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Poker Tips

In my last poker tip article I explained how you should play a big stack in a no-limit hold em tournament The primary example of this was how Jamie Gold kept his chip lead for the last few days of this year's World Series of Poker by using it as a bludgeoning tool. He simply forced his opponents into folding by raising and re-raising time and again.

While playing a big stack is great and makes you feel like a bully, most people are going to be playing a small stack more often than a big one. That's why knowing how to play one is crucial to staying alive and hopefully acquiring a big stack later in the tourney. There is a famous quote that applies to this situation: "a chip and a chair," and believe me, having at least one chip and still being in the tourney means you have a shot to win. Without sounding like an egomaniac, I can't tell you how many times I've been the short stack at the table and ended up winning the tournament.

To me, if you are playing at a full table in a tourney, one has a short stack when their total chip count is no more than 10x the current big blind. If the blinds are 100/200 and you have less than 2,000, you are a shorty. The key to managing a short stack is patience. There are so many people whom I see going all-in with horrible hands simply because the blinds are coming around to them. The thing is, you are very likely to be called because people realize you are short and desperate and probably don't have much.

This is why patience is so important. If you do wait for a good hand, you are that much more likely to be called by someone who thinks you've got nothing. Your chances of doubling up and getting out of that short stack status increase exponentially. Of course, it's very hard to sit there and wait and fold marginal hand after marginal hand, but in the long run it's a better move in my opinion.

This strategy applies only when you are playing at a full table, however. If you are at a final table or in a shorthanded game, you need to open up the cards you'll go all-in with. It is less likely that someone has a better hand than you, so you can play more hands. At the point where you have less than 5-6 big blinds, you need to go all-in with whatever hand you play.

Playing it coy just doesn't give you the value you need. Go all-in and hope to get the blinds to fold. I still wouldn't go all-in with anything less than a pocket pair or Q-10, but there is a range of hands that I would play at a shorthanded table that I wouldn't play at a full table. Anything in that K-J, K-10, A-anything range would be an all-in at that point.

At a full table and with less than 10x the big blind but more than 5x, I would play as I normally would, only playing premium hands and not calling with marginal hands, hoping to see flops. As you would at a shorthanded table, I'd go all-in with any hand I decided to play once I got below the 5x the big blind number. I'd still only play premium hands at a full table, but would have to go all-in under 5x.

The other primary thing you have to look at as a short stack is your position at the table. If you are on the button, to the left of the button or in the small blind that definitely opens up the range of hands you can go all-in with as well. If it is folded all the way around to you, and you are in one of those three positions, you could go all-in with almost any two cards and be getting the correct value to do it. You'd need to pay attention to the players on your left to see if they play tight or loose to determine if you think they'd fold to your raise or call with almost anything.

Playing the short stack takes a lot of patience, attention to your position and what you think will happen if you go all-in. All it usually takes for you to get back into the mix is being doubled up 2-3 times, so pick your spots, be aggressive and when you do strike, and hope the poker gods treat you well! 

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Realistically, I think it's a stretch to think that we're going to be there in '07. I think probably right now, it's going to take longer than that." -- Phillies GM Pat Gillick after the Bobby Abreu trade. "Our goal is to put ourselves in a position to win 95-plus games and make the playoffs every single year. That's always been our goal for this year and for next year and for the year after that. We still have a chance to do it." -- Red Sox GM Theo Epstein after the Yankees' five-game sweep of Boston this weekend. Clearly, one general manager was greatly underrating his team while the other is overrating his. The Abreu trade has had a major impact on both the Boston Red Sox and the Philadelphia Phillies, as it sent them heading in opposite directions. Abreu is turning out to be the most impactful trade deadline acquisition (although Greg Maddux for the Dodgers is pretty close). What was seemingly an even race between two flawed teams in the AL East is now in danger of turning into a Yankee route. Abreu drove in the winning run in the fifth game of the Yankees' sweep of the Red Sox. Abreu finished the series with 10 hits in 20 at-bats. He drew seven walks, scored five runs, knocked in three runs and hit four doubles. In 21 games with the Yankees, Abreu has hit .395. His presence in the New York lineup has made the Yankees almost impossible to pitch to. Their lineup is now filled with players who know how to work the count and make a pitcher work. While it remains to be seen if they have the pitching to compete with some of the other AL playoff teams, it is clear that the Red Sox are now just pretenders. As Curt Schilling said after the sweep, "What weaknesses weren't exposed?" The Red Sox have had some bad luck with injuries to Jason Varitek, Trot Nixon and Tim Wakefield coming at the worst time. Some of the key acquisitions the club made in the offseason have yet to play up to expectations, including Josh Beckett and Coco Crisp. Beckett, in particular, has struggled more than anybody would have expected. The bullpen has been a disaster with even Jonathan Papelbon struggling of late. The pen gave up 46 runs in 38 1/3 innings vs. the Yankees this weekend.  The Red Sox's schedule does not generate optimism. They are just starting a nine-game road trip vs. the AL West, and their road record is 30-32 after dropping Tuesday's opener in Anaheim. Series vs. the White Sox and Twins still remain as does a visit to the Bronx. Sorry, Theo, it just isn't your year. A strange thing is happening in Philadelphia. Even though it appears the Phillies were positively fleeced by the Yankees, they have played their best ball of the season, making Gillick's concession speech seem woefully premature. In fact, the Phils are 13-7 since the trade and have actually turned into buyers, having obtained veteran pitcher Jamie Moyer last week. Jon Lieber, whom the Phillies tried to dump at the trade deadline, has posted a 1.76 ERA in his past four starts. Cole Hamels is 3-1 with a 1.35 ERA in August and is looking like the ace many projected him to be. The offense has been producing, and with a September schedule that contains only one team with a winning record, the previously underachieving Phillies may actually steal the wild card despite Aaron Rowand's injury. How is it possible that a team that gave up a player capable of having the impact Abreu is having with the Yankees is playing better without him? The Phillies are a team that needed to change the mix. Once they got rid of Abreu, they firmly entered the Ryan Howard/Chase Utley era, which allowed them to turn the page on their past and move forward with a fresh start. This is actually similar to what has happened to the Mets, who were energized this year when they officially converted from the Mike Piazza era to the David Wright/Jose Reyes era. There is little reason to believe the Red Sox and Phillies won't continue on the same paths they are on now. Look to bet the Phillies, particularly when Hamels is on the mound, and look for opportunities to bet against the Red Sox when they face good hitting teams on the road and have anyone not named Schilling on the mound.   Place your bets below   http://www.wagerweb.com/promotions/racebook-cash-back.cfm   Karole

We are pleased to announce we will shortly be starting some more free competitions with prizes to The Breeders Cup The Epsom Derby and The Arc De Triomphe information and details will be posted on our website at www.sportinglifeodds.com and are available by email tips@sportinglifeodds.com

We had another profitable week with our star tipster Adriano showing a weekly profit of 18.50 points,his running profit since he joined us in May 2006 is 743 gbp to a 10 pound unit stake.

Do you like to chat and exchange information on your racing selections and other sport or world affairs ? Take a look at the following link at BETTING FORUMS http://www.ohracing.net/forums/index.php?act=SF&f=5 were a wealth of information and views are freely available exchange messages with BUCHAREST Adrianos  user name at betting forums the site is run by Sir Percy and if you have any request just give him a pm and he will be only to happy to help you.

Finally we will be having a PREMIUM GOLD NAP this week  and this is availble to anyone via Laythodds.com free of charge email me at tips@sportinglifeodds.com for further deatils.

Have a good week and happy punting.

A new season of football and new hope for many clubs,with  Chelsea looking vastly superior to the rest in the Premiership I think the best bet will be to bet without them and im looking at Liverpool to come win or come 2nd to Chelsea. at 9/4

The Championship is wide open and is a very tricky betting affair if i was asked to have a bet i would back Norwich City Each Way at 14/1

Coca Cola league 1 im going for Doncaster at 9/1 each way ,with sleeping giants Forest the 5/1 fav i  believe there is much better value in Doncaster

Coca Coca 2 my biggest bet in english football  this season and its Milton Keynes Dons to get promoted at 2/1

Finally our biggest bet of the season is on current romanian champions Steaua Bucuresti to complete a hat rick of championships

For more in depth analysis and  weekly football updates become a member at www.sportinglifeodds.com

ARLINGTON PARK Nan Ann Rocks: Raced seven lengths behind in seventh after a half-mile, angled out for drive, rallied from fourth to make up more than 4 1/4 lengths in stretch and lost by a head at 1 1/8 miles on July 27. Dollar for Dollar: Raced 5 1/2 lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, rallied to make up more than two lengths in stretch and lost by a neck at 1 1/8 miles on July 23. Renee's Regent: Raced fourth more than 2 1/2 lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, rallied to second in stretch, bothered by pacesetter, finished third beaten by two necks, but was advanced to second because of disqualification at five furlongs on a yielding turf course July 14. Behaving Badly: Raced sixth early, dropped back to seventh 4 1/2 lengths behind after a half-mile, came four wide into the stretch, rallied from fourth to make up three lengths by a length at a mile on the turf June 15. (Pressed pace two heads behind in third after a half-mile, rallied three wide on turn and dug in gamely to prevail by a half-mile at six furlongs on July 3.) Killing M Softly: Raced 3 1/2 lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, came off rail on far turn, rallied from fifth to make up more than 2 1/2 lengths and lost by a neck at 1 1/16 miles on yielding turf June 11. (Raced seventh more than 4 1/2 lengths after a half-mile, angled out for drive, rallied from sixth to second making up more than two lengths and lost by a neck at 1 1/8 miles on a good turf course July 5; returned $5.60 for place.)   CALDER Memo Card: Bumped at break, raced fourth more than 4 1/2 lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied from fifth in stretch to make up more than 3 3/4 lengths and finished second full of run, beaten three-quarters of a length at six furlongs on July 28. Kipper's Song: Broke next to last, advanced from 11th to sixth early, steadied in traffic down backstretch, inched up to fifth more 4 1/2 lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile and rallied from fourth in stretch to gain second by two lengths at 5 1/2 furlongs on July 23. Causeway to Heaven: Raced ninth more than 4 1/2 lengths after a half-mile, steadied in heavy traffic on far turn, angled out for drive, rallied from fifth to make up more than two lengths in stretch and lost by a half-length at 1 1/16 miles on a good turf course July 16. G City Gal: Tracked pace in third early, advanced to second, challenged for lead after a half-mile, impeded at eighth and sixteenth poles by second-place finisher, ran third, but was advanced to second upon disqualification at six furlongs on July 15. Imelda Oh: Raced third early, dropped back to fourth more than 3 1/2 lengths behind after a half-mile, steadied on turn, angled out for drive and rallied from fifth to gain second by a neck, beaten by three-quarters of a length at 6 1/2 furlongs on July 9.   COLONIAL DOWNS Touch of Platinum: Broke from outside post, raced ninth after a half-mile, dropped back to 10th more than 19 1/2 lengths behind after six furlongs, launched strong rally outside for drive in seventh, made up more than 3 1/2 lengths in stretch and lost by a half-length at 1 3/8 miles on the turf July 11 at Philadelphia Park.   DELAWARE Due: Raced seven lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, launched middle move on turn, split horses entering stretch, rallied from fifth to grab second by a half-length at a mile and 70 yards on July 24. Ode d'Punch: Chased pace early in eighth, shuffled back between rivals on first turn to ninth, raced more than 10 lengths behind after a half-mile, angled out six wide for drive, closed fast from fourth in stretch, made up nearly 3 1/2 lengths in stretch and lost by a head at a mile on July 23. Durajazz: Raced 6 1/2 lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, rallied in stretch from fourth to make up 3 1/2 lengths and lost by a length at six furlongs on a sealed good track July 15.   DEL MAR Midnight Lute: Bobbled at break, dropped back to ninth off rail early, inched up to eighth more than 4 1/2 lengths behind after a half-mile, moved up outside on turn six wide for drive, closed willingly in stretch to make up more than two lengths and lost by a half-length at six furlongs on July 28. Record: Steadied at start, trailed early, inched up to eighth more than 7 1/2 lengths after a half-mile, moved up on turn, came out for drive, steadied off heels of rival in upper stretch, rallied between foes from fifth to make up 4 1/4 lengths and lost by a neck and 1 1/4 lengths at 6 1/2 furlongs on July 27. Fanatical: Bumped at start, steadied, raced eighth more than nine lengths behind after a half-mile, steadied off heels of rival, swung out four wide for drive, rallied from fifth to make up 2 3/4 lengths in stretch and finished a game second, beaten 2 1/4 lengths at six furlongs July 23. Tricky Vivian: Raced eighth early, moved up to sixth seven lengths behind after a half-mile, came three deep into stretch, rallied from fourth to make up more than four lengths and lost by a half-length at six furlongs on July 21.   LOUISIANA DOWNS Gran Punch: Off slow in last, moved up early behind leaders to fourth, raced 3 1/2 lengths behind in third after three-eighths of a mile, angled out slightly looking for room in mid-stretch, bumped with third-place finisher, made up 1 1/2 lengths and lost by a half-length at 5 1/2 furlongs on July 28. Canadian Warrior: Raced eighth early more than four lengths behind after a half-mile, split rivals in stretch, rallied from fourth to make up 3 3/4 lengths and lost by three-quarters of a length at six furlongs on July 22. Cajun Hot Sauce: Chased pace in third more than 2 1/2 lengths back after a half-mile, began advancing on two leaders on turn, steadied, moved out for drive, carried farther out by winner in stretch, resumed rally nearing wire and lost by a neck at seven furlongs on July 16. Thornhill: Raced more than seven lengths behind in ninth after a half-mile, rallied five wide on far turn, finished full of run to make up more than seven lengths in stretch and gained second at 7 1/2 furlongs on the turf July 2. Boro: Broke alertly, gained lead early, increased margin to four lengths after a half-mile and cruised to 18 3/4-length victory at six furlongs on June 25; ran final quarter in 12 flat. (Sprinted clear to set pace, led by 1 1/2 lengths after a half-mile, proved no match for winner and held second by a half-length at seven furlongs on July 15.) Grand Minit: Bumped at break, raced sixth more than 3 1/2 lengths behind after a half-mile, bumped nearing furlong marker trying to advance, lacked clear room between two leaders, made up nearly two lengths in stretch and lost by two necks, but was advanced to second when winner was disqualified to third at 6 1/2 furlongs on a wet fast surface June 16. (Tracked pace two lengths behind in third after a half-mile, challenged outside heading for home, dueled throughout stretch and prevailed by a neck at seven furlongs on July 8.) Best Colors: Raced fifth more than 3 1/2 lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, straightened for drive after angling out, made up more than two lengths and lost by a half-length at five furlongs on June 11. (Pressed pace two heads back after three-eighths of a mile, shook clear quickly in upper stretch and cruised to 8 3/4-length victory at five furlongs on July 14.) Ski Race: Off a bit slow, trailed early, advanced to seventh more than eight lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied three wide from sixth into stretch, made up more than 4 1/2 lengths and lost by three-quarters of a length at six furlongs on June 4. (Stalked pace in third more than 4 1/2 lengths behind after a half-mile, came out for drive and gained second by five lengths at seven furlongs on July 3.)   MONMOUTH Letters: Raced eight lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, closed well from fourth into the lane, made up 4 1/2 lengths and lost by a half-length at six furlongs on July 27; ran final quarter in 24 2/5. Briefcase Beauty: Raced sixth early, advanced to fourth 4 1/2 lengths behind after a half-mile, steadied looking for room entering stretch, clipped heels of third-place finisher nearly unseating rider and recovered quickly to gamely take second by three-quarters of a length at six furlongs on July 20. Extra Bend: Raced 11 lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, launched drive near quarter pole angling four wide, came inside to avoid winner drifting out in stretch, made up nearly 4 1/2 lengths and lost by a neck at a mile on the turf four ticks off track record July 9; zipped final quarter in 23 4/5. Pulpit Talk: Raced third early, dropped back to fourth more than a half-length behind after a half-mile, lost ground to fifth angling five wide near the quarter pole, dueled though stretch and lost by a neck at 1 1/16 miles on the turf July 1. Shadowmom: Raced 12 1/2 lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, angled outside, launched rally in the lane, made up more than 3 1/4 lengths in stretch and lost by three-quarters of a length at a mile and 70 yards on a sealed muddy surface June 8. Slews Enough: Tracked pace three wide in third after a half-mile and couldn't close gap in stretch, but lost by 1 1/2 lengths at six furlongs on a muddy surface on June 9. (Stalked pace in third less than 1 3/4 lengths behind after a half-mile, dueled determinedly, brushing repeatedly with leader through stretch and gradually inched away to prevail by a head at six furlongs on July 3.)   PHILADELPHIA PARK For Fun: Stumbled badly at start, raced fourth more than 1 1/2 lengths behind after a half-mile, lacked room from midway on turn to mid-stretch, angled inside during brutal trip and gained second by a neck at 6 1/2 furlongs on July 30. Lick the Spoon: Raced sixth more than four lengths behind after a half-mile, blocked on far turn, steadied, rallied in stretch and lost second by a half-length at a mile on the turf July 15. Red Magic: Chased paced four lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, blocked repeatedly on far turn, angled wide for drive, finished strongly to make up nearly two lengths in stretch and gained third by a head, beaten only 1 3/4 lengths at a mile and 70 yards on a good turf course July 8. Letrado: Raced fifth early, dropped back to sixth more than 6 1/2 lengths behind after a half-mile, advanced wide on far turn, rallied from third to make up 2 1/2 lengths in stretch and lost by a half-length at a mile and 70 yards on May 13.   SARATOGA Solewisher: Broke ninth awkwardly from outside post, stalked two leaders three wide in third four lengths behind after a half-mile, dropped back to fourth on turn, launched rally outside in upper stretch, battled heads apart outside winner in deep stretch and lost by a neck at 1 1/16 miles on the turf July 27. Desire to Excel: Stumbled badly at break, raced sixth early, moved up to third within two lengths of leaders after a half-mile, encountered heavy traffic on turn, swung out four wide for drive, drew even with winner in upper stretch, couldn't keep up, but prevailed in second by 7 1/4 lengths at six furlongs on July 26.

Greg Melikov

Author Bio: Greg Melikov has been handicapping and writing about horses for decades. His articles and columns appear globally in print and on the Internet. Greg is a retired newspaperman who became a racing fan at 13 when he saw 1948 Triple Crown winner Citation whip 20 older horses at old Arlington Park.   To take advantage of the information above open a account with wagerweb for all your american horse racing bets at the link below   http://www.wagerweb.com/hit.cfm?PromoID=AF3248&promoBannerID=1419&mediaTypeID=3&campaign=   Greg Melikov in association with www.sportinglifeodds.com

Carlisle

Mark Johnson has a 29% strike rate over the last five years and you would be showing a profit of 50.42 gbp to a 1 pound level stake. Richard Fahey with 16% and B Smart with 15% are 2nd and third in the winners strike rate.

Goodwood

Saeed Bin Suroor has a 25% strike rate and shows a level stake profit of 14.26 gbp Michael Stoute with 23% and M Treggonning with 21% also have plenty of success at this course.

Epsom

Hugh Morrison has a 32% strike rate and shows a level stake profit of 16.60 gbp P D Cundell has a 30% winning rate and A G Newcombe and P Makin both have strike rates in excess of 20%

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