POKER BETTING LIFESTYLE
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GX JULY 2010
JULY 2010 USA $5.00
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NBA Draft Day Analysis What grade did your team get?
Preflop Strategy Beat out everyone at the table
The Revival of a Legend MacGregor’s return to the links
GX JULY 2010
14 First Up 06 Editorial 10 News
Sports Betting 14 The Sports Month in Review See Some of the Moments you Might Have Missed
30 Golf: The Return To St. Andrews Are Brits Ready for Open Success?
36 A Legend Revived The Return of Golf’s Most Storied Name.
40 NBA Draft: The Results Are In
What You Missed This Month
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How Did Each Team Do?
46 The Fantasy Fix Players You Need To Target
Poker Cover F e 22 Bracelet Watch ature The World Series of Poker Part 1
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Golf: British Open
Rookies That Will Thrive
CONTENTS GX
22 50 Sun, Sea and...Poker The Perfect Poker Summer Vacation
58 How To Spot A Poker Face World Series of Poker
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The Tells They Never Taught In Poker School
62 Interview With The Master What You Might Not Know About Doyle Brunson
Poker Strategy 66 Oma-haha An Introduction to Pot Limit Omaha
70 Pre-Flop Strategies Sun, Sea and...Poker
Tips To Beat The Best
74 Lifestyle 74 Game Review: NCAA Football ‘11
78 Driving in the Fast Lane The Porsche 918 Spyder
80 Brooklyn’s Finest Eight Upcoming Indie Bands
NCAA Football ‘11
82 Madness & Musings 5
GX EDITORIAL
Find us on azine ok.com/gxmag www.facebo
Runners & Writers Editor Derek Gould derek@gxglobalmedia.com Creative Director Isabel Ferrer
Before deciding to pack my bags and travel to unfamiliar lands, I asked myself a farrago of questions. Is this the right move? Am I the right man for this job? Do I have the skills to stay true to this magazine while trying to take it to new heights? Obviously, the answer was “yes” to all. Since I’d made up my mind, the only thing left was to...well...leave. The journey to London was long and gruelling and that’s not an exaggeration by any means. From eight hour flights over oceans and emerald fields to lugging bags and battling crowds flocking to Wimbledon for a spot on the train, it took a lot to get here, but here I am.
Designer Ben Stone ben@gxglobalmedia.com Contributors Brian Kelly Bassy Saffari Diane M. Grassi Wally Downes Commercial Director US Michael Raounas michael@gxglobalmedia.com Commercial Directors Europe Natalie Kenneally natalie@gxglobalmedia.com
“Where do we go from here?” Now, that’s the only question that remains. If you must know, the words sports, gaming and poker are terms encoded in my DNA. I eat, breathe and sleep each of the three. When the opportunity came my way to take the helm of a publication that’s built on those three words, it was difficult to turn down. It’s been a tough five days, but now that I’m here, heading the ship, I’ve opened up the sails on every mast hoping to embark on a journey that’s navigated through calm waters offering amazing adventures to undiscovered lands.
Nathan Berman nathan@gxglobalmedia.com Business Development Alex Soro Marketing Manager Lucy Richardson lucy@gxglobalmedia.com Online Marketing Albert Vellvé albert@gxglobalmedia.com
Honestly, I don’t know where we’re headed. I’d be lying if I said I did. Wherever we go, I promise this: no matter how rough the open seas, this magazine will stay true to the three words on which it was founded and just so happens to be the lifeblood of my being. Sports, gaming and poker will continue flood the pages of this publication for as long as I’m around. And if all goes according to plan, it’s going to be a while.
Web Editor Elisa Lafuente elisa@gxglobalmedia.com Web Developer John Davison johnd@gxglobalmedia.com
Derek Gould, Editor
Carlos Perez carlos@gxglobalmedia.com ISSN 2043-0388
GX INTERNATIONAL EDITIONS
GERMANY
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SPAIN
UK
CHINA
GX First UP 9 FULL TILT POKER SNAP UP LACEY JONES
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t was clear to all in the know that Lacey Jones wouldn’t be a free agent for long after her split with long term partner Absolute Poker. On leaving the Absolute Poker brand after a number of years with the sponsor, it was no surprise that Jones was in popular demand, with both Full Tilt
and PokerStars expressing an interest in signing her up to join their ranks of poker professionals. However, after the announcement that Jones would play for Full Tilt in their upcoming Doubles Poker Championship, it became clear it would only be a matter of when and not if she would join theFull Tilt revolution. The model and television presenter is perhaps more known on the poker circuit for her hostessing skills, and so her strong poker game is often overlooked. However, Jones has cashed at both a WSOP Women’s Event and a WPT Championship Event at the Borgata back in 2007, proving that she has the brains to back up the beauty as a legitimate poker player. The move may indicate a change in advertisement direction for Full Tilt Poker, who have previously only associated themselves with the top poker professionals. By aligning themselves with one of the more colourful personalities of the game, Full Tilt plan to use Jones’ magnetism and charisma and not just her poker abilities to attract players to their brand; a marketing ploy that already seems destined for success.
9 LAAK SETS NEW POKER ENDURANCE WORLD RECORD
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aising money for charity usually involves going above and beyond the norm in aid of a good cause, but very few have committed to that sentiment like Phil Laak. Laak decided to raise money for charity by doing what he knows best, playing poker, for as long as possible in a live $10/$20 NL Hold’em cash game held at the Bellagio poker room, Las Vegas. He also embarked on the mammoth endurance feat with the intention of breaking the Guinness World Record for most consecutive hours spent playing poker – previously set by Paul Zimbler at the WSOPE last year - as well as raising money for the Camp Sunshine Charity. Armed only with a specially constructed diet to keep blood sugar levels constant, and without the aid of a single caffeine product, Laak easily tore through the old record of 72 hours to reach his target of 80 hours of continuous poker, with only a five minute break per hour allowed. However, not content with the achievement, he continued to play for a further 35 hours until his body finally forced him to retire after 115 hours of table action. Laak managed to remain incredibly alert and focused throughout the game, and after the event
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had finished, complained that only physical ailments were preventing him from carrying on further. When Laak eventually decided to cash in his chips, the new record for endurance poker stood at only five hours short of five days. He finished the game $6,766 up. A proportion of Phil’s winning is set to go to his chosen charity, as is the money raised throughout the event from prop bets and the donations of friends and sponsors. Girlfriend and fellow poker professional, Jennifer Tilly, stood by Laak’s side throughout the event.
9 BOKU87 COMPLETES
EPIC CHALLENGE TURN $5 INTO $100,000
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nline poker player Boku87 has finally completed the mammoth goal of turning $5 into $100,000 purely through playing online poker. The epic challenge, which began in July last year, took Boku87 just over ten months to complete, well within the time frame of one year that was originally set for the task. The challenge, completed exclusively on PokerStars.com, was originally conceived after Boku87 won over $40,000 on a prop bet that he could not turn $100 into $10,000 within fifteen days. Playing over 500 sit n’ go’s per day, Boku87 completed the challenge in fourteen. But after the success of the original bet Boku87 decided he could go much bigger, and so the $5 to $100,000 challenge was born. Starting on $0.10 sit n’ go’s and $0.02 - $0.04 fixed limit cash games, roll management was almost as difficult as the poker itself, and so Boku87’s stack accumulation began slowly. But as the months wore on and the victories racked up it soon became clear the goal would be reached, and with Boku87 racing to the finish line the challenge was completed back in May , almost two months ahead of schedule. The challenge was also completed almost exclusively by playing tournaments and sit n’ go’s, with only $1000 of winnings being acquired through cash games. In a sign of unparalleled dedication, it has been estimated that Boku87 played in over 45,000 tournaments to reach the $100,000 target. Boku87 has claimed continually throughout the challenge that his motivation had nothing to do with the money, it was simply an exercise to prove to poker players across the world that it was possible to accumulate large rolls starting with very small amounts. If only it was that easy for everyone.
GX First UP 9 NO STRAIN ON SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP
9 BIDS BLOCKED BY
SENATE ON CASINO BILL
D
iplomats in Washington would have been mightily relieved when Clint Dempsey’s 25-yard-strike made its way through Robert Green’s fingers in the USA’s opening game at the World Cup last month after staking a transatlantic wager on the outcome of the match. A bet was apparently taken between US Ambassador Louis Susman and UK Ambassador Sir. Nigel Sheinwald shortly before the 1-1 draw, after being brokered by the Ambassadors’ aides. The loser was set to buy the opposing Ambassador a swanky meal. Aides to Louis Susman said the US Ambassador would “understand if you [the Brits] decline, given the outcome of the last such encounter,” referring of course to the
USA’s shock 1-0 win over England at the 1950 World Cup in Brazil. In a tongue in cheek response, Sir. Nigel Sheinwald claimed he was looking forward to having his winning steak similar to the USA’s 1950 win,“somewhat rare”. President Barrack Obama and Prime Minister David Cameron meanwhile, made a bet of their own with the loser having to buy the winner a pint of lager on their next state visit. A White House official said of the bet: “The President noted that the historical record of previous World Cup matches between England and the United States favors the latter.” As it was, Clint Dempsey’s equalizer left all parties involved with their betting reputations in tact.
9 POKER PLAYER DIES ON WAY TO WSOP
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n sadder news, poker player Paul “Smalls” Kitsos has died after suffering a heart attack whilst travelling to the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas last month. Kitsos boarded a plane from his home town New York, heading for San Francisco on route to Las Vegas for the Series, but suffered a fatal heart attack only 20 minutes after the flight’s take off. He was pronounced dead by a doctor on board the flight 30 minutes later as the plane returned to JFK. The 55-year-old clothing company owner was a regular on the poker circuit and, although not a household name, had made several high profile cashes in his poker career. A lover of the game, Kitsos had won $387,764 on the World Poker Tour over the past five years. He notably finished 320th in the 2008 WSOP to win $103,500, and scooped his biggest cash when he finished
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5th at the 2009 Borgota Summer Open. Known for his larger than life character, Kitsos will be greatly missed by the poker community for the energy and enthusiasm which he brought to the game. He is survived by his wife Stella and son Nicholas.
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he six-day debate in Massachusetts rages on as state officials continue to struggle to reach an agreement for the bill which would allow the Bay State to open three casinos. The casinos, which would create thousands of jobs within Massachusetts, have been subject to debate for years. However, funding, smoking and the three casinos’ ability to serve free alcohol have been the three hot topics that Democrats and Republicans can’t seem to find a suitable middle ground. Currently, three senators are heading the “great debate”, but only one opposes the idea entirely. Though that one senator in opposition of the casino bill has created a bit of a hurdle, according to multiple sources, a deal is sure to get done soon. The Mashpee Wampanoag tribe, who’ll take ownership of the casinos, said that its bid to build in Fall River was bolstered by a federal decision announced in late June. If the tribe can’t reach an agreement with Fall River under federal law, the Mashpee Wampanoag officials have stated that they are willing to comply with Massachusetts state regulations. Though it may seem like a goal far out of reach, casinos, gambling and 24-hour fun will be instilled in Massachusetts, like it or not.
First UP GX 9 ROBBIE EARLE SACKED THANKS TO DUTCH BEAUTIES
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here’s more than one way that 36 South African models can get you into a lot of trouble, as former ITV football pundit Robbie Earle found out last month. It was discovered that Earle, who was in South Africa with the ITV coverage team for the World Cup, had been passing on tickets meant specifically for family and friends to an unnamed third party without the consent of FIFA or ITV themselves. Unfortunately for Earle, the tickets eventually found their way to the models who arrived at the Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg for the World Cup Group E game between Holland and Denmark wearing tight fitting orange dresses given away as a promotional aid by a Dutch Brewery. Their actions then proceeded to attract so much attention that they were ejected from the stadium, and when their tickets were tracked to their source, all evidence led back to Earle. It has been claimed the stunt was pulled in an ambush marketing ploy by beer company,
Bavaria, but the brewery has so far laughed away all notions that they had anything to do with the scandal. Although Earle purchased the tickets himself, there has been no evidence that he made any money from the
transaction and claims he had already informed ITV as to who his tickets would be going to. Luckily for the fans though, we were able to sit back, relax and enjoy the game. Even if the Dutch beauties weren’t.
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SPORTS BETTING GX
8 Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant (C) is doubleteamed by Boston Celtics' Rajon Rondo (L) and Paul Pierce during the second half of Game 7
6 Los Angeles Lakers' Pau Gasol (R) of Spain celebrates in front of Boston Celtics' Paul Pierce (2nd L), Glen Davis and Rasheed Wallace (L) during the fourth quarter in Game 7
6 Los Angeles Lakers forward Ron Artest (R) defends against Boston Celtics guard Ray Allen in the first quarter during Game 7
7 Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant celebrates a basket against the Boston Celtics during the second half in Game 7
6 Los Angeles Lakers head coach Phil Jackson celebrates as team members hold up the Larry O'Brien championship trophy after defeating the Boston Celtics in Game 7
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GX POKER
Men Nguyen shows himself to be The Master as he wins his 7th WSOP bracelet after fending off Brandon Adams in the World Championship Seven Card Stud.
had said last year, and it’ll presumably still look nice and shiny on James’ wrist regardless.
.EVENT #10.
.EVENT #12.
Where’s Phil Ivey? Twelve events down and still no bracelet for Phil Ivey with the Full Tilt man finishing in 53rd for a little over $3,000, the
Lucky Number 7
equivalent buy-in of about one shot of golf in a match with the star. This Limit Hold’em event was won by fellow American Matthew Matros, who won $189,870, securing his first ever WSOP bracelet.
Brandon Adams fell at the final hurdle in the World Championship Seven Card Stud event when he lost out to Men ‘The Master’ Nguyen. This was Nguyen’s 7th WSOP bracelet in all, and it took the Master to second position on the all-time cashes list at the WSOP; this being his 67th in all. The Master admits he’s a superstitious man and believes this fate and superstition may have been the reason why he had up until this point, won no bracelets since the WSOP moved to the Rio in 2005. Retford meanwhile, won $243,958 for his second place.
More than three thousand runners competed in this $1,000 No-Limit Hold’em event and it was Steven Gee from Sacramento who won the bracelet. Gee said for anyone to be a great player, “you have to love the game, you have to love what you do.” Well that’s just how Gee feels since the 54-year-old has been playing poker for over 30 years and was rewarded here with his first ever bracelet.
.EVENT #11.
.EVENT #14.
Kiwi Gobbles Up Durrrr
Lowdown on the Lowball
Simon Watt became the first New Zealander to ever win a WSOP bracelet when he fended off Tom Dwan at the heads-up stage of this $1,500 buy-in No Limit Hold’em event. Watt took home $614,248 for winning the 2,563-man event, while Dwan left the tournament area without speaking to the media.
Californian poker pro, Yan Chen, won the 2-7 Draw Lowball $1,500 buy-in event which attracted 250 players. This was a new event at the WSOP, and was unsurprisingly taken down by a lowball specialist. This was Chen’s first bracelet and also left him $92,817 the richer – minus his buy-in of course.
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.EVENT #13.
Gee Whizz
Simon Watt becomes the first ever New Zealander to win a bracelet.
SPORTS BETTING GX
DRAFT DAY
ANALYSIS
Radio City Music Hall. June 24th. 2010. For the NBA, it´s a chance to introduce its youngest stars with the brightest futures to the world. For the teams, it´s a chance to get a fresh start and change all of the wrong-doings from seasons past. BY DEREK GOULD
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n the NBA’s seemingly endless history, players have come and gone, some forever remembered and eternally enshrined while others have taken terrible falls from grace and easily forgotten. Yet, each summer, on the night of the NBA Draft, David Stern and his association gets to re-stock a fresh crop of young stars on the rise. It’s never a one hundred percent guarantee that each team’s selection will make it. In fact, most never get a chance live up to their true potential in a league that’s played by some of the most physically-gifted athletes in the world. Still, every June owners, coaches, GM’s and fans alike loiter in angst powered by the notion that “one player can change anything.” It’s a belief that is fundamentally ingrained in their brains, for better or for worse. But June 24th is a night where clearly something monumental can happen; a night where a franchise can go from worst-to-first by selecting just one player. It’s a night where amazing can happen. Here’s a look at the 2010 NBA Draft.
court speed and passing abilities are some of the best in the business. He’s guy that Washington can rebuild around. Wall just needs be sure his mouth doesn’t write checks his body can’t cash. Grade: A
2
Philadelphia 76ers: Evan Turner SG-6’7”205 Ohio State
If John Wall had an equal, it might be Evan Turner. Though anticipation never quite hit 76er fans as news leaked prior to the draft that Philadelphia had already made their decision on Turner, basketball in Philly is finally headed in the right direction with the selection of the OSU star. The national player of the year in college basketball has the desire, intensity and big-play ability to be an offensive force in the NBA. Turner can drive
the lane and take the ball to hoop efficiently. Once he develops his long-rang shot, he’ll be one of the best in the NBA. Grade: A+
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New Jersey Nets: Derrick Favors PF-6’9” 220 Georgia Tech
Personally, the Nets would have been better taking the NBA-ready DeMarcus Cousins, but New Jersey selected Derrick Favors instead. It was a back and forth debate, however Favors did display great power and control scoring efficiently at the post and rebounding well off of the glass. The Nets will now have two dominant big-men that can bring a lot of strength and talent in the front court. Who knows, if the mad Russian plays his cards right and pulls in LeBron, the sky´s the limit for N.J. Grade: A
1
Washington Wizards: John Wall PG-6’4” 195 Kentucky
Though this draft was crammed with talent, John Wall was the obvious choice for Washington. The Wizards went through a complete disaster of a season with the suspension of Gilbert Areas along with the loss of Antawn Jamison and Caron Butler. By drafting John Wall, the Kentucky phenom will send a much-needed surge of electricity to a team that has lost all power. Wall, who might be a bit ahead of himself bragging that he will be a top-3 point guard by the end of his rookie campaign, is fully capable as his full
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GX SPORTS BETTING
Oklahoma City to get the center, and though Aldrich’s shooting abilities aren’t what he was selected 11th overall for, he will be able to match-up with every center in the NBA, pound for pound. Grade: B+
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Memphis Grizzlies: Xavier Henry SG-6’6”220 Kansas
Henry was a solid and smart pick at #12 for Memphis. The freshman out of Kansas brings out-of-this-world shooting as a guard that has the talent to hit a three from anywhere on the court. Though his time in college was brief, the pick in hindsight almost looks genius now that Rudy Gay has accepted Memphis’ offer, Henry can be used sparingly and learn from one of the best in the NBA. If Xavier Henry can get past his one flaw of not being able to create his own shot, this kid will be a complete stud in the not so distant future. And If Memphis can surround him with the right protection to free up some space, Henry will have no trouble making the transition from college to pro. Grade: B
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Toronto Raptors: Ed Davis PF6’10”225 North Carolina
Like so many other power forwards in the game today, Ed Davis will have to develop his mid-range shooting to compliment his ball handling skills and ability to finish at the rim. Though Davis is young, his natural strength and skills can’t be over looked. He averaged 13 points per game as well as nine rebounds per game to go along with that. Though Toronto is a sinking ship, especially with Chris Bosh on the outs and Hedo Turkoglu unhappy, the Raptors will strongly appreciate Davis’ natural talents on the court. Grade: B-
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Houston Rockets: Patrick Patterson PF-6’9”250 Kentucky
The big boy from Kentucky brings a lot to the for Houston, who selected Patterson as the final pick of the lottery. Though there were many comparisons between Patterson and Gordon Hayward, most critics
agree that the former Wildcat will be able to use his size, defensive presence at the post and his mid range shooting skills as a great way to keep opposing teams’ defenses on their heals. And while Patterson will most likely never be a complete star in the NBA, his contributions off of the bench will not go unrecognized. Grade: B-
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Milwaukee Bucks: Larry Sanders PF-6’9”210 VCU
Sanders was selected by the Bucks to help back up Andrew Bogut, who can never seem to stay healthy. Larry Sanders can offer Milwaukee strong offensive play that, although may not be 100% polished, can pose a serious threat down in the post. The VCU star also thrives defensively as he can rebound well and block some of the biggest men in the game. Though it will take some time for Sanders to develop into a premier power forward in the NBA, he is on a team that isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Grade: C+
SPORTS BETTING GX
THE FANTASY FIX
THREE ROOKIE RB’S
GUARANTEED TO HELP YOUR TEAM THIS FALL Yes, it’s only July and no, it’s never too early to start preparing for your fantasy football team in 2010. Brian Kelly breaks down the top-three rookie running backs that could have a major impact on your team come September. Words BRIAN KELLY
If you’ve been playing fantasy football for the last few years, the following names should sound fairly familiar to your ears: Matt Forte, Kevin Smith, Jonathan Stewart, Knowshon Moreno, Adrian Peterson, Chris Johnson, Tim Hightower and Steve Slaton. Why have these names become so familiar? Obviously, the aforementioned are some of the top starts in the league, but more importantly they’re players who carried many fantasy owners to glory during their rookie campaigns. With the current trend of first-year running backs becoming the starters of their team, chances are your fantasy season will rest upon grabbing the right rookie during your draft. Here are three running backs that are guaranteed to boost your team in its pursuit of fantasy fame.
RYAN MATTHEWS San Diego Chargers Ask the average college football fan who Ryan Matthews is and most won’t be able to tell you, but for those of us who do know him, know that he scored 19 touchdowns on 276 rush attempts last year. Do the math on that and you’ll realize that he scored a touchdown every 14 times he touched the ball. Add the 1,808 yards and 6.6 yards per carry and you have the makings of an absolute stud NFL running back. Now consider this, only 5 other NCAA running backs with more than 1,000 yards had a higher YPC average than Matthews last season. While Matthews’ detractors will likely mention that he benefitted from playing weaker competition at Fresno State, keep in mind that Matthews totaled 659 yards and 7 touchdowns against Wisconsin, Boise State, Cincinnati, and Illinois in 2009. Only Illinois ranked outside of the AP Top-25. Matthews, who was drafted 12th overall in this year’s NFL draft by the Chargers, will fill in for the shoes of
LaDanian Tomlinson as San Diego’s lead running back. Though there were other positions available at the Charger’s 12th pick, San Diego had to improve a position that has hindered them to advance in the playoffs the past two consecutive years. Because of this Matthews should be given plenty of opportunity to show why he was the second running back selected in the draft. Chargers head coach Norv Turner has already been quoted as saying that Matthews could see as many as 250 carries this year along with 40 receptions. While the 40 receptions appears to be somewhat unrealistic given that Matthews only had 19 receptions during his entire college career, the Fresno State standout has shown the ability to successfully handle a heavy workload. Playing an extremely favorable schedule this year and with no real competition in the Chargers backfield, Matthews could easily become a top-10 fantasy running back. 9 Recommended draft selection: early to mid second round.
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GX POKER
you for a small fee. You can then proceed to bombard him with a barrage of messages while also calling him on an unknown number and not saying a thing. By this point he’ll be so focused on his phone that his poker will start to rapidly deteriorate; leaving you the spoils. The other trick is to pretend he’s calling you every time he makes a call as this will wind him up beyond belief.
The Apologiser
The Tipper Sitting on your backside all day with waitresses delivering you drinks and snacks is one of the few times when poker players will have someone slaving on them hand and foot 24/7. And when the impeccably behaved waitresses bring refreshments, tipping them a few chips is not only common courtesy but an absolute must. But when one of your opponents starts tipping $20 for a glass of flat Coke, asides from his blatant attempts to secure the waitress’ phone number, he’s also trying to intimidate you. He thinks if he can afford to pay that much for carbonated beverage, you’re not going to be able to scare him off any pots. The problem here is both good and bad. If he’s chucking money around like it grows on trees in his back yard, he’ll be unlikely to be budged from too many hands when you’re bluffing. But he’ll also be calling your strong hands too. So what you need to do is give him even more reason to do so. Start off by buying drinks from the
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waitresses and sending them over to him like men in films who send over glasses of champagne to the long-legged blondes at the end of the bar. Then shout him some chips and peanuts before eventually ordering him the most romantic meal on the menu (even if it’s just a burger with a heart shaped pickle).
It may be considered good form to apologise when you hit a one-outer on the river, just like it is in tennis when you clip the net and it falls agonisingly short of your opponent on the other side. But you know, and he knows, that you’re not really sorry. In fact, you’re delighted, and you might as well run towards the crowd sliding on your knees shouting goooaaalll while pumping your fists in the air with tears streaming down your face. And if you react in any other way, especially by apologising, everyone watching will know you’re a
What will happen next will be one of two things: he’ll either stay out of your pots as he’ll see your raises as a come-on, or he’ll be desperate to bully you out of pots after you’ve threatened his masculinity and big spending ability, making him even more determined to bully you off pots from which you won’t budge. Either way, he won’t be able to afford too many more $20 sodas once you’ve worked your magic.
Mr Telephone It’s highly unlikely there’ll be many players at the table who don’t have a mobile phone. But there’ll almost certainly be one who’s calling, texting, or playing with it so often that you’d be forgiven for thinking the poker was an irritating distraction preventing him from getting down to some serious telephone business. His phone will also undoubtedly be the latest model of iPhone which probably hasn’t even been released yet. Fortunately though, two can play at that game. And there’ll only be one winner.
conman - the kind who asks a woman he admires how her boyfriend is with sincere interest when actually hoping he has tragically been killed in a bear fight.
If you’re involved in any pots with Mr. Telephone, make sure you’re busy texting whenever it’s your turn to act. The dealer will be the first one to prompt you into playing, but Mr. Telephone will start chipping in too once you’ve done it several times. You should also try and get his number, either by asking directly or by getting one of the waitresses to get it for
So don’t apologise for getting lucky, celebrate instead. It’s sure to wind up your opponents and put them on tilt. Remember, you’re not there to make friends. You’re there to make money. Of course the one thing you need to be able to do if you’re going to go down this route is remain oblivious to the way people will behave when they luck out on you.
GX POKER
“I'm 76 now. and I feel. I'm close to. being as. good as I. ever was”.
Interview
DOYLE BRUNSON 62
GX LIFESTYLE
SPYDER CAR WILL SAVE THE WORLD PORSCHE 918 SPYDER HYBRID CONCEPT
Can the new Porsche hybrid concept car throw off the shackles previously associated with such machines? Jamie Mallon finds out.
T
he word hybrid, in a vehicular sense at least, is somewhat divisive. For some it inspires imagery of a cleaner, greener world; a brighter more environmentally sustainable future. For others it means poorly performing cars with overly arrogant drivers, advertising their green credentials and basking in the fury created by their Prius sitting in the fast lane of the M1 at 55mph.
This could all be set to change should the Porsche 918 Spyder concept reach the production line. This piece of hybrid machinery is a million miles away from the drab looks and asthmatic performance of a
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majority of hybrids currently on the market, it looks like the creator of the universe (I’m not starting a God vs Evolution debate here!) and some highly advanced extraterrestrials borrowed a Carrera GT and teamed up in creating this masterpiece. It might be fair to expect the 918 Spyder to tip the scales given the monumental weight of many electric cars, but it weighs in at a fairly dainty 1,490kg and has a combined output of over 700 bhp from the combustion and electric motors. The process of getting
from 0-62 is demolished in just 3.2 seconds with a top end speed a shade off 200mph. For anybody wondering if a hybrid can really perform in the real world, the stats paint a very clear picture: the 918 has lapped the Nurburgring in 7:30 minutes, a full 22 seconds quicker than a Mclaren SLR and quicker than the Carrera GT. EXTERIOR Porsche has really achieved something astonishing in maintaining the lines and features that define the brand and maintain the legacy of Porsche’s design while also creating something entirely new, entirely different and entirely jaw-to-the-floor gorgeous. While there are distinct similarities to the Carrera GT, the 918 Spyder’s front end is much more angular with less aggressive more shapely intakes. It’s much the same story along the lines of the doors with larger more curved intakes feeding the powerplant huge gulps of air. The rear quarter