. Jennifer Harman Las Vegas, NV 2,320 obvious that, with as much poker that remains to be played, it is still
2. Cyndy Violette Absecon, NJ 1,670 anyone’s championship to take in the TopPair Magazine Player of The
3. Mimi Tran Torrance, CA 1,071.25 Year battle!
Here is a listing of the top 100 players.

________
For more results go to our website:toppairmagazine.com.
1.Chris ‘Jesus’Ferguson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6140 51. Marcel Luske . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1820

2. Phil Ivey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5800 52. Charidimos ‘Harry’Demetriou . . . . . . . . . 1770
3. Ted Forrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4841.25 53. Robert Williamson III . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1760
4.Maciek ‘Michael’ Gracz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4800 54. David ‘The Dragon’ Pham . . . . . . . . . . . . 1710
5. Michael ‘The Grinder’ Mizrachi . . . . . . . . 4220 55. David Chiu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1670
6. Erick Lindgren. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3890 56. Cyndy Violette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1670
7. Gavin Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3810 57. Noah Boeken . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1660
8. Doug Lee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3400 58. Anthony Reategui . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1630
9. Danny Nguyen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3310 59. Rafi Amit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1600
10. Joseph Hachem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3300 60. Josh Arieh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1600
11. Jeffrey Lisandro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3300 61. Andre Boyer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1600
12. John Stolzmann. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3280 62. Kevin Cantwell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1600
13. Walter Chambers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3200 63. Jamil Dia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1600
14. Roland De Wolfe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3200 64. Eric Froehlich . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1600
15. Tuan Le . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3200 65. Isaac ‘The General’ Galazan. . . . . . . . . . . 1600
16. Arnold Spee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3200 66. Lawrence Gosney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1600
17. Nghi Tran . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3200 67. Tony ‘G’ Guoga . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1600
18. Juha Helppi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2860 68. John Heneghan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1600
19. Blair Rodman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2800 69. Iwan Jones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1600
20. Allen Cunningham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2780 70. Ro Kirk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1600
21. Erik Seidel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2710 71. Reza Payvar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1600
22. John Gale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2650 72. Thom Werthmann . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1600
23. Brandon Schaefer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2650 73. Brian Wilson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1600
24. John Phan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2645 74. Jess Yawitz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1600
25. Antonio ‘The Magician’ Esfandiari . . . . . 2590 75. Jean-Robert Bellande . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1580
26. Hieu Ngoc ‘Tony’ Ma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2590 76. Minh Nguyen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1540
27. Amir Vahedi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2490 77. ‘Miami’ John Cernuto. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1520
28. Chau Giang . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2390 78. Robert Hume. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1520
29. Jennifer Harman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2320 79. Layne Flack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1500
30. Rob Hollink . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2300 80. James Van Alstyne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1500
31. Mark Seif . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2300 81. Paul Kroh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1430
32. Chad Brown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2170 82. Alex Balandin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1400
33. Paul Darden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2160 83. Alfredo ‘Toto’ Leonidas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1360
34. Paul Maxfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2160 84. Raja Kattamuri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1330
35. Todd Witteles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2150 85. Daniel Negreanu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1320
36. Corey Bierra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2100 86. Max Pescatori . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1320
37. T. J. Cloutier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2100 87. Ram Vaswani . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1270
38. Prahlad Friedman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2100 88. Todd Brunson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1240
39. Jay Martens. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2100 89. Russell Salzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1230
40. David Minto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2100 90. Chris Bell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1220
41. Haralabo Voulgaris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2100 91. Edward Moncada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1210
42. Farzad Bonyadi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2020 92. Quinn Do . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1200
43. Steven Dannenmann . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2010 93. Minh Ly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1150
44. Scotty Nguyen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1960 94. Hasan Habib . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1131.25
45. Scott Fischman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1955 95. Quoc Al ‘Vinnie’ Vinh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1120
46. Dan Schmiech. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1900 96. John ‘Tex’ Barch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1100
47. Pascal Perrault . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1890 97. Matthew Cherackel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1100
48. Nicholas Frangos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1860 98. Gus Hansen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1100
49. Doyle Brunson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1820 99. Hung La . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1100
50. Phil Hellmuth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1820 100.Michel Zajdenberg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1100
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Crystal
table?
Be real, honest and fun
What can get a guy busted out of your

tournament?
If he is unmotivated and ignorant, that is the
worst.

evening.
Eating a bunch of junk food and watching a
movie. Nothing better than just relaxing
and hanging out

I love Angelina Jolie for all the obvious reasons
and the fact that she does what she wants
whenever she wants to.
Most embarrassing moment with the opposite

sex?
You know what I have a ton of them but I love
those embarrassing moments so I embrace them
and laugh at myself all the time.

_______
www.crystallo.info check me out and tell me
what you think

A poker table, a dealer and someone to play with,
lol- good answer huh
If you could change one thing about your body,

you would change your…
As self conscious as every model is, including
myself I try not to change anything I just work
with what I’ve got baby!

compliments is…
my brain
Anything else you want the world to know about

you?
Photo courtesy of I’m actually smart and can have a very good con-
Michael Palmer versation. So don’t believe it when they tell you
all models are dumb
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When you click, click our advertisers first because

they are the folks that have brought you this magazine and
without them TopPair would not exist, so get those index fingers
working! If you like this magazine, please show support by
checking out these fine advertisers.
____
Allinpl.com
Host for FREE poker events at local restaurants, where anyone can get
in on the thrill of tournament-style no-limit Texas Hold-em
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The Psychological
Love Affair with Poker
By: John “Poker Counselor” Carlisle, MA
LOVE RELATIONSHIP POKER RELAT. COMMON CHARACTERISTICS
Flirting/Attraction Curiosity/Interest Projecting Perfection; High Hopes

“Puppy Love” Immersion Perceiving Perfection; Emotional Investment; High Energy
Forming Forming Setting and Complying with Limitations and Expectations
Storming Storming Challenging Limitations; Questioning Everything
Comfort Understanding Feeling of Belonging and Understanding
Reliance Reliance Can’t Imagine Living Without; Need
t a medium limit table at in Las Vegas recent- online to play for fake money, inviting buddies over for a
A ly, I was given a seat at beside an older gentle-

man. He’d obviously been sitting in that same
chair for some time, and I gathered that he must have been
low-limit game, or by purchasing a poker video game.
The relationship has been sparked.
a regular at this particular casino. In fact, the dealers and Hit the Ground Running: Immersion
floor manager seemed to know him quite well. Out of Is there anything more annoying than dealing
boredom, he struck up a conversation with me, telling me with a friend who is in the midst of puppy love? This is
how he’d learned the game in the army after World War generally the time frame during the first couple of dates,
II. He explained that much of his life now revolved when things are seemingly perfect. Every waking minute
around poker and “his” card room. When I asked him involves thinking about their new love. When they are not
why he thought that was, he replied with the following with their date, they are planning the next visit. They
stoic, forceful yet simple sentence: “I love poker.” A invest an enormous amount of the time and energy in the
young, egotistical player to my right overheard this com- relationship, expecting it to be long lasting and fruitful.
ment and reacted with a rude chuckle and sigh. That The focus of their lives seems to change to this newfound
young player thought the notion of loving poker, and liv- love, and their behavior is just a bit out of the ordinary.
ing to play poker, was nothing short of ridiculous and They carry themselves with high energy and zest.
funny. Instead, I nodded while easily understanding to This is much like those who are beginning the
the old man’s beliefs. immersion process with poker. They have amazingly
The youngster was not respecting the game, as he high energy and interest for the game. They read every
does not yet truly grasp its power and influence. In real- book on poker that they can find at the local bookstore.
ity, we find that the evolution of our relationship with Their TV stays locked on the channels that run poker
poker mirrors any relationship we have, including a rela- tournaments. They sneak peeks at poker forums on the
tionship with a girlfriend or spouse. We, indeed, can have Internet while at work. They beg their friends to start a
a psychological lifelong love affair with the game of game on a regular basis. They log tons of hours online
poker. playing at low limit tables and quick tournaments. They
are enthralled by poker, and envision themselves bluffing-
The Beginning: Curiosity/Interest off Johnny Chan at the final table of the World Series.
Somewhere in America right now, a guy is leaning They assume that they can make it. Moreover, they
on a bar flirting with some beautiful girl that he just met. assume that they can be great. When at the table, they
His heart flutters with excitement, as his physical attrac- play aggressively, bold, and fast. They bluff an inordinate
tion for her leads him to take a chance. The initial attrac- amount of the time, foolishly thinking they can master the
tion hampers his thinking, making him assume that she is table. They too quickly become immersed into the game,
nearly perfect, by default. He discounts the fact that she thrusting themselves into the endeavor with high goals
is undoubtedly putting her best features forward while and wishes.
masking any shortcomings.
At the same time, many guys are out there curiously Slowing Down: Forming
pausing their TV on a poker tournament. As they watch When the initial buzzing energy begins to settle, our
they lean-in towards the TV, displaying complete enthrall- task is then to make understandings with our partner. At
ment of the prospect of this compelling event. They see this stage of the relationship, our guard begins to be let
nearly a perfect game, discounting the fact that it is tight- down and we allow our true personality shine through.
ly edited to make an enthralling hour of television. This is when we start to forming common behavior pat-
Instead, they look at only the possibilities –— the “what- terns with each other – how you decide where to go for
if’s” and “maybe-I’s.” Soon, these would-be poker play- dinner, who does which chore, etc. This can be a bumpy
ers will be “asking for a date” with poker by logging
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ride, causing some relationships to cease at this juncture. has special qualities that find ways to suck those in the understanding
Poker players reach a forming stage in a similar way. After the phase back like a strong magnet. Players who have reached this
initial energy and infatuation with the game subsides, the new player understanding of poker and their game usually fall into comforting
just settles into themselves and into the game. They reach a higher patterns, playing similar games at similar buy-in levels. They frequent
understanding of the ebbs and flows of the game. They start to uncov- the same websites and the same live casinos. Like a marriage that has
er their playing style. Mostly, they begin to see their vulnerability reached the comfort level, poker players in this stage must actively
within the sport. They must adjust to the realization that they will not work to avoid losing their spark and drive. Players can easily accept
be able to easily run over other players and dominate play. They also being “good enough” at their level and their casino, losing sight of
uncover the fact that this game is not the sexy, exciting contest that is those lofty dreams that they once held. Players must not allow them-
seen on the television screen. Like a man seeing flaws for the first selves to get stagnant; if you are not learning and improving you are
time in his “puppy-love” date partner, there is a bit of remorse in los- not playing the game optimally.
ing the image of the perfect game. “Poker isn’t total excitement,” and
“I can’t always win,” can be difficult thoughts to process and accept. Food, Water, and Poker: Reliance
This can also be a bumpy ride, causing some to lose interest in poker Once comfort and understanding have set in, partners will find
at this juncture. themselves expecting the other to always be there for them. A day
without the other’s love, support, and acceptance is nearly unimagin-
Overcoming Obstacles: Storming able. The individuality of each partner becomes fuzzy, as they are
Every relationship will undoubtedly reach stages of storming. In truly a “couple.” Like an undividable team, each member does not act
this stage, undesirable emotions will boil beneath the surface. without automatically thinking of the other. They quite literally need
Frustration, boredom, and resentment may be replacing that infatua- each other to emotionally and mentally survive. Perhaps the deepest
tion that once was held for that other person. Each partner longs for love, this is undying and fully entwined.
the excitement that once overtook the relationship, and they hold the Poker players who’ve reached this level reach an interesting emo-
other partner responsible for having that spark fade away. The ques- tional place, as some observers pity them for reaching such a level of
tioning and guilt begin to force a reevaluation of the relationship, caus- reliance, while other revere them for the same fact. Judgments aside,
ing arguments and doubt to be higher than ever. Many love relation- the fact is that these players are absolutely players for life. They play
ships do not survive this strenuous stage, as the dreams of perfection poker and think of poker at any opportunity offered to them. To play
have faded and replaced with a reality of compromise and mutual is to breathe for them – a necessity. Essentially, poker is a piece of
work. their lives that they cannot live without. Poker fills several of their
Storming also occurs after some time within the game of poker. emotional needs: friendship, belonging, acceptance, comfort, and sim-
The learning curve in this sport can be brutal, and rather expensive. ply feeling alive. At this late stage, the hunger and drive generally
Bad beats and bad play cause most new players to face a dramatic drop subsides, and it only sparks during special events or unique circum-
in their bankroll. The game is no longer simple excitement and fun. stances. At their core, they are poker, and poker is a part of them. It
The energy and zest that they once held for the game has faded, and is not necessarily an addiction, as addiction implies a negative inter-
time at the table begins to grind. As they scrape to turn a meager prof- ference with normal daily functioning. Instead, this is a part of their
it at $2-4 tables, their lofty dreams of the final table of the WSOP lives which brings them security, comfort, and normalcy. It is an out-
seems like a distant memory or an impossible whim. The previously let for their sense of competitiveness, a chance for camaraderie, and an
held enchantment for the sport has not subsided, and players must opportunity to stir their internal energy. Players who are reliant on
labor through some emotional and financial waves as they progress. poker can be successful at work, family, and general life, but they still
The poker “bug” continues to infect some through these tumultuous lean heavily on the game of poker for some emotional needs.
times, but for many these experiences lead to the end of the poker
adventure. The emotional grind, the time investment, and the financial I “Love” Poker?
risks are too much to endure for many. In reality, few players truly Many people argue that we are a society that over-uses the word
survive this difficult stage. Many will back off when they reach the love. They feel that it diminishes the power of the word and what it
storming stage, choosing to limit their play to occasional recreational implies. After all, we do hear plenty of people say that they love pizza,
efforts. Soon, poker is an after-thought to them. The instability of the they love the Red Sox, or they love their car. Perhaps in some of those
psychologically dangerous time causes most players to step on the cases the word is too easily thrown around. For better or worse,
brakes (or turn the car around completely.) though, the older man beside me at that Vegas casino probably did
indeed feel a deep love for poker. I’d say that he was in the midst of
Easy Does It: Coming to an Understanding the stage of reliance.
If the couple does persevere through the storms, things have So, the next time you hear someone say that they love poker,
changed in their heart and mind. They work through the emotions to don’t roll your eyes and dismiss it as a flippant over-exaggeration. For
find an understanding of where the relationship is, and where it is some out there, they may actually have a relationship with this mighty
going. After some time, they find that the relationship comes rather contest that can only be described with this powerful word: love.
easily with only occasional hiccups. Although predictability brings Don’t look down on them for that fact, but don’t revere them for it
about the danger of monotony and boredom, it also brings with it a either. Instead, just understand that this is who they are and how they
continual feeling of comfort and safety. Put simply, being with the feel. When you honestly understand the lifelong love affair with
partner feels “right.” Each partner accepts their role, the shortcomings poker, perhaps one day you will also be saying, “I love poker.”
of their partner, and loves and accepts them through everything. The
relationship runs the risk of becoming stale at this stage, and partici-
pants must work to avoid falling into emotionless patterns. In addition to being a poker columnist and lecturer, John is a National
Poker players who’ve survived the storms are usually more Certified Counselor (NCC). He has a Master of Arts degree in
cynical yet more insightful. Overall, bad beats or bad runs do not faze Counseling from West Virginia University, and a Bachelor’s degree in
them. They accept swings in the bankroll more easily than ever, and Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Lock Haven University.
actually expect these types of ups and downs. Although poker no
longer ignites the giddy excitement that it did in the beginning, it still ________
You can ask the “poker counselor” a question about the psychology of
poker ort arrange for interviews at carlisle14@hotmail.com.
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NEVADA WEEKLY TOURNAMENTS
MONDAY
02:00AM Binion’s No-Limit Hold’em $60 RB $10 AO $40
10:00AM Aladdin No-Limit Hold’em $35 AO $5
10:00AM Plaza No-Limit Hold’em Single TB Shoot outs $25
10:30AM Las Vegas Hilton No-Limit Holdem $60 BI $5 AO 60 max players
11:00AM Circus Circus Limit/No-Limit Hold’em $40 AO $3
11:00AM Golden Nugget No-Limit Hold’em $55 RB (1) $40 AO (1) $40
11:00AM Harrah’s No-Limit Hold’em $30 RB (1) $40
11:00AM Jokers Wild No-Limit Hold’em $25
11:00AM Oasis-Mesquite No-Limit Hold’em $15 RB (1) $15
11:00AM Sahara No-Limit Hold’em $40 RB (1) $20 AO (1) $2
12:00PM Luxor Hold’em Freezeout (74 max) $25
12:00PM Orleans Omaha H/L $40 RBS $20
12:00PM Rio No-Limit Hold’em $30 RB (1) $40
01:00PM Aladdin No-Limit Hold’em $50 RB (1) $40 AO $10
01:00PM Imperial Palace No-Limit Hold’em $40 RB $10
02:00PM Bellagio No-Limit Hold’em $540
02:00PM Binion’s No-Limit Hold’em $60 RB $10 AO $40
02:00PM Jokers Wild No-Limit Hold’em $25 RB $10
07:00PM Circus Circus Limit Hold’em $15
06:00PM Plaza No-Limit Hold’em Freezouts $200 $15 Entry Fee
07:00PM Aladdin No-Limit Hold-em $100 RD (1) $10
07:00PM Golden Nugget No-Limit Hold’em $125 BI $100 RBS $100 (1) AO
07:00PM Mirage Limit Hold’em $130 RB $100 AO (1) $100
07:00PM Oasis-Mesquite No-Limit Hold’em $120
07:00PM Orleans No-Limit Hold’em $40 RBS $20
07:00PM Jokers Wild No-Limit Hold’em $50
07:00PM Plaza No-Limit Hold’em $50 (1) $50 RB
07:00PM Sahara No-Limit Hold’em $50 RB (1) $50
11:00PM Sahara No-Limit Hold’em $40 RB (1) $20 AO (1) $2
12:00AM Plaza No-Limit Hold’em $50 (1) $50 RB
TUESDAY
10:00AM Bally’s Pineapple $50
12:00PM Orleans Hold’em $40 RBS $20
07:00PM Golden Nugget No-Limit Hold’em $125 BI $100 (1) RB $100 (1) AO
07:00PM Luxor Hold’em Free roll (must qualify)
07:00PM Mirage No-Limit Hold’em $130 RB $100 AO (1) $100
07:00PM Oasis-Mesquite No-Limit Hold’em $120 RB (1) $100
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WEDNESDAY
10:00AM Bally’s Crazy Pineapple $50
04:00PM Luxor Hold’em Freeroll (must qualify)
06:00PM Oasis-Mesquite No-Limit Hold’em $25 RB $10
07:00PM Mirage No-Limit Hold’em $130 RB $100 AO (1) $100
12:00AM Imperial Palace No-Limit Hold’em $40 RB $20
THURSDAY
11:00AM Bally’s No-Limit Hold’em Shootout $77
04:00PM Luxor No-Limit Hold’em $45
07:00PM Mirage No-Limit Hold’em $230 Rb (1) $200
07:00PM Orleans Omaha H/L $40 RBS $20
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FRIDAY
11:00AM Golden Nugget Limit/No-Limit Hold’em $55 RB (1) $40 AO (1) $40
12:00PM Aladdin No-Limit Hold’em $100 AO $10
12:00PM Orleans Omaha H/L $50 RB (1) $20
06:00PM Plaza No-Limit Hold’em Freezouts $300 $20 Entry Fee
07:00PM Orleans No-Limit Hold’em $60 RB $40
SATURDAY
10:00AM Circus Circus Limit Hold’em $15
10:00AM Luxor Hold’em Freezeout (74 max) $25
12:00PM Orleans Hold’em $50 RB (1) $20
07:00PM Orleans No-Limit Hold’em $125 RB $100
SUNDAY
10:00AM Circus Circus Limit Hold’em $15
10:00AM Luxor Hold’em Freezeout (74 max) $100
12:00PM Orleans No-Limit Hold’em $50 RB (1) $20
03:00PM Oasis-Mesquite No-Limit Hold’em $25 RB (1) $10
05:00PM Luxor Hold’em Freeroll (must qualify)
05:00PM Mirage No-Limit Hold’em $330 RB (1) $200 AO (1) $200
06:00PM Oasis-Mesquite No-Limit Hold’em Freeroll
07:00PM Orleans Hold’em $60 RB (1) $50
92 ___________
Poker Room Managers, Please notify us by email at publisher@toppairmagazine if you update or change your
tournament structure or times. You can also fax changes to 1-800-308-5925.
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CALIFORNIA WEEKLY TOURNAMENTS
MONDAY
10:00AM Harrah’s Rincon No-Limit Hold’em $15 RB $10 AO $10
10:00AM Lake Elsinore Hotel & Casino Omaha H/L $17 RB $5 AO (2) $
10:00AM Ocean’s Eleven-Oceanside Hold’em (bounties) $35
10:00AM Pechanga Resort & Casino-Temecula No-Limit Hold’em $25
10:00AM Sycuan-EI Cajon No-Limit Hold’em Free $5 RB $10 (1) A0
10:00AM Viejas Casino-Alpine Hold’em (bounties $12
10:30AM Lucky Chances-Colma No-limit hold’em $45 RB (1) $40
11:30AM Hollywood Park-Inglewood Stud H/L $17 RB $10
12:15PM Hawaiian Gardens Casino No-Limit Hold’em $25
06:00PM Garden City-San Jose Spread Limit Hold’em $60 RB $60
06:30PM Pechanga Resort & Casino-Temecula No-Limit Hold’em $25
06:30PM Sycuan-EI Cajon No-Limit Hold’em Free $5 RB $10 (1) A0
06:30PM Viejas Casino-Alpine No-Limit HoId’em $15 RB $10
07:00PM California Grand-Pacheco Hold em $50
07:00PM Hustler-Gardena No-Limit Hold’em $125 RB (1) $100
07:15PM Hollywood Park-Inglewood HoId’em $35 RB $20
07:30PM Club Caribe-Cudahy No-Limit Hold-em $10 Entry Fee, $10 Rebuys
TUESDAY
10:00AM Lake Elsinore Hotel & Casino Hold’em $17 RB $5 AO (2) $5
10:00AM Ocean’s Eleven-Oceanside No-Limit Hold’em (bounties) $35
10:00AM Pechanga Resort & Casino-Temecula Hold’em $25
10:00AM Sycuan-EI Cajon No-Limit Hold’em $13
10:00AM Viejas Casino-Alpine Omaha H/L (bounties) $12
10:15AM Bay 101-SanJose Spread-Limit HoId’em $38 RB $20
10:30AM Lucky Chances-Colma No-limit hold’em $45 RB (l) $40
11:30AM Hollywood Park-Inglewood No-Limit Hold:em $17 RB $10
12:45PM Hawaiian Gardens Casino Omaha H/L $20 RB
06:00PM Garden City-San Jose Spread Limit HoId’em $60 RB $60
06:30PM Lake Elsinore Hotel & Casino Hold’em Freeroll RB $10 AO (2)
06:30PM Lucky Chances-Colma Omaha H/l $115
06:30PM Pechanga Resort & Casino-Temecula Hold’em $25
06:30PM Sycuan-EI Cajon No-Limit Hold’em $13 BI $10 (1) RB or AO
06:30PM Viejas Casino-Alpine No-Limit Omaha $20 RB $10 AO $10
06:45PM Hawaiian Gardens Casino No-Limit Hold’em $125 RB (1) $100
07:00PM California Grand-Pacheco Hold em $20 RB $20
07:00PM Commerce Casino-Commerce No-Limit HoId’em $330 RB (l) $300
07:00PM Hustler-Gardena No-Limit Hold’em $125 BI
07:15PM Hollywood Park-Inglewood No-Limit HoId’em $35 RB $20
WEDNESDAY
10:00AM Lake Elsinore Hotel & Casino No-Limit Hold’em $17 RB $5 AO (2) $5
10:00AM Pechanga Resort & Casino-Temecula No-Limit HoId’em $25
10:00AM Sycuan-EI Cajon Limit Hold’em $13 BI $10 RB or AO
10:00AM Viejas Casino-Alpine Stud (bounties) $12
10:15AM Bay 101-SanJose HoId’em $38 RB $20
10:30AM Lucky Chances-Colma No-limit hold’em $45 RB (l) $40
11:30AM Hollywood Park-Inglewood Omaha H/L $17 RB $10
12:00AM Cache Creek-Brooks Omaha H/L $55
12:45PM Hawaiian Gardens Casino Stud H/L $20
06:30PM Lake Elsinore Hotel & Casino No-Limit Hold’em $20 RB (2) $15
06:30PM Oaks Card Club-Emeryville Hold’em $60 RD (1) $50
06:30PM Pechanga Resort & Casino-Temecula No-Limit Hold’em $25
06:30PM Viejas Casino-Alpine No-Limit Hold’em $12
07:00PM California Grand-Pacheco Omaha $20 RB $20
07:00PM Crystal Park- Compton No-Limit Hold’em $15 BI $10 RBS
07:00PM Hustler-Gardena No-Limit Hold’em $125 RB (1) $100
07:00PM Normandie Casino-Gardena No-Limit Hold’em $50 RD (2) $40 AO $40
07:30PM Club Caribe-Cudahy Mexican Poker $15 Buy-In, $5 Entry Fee
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CALIFORNIA WEEKLY TOURNAMENTS
THURSDAY
10:00AM Lake Elsinore Hotel & Casino Hold’em $17 RB $5 AO (2) $5
10:00AM Sycuan-EI Cajon No-Limit Hold’em $13 BI $5 (1) RB $10 AO
10:00AM Viejas Casino-Alpine Omaha (Bounties) $12
10:15AM Bay 101-SanJose Spread-Limit HoId’em $38 RB $20
11:00AM Commerce Casino-Commerce No-Limit Hold’em $120 RB (1) $100
11:30AM Hollywood Park-Inglewood Hold:em $17 RB $10
12:45PM Hawaiian Gardens Casino Holdem $25
04-10PM Pechanga Resort & Casino-Temecula Single Table Sit-n-Go $100
06:30PM Sycuan-EI Cajon No-Limit Hold’em $20
06:30PM Viejas Casino-Alpine No-Limit Hold’em $25 RB $20
07:00PM California Grand-Pacheco Hold em $50
07:00PM Hustler-Gardena No-Limit Hold’em $225
07:30PM Club Caribe-Cudahy No-Limit Hold-em $10 Entry Fee, $10 Rebuys
FRIDAY
10:00AM Lake Elsinore Hotel & Casino Omaha H/L $17 RB $5 AO (2) $5
10:00AM Ocean’s Eleven-Oceanside Hold’em $35
10:00AM Pechanga Resort & Casino-Temecula Hold’em $25
10:00AM Sycuan-EI Cajon No-Limit Hold’em $13
10:00AM Viejas Casino-Alpine No-Limit Hold’em (bounties) $12
10:30AM Lucky Chances-Colma Hold’em $65
11:30AM Hollywood Park-Inglewood No-Limit Hold’em $17 RB $10
06:00PM Lake Elsinore Hotel & Casino Hold’em (2nd & 4th Qualify) Freeroll
06:00PM Viejas Casino-Alpine No-Limit Hold’em $25 RB $10
06:30PM Sycuan-EI Cajon No-Limit Hold’em $25 RB (1) $20 AO (1) $20
06:45PM Hawaiian Gardens Casino Hold’em $100
07:15PM Hollywood Park-Inglewood No-Limit HoId’em $225 RB (1) $200
SATURDAY
10:00AM Lake Elsinore Hotel & Casino No-Limit Hold’em $17 RB $5 AO (2) $5
10:00AM Sycuan-EI Cajon No-Limit Hold’em $13 BI $10 (1) RB $10 AO
10:00AM Viejas Casino-Alpine HoId’em $25
10:15AM Bay 101-SanJose Spread Limit HoId’em $70 RB (1) $60
10:30AM Lucky Chances-Colma Hold’em $65
11:00AM Ocean’s Eleven-Oceanside Hold’em $65
11:30AM Hollywood Park-Inglewood Stud $17 RB $10
12:00PM Oaks Card Club-Emeryville Varies $60 RD (1) $50 AO (1) $50
01:00PM Club Caribe-Cudahy No-Limit Hold’em $20 RB 10 AO $10
02:00PM California Grand-Pacheco Hold’em $55
04:00PM Hollywood Park-Inglewood No-Limit HoId’em Shootout $120
05:15PM Lake Elsinore Hotel & Casino Hold’em Freeroll RB $10 AO (2) $10
06:00PM Hawaiian Gardens Casino Mexican Poker $25 RB $10
06:00PM Sycuan-EI Cajon No-Limit Hold’em $13 BI $10 (1) RB $10 AO
06:45PM Hawaiian Gardens Casino Mexican Poker $5
07:00PM Club Caribe-Cudahy No-Limit Hold-em $30 Buy In, Entry Fee $10, $30 RBS
For Sunday’s weekly tournament schedule check our website at www.toppairmagazine.com. _____________
_________
Poker Room Managers, Please notify us by email at publisher@toppairmagazine if you update or change your tournament structure or times.
You can also fax changes to 1-800-308-5925.
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NATIONAL WEEKLY TOURNAMENTS
September 19th-October 7th

September 26th-October 3rd
September 26th-October 4th
_____
United States Poker Tournament Trump Taj Mahal, Atlantic City, New Jersey
WPT UltimateBet.com Aruba Poker Classic Aruba
Austrian Classics Concord Card Casino, Vienna, Austria
September 26th-October 2nd The World Masters-Grosvenor Victoria Casino, London, United Kindom
September 29th – October 9th Fall Pot of Gold – Reno Hilton, Reno, Nevada
September 29th – October 16th Big Poker Oktober – The Bicycle Casino, Bell Gardens, CA
September 29th – October 12th WSOP Grand Casino, Biloxi
October 5th-9th Canadian Poker Championship Casino- Yellowhead, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
October 8th – 21st Fall Poker Classic – Canterbury Park Card Club, Shakopee, Minnesota
October 9th-19tht Russian Poker Championships Korona Casino, Moscow, Russian Federation
October 17th – 30th National Championship of Poker – Hollywood Park Casino, Inglewood, California
October 19th – November 2nd WSOP Caesars, Indiana
October 20th – 23rd Island Poker Tournaments- Puerto Rico – Wyndham Condado Plaza and Casino, Puerto Rico
October 20th – 23rd Autumn Tournament Grand Casino, Vilnius, Lithuania
October 21st – 24th Bay 101 Open Bay 101, San Jose, CA
October 18th-21st WPT Doyle Brunson’s North American Poker Championship-Bellagio, Las Vegas, Nevada
October 27th-30th The Irish Winter Tournament Merrian Square Club, Dublin, Ireland
October 27th-Nov 18th World Poker Finals, Foxwoods Resort Casino Mashantucket, CT
November 2nd – 12th Fall Poker Roundup – Wildhorse Resort Casino, Pendleton, Oregon
November 4th – 20th Holiday Bonus Tournament – Commerce Casino, Commerce, California
November 5th – 12th MasterClassics of Poker Holland Casino, Amsterdam, Netherlands
November 6th Queen of Queens – The Bicycle Casino, Bell Gardens, California
November 9th-22 WSOP Paris/Bally’s, Las Vegas
November 13th-16th WPT Foxwoods Resort Casino World Poker Finals Mashantucket, CT
November 13th-20th The Hold’em Series-Aviation Club de France, Paris, France
November 14th-20th Northern Lights Grosvenor Casino, Blackpool, England
November 16th – 20th Anniversary Tour Olympic Casino Latvia at Radisson SAS Hotel
November 21st-27th Midland Masters Grosvenor Casino Walsall, Walsall, West Midlands, United Kingdom
November 23rd – 27th Anniversary Tour Reval Park Hotel & Casino, Tallinn, Estonia
November 23rd – 27th Anniversary Tour 2005 Olympic Casino Lietuva at Reval Hotel, Vilnius, Lithuania
November 28th-December 9th WSOP Showboat, Atlantic City
November 24th – December 11th Turkey Shoot/Ho-Ho Hold’em – The Bicycle Casino, Bell Gardens, California
November 25th-December 4th Carribbean Poker Classic St. Kitts
November 29th-December 18th Five Diamond World Poker Classic-Bellagio, Las Vegas, Nevada
November 30th-December 5th Campionato Italiano di-Poker Hit Casino, Nova Gorica, Slovenia
December 1st-4th Irish Christmas Poker Festival Macau Sporting Club, Cork, Ireland
December 5th-11th Christmas Cracker Grosvenor Casino Luton, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom
December 6th-11th Christmas Tournament Astoria-Palace Club & Casino, Tallinn, Estonia
December 12th-December 18th Helsinki Freezeout Grand Casino Luton, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom
December 13th-December 16th WPT Bellagio „Bellagio Five Diamond World Poker Classic“ Las Vegas, Nevada
December 16th-December 20th Anniversary Tour 2005 Olympic Casino Latvia at Radisson SAS Hotel, Riga
Summer 2006 WSOP 2006 WSOP TOC at the Rio, Las Vegas
POKER ON TV
Wednesday World Poker Tour on the Travel Channel, European Poker Tour on Euro Sport.
Thursday E! Hollywood Hold’em at 10:00 P.M., European Poker Tour on Euro Sport.
Southern California Poker Tour 11:00 P.M. KDOC
Friday European Poker Tour on Euro Sport, Ultimated Poker Challenge.
Saturday World Poker Tour on the Travel Channel, Ultimated Poker Challenge.
Sundsy World Poker Tour on the Travel Channel.
__________
Do you know of another tournament not on our list? Let us know! Send info to: publisher@toppairmagazine.com and we will include you
on the list!
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Beat any caption. Send your best to editor@toppairmagazine.com.
You could win a FREE GIFT!!
Jimmy Woods tells a team gutshot member Poker Legend Johnny Chan knows
”That whole ‘all black thing’ is so over man...” which poker magazine is the hottest!
In a quiet moment Phil

Hellmuth rehearses for
“Dancing with the Stars”
Phil Gordon confesses that he never really American Pie star Shannon Elizabeth
liked “That 70’s Show” has had enough of those
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Anna Chudoba Loves TopPair!

(from Average Joe)
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Welcome To Your Qmags Edition of Toppair: How To Navigate The Magazine

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Welcome To Your Qmags Edition of Toppair: How To Navigate The Magazine

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Welcome to your Qmags edition of

How to Navigate the Magazine

Contents : Clicking on the Contents wherever you happen to be in the

2005 WSOP Winner Joseph Hachem

Paula Abdul Loves TopPair!

60 Changing Hand Values By Angel Largay

62 Chip Chatter By Susie Isaacs

67 Greenstein’s “Ace on the River” A Classic 64 Kathy

68 Getting Better By Ashley Adams 86 Crystal

72 Poker School of Knish By Alex Falcone

Green Valley Ranch is Vegas’ newest AAA four diamond resort.

Special thanks to Amy Christenson, hotel Public Relations Director and

The Game Girls Love TopPair!

I will admit it; I am having World tinue to present a feminine perspective in

Tony Orlando Loves TopPair!

PUBLISHER Jill Ann Spaulding

Brad Garrett Loves TopPair!

T attend boot camp, they shaved

I saw the instructors instead of two, so the ratios

Britney Sky Loves TopPair!

What does a guy have to do to make your final table?

Be honest, funny and not try to hard. He has to be real.

What can get a guy busted out of your tournament?

Lying, trying too hard and insecurity. The biggest

Describe your idea of the perfect romantic evening.

What celebrity would you most like to go “heads up”

Scott Weiland, Cindy Blackman, Matt Sorum, Trent

Most embarrassing moment with the opposite sex?

When I was on a blind date I fell down the stairs right

Do you have your own personal Website or any other

If stuck on a desert island, what three things would

Drum set, Significant other and Mischa (my cat)

Anything else you want the world to know about you?

I love nights of witty banter and playful rhetoric. I

Who is your favorite Poker Player?

“Jesus” Chris Ferguson

Y a $15/$30 game at the Bellagio or a $.25/$.50 game online; it really does-

Pro Poker Player Pascal

Johnny Brenden Has

We all face it in our lives, in our work

That has to be the worst job in the movie

Mike Matusow Loves TopPair!

2 Cents on the Turn

Y Someone raises, and you call. The flop

What can get a guy busted out of your tour-

Describe your idea of the perfect romantic

What celebrity would you most like to go

What do you want to be when you get older?

Do you have your own personal Website or

If stuck on a desert island, what three things

If you could change one thing about your

The one thing about my body that gets the

Anything else you want the world to know

Amazing Johnathan Loves TopPair!

live web cams like that?

TP: What does Elita like to do for fun?

TP: Our readers want to know, describe your perfect man…

Elita: As far as looks is concerned, a Ryan Philippe or Tom C

TP: For those who don’t know, tell us

Elita: I have been on a series of covers for different magazines and

TP: Had you ever played poker before?

Flashman Loves TopPair!