PokerBrit’s Blog

PokerBrit talks with PokerStars pro Barry Greenstein about learning poker.

It’s on! SpadeClub has put a bounty on my head.  Play alongside me, and if you bust me out while I’m in the money – you get my cash! Plus, you’ll get to add the new exclusive Bust-a-Brit badge to your collection of poker achievements.  I love my badge, and I’m not giving it up without a fight.  So, bring your best game.

Brit asks David Grey about learning poker.

During the 2008 Five-Diamond World Poker Classic, I had the opportunity to sit down with poker icon Mike Sexton, who gave me advice and tips on how to proceed as a brand-new poker player. Not only has Sexton won several tournaments, including a World Series of Poker bracelet, but he is also the host of the World Poker Tour TV broadcasts. He is known as “The Ambassador of Poker,” for all of the work he has done promoting the game I am coming to love. With all this poker experience and knowledge under his belt, I just knew that he’d give me great advice.

Sexton spoke with me about the most common mistake he sees amateur players make – calling their money off too much. He said, “It’s all about betting in poker, and the bettor has a bigger advantage over the person who’s calling. Betting gives you a 2-to-1 ratio over calling, because you can win a pot by betting and the other person throwing away their hand, or simply by having a better hand. By calling, you only have one way of winning – having the best hand. Amateur players typically call their money off too much. Once you understand the concept that betting gives you an advantage over calling, you’ll be a much better poker player.”

Sexton taught me that by being more aggressive and less passive with my chips I’m actually giving myself an advantage in the game. I’ll definitely be applying Sexton’s advice the next time I play, since I have been one of those players who didn’t realize the advantage betting gave me. There has always been a part of me that has been a bit intimidated by betting because I don’t want to risk too many chips in any one pot - I had no idea I was actually taking more of a risk by not betting.

Justin gives Brit some tips for the new player.

As a rookie poker player, you can’t be reminded enough to play tight and aggressive – especially when you are out of position. My good friend and SpadeClub’s own poker room manager, SCKenny, gave me a beginning poker lesson yesterday. We talked about the type of play I should be focusing on, since I’m a poker newbie. Kenny said, “When you’re in position, you’re in the best place to make a decision about your hand. However, when you’re out of position you need to play tight and aggressive.” Since, the button moves clockwise you are “in position” when the button is on you or has passed you, but is still close to your left. You are “out of position” when the button is coming up or moving close to you. I didn’t know the importance of varying the strength of my hand based on my position at the table, I utilized this knowledge yesterday afternoon while playing in a one table sit & go on SpadeClub.com. For me, playing tight and aggressive, especially in early position worked.  Although, I didn’t make it into the money I placed 4^th. One small step for a poker newbie J. I feel lucky to have a place like SpadeClub.com where I can get the practice I clearly need with out having to put anything at risk.

PokerBrit sits down for an exclusive chat with Jennifer Harman.

SpadeClub will be opening a new online store shortly and wants influence from the poker community. Express your creativity by designing the first SpadeClub member t-shirt to be sold in the store! All members can participate, and the 1^st place winner will receive one year of Exclusive membership, a free “myDesign” T-shirt, and the accomplishment of knowing your shirt will be purchased by other members of the poker community. You have until 02/22/09 to submit your designs – so, get started now! To view submissions and learn more, visit SpadeClub’s promotion page.