2009 March | All Africa Poker Blog

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March | 2009 | All Africa Poker Blog

Watch your language at the 2009 WSOP

Mar.30, 2009

Amidst all the other changes that have been announced for the 2009 World Series of Poker (WSOP), there is now also an amendment to the language policy. In fact a new rule, Rule 36, has been instated and reads as follows: “Harrah’s prohibits the use of obscene or foul language in any public area of the casino at any time. Any player who uses such language or makes a foul, profane, obscene or vulgar statement, or speaks abusively or in an intimidating manner to another player, a dealer or a Tournament staff member, will be penalized. These penalties will be levied, based on Rules 31, 52 and 53.”

WSOP Tournament Director Jack Effel explains that this rule has predominantly been created to give the floor personnel more leverage and control over the unruly crowds. A penalty may therefore simply mean a verbal warning from a staff member who feels that a player is getting out of hand and who wants to warn this player that continuing to act like that could result in a “one-hand penalty.” This means that the player will then be forced to sit out for one hand. Should the bad behaviour persist after the warning or the “one-hand penalty” though, it could eventually lead to more serious penalties and finally getting banned from further participation in the event.

So if you’re preparing to participate in the 2009 WSOP, be sure to watch your language!

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Joffers: My Girl finalists stack the odds at celebrity Poker Party

Mar.25, 2009

All the stars aligned for the Joffers: My Girl poker party evening held at the Michelangelo Towers on Thursday, 19 March 2009. 94.7 Highveld Stereo sport presenter Graeme Joffe welcomed Alex Jay, Bongani Nxumalo and Derek Alberts, who were all rearing to flex their poker muscles. While Joffer’s girls Adri Herion and Mandy Human were confident in their poker skills, Rema Hatting and Nicole Mayet were a little apprehensive as the sport of poker was new to them. The girls had little to worry about though, as Piggs Peak’s perfect pair, Danny K and Lee Ann Liebenberg were on hand to coach them.

As the game progressed, Derek was the first to be knocked out, closely followed by Graeme, who was knocked out by one of his very own girls, Mandy. Not a great poker day for the sports presenters! Poker princess, Lee Ann Liebenberg played a great game, however she left it up to her other half to take on Mandy in the heads up match. With huge support from various spectators, including a serenade from Bongani Nxumalo, Mandy and Danny K battled it out heads up for first place. Experience prevailed however, with the reigning All Africa Poker Celebrity Charity Champion, Danny K winning the heads up challenge.

Hosted by Piggs Peak home of All Africa Poker and facilitated by Full House Events, the evening had everyone engaged in the thrill-charged event. The event certainly gave Graeme a chance to get to know “his girls” a little better over the poker table and he’s one step closer to finding Joffers: My Girl.

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Category: Poker News 2009

BLUFF Magazine the first to introduce Poker Player Rankings system to SA

Mar.24, 2009

A historic progression in the South African poker industry is to be made official at Emperors Palace Fortuna Poker Room on the 26th March when BLUFF Magazine launches their BLUFF South African Poker Player Rankings. The launch of the pioneering rating system is buttressed by the fact that Bluff’s recently updated website www.bluffmagazine.co.za will offer players instant access to the rankings online.

BLUFF Magazine’s first of its kind player ranking system will use the results from all Southern Africa tournaments bearing a substantial prize pool, over a two year period. South Africa has never before had a collective, trustworthy source of poker information and until now, SA poker players have had no accurate platform from which to obtain a performance rating in a formal tournament.

“Players have been desperate for a tool which can fairly measure and recognise tournament results and achievements. It gives them a system whereby they can approach sponsors for endorsements as one of the best players in South Africa, proven by the SA player rankings,” says Bluff editor Ryan Dreyer.

“Our aim is to bring accurate, standardised and up to date poker information to the growing poker community. We feel that this is the best initiative to get tournament organisers and players the benefits of recognition for achievement. Our magazine is about the players – for the players. We’re confident that the introduction of the Player Rankings, powered by Emperors Palace, will solidify our position in the Poker media market, poise us to become the true thought leader and the “poker portal” of game information, online and in print” adds Dreyer

Only tournaments with a prize pool in excess of R500,000 such as All Africa Poker, SA Poker Open, Big Bluff, Sun City, Emerald Poker Series, Boardwalk Casino, Emperors Palace, Sliver Star tournaments and Poker Ace events will be included for rating.

BLUFF is the largest poker magazine in the world. Trading on this pedigree, BLUFF SA is set to ignite the South African poker market with a local version of this worldwide magazine.

BLUFF reaches more poker players per month than any other poker magazine, and is to be the first and only poker magazine in South Africa.

For more info watch this space!

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Category: Poker News 2009

Retired computer software developer is the WPT’s latest shooting star

Mar.23, 2009

Some succeed in poker quite quickly, while others could take much longer. This is a fact that Steve Drecher, 64-year old retired computer software developer from Reno, Nevada can most certainly attest to. It took him more than a decade of playing poker to secure his first major victory. But, since he has just nabbed a coveted WPT-title and collected just over $1 million in cool cash, we’re convinced that it must have been all worth it!

Steve’s instant millionaire status occurred at the WPT Bay 101 Shooting Star Championship, which concluded on Friday, 20 March 2009. And giving him a run for his money during the final stages was none other than Kathy “PokerKat” Liebert. Kathy is one of the most formidable lady players on the poker scene, with 12 major first place finishes and close to $5million in live poker earnings behind her name.

After a gruelling heads-up session of almost 3 hours, the final hand went down like this: Liebert raised to 175,000, holding Qs-10S. Brecher went All-In, showing Ac-9h. When the board flopped 6h-6s-2s, the odds appeared to be in Liebert’s favour, as she was on a draw for a flush and Brecher’s hand has not improved at all. The tension was high as the turn brought a 4c though and things could go either way. But when the river finally flipped a 2c; Liebert’s fate was sealed and she was busted in 2nd place, nevertheless earning a handsome $550,000.

They say patience is a virtue… and for Steve Brecher, patience has definitely paid off!

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Category: Poker News 2009

Who will be the Bluff SA Player of the Year?

Mar.19, 2009

Similarly to the coveted European Bluff Player of the Year Awards, Bluff Magazine South Africa has now announced the launch of a Player of the Year Awards as well – specifically for performers on the South African poker scene. To rank on the list of nominees that could potentially be selected as Player of the Year, players will have to consistently achieve at major local tournaments, including the All Africa Poker Tournament. Points will be awarded for participation and performance at all these major poker events and the player who accumulates the most points during the course of the year will finally win the prestigious award.

The first series of rankings for this year, are said to be released next week. At this stage, rumour has it that Ryan Dreyer, AKA “Rhino;” Jarred Solomon; Darren Kramer, AKA “KingKramer;” and Ray Rahme’s names will appear on this list. However, to find out who is officially in the running for the Bluff SA Player of the Year Award, keep your eye on this spot…

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Category: Poker News 2009

Bluff magazine appoints new editor

Mar.16, 2009

Bluff Magazine, South Africa’s foremost innovator in poker media, has announced the appointment of local poker luminary and All Africa commentator, Ryan Dreyer as editor. Dreyer replaces Jon Stephenson and will take editorial control of the magazine from the April/May edition.

Dreyer has actively been involved in the poker industry since 2006, but has been playing since the age of 14. With a degree in Journalism, obtained in the United States, and a part-time playing career that most professionals would be proud of, Dreyer brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Bluff.

Dreyer’s most notable poker playing achievement came at last year’s Sun City Million Dollar Poker Tournament, where he placed first and took home the $350,000 grand prize. He has also placed 6th at the 2007 Sun City Million Dollar Poker Tournament, 2nd at the 2007 Poker Ace Tournament, 4th at the 2008 Carousel Poker Tournament and placed a credible 55th at last year’s World Series of Poker & Stud Hi LO event.

Dreyer’s active promotion of the game also extends to producing, presenting, scripting, compiling and editing poker content for the All Africa Poker channel on DSTV, a job he currently stills holds. He is also a regular contributor to various online gaming websites.

I am very excited about the opportunity to edit Bluff and help develop the local poker industry even further,” says Dreyer. “I am truly passionate about poker and look forward to using the platform offered by Bluff to spread my enthusiasm for the game to the magazine’s growing number of readers. As editor I intend to stay actively involved in the game through my part-time professional playing. This will ensure the magazine becomes entrenched within the local poker community, as we will be reporting right from the floor, offering real insights and relevant information to the growing number of serious poker players in SA,” he concludes.

“We are extremely excited to announce Ryan’s appointment as editor,” says Bluff publisher, Tanja Carruthers. “His approach, experience and insight into the game of poker will add a new dimension to the magazine, which will definitely allow the publication to reach its full potential in the local market.”

Bluff magazine recently announced that it will be reducing its publishing frequency to six issues a year. The decision to publish on an alternate monthly basis was made to ensure an adequate amount of local content can be included in each issue.

Bluff magazine is available from CNA, Exclusive Books, Spar, 7 Eleven and other selected news agents.

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Category: Poker News 2009

Who's the sucker at the poker table?

Mar.16, 2009

“If you can’t spot the sucker at the table within the first half an hour, then you ARE the sucker!” This is just one of the many invaluable quotes that originate from what has been described at the time as “one of the best poker movies ever made,” as well as “a poker classic that has elevated Texas Hold’em to its current status as most popular game.” And now “Rounders,” which was released in 1998 featuring Hollywood stars Matt Damon and Edward Norton, is set to be launched on Blu-Ray DVD anytime soon.

Interestingly enough, although it was screened just over a decade ago, it is said that this movie’s impact is still visible on today's poker scene. Hevad “Rainbow” Khan, a 22-year old poker pro who is renowned for his ability to play up to 43 online poker games at the same time, said that he has watched Rounders around thirty times already. “It played a huge part in my developing a strong addiction to all the facets of No-Limit Hold’em.” Khan explains how the movie illustrates a “David versus Goliath” scenario, where even the most formidable poker players can be defeated when you use you brains.

A vast number of poker players agree with Khan and admit that they have either been inspired to start playing because of it, or have learnt valuable lessons that improved their game from watching Rounders. This includes the likes of Gavin Griffin, the youngest ever poker player to win a WSOP-Bracelet at the age of 22, with more than 24 major cash-ins and more than $4million in live poker earnings behind his name. “Rounders got me interested in poker,” he stated. But Griffin particularly admires the realistic portrayal of poker in the movie. “They don't just glamorize poker and gambling. You get to know the bad things about poker along with the good things. People don't always come out on top, and it's good to see that.”

Amongst the big names who view Rounders very positively are the beauty and brains combination of Vanessa Rousso and renowned poker author Lou Krieger. Although Lou is of the opinion that Rounders had a good influence on the poker industry, he does warn against the fact that it could create the impression that “poker is easy to beat” and that people could “delude themselves into believing they have the required skills, when they don’t.”

“There are lots of people who have overly inflated opinions of their own ability, and those people will continue to lose money at poker unless they improve their game,” he says.

Poker fans, including us, are probably going to be scrambling to the DVD-store shelves to scoop up the movie the moment it arrives. However, it most probably remains more sensible to watch the real thing, if your intention is to learn!

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More bang for your buck at 2009 WSOP

Mar.12, 2009

WSOP Tournament Director Jack Effel has now announced that players can expect plenty more play for their hard-earned bucks at the 2009 World Series of Poker (WSOP). “It’s by far the best value we’ve ever given at the WSOP, and the only thing I’m sorry about is that we didn’t do it earlier. I think the players deserve it.”

This will be done through the improvement of the structures and formats of the games. For example there will be additional levels (25-25 and 75-150) in the No Limit Hold’em events and triple chip stacks in all others. There will also be three $1,000 Buy-In Events, similar to the former $1,500 Events, but this time around with the huge advantage of added levels.

More diversity will be introduced into the lower stakes poker games as well to give these players exposure to more of the various poker variants available. In addition, thirty nine of the 57 Events for which players can collect a WSOP Bracelet will have a Buy-In of $2,500 or less. This means that all that honour and glory that is normally reserved for a privileged few only will now be accessible to almost any one. And for those who enjoy the challenge of higher stakes, there will be more than sufficient provision.

More important is the fact that participants in the Main Event will have the greatest advantage from these changes to the structures and format, as they will kick off with a starting stack of 50% more than the previous year!

For more detailed information about the full schedule for the 2009 WSOP visit www.worldseriesofpoker.com. However, to gain your entry into this coveted poker event of events, be sure to book your seat to the next All Africa Poker Tournament, set to take place from 21 to 24 May 2009, at Piggs Peak Hotel & Casino, Swaziland. Apart from a jaw-dropping guaranteed prize pool of R3,5million which is up for grabs, the top five players of this event will also receive 2009 WSOP Packages to the value of R150,000 each! For more information, contact Victoria on +27 11 407 8700 or e-mail victoriaw@piggspeak.com

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The quiet giant versus the outspoken Go Daddy girl

Mar.09, 2009

After 62 of the biggest poker guns failed to claim the crown for the coveted NBC National Heads-Up Poker Championship, the final heads-up battle was between two complete opposites: the menacing 6 ft 7 Huck Seed, renowned for being one of the most quiet poker pro’s around and the gorgeous Vanessa Russo, whose bubbly personality combined with her poker savvy has resulted in her being chosen as the latest Go Daddy girl.

But, in the end it was the silent giant who became the new NBC National Heads-UP Poker Champion and received a grande sum of $500,000. This is how the final hand went down: The board flopped Kd 8h 3h Ts . Rousso went All-In, Seed took the challenge and called. But Rousso’s “Dimes” (10-10) got busted by Seed’s Cowboys (K-K). For her second place finish, Rousso nevertheless collected a handsome $250,000.

Outsmarting some of the most accomplished poker players in the world and winning which is regarded as one of the toughest events on the poker scene is certainly a huge feather in Seed’s cap. However, this is not the former engineering student’s first notable achievement. At the age of 27, Seed has already collected four World Series of Poker (WSOP) Bracelets, had 11 first place finishes prior to this and made around $3,5million in poker earnings already.

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One stroke to victory for Ryan Dreyer

Mar.04, 2009

All Africa Poker Tournament Commentator & local poker celebrity, Ryan Dreyer, has proved to be a man of many talents. Ryan was one stroke short of the victory at the qualifiers for the Glacier South African Men’s Amateur Open Golf Championship, which concluded at the Benoni Country Club yesterday, the 3rd of March 2009.

Following an intense match, the French Golf Federation’s Johann Lopez-Lazaro clinched the stroke play, after Ryan had set the clubhouse mark earlier in the day at a surprising seven under par with a round of 71. Ryan finally shared second place with another South African player, Johan Bekker and both of them have now qualified for the main Match Play section of the golf tournament, which kicks off next Tuesday.

Ryan left the golf scene to pursue his passion for poker a few years ago, and he was only reinstated as an amateur golfer again towards the end of last year. Considering that, this is a notable achievement. “This performance was quite a surprise for me. I basically didn’t touch a club for two years before getting reinstated as an amateur. I wasn’t even thinking about the stroke play actually. I mean, I’m out here playing as much golf as my work will allow me against these professional amateurs, so I was basically just trying to limit the damage in the stroke play and qualify for the match play. But now I’m pretty excited about the rest of the week.”

Team All Africa Poker would like to congratulate Ryan on this outstanding performance and wish him all of the best for the remainder of this prestigious golf tournament. Ryan, if you’re nearly as shrewd at the greens as you are at the felt, you will rock!

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