FREQUENTLY ASKED POKER QUESTIONS Q: I’ve been reading about Omaha High-Low which sounds like an interesting game and one I’d like to try. I’ve heard mention of the “wheel”, what does it mean? A: Ace-Two-Three-Four-Five is the very best low hand in Omaha High-Low and it’s known as the “bicycle” and sometimes as the “wheel”. You will have to re-learn quite a few poker assumptions if you take up Omaha High-Low. To give you an example, straights and flushes don’t count against Omaha Low hands. Keep reading before you get involved. I like this style of poker very much because if you have a quick brain you will easily out-gun opponents with slower thought processes. Be warned. Math skills play a big part in this game so if that’s not your strong point, leave it alone.
FLEXING YOUR MULTI-PLEXING Q: Am I able to play with more than one monitor? I have friends in Canada who claim to be doing it. A: You can do it but you’ll need two graphic cards or a dual monitor card. The monitors can be set up so that you can run your cursor from screen to screen. Obviously it’s a big technical bonus to be able to visually focus on both games simultaneously. It’s a lot less of a strain on the eyes than multiple split-screening on one PC. Some professionals use multiple monitors in threes and fours.
GOLDEN OLDIE Q: As an older reader I’ve been playing social poker for years but I’ve only just had my grandson introduce me to the world of computers and the worldwide web. I’m going to start playing poker online. What are the main differences for me to look out for? A: Interesting situation and question. As you are already an experienced player I think the main thing to guard against is playing too many hands. Internet poker enables you to play many more hands than you would ever be able to contemplate socially. Be patient and selective. Initially, only play premium cards and when you do so play them hard and get the most value out of them. Patience will pay out while you are adjusting to the brave new world.
CHAT BOXING If you’re monitoring the chat boxes for intel on opponents, look out for anyone bemoaning their bad luck. Check their recent hand history. If they really have had some bad luck they’ll be disinclined to bluff. How does this help you? If you’re head to head with them and they’re raising, you’ll know they’ve probably got the drop on you. Boxing skills are important to your game, so keep up to speed.
