Ask A Pro
Thursday, March 19, 2009 - smokin_aces
Last week we announced that Debo34 would be answering this weeks ‘Ask a Pro’ question.
The question that Debo chose to answer (by default 
is the most non poker related question we’ve had so far. It has to do with getting a little ‘tipsy’ while playing poker, and whether or not this is something that should be done. Debo34 gives some great wisdom. Every poker player that enjoys the odd dose of spirits has been faced with the question. To drink or not to drink. Sure it can loosen you up, but that is not always good!
Check out Debo’s response in the thread here. http://blog.ultimatebet.com/2009/03/pro-debo34-2/#comments
Check back tomorrow (Friday) afternoon to see who is answering next weeks question. You can take your shot at getting direct poker insights from an Ultimate Bet pro.
GL
Aces
Tags: Ask A Pro, Debo34
Comments (1)
Thursday, March 12, 2009 - smokin_aces
Gary ‘Debo34′ Debernardi is one of our online pros here at Ultimate Bet. You can see him in tournaments of all shapes and sizes and his poker knowledge is vast.
This week you can ask Debo34 a question in the comments section of this blog and one lucky reader will get their question answered by Debo34 next Thursday.
Check out his Bio at Ultimatebet.com.
All you need to do is ask Debo34 a question in the comments section of this blog post.
So fire away and learn from an Ultimate Bet pro!
Tags: Ask A Pro, Debo34, online poker pros, Poker Strategy
Comments (7)
Thursday, February 12, 2009 - smokin_aces
In last week’s ‘Ask a Pro’, we announced Annie Duke would be answering this week’s question.
Blog reader ‘Ulimate Poker’ asked this great question.
“I would like to know what factors you considered when redesigning the tournament schedule at UltimateBet?”
Here is what Annie Duke had to say.
“That is an easy question to answer because the main and most overriding factor in designing the tournament schedule is the players’ wishes. I truly believe that you cannot be successful in this business if you do not give the players what they want.
When I initially started reworking the tournament schedule I reached out to both the online pros associated with UB such as Debo and P0ker H0 and the Pocket Fives community to really get a bead on what the online poker community wants in a tournament schedule (balancing that with the size of UB and what tournaments it can realistically support).
One really successful example of this is the addition last summer of the $25+2.50 tournament at 9:20 pm eastern every night. That was a tournament that was completely requested by the players. The players practically petitioned for it! We started off at a $7500 guarantee and it has grown ever since now doing over $10K per night.
Another great example is the $1K weekly event. We started that off on Thursday nights with a $100K guarantee but had trouble making that guarantee each week. A bunch of the high limit players spoke to me and told me they would much rather have the event on Wednesday. Stupid me, I thought the $80K on Wednesday would interfere with the $1K but the high limit players told me they like to play more than one tournament at once and that they also like taking Thursday and Fridays off! So I listened to them, moved the event to Wednesday and now BOTH tournaments are doing better. The $1K did a record over $200K last week and the $80K broke $100K for the very first time.
Listening to the players is definitely a win-win. The players are happier and the site is happier too!”
Join us next week when we welcome back Scott Ian to Ask a Pro. Scott Ian, guitarist of Anthrax and talented Ultimate Bet pro has answered here before. So look forward to getting a one on one dialogue with the Poker’s Rock and Roll heavyweight, Scott Ian.
To ask Scott Ian a question, enter your question directly into the comments section of this blog.
ASK SCOTT IAN A QUESTION NOW!
GL
Aces
Tags: Annie Duke, Ask A Pro, Poker Strategy, Scott Ian, tournament structure
Comments (4)
Thursday, February 5, 2009 - smokin_aces
This week’s ‘Ask A Pro’ is with Tracy “FATCATS” Scala. Most of you are familiar with his track record here at Ultimate Bet. Now one lucky UB Blog reader has been selected by Tracy for a one on one Q & A session.
Our blog reader dp_burnsy asked this of Tracy “FATCATS” Scala.
“Hey Tracy,
I’ve been a huge fan of yours since Season One of the Best Damn Poker Show. Actually, I’ve seen you in many big events but you manage to avoid the spotlight for the most part. Nice work, i get the sense you play solely for the love of the game.
Anyway, my question is in two parts and the first is this. When you first sit down to a table, do you have any sort of checklist that you go through to assess the field? Also, when you’re deciding whether to get into a hand, do you have a checklist in terms of what things help you decide to play the hand or not?
Basically I’m trying to become a more disciplined player, and i’ve heard that this approach can help.
Thanks!
DP”
Here’s Tracy’s answer.
“Thank you for your question-it is a good one. I do not have a specific check list when I first sit down at a table to play but I definitely make assessments about my opponents often based on very limited information. I immediately start to label each player with broad titles such as amateur or pro, loose or tight, weak or aggressive and so on. Sometimes the way they play a single hand, something they say or even the way they are dressed is enough to make my initial judgment. I stick with my decisions until their play proves me wrong.
When deciding which hands to play in tournament poker, all good players assess numerous variables. For me, position is the most important factor. I would much rather play any two random cards on the button than A7 under the gun! Another important consideration of mine is whether or not any of my opponents have already shown strength in the hand. For example, I will almost always raise with KJ in the cutoff but seldom call with it.
Being a disciplined poker player is important but I would caution you against trying to apply a checklist to every situation. I feel that poker is a game with so many variables that is impossible to be played the same every time. I think the players that are able to look at each situation as a unique challenge and make intelligent, well thought out decisions every time are the ones that succeed in poker.
I hope this was helpful. Thank you for your question.
Tracy Scala”
Next week the ‘Ask A Pro’ blog is coming full circle. Annie Duke was the first Ultimate Bet Poker Pro featured for ‘Ask A Pro’ and now she’s back to answer one lucky question. To ask your question to Annie Duke, simply enter it into the comments section of this blog post by Sunday Feb 8 at 8 PM EST.
Then check back next Thursday to see if your question was chosen by Annie Duke!
Ask Annie Duke a question now!
Tags: Annie Duke, Ask A Pro, Poker Strategy, poker tournament strategy, Tracy "Fatcats" Scala
Comments (3)
Friday, January 30, 2009 - smokin_aces
Next week we’ll be treated to an answer by Ultimate Bet Pro Tracy “FATCATS” Scala. I’m sure you’re all quite familiar with Tracy’s proven track record of poker success. He has many top finishes in both online poker and in various WSOP and WPT tournaments. As well, he finished in first place during the first season of the Best Damn Poker Show. Tracy Scala is a calculating player with stacks of experience.
Don’t miss your oppourtunity to get your question answered by Tracy Scala. Post your question in the comments section of this blog post by this Sunday at 8pm EST. Then check back next Thursday to see if Tracy chose your question.
Ask Tracy Scala a question now!
GL
Aces
Tags: Ask A Pro, Best Damn Poker Show, Poker Strategy, Tracy "Fatcats" Scala, WPT, WSOP
Comments (3)
Thursday, January 29, 2009 - smokin_aces
Last week we announced that Adam “Roothlus” Levy was going to answer the Pro Question this week. We received one question so potentially enlightening, Adam just HAD to choose it.
The question was posed by paulodiablo and is as follows.
“Hey Roothlus, I’ve got a couple of questions for you. You’re pretty well known in the online community for your success at tournament play. What’s a good ROI and in-the-money statistic for a decent winning tournament player online… or what should a player be aspiring for statistically? Also when you were crafting your game, how did you go about assessing your own gaps and weaknesses, and put together a plan to remedy them?”
And here is Adam ‘Roothlus’ Levy’s response.
“Hey paulodiablo,
Thanks for the question. I’ll do my best to answer it. While I can give you a ballpark figure, there really is no correct answer as to when an ROI(return on investment) starts becoming a ‘good’ ROI. I’d say that if you have more than a 40% ROI over a decent sample size that’s a good ROI. In the past games were a little bit softer so I would’ve said 50% 2 years ago but nowadays with more people having an understanding of the game, things have gotten a little tougher. A good ITM (in-the-money) would be 15% although theoretically you could have a 40% ITM rate and still have a negative ROI. So what I’m getting at is, your ROI is your bottom line and is all that should matter. Yes, looking at your ITM and other stats are fun to look at but nothing is more truthful on how much you make than your ROI.
When I was coming up through the ranks circa 2005 I would constantly watch the top players at the time and see what they did that I didn’t. I’d also talk to many players about the game. One thing you can do to point out some of your leaks is review hand histories and see if there was anything you could’ve done differently. Sometimes I would ask players their opinions of me just to get some outside perspective. In order to improve as a poker player you must be humble enough to admit that you need to improve. Sounds kind of obvious but ego can get in the way of things sometimes. Hope this answered your questions and good luck at the tables.
–Adam Levy a.k.a Roothlus”
A big thanks goes out to both paulodiablo and Adam Levy for being a part of this week’s Ask A Pro.
Be sure to check back tomorrow, and every Friday afternoon to find out who next weeks ‘Ask A Pro’ guest will be.
GL
Aces
Tags: Adam "Roothlus" Levy, Ask A Pro, paulodiablo, Poker Strategy
Comments (2)
Friday, January 23, 2009 - smokin_aces
Greeting to all the poker players out there. The ‘Ask A Pro’ blog is now fully operational again and we’re looking forward to continuing our series. The ‘Ask a Pro’ blog had a great response from our readers so now that we’ve let our pros have a much deserved breather, we’re back and ready for your amazing questions.
In case you’re checking this out for the first time, ‘Ask A Pro’ is your chance to speak directly with a different Ultimate Bet pro each week. Each Friday afternoon we’ll announce which pro will answer one lucky question. All you have to do to enter is write your question in the comments section of the Friday post by no later than 8pm EST each Sunday. Each week one lucky reader will have their question selected by the pro. The ‘Ask a Pro’ answer will be posted each Thursday afternoon.
This week, we’re excited to announce Adam Levy as the ‘Ask A Pro’ host. Adam is no stranger to the game and is well poised to bring you his specific blend of tride, tested and true poker insights.
Ask Adam Levy a question now!!
GL
Aces
Tags: Ask A Pro, Poker Strategy, reader response
Comments (2)
Thursday, December 25, 2008 - smokin_aces
As a special holiday treat, this week Phil has chosen a question to answer.
Racer submitted a very well thought out, in depth question that Phil answered in two parts.
Racer
“Hi Phil! I have a question about pot odds, fold equity, and big stack play.
For example: say you have above avg. stack, final few tables with the blinds 2,4k., and fairly tight table.
You are in position to make a raise from the button,no callers behind you, with the SB and BB slightly less than you. Say your holding something like A,10,or less, or maybe K,Q, or even small PP. Because this situation looks like a ’steal’, do you ever have the mindset of ’sizing’ your raise in regards to the blinds stack, in case of a re-shove from your opponent so your getting around 2:1 on your money?”
Phil Hellmuth
“Absolutely, if i have a real hand like A-10 or K-Q on the button, then a lot of times I will make a big raise, like to 16 or even 20K to show that I have something, and that I’m committed to play for a reraise. Then again, i may decide that A-10 on the button is good enough for me, and open for 12k with the intent of calling a shove. I use the second tactic when I feel a player is super aggressive and pretty loose with his move ins.”
Racer
“On the flip side, in a similar situation (except possibly a few seats away from the button)do you have the mindset leaving yourself some fold equity in case of a re-shove?
Im sure sure table dynamics and reads on opponents plays a huge part of this, but i just find my big stack play could use some improving, so maybe some helpful hints and some insight from the worlds greatest player could help!”
Phil Hellmuth
“Well, generally speaking, if I’m playing tight, then they know i have something when i pop it up. Assuming a reraise, then at that point I do trust my reads, and that is the part that I cannot teach, the part that you need to improve through practice, practice, practice. I have made calls with K-Q (no too often), thinking that they have 9-9 or 10-10, and when I’m right—most of the the time—I look pretty good. i have also folded A-Q, and looked pretty good when they show A-K. Reads are what separates the greatest players from the great players. If you are weak on reading ability, then you can still use a reasoned, well though out, and primarily mathematical approach. In general, when they reraise you, assuming that you’re playing tight, then they have a strong hand. Especially in deep stack poker, and especially late in the tournament.
Let me take a moment to wish everyone out there Happy Holidays! May we all be blessed and have great 2009’s!”
Tags: Ask A Pro, big stack play, Fold Equity, happy holidays, Phil Hellmuth, Pot Odds, Pro Answers, table dynamics
Comments (7)
Friday, December 19, 2008 - smokin_aces
Our Ultimate Bet Pros are your ideal resource for more than just poker strategy improvements. Since they spend the majority of their time in pursuit of the Ultimate poker experience, they’re your best source for ALL things poker. Whether it’s Annie Duke giving pointers for borderline hands in a poker tournament, HollywoodDave lending bankroll management insights, Scott Ian giving his well learned advice for fast tracking poker skill advancement, Shawn Rice sharing wisdom on shifting gears in a tournament, you can find it all here. And if you don’t, YOU CAN ASK YOUR OWN QUESTION!
We at Ultimate Bet enjoy a good celebration once in a while, especially when it’s to mark a momentous occasion. To add even more excitement to this Holiday Season, none other than living legend himself, Phil Hellmuth will be the ‘Ask A Pro’ host next week. Coincidentally it happens to fall on December 25th! Those of you planning to enjoy the festivities will have one more special gift waiting under the digital tree.
Phil Hellmuth obviously needs no introduction. Since our good friend paulodiablo has gone sun seeking for the next 3 weeks, we need more participation from the shy ones! We know you’re out there, and like any poker enthusiast, we know you’ve got questions. To get your shot at speaking directly to Phil Hellmuth, enter your question in the comments section of this blog post by Sunday December 21st at 8 pm EST. Then check back on Dec 25th to find out if Phil chose your question.
Ask Phil Hellmuth a question now!
GL
Aces
Tags: Annie Duke, Ask A Pro, Hollywood Dave, Phil Hellmuth, Scott Ian, ShawnRice
Comments (9)
Thursday, December 18, 2008 - smokin_aces
I’ve actually started creating a little online library of poker tips from the last month of ‘Ask A Pro’. We have an extra special pro coming up in the near future so stay tuned!
This week we have Ultimate Bet Pro Shawn Rice as our guest. Our resident Ultimate Bet Blog contributer paulodiablo yet again comes through with a great question. He even had the grace to hold off for a few days in hopes more blog readers would jump at the chance to get their voices heard by the pros.
Here’s paulodiablo’s question for Shawn Rice.
“Shawn, this question relates to your article on shifting gears in tourney play. You mentioned the bubble and shorthanded as good times to open up the amount of hands you play. What hands would you consider playing in these situations that you wouldn’t when playing tight? Also what guidelines for stack size and blind rations do you use for making moves?”
And now Shawn’s answer.
“First off with your question about bubble situations there is no easy answer to this. The best way to chip up in these situations is to try and get away with what others at your table will allow. If you are playing the Sunday 200K for example and you are near the money bubble and everyone is playing very careful and trying to not get involved in many pots because they really want to cash because many people satellited into the event for much less than the $215 entree fee. Take advantage of this and open your starting range a little wider. Say you would never raise UTG with a hand like A 10 with 8 others behind you, Now that you know everyone is playing super careful and no chance you would get called by someone with lets say AQ or someone with a small or even a medium size pair because they don’t want to get involved til everyone is in the money without a really big hand these are situations to look for. You might even want to not even raise a full 3 times the big blind either, Maybe if you raise 2.5 times the big blind and do this more often you will find yourself winning lots more uncontested pots. You want to be able to raise the least amount and be able to get the desired results, This is always the case throughout the tournament.
.
Your other question about “What guidelines for stack size and blind rations do you use for making moves?”
It is well known everyone feels really desperate at 10 times the big blind, Because if you raise most any pot you will be getting such a good price that folding is probably not going to be a great option for you. With that being said you will often be getting called because they know your range of hands you are likely to play is quite wide. What I have done to adapt to this is I feel very desperate at 15 times the big blind. I get lots more respect because they think I must have a hand because they don’t see me as being desperate. Even if I get a little lucky and double up when I am at 15x. I will now be well over 30x counting all the blinds and antes and possible limpers in the pot. If I was say to wait til I was 7 or 8 times the big blind and get lucky enough to double up, I am still somewhat desperate and it’s true you will very likely have to get a little lucky to win a large field poker tourney. I rather be in a situation of when this does happen to me, I am still not desperate. When you are 30 times the big blind (30x) you can raise and if you get reraise you can fold and still not be desperate. If you are around the 20x you can now reraise others and now they can fold to you pretty easy if that have as many chips as you do. So I am often looking for places to reraise when I am around 20x. When I am 15x or less I know I am going to play for all of my chips and my decision process is alot easier, It’s mainly all or nothing. I often get asked if I have a big hand at like 12x should I just call or do a small raise to entice action. I like to not let my hand value determine how I play the hand. I would shove with 88 there so if I start only 3 betting with AA, later I will be easier to read, If you shove with AA there when you are 12x, It look weak anyways and you are libel to get a weak call with lets say 10 10 or even AQ.
These are little secrets that work for me. With that being said there are always exceptions to the rules. When my table is playing very fast and there is lots of raising going on, I lay back and play a much tighter range of hands because I know when I do pick up a hand I will get it paid off. If I go through a long drought of not picking up any hands i will see who is running without the ball pretty often and play my tight image against them and “tax them” for playing to many hands with a reraise and I am likely to get the respect I deserve and still maintain a nice chip stack. Always be aware of your image as well as others at the table and use this to your advantage.
Proud UB Team Member
Shawn Rice”
Check back at the regular time tomorrow to see which Ultimate Bet pro will be answering the question next week. As well, follow paulodiablo’s lead and grab your chance to have a question answered by a real live pro.
GL
Aces
Tags: Ask A Pro, ShawnRice
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