Poker C.S.I. Unit on Alert 24/7 - by Al Spath Although there are many last-minute pleas for someone to call 911 when an all-in, short stacked player shows us his/her pocket nines, and his opponent (the chip leader), turns over two menacing cowboys, seldom are the paramedics really summoned to transport our latest casualty of poker, and in fact, the call may be a false alarm and very premature! We can all envision this confrontation on the felt, but let your eyes wonder upward and look to see the look of horror, despair, frustration and hope upon our underdog’s face. Normally we witness our short-stack player, now standing, arms folded across his/her chest, or hands interlocked behind his/her head, pacing back and forth, seething from the apparent short straw that he/she has selected. His/her mind racing, as he/she quickly calculates the chance (a small percentage) that he/she has of actually winning, and then it happens! Bam, one of only two nines hits on the river and the drama (and pain), shifts to the chip leader, although the strain and heartache is by no means close in comparison to the short-stacked player who had his/her tournament life on the line. With a deep breathe, a sharp comment about “another” unreal suck-out, the once recent tournament chip leader resumes play, a tad more on edge, but none-the-less, ready to pick another battle with more short-stacks. Recently, while in Vegas, I had many opportunities to see just how the internet has created a “new” breed of player at the live tables, and how often a “crime scene” just appears. You see, the savvy poker players are waiting in ambush, guns holstered, but strapped loosely for a quick “draw,” and resounding favorable result. Get that 911 on speed dial for them, the veterans are not taking any prisoners. Oh, you can identify the new players without asking a question. Just listen to the table conversation and you really have to try not to crack a wide smile, or snicker, when someone says something like: “Oh, is it my “little blind,” I seem to forget we have to post our money here, I’m used to the computers auto-post button taking care of all that.” Or how about this one at another casino: “Can I ask what a straddle is and how come that person gets to bet last too?” But my all time favorite at a WSOP cash game table was: “Next year I am going to play in the big event, I’ve read everything available on poker and as soon as my bankroll reaches enough money, I’m entering the Big Dance.” Mind you, this player was playing ½ NL, and it was the highest betting limit they had ever played, “live” or “online.” Someone call the paramedics for me, I need some smelling salts. The seriousness of the individual was punctuated by her losing her entire stack on the next hand with the “low end” of a straight. On a serious note, the heart rate of many players rises dramatically during a confrontation at the table as we have witnessed from several TV programs where the individuals seated are wired for electronic heart monitoring. Some are able to maintain their rate at nearly 100-110 beats per minute, while others, less experienced in remaining calm, cool and collective, reach 175-190 beats a minute within a few seconds when faced with difficult bluffing, betting or calling situation. During the WSOP, the paramedics were called to assist players only a handful of times. Luckily, no fatalities occurred, but rest assured, the Poker C.S.I. crew is always standing by, at the ready, just waiting to respond! (I can be reached by message, send your email address if you want free access to written lessons from my inventory of learning material and if you would like free videos also, I will provide you my Skype name so I can transfer them to you. Private mentoring/coaching is available at a reduced cost to those of you posting in this section (promo code: Teach). Ty
Posted on: Wed, 12 Nov 2014 15:02:52 +0000
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