Since 1951 R.F. Moeller Jeweler has been a fixture in the Saint Paul Community. We have grown from a small family business into one of the leading jewelers in the country by focusing on our mission. That mission is to be the Twin Cities’ premier jeweler by having the most qualified staff, the finest inventory, and the desire to continually exceed our customer’s expectations. We are proud that we have carried on the tradition of family ownership for 60 years. We know that the reason we have prospered and grown over the years is because of our dedication to you the customer. You are the reason we exist and we will continue to do everything possible to provide you with a level of service that will guarantee our existence for the next 60 years.

Take a moment to look at some of our important milestones, and click the “60th Anniversary Coupons” link below for special 60th Anniversary deals! 

http://www.rfmoeller.com/buyers-guide/web-coupons.html

As we know many of you may have money tied up in Full Tilt Poker, here is the latest from Poker News Daily.

By Dan Katz – Jul 27th, 2011

The eyes of the online poker world were trained squarely on London Tuesday, as the short-term fate of Full Tilt Poker hung in the balance at a hearing before the Commissioners of the Alderney Gambling Control Commission (AGCC).  The purpose of the hearing was to allow both Full Tilt and the AGCC to make public any evidence regarding the June 29th suspension of Full Tilt Poker’s gaming license.  As it turned out, the hearing was largely anticlimactic, as it was adjourned until September 15th, at the latest.

Not much happened in the public setting, which was the way the hearing was intended to be run.  Instead, Full Tilt’s legal counsel, Martin Heslop, requested that the pre-hearing application for adjournment be conducted “in camera,” or in private.  He felt that there was no downside to moving the discussions into a private session, but if they remained public, there would be potential for evidence to come to light that would hurt the company’s bid for new investors.

The AGCC granted Full Tilt’s request to take the proceedings private, to the dismay of spectators.  Professional poker player Harry Demetriou, one of the on-lookers, was incensed by the decision, reportedly leaving in anger, yelling, “What about the interests of the players? Why you are protecting this corrupt company?”

Lead Commissioner Isabel Picornel addressed those in attendance, telling them the decision to move the application to a private setting “was not taken lightly.”

One bit of information that was revealed publicly was that Full Tilt Poker owes ₤250,000 in licensing fees to the Alderney Gambling Control Commission.  Heslop said that it had not been paid because Full Tilt did not actually expect to have its license reinstated (and thus it would be paying the money for nothing), but if there was a reasonable chance that the license could be reinstated, Full Tilt could pay the fees within seven days.

This morning the AGCC released a statement, which reads, in part:

“As a result of the arguments on behalf of FTP during the pre-hearing application the Commissioners decided to adjourn the hearing as they felt it was in the best interests of FTP’s customers. A key consideration in their decision was to allow FTP licensees ‘to further pursue advanced commercial negotiations which could lead to a more beneficial outcome for player interests.’

The Commissioners adjourned the substantive hearing to commence as soon as possible and in any event not later than 15th September. Further details regarding the exact date and venue of the substantive hearing will be announced as soon as practical.”

Essentially, the AGCC still feels a formal hearing is necessary, but since Full Tilt has been in talks with potential investors, the Commission wants to give the company a chance to complete any possible deals so that players will have a better chance at getting their funds returned.  After all, every day that Full Tilt is out of business is another day during which there is no chance for players to get their money back.

It is unknown at this time whether or not the future hearing will be held publicly or privately.

Two weeks of tournament play combines old and new

Shakopee, MN  –  Canterbury Park officials today announced dates for the 2011 Fall Poker Classic at Canterbury Park Racetrack and Card Casino.  This year, the much-anticipated two weeks of tournament action will run from October 1 through 15 and will offer 29 different tournaments.
 
“The Fall Poker Classic will combine what has been popular in previous Fall Classics with some new twists,” Senior Director of Casino Operations Michael Hochman said. “We are excited to offer some smaller buy-in tournaments each evening, in addition to our daily $200-$500 events.” 
 
“We’re also adding an ‘all-in or fold’ tournament and a few mix-game tournaments to our usual line up while bringing back the Seniors’ Event and the Ladies’ Tournament,” Hochman said.  “There is literally something for everyone in the 2011 Fall Poker Classic.”
 
Caris Norberg and Jan Phillips will again serve as tournament directors. “The Fall Poker Classic is something that we look forward to all year,” Norberg said. “This year, with our added events, we’re anticipating an enormous turn-out.”  Norberg and Phillips have assembled an experienced tournament staff using current Canterbury employees as well as recruiting dealers from throughout the country.

The complete schedule of events is available online at www.canterburypark.com.

8-16 limit hold’em.  I’m in the cutoff.  Three players limp.  I look down at KQ and raise.  The small-blind folds, the big-blind calls, as do all three limpers.  We see the flop five-handed.

The flop is K62.  What a gorgeous flop, right?  Everybody checks to me, and I bet.  Three players fold, and the fourth player calls me.

The turn is the A.  He checks to me, and I bet.  He calls.

The river is the 7, and he checks again.  I began to think, and it took me a long time to come up with a decision.  Of course, I missed my spades.  So now my hand is complete with a pair of kings.  I started thinking about the hands he could have.  It seemed most likely to me that he either had a medium-sized pocket pair (or a six), a failed flush draw of his own, or a small king.  In all of these scenarios, a bet seemed like the wisest play.  I don’t believe he turned two-pair with the ace, as he’d have bet into me or check-raised me then.  He didn’t have a set of sevens, I didn’t believe.  It seems to me he would’ve bet into me with that.  (And even if he did have that specific hand, I can’t check simply because there’s a chance he could’ve rivered me).  The only hand I could put him on that contained an Ace was a busted Ace-high flush draw.  But I didn’t think that was the case.

So I, a little light, value-bet the river.  He immediately called.  I turned over my hand.  He quickly turned his hand face up:  A5.

I could never have put him on that hand!  Nice two-outer.

I guess reason and logic doesn’t apply to all situations, particularly when dealing with a player without a shred of reason or logic.

Good hand?

ALSO, FOR ANY READERS WHO ENJOY MY BLOGS, PLEASE CHECK OUT MY PERSONAL BLOG WEBSITE:

JAYMIND.COM

Former league champ Jerry Anderson from St. Cloud, MN is making the most out of his WSOP trip. Jerry competed in the recent Sin City Showdown National Championship, but unfortunately fell a bit short. That did not dampen his spirits though as there is still a lot of poker to be played.

He bought into a $175 tournament and cashed for $1500. Jerry then parlayed that $1500 to play in WSOP event number 56. He made it through day one ranked 25th in chips with 72,300. Jerry then made a deep run into day two, ending up in 87th place for a pay day of $6,130. There were a total of 3,389 entrants. Way to go Jerry!!!

To visit the official website: http://www.mnpokerleague.com/

     Book by August 10^th.  Visit Half Moon Cay, St. Thomas, Gran Turk and Dan Juan Puerto Rico with the WPTAPL.  This cruise offers a very popular itinerary.  Activities in and out of the poker room.  $500 free roll for eligible participants and a $220 main event.  Boot camps taught by Professors Nick Brancato and Rick Fuller. 

http://www.wptapl.com/us_index.php

     The Damm Bar in Lrimore, ND will be holding the TEC tournament will be held on Wednesday, July 27^th at 7pm. This is the first chance to win a tournament entry chip into the $10,000 main event.

To visit the official website: http://www.littlepokerleague.com/index.htm

     Straight flush added a new location starting July 14^th.  The Tin Cup in St. Paul (Rics & Maryland).  Thursday Nights at 7pm and 9:30om.  This Thursday July 28^th there will be no poker due to the Rice Street Parade. 

To visit the Official website: http://www.sfpokertour.com/Home_Page.php

     Every month Canterbury Park will be inviting the TOP 8 monthly point leaders from each Chippy Poker location to play in a Texas Hold’em Tournament with a $1000 in cash and prizes exclusively for Chippy Poker players…for FREE!

To visit the Official website: http://www.chippypoker.com/chippyNews.htm

Now that all the players are back from the WSOP and all card rooms are open, things are sure to heat up on the Player of the Year race. 

We’ve noticed a healthy increase in player participation throughout the state over the last week.  Mille Lacs drew 110 for their Saturday tourney, Treasure Island has had a great turnout for their Monday night Deep Stack the last two weeks and Aces/Canterbury are now open.  These are exciting times. 

Much of it probably has to do with people watching average players with HUGE stacks on tv during the ESPN-WSOP coverage and it looks so fun! 

Jason Seitz continues to lead the pack by a small margin.  Kye Longtin had closed to within 1 point but Seitz won the last $100 Saturday tourney at Hinckley to extend the lead back to 5 points. 

Back in early 2010, Grand Casino Mille Lacs in Onamia, MN hosted Season 1, Event 1 of the Minnesota State Poker Tour and saw Jeremy Dresch of Fridley take down the Diamond Championship bracelet.  Mille Lacs has a long history of hosting Heartland Poker Tour and MSPT events and drawing big crowds for said events.

The MSPT will again be back at Grand Casino Mille Lacs this November 12-20, 2011, for Season 2, Event 5.  The 9-day event will include qualifiers and cash tournaments and conclude with the 2-day, $100K Guarantee Main Event.  The event schedule will be posted in the near future on www.msptpoker.com.

For more information on weekly tournaments at Grand Casino Mille Lacs, visit: http://www.grandcasinomn.com/grand-casino-mille-lacs/gaming/poker.aspx

It’s now widely understood that poker is a game of skill.  Few people would argue this point.  The typical non-poker player, however, would probably believe that what makes a poker player skillful is his ability to physically read his opponents.  Films like Rounders support this assumption.  Reading your opponents is, of course, an important talent to possess if you wish to be successful.  Reading strictly physical tells, however, is a necessary tool for tournament players far more than limit cash game players.  To answer the question, “Do limit cash game players use physical tells to determine the relative strength of their hands?”, I would answer, “Yeah, kinda’”

The reason physical tells are so crucial to tournament success is because of the magnified significance of every decision.  Players act slowly and take their time calculating the best move.  And they should!  Every play could potentially cost them their entire stack and send them off toward the rail.  Also, each player must determine how much they wish to bet.  They can bet nothing, or they can bet everything!  Limit hold’em players don’t have to make that determination.  The wager is set for them.  As a result of this, bluffing is more rampant in a no-limit game than it is at the limit table.  Calling $125 to win a pot of $150 is a far more difficult decision than deciding whether or not to call $12 for the same $150 pot.  Bluffing is easier when you really have to make your opponent think about what he might lose if he’s wrong.  Bluffing also makes many players physically uncomfortable, and the pros pounce on this.

Okay, yes, no-limit hold’em tournament players use physical tell interpretation as part of their strategy more often than limit cash game players.  But that doesn’t necessarily mean that us limit guys don’t interpret our opponents physical behavior sometimes.  We do!  But in a different way…

For example, a gentleman at my recent limit hold’em game open-raised under-the-gun.  Two players called, as did I, on the button with Q10.  The big-blind also called and we saw the flop five-handed.  The flop was QJ2.  The big-blind checked to the original raiser, and he bet.  Action folded to me, and I raised.  The big-blind called two bets cold, and the preflop raiser just called.

The turn was the 10.  The big-blind checked.  The original raiser reached for his chips, then stopped himself.  Then he checked.  It doesn’t take a professional to see what’s going on here.  Yes, I turned two-pair.  Every justification could be made for betting the turn.  That’s the by-the-book correct play.  But come on… this dude clearly has big slick!  I’m using a mild physical gesture, coupled with information about the way he’s played the hand thus far, to make my determination.  He reached for his chips so clearly wanting to bet the turn card he loved so much!  But he stopped short, assuming I’d bet it for him.  And a lot of times I would!  But knowing the way that hand had been played before the turn card reveals a very high probability of his having the nuts.  He raised preflop, and then didn’t three-bet me when I raised his flop bet.  I’m already somewhat concerned about Ace-King before he makes the gesture toward his chips.  Now it’s for sure.  I checked.

The river was the K , just to ensure my fait.  The big-blind checked, and the original raiser bet.  I folded.  The big-blind called and mucked his cards when the raiser turned over AK.

I used the physical read more or less as a tiebreaker.  He could’ve had Ace-King anyway, and that turn card, despite giving me two-pair, is scary.  I was on the fence about whether or not my hand was good until the man accidentally revealed the strength of his cards.  This is how physical tells seem to be utilized in a limit hold’em game: to break ties and to add a small piece of evidence to an already expansive field of data about the hand.  Also, it is difficult to determine when somebody is bluffing in limit hold’em simply because of their physical demeanor (though this does happen occasionally).  But noting physical movement is a helpful tool to understand when a player wishes to conceal how strong he is.  My opponent’s natural human instinct was to reach for his stack and bet when he hit that beautiful turn card.

ALSO, FOR ANY READERS WHO ENJOY MY BLOGS, PLEASE CHECK OUT MY NEW, SLIGHTLY ALTERED WEBSITE:

JAYMIND.COM

Congratulations to MNPokerMag/MSPT’s Jocelyn Bendijo for making Minnesota’s NEW Lingerie Football League (LFL) team, the Minnesota Valkyrie.  Jocelyn is a former Rugby player at North Dakota State University and a 2011 NPC and Fitness America Bikini Competitor.  She will now be running the football field as a Quarterback and Defensive Back for the expansion Valkyrie. 

For season ticket information, email Jocelyn:  Jocelyn@msptpoker.com

To follow Jocelyn on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100002412388018&sk=info

To visit the NEW Minnesota Valkyrie Official website:  http://www.lflus.com/minnesotavalkyrie/team.html

The following article provided by:  http://sportstearsinourbeers.blogspot.com/search/label/LFL

All the blood, sweet and tears have now paid off. The final roster for the MN Valkyrie has been set at 20 players. Of those 20, 14 will be active on game day, while the other 6 will be inactive. 

These ladies battled day in and day out to get to where they are today; Minnesota Valkyrie football players. After watching these ladies over the past few weeks, we know just how much that means to them. A lot of people out there still don’t believe that this is a real sport and that these girls are giving everything they have. Trust us, they are. They are out there for the fans and to bring an exciting product to the state of Minnesota.

These players are practicing 3-4 times a week as a team and than hitting the gym on their own 7 times a week. They have something to prove….. everyone wrong. They want to show that this isn’t just a side show with a bunch of pretty girly girls. No, they want to show the world that they can play smash mouth football and dominate while doing it. They want to give you a reason to come out to the Target Center and cheer them on. These players don’t get paid, so let’s get out there, cheer them on and let them know we are behind them. Do we really want Green Bay to have a better fan base than us?

The first game is August 26th against the already hated Green Bay Chill and the players know they still have a lot of hard work in front of them. Not only because they don’t want to lose the game, but also because they don’t want to let their fans or the Coaching Staff down. Especially coach Tony. Earlier this month commissioner Mitch Mortazza through out a friendly wager between the Green Bay coach Gilbert Brown and Coach Tony. The wager, whoever loses has to wear all pink during the next game. Coach Tony doesn’t hide his feelings towards the color pink, “My message to coach Brown, I hate pink. There is nothing worse than having to wear all pink for your first home game. I have no plans on wearing pink. If I do end up wearing pink, the girls know it will be their problem come practice time.”

With that being in the back of the girls’ minds, you know they will be focused as ever. Coach Tony said he won’t lose any sleep over the bet and he isn’t worried about his team either. He knows these girls bleed purple & gold and even though these are women playing; there is no place for pink on this team.

Here is the roster. Get to know it. They will soon be household names and you don’t want to be left in the dark.

Roster goes in order of jersey #. Which number will you have painted on your body come game day?

Players

#1 Tereza Govrik = WR/CB
#2 Jocelyn Bendijo = QB/DB
#3 Cydney Froelich = TE/LB
#4 Whitney Meierotto = WR/CB
#5 Kendra Ruff = S/WR
#6 Laura Gutilla = RB/DE
#7 Jana Skrtic = QB/DE
#8 Leah Perzichilli = RB/CB
#9 Kirsten Behr = TE/DE
#10 Leekplay Paye = RB/DE
#11 Angie Hanson = WR/CB
#12 Kelli Gillispie = C/DE
#13 Chrissa Landwehr = TE/LB
#14 Tyler Powers = TE/DE
#15 Lisa Bastien = RB/S
#16 Roxy Berning = WR/S
#17 Brittany Austin = TE/DE
#18 Kelly Kobold = TE/DE
#19 Elizabeth Govrik = WR/S
#20 Britany Mitchell = RB/DE 

Coaching Staff

Head Coach = Tony Nguyen
Assistant Coach = Everette Lindsay

The schedule for the MSPT at Treasure Island has been released!

This will be the longest MSPT event to date, lasting 10 days from September 9-18.  The MSPT has also added more multi-table qualifiers as well as some with different buy-ins for more options to play.

Not only will there be several more of the $250 multi-table qualifiers where the top 20% advance to the Main Event, the MSPT has also addded 3 – $130 multi-table qualifiers where the top 10% advance to the Main Event.  Players will have more chances than ever depending on their bankroll to work their way in to the best structured Main Event in the Midwest. 

Not only that, the standard $90 single-table satellite where 3 players advance to the $250 Qualifier is only $85.

PLUS!  The $60 Island Cup tournament on Monday, Sept. 12 and the $130 multi-table qualifier on Tuesday, Sept. 13 are also TWO WAY BOUNTIES.  Any player who knocks out a bounty -or- gets knocked out by a bounty receives an MSPT Hat or Tee Shirt.  If a bounty wins a Main Event seat, that seat will be awarded, by drawing, to a player knocked out by a bounty.  I will be one of the bounties so bring it!

**FYI – the first weekend of the MSPT (Sept. 9-11), all multi-table qualifiers ($130′s & $250′s) will be held in the poker room…so seats may be limited.  Get there early.

For complete MSPT @ Treasure Island schedule, visit: http://www.msptpoker.com/pdf/Treasure_Island_Week_Schedule_09-2011.pdf

For all other MSPT details or a list of upcoming events, visit:  www.msptpoker.com