Game Review

Just wanted to say something about a new game I recently purchased.

I got "Stacked" with Daniel Negraneau a few weeks back and I have been really impressed.

There are not a lot of bells and whistles, but if you want it for the poker, then it is a good game.

The graphics are solid and the AI adapts to your play over the course of a session or tournament.

The AI players don't have tells but they do have personalities and behaviours that you can read and exploit.

Hold'em (Limit and No Limit) is the only game in town on Stacked, but there are many options in terms cash games and tournaments.

There are limits to how fast you can accelerate the play when it is not your turn (unlike the WSOP XboX game), but I find this makes you play better, because you watch more closely.

The only major downside is how easy it is to steal from almost any position. Unless the AI player is a lunatic of has a monster pair, doubling the BB is usually enough to get everyone to fold. Also, no one shows their cards unless they have to. This is frustrating because I know the AI is capable of bluffing.

Anyway, it is a good play. I recommend it.

Later,

R

Working On The Foundation

I have always been one to take my hobbies seriously. Don't get me wrong, I am not going psychotic here, but when I do something I like to do well, so I often research and practice.

I am back on another short break from playing while I revisit the basics of position, hand selection, betting patterns, board textures, outs, pot odds and so-on. Why all the trouble you ask? Well, thanks for asking.

I have certain goals set for this coming Christmas break. I plan on making a couple of trips to the casino.

1. I am going to play in two, $55 buy-in, 60 person NL tournaments. I am trying to make the final table both times and make the money at least once. (hey why not shoot high? After all I want to be good, don't I?)

2. I also plan to play at a $3-$6 limit table for a couple of hours. I will play for a set amount of time or until I bust out. My plan, obviously is to come out ahead. If I double my initial buy-in, I will quit. Period!

And hey, If anyone I know wants to come along for a tournament, let me know, we will have some fun. I know the wife wants to play in one. Man, is she going to be cranky when I bust her out.

Later,

R

Patient & Relaxed

Well, I sort of took a few days off from play. I was pretty certain that my problem was playing too many hands and getting involved out of position. I put that theory to the test last night as an informal game developed with a few people I had not played with before. AND what better way to test out this theory than going card dead the entire night.

The best hands I managed were K-10 off suit and A-10 suited (the hand that knocked me out). I did manage to hit a full house with a Q-9 in the big blind, but I can"t take much credit for that. (Oh yeah, I found out that this post page does not like the apostrophe).

In a 9 person tournament that lasted about 2 hrs and 15 minutes, I went out 3rd (just in the money). Sadly, my steal attempt wascalled by a A-5 off, and the turn paired their 5. Oh well. Insult to injury, the next short stack was eliminated on the next hand, ending the tournament. I was pretty happy over all. I played well against a number of opponents who are not much for letting you steal or see cards for cheap.

The best part is we had a lot of fun. This is the 3rd night I have hosted since September (2 official), and it is always a blast. I am really looking forward to the next "last Friday", as the league sorts itself out and really starts to take off.

R