...mundane day in the bright city of Manhattan where I awoke to the sound of whistles christening the air, signaling the matrix of commuters riding to work. As I gently moved my fingers across my rugged face, I could feel the wrinkles, as deep as trenches. I live across the scenic Empire State building where my guitar and I rejoice by playing euphonic tunes. I busked for a living and was in need of money. On the odd day, I would save up to play poker, contemplating and hoping one day that it would lead me to immeasurable riches and fortune. The game of poker is a fascinating game, because despite the silence across table I could sense the players’ feelings of frustration, suspicion and anxiety, exacerbated by the stuttering of poker chips. Although I could sense the inner cry of the players, the game itself is quite calm and serene, a place of tranquility, yet there are murmurs. As I strolled towards the opulent casinos, my mind was a blank canvas, apart from the few momentary mental images of my loose game plan and repertoire of poker faces. I walked through mezzanine of the building only to engulf by the surrounding piercing stares of dilettantes. I could feel them conjuring cynical thoughts of an old grimy man, but this did not deter me from goal. As I pulled the lavish gold embossed chair from behind and took my seat, I called nearby waiter and ordered my poisonous liquor of choice. The awkward silence of the room became palpable, like a thick mystic fog on a casual...
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...Chapter 1 It really just happened as an accident. I had quit my job because I was unhappy with management and my situation. My buddy says, “You should start playing cards full time.” Now it wasn’t the first time someone had told me that or the first time I ever considered it. But I figured it was as good a time as any to really start playing seriously. Not just for fun, but I had rent to pay. Up to this point I’d probably logged somewhere in the neighborhood of 2000 hours at the card table in various casinos across the country and even online before black Friday. I’d played every type of game, most working class limits (Up to $5-$10 No limit games) and had some success but also my taste of major failures. I was never able to get the consistent results that the pros seem to get year after year, but I also wasn’t losing my car payment every month at the card table. It really changed a couple of years ago, when I felt myself stop playing the cards and make calls and raises based on the player I was playing. I’m not sure where the change occurred, but it did. I guess it’s a lot like any other sport. Practice and playing makes you better. I remember the hand that made me start thinking maybe I could really do it. Maybe I could play not just for the fun, which it is sooo much fun, but to make a little cash on the side. My buddy and I were playing a $1-$2 No Limit game with a $100 to $300 buy in. As a general rule, I always buy in for at least 100 times the...
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...Mélanie Urvoy English 102-005 13 February 2012 Research paper A Conflict as a Poker Game In the early twentieth century, women were still dependent on men. It was difficult for a woman to have a job and be financially independent. In addition, at this time, women had to keep their virginity to have a chance to get married. A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams is placed in the picturesque French Quarter in New Orleans. The play starts when Blanche DuBois comes in New Orleans to visit her sister Stella after she lost the family plantation Belle-Reve because of money problems. She then meets her brother-in-law Stanley Kowalski, a World War II veteran. As soon as they meet each other, a mistrustful rivalry starts between them. A Streetcar Named Desire depicts the conflict between two opposing views as a poker game between Blanche and Stanley for control. From the beginning of the play, Williams starts distinguishing Stanley and Blanche by their mentalities. In fact, Blanche has the Old South mentality. She grew up in a plantation where she learnt how to behave as an aristocrat whereas her brother-in-law is an industrial and a Polish immigrant representing the New South. Blanche is described as delicate and fragile whereas Stanley is rude and violent. Blanche lives in a world of illusion. She acts as a queen and wants the men to treat her like it. Unlike Blanche, Stanley lives in a rude world, a world where if a person are strong enough physically and mentally, he...
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...The Mathematics of Bluffing in Poker Wataru Hasegawa 000040-0111 United World College of South East Asia SL Math Exploration Stephen Lumb Contents Introduction …3 Rationale …3 Aim …3 Basics …3~4 Unexploitable Bluffing …4~5 Numerical Calculations …5~6 Graphical and Calculus Calculations …6~7 Conclusion …8 Evaluation …8 Works Cited …9 Introduction Many card games can improve the chances of winning through mathematical manipulation and the understanding of probabilities. This is because throughout most games you are required to pull the right card in order...
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...American players are still reeling from the lost opportunities of online gambling thanks to their country's decision to ban it. The ban unfortunately includes the game of poker. Whether this is fair or not depends on how you view poker. Is it a game of chance...or a game of skills? Poker as a Game of Chance Perhaps the only time chance or luck will be able to play a factor is when the dealer starts dealing out cards and you get a hole pair of aces. That's the best of luck, isn't it? But there are still players out there who are able to muck their hands either by overestimating their card, misreading their opponents, or unwittingly folding. As these scenes show, the element of chance has a very minute influence on who wins the game. Poker as a Game of Skill On the other hand, there are many reasons why poker may be considered as a game of skill. Skill is different from talent. Skill is something you're not born with, but something you hone through practice and experience. It is skill that mostly distinguishes calling stations or rookies from the veterans. It is skill that allows players to do their best with their hole cards. If you've been a spectator to any of the games played by the big names in poker, you no doubt have seen countless of times champions turn the tables around their opponents and beat unbeatable...
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...The Theory of Poker By David Sklansky A product of Two Plus Two Publishing SIXTH PRINTING October 2004 1 About David Sklansky David Sklansky is generally considered the number one authority on gambling in the world today. Besides his nine books on the subject, David also has produced two videos and numerous writings for various gaming publications. His occasional poker seminars always receive an enthusiastic reception including those given at the Taj Mahal in Atlantic City and the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. More recently David has been doing consulting work for casinos, Internet gaming sites, and gaming device companies. He has recently invented a new game called Poker Challenge, soon to appear in casinos. David attributes his standing in the gambling community to three things: 1. The fact that he presents his ideas as simply as possible (sometimes with Mason Malmuth) even though these ideas frequently involve concepts that are deep, subtle, and not to be found elsewhere. 2. The fact that what he says and writes can be counted on to be accurate. 3. The fact that to this day a large portion of his income is still derived from gambling (usually poker but occasionally blackjack, sports betting, horses, video games, casino promotions, or casino tournaments). Thus, those who depend on David's advice know that he still depends on it himself. Other Books by David Sklansky Hold 'em Poker Getting The Best of It Sklansky on Poker Poker, Gaming, and Life Sklansky Talks...
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...Liar’s Poker Like many college graduates in recent years, Michael Lewis aimed at a career in investment banking. Unlike most of the others, Lewis did not take either himself or his ambitions with full seriousness. He majored in art history rather than economics at Yale; and, far from pursuing a career in the bond market with tenacity, he received his job as the result of an accidental meeting during a London dinner. The dinner in question, which Lewis describes with a sharp eye for the ridiculous, was one for the Queen Mother Elizabeth. Lewis found that his job at Salomon Brothers was paradoxical. On the one hand, as an analyst, he was the lowest of the low and often functioned as an errand boy for more senior members of the firm. On the other hand, he had the power to engage in trades that involved millions of dollars. The training program at Salomon Brothers was reputed to be the best in the world and virtually guaranteed its graduates a successful career in the market. Further, the lucrative bonuses available to the analysts meant that men (and a few women) in their mid-twenties might earn several hundred thousand dollars a year. Lewis soon discovered that the job contained many drawbacks. The workload was intense, and many of the analysts developed odd quirks, such as eating binges, as a result of stress. Competition led to frequent attempts to hijack the deals made by others. A veteran of business infighting deprived Lewis of the credit due to him for his most successful...
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...Click this link to download and install Full Tilt Poker. Receive the maximum deposit bonus of 100% up to $600. Bonus Code: 2XBONUS600 Click this link to download and install PokerStars. Receive the maximum deposit bonus of 100% up to $600. Marketing Code: PSP6964 Click this link to download and install PartyPoker Receive the maximum deposit bonus of 100% up to $500. Bonus Code: 2XMATCH500 The First Golden Rule of Poker Maximize the size of the pots that you win; minimize the amount of your money in the pots that you lose. The Second Golden Rule of Poker When deciding whether or not to call, factor the amount of money being asked of you in relation to the amount of money in the pot. The Third Golden Rule of Poker Avoid playing too consistently; take note of the consistencies in your opponents. The Fourth Golden Rule of Poker Know the players at the table; adjust your playing style accordingly. The Fifth Golden Rule of Poker Be aware of tells in yourself; be aware of tells in others. The Sixth Golden Rule of Poker Utilize bluffing; bluff with the best-balanced frequency to maximize its usefulness. The Seventh Golden Rule of Poker Practice inexpensive advertising to create false impressions of your playing style. Click this link to download and install Full Tilt Poker. Receive the maximum deposit bonus of 100% up to $600. Bonus Code: 2XBONUS600 Click this link to download and install PokerStars. Receive the maximum deposit bonus of 100%...
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...John Snow October 31st, 2013 Business in Society Liar’s Poker Analysis The book Liar’s Poker begins with Michael Lewis, the author saying "Wall Street,” reads the sinister old gag, "is a street with a river at one end and a graveyard at the other.” This quote, symbolizing competitiveness, refers to the river as growth and prosperity and the graveyard as death in a company proves to be the fundamental principle that led Michael Lewis to write this book. The book portrays Michael Lewis’ time with Salomon Brothers (SB), the largest bond dealer in the 1980s. It outlines the business model that SB used to maximize capital in the mortgage bond market. By the mid- 1980’s SB had become the most influential bond dealer in the market. However, there prominence as the top performing bond dealer was short lived and subsequent events led Michael Milken to take over their position as early as 1987. Even though Sb had success and made millions of dollars, Liar’s Poker showed that businesses can’t continue to prosper with a flawed business model. Even though SB’s success was short lived the theme of taking advantage of every opportunity is ongoing throughout the entire book. The driving force that led SB to their success in the early 1980s was pure luck. The mortgage bonds division of SB was set up by Lewie Ranieri, a man who was fascinated with trading anything. However, at the time mortgage bonds were not valuable because people were able to simply borrow from the banks at a steady...
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...Useful Poker Strategies for Business Leaders by Aaron Jones In the movies Rounders Matt Damon’s character is a poker player and he comments: Fold or hang tough. Call or raise the bet. These are the decisions you make at the table. Sometimes the odds are stacked so clear there’s only one way to play it. Other times, like holding a small pair against two over cards, its six to five, or even money, either way. Then it’s all about the feel, what’s in your guts. (Cohen, 1998) Poker strategies can be useful tools for Executives and Managers in Business today. Business leaders have to be able to trust their instincts as they lead their corporations, departments, or teams. Many industries are rapidly changing and it’s imperative for leaders to be able to adapt. What makes some Executives successful while others are less successful? We see several companies and industries struggling while others seem to be thriving. Larry Bossidy, retired CEO of Honeywell, wrote: When companies fail to deliver on their promises, the most frequent explanation is that the CEO’s strategy was wrong. But the strategy itself is not often the cause. Strategies most often fail because they aren’t executed well. Things that are supposed to happen don’t happen. Either the organizations aren’t capable of making them happen, or the leaders of the business misjudged the challenges their companies face in the business environment or both. (Bossidy, 2002, p. 15) ...
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...Liar’s Poker written by Michael Lewis is a look into the author’s life working for the Salomon Brother as a broker. During this time the Salomon Brothers were one of the most profitable companies on Wall Street. Lewis decided to take the job which was one of the top trading firms after he had graduated from The London School of Economics. This opportunity came at a great time as this was when the market was booming and the money was flowing in from all different angles. This book mainly focuses on the aspects on the rise and fall on the industry as it was seen through its Fixed Equity Bond Selling and Trading departments. Lewis outlines the exact business model that the Solomon Brothers used in order to maximize their capital in the mortgage...
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...Travel Channel's use of Poker The World Poker Tour, which is just another sample of how huge the vice game has become not just online but also on network television, has announced the creation of WPT Caliber Regional and National Events. These tournaments, which are much more affordable to the player can be likened to circuit events that the WSOP hosts across the United States. Many players set aside time to watch pros battle on the Travel Channel during its inaugural season. In fact, the WPT remained on the Travel Channel until 2008 when it migrated to the Game Show Network. GSN is also host to the popular High Stakes Poker, essentially a televised cash game. Normally, WPT Title Events feature entry fees on excess of $10,000. WPT Caliber Regional and National Events aren’t cheap, but they are cheaper. The first event kicks off in Lawrenceburg, Indiana at the Hollywood Casino. The No Limit Hold’Em Main Event costs $1,600 to enter and begins on Saturday, November 20. In addition to a Main Event, players can enter preliminary events with entry fees from $100 to $500. The festivities begin on November 11. Feeding off of the initial frenzy of online poker, televised poker tournaments are all the rage now. At some of these tournaments, there are contestants from nearly every region or known region on Earth! Sometimes, their respective countries are profiled while they get some airtime. A lot of players are from Australia and New Zealand for instance and they are sometimes...
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...Ask a poker player where to go to play poker, and you might get a ton of different answers. Some enjoy playing locally, while others will recommend making a trip to a place like Las Vegas, Atlantic City or Niagara Falls because there are more tourists and the games are juicier. An increasing number of players are getting serious about poker and may recommend a spot based on how much action there is and how big the games are. It's a safe bet that if you ask any serious cash-game player what the single best cardroom in the world is, they will answer the Commerce Casino in Los Angeles, California. While you may find a soft game in some small corner of the world, you'll never find the shear magnitude of action that is present at the commerce every single day. They have $5-10 no-limit...
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...Is that gambling should be legalized At major established gambling web sites, online gambling is just as safe for your money as playing in a regular casino. It's usually free to set up an account, and after that you deposit as much or as little as you'd like using your checking account or credit card and use those funds to bet. Internet security has come a long way, and the online gambling community takes extra precautions to ensure your money, and your winnings, are protected. The games available for online gambling are even more varied than those in traditional casinos. You will find virtual tables and rooms for dozens of types of poker: stud, Texas Hold 'Em, Caribbean Stud, Video Poker, Three-Card Poker and just about any poker variation you can think of. For simpler gambling, you can play online slot machines, blackjack, roulette, or any of hundreds of click-and-win games. The online gambler looking for a challenge will enjoy Baccarat. With online gambling, the possibilities are endless! Major gambling sites attract tens of thousands of visitors in a day. There are even thousands of sites for those unwilling or unable to play for money: Many online gambling sites operate on a game credit basis, and you can play just for the fun of it without risking anything. So, whether you want to impress people with your big gambling scores or get a shot at big money online, check out online gambling! You no longer need to live in a place where there is a casino. With a computer and...
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... with over 4,360 gaming machines, about 280 table games and one of the largest bingo halls in the world. Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore One of the most lavish properties in the world, Resorts World Sentosa is not only home to a casino and about 9 hotels but also features a giant aquarium, Adventure Cove Waterpark and a Universal Studios theme park. The casino has nearly 2,400 slot machines, and over 500 table games. The Kurhaus of Baden-Baden, Germany This 1820s hotel casino represents imperial German luxury. The Kurhaus is considered to be one of the most elegant and exclusive casinos in Europe. Baden-Baden is very popular for its therapeutic mineral springs. The casino features over 100 slots and about 20 gaming tables including Poker, American Roulette, French Roulette and Blackjack. Visitors can spend their time relaxing in the renowned spa or taking a stroll at the beautiful Black Forest. The Clermont Club, London, United...
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