Defending Your Blind

Everyone has had the experience where they are in the big blind, and someone just keeps raising their blind. Many times you will run into a person who raises mercilessly from late position. You need to make a stand against these types of players or they will continue to take your chips until you don't have any left!

If you notice the player from the button or the cut off raising more than usual when you're in the big blind, something is up. They most likely don't have a hand every time. They need to be raised back! Even if you have a marginal hand I would suggest popping the raiser back. If you re-raise there's a good chance you take down the pot right there, or you'll see the flop, or there's a small chance they raise you back.

Even if you lose the hand, and your opponent sees you re-raised with a mediocre holding they will think twice about raising your blind. Sometimes it's a good idea to take a stand and lose a hand if it will save you money in the long run, because your opponent knows you are willing to raise or call with anything.

Six Player Online Sit and Go's

Playing shorthanded is completely different from playing a full table game. When playing six handed games online, lowering starting hand requirements is a must. You should be playing 30-35% of the hands in a six handed game, and even more once players are eliminated.

The key to doing well in six person sit and go's is position position position! If you're on the button and no one has raised you're going to want to raise at least 50% of the time. I suggest raising with any two cards as long as they're both at least an eight. In the cut off (spot before the button) when no one has entered the pot I would suggest raising if both cards are at least a nine.

The biggest mistake many people make playing shorthanded is not changing their starting hand requirements. You need to punish them for this! Be more aggressive, play from position, and you'll be on your way to better results.

World Poker Tour Moves to Fox Sports Net

It was just announced that Fox Sports Net has agreed to broadcast season 7 of the World Poker Tour. The WPT had been the highest rated show on GSN, but GSN's new CEO decided to move in another direction.

Tips for New Online Players

Gus Hansen gives six tips for players trying out online poker.

Every Hand Revealed Review

Every Hand Revealed by Gus Hansen chronicles his victory in the 2007 Aussie Millions, in which he won $1.2 million. The book is not a how to book, but in it Hansen analyzes hands he played from the tournament.

What separates this book from many other poker books is Hansen is analyzing hands that actually happened. Before each day of the tournament Hansen discusses his strategies, and thoughts on how the tournament is going. Then he goes over the hands played, and gives a description of what took place. Hansen was able to do this because he recorded his thoughts and hand results into a tape recorder after each hand.

It's extremely interesting to get inside his mind, and know what he's thinking. Gus Hansen is one of the most successful tournament players of all-time and reading this book makes you understand why. For anyone interested in aggressive play, and winning with garbage hands this is for you. Hansen isn't afraid to play any two cards, and in the book he explains how he is able to get away with playing the style he does.

Every Hand Revealed is an instant classic that will surely become must read material for any serious player. I would highly recommend the book for any advanced player, or anyone who is looking to loosen up their game a little bit.

Negreanu: Lord of the Bracelets Trilogy Plus One

Poker World Weighs in on WSOP Final Table Controversy

The WSOP starts May 30. There is some controversy because ESPN and the WSOP announced the final table of the Main Event would take place four months after the tournament started in an attempt to increase ratings. The poker world weighs in.