Kelly’s Comeback at WSOP Europe Makes Newcomer Dunlop Flush
Posted by BungalowOfCards on 21st September 2009

JP KellyYou can’t blame Fabien Dunlop for getting a little overzealous.

Having come out of relative obscurity to play to the Main Event Final Table of the World Series of Poker Europe, Dunlop was looking great going into the heads-up showdown, holding nearly a 3-1 advantage over his savvy competition, J.P. Kelly.

Presumably sweating bullets composed entirely of smaller sweat bullets, Dunlop was caught with a weak kicker early in the heads up play, allowing Kelly to suddenly double up and establish parity between the two players.

Dunlop and Kelly exchanged blows for a while, with the final major exchange coming in a nightmare scenario for Dunlop, as his suited J-2 of diamonds were thoroughly dominated by Kelly’s K-8 of the same suit.  When diamonds came on the flop the dream was truly dead, and only moments later Kelly was trying on jewelry.

Kudos to Dunlop for an impressive run—passing players like Chris “Jesus” Ferguson, who bowed out at 15th—and even more impressive £84,512 win, but especially to Kelly who has now won a WSOP bracelet on both sides of the Atlantic this year, after winning in a $1,500 Pot Limit Hold’em tournament in Las Vegas this year.

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Wii Poker makes Game More Realistic
Posted by CarbonPoker on 21st September 2009

Big Slick_1Ever since its launch in 2006, the Nintendo Wii has been a pioneer in motion-detecting video game technology.  With titles like Wii Sports, Wii Fit, Grand Slam Tennis, and Punch Out, the Wii has been able to make sports and other games feel more lifelike.  And just recently, the Wii has brought its usage of motion sensor technology into the poker world with the release of Wii Poker.

This new game, which was developed by WiiWare, allows gamers to play Texas Hold’em against players from around the globe through their television set.  Perhaps even more impressive than this though is the fact that people can use a variety of controls and features to enhance their poker gaming experience with Wii Poker.

To start with, people can customize a character (called a Mii) to look just like themselves.  This means one can change facial features, hair color, eyes, etc. and add accessories to give the Mii a desired look.  If a person doesn’t want to go through this hassle though, they can just use the default characters as well.

Another thing which is cool with the game is that a person can roll over their view of the table simply by using the Wii Remote to do so.  And depending upon which location you select to play your games in, you’ll get to see different backgrounds while panning the table.  Las Vegas, Monaco, and New York are just some of the locations you’ll get to see when playing Wii Poker.

There is also a tutorial in this game which will give you professional advice that will help you make plays.  Strategy on everything from playing draws to bluffing is offered through the tutorial feature which is a nice feature.

Sure Wii Poker doesn’t replace the thrill of playing for real cash in an online poker room, but it is definitely a big leap in poker video game technology.

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Go Long with CarbonPoker’s 50K Deep Stack Sundays
Posted by BungalowOfCards on 18th September 2009

Guaranteed TournamentsCarbonPoker’s industry-leading guaranteed 50K Deep Stack tournament is set to blow up another Sunday this weekend.  You may have heard a thing or two about this little event before, but have you tried it yet?

You are probably aware that because the tournament is a guaranteed start with a relatively small field of players, your chances are as good as they will ever get with a pool of this size.  Even if it’s just you and ten others, there’s 50K on the line (hint: you’re looking good).

So you already have 50,000 reasons to register for this one-of-a-kind tournament, and here’s one more: did you know you can buy into the Deep Stack with CarbonPoker VIP Points?  If you’ve been playing on the site you may be able to use your points to cover your buyin, meaning you can waive the fee and essentially make the tournament a freeroll for yourself.

Add that to a great slate of NFL games and you have yourself a great opportunity to go deep this Sunday.  Have fun out there.

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Durrrr Off the List for 2009 Hall of Fame
Posted by Comb Over-Under on 18th September 2009

durrrrEarlier today, we looked at the potential inductees into the 2009 class of the Poker Hall of Fame. Here’s a poker notable that is not on that list.

Tom Dwan didn’t make the cut for the 2009 Poker Hall of Fame inductions.

Apparently durrr was in the 10-man preliminary list, but has been omitted from the voting selection pool. After some more consideration, I think this is a little odd. Singling out durrrr is strange, because he probably wouldn’t have gotten the 75% of votes needed anyways because he hasn’t stood the test of time portion of the Hall’s criteria.

Equally interesting is the fact that he’s on the list to begin with. It really speaks to poker’s accessibility. If you can be in the conversation of Hall of Fame after some intense time in the spotlight (coming out of almost nowhere), it’s far from inconceivable for anyone to step up to that kind of level.

Truth be told, I like watching Dwan check-raise with 3-5 off suit into a $135,000 pot as much as the next guy, but does that equate Hall of Fame this early in his career? Well, as those involved have spoken, no.

Will Dwan eventually get into the Hall of Fame? Probably, yes. How’s that for a bold statement?

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Darvin Moon, Let Us Seduce You
Posted by BungalowOfCards on 18th September 2009

darvin-moonDarvin Moon is building a name in the poker world that rivals his surname’s prominence in the night sky.

After bringing the competition at the World Series of Poker to its knees, Moon is poised to sit down and use his monster chip lead to win the thing outright in November.  And while he is the least experienced player at the table, you just can’t argue with the guy holding 30% of the chips.

But that’s just the beginning: in the four months since the much-ballyhooed Final Table was determined, Moon has had every opportunity to sign a major promotional deal with the online poker site of his choosing. Instead Moon has remained a lone gunner, stating that “there is not enough money in the world for someone to tell me what to do.”

Well, we here at CarbonPoker are not about to take no for an answer.  You hear that, Darvin?  We like you just the way you are.  With that in mind here are the

Top Five Reasons You Should Join CarbonPoker, Darvin Moon

5. Holy!  We Like the Saints Tooooo!

We just love that you wear a Saints hat while you play. If you join us we’ll put out a hit on Drew Brees and have you starting in no less than a year.

4. CarbonPoker is Elderly-Friendly

Everyone is talking about how you learned to play from your grandfather.  Well, sign on with us and we’ll open the internet’s first 80+ poker room, featuring on-screen reminders of what the hands are, 0.01 cent Sit and Gos, and weekly online garage sales.  It’ll be the bees knees.

3. Goatees = Nice

If you become Carbon’s number one man, we’ll institute a mandatory goatee policy for all employees.  But none will be as bushy as yours, Darvin, promise.

2.  Logging is For Winners

We’re very impressed that you own a logging company, Darvin.  We hate forests.  We’ll clear-cut the Eastern seaboard if that would get you on board.

1. We Like Being Told What to Do

Don’t worry about us telling you what to do, Darvin.  With your enticing combination of looks, personality, and enthusiasm, we won’t need a marketing strategy with you on our side.  Just undo that lower button on your golf shirt and accept the keys to the CarbonPoker vault.

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World Series of Poker Europe Set to Kick Off
Posted by Comb Over-Under on 18th September 2009

wsopeThe fancier, better-dressed cousin of the (real) World Series of Poker is hitting the felts today with the first event. The 2009 WSOP Europe will award 4 bracelets in London between now and October 1.

The events are:

£1,000 No-Limit Hold’em
£2,500 Pot Limit Hold’em/Pot-Limit Omaha
£5,000 Pot Limit Omaha
£10,000 World Championship No-Limit Hold’em Main Event

Also included is a Million Dollar freeroll featuring online qualifiers. All of these events will be going down at London Clubs International.

There will be 10 hours of ESPN coverage of the WSOPE included in the regularly scheduled episodes of this summer’s earlier events.

Watch for our coverage of these events with winners, losers and other European info.

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And Now, a Poker Babe – Happy Friday
Posted by Comb Over-Under on 18th September 2009

Tina_2Since it’s Friday, here is a look back at CarbonPoker’s player host, and Queen of Hearts, Tina. She’s been our rep at numerous live events, parties and tournaments. She’s also been in UK Maxim. If you’re interested, here’s the CarbonPoker Gallery of Tina Photos.

This is poker related, right?

If you’re already reading a blog, I suggest opening up you CarbonPoker account and playing a SitNGo or Ring Game. Why? Because it’s a Friday and you deserve it. Think about it, you could be MAKING MONEY AT WORK!

What I like to do is keep a spread sheet open in case someone walks by… well, actually I work on a poker site, so I think I’ll be safe… But that’s what I used to do.

Anyways, stay tuned for this weekend’s tournaments, announcements and much more at the CarbonBlog.

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2009 Poker Hall of Fame Inductees Announced
Posted by Comb Over-Under on 18th September 2009

pokerhalloffameThe list of poker players up for induction into the Poker Hall of Fame is out and ready for scrutiny.

The Poker Hall of Fame is interesting to me. Since the major poker boom a few years ago, it’s pretty arguable that the guys who are doing the most for the game are still actively competing. Unlike other Hall of Fames, it seems that you can still be in your prime and then become immortalized.

There’s no retirement-waiting-period before induction. Hall of Famers are still active in the game.

What if a player is inducted and then disgraces the game? Think about it. There could totally be some major players involved in a gambling scandal… oh, right…. Never mind. That kind of stuff is allowed.

Take a look at the list of possible inductees:

Barry Greenstein
Dan Harrington
Phil Ivey
Tom McEvoy
Men Nguyen
Scotty Nguyen
Daniel Negreanu
Erik Seidel
Mike Sexton

There are definitely some no-brainers on the list. I’d like the think that Sexton and McEvoy have been ambassadors for the game and fulfill the criteria that voters are looking for.

A fifteen-member panel of the poker media and the fifteen living inductees conducts the voting. Results will be announced in November to coincide with the Main Event Final Table of 2009’s WSOP.

Who should make the hall? Hit the comments and let your voice be heard!

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ESPN’S Inside Deal Promotes Vital Poker Skill: Patience
Posted by BungalowOfCards on 17th September 2009

espnComedy can come from some unexpected places. From news sites, to radio, to straight up advertisements, there are a lot of people trying to keep us laughing so they can keep us listening.

ESPN’s Inside Deal obviously wanted a piece of the comedy pie, but has thus far been coming away hungry.  Before the show ramps into its usual combination of poker news, interviews, and profiles, the producers have deemed it wise to start each episode with a skit starring hosts Laura Lane and Bernard Lee along with the week’s guest.

The skits they attempt are roughly as funny as a piece of lined paper.  A piece of lined paper with unfunny things written on it.  That said, the bits have some entertaining elements, like the charming aren’t-you-glad-you-don’t-work-in-these-cubicles set, and the chipper way Lane and Lee throw themselves into punch lines like “saweet!” (BAZING!)

Great work, guys.  At least your openers remind us why we’ve been watching Inside Deal: to pick up whatever poker tips we can…like patience.

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The CarbonPoker Blogger Invitational Poker Tourney is Back
Posted by Comb Over-Under on 17th September 2009

bloggersWe had a helluva time the last tournament, and this one looks to be bigger and better.

The CarbonPoker Blogger Invivational Poker tourney is back this September 23. At 7pm EST, bloggers will be squaring off in a heated battle of cards, twitter updates and smack talk.

We’re happy to bring together some of the big names of the sports blogging world to play for a $700 prizepool. Returning is last tourney’s champ, Cousins of Ron Mexico and last place disapointment, PUNTE from WithLeather.

I finished in 2nd place last time, so my prize money has been forwarded to this event — a grand total of $700. Boom! I plan on finishing in the money again, so watch for the prizepool to grow and grow.

If you’re reading this, and are outraged that you’re not a part of hit, hit me up on CarbonPoker’s Twitter account or on the comment thread of this post.

Requirements of Entry:

  • - run or contribute to an established site (5+ posts/week)
  • - send me the site’s URL
  • - send me your CarbonPoker nickname
  • - not everyone will be eligible for this tourney, but there are tons of opportunities to play and win at Carbon every day.

When’s the tournament? Thanks for asking!

When: September 23rd @ 7pm EST, 18:00 CarbonPoker Server Time. Registration will be opening 2 hours prior to the event. It starts EXACTLY at 7pm EST, so don’t be late. You’ll be locked!

Stay tuned for an updated list of bloggers, news and urrrrything else.

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