MsPoker: The Official Blog of Susie Isaacs

Don't Meet Me in St. Louie, Louie, Meet me in Pendleton!

2009-07-11T15:56:00.000-07:00

Anyone who has kept up with me at all over the last few years knows that I love to go to the Wildhorse Casino in Pendleton, Oregon for their poker tournaments in the fall and the spring. They also hold a summer event, the Summer Poker Rodeo, which I have never gone to ... until now. I leave Tues for the 2009 Summer Poker Rodeo, which will take place Wed. through Sun. The schedule is as follows: Wed, No-limit, $165 buy-in, with $3000 added and a 7-night Mexican Riviera Cruise (added), Thurs. is a $165 HORSE, also with added prize money and the cruise, Fri, limit hold'em, $165, added money and cruise, $165 Sat. No-limit with added and added, and Sun. another no-limit with added and added. WOW! I can't wait. So, my poker pals - meet me in Pendleton!

I HATE Ace-Queen

2009-07-09T19:26:00.000-07:00

As always, I make notes when I am playing in a big event. One reason, it calms me, another, if I do well, I can use them to write about it, and I can use my notes to study my play. When I got home Tues. morning at about 2:30 AM from the main event of the Binion's Poker Classic, I was so upset that I shredded them, so now that I am ready to talk about it, I have to do it from memory.
After the first twenty minutes at table 22, seat 7, I knew I was at a tough table. There were two "Hot Shots", one to my immediate right and one, two to my left. We'll call them Hot Shot L and Hot Shot R or HS-L and HS-R. After several hours I literally felt like I was playing this tournament with one or the other of them standing with one foot on my neck, breathing, or making any move was nearly impossible. I did every possible thing I could to try and relieve myself from the pressure: positive thinking, ignoring, thinking plesant thoughts about my Mama, while trying to concentrate on my game. Nothing worked. It was very stressful, just to play each hand. If HS-R was the first to enter the pot, he raised every time. If he got a call, he put the pressure on post flop, if he got a raise, he called it and saw the flop. He won hands with a 4-6 suited and a Q-8 off-suit. His strategy worked for a few hours as he accumulated over $90,000. We started with a hefty. $30,000 which gave us a lot of play. HS-L, I called "Ringman" as he had rings on every finger including thumbs. I made out the card suits, a skull, a devil head, some kind of demon, and various other heavy ring designs. He was rather slight so I figured if anyone gave him any trouble, he could slug them with his heavy metal hands. Every time, which was not many, that HS-R did not enter the pot and I made a play for it, HS-L would re-raise me. Talking about being between a rock and a hard place! Ringman made a huge post flop raise with three players yet to call him, they folded, he laughed and showed them a 4-7. Keep it up, I thought. He did and was out within a few hours. One down and one to go, I hoped. I coasted from noon until dinner time with my chips ranging from my original $30,000 to $25 to $35K. Just waiting for the right hand and the right time. It was very tedious. Around 9 PM, HS-R had lost most of his money and seemed so upset. It was all I could do to keep my mouth shut about his horrible play. He called a huge bet around 9:30, as if he was done with this tournament and indeed, he was. I almost applauded. I swear every player at the table gave a sign of relief. New players filled our empty seats and around 11 PM, we had a pretty good, solid group. Only one got on my nerves. He was a young Englisman who knew everything about everything. How I longed for earplugs. I heard him whisper to his giggling friends that he loved marathon tournaments such as this, (we were to play 12 rounds, that equals to about 14 hours) because most of the other players, he continued, especially the old ones got very tired and started making mistakes. I could have puked a couple of hands later when I was in the big blind and my only opponent was a very solid player in the small blind. The flop came J-5-6. I had a 5. He checked, I bet and he called. I looked again at my cards, I had a J-5. I looked again at the board, it was J-6-6! Horrors! I made a mistake. On the turn, he checked, I checked and on the river, he bet and I folded. He showed me a 6. I was getting short staked so I went in ss mode and rebuilt while taking some gambles. I had no choice but to gamble because for two solid hours I had not picked up one playable hand. Sometime after 1 AM, I won a big pot with a semi-bluff. This is where I need my notes because I can't remember my hand or just what happened, but I had not gotten my chips arranged when I looked at A-Q. It looked so huge. Rather than making a raise, out of my mouth came "All-in." I actually was surprised when I heard myself say those words. I was in the Hot Shot squeeze play mode and immediately prayed for no action. A good player called my all-in with a pair of Jacks and I was out just a dozen players short of making the money. First place was almost $30,000 and in a flash that hope and dream was up in smoke and I got paid zip for my long hard day of work.
I can take bad-beats unless I put one on myself. I was so upset, I thought about retiring from poker forever. I had not been this upset or angry with myself in years because I had not make such a horid mistake in years. I preach to my students, "Do NOT go broke with a queen in your hand." TJ Cloutier told me years ago to beware of A-Q and A-K. They can look so powerful, but more tournament players go broke on those two hands than any other two-card combinations.
My poker retirement did not last too long as I have decided to go to Pendleton (one of my favorite places) for their Summer Poker Round-Up. It is a five-dayer with limit, no-limit and a HORSE competition. Buy-ins range fjust $150 and $200 but the Wildhorse Casino is adding $3,000 to each event. No stress, no pressure, nice folks, but please do me a favor - don't tell the Hot Shots of the poker world about my Pendleton tournaments! Hope to see you there 15-19! To add icing to this poker cake, a seven-day Mexican Riviera Cruise will be part of each tournament prize package!

It's a BIG One, Just Not "the" BIG One

2009-07-06T21:32:00.001-07:00

The Poker Palooza was a four day poker gaming show. It was a lot of work but worth it. Sassy and I worked hard all day, every day, for four days. I made some great contacts, both new and old. Some folks I had lost touch with and it was great to find them and discover what they have been up to and where they are now. In particular, Jim Barbo, who was head honcho at the Commerce Casino in L.A. for more than two decades, I had completely lost track of him after he retired. Well, there he was at the Palooza and was I ever thrilled to find out that retirement did not sit too well with him so he now is over two huge poker emporiums in Jacksonville, FL. My dear sister and her family live not too far from Jax. and I don't get to see them as often as I would like to, so I am working on Jim to bring me to FL for some sort of special occasion at one or both of his clubs. Sassy and I made a lot of sales and making money makes working hard worth the effort.
As you know, for various reasons I did not play "The Big One" this year. However, there is a little Big One that I took a shot at. The final event at Binion's Poker Classic takes place tomorrow. The buy-in is only one tenth of the WSOP Big One, but, that is still a hefty $1,000. Today was Super Satellite Day. I took a shot for $125 and won my $1000 seat! So, rather than playing for millions, I'll be playing to become a multi-thousandaire! Wish me luck! Stay tuned ...

Poker Palooza!

2009-07-01T22:00:00.000-07:00

Sorry Folks, but the Fourth of July has been canceled. I don't mean that American has canceled the holiday, I just had to cancel my Fourth of July cookout. But I have a very good excuse. I received an offer I could not refuse to have a booth at the Poker Palooza (Gaming Lifestyle Expo, renamed and rebranded.) I will be in booth 722 which is right across from the Crown Casino booth. The fun begins Thurs. July 2 at 11 AM and continues at the Rio through Sun. the fifth. If you are going to check out or play in the main event, you will be herded through the Palooza. I hope you will make time to check it out and come on by booth 722 and visit a spell.
On another poker subject, I will not be playing in the main event this year. I didn't win a seat and this has been a financially difficult year for many, myself included. I have had several offers to buy a "piece of me" but have passed them up for several reasons. One is my confidence level. Please read on; my personal confidence is just fine, it's my confidence level in the "new breed" of poker player. I could write a book on how the texure of a no-limit game has changed since '02. The game itself hasn't changed, but my oh my, how the players and what they do during the play of a hand has changed! I am a good player, but my biggest concern are the Internet kids and the new breed of players and how they attack the game. When a player raises with a Q-8 under the gun, how do you put that player on that hand? When I read an article about a winning kid who brags about three-betting with any two cards, well, it's like walking through a mine field with no idea where the explosives are. So many of these "Hot Shots" have won literally hundreds of thousands of dollars playing on line and the $10,000 buy-in is treated like it is $10. There lack of respect for money is difficult for me to overcome. It's one thing to see this crazy play in smaller buy-in tourneys but I'm just not going to face it in a $10,000 buy-in event for the luckiest player during that time to end up the winner. I call it the "Killer Bee" syndrome. If one or two Killers are after you, you have a chance for survival but if a whole herd of thousands are after you - forget about it, you're a goner!
On the brighter side, my 2009 World Series play has not come to an end. I will be on Team Simpletrak for the Dream Team event July 12 and (hopefully) 13 for the finals. My teammates are Michelle "Sassy" Richey and John Robertson.
For those of you who wanted to invest in my poker ability, maybe next year and thank you very much for the offer!

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

2009-06-28T17:09:00.000-07:00

The Good: I've been saving this one for just the right time. The time is now. When I took part in the High Heels Poker Academy in Las Vegas, among the students was Hilary Greene-Pae. It became obvious that she was the least experienced player - about the third grade. I spent some extra time with her because she needed it and because I was curious as to why she would be taking up poker in her midlife. (There is always a good story when I ask this question and hers was one of the best.) She had lost her Mom six months ago and she explained that her Dad was really lost after more than half a century with the love of his life. Hillary tried to bring him out of his funk, but to no avail. One day she asked him why he didn't play poker anymore. He had gone to a CA poker club several times a week for many years. He just wasn't in the mood, he explained. Hillary suggested that she take him and stay with him. And so it began. She sat behind him while he played and playing poker seemed to bring a bit of a smile to his face which had been so sad for so long. The more she watched, the more sure she was that she could do this. So she began a study so that she could go and play poker with her Dad rather than just sweat him. He was so pleased that he gave her the seminar as a gift and told her, "Thank you for carrying out this family tradition." They now have a regular date, three times a week for dinner, poker, and fun. Her father is 93-years-young.

The Bad: I played in the Seven-stud High-Low Split in the Grand Series at the Golden Nugget the other day. I so enjoy any limit game, especially any form of stud. In came a staggering stranger who asked what's going on and decided to join the competition. During the first round, we had to teach him the game - he had never played the game and he had never played in a tournament! - and then over the next eight and a half hours, he drank at least 11 screwdrivers and only after seven hours of play did he put his ante up without a reminder or someone else doing it for him. Wouldn't you know, he couldn't miss a hand, for hours - whatever he played, he hit. When this happens I always remember what my Mama used to say, "Trees don't grow to the sky ... just wait." He missed many hands when he left the table for 15 and 20 minutes at a time and always returned with a fresh screwdriver. During those few precious breaks from him, the game ran smoothly, but back he would come. This resulted in one of the worse tournaments I have ever played. It is amazing how much one player can screw up a game. PLEASE, folks who come to Vegas to drink and have fun, do so, but stay out of poker competition where players are serious about their game and some are trying to make a living. Come on to Lost Wages and have a blast - at the crap table or in front of a slot machine (where I believe his jaunts took him for free screwdrivers. ) After his ninth or tenth one (I lost track) I really thought he would fall out of his chair and we'd be done with him, but it was not to be. It appeared he was drinking himself sober. This tree finally stopped growing and got chopped down by ME at 8:30 PM. I did not go on to win, but felt a winner just by ridding our table from this stud high-low disaster.

The Ugly: I am the UGLY of this story. It is so ugly, it is funny. I taught a short seminar at a local bar on Saturday morning. One subject we got on was the strength or lack thereof of Ace-Queen. We talked about how deceiving this hand can be. It can look so pretty, almost as pretty as Big Slick, but it can kick you in the face. There is no reason ever to go broke on ace-queen. TJ Cloutier told me years ago that the hand more players get busted out of tournaments on is Ace-Queen and Ace-King. I have remembered that and saved myself more time than I can count. "You can't win a tournament in the first few rounds," I have preached, "but you sure as hell can lose it!"
Today, I went to Binion's to get back to no-limit in their Third Annual Binion's Classic series. I sat down full of confidence. In the second level I picked up Ace-Queen in late position and raised it after several limpers came limping in. The fellow in the small blind moved in on me. Because I knew this man and had a gut feeling he was making a move on me, like an idiot, I called! Why oh why don't I listen to myself? I knew that he would more than likely have two live cards. But NO! He had two aces! Lesson learned: listen to myself, read my own books, and my poker will be much better. I don't know a lot about Zen but I do know that it is about looking forward and leaving the past in the past - to move on, onward and upward and of course, to learn from our mistakes. After I stopped beating my head against the wall ... I laughed!

I May Not Win the Race ...

2009-06-26T11:56:00.000-07:00

... But I will look good in the pack. I always wear a hat when in poker competition. Most folks think it is my "signature" look. Okay, I'll go with that. Many know that they can skim over a crowd of poker players, find a feminine, good looking hat, and I will be under it. The way it actually happened brings my vanity into play. It was a few decades ago, when I first arrived in Las Vegas to live, rather than to visit; I would get all dolled up to go out and play poker. I would primp, get the makeup perfect, and fix the hair all pretty, step outside and the desert wind would completely destroy the hairdo. So I took to wearing a cute hat and not worrying about how the hair looked. That is where it all began. This year I changed my look. Most of my hats are in the cowboy type style, but with poker decor. I decided to make a change at the 2009 World Series of Poker. This happened because I got in on an "After Derby Day" hat sale that I could not resist. I bought some high-class, big brimmed, prance around-and-be-seen hats. However, in the poker world, they simply did not fit - that is until my dear friend, Doralee "Lady Pink" Rae got hold of them and Pokerized them. My two new poker hats were the talk of the poker arena. I felt like a movie star as the photographers could not get enough. A public thank you to Lady Pink. Her talent at "fancying up" stuff is amazing. She took a six-pack of Milwaukee Light (sans the beer) and made a pocketbook so fancy that the Queen would have been proud to use it. I tried something crafty like that one time and glued my fingers together. It sure is nice to have crafty friends!

Don't Take My Word for It!

2009-06-18T13:00:00.000-07:00

In case I haven't mentioned lately, I have some good books available to you. Please check out my website for details: www.susieisaacs.com. But don't take my word for it; see an email I received yesterday:

Dear Susie:

I’m sure you don’t remember me because you meet hundreds of people a month, but I was knocked out of the limit tournament in Pendleton by one of the pros and my prize was a copy of your book, “Queens Can Beat Kings”. You were nice enough to autograph it for me.

Recently, I had been having a pretty crappy time at the poker tables and took a couple of weeks off. During that time I read your book and it must have really energized me or something. Beginning last Thursday, I have simply been on fire in local tournaments. We do not play for big money around here, but my profit (after deducting buy-ins and dealer tips) is $1277 in the last six days.

I just wanted you to know that I really enjoyed meeting you in Pendleton however briefly and that your book has been (obviously) a great gift to me. I was already well acquainted with patience and position, and I certainly practice enough. I just re-read “The Art of War” and that is also helping me with the psychology. However, I really think that perseverance is the most important “P” at least for me. Anyway, THANK YOU for writing a great book and I hope you have terrific good luck in your poker endeavors also!

Lynne “7 Dewey” Forest

The Kid, the Skateboard, and the Deal

2009-06-14T11:56:00.000-07:00

On Wed., June 10, I went to the Golden Nugget to play the $230 HORSE event. For those of you who are not poker savvy, HORSE stands for Hold'em (limit), Omaha (high-low), Razz, Stud, and Eight or Better. If you're not familiar with the games that make up HORSE, my book 1000 Best Poker Strategies and Secrets can teach them all to you. One reason I love the multiple games is that they are limit so you can't go bust in the first few minutes but the most important reason I love such games is that they are "old fashioned" so to speak. These games have been around for eons, unlike the most popular game of no-limit hold'em. The "kids" have learned to play poker on the Internet and the game they have learned is no-limit. They love that game because that is what they watch on TV. I have actually met folks who think that the definition of poker is no-limit. So, in a mixed game, the field is usually made up of "seasoned players."
Back to the tournament at hand. The turn out was good for this event, a little over 120 players. There was ONE young gun. When I say young, I'm not kidding. I don't think he was shaving yet and he came in with his mode of transportation under his arm - a skateboard! It was a big sucker. Looked like a small surfboard with wheels. He was cocky and proud. He had been studying HORSE and this was his first live tournament. I'll give him this credit, he played rather well, especially Razz. The kid has potential. He happened to be at my table from the beginning and he was pleasant enough, in the mist of his elders. I'd say the average age in this tournament was 50ish. I believe his goal was to show the old folks that a young man could win this event. On the dinner break, the kid laughed and asked if anyone wanted to ride his skateboard down the parking garage ramp. He had no takers as none of the "adults" wanted to risk broken bones or death.
We started play at noon and hit the money around 10 PM. As is the norm, the first eight players got paid a small about starting at $280 and gradually increasing until the final table when the money took larger jumps. I was the last woman standing from 13 players. (Love that). We got to the final table around 11 PM. The Skateboard Kid was still with us. It was a fun and happy table for a few minutes. Larry, the chip leader was buying rounds of drinks for the table. The drink of the night was "Sex on the Beach." I kid you not. I don't know what is in it but it is quite tasty. One guy said, I can't wait to get home (back East) and tell my friends that I had Sex on the Beach with Susie Isaacs. He was our elder at 76 years-old.
We played another fifteen minutes or so. I didn't mention a deal as Larry had such a tremendous chip lead, however when we were at 7-ways, Larry suggested that we each lock up $2,000 and play for the rest which put about $4000 on top, changing first place from $7,080 to $6,000. Since the next payout was $780, we all thought that was a generous offer ... except for the child. "I want the final table experience," he explained, aggravating the hell out of the rest of us. And so we played on. I beat the kid in a huge Omaha hand, scooping the pot and leaving him with the shortest stack at the table. I was delighted, the cocky kid needed a spanking.
Now I realize that there are many pros who will not make a deal of any kind. These pros are wealthy and most of what they are playing for is recognition and fame. They make tremendous amounts of money on their poker sites and/or their endorsements. While an average player is trying to make a living and during this economy, a few thousand dollars locked up could mean their house note! The kid had no respect for money or the requests of his tablemate's offer. At this point, with the kid very low on chips, much to my surprise, Larry offered the kid the same deal! Again, the kid was negative as his plans were to make a comeback and beat us all. Larry (in his 60's) stood up and gave a polite but firm sermon to the boy. He said something like this, "You are young and inexperienced. You have admitted that this is your first poker tournament. You know nothing about the business of poker. You have no respect for money. You know that everyone of us are tired and you may think that you can outlast us because of your age, but you now have negative energy coming at you from every person in this room. I will not make you this offer again." Needless to say, the Skateboard Kid was the next one eliminated. He collected $780 (rather than the $2000 offered him twice) and left the room dragging his giant skateboard. The next deal Larry offered was $4000 each if we each then gave him $200 on top. Done deal and I have another nice cash for this tournament season!

UPDATE

2009-06-09T15:51:00.000-07:00

First of all, I want to thank all of you for the nice things you have said to me about this blog as we met here and there during the last week. Because of you, I want to write more. That is what you have requested. The next time we meet, you may be telling me I blog too much!

Sadly, I will not be crowned the 2009 WSOP Ladies World Champion, but I did make the money. I went out 84th for a payday of $2,280. Because I was on a freeroll, it was a nice payday. With this win, I also maintain my title of "Most Times in the Money" in the history of the ladies event.

Now, let's back up to Friday, June 5. As you regulars will recall, my first High Heels Poker Seminar took place at Turning Stone in central New York where we had five gals participate. This latest one was in Las Vegas and we had 20 attendees! It was so rewarding, a few days later, when several of the students approached me and told me that I had indeed, helped their game. The following is an excerpt from my friend Marlene Stein who decided to join us and see if she could pick up a few tips.

Dear Susie,
Thank you for the opportunity to attend the seminar.
I found you very informative. I won’t be squandering chips any more. I did that. I was guilty.
No more. I will not play a hand for a bit and take the time to evaluate the customers before
stepping into the bull ring. I will be the bull from now on. No more messing with Marlene lol.

FOX 5 News came by for a visit and interviews. All in all, I'd rate the HHPTA a roaring success and I look for it to grow and grow. I am looking forward to an audience of hundreds within the next year.

If you're in Las Vegas, the HHPT ladies event will take place at the Hard Rock Casino this Wed., June 10, at 7 PM. Join us!

Next up was the "Women in Poker Hall of Fame", To say it was a fabulous night, was to say the least. It was a sellout with standing room only. Over 350 attended. If you want to be a part of the history of women in poker next year, reserve your seat early. The room was grand, the dinner was gourmet and just excellent, the service was the best, Gyla's production of the evening was expert and a good time was had by all. One highlight was a proclamation from the Mayor of Las Vegas, making June 5, the official "Women in Poker" day.

Each inductee from last year introduced the new inductees. I introduced June Field. Most of the young folks of today had never heard of her, but let me assure you, she has made a tremendous impact in our poker world. The following is my introduction speech for June.

June Field – June and Phil … they have been together for a long time. Phil is June’s greatest supporter. Together they have kids, foster kids, step kids, and grandkids – oh, and cats.

June Field has many chapters in her book of life, but career-wise none has been more rewarding that being the founder of two poker publications, The Card Player magazine and Poker Digest.

Benny Binion is touted as being the Granddaddy of poker tournaments. I have an analogy to that. June Field is the Grandmama of poker publications. Let me back up a few years, make that decades, and tell you a few things about June that you probably don’t know.

She went to Rider College in Trenton, NJ. Where she majored in Bus. Ed and minored in journalism. Oh yes, she spent many hours at Princeton in the study of frat parties.

Anyone who knows June knows that she has always loved to dance. What you may not know is that June was a professional dancer … a go-go dancer. If you happen to be so young that you don’t know what a go-go dancer is let me assure you that go-go dancers kept their clothes on!

After she hung up her go-go boots, one of her first jobs, off the dance floor was working for Arnold Palmer. She first tipped her toe in the publication business in this job where she published a monthly newsletter for him.

Decades ago, when I lived in the South and believed “men are to lead, women to follow” June was making strides in the “man’s world”. She worked for the police dept and she was the fifth female blackjack dealer hired to deal on the strip. BTW, it was only after June meeting and getting to know her that I changed my mindset to “Women CAN lead, anyone can follow.”

June worked for the city of LV, receiving the “Outstanding Employee of the Year” award.

June played kitchen table poker until Mother’s Day 1980. Phil had taken her to the old Landmark for dinner and they walked past the poker parlor. He handed her a $20 bill and suggested she give it a try. Unlike most women who are scared, nervous, and intimidated, even thinking about their first time .... in poker, that is! she jumped right in, played for two hours and was hooked. That Mother’s Day changed their life.

In the 80’s June continued to play poker and she began to write articles for the old Poker Player tabloid. (Hold up copy). Her tagline was and continued to be “God I love this Job!”

In 1982, she set a goal to win the ladies event of the WSOP. She took two months off from playing and studied the game. She met her goal and became the 1982 Ladies World Champion.

She eventually became the editor of Poker Player. At this time I also was writing for PP. I would see June at least every two weeks when I took my copy in, but I saw her more at the poker tables. We became acquaintances. She was the first world champion I had ever met and I was in awe. Eventually, we became friends.

In early 1988 PP went down, and it was missed. There was no Internet; this was a time of no poker news except word-of-mouth. Over the next 6 or 7 months, if I had one person, there were a dozen who came to me saying, I’m going to start a poker magazine, will you write for me? Everyone was talking but no one was doing. It all sounded the same, poker publication, bla, bla, bla. In July of 1988, I ran into June at a poker tournament at the Aladdin. She said, “I’ve been wanting to talk to you about a poker magazine.” I thought, “Yea, sure, bla, bla, bla.” She then produced a business card and asked to set up an appointment at her new offices at 1455 E Tropicana, Suite 450 to introduce me to her ideas for Card Player magazine. I immediately apologized to her in my head about the bla, bla, bla thought – this woman was moving and shaking. My Mama used to say, “There are talkers and there are doers in this world.” June Field is a doer!

I went to work for June immediately, Phil taught me how to sell, June edited the hell out of my articles and we were off and running. June and Phil had high hopes of our first issue having 24 pages, it had 42. (Hold Up Copy) We all were extremely proud of this newborn baby. But we didn’t have time to do much celebrating as we had another deadline coming at us – and so it went for five years. Trivia: in the beginning, June’s staff included all women, working and putting together a magazine whose readership was 95% male (I just make that up, but I bet I’m not that far off.) June is an admitted work-aholic. After five years of working practically 24-7 publishing CP, burnout set in and the Fields sold Card Player magazine to Linda Johnson and partners. They signed a five-year non-compete and five years later, to the day, rested and ready, June and Phil introduced Poker Digest to the world. (Hold Up Copy) In addition to giving birth to two successful poker publications, June was also the founder of Card Player Cruises and Classic Poker Cruises. She and Phil served as directors of the CA Card Club Assoc. for four years bringing the membership from 18 clubs to 52!

June has traveled the world, she reads intently. She presently is supposed to be retired. We’ll see.

As her book of life continues. We are honored to add this chapter, “June Field, 2009 Inductee into the WiPHoF.”

I am Busier than a One-armed Paper Hanger

2009-06-08T11:37:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, this is my busiest time of the year. I gave up an hours worth of sleep, just so I could catch you up:
Fri: High Heels Poker Tour Seminar followed by the Women in Poker Hall of Fame 2009 Induction ceremony on Friday night. The thoughts of running home after the seminar, going back for rehearsal of the WiPHoF, then back home to get dolled up for the festivities, rapidly became impossible. I got a room at the Nugget and that took care of that. BTW: The rooms there are fabulous!
Sat: Super Satellite at the Nugget for the ladies. Top 10% of the field got a $1,340 package. I made it! So I went into the World Series of Poker ladies event on a freeroll (makes me a winner already!)
Sun: 2009 Ladies World Championship. 1,080 from around the world entered. I played for 12 hours and made it to the finals which begin in two hours. I am not yet in the money. We are at about 160 players and 116 will be paid. Send good positive energy and great gobs of luck!
I have a lot more to say about all of the above and details will be coming ... after life slows to a point that I can take a breath without a deadline. Stay tuned!

This Just In

2009-06-03T19:03:00.001-07:00

I just received thia email from Linda Johnson, The First Lady of Poker. Hope you can make it!

Hi,
I hope you don't mind me sending you this last-minute reminder, but with the WSOP and the High Heels Academy going on and so much to do, I wanted to make sure you don't forget about a very special event coming up this week. On Thursday, June 4, a tournament to benefit Pokergives.org will be held at the Golden Nugget at 7pm. Mike Sexton, one of the founders of Poker Gives will be on hand to greet everyone and host the event. The buy-in is $230...half the money will go into the prize pool and half will go to Poker Gives. To add value to the event, all players will receive a nice gift bag and the winner will receive a seat into the 2010 WPT Invitational, a Rockwell wristwatch, and prize money. Entry fees are tax deductible so please come and help a very worthwhile charity while having some fun too!

Susie, I would really appreciate it if you would tell everyone at your Camp about this and perhaps blog about it as well.

Linda JohnsonJust Pack - We'll Do the Rest!www.Cardplayercruises.com

The World Series of Poker - 2009

2009-05-31T11:40:00.000-07:00

There were masses of poker players and spectators at the Rio as the weekend $1000 event got close to the opening bell. Excitement was in the air. Comparable to a celebrity throwing out the baseball at the beginning of a play-off game, a celebrity always announces, "Shuffle Up and Deal." On Sat. May 30, that celebrity was Jack Binion who's Daddy, Benny Binion was the originator of the WSOP. Jeffrey Pollack, Commissioner of the WSOP did a fine introduction, Binion greeted the audience and shouted, "Shuffle Up and Deal!!" and we were off and running with a sell-out crowd of 6000 players! There will be two day ones with 3000 players each day.
I played my first event at the 2009 WSOP and it wasn't successful. Although 3000 in starting chips is way better than 1000, 1500, and 2000 (which we have been subject to in past years) it isn't enough to suffer one beat. You simply must win that first contested hand or you will be broke or nearly broke. For me, I waited almost two hours for that hand. I picked up pocket 10's in the BB. The bully at the table was two to my right, he could not have been in a worse place for me. He raised my blind, as usual. I thought about how to play this hand and decided to call his raise and see the flop. If it came with paints, I would check and fold, but if the flop was small, I would bet big. Low and behold the flop brought a was J, 3, 10! With my peripheral vision, I saw him make a slight move toward his chips. I bet $700 (pot size bet) in hopes he would raise. Rather, he just called. I hoped he had picked up a piece of the flop. The turn brought a Q. I bet $1000. He hesitated, thought about it and called. The river brought an Ace and I didn't like my set anymore. I checked, he checked. He had a damn 9 in his hand for the idiot end of the straight. I was left with $650. I moved in a few times and picked up the blinds, but I was out within 30 minutes of the carnage.
I went straight to the Satellite Room to discover a long line. I watched a bit and saw that the line was moving right along. I took my place at the end of the line and was delightfully surrounded by Southern accents. One nice fellow was from Bell Buckle, TN and a couple of guys were in from Greensboro, NC. I played two satellites and won both! I now have three tournament chips! (For you laymen, that value is $1500 - $500 per chip.) So, only 17 more to go if I save them for the main event!

The Gold Man Cometh

2009-05-30T09:50:00.000-07:00

My friend Gwen, who is also a great masseuse, (if you're ever in Vegas and want the best massage of your life, call me for her number) had been to a party where all the attendees brought their old, broken, and unwanted gold jewelry. Even good stuff and beautiful stuff, but old boyfriends or husbands had given it to them, so not only was there no sentimental value, it wasn't even pleasant to look at, much less wear! The Gold Man was there and paid them cash, on the spot. Now that sounded like a good idea to me and the word was that this man was honest and fair. A bit of cash is always welcome, so I contacted the Gold Man and set up a time for my own Gold Party. Of course, I can't have a party and not throw in a poker tournament so I sent out invitations for a "Golden Poker Party."
The Gold Man, Steve, arrived early to explain how it would all work. He would first test each piece and determine, first if it was gold, and what karat, and then weigh it, and add up his cash offer. Not knowing Steve, I had checked with my jeweler about the price he was offering. He said, "Very good price, take it!"
Steve's story is: He was in the jewelry business in New York for 40 years. He retired several years ago and moved to Las Vegas to enjoy life. One night, he was watching late night TV and saw that ad about "Send us your old gold and we'll send you a check." Out of curiosity, Steve sent a piece. Of course, he knew the value. He was shocked with their offer but knew that people were selling their old gold for such prices because the TV guy kept showing up. After some thought, Steve came up with the "Home Gold Party" idea and hence, a new business was born. He pays almost twice as much as the TV guy and to top it off, he is a very nice man - great energy. He gives party goers money and makes folks happy while generating some retirement income for himself.
My party was a roaring success. Afterward, I received an email from a friend that read:

Thanks again, to you and Hermie for hosting the Gold and Poker satellite. The only time I've left a poker event ahead when I wasn't in the money!! It was a really nice thing to do.
I'd love to take your class sometime. If you do one in town again, let me know since I'm working 9-6 Mon-Fri these days and would ask to take the day off work.
Best of lady luck to you and Sassy on Saturday!
Nancy

I left that part in about the class as I told Nancy about the High Heels Poker Academy on the 5th and 6th of June (see previous blog) and she is coming!
Anyway, everyone left with more money than they came with and everyone was happy! I had gold from way, way back and was hoping to realize $400 or $500, but I got much, much more!
If you want to host your own Gold Party (much more fun than a Tupperware Party) contact me.
BTW: I won that night's satellite. We awarded two seats to a Caesar's Deep Stack tournament. Susan Abraham won the other. She also decided to attend the HHPTA seminar. I love it! True students of the game.
Stay Tuned ...

BIG NEWS for the Ladies!

2009-05-28T10:44:00.000-07:00

If you live in Las Vegas or you have a visit planned, I have huge news. In an effort to be sure every seat is filled at the upcoming HHPTA, the following 2 for 1 offer is being made. Don't miss this girls. If you want to bring your game to the next level, join us for fun and poker education. If you're serious about your game, you should not miss this event.

UPCOMING EVENTS
SPECIAL BOGO!!!!!
Reserve One Seat/Get-One FREE!!!!!
High Heels Poker Tour Academy
2 DAYS, 6 PROS for the
“Ultimate Women’s Poker Academy”
The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas.
June 5th and 6th, 2009

The High Heels Poker Tour Academy (HHPTA) will be offering a 2-day all women’s poker academy on June 5th & 6th ,with poker pros Barbara Enright, Susie Isaacs, Karina Jett, Lisa Adams, , Marsha Waggoner and Kristy Gazes who will offer their insight, expertise, and experiences as the best in the industry. This is the first time, that an all women’s poker academy has brought so many world class female pros together to offer this one in a lifetime experience. With over 50 years of experience between them, these women can offer training that is unmatched.

Turning Stone Report

2009-05-21T16:37:00.000-07:00

My first visit to Turning Stone Resort, in central New York was memorable, to say the least. The casino is beautiful and the poker room, awesome. It is big, at least 30 tables.
My first High Heels Poker Academy was well received, again, to say the least. I had five students, Holly, Donna, Marilyn, Jodi (who came all the way from Florida), and Leslie. There is not much more rewarding for a teacher, coach, tutor, instructor, whatever you want to call me, the poker teacher, than to see a student "get it". The skill level of my fabulous five was about the same and by the end of the day, I believe they all had advanced as was proven to me in the High Heels Poker Tour Tournament the following day. Teacher didn't do so well, but both Donna and Leslie made the money! Leslie came in third for a nice payday and I am happy to say, she gave me a lot of credit. The following is from an email I received from her:

Susie,
My thanks goes to you. Boy did I learn a lot, especially in changing up my game. Not only has it paid off in the tournament but in the two local games I have played since the class. You will love this - one of the guys noticed my change in play and said what did Susie teach you - you are more dangerous than you were before.
Leslie

Some other noteworthy points from the seminar: Donna's husband (newlyweds), who she met online, gave her the seminar for her birthday. Donna was delighted when her X-sister and brother-in-law came to Turning Stone to spend some time with her. She had not seen them in 20 years but does keep in touch. "I divorced him," she explained, not his family!"
Leslie brags that her husband cost her $19.99 and was worth every penny. (She too met him online and had only paid for one month - $19.99!)
Marilyn's nickname prior to the seminar was the "Black Widow". My guess is because she put many a bad beat on many a guy with some bad play. Now she is even more dangerous because she is putting beats on them with her great play.
Holly Wilson's father came into our seminar several times during the day to "check on the pretty girls" and to flirt a little. The rest of the time, he spent in the poker room. Holly had given him a satellite for the Heartland Poker Tour for his birthday, which he won. He didn't win the tournament but he was interviewed on TV during the tournament. Did I mention he was 98 years-young, making him the oldest player ever in the Heartland Poker Tour! He was adorable.
I met some delightful ladies at the HHPT tournament. One, Theresa Baker has three kids. They, Alexa, 13, Cody, 16 and Wyatt, 10, pooled their resources and gave the poker seminar to their Mom for Mother's Day. BTW: their names all came from romance novels their Mom had read prior to their births.
I know the seminar helped my fab five with their game and interestingly, it also helped me. I must have listened to myself. Teaching often brings a lot of what I know to the forefront, when sometimes it's in the back of my mind and I don't put it to use. I played well, just didn't quite make the money.
During the tournament, an overly aggressive player (who didn't last long) made a bet that was entirely too big for the size of the pot. The way she had been playing, I felt sure I had the best hand with an under-pair and she didn't want me to call. As I thought about how she had been playing and how this hand came down, I needed to feel certain as the call would put me all-in and going broke to a weak player is a point of embarrassment to me. So, I contemplated. Finally, she said, "You must have read some poker books, with all your thinking." Most of the girls at the table laughed and one mumbled, "Are you kidding, she wrote the books!" I did call her big bet and I did win the pot and I did double up!
There was one rude player at the table. There usually is one unless you get real lucky. I figure this one was a heavy smoker (the way she smelled almost assures my assumption is correct.) In lieu of puffing away, she was chewing gum. No, she was chomping, smacking, slurping, popping and blowing bubbles. This is one of my BIG pet peeves, right up there with chewing tobacco and spitting at the table. I politely asked her if she could please lighten up on the chewing gum sound effects. She said something ugly and continued her assault on the gum. And then I realized, every now and then, she stopped chewing all together. At first I thought her jaws just needed a rest and then I realized, when she stopped chewing, she was bluffing or holding a weak hand, when she continued her gum sound effects, she had the goods. About the time I figured out her tell, she was broke and gone.
The next High Heels Poker Tour Academy will be in Las Vegas June 5 and 6. Five pros will be on hand to help you take your game to the next level. Please join us. See my May 11 blog for further information.

The Mentalist

2009-05-13T15:24:00.000-07:00

During my last home satellite, which by the way, Hermie and Joe Pane won, Joe and his lady, Sissy were telling us all about a show they had seen at Hooters Casino called "The Mentalist". Of course, when I heard that name, I am thinking of the cute blonde actor Simon Baker, who stars in CBS new hit, "The Mentalist." Wrong, this mentalist, they said, is the guy who CBS got the idea for their show from. It sounded intriguing.
A few days later, Joe called. He had scored four tickets and would I like to go and bring a friend. You bet 'cha. So off to Hooters we went. The show was great. This guy, Gerry, the Mentalist was absolutely amazing. Joe had wanted to see it a second time to see if he could figure out how this fellow did some of his "mind tricks." Beats me, but it was entertaining. To tell you more about this Las Vegas Mentalist, I went to the Internet and this is what his website had to say:

It all started in the 1980’s when Gerry was a headliner in Comedy Clubs across the country. He also specialized in entertaining at Fortune 500 corporate events and celebrity “A-List” parties.
Gerry has appeared on countless radio and TV talk shows including "Late Night with David Letterman," "The Today Show," “The Vegas Show,” “Soap Talk,” “Real Life” and "The Best Damn Sports Show Period."
In 2004 the Psychic Entertainers Association awarded Gerry for his “Outstanding Contributions to the Art of Mentalism.”
In the summer of 2004 Gerry performed his one man show to critical aclaim Off-Broadway in New York City.
In 2005 the Psychic Entertainers Association again awarded Gerry. This time he received “Mentalist of the Year.”
In June of 2005 Gerry moved his one man show to Las Vegas and signed a 3 week Las Vegas contract to perform at the Rampart Casino. The Las Vegas Review Journal readers poll voted Gerry’s show “Best Lounge Show” in all of Las Vegas.
Due to overwhelming ticket demand, Gerry continued to perform his show at the Rampart for over 47 sold out weeks before moving his show to the Legendary Stardust Casino. Gerry headlined there until the Stardust closed for implosion.
In June 2007 Gerry signed a 1 year, 1 million dollar deal to move his show to the brand new Hooters Casino Hotel. There the Las Vegas Review Journal readers poll nominated him “Best Magician” in all Las Vegas, beating David Copperfield and Penn and Teller.
In October 2007 Gerry starred in the reality television series “Phenomenon” with Criss Angel and Uri Geller.
In June 2008 the Chief Operating Officer of Hooters Casino Hotel presented Gerry with a diamond and ruby Presidential Rolex watch celebrating his 1 year anniversary at Hooters. It was also Gerry's 500th Las Vegas performance. Hooters announced Gerry's deal was extended another year keeping him performing at Hooters Casino until May 2009.
On August 25th 2008, the International Magicians Society presented Gerry with the “Merlin Award” for “Mentalist of the Year”. Gerry was the first mentalist in history to receive the Merlin award since the organizations inception in 1968.
In May 2009 Gerry moved his show to the prestigeous "V" Theater at the Planet Hollywood casino. Call 702-932-1818 for tickets.
Since he started headlining in Las Vegas in June 2005, Gerry has performed over 775 shows in Sin City.

I recommend this show.

PLEASE Join Us!

2009-05-11T15:35:00.000-07:00

2 DAYS, 5 PROS for the "Ultimate Women's Poker Academy"
The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas.June 5th and 6th, 2009
The High Heels Poker Tour Academy (HHPTA) will be offering a 2-day all women's poker academy on June 5th & 6th, with poker pros Barbara Enright, Susie Isaacs, Karina Jett, Lisa Adams, JJ Liu, and others who will offer their insight, expertise, and experiences as the best in the industry. This is the first time, that an all women's poker academy has brought so many world class female pros together to offer this one in a lifetime experience. With over 50 years of experience between them, these women can offer training that is unmatched.
Tuition to this academy includes a free entry into the June 10th's HighHeelsPokerTour Ladies Event at The Hard Rock Poker Lounge. Students, who participate, will benefit from a hand-by-hand instruction, individualized attention from the top female pros in the industry and leave with personal feedback from their instructors. The women who attend any academy will also receive promotional give-a-ways, prizes and much more. To reserve your seat to this once in a lifetime experience, go to www.highheelspokertouracademy.com and click on "academy registration".The High Heels Poker Tour (HHPT), the all women's poker tour will be holding a ladies only event at The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV on June 10th. This is the first HHPT ladies tournament event held at the new Hard Rock Poker Lounge. For more information on the tour, go to www.highheelspokertour.com

The Pink Posse Debuts

2009-05-05T14:44:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, Doralee Rae aka. Lady Pink got to live step one of a multi-step dream. She always wears a pink cowboy hat in poker competition. In living the Secret, several months ago, she decided to buy a dozen pink cowboy hats in a variety of sizes. When I heard about her pink hat purchase, I asked if I could buy one. "Sorry," she explained, "these hats are for my Pink Posse, but you are invited to be on my posse and wear one of the hats at the appropriate time." She went on to tell me that when she makes a final table at a big poker tournament, she would have her pink posse in pink cowboy hats rooting her on. Doralee did make a final ten, but not of a major poker tournament - with the Nevada Poker League. Though not a major accomplishment, it is certainly a great conquest to continuously win out of hundreds of players. Sort of a warm up to the majors. She happened to have some friends in from out of town so she had a Pink Posse dress rehearsal at Bootleg's Bennys in Las Vegas. One of those friends, who knew little about poker competition brought Doralee a pink wrist corsage! Like she was going to a poker prom! Very thoughtful, very sweet, and the first time I have ever seen a poker player compete, wearing a pink wrist corsage!
When we arrived and met her friends, I asked Doralee what the grand prize was. "Oh I think it's an inflatable kayak and some money," she answered. We all laughed as we thought she was making a joke. As it turned out, that was the second prize, first was a weekend at Belligo and cash. And the winners were:
1st – Denis McManus
2nd – Judy Rothnagel
Lady Pink's Pink Posse dress rehearsal was great fun. For the "real thing" (a major tournament) I hope not to be available. I plan to be at that final table with her!
In case you live in Las Vegas, check out the NV Poker League. It is a lot of fun, nice folks, and you can win a lot for a little. I will be attending many of these events and will happen to have my books and other poker stuff on sale.
I gave "The Tenacious Ten" (the top scorers from the first NV Poker League series) a copy of my tournament book, MsPoker, I'm Not Bluffing, Book Two. I told them, you can exchange this for another of my books, if you already have this one, or if you know all there is to know about tournament poker - but you cannot return it for a refund!

HOORAY!

2009-05-04T14:10:00.000-07:00

On the subject of Online Gamblingin General, Poker in Particular, this is an excerpt from an article I just read:

Representative Barney Frank, D-Massachusetts, attempted to bring forth legislation to overturn the ban in 2007, but was unable to do so because of conservatives who considered gambling not only immoral, but perhaps even an issue of national security. Because of the new administration – led by a President who plays poker himself – it is thought that the atmosphere now might be more amenable to a repeal.

Press Release

2009-05-01T13:27:00.000-07:00

This press release just found it's way to me. It was released a few weeks ago:

High Heels Poker Tour and Academy
A NEW PHASE IN THE WOMEN'S POKER MARKET
is coming to Verona, NY at Turning Stone Casino Resort as part of the East Coast Poker Championship May 15th and 16th, 2009
The High Heels Poker Tour and Academy will be offering a 1-day all women's poker academy with poker pro Susie Isaacs who will offer her insight, expertise and experiences as a professionally ranked poker player.
Susie Isaacs is best known for
Being the first woman to win the World Series of Poker ladies championship back-to-back in 1996 and 1997.
In 1998, placed 10th in the World Series of Poker $10,000 event vying for the one million dollar first prize.
Isaacs became the second woman in history to accomplish such an outstanding finish.
She holds the record for most times in the money at the World Series of Poker ladies event.
2008 Fall Classic Golden Nugget Ladies Championship,
Winner Championship at the 2008 Wildhorse Poker Round-Up.
Her high achievements in competitive poker and the poker industry resulted in her being one of only four women in the world to be inducted into the Women in Poker Hall of Fame in 2008.
In the spring of 2008, she will be inducted into the Seniors Poker Hall of Fame.
Isaacs has written poker related articles and stories under the title of "Chip Chatter" that have appeared in a variety of magazines since 1988.
In 1999 Isaacs had her first book published. Entitled MsPoker: Up Close and Personal.
Her newer books are 1,000 Best Poker Strategies and Secrets, MsPoker: I'm Not Bluffing, a two-book set, and Queens Can Beat Kings.
Her latest literary offering is her first novel titled, White Knight, Black Nights, Poker is Skill, Life is the Gamble. In addition to Ms. Isaacs, the HHPTA has a number of other professional female poker players on their teaching staff including Barbara Enright, JJ Liu, Karina Jett, and Kristy Gazes, just to name a few. Tuition to this academy is $495 and includes a free-roll into Saturday's HighHeelsPokerTour Ladies Event. Women, who participate in upcoming academies, will benefit from a hand-by-hand instruction, individualized attention from the top female pros in the industry and leave with personal feedback from their instructor. The women who attend any academy will also receive promotional give-a-ways, prizes and much more. The High Heels Poker Tour (HHPT), the all women's poker tour will be holding a ladies only event during the East Coast Poker Championship at Turning Stone Casino Resort in Verona, NY on May 16th. The buy-in for this tournament is $180 starting at 1 pm. This is the third HHPT ladies tournament event held at Turning Stone Resort Casino.

Last Days at Pendleton

2009-04-26T16:01:00.001-07:00

The Spring Wildhorse Poker Round-Up in Pendleton, Oregon, is winding down. I didn't do anything phenomenal this go round but all of my poker partners scored and we all trade a percentage. So, with their contributions to my bankroll, I did OK.
Linda Johnson and Jan Fisher always "donate" a one hour poker seminar for the ladies the morning before the ladies tournament. Of course the guys bitch and some even sneak in, so this time, they added an open seminar to their busy schedules, About 70 players attended and seemed to enjoy. There were a lot of laughs and a lot of important poker strategy was discussed. Interestingly, there was not a single "young gun" in the audience, Personally, I go to every seminar I am exposed to. If I only get one tip or hint or reminder of something I am doing that I shouldn't be doing or something I am not doing that I need to incorporate into my game, it's terrific. Linda Johnson has told me the same thing about herself. She also confided that the night before the seminar, she had asked some of the young ones (they can play at 18 here) if they would be attending. The response was, "Naw, don't feel like I need it."
"I would like to go to one of their seminars," Linda said. Do these folks realize what a WPT Seminar cost?? And they volunteer here at the Wildhorse!
If you have ever been on a cruise, poker or otherwise, you may remember that at dinner on the last night, all the service people in the dining room serenade the patrons with a farewell song. Low and behold, there wasn't a dealer in the box right before the cards were in the air for the last tournament. They all came marching in, lined up, with big boss Roland Waters in the center to bid us a fond farewell in song. Within minutes, of their surprise performance, this was on Utube. Go to Utude and search for "Wildhorse Poker Dealer's Choir," In case you can't make out the words, they are as follows: "And here we go again, With all the hands we dealt, And not a minute spent, To think that we'd regret, Looks like it's over, We knew you couldn't stay, Thanks for coming, anyway ..."

Russ Hamilton in Pendleton, Oregon??

2009-04-23T16:52:00.000-07:00

I hate to get knocked out of a poker tournament early (third round), but sometimes, it turns out OK. I saw Linda Johnson leaving the tournament area and five minutes later, I was behind her; just in time to join her and Poker Picture Lady, Laurie, for a jaunt to town. Laurie drives a cute little Mustang that has one of those backseats that is so tiny a two-year-old would be squished. Well, no question, Linda laid claim to the front seat so I managed to wiggle, turn, squnch, bend and squish to get into the backseat. That wasn't too bad as I could sit long way on the seat. IF I had to sit with my legs in front of me, they would have been amputated. But that wasn't the hard part. Getting me out was a horse of another story. I won't even go into detail, except to say, Laurie suggested putting the top down rather than calling the fire department with the jaws of life.
Linda used to be my boss and we always had fun. Now that she isn't my boss, we have more fun. If you go anywhere with Linda Johnson and don't laugh, you either aren't listening or you are a sour puss. I couldn't believe it when we walked into one the many antique shops on Main Street and there was Russ Hamilton, playing a guitar and singing a country song. It turned out to be local, Grant Spears, who is a dead ringer for Russ. We thought he was Russ, he thought Linda was the lady on the World Poker Tour. We were wrong, he was right.
Linda and Jan will be hosting a seminar in the morning. LJ has invited Grant to come and sit at the head table and not say a word. Everyone will believe that Russ is on property, I promise.
An afternoon with Linda and Laurie is fun and full of the unexpected. Downtown Pendleton: I love it: think of Mayberry or any small town, 1950's USA. They even have a toy store right off main street and I am not talking 'Toys-r-Us"- and that's all I'm going to say about that.

A Breakthrough!

2009-04-20T15:11:00.000-07:00

Finally, I broke the ice and landed in the money. Only 31st out of almost 500, but it was a payday. Now to go further, last longer, and make a real hunk of hundreds.
My friend and former poker student, Tonia Williams came all the way from Tampa, Florida for her first Pendleton experience. Let me assure you, she is having a fine, winning, good time. But not at the poker tables. One of the things I teach is not to have "holes in your game." A hole is gambling in the pit and most often losing what you make at the poker table and more. Tonia has been tearing them up in the pit, winning a lot at blackjack and at the craps table. This convinces me that I need to change my own rules. I still say the crap table is a dark, deep, money sucking hole, but the blackjack is another story. Joe Pane, one of the best blackjack players in the world is teaching a few friends his card counting method. Joe is so good that he is black-balled from most Las Vegas casinos. That is one hell of a compliment to a professional blackjack player but not so good for the income of said player. I am just not enough of a mathematician to be able to keep up and concentrate and count at the blackjack table. Tonia is a CPA, that says a lot about her success.
Maxwell is here with his true love, the famous Barbara Enright. He is having a good time and no, I did not make the picture. Barb was kind enough to share.
Stay tuned for more Pendleton Reports.

More on High Heels Poker Academy

2009-04-18T19:39:00.000-07:00

OK, if you are interested in the academy or the follow-up ladies poker tournament at Turning Stone, go to www.Highheelpokertour.com, scroll to bottom of page and there it is! Hope to see you there!

Some News from Pendleton

2009-04-18T09:45:00.000-07:00

It isn't the kind of news I would love to be writing, like how much I am winning. Actually, I have won a few bucks, but only because my poker partners are winning! So far, Bonnie Leinhos, Barbara Enright, Marsha Waggoner, and Vince Burgio have all scored. Vince, with a 7th place, is the best so far. And I had a little piece of all of them, as they do me. Now it is my turn. It's so fun to win money and then get the thrill of "sharing the wealth."
I do have some Susie i news. It has been confirmed that I will be teaching an all day seminar at Turning Stone on Friday, May 15. Details as they become available. So far, all I know is that I have a flight to New York on May 14 so I will be there and hope you are too. It is not yet posted on http://www.highheelspokertour.com/ but it will be soon, so if you're interestedm stay tuned.
Joe Pane is here with his gal Sissy. They are doing some live broadcast for http://www.holdemradio.com/. He will be broadcasting "live" the final table of the main event on Sunday, April,26. Joe asked me if I would be a guest, I told him that I would rather be at that final table and he can be talking about me!