The poker tourney where the loser gets a bigger "buzz" than the winner!
SHOCK TACTICS! Poker is becoming more electrifying by the day. Now we have Antonio “The Magician” Esfandiari actually challenging World Series of Poker nine times winner Phil Hellmuth to a heads up game which entitles the winner to shoot the loser with a Taser. Hellmuth has so far declined, citing the fact that Tasers, whilst a considerably more humane weapon than a 357 Magnum, has still managed on occasions to prove fatal. Potential death is perhaps NOT the sanction many poker players (even those with the size of ego Hellmuth possesses) would happily accept for simply losing! As a side issue, if you haven’t seen Esfandiari knuckle-juggle chips or make them disappear or grow into the size of dinner plates (Now you’re being silly. Ed) you haven’t lived. Watch out for him on TV. His nickname “The Magician” is well deserved. He’s probably already figured out how to take the Taser shot and make the massive voltage they release disappear up an opponent’s trouser leg (I won’t warn you again. Ed).
FREQUENTLY ASKED POKER QUESTIONS Q: Is it true there’s software you can download that will enable you to see your opponent’s hole cards along with the flop that’s about to be dealt? I’ve seen adverts for this kind of kit? A: Think about it! If it were possible would you advertise it on the net or would you move to the Bahamas and milk the online world dry? If it could be done you’d probably find yourself living in the mansion next to the guy who placed the ads you’re reading. He’s currently sifting through about ten thousand $50 cheques and ordering his boat. Put another way. NO!
Q: What’s an RNG? A: It’s a Random Number Generator and it’s used to make sure that all online cards are shuffled and dealt fair and square. This equipment is checked and inspected for proper function on a regular basis by independent auditing agencies such as Gaming Associates and BMM. It’s a simple fact that by its very nature online shuffling is far more effective than any live game can hope to achieve.
Q: How is the starting position of the button decided for a tournament game? A: It is almost always decided by all the players drawing for the highest card.
Q: What is a scoop? A: A scoop is to win both the low and high portions of a pot in a split-pot game.
Q: What does the expression to “play over” mean? A: It means to play in a seat when the initial occupant is absent.
ALL THE ACES poker column: Sunday, April 23, 2006: Electric Heads Up Poker Deals Shocking Hand
