A youth organization in Santa Clarita is holding its first annual fundraiser tournament this month. A few eyebrows have been raised over this because of the connection to children. Many in society still want to label a simple card game as an activity that we should keep away from our youth, even if the point is charitable and progressive.

The entire concept of using gambling to support charitable organizations removes any negative label. No one is gambling in this situation, and it’s the gambling part that some people have an issue with. The game of poker makes a great fundraiser because poker tournaments draw a large number of donators who will enjoy the thrill of playing in a poker tournament.

To me it’s a no-brainer to use gaming to support charities. If gambling addiction is purported to be a negative part of society, then shouldn’t we use the proceeds to improve society?

It’s a rare occasion that I would show a fold in hold’em. Giving away information is never a good idea, and there are some serious repercussions that could occur by doing this.

If it’s a big hand, you run the risk of showing your opponent that you mucked the best hand, and that player can remember how you acted with a second-best type of hand.

I can think of only two situations where I might show a muck:

1. If I’m absolutely sure that particular opponent has me beat, and I think it might affect his play if I show a good fold. It never hurts to display your skill if you have the opportunity. I just make sure I’m sure before doing it.

2. If I think that my opponent might show me their cards. Certain opponents will be relaxed about this sort of thing, and if you show yours, they’ll show theirs.

For more info on texas holdem strategy, check this out!

If you’re not sure of the difference between a flush and a straight, you might want to read this before you play poker. (Read this, too. Hand rankings are key!!)

A flush is ranked higher than a straight and will beat the straight in a showdown. The flush consists of any five cards of the same suit. The straight consists of five cards in succession which are not all the same suit. If your straight is made up of the same suit, it’s a straight flush and it’s the most valuable hand in the game.

In hold’em. the flush draw gives you slightly better odds than the open-ended straight draw (having four consecutive cards and needing either end to make the straight), and even better odds for a gut-shot straight draw (needing a card that fits in between the four, i.e. 4, 5, 7, 8). Even the better flush draw will only hit at a 3.5-1 ratio.

Showing your cards is not something that I would recommend very often. Showing your opponents a bluff is an ever rarer situation. I can only think of two situations where I would show a bluff.

1. If I’m on the short stack and I want some action. If the table was a little too tight for my liking I would make a raise or two pre-flop with junk, and show them if everyone kept folding. I would do this to induce some action and make it appear that I’m a bit reckless.

2. To play a mind game on a particular opponent. If I’m in a hand with an emotional guy that thinks long and hard, only to muck out of fear, I might show him the bluff if I think it would throw him off in future hands. Some players will let a poor decision eat away at them and put them on tilt.

Read more about bluffing in Bodog’s Guide to Playing Poker: When to Bluff at an Online Poker Table

Walters Golf and the Monte Carlo Hotel and Resort are holding the second annual Walters Cup Pro-Am/Poker Tournament on November 4-8. Entry will be limited to 25 teams, first come first serve. Entry is $1,995 per amateur and a deposit of $3,990 will secure your team’s entry.

The package includes four nights at the Monte Carlo and three rounds of golf, one each at Stallion Mountain Country Club, Bali Hai Golf Course and Royal Links Golf Club. A free breakfast each day and transportation in posh limo coaches will also be covered by Walters Golf.

The payouts for the Pro/Am will be $10,000, and as much as $20,000 for the poker tournament – depending on the amount of re-buys – and a gift bag worth over $350 will be given to every participant. The pro player’s costs are covered, with the exception of airfare, and they will receive an appearance fee once their team’s total entry has been collected.

The first WSOP Europe begins this week on September 6th at the LCI Leicester Casino. The events will be played at three different venues; the LCI Leicester Square, The Sportsman Casino and the Fifty.

The WSOP at LCI Leicester Casino consists of a three-day 2500-pound H.O.R.S.E tournament. They’ll also host some of the $10,000 main event players until the number shrinks down to a number the Fifty can handle for the later stages of the tournament.

The WSOP at the Sportsman Casino has the 5000-pound Pot Limit Omaha Championship. They will also share in the main event action until numbers reduce. The Fifty hosts the main event including the final table starting on September 10th.

Many top pros have pre-registered and the industry is looking to expand successfully into the fast-growing European poker market. Notable competitors include Phil Ivey, Allen Cunningham, Howard Lederer, Jennifer Harman, Gus Hanson, Doyle Brunson, Eric Seidel and Phil Hellmuth.

When creating a good table image while playing Texas Hold’em, it can be a wise practice to show the nut hand to your opponents. This is done to make your opponents think you are a solid player who plays a tight game.

It helps to maintain a tight table image and says to your opponents, “I’m not bluffing you all the time. Look I have the nuts, see?”. So keep in mind the way you just played the nut hand, and play your bluffs the same way.

This is an intermediate level poker tactic that any player with a serious amount of experience would recognize as an attempt to do exactly what I’ve just described. To me, it means that this player is going to try a bluff or two over the next little while because of the conscious effort they just made to deceive the players at the table. (Ready to play Texas Holdem? Check out the Bodog Poker room.)