2008 January | All Africa Poker Blog

January | 2008 | All Africa Poker Blog

All Africa Poker Tournament Season 11 premiers this week!

Jan.30, 2008

It was a marathon 32 hours of poker which culminated in the 11th All Africa Poker winner and instant Millionaire. With 111 entries all vying for the title, the players comprised a mix of some familiar faces as well as many new and eager participants, with some very competent ladies proving that there are fists of steel under those velvet gloves.

Regulars to the tournament such as Ray Rahme, Peter Vermaas, Ryan Eber and Ilija Martinovic made their way down to Piggs Peak, Swaziland. “Living up to our reputation of being the richest poker tournament in Africa, we are pleased that we could create yet another instant poker millionaire,” says Wendy Graaf, Group Marketing Manager of Piggs Peak Casino, Swaziland. “But most of all, it was a fun weekend of poker, and the freeze-out format of this tournament was enjoyed by all. We are looking forward to welcoming everyone back on the 28th of February 2008.”

To see who took part in the prestigious event, as well as who was crowded All Africa Poker champion, and which 3 player’s earned their place as a member of Team All Africa Poker, to wing their way to the 2008 World Series of Poker, Las Vegas … watch the latest season of All Africa Poker – November 2007 series premiering this week on the All Africa Poker Channel, DSTV Channel 393 at 9pm week nights.

Go to http://www.allafricapoker.com/calendar.aspx for further information of the All Africa Poker Channel programme line up.

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Category: AAPT 2008

Purity on the Poker Table

Jan.30, 2008

Am I a poker purist? I consider myself an old school kind of guy despite the fact that I’m a poster child for Generation X. When I first started playing poker in casinos, I was the youngest person at the table. I was in my early 20s and most of the fellows and gals I played with were retired. The game of choice back then was Seven Card Stud. The other players were all three times my age. I basically learned how to conduct myself in a poker room from their examples. The elders of poker have taught me well and over the last decade, I have adopted their professional attitude at the table. Does that make me a poker purist by default?

What exactly is a poker purist? Most purists are knowledgeable of poker etiquette, act in a respectful manner towards other players, and adhere to the general rules of poker. Robert Ciaffone published Robert’s Rules of Poker” which is the definitive guide for all poker games including tournaments. Most card rooms utilize “Robert’s Rules of Poker.” If you are looking to start a home game or run a tournament, you need to have a list of his rules nearby to help settle disputes and rules clarifications.

Most poker purists are reluctant to worship a new player. They base a player’s skill on the long haul and are not quick to extol them based on a few tournament wins. Poker purists often prefer quiet and silent types of players like Dan Harrington and Johnny Chan compared to the loud and abrasive personalities of the latest TV poker stars like Jean Robert Bellande and Tony G. Most purists frown upon the attention that celebrity poker players draw, while some of the best players in the world, like Chip Reese and Chau Giang, are overlooked due to lack of exposure.

Poker purists scoff at anyone who wears sunglasses to a poker table. They also aren’t keen on players listening to music or talking on cell phones. Lastly and more importantly, poker purists prefer the simple game of poker and never, under any circumstances, would they want to play a game with a “wild card.”

Most beginners and younger players are being exposed to poker through television. Some of the programs are pushing forth the “in-your-face” attitude that a lot of professional sports have undertaken. Most purists argue that a network like ESPN has ruined the entire sports culture by focusing on sensationalism and aberrant behavior. That means that new players are being brainwashed into thinking that acting like an idiot at the poker table is cool and socially acceptable. Sure, certain players are more volatile and that makes the programme more interesting. For purists, the antics of Phil Hellmuth or Mike “The Mouth” Matusow are bad for poker. Unfortunately for all those purists out there, poker programmes and tv networks are exploiting those antics, which sends the wrong message to new players.

Phil Ivey and Howard Lederer are two of my favorite players. They are true professionals. They both have a calm demeanor at the table and no matter whether they win or lose a pot, they have the same expression on their faces. When Howard Lederer won a World Poker Tour Event, he treated it like it was another day at the office. He politely shook hands with his opponent. That’s why he’s a class act at the poker table. He could have been overly jubilant, but held back. After Phil Ivey won a bracelet at the World Series of Poker this past year, the photographers were doing everything they could to get him to smile and laugh, to show any sort of emotion during the post-victory press conference. Phil Ivey is another classy guy. He wasn’t chest bumping with railbirds when he won a pot, or berating other players for making bad calls. He shrugged off bad beats and quietly stacked up his chips after he won pots.

Whenever I play, I can tolerate a decent amount of smack talking and even accept a few breaches of poker etiquette. A friend of mine from New York City, Charles Star, is a stickler for poker etiquette. He is a stand-up comedian but playing with him in our regular home game is no laughing matter. He’s willing to accept mistakes from new players, however, he’s strict about the rules of poker. He frowns upon betting out of turn, splashing the pot, string bets, slow rolling, and discussing the hand while the hand is being played.

Although I’m slightly more flexible than Charles, I have to side with him on many of those instances. I can also tolerate mistakes from newbies in home games or casinos, but nothing is worse than seeing a veteran of the game breach etiquette out of laziness, or in an attempt to angle shoot. I find that players who are betting out of turn or acting out of turn extremely annoying. They are not paying attention to the game. Sure, you can pick up on some tells, but most of the time, their behavior is disruptive.

My biggest peeve is players discussing the hand in progress. All of a sudden, everyone thinks he is an expert and color commentator. Recently, in a No Limit holdem game at the MGM in Las Vegas, I got into a situation with another player. I had K-K and raised pre-flop only to get six callers. I bet the pot on the all-rags flop and two other players remained, an old lady and a young guy. On the turn, I moved all in.

There were two flush cards out there, so I wanted to make anyone who was chasing a flush to pay. The old lady angrily folded and the young guy thought for a few minutes about the call. I sensed weakness and he was about to fold. However, the old lady was attempting to convince him to call my bet. I quickly snapped at her and said something to the dealer, who gave her a warning, “Only one player per hand. Do not discuss the hand in progress.”

I began to boil on the inside. If he called me and hit a river suck out all because of her goading, I was considering punching her. He eventually called, and I was livid. He was originally intent on folding, yet called because the old lady talked him into it. I ended up winning a $700 pot because he missed his flush. As the pot was being pushed to me I told her, “What you did was not cool. You were out of line.”

I stood up and racked up my chips. She wanted me to stay so she could win her money back. I told her, “I don’t want to play with someone like you.” I left in a bad mood. I should have been happy to win a monster pot, but I found myself angered that her words affected the outcome of the hand.

The most disturbing trend that I have seen at the poker tables has been the constant flow of abuse directed at other players. I’ve seen people cry and be ridiculed so badly that they had to get up from the table. Sure, there are times I want to yell at other players for making bad calls, but in the end you want them to keep doing that. I take a deep breath or get up and walk away from the table for a few minutes. More players should exhibit self-control.

In the end, more players should act more like Howard Lederer, and a lot less like Phil Hellmuth. Treat others like you would like to be treated. Have enough respect for the other players and for the rules of the game to adhere to basic poker etiquette. You can still have plenty of fun at the poker tables without being a jerk. And if you want to be an idiot while you play poker, then I suggest you stay at home and play online. I guess after some self-examination, I’m a poker purist after all.

Written by Paul McGuire

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Category: News 2008

All Africa Poker players dominate at PokerAce

Jan.29, 2008

The 5th PokerAce tournament which took place on the

20 January 2008 and featured a prize pool over just over R1 Million. After a long day of poker the field was down to the final table which was packed with familiar faces on The All Africa Poker Channel with the likes of Aston Soon Shiong, Mark Christie, Ilan Diraz and Gordon Harris – all of who have played at The All Africa Poker Tournament. Previous All Africa Poker Runner-Up Dermot Sweeney finished in a respectable 6th place whilst 3rd place went to Bob Masson. Bob, who will be attending the upcoming R3,000,000 All Africa Poker, bubbled at the All Africa Poker Tournament in November 2008 and was subsequently free rolled into the 12th All Africa Poker Tournament as a result. Top honors went to Conrad Coetzer who claimed the PokerAce title and walked away with the first prize of R250,700.

Final Positions:

Conrad Coetzer R250,700

Hagai Dayani R152,600

Bob Masson R119,900

Velissarios Tomakidis R98,100

Gordon Harris R76,300

Dermot Sweeney R65,400

Adri Depreez R59,950

Nic Poole R54,500

Ilan Diraz R43,600

Hillel Eshkur R43,600

Mark Christie R38,150

Gareth Kalil R32,700

Aston Soon Shiong R27,250

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Category: All Africa Poker Info

Tune into the World Series Of Poker!

Jan.29, 2008

Now WSOP updates will be available quicker to its very broad international fan base… When you can catch all the live action broadcast to you from the new WSOP radio show! Jeff Pollack from the WSOP announced that it will be airing blow by blow, as well as updates, insights by top poker analysts and other news in the poker world in the new radio show. The poker show will be featured on 200 stations (including streaming audio from the website www.worldseriesofpoker.com) in its bid to expand its ever growing media portfolio to reach the increasing network of its international fan base. Well known, commentator Nick Geber (who has done commenting for World Series Of Poker Live and various other mediums) will serve as the voice hosting al the live poker action.

So now you can get the freshest news fresh from the horse’s mouth! But All Africa Poker will also be following the event closely and will keep you up to date with all the happens at event as The All Africa Poker Team take their seats and represent South Africa. In 2007, one of our own made history when Raymond Rahme secured himself third place of the WSOP (winning a multi million dollar cash prize), with a seat he won after participating in the All Africa Poker Tournament.

If you have an aspiration, to experience the WSOP in person…You could tale a leaf from Rahme’s book and enter the AAPT (hosted by Piggs Peak Swaziland), to stand a chance to not only win a million rand, but win a seat to the WSOP valued at R150 000. With the 12th AAPT just around the corner (28th of February) and 54 seats left, anyone can join The All Africa Poker Team and be the next hopeful South African representative at the WSOP.

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Category: WSOP 2008

Celebs raise their poker game for charity

Jan.25, 2008

Piggs Peak, Swaziland hosted an All Africa Poker Celebrity Charity Challenge training session on Thursday, 24 January 2008.

Southern African celebrities, who will be battling it out in the All Africa Poker Celebrity Charity Challenge, on Wednesday 27th February 2008 at Piggs Peak, Swaziland, were given the chance to see just how good – or bad – they are at playing this skillful game.

The event boasts the big names of Colin Moss, Kurt Darren, Elana Afrika, Neil Andrews, Minki Van der Westhuizen, Darren Scott, Lee-Ann Liebenberg, Conrad Koch, Danny K and Ed Jordan.

Singer Danny K, who donated his winnings from the previous event to The Compassionate Friends, a support group for bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents, will be defending his title of All Africa Poker Celebrity Charity Challenge Champion 2006.

Wendy Graaf, Group Marketing Manager of Piggs Peak, says preparations for next month’s event are well under way, and the casino is gearing up for the biggest celebrity charity poker challenge ever.

“With the stakes being raised in true Piggs Peak style, the 2008 tournament promises to be exciting and highly entertaining, especially with this volatile combination of comedians, singers and beautiful women. A total prize pool of R150,000 is guaranteed for the charities of the top three placed celebrities. The first prize is R100,000, second R30,000, with third at R20,000, so while these high profile stars have fun at the poker table, their worthy causes will also benefit from this Challenge.”

Piggs Peak, Swaziland is giving poker fans an opportunity to be at the poker table with these celebs. By SMS’ing the word CHARITY and their email address to 32269, followers of the game stand a chance of winning a seat to the All Africa Poker Celebrity Charity Challenge .

Viewers can catch all the action from this unique event on The All Africa Poker Channel, DTSV 393.

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Category: News 2008

All Africa Poker Celebrity Challenge 2008

Jan.25, 2008

In an event poised to topple the last glitzy gathering of South African celebrities battling out for the All Africa Poker Celebrity Challenge, Piggs Peak gears up for the grandest celebrity poker challenge yet. It’s the 2008 All Africa Poker Celebrity Challenge and preparations are well under way.

Boasting big names such as Colin Moss, Kurt Darren, Neil Andrews, Minki Van der Westhuizen, Lee-Anne Liebenberg, Darren Scott, Conrad Koch and of course the defending All Africa Poker Celebrity Challenge Champion, Danny K. Danny prevailed triumphant after he and Alex Jay went heads up for the R100 000 prize money. Danny donated his winnings to charity, Compassionate Friends.

This year’s event takes place on the 27th February 2008 at Piggs Peak, Swaziland. It promises to be every bit as exciting and glamorous, with the stakes being raised yet again in true Piggs Peak style. There will be a total of R150,000 prize money for the charities of the top 3 celebrities. First prize is R100 000, second R30 000 with third at R20 000, so not only is this an event for the rich and famous to rub shoulders but worthy causes will also be benefiting from this challenge.

Piggs Peak is giving you the opportunity to do your part for charity and have fun whilst doing it. SMS the word CHARITY and your email address to 32269 and stand a chance of winning your seat to the All Africa Poker Celebrity Charity Challenge.

All the glitz and glamour from this prestigious event will be broadcast on The All Africa Poker Channel, DTSV Channel 393.So make sure you get your dose of celebrity style, stay tuned for more details.

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Category: News 2008

21-year old youth wins Aussie Millions

Jan.22, 2008

21 Year Old Russian Young Gun Alexander Kostritsyn was crowned the new 2008 Aussie Millions Champion on Sunday, 20 January 2008- when he won the No-Limit Texas Holdem ‘Main Event’ at the 2008 Aussie Millions Poker Championship held at Melbourne’s Crown Casino. He walked away with a cool AUD$1.65 Million, the largest prize ever awarded in a live poker tournament in the Southern Hemisphere!

The 21-year-old Alexander Kostritsyn, outlasted a record field of 780 opponents, comprising a large number of seasoned players and top professionals- and ended up the youngest player at the final table. In an intense battle, Kostritsyn finally trumped Erik Seidel- renowned for being one of the toughest tournament players in the world!

Other top finishers were:

3rd Place, Michael Chrisanthopoulos- $700,000 AUD
4th place: Peter Ling- $500,000
5th place: Nino Marotta- $400,000

Former All Africa Poker Tournament Champions Ryan Eber and Ray Rahme were also seen at the coveted event. Ray finished in the money, in an excellent 46th place. “It is very clear that our South African players are up to standard, and more than capable of competing on an international level,” says Wendy Graaf, Group Marketing Manager of Piggs Peak Hotel & Casino, organizers of the All Africa Poker Tournament.

The top three finishers at the next All Africa Poker Tournament, will receive an all inclusive package to participate in the WSOP 2008- sponsored by Piggs Peak Hotel & Casino, Swaziland. “We are proud to say that our tournament has been the platform from which many of our players, such as Ray and Ryan, were elevated into poker stardom. With this tournament we intend to create more such opportunities, smiles Wendy.”

The 12th All Africa Poker Tournament will be held from the 28th of Feb to the 2nd of March 2008 at Piggs Peak Hotel and Casino, Swaziland. For more information, visit www.allafricapoker.com.

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Category: News 2008

Aussie Millions Champion is crowned

Jan.21, 2008

21 year old Russian Alexander Kostritsyn has been crowned the 2008 Aussie Millions Champion. The tournament was held at Crown Casino in Melbourne. Alexander's victory is even more sweet, as he had to beat one of the toughest No-Limit Hold'em players in the world – Eric Seidel.

Kostritsyn, the youngest player and the only European at the final table, outlasted a record field of 780 players to take home the coveted title as well as cool AUD $ 1,65 million – the largest prize ever awarded in a live poker tournament in the Southern Hemisphere.

Here is how it went down:

Poker pro and eight time WSOP bracelet winner, Eric Seidel had the button. He raised to 300,000 and Kostritsyn called.

The flop:

J Diamonds, 8 Spades and 7 Spades.

Kostritsyn checked and Seidel fired out a bet of 550,000, upon wich Alexander went all-in and Seidel called.

Cards were flipped on their backs:

Seidel – Ace Spades and Q Clubs

Kostritsyn – J Hearts and 9 Hearts

The turn:

3 Hearts – and no help for Seidel

The river:

K Hearts – sealing the deal for Kostritsyn.

Seidel pocketed AUD $ 1 million for his runner-up finish.

Peter Mim, Executive General Manager of Table Games at Crown said: “We congratulate Alexander Kostritsyn on his tremendous accomplishment. He played superb poker over a prolonged period against a record field that included virtually every top professional and hundreds of talented amateurs from Australia and around the world.”

Hailing from “Hachem territory” in the Melbourne suburbs was third place finisher Michael Chrisanthopoulos, who pocketed AUD $ 700,000 for his efforts.

The remaining players at the final table were:

4th place: Peter Ling- $500,000

5th place: Nino Marotta- $400,000

6th place: Antonio Casale- $300,000

7th place: Peter Mobbs- $225,000

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Category: All Africa Poker Info

Aussie Millions – Day 4 update

Jan.21, 2008

Day four has progressed and all but two players remain, battling it out for the Aussie Millions title. This event saw the last of the enduring hopeflls eliminated one by one, untill only Jeff Garza and Masaaki Kagawa were left at the tables going heads up.

Kagawa started the Final with an early lead, when he went all in against Garza, giving him an $8 000 lead. Garza responded by attempting a risky bluff, which backfired on him increasing Kagawa’s lead. The next hand, also bore grim tidings for the struggling Garza. Kagawa lead by 1-0.

Lady luck smiled on Garza, after he managed to double up adding a much needed pile to his chip stack. The following hand, evened the game out, putting the players level 1-1.

After the break, the luck seemed to be stuck in reverse… As Kagawa got crippled, leaving him with a mere $5 500 in his now, very small stack.

The next hand, was the decider with Kagawa being significally crushed. Jeff Garza, emerged the victor, and became the winner of the main event of the Aussie Millions!

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Category: All Africa Poker Info

Aussie Millions – Final table set!

Jan.21, 2008

The quest for AUD $ 1,65 million has come down to 7 players:

Seat 1: Alexander Kostritsyn – 1,439,000

Seat 2: Peter Mobbs – 1,357,000

Seat 3: Antonio Casale – 1,995,000

Seat 4: Erik Seidel – 1,491,000

Seat 5: Nino Marotta – 1,649,000

Seat 6: Michael Chrisanthopoulos – 6,806,000

Seat 7: Peter Ling – 877,000

Any one of these players could walk away with the coveted title and of course the cash!

Payouts in winning order:

1 – AUD $1,650,000

2 – AUD $1,000,000

3 – AUD $700,000

4 – AUD $500,000

5 – AUD $400,000

6 – AUD $300,000

7 – AUD $225,000

Interesting to note that Antonio Casale qualified for the event via a $25 Satellite at the Crown Casino!

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