RETURN OF PROHIBITION? Don’t the U.S. authorities ever learn anything? Trying to stop the population consuming alcohol in the 1920’s set off a chain reaction which nearly trashed the country. Now in 2006 U.S. Republican (wouldn’t you know it) Senator Bob Godlatt’s bill to PROHIBIT online gaming is about to go before the House of Representatives. You’ll note the word GOD in Godlatt’s name. These guys are usually convinced they have the support of a Higher authority when they attempt to enforce restrictions on their fellow citizens’ freedoms of expression. However, you’ll never find a Republican attempting to ban the carrying of automatic weapons or rocket launchers among the population for fear of out-raging the all powerful National Rifle Association who contribute to the “get me elected” pot. Online gaming doesn’t contribute to any American pot as it’s almost impossible to tax which is why they hate it. Might be worth someone calling Senator Bob’s bluff and reminding him that at least three Republican Presidents (Nixon being the most famous) absolutely loved poker. Fortunately, the internet provides the millions of American online poker players with a high tech “speak-easy” for their poker habit and even a man with God in his name is unlikely to be able to stop that from functioning one way or another.
Update:This part of the column was written last month and shelved. Since then the House of Representatives voted YES to the PROHIBITION of online gaming.See:House Votes Yes On Internet Gambling Ban
BLAIR & BROWN WIN THE POT Credit where it’s due. Tony Blair has taken a heap of negative criticism over the last few years, but at least he and Gordon Brown have had the wisdom to realise you can’t stop a gaming flood that people are enjoying with a legal cork. They’re also smart enough to know the Government will take the largest share of the action.
POKER TIP OF THE DAY Be a bolder folder! You don’t hear many players talking about how often they fold because it doesn’t sound very positive as a conversation piece. In fact knowing when to fold is part of being a cool player. Even really aggressive players fold more often than they raise. The easiest way to lose money at Texas Hold’em is to get attached to your cards when they are clearly not a nut hand or when your position at the table is not giving you enough information to go for a bluff. New players are excited by poker and they want to play not fold. Time and again you can watch poker virgins call when they should be folding. They are so interested in the recreational aspects of being involved in the game they make expensive decisions. Look at the number of players in the pot. Be aware of your playing order position. If the hand you are holding doesn’t shout “play me” be bold and fold! Common sense is not prohibited. Yet.
