How To Play Poker - Clean Or Dirty Or A Bit Of Both?

By Author: Ray Smith
Total Articles: 6
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IF you want to learn How to Play Poker, then this is an issue that probably needs to be studied more thoroughly, even though most people associated with the game of poker online and live deny that there is any cause for alarm. At least one writer has taken upon himself to ask a few questions and dig up a few interesting facts about the game of poker. Whether his evidence is enough indicate a widespread problem remains to be seen.
In 2006, Richard Markus wrote a book called Dirty Poker in which he stated that cheating at poker is more common than most people think. Markus is known as one of the great casino cheats because he has found ways to turn the advantages his way on a scale than is hard to imagine. His work has even been highlighted on some of the major cable channels.
What Markus implies with his book is that cheaters are operating at every level of poker, both in live casinos, major tournaments and especially online. The author gives a rather benign example of a celebrity winning a poker tournament. This was treated as exciting and stunning news by the poker-watching media. But the truth was that the other ...
... players at the final table agreed to share the winnings so that this celebrity could be declared the winner. It was good for her career and good for tournament poker.
He also gives an example of six well-known players taking part in a $60 million tournament, with each investing $10 million. Most good poker players know that no professional would invest $10 million for the chance to win $60 million. The odds aren't good enough. There isn't enough value for the 5 to 1 odds. Markus correctly states that this marketing ploy was all hype, with money put up by the network that was to broadcast the tournament. Corporate sponsors were also involved.
His point is that the game of poker isn't necessarily crowded with true cheaters, so much as the game has been hijacked by corporate bean-counters, public relations people and Hollywood-type producers. This is a form of cheating, Markus writes, because it gives the viewer a false impression of how the game is played.
He also points a finger at the online game, which is good for millions in the pockets of the Web site owners. In this form of poker, the winners are relatively few. In fact, Markus notes, it is almost impossible for an honest, low-limit player to win a significant amount online without help. He takes the discussion into the realm of collusion, in which two or more players communicate while playing in the same tournament or at the same table. He also identifies the poker robots, who are essentially playing for the house.
Beyond this, the online game may occasionally fall victim to a less-than-random shuffle, though most site operators say their random-number software works perfectly for the Web-based game.
No one has come up with the definitive answer yet on poker cheats and online cheating. The answer may never be given to everyone's satisfaction. It may be wise, however, for poker fans to educate themselves to the possibilities.

Ray S. publishes articles to help improve play for poker players at online casinos or playing live tournaments. His humor makes it fun to learn the art of poker: www.win247.co.uk