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Thursday, June 09, 2005
Suspect Fingered At Poker Table
Bank Heist Suspect Fingered At Poker Table Was Hollywood ManDecember 23, 2004 A Hollywood man was willing to bet that he got away with robbing a bank, but his luck ran out at the poker table. Investigators said Mark Cherico was arrested minutes after he robbed a Washington Mutual, shed a layer of clothes in a parking lot and headed across the street to Dania Jai-Alai for a few hands of poker Saturday. A witness from the bank tailed Cherico, 36, of Hollywood, the whole way and pointed him out to Broward Sheriff's Office deputies at the seven-card stud table, surrounded by other players. Cherico didn't have much time to play -- he started with a $50 buy-in and had about $45 in chips left when deputies showed up and handcuffed him. ''They came back and confiscated his chips,'' said Dania Jai-Alai general manager John Knox. Knox wasn't sure how Cherico's cards were doing at the time. ''They didn't confiscate those,'' he said. Knox did not think Cherico was a regular at the poker tables; he thought the proximity of Dania Jai-Alai to the bank provided the suspect with an easy getaway. “My opinion would be that he wanted to get out of the public eye real quick and blend in with a group of people, so he was sitting at a table with 10 people.'' The nearly $7,000 from the bank, still in wrappers, was in Cherico's possession when he was arrested. He told deputies his name was Jim Bowie, but they later discovered his real identity. Said Robert Smith, the witness who followed Cherico on foot from the bank: “He had a little gambling problem, I guess.'' According to BSO, Cherico -- who according to state records also goes by Mark Russo, Mark Chirico, Mark Cipolla and Bowie -- went into the bank at 300 E. Dania Beach Blvd. about 12:30 p.m. Saturday and gave the teller a note asking for money. Smith, who said he is in his 30s, noticed that something strange was going on with the customer next to him. He realized it was a bank robbery and thought he should probably tackle the suspect, but he held back. Turns out Smith was right to worry. In 1992, after the FBI referred to him as the ''Clearasil Bandit'' in a California bank robbery, Cherico -- using the spelling Chirico -- threatened to sue because he found the bad-skin nickname so humiliating. It was not clear if he ever filed suit. Luck has often been against Cherico when it comes to criminal endeavors. In 1990, he got out of the front door of a Fort Lauderdale bank with more than $1,000 when a red dye pack exploded, splattering his clothes. He took a cab to another bank and robbed it for cash to replace the stained clothing. He was arrested after his shopping spree when an officer recognized him. Florida Department of Corrections records show that Cherico served seven months in 1990 and 15 months from 1994 to 1996 in connection with the 1990 bank robbery. He has also served time for possession of cocaine. On Wednesday, Cherico remained in the Broward County Jail in lieu of $7,500 bail on one count of strong-arm robbery.
posted by poker table at 1:06 AM  
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Table Set For Poker
Final Table Set For Poker EventMay 12, 2005 More than a hundred people hovered around poker tables on Tuesday at the World Series of Poker Lake Tahoe Circuit Event's $10,000 buy-in No-Limit Hold'em main event at Harveys Resort and Casino. What the overflow crowd saw was all three Northern Nevada players get eliminated. Tony Le of Reno, who started the day as the overall chip leader with $136,700, was knocked out early on, as were Carson City's Robert Glenn and Genoa's Tony Prestigiacomo. Twenty-eight players started the second day and only nine remain, including several of the world's top players. Final table action begins today at 2 p.m. at the Harveys Convention Center and will be taped by ESPN. The event is free to attend. Spectators can start filling the bleachers at 1:45 p.m. "These good crowds we've been having will be nothing compared to tomorrow," said Vince Contaxis, Harveys Poker Room Manager. "We expect it to get even bigger. For those people who don't get a good seat, there will be large screen TVs put up." Among the big-name players vying for the $542,360 first prize are Joe Awada and Phil Ivey. Italian Jeff Lisandro possess the overall chip lead going into today's final table. The last two players eliminated on Tuesday were 33-year-old Sam Von Duhn of Chicago and Alan Goering from Henderson, Nev. Both players took home $23,010 in prize money. "I had to make a move and double up and play some poker," said Von Duhn, who went all-in with K-10 against Lisandro's A-A. "I just ran into Aces. I was hoping to get to the final table, but this is the best finish I've had so far at a major tournament."
posted by poker table at 11:20 PM
Friday, May 13, 2005
Poker holding on to a winning hand
"He'e brought his own banana with him and stood on the skin."
I don't think I've heard a piece of sports commentary like that since Alan Partridge hung up his lip mike. Nor indeed anything like this one: "That's a great flop for Barry Hearn, now can he take it to the river." But then I haven't been watching poker table games on the television for long.Poker is, according to its adherents, the biggest growth area in sport this side of Jose Mourinho's ego. The blossoming of the game on the internet is such that poker millionaires are old hat: when One of the most popular of hundreds of websites, floats on the stock exchange next month it is expected to make its founders, who started the thing only three years ago, billionaires. And television has now caught the wave.There is not so much a rash of poker on the satellite schedules at the moment as a raging contagion. Just this week we were treated to the European Championship final on Eurosport, the conclusion of the British Open on the newly established Poker Channel, plus, on Sky, the Poker Million, in which - though you've probably guessed this from the title - the prize on offer is $1 million.There is not so much a rash of poker on the satellite schedules at the moment as a raging contagion. Just this week we were treated to the European Championship final on Eurosport, the conclusion of the British Open on the newly established Poker Channel, plus, on Sky, the Poker Million, in which - though you've probably guessed this from the title - the prize on offer is $1 million.This being British television, first on to the Sky table in pursuit of the big one were a bunch of celebrities."This is a better line-up than Celebrity Big Brother, you're in danger of actually knowing who some of these people are," said Roy 'The Boy' Bradley in the commentary box as the celebs were unveiled. He wasn't wrong. Though since we've all seen John Regis panicking in a canoe on Superstars, Bradley might have chosen a better metaphor to introduce the former Olympian than "he's taken to this game like a duck to water".As the inverted commas around that 'Boy' of Bradley's name suggests, it appears to be a contractual requirement to come to a poker table equipped with a nickname. Phil Taylor, the world darts champion, thus had a head start, arriving with 'The Power' tucked under his arm. Matthew Stevens, the snooker player, though, may have been less than enamoured to be gifted 'Shady', while Helen Chamberlain of Sky's Soccer AM must have wondered what she had done to deserve 'Hell's Bells'. Worse was to come, however, when Bradley described her style of play as "more relentless than the Duracell bunny". It didn't seem to do her any harm, as in the final play-off she beat Barry 'No Nickname Necessary' Hearn. It was brave on her part to ignore the adage about always ensuring that the boss triumphs at the office golf day; Hearn is also the promoter of the competition. Even if he could have squeezed past Chamberlain, the snooker impresario and Leyton Orient chairman seemed particularly chuffed to have disposed of a table full of sportsmen.
He thus precisely fitted the thesis proposed by journalist Matthew Norman, commentating on the British Open final for the Poker Channel, as to why so many people are picking up the cards and seeing if their pair of twos can out-run their opponent's royal flush. "When you get to 40 you realise you'll never play for Spurs," Norman said, "nor will you score a century for England. But you could find yourself playing poker on the same table as the world champion."
Which is what happened to former Daily Telegraph journalist Matt Born, who qualified for the Open via the internet and fought through the early rounds to find himself under the deathless gaze of the world title holder, Greg 'The Fossilman' Raymer. Born was hooked up to a heart monitor to see how he was coping. While Raymer's rate barely registered a flicker as the two went head to head, Born's raged so high he looked destined for a coronary. "That's why this is a sport," claimed the Poker Channel's resident expert, Carlo Citrone. "You've got to have the endurance ability of a marathon runner." It was lucky Born was wearing shades: if we could have seen his eyes at that point they might well have been popping out of his head.
According to Norman, the reason so many of the players wear dark glasses is "a gangster fantasy". He reckoned every one of them, as they stick, turn, raise or fold, are under the impression they are living through the poker scene from Reservoir Dogs.
A neat theory which was somewhat undermined by the interview with the winner of the Open, Adam Dujmovic. Asked how he might spend his £100,000 first prize, Dujmovic replied: "The first thing I'm going to do is take my little girl to Disneyland."
Meanwhile, Kevin Seeger, the man who came third in Eurosport's European Championship final and who describes himself as a "full-time, stay-at-home dad", explained that he would spend his winnings on "getting the garden landscaped".Its fans are right. It is some progress poker has made: from the louche to the suburban in one easy step.
posted by poker table at 12:05 PM
Thursday, May 12, 2005
Final table set for poker event.
More than a hundred people hovered around poker tables on Tuesday at the World Series of Poker Lake Tahoe Circuit Event's $10,000 buy-in No-Limit Hold'em main event at Harveys Resort and Casino.What the overflow crowd saw was all three Northern Nevada players get eliminated. Tony Le of Reno, who started the day as the overall chip leader with $136,700, was knocked out early on, as were Carson City's Robert Glenn and Genoa's Tony Prestigiacomo.Twenty-eight players started the second day and only nine remain, including several of the world's top players. Final poker table action begins today at 2 p.m. at the Harveys Convention Center and will be taped by ESPN. The event is free to attend. Spectators can start filling the bleachers at 1:45 p.m."These good crowds we've been having will be nothing compared to tomorrow," said Vince Contaxis, Harveys Poker Room Manager. "We expect it to get even bigger. For those people who don't get a good seat, there will be large screen TVs put up."Among the big-name players vying for the $542,360 first prize are Joe Awada and Phil Ivey. Italian Jeff Lisandro possess the overall chip lead going into today's final table. The last two players eliminated on Tuesday were 33-year-old Sam Von Duhn of Chicago and Alan Goering from Henderson, Nev. Both players took home $23,010 in prize money."I had to make a move and double up and play some poker," said Von Duhn, who went all-in with K-10 against Lisandro's A-A. "I just ran into Aces. I was hoping to get to the final table, but this is the best finish I've had so far at a major tournament."
posted by poker table at 9:50 AM
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Birth Of A Poker Room
O n last Friday the first hand was dealt on a poker table at the newest card room in downtown Las Vegas at the Las Vegas Club. I had the opportunity to play on the inaugural day and the following morning I sat down and talked with Poker Room Manager, Peter Bianchi to find out more information about card room.
The decision to open a card room at the Las Vegas Club was made a few months ago by LVC Manager John Strauss II. He contacted Peter and they looked at the poker scene downtown. At the time, live poker was only being played at Binion's and the Plaza. They felt the time was right to open a room at the Las Vegas Club.
As Poker Room Manager, Peter brings over 22 years of experience with him to the Las Vegas Club. He came to Las Vegas in 1979 and worked as a dealer at the Dunes. He worked his way up though the ranks. In 1992 he opened the Poker room at the Sands. More recently he has been shift supervisor at the Texas Station and Santa Fe poker rooms. Pete was very enthusiastic when he spoke about the games being offered and the plans for the future.
At this time the games offered are $4-$8 Texas Hold'em with $1 and $2 blinds. There is a half kill on this game meaning that if a player wins two pots in a row the limit goes to $6-$12 for the next hand. They are also dealing $1 - $4 Seven-Card Stud. Both games are "Jackpot" games but instead of a "Bad Beat" jackpot they are offering a high hand award. There is a jackpot for each four-of-a-kind from Deuces to Aces along with another jackpot for each straight flush from 5 high up to a Royal flush. There is a separate jackpot for a Royal flush in each of the four suits. All the jackpots are reset to $20 when they are hit.
The poker room is conveniently located in an alcove by the main bar in the casino. It is actually where the casino manager's office used to be. They tore down the walls and put in three poker tables to get started. They have a couple more on order. Eventually the poker room may move to the back to be a little closer to the Sports Book.
I enjoyed the time I spent playing in the poker room this last weekend. The staff and dealers are friendly and efficient. They kept things going at smooth and lively pace. Considering this was the first few days, the fact that there were no problems or miscues is a testament to their professionalism. I make it a point to spend a few nights downtown when I visit Las Vegas. For the last couple years I have been staying at the Las Vegas Club. They have a good selection of video poker machines, liberal blackjack rules, a Sports Book and now they offer poker as well.
Last weekend was the "soft opening" of the poker room. When they started the games on Friday afternoon they thought they would deal until the game broke up and then close for the night. The game never stopped and was still going well into Sunday night. The official "Grand Opening" will be this Saturday January 27th. There will be a Charity Tournament to kick things off in the afternoon. Stop by and check out the newest Poker Room in town.
posted by poker table at 8:54 AM
Saturday, May 07, 2005
Poker Table Game Etiquette
Slots and Video Poker can be fun but it is a solitary adventure. Poker table games are exciting and they also give you the chance to interact and share the excitement with fellow players. Other than live poker, it’s the players against the house while playing table games and camaraderie exists among the players. It is easier than ever to learn to play the table games.
There are many great books that will teach you the basic rules. Once you know the rules games can be practiced on the computer with Tutorial Software before you take your step into the casino. Some casinos offer free lessons that will teach you the basics of the games as well as some of the basic table game etiquette for each game. If you don’t have the opportunity to take a lesson there are only a few things you need to learn before jumping in to the action.
Here are a few tips on Table Game Etiquette.
Table Limits All table games have a placard located somewhere on the table that will tell you the minimum and maximum bets. At the blackjack table you will sometimes see rules for the games such as splitting aces or double after split posted in the card as well. The card on craps tables can list the amount of the odds bet you are allowed. Some placards are color-coded corresponding to the denomination of chips to alert you to the table limit. Five-dollar tables will have a red card and $25 tables will have a green card. Always look for these before sitting down. Joining the Game At the Blackjack table, look for an empty betting square. Sometimes players play more than one hand so an empty chair does not always mean there is an open space. For craps, look for an empty space on the rail and belly up to the table. If you see and empty chair at most other games it means there is room for you.
Buying In You must convert your cash into chips when you play table games. Dealers are not allowed to take cash directly from your hands. You must put your money on the table and ask for change or chips. They will take your money and give you your chips. Wait for the hand being played to be over before buying in. If you’re playing craps wait until the shooter has rolled the dice. Never put your money on the table in the middle of a throw. Roulette tables use special chips for that table only. When you buy in you tell the dealer what denomination chip you want. Roulette chips must be cashed in at the table where you are playing. They are converted to casino chips. All casino chips are converted back to cash at the cage.
General Tips Blackjack players must give a hand signal to hit or stand when playing a shoe game. Craps players should avoid leaning over or placing your hands in the table area when the shooter is rolling the dice. Keep your emotions under control. Dealers are only the messengers. If you are losing don’t take it out on them. Avoid giving unsolicited advice to others. If you become upset with the play of others, leave the table. Set loss limits and stick to them. Set aside some of your profits when winning to take with you. Quit when you get tired. Have fun but remember Chips are real Money. Comps Always give your players card to the floor person or ask them to rate your play. Never play higher stakes or longer than usual to qualify for comps. ASK the floor person for a meal comp. They will let you know if you qualify. Ask politely never demand. These tips will help to get your started enjoying some of most popular table games. Give it a try. Its fun and exciting.
posted by poker table at 3:00 PM
Friday, May 06, 2005
Lighten Up Your Poker Table Image!
Much has been written about the table image you project while playing poker. When I first started to play casino poker several years ago I read that along with your playing skills you should also learn how to project a strong table image. Some of your table image is conveyed in the manner in which you dress. Psychologically most of us make some sort of judgment based on appearance when we first meet someone new. That's why in business they always tell you to dress for success, because the first impression you make can be very important. When we sit down at the poker table, we usually try to size up our opponents and their physical appearance can have a bearing on our first opinion of them as players. I read that the best way to dress is in dark clothes or neutral clothes. They say a hat or sunglasses can help to cover your eyes so no one can detect a tell when you look at your cards or study other players. It also can be intimidating by making you look like a serious player. I thought this was good advice and started dressing the part. About a year ago I had an experience in Las Vegas that changed the way I thought about what to wear to a poker session.
A few years ago I was playing in the poker room at the Mirage in Las Vegas. I was in the $3/6 game and doing quite well. A player left the table and a man who was wearing shorts and a Hawaiian shirt filled his seat. I immediately pegged this guy for another tourist. Soon after he sat down he was telling stories and joking with the dealer and some of the other players. He didn't seem to have a care in the world as he sat there talking and playing. Actually he did very little playing.
I make it a point to study all the players at the table and I watched this man after he sat down. I noticed that although he dressed and looked like any other tourist he was actually being very selective about the hands that he played. He was winning and was a very tight aggressive player.
We both left the table at the same time. As we stood in line at the cashiers' cage, we talked about the game we had just left. I had learned from conversation at the table that the man's name was Ron and I introduced myself. I asked him where he was from and to my surprise he said he lived in Las Vegas. I mentioned that he looked like a tourist. "I know," he said. "Why would I want anyone at the table to think I'm a local?"
That reply made me take a look at the way I was dressing and the table image I was trying to convey. I was dressing in dark, wearing a hat and very rarely spoke at the table when playing to come across as a serious player. I started thinking that if I dressed and acted more like a casual player I could actually disguise some of my skill, leading to more profits when playing in low-limit games. I gave it a try and I found that this actually worked well. If I sit in at a table with a bunch of tough looking players their first impression is that I am just another fish. If I sit in with a bunch of casual players I look like one of the gang.
I wasn’t the only one giving this idea some thought. Around the same time I read an article in Card Player magazine concerning table image by World Poker Champion Johnny Chan. His advice to poker pros was "Loosen Up." In the article he advised other poker pros to take a look at how they are perceived by the recreational player entering the card room. He writes that the recreational players will usually be more inclined to stay playing in a game when they are not intimidated by other players and are having some fun.
In low limit games the players want to have fun. Most of them are there to blow some money and you want to encourage them any way you can. If you come across as a serious player it may actually cause them to play better. They don’t want to look foolish and they may just tighten up or even worse they may leave the game and go play at another table.
In the low limit games I play in, I have found that my casual table image can actually be more deceptive than the stern and serious one I adopted when I started playing. Dressing casually and being friendly at the table allows me to have a little more fun while I'm winning. The next time you see someone in a Hawaiian shirt don't automatically assume that they are just another tourist.
posted by poker table at 12:52 PM
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