Dave Nagler - Home Game Assassin

I just got back from hanging out with a poker playing friend who is a huge Philadelphia Eagles fan. When news came in that Terrel Owens may have overdosed, he said: "I hope he dies... seriously." Nice.

Apparently Eagle fans' bitterness towards everything doesn't wane, even if they live a thousand miles from Philly. After the TO newsflash, a show called "Sports Disasters" came on tv. It basically involves obscene boat and car crashes and bulls maiming cowboys and Mexicans. Not surprisingly, Eagle fan LOVED it. Back to poker.

According to poker guru Mike Caro, most players who act strong are weak and vice versa. However, if you're playing against beginners at a home game, you should throw this advice right out the window. Inexperienced players will not put on an act in a feeble attempt to fool their opponent. A moderately experienced player may reach for his chips out of turn in a pathetic attempt to intimidate you from betting, but if a new player reaches for chips out of turn, you can be sure he's about to bet. Have a quick look to your left when the cards are dealt and before you're about act.

I was supposed to have a big homegame last weekend, but apparently a bunch of the guys had to pray to their god or something, because only 5 showed up. Anyway, here's the Harbourfront Poker Tour Misplay of the Week from two weeks ago - one of the worst misplays I've ever seen at any homegame.

Players in the Hand:

"No Class" Eagles Fan - tight but very aggressive
Toronto Speculator - somewhat loose and aggressive
The Probe - tight and weak

FIRST HAND OF THE TOURNEY - all players have 1000 chips and blinds are 5/10

No Class raises to 35 from the button
Toronto Speculator re-raises to 100 from the SB
The Probe calls 100 - action back to initial raiser
No Class re-raises all-in
OUT OF TURN, The Probe declares "I call - all in"
Toronto Speculator pauses for a minute, then folds.

Given their described images, what do you think the players had??

No Class showed AK
The Probe showed KK
(Speculator folded QQ)

KK held up, but instead of tripling up, the Probe only doubled up and wound up busting out in 5th out of 9. Ouch.