TexasHoldem-Info.com News: August 2005

Monday, August 29, 2005

Cassava Enterprises (Paficic Poker) expected to Float

The big news in online poker this week is the suspected flotation of the gaming company Cassava Enterprises on the London Stock Exchange later in the week. Cassava Enterprises is the owner of online poker room Pacific Poker (amoung the top five in the industry) and online casino leader 888.com (by far the world's largest online casino). The flotation is said to be valued at over $1 billion.

The media is reporting that the company is trying to get going on the flotation in order to speed up their plans of acquiring the largest takeover in poker history. And the rumors are that Cassava is targeting to takeover PokerStars.com (currently ranked as the number two, second only to partypoker.com, online poker room on the web today). Poker Stars is home to the World Championships of Online Poker (WCOOP) and also home to the 2003 and 2004 winners of the World Series of Poker (WSOP). Needless to say, a major player in the industry and a great target for Cassava.

There has so far been no comment by the folks at Cassava Enterprises on their plans but the buzz in the media (including reports by the respected Financial Times) leads all to believe that this will happen and very soon.

Earlier this year, online gaming mammoth, PartyGaming successfully completed their flotation on the London Stock Exchange, one of the biggest in many years. And now with Cassava jumping on the bandwagon it looks as though the trend has started and already the year 2005 has been dubbed by some as the year of the "Poker IPO's". Since Party Gaming IPO'd their shares have only seen a rise in price and the four lucky founders of the enterprise have recently been added to the Forbes Billionaires list, with a combined net worth of over $8 billion.

After the success of Party Gaming's float in the market, Empire Poker floated onto the alternative Investment Market about a month later and has already seen rises in their shares of more than 35%. And along with the talks of Cassava Enterprises going public a number of other online poker rooms have been mentioned to do the same. Some of the bigger names being mentioned are PokerStars.com, 32Red, PokerRoom.com and Ultimate Bet Poker.com. So in the near future expect to hear a lot about these floats in the news as this industry, in the UK, is growing at an exponential pace and IPO history is in the makings.

Monday, August 15, 2005

Learn About Online Poker Etiquette

With such a great success of the concept of online poker, more and more players seem to be logging in and testing their skills. One of the reasons many people enjoy playing online is the aspect of anonymity. It is easier for players to feel comfortable and make less mistakes when no one can see them. However, unfortunately for some, being anonymous leads them to believe that they can play, say and do whatever they want with no repercussions. But in online poker, especially in tournaments and larger by-in games, etiquette is taken very seriously and if you want the respect of fellow players, to be sure you are not offending anyone and an over all more enjoyable poker experience then follow a few simple courtesies and everyone will be happy.

As mentioned, poker etiquette is an aspect of poker that is taken very seriously and today, many online poker rooms make a point of assuring that their players are following the standards. Most of the online poker rooms will have an etiquette section where players can review the brief and common courtesies that the room expects to be followed. And in many cases if a player is being rude or "uncourteous" to fellow players, the poker room reserves the right to give that player a warning and if he/she continues then there is a good chance that they will be booted from the game, hopefully taking their losses with them.

Here is a short list of the common courtesies that the online poker rooms expect their clients to follow:

The nice thing about playing poker online is that the other players can't actually see or hear you, so if you are frustrated or upset, it's ok to think, even say out loud what you are feeling, other players will never be offended, just be sure that you don't type it.

If you are involved in a discussion with someone, don't type in capital letters, this signifies that you are shouting and you don't want the other players to get the wrong idea.

If you feel that you have been "gypped" with the outcome of your hand, don't blame, argue with or accuse other players, take it up with the poker room management, either via management or live chat (if available).

If another player seems to be "lagging", playing slowly, bring it to their attention in a polite manner. It may be a connection problem that can be solved quickly by the poker room's technical support.

If your skill level is not at the point where taking on a number of tables at a time without slowing down the games, don't do it. It is not fair to the other players if you are slowing down their game when you can help it. Only take on as many games at a time that you can handle.

Criticizing, intimidating and harassing other players is considered very unacceptable. Players will be warned and/or booted from a game if this behavior persists.

And finally, simply treat others as you would like to be treated.

Tuesday, August 09, 2005

Texas Holdem Poker Odds - Part 2

Last time we looked in depth in to the concept of "outs" and the odds you face in order to complete your hand. We gave you a simple calculation that can be calculated in your head at any time: your number of outs multiplied by the number of chances you have at drawing the desired card, now double it and put a percentage in front of it. This equation is just an estimate but it is very close to the real thing and easy for any player to learn and use.

Knowing your odds of making your hand is a great tool and can help you a lot but lets take our lesson one step further. Even if your odds of making your hand are really good, it's not always the right move to call the bet. Or vice versa, your odds of making your hand may be small but in some cases calling the bet may be your best move. This is because of "pot odds", a notion where you compare your odds of making your hand with the potential payoff of calling the hand. This is a very simple comparison and can really help you when you just don't know whether to call or fold.

First, you figure out your pot odds, this is very simple, say the total of the pot is $100. In order for you to call it will cost you $10. Your pot odds in this case are 10/100 or 1/10.

Next figure out your odds of making your hand. Let's say you are holding an inside straight draw, where if a 7 is drawn on the river you will make your hand. Since there are 4 sevens in the deck and 46 cards still unseen, your chances of drawing a seven are 4/46 or approximately, 1/11.

To decide whether it is a good idea to call or fold you now take your pot odds and compare them to your odds of drawing the desired card. If the odds of drawing your card are better than the pot odds then you should call. In our example the odds of making your hand are less (1/11) than the pot odds (1/10) and theory says you should probably fold. Your potential payoff is not worth taking the chance at calling.

But let's say, for example, you were holding four hearts in your hand and you are hoping that another heart will be drawn so you make a flush. Your odds are now better since there are nine cards of a possible 46, making your chances of drawing a heart approximately 1/5. Since your pot odds are 1/10 you should definitely call this bet.

Of course, again, this is just a guide that can help you make better educated decisions while playing Texas holdem poker. And depending on the situation there are still many other factors that you must take into account in order to become the most successful player you can be.

		Party Poker		Inter Poker

		Ultimate Bet		PokerRoom

		Pacific Poker		Empire Poker

		Paradise Poker		Doyles Room

		Absolute ...		Poker Stars

		Full Tilt ...		Noble Poker

		Titan Poker		Bodog Poker

		Poker room accepts U.S. players.