Delik James' Chronicles

Getting Quads is like a wink from the poker gods, but when the river comes and you're the bearer of Quad Sevens - you can be damn sure you're just sopping in luck. Quad Seven Poker provides a unique glimpse into the poker world - take the gamble and come on in!

Friday, September 12, 2008

Special Reminder

Hey Poker Lovers! Just want to remind you that I have a new Blog Post today at Poker Bankroll Blog. You can find a link to the site with my "A Man, A Spider, and a Question of Ethics" post in my Quad Seven Top 7 Links in the sidebar!

Also, don't forget to stop by my 'Grease the Rail' section for lots of fun stuff to kill some time while avoiding work or between porn downloads - much has been added and all is updated often.

Wishing you Big Flops and Bigger Pots!
Del

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

P's and Q's

Generally speaking, I think taking things too seriously in life can be a hazard.

For one, it's not good for your health to add such unnecessary stresses about mundane issues that would otherwise just pass as most things do. Also, you tend to come off as a real loser in the meantime - spending your days and nights nit-picking and vexing over every little thing.

So what about strictness towards proper etiquette?

Well, I couldn't care less about using the proper fork at a dinner party, I like to avoid wearing suits - especially when their 'required', and chances are that I'll call you by your first name or even a nickname rather than Mr./Mrs. So-and-so if the mood should strike me. There is one place however, that I refuse to circumvent proper etiquette at all cost: On the felt.

I think this stems from a deep respect for the game of poker. Some might confuse the phrase 'game of poker' to be defined simply as an amusing pastime, but don't be fooled. Although poker is extremely entertaining, I think it is more accurate to define it as something like...

A competitive activity that challenges the skill, chance, and endurance of two or more persons who play according to a set of known rules; A game which requires a cerebral application of math, experience, psychological detection.
(Take that Webster!)

Now, when you look at it that way, you might agree that poker is something that deserves to be treated with class and respect. If not a respect for the game, then at least for your fellow players who are there to play poker and not listen to you give fuddled advice, berate dealers for bad hands or hum and haw during the hand when you folded on the flop and the river made you a flush.

I leave you with my Top 7 Poker Etiquette Rules I hold sacred:

1. Don't splash the pot.
2. Don't discuss a hand until it has been completed.
3. Don't cash out immediately after winning a large pot.
4. Don't blame the dealers.
5. Don't offer or ask for help from other players/spectators.
6. Don't talk on your cell phone during a hand.
7. Win/Lose gracefully.


Wishing you Big Pots and Bigger Flops,
Del


Read more about this subject:

Texas Hold'em Poker Etiquett

Basic Poker Rule and Table Manners

Proper Poker Behavior

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Gig

Growing up, through elementary school and right on up, I would sometimes think about how in high school, you get to have a little quote under your picture in the yearbook. I would wonder what my quote would be, what it would mean to me and whether it could make me laugh. I decided early on though, that I would make no commitments or serious considerations until I would eventually have to fill out the form in the winter of my senior year.

I can be a bit of a quote junkie sometimes.
Saying just the right thing in just the right way is quite appealing...

"Things turn out best for those who make the best of the way things turn out."

"Bereavement is a darkness impenetrable to the imagination of the unbereaved."

"You have to learn the rules of the game. And then you have to play better than anyone else."

Of coarse, I still remember my quote and consider it to be a true testament of my feelings at that time. Different from the typical "NBHS Hurricanes rule!" however, I can honestly say it reflects my mindset still today.

I thought of this because of an announcement I have to make:
I'm excited to report that in addition to blogging here at Quad Seven Poker, I'll be joining the great team of bloggers over at Poker Bankroll Blog as a weekly blog author, providing a new post every Friday on their site!

If somehow you haven't visited them yet, definitely surf on over. It's a great resource for improving the way you look at and operate your bankroll. Not to mention, there's a great Poker BRB Forum and an awesome cast of characters blogging throughout the week...hmm, I guess I did mention it after all.

So my yearbook quote?

"Fill what's empty, Empty what's full, and scratch where it itches."

Life is good.

Del


Note: Poker Bankroll Blog is now featured in Quad Seven's Top 7 Links

Monday, September 1, 2008

Counting the Days

I read an article over the weekend that really pissed me off, allow me to share...

The Poker Players Alliance, of which I am a proud member myself and suggest any serious player should be, has been aggressive against the republicans who are anti-online gaming and have this view reflected directly in their party's platform.
Shockingly enough, they decided last week to remove this language from their platform though, apparently making a 180 degree turn in the other direction.
(Flip...)

They must be getting disparate at this point. They must have decided that pandering to each and every demographic would be necessary to gain any kind of an edge.

Do anything; say anything.

But it doesn't end there. Only two days later, presumably due to pressure from their moralist base, they reversed their decision again, now saying: "Millions of Americans suffer from problem or pathological gambling that can destroy families...We support legislation prohibiting gambling over the Internet."
(Flop.)

Ah, the moral police. Who needs personal freedom anyway. Least of all from a party build on supposed 'small government.'


It is clear to me that the Republicans are intent on controlling the lives of Americans in an effort to conform free people to their own beliefs of distorted moralities and outrageously hypocritical standards. I have grown tired of the blatant pandering and lack of tact or humility in using an issue - any issue, as rope to pull in and attempt political foolery on each and every demographic of society they think they can con.

Keep in mind, the democrats have been clear:

Rep. Robert Wexler (D-FL) introduced HR 2610, the Skill Game Protection Act, which would legalize Internet poker, bridge, chess, and other games of skill.*

Jim McDermott (D-WA) introduced H.R. 2607, the Internet Gambling Regulation and Tax Enforcement Act. IGRTEA would legislate Internet gambling tax collection requirements.*

The House Financial Services Committee, chaired by Barney Frank (D-MA), held a hearing entitled, "Can Internet Gambling Be Effectively Regulated to Protect Consumers and the Payments System" where expert witnesses at the hearing testified that Internet gambling can be effectively regulated for age verification, money laundering issues, facilitation of state and federal tax collection, and for issues relating to compulsive gambling.*

No one should have the authority to tell a person how to choose the way they spend their time, wealth, or life in a free nation. Don't speak to me about moral implications if you would be so 'immoral' to support a government that would dare regulate these personal liberties.

141 days and counting...January 20th can't come quick enough.


*Additional Online Gaming Info