Insider November 2010 by GX Magazine

Insider NOVEMBER 2010

MAGAZINE CHRISTMAS GIFTS 2010 SHOPPING MADE EASY

NEW YORK TAKE A BITE OUT OF THE BIG APPLE

TOP TIPPLES PARTY SEASON ESSENTIALS

LA VIE EN

ROSE

MEET 888poker’s NEWEST AMBASSADOR CLAIRE RENAUT

SPORTS BETTING TIPS WITH ED NICHOLSON GEOFF NORCOTT: POKER’S GUIDE TO IDIOTS BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE WSOPE

poker

The ENgineers of communication Unique design. Exclusive material. Perfect craftsmanship.

porsche design Mobile phones

Ă&#x;9521

INSIDER | CONTENTS

contents NOVEMBER 2010

888poker and beyond 07 Editor’s letter 08 888 News 12 888 Behind the Scenes Team 888poker hit the WSOPE 72 Timing is everything The month’s sport betting tips from Insider’s resident pundit Ed Nicholson 74 888 Shop This month’s top items

Rel888te 16

888community 888 players tell us their poker stories, jokes and bad beats 20 Behind the Blue Ropes Spotlight on this month’s 888poker VIP: Bojan Gledovic 22 Ten Minutes with Padraig Padraig Parkinson on fruit, veg and Steve Davis

November 2010 | Insider | 3

INSIDER | CONTENTS

48 52

30 Features 30 The Double Life of Claire Renaut Meet 888poker’s newest ambassador Claire Renaut 36 Interactive imagination An introduction to my.888poker.com: 888’s multi-interactive community

Do Try Buy 42 Sartorially Yours Vintage fashion’s rise from the charity shop to the high street 48 Destination New York Take a bite out of the Big Apple this Christmas 78 Poker’s Guide to Idiots Comedian Geoff Norcott makes a startling confession in his first column as Insider’s resident joker

52 Top Tipples Wines, spirits and cocktails to get you in the festive spirit 58 Surviving Christmas Top gifts this Christmas 76 What’s on...November Hot events and releases to keep on the radar this November

58 November 2010 | Insider | 5

INSIDER | WELCOME

poker

Insider MAGAZINE

Editor Krystal Sim Contributors Lindsay Robertson, Jamie Trinca, Faith Brotherston, Michael Gales, Geoff Norcott, Padraig Parkinson, Aaron Thompson, Ed Nicholson, Ran Milo, Sean McGlashan, Gil Reichenstein Art Director Nick Brown Web Developer Carlos Pérez Olmos Images Shutterstock, Action Images Commercial Director Natalie Kenneally Publishing Director Stephen Price Published by GX Global Media Ltd 102-103 Harbour Yard Chelsea Harbour London SW10 0XD T: +44 (0) 20 7351 1818 F: +44 (0) 20 7352 7182 E: letters@888insider.com W: insider.888poker.com Twitter: @888insider 888 Holdings PLC/888poker.com Director of Global Strategy Gareth Edwards Global Marketing Manager Jennifer Huxley Printed by Stones

editor’s letter

have to confess, I have no idea what to write this month. November is one of those non-months where you feel frustratingly on the cusp of something but have no idea what. Not quite autumn, not quite winter. Not quite skint but certainly not flush. It’s dark by four and dressing weather appropriate feels like a constant struggle. November is a middling month and it knows it. Thankfully there’s party season on the horizon to pick us all up out of the doledrums. October 31 onwards marks the beginning of an increasingly tenuous series of parties, soirees and liver devastation synonymous with the festive period. The dreaded Christmas shop is just around the corner, so we need all the Dutch courage we can muster. With that in mind, this month’s Insider brings you a few handy hints for surviving the next few weeks with your sanity intact. Christmas should be a doddle with our top tipples (page 52) and selection of the hottest gadgets, games and stocking fillers (page 58) and those looking for a festive break should look no further than our guide getting the most out of the Big Apple (page 48). Fashionistas will also enjoy our feature on vintage fashion’s rise from the bargain bin to prime Topshop floorspace (page 42). Speaking of fashion, this month’s cover star is model, actress and poker pro Claire Renaut, 888poker’s newest ambassador. She has gone from strength to strength in just a year on the poker circuit. We caught up with her fresh from another clutch of wins. Turn to page 30 to read her thoughts on her career so far, her passion for writing and working with 888poker. Claire’s advice is “to have an invincible faith in whatever you do.” On the edge of one year staring into the next, those are wise words. If you always do what interests you, at least one person is pleased.

© 2010. The Magazine is published by GX Global Media Ltd. All rights reserved. The publishers declare that any publication of any advertisement does not carry their endorsement or sponsorship of the advertiser or their products or services unless so indicated. Contributions are invited and, whether or not accepted, submissions will be returned only if accompanied by a stamped addressed envelope. No responsibility can be taken for drawings, photographs or literary contributions during transmission or while in the Managing Editor’s hands. Proof of receipt is no guarantee of appearance. In the absence of an agreement, the copyright of all contributions, literary, photographic or artistic belongs to the GX Global Media. This publication (or any part thereof) may not be reproduced, transmitted or stored in print or electronic format (including, but not limited to, any online service, database or part of the internet), or in any other format in any media whatsoever, without the prior written permission of GX Global Media Ltd. GX Global Media Ltd accept no liability for the accuracy of the contents or any other opinions expressed herein.

KRYSTAL SIM EDITOR

November 2010 | Insider | 7

INSIDER | NEWS

888poker sponsors Russian Poker Tour $500,000 Grand Final 888poker is to sponsor the final tournament of the 2010 Russian Poker Tour The Grand Final RPT $500,000 tournament is the biggest poker tournament in Russia and will take place from 9-18 November in Kiev. The guarantee for the Main Event is a $500,000 prize pool – a record amount for the $2,500 buy-in tournament. In addition the Grand Event will be guaranteed at $250,000 prize pool with a low buy-in of $900. www.888poker.com is the exclusive online satellite partner. Satellites for the Grand Final RPT will begin on October 24 with

buy-in tournaments starting at $2.20, as well as daily freerolls. Buy-in satellites are open to all 888poker members and can be found in the live tournaments lobby. For more information about the Grand Final RPT satellite series visit us www.888poker.com.

888poker are running qualifying tournaments where players can win seats to the 2011 Aussie Millions main event in Melbourne, Australia. Start playing poker online at 888poker and get your seat to biggest live poker event in Australia which takes place at the Crown Casino in January 2011. Enter the 888Poker qualifying tournaments every third Sunday of the month for your chance to win a prize package worth $17,500 which includes main event buy-in, travel and accommodation.

Insider On line

Insi der OCTOB ER

2010

MAG AZIN E

LAU NCH

ISSU TH E HA IS CA

pok er

HOWS CL T LAD CAT AW THE Y OUT BIN S INTE RAG RNE ED T

EV RE OLUT

THE VO ION LUTIO EXP 3D TEC OR LOS ION HNO N? LOG Y

DE STIN TU AT LAT SC ION E SUM AN MER Y SUN NO GE

POK RC OFF ER’S OT TO GUID T IDIO E TS

U’VE BE WA RNEN ED

BEH NEWIND TV THE SCE AD STA NES RRI AT NG 888 SHA pok NE er’s WA RNE

If you have any news you’d like to share with our news desk please email editor@888insider.com

cover.ind

COM E ARO KING REV UND S OF IEW MON SUN LEOS... EYN WALL DOW N EVE STR N R SLE EET MET EPS OTH ROID ER M

29/09/20

Insider.8 Go to 88poker.c om

Read Ins ider Online • subs ad.indd

16:49

Subscribe • Submit Content

04/11/201

0 17:15

8 | Insider | November 2010

PAUL THE WORLD CUP OCTOPUS DIES World Cup 2010’s unlikeliest star Paul the octopus has passed away. The ‘psychic’ cephalopod shot to fame this summer during the FIFA World Cup by successfully predicting the results of eight tournament fixtures. Paul was presented with two boxes each containing food. The boxes were marked on the outside with the flag of the sides due to play. His choice of box was taken as his pick for the match. He correctly predicted all of Germany’s games during the World Cup. His successful pick for tournament winners Spain made him something of a hero in the country, even leading to a request to place him on display at Madrid Zoo. Paul was retired after the World Cup and staff at the Oberhausen Sea Life Centre in Germany where he was housed are said to be greatly saddened by his death. The aquarium plans to erect a memorial in his honour.

INSIDER | NEWS

Très fantastique Claire Renaut cashes in at European Poker Tour 2010 Claire Renaut has continued her impressive live poker tournament cashes with another 91st finish in the 2010 European Poker Tour held in London last month. Her £9,000 win at the EPT has taken her winnings for 2010 to total over $90,000. Claire will attempt to continue her cash spree this month at the Marrakech WPT main event tournament. To read our interview with Claire Renaut, turn to page 30.

SHANE WARNE 888POKER AD HITS THE SMALL SCREEN 888poker’s new TV ad campaign starring Shane Warne hit our screens last month. To read some of the reactions to the campaign turn to page 19. Send us your feedback via letters@888insider.com

TIME TRAVELLER SPOTTED IN 1928 FOOTAGE Science fiction is a wonderful genre. But for every 100 scifi fans there’s one superfan who pours over the schematics of the Enterprise-D in order to quiz Jonathan Frakes on the curious lack of the toilet facilities and believes that Doctor Who is a fly on the wall documentary series. These men and women had a field day on YouTube as footage emerged that could prove the existence of time travel. Or be a ridiculous coincidence. Or just a woman talking into her hand. While watching a DVD extra for 1928 Chaplin film The Circus, Belfast film maker George Clarke spotted a shot of a woman walking past a cinema premiering the film. The woman walks into shot holding her left hand to the side of her head and is seen to be talking. The clip is blink and you miss it stuff, but Clarke slowed down and enhanced the image revealing what by today’s standards appears to be the behaviour of someone talking on a mobile phone. Clarke uploaded the video last month, and it received more than 1.5 million views on YouTube. Some viewers have put forward theories that the woman was simply covering her face, listening to a portable radio or was schizophrenic. No police box was detected in the footage. The mystery continues.

November 2010 | Insider | 9

INSIDER | NEWS

CLASSIC FILMS GET THE 3D TREATMENT James Cameron and George Lucas begin worldwide geek-baiting competition You’d be forgiven for rolling your eyes. You just can’t escape 3D, thanks in no small part to James Cameron and George Lucas. In an announcement that had fanboys slamming their heads into their ergonomic keyboards, George Lucas is to re-release the entire Star Wars saga in 3D, starting with The Phantom Menace in 2012. There are also rumours that the Indiana Jones series will also be converted to 3D and re-released. The trend seems to be catching on, with Dreamworks already working on the 3D conversion of the first three Shrek movies. Warner Bros. are also said to be planning the same for Harry Potter, particularly strange news after the studio was forced to abandon the 3D conversion of Deathly Hallows Part I when the project ran over schedule. Avatar director James Cameron slammed studios who “shoehorn” 3D into films during post-production, adding that it was something that should only be used for classic movies. “You can’t do a good conversion of a two-hour movie with high quality in a few weeks like they tried to do with Clash of the Titans,” said Cameron. “Post conversion should be used for one thing and one thing only - which is to take library titles that are favourites that are proven, and convert them into 3D - whether it’s Jaws or ET or

Indiana Jones, Close Encounters or Titanic.” Cameron is currently writing two sequels to Avatar. The films are scheduled for release December 2015 and December 2016. The director is to begin writing script

AND FINALLY... Speaking of Star Wars, if you’re feeling flush this month then Christies has just the impulse purchase for you. An exceptionally rare complete Darth Vader costume from The Empire Strikes Back is going under the hammer. This is the first complete costume to be offered at auction, comprising of the iconic Sith Lord’s helmet, mask,

10 | Insider | November 2010

shoulder armour and shin guards. The costume is estimated to be worth between £160,000 and £230,000. The auction will be held on 25 November and a percentage of the proceeds from the sale will be donated to Cancer Research. You might have to remortgage your house, but you’ll always have the best costume at Halloween.

treatments next year, and has said that the films will be “self-contained stories that also fulfil a greater story arc.” Avatar earned £1.76 billion at the global box office.

PLAYING POKER ONLINE IS EXCITING ENOUGH, SO MAKE SURE YOU PAY THE EASY WAY.

paysafecard is the easiest way to deposit money into your online poker account; no need for a credit card or a bank account. www.paysafecard.com

INSIDER | BEHIND THE SCENES

Behind the Scenes followed Team 888poker VIP at the 2010 World Series of Poker Europe in London

behind the scenes Team 888poker VIP came out in force at the World Series of Poker Europe Main Event, hungry for glory

he fourth annual WSOPE Main Event was held September 26- 28 at the luxurious Empire Casino in London’s Leicester Square. Team 888poker VIP came out in full force to take home the coveted Gold Bracelet. There was tons of excitement for the team, from starring on the TV table and cashing major moolah to taking in the nightlife with celebratory antics. Although Team 888poker VIP did not take home the bracelet, several of our players pocketed cash for their efforts. Highlights included; Mark Thurgood

12 | Insider | November 2010

finishing 36th and cashing £21,106, Darren Woods finishing 34th and also taking home £21,106 and last but certainly not least, Bojan Gledovic once again cashing at a major main event in 17th place taking a nice £33,285 in winnings. Team 888poker VIP is proving itself a force to be reckoned with as they prepare for the next big event in the Southern Hemisphere, the 2011 Aussie Millions. Maybe you could win your place on the Team. www.888behindthescenes.com ø

INSIDER | BEHIND THE SCENES

November 2010 | Insider | 13

INSIDER | BEHIND THE SCENES

Clockwise L-R: WSOPE 2010 TV table; Team 888poker VIP manager, Stephen Day; WSOPE Day 1; Darren Woods, Tyler Bonkowski, Leo Margets and Stephen Day take a break; Team 888poker VIP Bojan Jolmer; Team 888poker VIP Patrick Dekoster

14 | Insider | November 2010

Insider Online

Insid er OCTO BER 2010

MAG AZIN LAU E NCH IS

poke r

SUE

TH HAIS CAT HOWS CLA LAD CAT BINWS YO

DEST IN TU ATION LATE SCA SUM MERNY SU

U THE INTE TRAGED RNE

T EVO LUTI REV O O LUT N OR THE EXPL3D TECH ION? OSIO NOL N

OGY

NO GEOFF

POK RCOT ER’S T G TO ID UIDE IOTS

YOU ’VE B EEN

WAR NED

BEH NEWIND THE TV A SCEN D ST E ARR S AT 88 8 ING SHA poker’s NE W ARN E

00 co

COM E AR KINGSREVIEW S OUN D S OF LEON... MON W UND EYN ALL ST OWN EVER REE T SL MET EEPS OTH ROID ER M

ver.ind

d 1

29/0

9/20

16:4

Go to

Insider.888poker.com Read Insider Online • Subscribe • Submit Content

INSIDER | 888COMMUNITY

rel

888poker is all about community spirit and we want to hear from YOU. Send us your blogs, connect via our forum my.888poker.com, or tweet us @888insider. The best posts, letters and pictures of you and your buddies enjoying 888poker will get vouchers to spend in the 888 shop. Email us your stories, bad beats and pictures at letters@888insider.com What are you waiting for?

Blogger of the month

it was funny): BB has T8, OR has 66 and Button has T6. River is a blank and the Button exits the tourney early. This means all the 10S and all the sixes were in play and the showdown was three full houses. If you were OR, could you have folded your 66 here?

JUDITH EDWARDS CAN YOU FOLD A MONSTER?

Live poker is so rigged. I thought I’d share a couple of hands from last night’s live game with you; one of which I was involved in, the other I wasn’t.

Grinding

Under the gun raises to three x BB (300) and it folds round to me on the button with AKs so I flat call hoping to partly disguise the strength of my hand. Flop comes 777. Original raiser checks and I check behind. The turn is an eight and he bets out 500. I have won a few hands and have about 19,000 (starting stack 15,000). I sense that this could be a feeler bet and there are a lot of hands he could have where I am still ahead. It is also possible that he checked a monster on the flop. Hmm, I think it’s time to find out where I stand so I raise to 1,500. He calls. Now that’s a worry. I’m thinking he has a pair but due to preflop raise, little chance he has the seven. The river is an Ace. Happy days: I am only losing to 88, AA or 7x. But then he bets 5,000. Ouch. Could you fold here? I didn’t and he showed 78 suited. Luckily my stack could withstand the blow but it tilted me. A couple of the

16 | Insider | November 2010

other players say they would have folded as at best I was splitting the pot with another Ace. It’s a very good point. I spent 5,000 trying to protect my investment of 2,000 which was stupid in hindsight. A tough one.

Early position raises to 3 x BB (300) and gets a caller on the button (he always calls in position) and the BB calls as well. Flop comes TT8. BB and original raiser (OR) check and Button bets 900. Both call. Turn is six. BB bets 3,000 called by OR, Button shoves all in. BB calls and OR folds. They all show their cards (OR included as he thought

Due to my recent poor results online I have been practising quite strict bankroll management. Most poker text books will have a section on when to move up or down the buy-ins. But most of us find it hard to drop back down and admit to having to go back to low/micro levels once we feel we are deserving of playing at a better level. But I’ve just kicked myself up the arse and told my ego to take a hike. I tend to play $5-20 games, including rebuys where I can invest up to about $80 per tourney. I also use Step games to play in higher buy-ins up to about $250. But a poor run of results has meant that my bankroll was sinking fast so I decided to only play $10 freezeouts and $5 rebuys and, if I rebuy more than three times in the first three levels I will leave the tournament. I am also playing some freerolls properly – i.e. actually trying to make it to the money/ticket instead of

INSIDER | 888COMMUNITY

just messing about with marginal hands. All of this sounds a bit cheap but I think it is part of grinding. Sometimes I need to be happy to make a bit of money and think of it as all part of practising my art and improving. I have also started playing fewer tables at the same time and concentrating on my opponents, making notes as I go. Happily this more disciplined approach led

me to win another £500+50+200 expenses ticket last night for the same live event I already have a ticket for. This will have cost me an investment of about £50 in satties. I’ll keep the exps and have already sold the seat for £500 (inc £50 rake). So my bankroll gets a nice boost of £700. I ran very well in this satty and played heads up very well. So that having been equal in chips I ran up a 5 x chip

lead and the exit hand was overkill: my QQ v AK saw a flop of QQx. Lol. What a waste. I’m going to carry on grinding at these lower levels for a while apart from the odd shot at a higher level if there is good value. After all this is where there are a lot of less well players and fewer pros. So whilst it may take longer to win less, I might win more often.

Player Spotlight

Each issue we’ll put the spotlight on one lucky 888poker user. Complete the Rel888te quiz and it could well be you. For more details or to complete the quiz go to my.888poker.com or email us at info@888insider.com NAME: OONAGH O’HANLON USERNAME: WKDWITCH MY.888POKER USERNAME: WKDWITCH Do you have a lucky charm? None at all. It didn’t take me long to realise that my luck, or lack of it, is solely down to my attitude and the way I play my hands on the day. The upside is I can credit the glory of a win or the disappointment of a loss entirely to myself. My only ritual is that I never play when I am tired.

How long have you been playing poker online? About 10 years sporadically, but it is only in the last two years, since joining 888, that I have been playing on a regular basis.

What do you do when you are not playing poker? I have a lot of interests outside of poker. I live in a rural area and have a horse and six dogs which keeps me quite busy. My weekends are spent watching my two teenage sons playing football for their various teams. In my down time I read a lot, write, paint, play the drums and play the PS3. When the weather is good I take my camera out to local

I PLAY A MORE CONFIDENT GAME SINCE JOINING THE 888 COMMUNITY beauty spots and ‘shoot’ a few birds. But I always find time for poker.

What is the secret of your success? Without a shadow of a doubt, the 888 community. I play a more confident and informed game compared to when I joined. This is mainly due to the encouragement, mentoring, discussions and advice from the other members. Taking part in the community restricted games was a bit daunting at first as they are all solid players with different levels of experience but it is an excellent way to learn in a very friendly and relaxed environment. I know all that sounds like an advert but becoming 

November 2010 | Insider | 17

INSIDER | 888COMMUNITY

ø involved in the community really did turn my game around. What words of advice do you have for newcomers? Learn to take a bad beat with good grace and don’t dwell on a mistake.

LEARN TO TAKE A BAD BEAT WITH GOOD GRACE How did you come by your username? It stems from my love of the film The Wizard of Oz. I saw it when I was four years old and was totally mesmerized. After many, many viewings I know all the words off by heart and over the years have entertained my own children, and even some colleagues, by acting out scenes from the film. I do an extremely convincing Wicked Witch of the West.

How did you get involved in the my.888poker community? I had a problem with my Settings button in the main lobby and came across the community while looking for a solution. I posted my question and as I waited for a reply I took time to browse the various threads. My problem was fixed and my BR has never been healthier.

What type of games do you prefer? I started out playing freerolls and after many attempts, was astounded

18 | Insider | November 2010

and delighted to come first out of 2,500 entrants. I moved on to Sit and Go’s but made a lot of mistakes. It was only after joining the community that I found the confidence to get involved in the tournaments. I now prefer the deepstacks as these are games I can take my time with and hone my poker skills rather than relying on the luck of the cards.

Who are your favourite poker players? I know there are a lot of up and coming young poker stars but I like a player who has a personality and keeps me entertained. A few of my favourites are Daniel Negraneau, Mike Matusoe and Gus Hanson, purely because his style of play is downright scary.

Besides the standard AA, KK, AK, QQ, hole cards, what is your favourite starting hand and why? I love looking down and seeing a suited Ace, the kicker is inconsequential. For me this hand has options and will always take a look if at all possible.

Where do you see yourself a year from now? I enjoy the social side of poker as much as playing and I love to travel. I have made many friends through the community and have met quite a few at live events. With some more improvements in my skills and confidence I intend to be take part in a lot more, financed by my online wins. I joined the community with just $6 left in my account. I am now well on my way to a trip to Las Vegas. Maybe I’ll see myself there in a year from now. Not bad for a small stake hobby player.

EVERYONE´S A JOKER ON THE 888 FORUM... USER: MUGF1SH Fella gets home from a poker game says to his wife, “Get your stuff together, I just lost you in a poker game.” Wife replies, “How the hell did you manage that?” Fella says, “Wasn’t easy, I had to fold a royal flush.”

USER: RMALC Charlie’s wife Lucy had been after him for several weeks to paint the seat on their commode. Finally, he got around to doing it while Lucy was out. After finishing, he left to take care of another matter before she returned. She came in and undressed to take a shower. Before getting in the shower, she sat on the commode. As she tried to stand up, she realized that the notquite-dry epoxy paint had glued her to the seat. About that time, Charlie got home and realised her predicament. They both pushed and pulled without any success whatsoever. Finally, In desperation, Charlie undid the commode seat bolts. Lucy wrapped a sheet around herself and Charlie drove her to the Hospital Emergency Room. The ER Doctor got her into a position where he could study how to free her. Try to get a mental picture of this. Lucy tried to lighten the embarrassment of it all by saying, “Well, Doctor, I’ll bet you’ve never seen anything like this before.” The Doctor replied, “Actually, I’ve seen lots of them. I just never saw one mounted and framed before.

USER: CAUS3WAY A small man is sitting at the bar when all of a sudden a thug smacks him in the face and says “That’s Kung Fu from Japan.” A bit later the thug smacks him again and says “Thats’s Karate from China.” The little guy gets up and leaves the bar. A short time later he comes back and smacks the thug knocking him out cold and says to the barman when that git wakes up “Tell him that was a SHOVEL from B&Q.”

INSIDER | 888COMMUNITY

WHAT DID YOU THINK OF THE NEW 888POKER TV COMMERCIAL FEATURING SHANE WARNE? youdashant

iplayforfun

monstau

Good advertisement, great for poker fanatics. Shane still looks good.

Wow the new graphics and designs for 888poker are cool and this video takes them to a whole other level.

How did they do the graphics? It really looks high tech and professional.

shawshank1

Never seen a poker commercial like this one. Looks great.

my.888poker.com poll

Which live poker tournament would you most like to win an 888poker package to? Irish Poker Open (Dublin) 8% WSOP (Las Vegas) 40% 888 Superstack (London) 18% Aussie Millions Melbourne) 30% Other 4%

Email us your stories, bad beats and pictures at letters@888insider.com

November 2010 | Insider | 19

COLUMN | TEAM 888POKER VIP

Behind the blue ropes

Last month we introduced you to the 888poker VIP program, where you could be selected to represent 888 around the world at exclusive parties and events. The more you play with us, the closer you are to VIP status. This month’s 888poker VIP is Bojan Gledovic

y coolest tournament experience was recent good run on day two of the WSOPE Main Event. Day one was poor. I had scarcely any decent starting hands, a couple of plays went wrong and I finished the day with 25,000 – 5,000 under the starting stack. Day two started much better. A few good hands made me fell back in the game. Phil Ivey was sitting to my left the whole day and the table was unusually strong. I was as active as possible and things went my way.

Chip leader Having started the day with short stack I did not even realise how big my stack was growing. I got involved in the last hand of the day and won a decent pot. The bell rang

BUT GUYS YOU JUST PROMISED ME A COVER and I saw a few guys with a camera running towards me. They said that I was the chip leader of the day. They congratulated me and said they wanted to interview me for the cover of a magazine. I was exhausted but very happy with the news that my stack was the biggest. We agreed on the details of the interview and then after a while another guy came and said

that there was a player on another table with a lot of chips as well. So the chips had to be counted to determine the true chip leader.

Win some lose some After the dealers counted the chips it turned out that my stack was close to half a million, but the other player had 900 more. As soon as the journalists realised he was chip leader they turned their backs to me and ran towards him. I started laughing and shouted: ‘’Guys you just promised me a cover. What’s going on?” “Not enough chips for the cover.” You win some you lose some.

Team 888poker VIP Spotlight

Name: Bojan Gledovic 888poker Username: bokinjo Location: Belgrade, Serbia Occupation: Civil Engineer and poker player Character: Driven

20 | Insider | November 2010

Bojan Gledovic was born in 1982 in Belgrade, former capital of Yugoslavia. Just as he was about to start school, the Balkans were plunged into crisis. Wars and sanctions devastated the country’s economy leading to poverty and desperation. However Bojan recalls his

childhood joyfully. Long school breaks, caused by power shortages and strikes left a lot of spare time for football and basketball with his friends. Bojan was a massive Red Star Belgrade fan, and dreamt of playing football for his favourite team. After high school he obtained a bachelor’s degree in business administration while simultaneously studying civil engineering. Several years ago Texas Hold’Em was an unknown game in Serbia. After watching a televised poker tournament on cable TV back in 2006 Bojan fell in love with the game, despite not being entirely sure about the rules. He decided to have a go online, eventually settling on Pacific Poker. The roll went up and five years of civil engineering studies went bust. After successfully beating small

cash games he slowly moved to higher stakes and realised that poker could be a full time job. Focused on cash games he also played online live event qualifier, winning several of them. When he qualified for the second time at 888.com it was for the WSOP 2009 main event in Las Vegas. He met many fellow poker players at the event, among them 888.com manager Steve Day. Day was talking about making an 888 team pro in the near future and was quick to realise Bojan’s potential as a member of the 888poker team. After the rough start he started to produce the results everyone expected. At the end of 2010 his best results are 165th place at the WSOP main event in Las Vegas and 17th place at WSOP Europe main event, one of the toughest poker tournaments in the world.

AS SEEN ON

free

Exclusive offer using promo code “insider” £10 free

200% deposit bonus

Play free bingo

Get your exclusive £10 absolutely free - no deposit required! To claim use the promotion code “insider”.

A stunning 200% bonus on your first deposit £10 - get another £20 free!

Win £500 in bonus money completely free this Saturday! So what are you waiting for? Go to www.888ladies.com now!

Go to

ladies

COLUMN | TEN MINUTES WITH PADRAIG

Weird Superstitions Padraig Parkinson has been a professional poker player for over 20 years and is truly a character on the table. His wit and Irish charm is not all he uses to win big; it’s fair to say he knows a thing or two about poker

irst time I ever played in America was in Lake Tahoe at a tournament that Irish bookmaker Terry Rogers used to run once a year in America. There was an empty seat beside me for the first half hour and finally this Asian geezer walked into the room, followed by half of the casino staff. He sat down. Apparently his name was Johnny Chan and he had just won back-to-back World Championships. So when the casino staff was finished falling over him, he produced two oranges out of his pocket. I found out later that these were his lucky charms. After playing with him for an hour or two I figured out this guy was so good he didn’t need any oranges, but I was too polite to borrow them from him. I’d like to have stayed in long enough to find out if he ate them, but I didn’t. Several years later at the 888 UK Poker Open, snooker legend Steve Davis

22 | Insider | October 2010

gave a hilarious interview. One of the questions we were all asked was if we had any lucky charms. Steve said that he had been very impressed by Chan and decided to adopt a fruit or a vegetable as his own lucky charm. Sadly he was

ALL THE INTERESTING FRUIT AND VEG WAS TAKEN very disappointed after a quick search online revealed that all the half interesting fruit and veg was already taken. Steve didn’t get to where he was with his career by not looking at all the options and straight-facedly said that perhaps he was going to adopt something in a tin. Like spam. Something that suited his charms. Something original and

non-perishable. I must remember to ask him how the project is going. When it comes to really superstitious poker players Surinder Sunar’s son is in a class of his own. I was traveling with Surinder from Dublin to some place I can’t recall and he spotted me buying some nail clippers along the way. He was hugely impressed and said that playing poker with long nails was very, very unlucky. We said nothing for another two minutes until Surinder just turned to me and said “especially the feet.” We didn’t do any good in the TV tournament, no matter how many nails we clipped but you know sometimes these guys can drag you into their own messed up world and I have never played a major tournament since without checking all twenty digits meticulously. It may be unlucky to be superstitious, but it can’t do any harm.

POKER | STRATEGY

24 | Insider | November 2010

POKER | STRATEGY

The Prisoner’s

Dilemma Aaron Thomson on how to apply the psychology and game strategy of the prisoner’s dilemma to poker

ou and your partner in crime have been arrested as suspects in a bank robbery. The police separate you into two rooms for questioning. The interrogator comes to your room and offers you a deal: give up your partner and you will go free. But it isn’t that simple. Your partner is offered the same deal. If he gives you up and you stay quiet, then you get 10 years in jail. If you betray each other, you’ll both receive five year sentences. However if neither of you talk, there won’t be enough evidence to keep you and you’ll be released after six months.

Staying quiet has an appeal, since it offers the best possible results for both you and your partner. But its success hinges on a huge gamble. You could end up free in six months or in 10 years – quite a jump. The other option is to take the deal and betray your partner. Morally debatable perhaps but consider the benefits. If you talk, you are guaranteed a maximum five year sentence or freedom if your comrade stays silent. So how does this relate to poker? If we equate this to poker there are other considerations which come into play,

So this is what our choices look like Partner Keep Quiet

Partner Takes the Deal

You Keep Quiet

You get 6 months in jail

You get 10 years in jail

You Take the Deal

You get 0 months in jail

You get 5 years in jail

particularly when a game is repeated with the same people. Your previous actions will be remembered, affecting other players’ future decisions. If you choose to betray them before, they may turn the tables on you when the opportunity comes up. There other aspects for a successful strategy in this type of game, namely the Nice, Forgiving, NonEnvious and Retaliation approaches. Differences certainly exist between this dilemma and poker, the most significant being the range of choice open to you. In poker you are constantly given different choices: check, bet, fold or raise. You can also combine these choices – for example a check-raise or a bet-fold – giving players countless ways to strategically approach a hand. But the prisoner’s dilemma shares commonalities with poker. There exists ø

November 2010 | Insider | 25

POKER | STRATEGY

ø two or more players striving

to make a better decision than their competitor in order to win the best prize possible. In the betrayal option, success was determined through simple mathematics. By choosing to betray your competitor, you minimised your losses and maximised your potential for gain. In a single hand of poker the strategy is no different. You determine the size of the pot and compare it to the size of your opponents’ bet to decide your pot odds. Then you evaluate your options (check, bet, fold or raise) to decide which one will yield the best long term results. Unfortunately a game of poker is not a game often decided over one hand and a simple evaluation of

26 | Insider | November 2010

pot odds. In poker your actions and decisions impact the future actions and decisions of your opponents. Knowing this, it becomes essential to consider these four elements:

Niceness The application of optimism will differ in poker from our prisoner’s dilemma. Poker does not have a result that equally benefits both players. In the dilemma, both players would be benefited in a repeated game by co-operation. In poker, the object is to take from your opponent as much as possible. To consider how to apply this theory, I’m reminded of a quote from a favourite poker series: “The trick is to let them think it was their fault and not that you took them. It’s good

for repeat business.” When you have an opponent who is making strategic errors, do not berate them if one of these errors ends up in a suckout, costing you chips. Encourage them to continue to make the same errors; it will benefit you down the road. Another valid application of this theory would be to consider dumping some pots to your opponent. While you wouldn’t be doing this to appear nice exactly, you would certainly be doing this with the strategic intention of clouding your opponent’s perception of you. While it appears to your opponent that you are weak, or strategically flawed because of your nice style, you are actually luring your opponent into a future scenario where his strategy will become exploitable.

POKER | STRATEGY

Retaliation

Non-envious

A complete optimistic approach will allow your opponent to take advantage of your kindness. While it may be profitable to allow an opponent to steal your blinds for a short period of time in the hopes that you can trap him, allowing him to do this long term will cost you too much. To prevent such a scenario, you must retaliate against your opponents’ betrayal. Retaliation sends a message to your opponent that there are negative consequences to his/her actions. In a game of poker it is always ideal to put your opponent in as many marginal decisions as possible. If his/her options are easily weighted one way or another, the likelihood of him/her making a mistake is diminished. Giving an opponent marginal decisions time and time again will increase the opportunity for error. By making sure you frequently retaliate, you constantly put your opponent in an awkward spot where s/he has to decide whether s/he wants to continue to betray or co-operate. Once your opponent decides that there is little to be gained by trying to bluff, s/he will change strategy so that when s/he bets, you can be assured s/he holds a legitimate hand. Now that your opponents have decided to stop bluffing, the door is open for you to take control and apply the same pressure back on the table.

The last influence on a successful strategy: envy. This has similarities to the previous two in its application to our original dilemma. However within a poker context, it probably fits more closely with the optimistic approach. Let us consider the benefits of a nonenvious approach. First, there is nothing you can do about a hand once you have folded. If your opponent remains in a hand and busts a fish raking in a big pot, it is entirely out of your control. Being envious of this opponent’s success will bring you no profit, but might negatively impact future strategies. In an effort to catch up to your opponent’s growing stack, you might change from an optimal strategy to an exploitable strategy. Now instead of winning slowly, you might very well might lose quickly. Secondly, being envious of your opponents’ cards can only lead to mental instability at the table. Undoubtedly every poker player has bemoaned his or her run of luck at the table. Poker is a game of strategy, personal interaction, and variance. Players run hot, players run cold and a player’s patience during these downswings determines success. If you are focusing on how easy a game your opponent is having, rather than how you can best adjust your strategies to exploit him/her, you are misusing your energies. Focus on the things you can and should change rather than the things that are out of your control. Patience and adaptability are the name of the game. So what should you take out of all this gaming theory? First, realise that poker is a continuous game of similar scenarios repeated in a multiplicity of different ways. Your preparation and interpretation against your opponents will determine how successful your strategy will be. Train your memory so that you can recall your actions and your opponents’ reactions. Should we attack or relent? Defect or co-operate? Raise or fold? The history you share with your opponent should decide the future of your strategy.

Forgiveness Like retaliation, forgiveness serves as a function of balance. You retaliate against your opponents to prevent them from taking advantage of your optimistic approach. As such, you need to have the capacity to forgive your opponents’ strategies when they affect you negatively, so you do not fall into a routine of retaliation. If you were to retaliate every time an opponent attacked in a hand, you would become very easily exploitable. It would not take much effort for an opponent to simply attack your hand with a raise, in an effort to setup the next time when s/he

RETALIATION SENDS A MESSAGE TO YOUR OPPONENT raises holding pocket Aces. Whether it is an emotional reaction, or a strategy, retaliating relentlessly does more harm than good. Being emotionally detached from the game is imperative, as many people before me have said. However, being able to forgive your opponents’ aggression towards you also has strategic benefits. You are on a bluff raising an opponent, your opponent retaliates and re-raises. Often it can be difficult for a player to let this hand go. Sometimes it may seem beneficial, and even attractive, to fire another bet (a four bet). You do this to pound our opponents out of this hand without mercy. How often do we get into a spot where we say “s/he’s weak, I’m sure of it” as we fire another check-raise, only to find out s/he’s just a little bit stronger than we thought? And we head to the rail. Being able to forgive our opponents allows you to escape hands and save money you might otherwise have thrown away. As the saying goes: “Don’t throw good money after bad.” Also by being forgiving, you can relate back to your optimistic approach where your opponent might misinterpret your forgiveness for weakness, and attempt aggression just when you are holding the nuts.

November 2010 | Insider | 27

BEHIND THE SCENES | 888 TV AD

30 | Insider | November 2010

INTERVIEW | CLAIRE RENAUT

THE DOUBLE LIFE OF CLAIRE

RENAUT Claire Renaut is a woman of many talents. Model, actress, journalist, script writer and professional poker player are but a few of the entries on her CV. Her blog Vie de Fish is one of the most read poker blogs in France and her first screenplay was adapted into a film and released in July this year. To cap it all, 888poker has signed this renaissance woman as its latest ambassador. She met Krystal Sim to talk about her career, passions and her fascination with poker Ă¸

November 2010 | Insider | 31

INTERVIEW | CLAIRE RENAUT

woman of such diverse talents as Claire Renaut could be an intimidating figure. Gazing out of the window of the plush London hotel where we have arranged to meet, she looks serious. Thoughtful. A tall, willowy figure, clad in a simple black ensemble, with a playful burst of pink Christian Louboutin shoes poking out from under the table. She greets me in classically European fashion; a friendly embrace, a peck on both cheeks and a complimentary remark about my vintage belt. She is instantly charming, warm and unashamedly loquacious. Renaut’s elevation from jobbing actress to one of France’s biggest poker names has been a winding road rather than a straight line. It was during the filming of TV show

32 | Insider | November 2010

Poker Academy Vegas for French Network NRJ12 that she discovered the poker scene and decided to play professionally. After two years training with some of the most successful poker players in the world, she began playing in live tournaments this year. In the short time she has been playing on the circuit she has won the Partouche Poker Tour and the Ladies Irish Open, come runner-up at the Ladies EPT Monte Carlo and fifth at the Women’s World

I’M AT MY HAPPIEST WHEN I’M WRITING

Open. She holds a unique position in the poker world as both a rising star in her own right and a commentator. As well as writing for her own blog, she writes for one of the largest poker websites in France, www.madeinpoker.com.

From Belfort to Burgundy Renaut grew up in a small town in the east of France called Belfort, a place so obscure she claims “even French people don’t know it.” She left at 18 to go to university in Burgundy, a region famed for its wonderful wine. “That’s why I went there,” she giggles. Renaut studied English Literature for four years, obtaining her Masters degree. Initially she considered a career as a teacher, but it soon became clear that this was not the path for her. “I just wanted to study subjects that were

INTERVIEW | CLAIRE RENAUT

interesting to me, “she says. “At 18 you are far too young to know what you want to do in life, and teaching was not for me. “ In a bold move, she quit everything and moved to Paris in 2002. With barely a penny to her name, she took a flat with some friends and became involved in theatre workshops, plays and writing. For five years she performed in small plays, modelled and turned to writingsomething she says is a lifelong obsession. “Writing is my passion,” she enthuses. “I’m at my happiest when I’m writing. I recently found some little stories I wrote when I was a child. I used to read them to my friends and it was so heartwarming to see them again. “

Dressing the part Renaut’s professional poker career took shape thanks to a casting for a TV show.

When the day came she decided to dress the part. Or what she thought was the part a show about poker came up, so she decided she should dress the part. Or what she thought was the part. “I went to the casting dressed in leather, like a dominatrix,” she laughs. “I didn’t know the realities of the circuit then and I was still thinking in poker clichés, the kinds of thing you’d see in movies. “When I arrived at the studio for the

I WENT DRESSED AS A DOMINATRIX

second casting there were so many people and suddenly we were told it was going to be a reality TV show.” It wasn’t quite what she expected. The show meant she would spend two weeks in Las Vegas, filmed for 12 hours a day, fly on the wall style and with a $200,000 dollar contract for the winner. True to her spontaneous character, she decided to throw caution to the wind and embrace the experience. Renaut found herself fascinated with the poker culture she encountered and the characters to whom she was introduced. When filming was over and she returned to France she had a lot on her mind. She gets noticeably more animated as she talks about this defining moment; her eyes grow wider and a smile creeps across her face. “It was the immense sense of freedom that shocked me. I had no idea there was ø

November 2010 | Insider | 33

INTERVIEW | CLAIRE RENAUT

ø a professional poker circuit, that you could earn money from playing poker. I quit everything I had; my flat, my friends. I packed up my suitcase, sent everything else to my parents and moved within a week. It was instinct; I just had to do it. She saw an opportunity and seized it. A quality she’s eager to encourage in others. “We have so many key moments which present themselves,” she says fervently. “There are some people who take control of theirs and those who don’t because they’re afraid. Sometimes that’s legitimate. You can’t just drop everything if you have a house or a family. I never owned anything so it was easy for me to jet off.” Renaut describes herself as “about excitement, not comfort,” and that perhaps explains her decision to leap into this brave new world. Her spontaneity comes over in conversation. With a joie de vivre that is infectious, she is everything one would imaging a young Frenchwoman to be: bright, vivacious and chic. She listens to questions briefly, answering honestly and instinctively and her instincts have obviously shown an natural shrewdness which has paid off for her personally and professionally. Renaut attributes a portion of her success to the friends and colleagues she has made on the circuit. Her new friendships with poker pros Fabrice Soulier, David Poulenard and Jules Prochy of madeinpoker. com offered a chance to hone her skills and write about her experiences. “When I arrived David taught me a lot. He showed me who everyone was, how it worked. Fabrice was good enough to let me sit by his side and watch. I studied the industry with these world class players and I began to write bigger articles.” Renaut immersed herself in her new craft, taking advantage of her status as a journalist to pick up tips from the pros. “Journalists are always armed with a pen and a notepad. It was certainly useful getting the opportunity to sit behind some of the greatest players in the world, observing their hands and getting to know their style,” she admits with a wry smile.

34 | Insider | November 2010

With the training wheels off, this year she began playing in live tournaments and putting almost two years of accumulated knowledge and insight into practice. “By September 2009 I had a small bankroll and I thought that this time I was going to go for it. I played five small tournaments and cashed three. It was just the right time. I came fifth at the Irish Ladies Open; I made three cashes at the WSOP out of the eight tournaments – the average is one in 10.”

From script to screen But poker is not everything. The script she worked so tirelessly on during her days in Paris years ago was made into a film this year and released to critical acclaim. Je vous aime très beaucoup is the story

IT’S ALL ABOUT POKER NOW, I’M 100% 888POKER AMBASSADOR, POKER PRO AND JOURNALIST of three half-brothers aged eight, 15 and 17 who meet for the first time after the death of the mother they never knew. The story centres around the summer they spend with their grandmother, a character inspired by Renaut’s own grandmother. “My grandmother was Italian and the strongest person that I’ve ever known,” she says. “I wanted to pay tribute to her and explore a little of my fascination with childhood. That moment when you slip from innocence to understanding that the world is so much bigger. It’s such a painful moment.” Renaut courted some controversy with the piece, due to a sex scene between two teenagers. But she maintains that it is a fair

representation of the teenage experience. “Moments like that happen in life, and I wanted the plot to be realistic and relatable. When you’re a teenager you are quite blunt and crude but that’s life. I wanted to say something about kids and old people, that huge gulf between without the interference of everyone in the middle.” But as much as she loves writing for the screen, there’s simply too much on Renaut’s mind and not enough hours in the day. “It’s all about poker now. I would love to make more movies but when I do something I’m 100% engrossed. Right now I’m 888poker ambassador, professional poker player and journalist. “ Renaut did begin to write a pokerthemed script recently but was unimpressed by the reaction she got from prospective producers. “The first thing they asked was where the cheating, guns and prostitutes were. Some people think in such clichés. “When I wrote my first script I barely left the house and it felt like the characters were speaking through me. It was such a natural thing to do. I’d like to write something based on my experiences in poker but I’ll need to reach that point again. I’m still exploring and it’ll happen when it’s supposed to.”

888poker ambassador 888poker approached Renaut through her Vie de fish blog. She says it was a proud moment. “It offered me the chance to do everything I hoped to do in the poker world: being a journalist, an ambassador for a website and a group of people that I like, and being a professional poker player. I’ve been lucky. “ The launch of 888poker. fr is forefront in her mind. “I want that to do well in the French market. I really love 888 because they are so dynamic with their ideas. Without giving away too much there are some exciting things in the works, and I’m happy to do my part.

BEHIND THE SCENES | 888 TV AD

November 2010 | Insider | 35

888 | MY.888POKER.COM

36 | Insider | November 2010

888 | MY.888POKER.COM

INTERACTIVE IMAGINATION 888poker has recently added a multi-interactive community to its list of features for members. my.888poker.com is a place to share ideas, ask questions, post blogs, upload photos and videos and check out updates on promotions, behind the scenes content and new 888poker features. The my.888poker.com community has lots to offer from rewards, forums, private leagues, personalized customer support, social feeds and tons of cool content

November 2010 | Insider | 37

888 | MY.888POKER.COM

Points and Rewards

888poker Forums

Once you become a member of my.888poker.com, you will receive reward points and ranking for all your activity on the site. Your points and account ranking will give you exclusive access to special promotions and you can redeem your points for gifts from our online store or convert them into reward points on your 888poker online poker rewards account.

One of the strongest elements of the my.888poker.com community is the 888poker forums. The 888poker forums allow members to interact, compete and learn from other players. The forums are moderated by other site users and 888poker supports these users by creating their own leagues, private promotions and content. New members will find the forums a great place to meet new friends and find even more cool tournaments and leagues to join on 888poker. Say hello to an 888poker forum moderator the next time you go online. Look for: wiggy, lambone, idi0, dub115, aaronlt, hoopman5, wkdwitch and robertbh. If you would like the opportunity to become a moderator, drop our community manager Sean a line. He’ll advise you on what steps you can take to get more involved.

The points are calculated by your activities on the site, including; Rating content Posting a comment Uploading a video Sending content to friends Making a forum post Adding a blog post Referring a new member Chatting Answering a poll correctly Changing content rating Uploading a photo Updating your status Joining a group Starting a forum thread Sending a network invite Updating a user profile Voting on a poll Posting a discussion post

38 | Insider | November 2010

Social Feeds my.888poker.com was created to be an extension for members’ other social accounts like Facebook and Twitter. On my.888poker. com you can connect your Twitter and Facebook accounts to your profile and receive live feed from these accounts. This social feed feature allows our members to enjoy the unique features my.888poker.com

offers without missing a beat on their other social networking accounts. Members can even update their Facebook status directly from their my.888poker.com profile page.

Blue Carpet Events 888poker promotions send our players all over the world to the most prestigious poker tournaments and events, such as WSOP, Aussie Millions and the Irish Poker Open. These events would not be complete without true VIP treatment along the way. On my.888poker.com you can check out Blue Carpet Events presented by 888 Behind the Scenes. From this page you can link to any of our featured events and see the VIP experience up close and personal. The 888 Behind the Scenes crew and hosts make sure to get the best behind the scenes coverage of our members’ 888poker adventures. See our team get into mischief, take in the sights and sounds of cities around the globe and hang with some of your favorite celebrities.

The man behind my.888poker.com Name: Sean McGlashan 888poker username: 888.Sean Location: Gibraltar Occupation: CRM poker marketing and community manager Character: Hulk’s Face

888 | MY.888POKER.COM

Sean is the 888poker community manager and the go-to guy for all questions, suggestions and feedback. Sean is an integral part of what makes my.888poker. com successful. As the liaison between the my.888poker.com community and 888poker, Sean ensures that the community’s voices are heard and that 888poker knows and continues to provide for its users.

Some words from Sean… My name is Sean and I’m CRM poker marketing and community manager at 888poker.com. My goal is to make my.888poker.com the best online community it can be. I want it to be a place where users can come together and share experiences with the friends they have made on the poker tables and at my.888poker.com, and I want them to miss it when they aren’t online interacting. In today’s society we all need a home, a job and a community. I can’t offer jobs to anyone at the moment, but I can offer an online home and a community; one which you might come to as a stranger but you leave as a friend. The people in our community are incredibly diverse: passionate, friendly, supportive, competitive, rich in character, engaging, helpful, knowledgeable, new, old, and young,

observant, appreciative – there really is no single word that can describe them. And it’s not just poker that fires their imaginations. I’ve been fortunate enough to meet some of these good people already at 888poker engagements and live event and it seems that poker was just the thread that pulled us together. Our experiences at those events made our bonds even tighter – Cryptic, Zockgott, Aaronlt, L67C, Lambone and several others can attest to that. It goes without saying that poker is what brings us here, but it is our shared experiences, not just in poker but in other aspects of our lives, that will strengthen and build our community. With that in mind, let me tell you a little bit about myself. I have been in the online gaming industry for seven years –all at 888.com. I believe I have held almost every poker position in the company, so I have a pretty good understanding of 888poker’s history, its people, and its philosophy. I have been a poker enthusiast and occasional player for over nine years and I enjoy meeting all of the different personalities that evolve from that world. My biggest poker win came in March 2009. I won a local live poker tournament that gave some friends and me the opportunity to go and play in Vegas. But I’ll save that story for another time. There are

too many poker lows to mention, so I won’t. I am sure you will hear some in time. I am well known among my friends as ‘Hollywood/ Iceman’ (pick your medicine) at the poker tables because of playing styles I employ. When I am not in the office striving to make life better for our 888poker members, I can be found with family or amongst friends having a good time. I am an epicurean at heart, so I seek pleasure in all that I do. I am aware of some of the strong friendships that have been developed in the my.888poker community and hope that we can continue to grow in similar fashion. I appreciate your feedback, support and suggestions as to how we can progress and make this the best online community and if you are not a part of our family already well, we are only a click away. Please feel free to add me to your friends list my.888poker.com/sean. Speak soon, Sean

MY.888POKER.COM STATS LAUNCH DATE: JULY 3, 2010 15676 MEMBERS 42 GROUPS 373 BLOGS 3413 PHOTOS 212 VIDEOS

November 2010 | Insider | 39

INSIDER | UK PPL

The UKPPL Inside Scoop THE WIRE What they’re saying about the UKPPL... “Jeez, won’t need to play any other poker sites, not with UKPPL games and the promos 888 are throwing to its members. Truly fantastic offers.” R1tchie “I don’t play any other sites at the moment, there are enough games on the UKPPL to keep me busy.” stegs73 “What a fantastic league. Onwards and upwards. ” Danny Shortt “One word guys: Impressed. At last, a place for poker players to come together online. Thank you UKPPL: hats off to you.” tonythetiger

THE LEAGUE IN REVIEW Ten tournaments down and the UKPPL Premier Division is well and truly hotting up as the battle for points, cash, luxurious holidays, and the fantastic offer of a sponsorship package sets the league players toe-totoe in a fight to the death. Here we round up who won what, how much they won, when they won it, and how they did it. Tournament 6: England Poker Open The opportunity to be crowned King of the England Poker Open was an offer that more than 100 UKPPL players, 102 of them to be precise, could simply not refuse. Yet as we all know there can only be one winner. So step forward ‘Christopher Cornelius’, the man who bludgeoned his way to glory and an $804 pay day. The King is dead, long live King Christopher. Tournament 7: Poker in Manchester In a brand new online poker league, records will be made and records will be broken. Being

40 | Insider | November 2010

the first player to win two UKPPL Premier Division events however, is something that only one player can ever achieve. So when Scottish Poker Tour winner ‘Benji Hallet’ found himself up heads-up against Liverpool Classic champion ‘Gecko’ for the Poker in Manchester crown, history was in the making. And it was ‘Benji Hallet’ who made it as he emerged both victorious and quite a bit richer. Tournament 8: Leeds Poker Championship If ‘Marga Hopman’ had played in a $5 buyin online poker tournament three months ago, before busting in 88th place in a 108-runner field, tournament profits would read: -$5. Yet courtesy of 888poker and the generosity of the UKPPL, any player busting in 8th or 88th wins $100. Just like that. Meaning Marga’s Leeds Poker Championship tournament profits read: +$100. ‘R1tchie’ meanwhile, won over eight times that amount for winning the event. Well done sir.

Tournament 9: Welsh Open Week nine saw the virtual UKPPL tour head to Wales. In the words of ‘xuguastur’, thank heavens it did as he was the player who took down the event, boosting his weekly pocket money by a delicious $833. After the midweek games were invaded by the Russian freeroll password hunting Mafia, the Welsh Open stood firm against its eastern enemies and took the title down for Queen, cash and country. Tournament 10: Thames Poker Cup The Thames Poker Cup which attracted the Premier Division’s biggest turnout of the season with 137 runners. It was also a bonus event with not only the guaranteed $1,000 prize pool on offer but a trip to Paris too for the winner. ‘ChAzZzz18’ and ‘fgeddis’ were the two players at the heads-up stage, yet it was the latter who took down the title when his pocket 6s turned into a flush. Lovely jubbly.

INSIDER | UK PPL

Premier Division Overall Standings POS PLAYER POINTS 1 Spitvenom 1386 2 R1tchie 1254 3 hayley 1216 4 Christopher Cornelius 1119 5 karlos 1009 POS PLAYER MONEY 1 YesYes21 $1624.80 2 ChAzZzz18 $1435.00 3 R1tchie $980.65 4 Gremlin $971.05 5 xuguastur $833.60

online mystery phenomenon, Isildur1, the man who has shaken up the online nosebleed stakes over the past year with astonishingly big pots against the likes of Tom Dwan, Phil Ivey and Patrik Antonius, for his fearlessness. R1tchie’s main aim for season 1 of the UKPPL is to win the Grand Final and pick up the elusive sponsorship deal from GX in order to test his skills against the best pros in the UK. But until then, one of the UKPPL’s top boys is simply taking every tournament as it comes. With points and cash galore.

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT

UKPPL WORLD

R1tchie This month’s player to fall under the shining UKPPL player spotlight is ‘R1tchie’, the man who romped to victory in the Leeds Poker Championship and the man currently residing in second place in the points standings and third in the money standings. Unlike some of the UKPPL first time winners, success at the online tables isn’t new to R1tchie. He first starting playing poker six years ago and scored his biggest cash when he won the FortKnox progressive SnG Jackpot on Betfred, scooping $100,000 for his efforts. A recreational player, R1TCHIE puts his family life first and finds it hard to fit in much live poker into his schedule. He does find time to play online though and plays in all the UKPPL events, with the Premier Division Sunday game his biggest source of UKPPL success. A versatile player, R1tchie can mould his style of play to tackle the various opponents he comes up against - something he has had to do a lot of throughout season 1. And although sitting pretty at the top end of both points and money tables, R1tchie has been quick to praise the standard of play he has faced at the UKPPL tables. His favourite poker pros are UK MTT and cash game player, Luke Schwartz, for his brashness and self confidence, and Swedish

The Wild Card Tournament Anyone and everyone who has been playing in the UKPPL will be well aware of the fantastic prizes on offer to its members. They’ll also be aware that with a luxury $7,500 trip to the Caribbean going to the winner of the Premier Division. But you have to be in it to win it. Yet to those who may be thinking about joining the UKPPL at this stage of the season, the question you may be wondering is: Is it really worth joining now? And the answer, of course, in the words of Alan Partridge, is abso-bloody-exactly. Because aside from the monstrously tasty prizes on offer each and every week in the UKPPL, late comers are now being given a chance to take part in the Become A Pro promotion thanks to the Wildcard Tournament. This tournament will be a one-off event for all those players who have not qualified for the play-offs come the end of the season, with the winner progressing to the play-offs and being given a chance to win the Become a Pro promotion. While the top 30% of players in the Premier League standings will be entered into the playoffs automatically, the Wildcard Tournament means anyone who has played just one Premier Division UKPPL event will still be in with a shout. So get yourself signed up today.

A word from the UKPPL editor “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” No, I’m not just plucking lines out of the 1971 James Bond classic Diamonds Are Forever, I’m describing the ethos of the UKPPL’s community of players. You may wonder, why is this an appropriate way to portray the UKPPL-ers? Well, this past month the UKPPL has been under attack from 700 plus vodka-swilling, pokersavvy Russians. A gruesome horde of invaders who capitalised on a leaked password for the freerolls. The first wave of attacks caught the community off-guard. The second did not. Following a poker-cry from community manager Andrew, the UKPPL members battened down the hatches and drew arms in preparation for a fierce and competitive war on the felts. A battle of epic proportions ensued, and despite many good men and women falling short of their goal, one solitary figure stood tall. Just after 2am, and six hours after the first hand was played in anger, Stegs73 was crowned champion. And his prize, you may be wondering for such outrageous skill and guile? $23. This attitude and commitment against such odds, when so many would have quit, is the very life-support of our thriving community. So let me say from all at the UKPPL, we salute you Stegs73. Have a cheeky vodka on us my padawan. On another note, the UKPPL juggernaut is bludgeoning its way into the final third of the season. With this said we will shortly be advertising for a new online marketing manager. After all, as a direct consequence of attracting over a thousand new players (Russian or not) our current online marketing manager has retired to his brand new villa in Barbados, which he paid for in cash in Russian roubles, and has been approached by several universities to become their senior marketing lecturer. Funny that, I wonder who leaked the password?

November 2010 | Insider | 41

INSIDER | VINTAGE FASHION

Ellie Bloomfield explores the enduring appeal of vintage clothing

SART RIALLY Y URS T

he term ‘vintage’ conjures up many images. From rummaging through charity shops full of stale clothes that once belonged to the now late Dorothy from around the corner, to the neon shellsuit clad 90s revivalist bouncing around at a Foals gig. Unless old Dotty spent her last few years pottering around the garden wearing Ossie Clark or Zandra Rhodes, these images are slightly off the mark. Which begs the question, what is vintage fashion? Clothes made in the last 15 years, certainly aren’t vintage, despite the number of retro 90s identikits you will see loitering outside hipster hangouts on a Friday night. Beyond the 15 year boundary and up to 1920 is right on the vintage mark. Once upon

42 | Insider | November 2010

a time, vintage was simply second hand clothing and looked down upon by the fashpack because of its association with the poor. However, the underdog emerged victorious and vintage is more popular than ever. Vintage is an industry in itself, with an increasing presence on the high street, celebrity and top brand endorsement and boutiques across the country. It would appear that vintage is here to stay.

Mark of individuality Men and women worldwide want better quality clothing that offers individuality, and a chance to showcase their personalities in a way that the Primark ‘recession-chic’ wardrobe simply can’t ø

INSIDER | VINTAGE FASHION

November 2010 | Insider | 43

INSIDER | VINTAGE FASHION

ø offer. With regular news stories alleging high street complicity in third world exploitation to drive down costs, vintage comes as a breath of recycled air in a world of fast food fashion. The clothes of yesteryear were built to last and good quality clothes were treasured. With meticulous attention to detail, every inch of material is full of the dressmaker’s passion which has allowed it to escape the charity bag over the years to be passed down through generations. Waistbands are ever expanding but the size zero debate continues to roll on within the fashion community. Vintage has reared its well-made head with perfect timing, offering a glimmer of traditional tailoring completely removed from the pressures of contemporary fashion. At the time of manufacture women’s clothes were made with hips, bums and tums

44 | Insider | November 2010

in mind, making the ‘curvier’ woman the ideal vintage customer. For men, the tailoring of the 60s ensures a suit cut to fit, giving the dapper style most women

MADE WITH HIPS, BUMS AND TUMS IN MIND lust after. Keep your eyes peeled and you may strike lucky and find a vintage zoot suit, whose drapes and oversized trouser really embrace the 21st century beer belly and moobs you’ve acquired. Vintage is also a source of inspiration to the world’s top fashion designers. The

fashion world is a circle where everything has the chance to become new again. This justifies its longstanding place in the market. You can mix and match, pair vintage with high street to let your personal style shine through. Diana Kiernander, head of press at breakout London boutique Beyond Retro agrees. “People want something more original,” she says, “especially now as the high street has become so identical. It’s easy to buy any style off the peg, where someone has basically put the look together for you.” The odd vintage piece could be just the ticket to giving your wardrobe a new lease of life. There’s something enjoyably underground about vintage culture, particularly outside of London. Brighton, Bristol, Glasgow, Liverpool, Leeds and Manchester, all have bustling vintage communities but ones that have to be sought out. The boutiques

INSIDER | VINTAGE FASHION

are hidden away down cobbled back lanes off the high street, in Hogwarts Express Platform 9¾ style. The quest for hidden treasures keeps it a raw and cult experience says Diana. “People in cities want to be part of something, and I think a vintage community gives them that.” London is particularly spoilt for choice. The trendy West End is home to the famous Portobello Market, where you will find all sorts of hidden treasures and superb boutiques such as Oneof-a-Kind. The North boasts Camden Stables market, Primrose Hill and Chalk Farm. Brixton market in the South will also get your vintage pulse beating.

Beyond Retro One of the vintage success stories of the last decade is Beyond Retro. The boutique began life 10 years ago as a converted dairy

depot off Brick Lane and soon became the go-to place for vintage lovers. The birth of Beyond Retro was part of East London’s style transformation from crack to creative. In 2006 the boutique then made a brave move into the West End, an infamous high street shopping district. This was definitely a sign of the times: vintage moving into high street territory. Although popular, vintage has always been a secret of the strategic shopper. The type of person who plays their fashion cards very close to their chests. Moving Beyond Retro central, symbolically bridged the gap between high street and underground, exposing the secret of the vintage underworld to the uninitiated and whetting their appetites for more. Now you’ll find sartorial wonders in the hustle and bustle of Oxford Circus. Topshop’s flagship store now has a large amount of floor space dedicated to vintage. It seems

Philip Green has taken it upon himself to make vintage more accessible to the wider public. Following suit, this summer Lily Allen and her sister Sarah added alter ego Lucy in Disguise to the fray. Beginning life as a pop-up shop in Selfridges, it has now sprouted into a Covent Garden store come walk-in wardrobe full of their own vintage dresses for us mere mortals to buy or hire. Although the transition from back street to high street for on-trend vintage boutiques like Beyond Retro has worked, it leaves a slight cloud of doubt over the future of classic vintage, with the line between mainstream and vintage blurred. Caspar De La Mare, owner of A Dandy in Aspic in Camden Stables Market, believes “vintage culture has now become fashion led; there is nothing to inspire anyone because they have become one and the same.” De La Mare also ø

November 2010 | Insider | 45

INSIDER | VINTAGE FASHION

 believes that fashion is in danger of stagnating because it requires very little thought. “Anyone can buy it and everyone can wear it, at least so they think.” A Dandy in Aspic is one of the most popular men’s boutiques in Camden. All clothes are handpicked and hand sourced for quality and style, leaning towards the styles of the 1920s through to the late 70s. Caspar’s passion for vintage is proven by his array of choice. He’s not in it for the money; he wants people to appreciate the life the clothes have already lived. “My aim is for the customer to walk into my shop and have a real eye opening shopping experience; one could almost call it a living museum.” Dappa Boutique is another North London store that has stayed true to its classic vintage roots but with an added twist: it runs in collaboration with a hair

46 | Insider | November 2010

salon. This has secured the independence and individuality of Dappa whilst giving it an “uber cool reputation,” according to its owner. A proud seller of top notch

THERE WILL ALWAYS BE A PLACE FOR VINTAGE clothing from the Victorian epoch to modern designer, Paul Franckeiss claims the 60s as his favourite decade. “The mod scene made it stylish and cool, and Britannia ruled it,” he says. Dappa Boutique is a vintage adventure full of exquisite men’s and women’s wear.

Move through the shop into the second room and you will find a space dedicated to men’s vintage tailoring, where you can treat yourself to a spectacular 60s cut suit. Both Caspar and Paul are real vintage aficionados and want to share their passion for vintage with those who understand its true roots and style, but have contrasting opinions on the future of their trade. Paul believes, “generally vintage is in decline because in the last 20 years there have been fewer high quality clothes made that will stand the test of time” and Caspar’s view, “there will always be a place for vintage for those who want it.” Whatever your view, it seems that vintage has stood the test of time, so long may it hold its reign. And until there comes a time when gardening really does become a hobby for the haute couture, avoid any donations made by Dorothy or her graveyard companions.

Up the ante with 888games TRIPLE CARD POKER Start your hand as a winner Deposit £10, stake £30 in 888games Triple Card Poker. Enjoy the special promotion at: www.888poker.com/888games

TRAVEL | WINTER GETAWAYS

A Fairytale of

New Y rk

If you’re planning the perfect winter getaway, then NYC is the one place you can unite culture, breath-taking views, shopping and nightlife. Faith Brotherston can’t wait to go back

magine glittering frosty sidewalks, towering skyscrapers silhouetted against the dazzling winter sunlight, the mouth-watering scent of roasting chestnuts on every street corner and the biggest, brightest, and best Christmas decorations you’ve ever seen. Welcome to December in the Big Apple. There’s something magical about the most iconic city in the world, and whether you’re visiting for two nights or two months, you’ll never find enough time to squeeze everything in. Film buffs will be desperate to gaze at the diamonds while enjoying Breakfast at Tiffany’s, tap out a tune on the giant piano in FAO Schwarz just like Tom Hanks or even visit Dum Dum in the Museum of Natural History. 

48 | Insider | November 2010

TRAVEL | WINTER GETAWAYS

November 2010 | Insider | 49

TRAVEL | WINTER GETAWAYS

 Shopaholics will want to slip on their Manolos and make like Carrie Bradshaw as they tear up Manhattan’s boutiques and department stores, and romantics will want to star-gaze across the illuminated midnight skyline, enjoy a crisp winter walk hand in hand through Central Park and take a twirl on the ice rink at the Rockefeller Centre. You can do it all; you just have to know where to start. And in NYC, there’s only one place to start: at the top. Top of the world The Top of The Rock observation deck at the Rockefeller Centre opened three years ago, rivalling the Empire State Building and trouncing it for the very reason that this is the place to see the city skyline in all its glory: It has the Empire State Building at its heart. Queue at the time or seek out discount advance deals at www.topoftherocknyc.com. From thereon in, you’re against the clock. If hitting the landmarks is high on your agenda, then head to South Ferry and board the boat to Liberty and Ellis Islands. Marvel at the world-famous statue and learn about the city’s immigration heritage, before ambling to the former site of the terror-struck World Trade Centre to pay your respects and see how the new sites are progressing. Get the subway uptown and visit the famous Museum of Natural History (www. amnh.org), then cross the street and take a carriage-ride or a relaxing walk through Central Park. Enjoy the calm peace and quiet as it’s scarce in the city. Brilliant as the Rockefeller Centre may be, you can simply have to visit the Empire State Building. For King Kong’s sake at the very least. Visit at night and get close to the stars; take the extended elevator trip to the very top. It may be cold but you can see for miles and it’s an experience you’ll never forget ( www.esbnyc.com). Shop until you drop Once you’ve ticked off the major NYC Must-Sees, you can embrace the retail

50 | Insider | November 2010

TRAVEL | WINTER GETAWAYS

THE HIGH FIVE

Best kept secrets that will become highlights of your trip

For a night to remember, a night of comedy, outstanding live music of every genre and an atmosphere that’s hard to walk away from, make reservations at Cafe Wha. Van Morrison and Jimi Hendrix used to drop in to jam with the band, and it’s a favourite hot spot with musicians the world over when it comes to a spontaneous session if they’re in town. Make your reservations for 9pm and get there early. You can extend your stay with an additional cover charge at 11pm. And you will. www.cafewha.com

ONE BITE 2 OF THE BIG APPLE IS NEVER ENOUGH 3

The beauty of the city that never sleeps is that it also never stops serving food. Portions are notoriously huge but you can grab a bite when you feel the need. For 3am cheesecake big enough to share, visit the world-famous Carnegie Deli. It’ll keep you warm all the way home. www.carnegiedeli.com

and recreation side of things. Stride along 5th Avenue and beyond, perusing the shops. Seek out Bergdorfs, Saks, Tiffany, the flagship Apple store, FAO Schwarz (a must when it comes to recapturing your youth) Bloomingdales, and head across town for the Miracle on 34th Street that is Macy’s - the world’s largest department store. Hustle and bustle Spend some time in Times Square, just standing and staring. The bright lights and hustle and bustle will give you a sense of just how manic the city can be, and it is the perfect spot to soak up some atmosphere as you queue for last minute show tickets – The Lion

King, Wicked and Phantom remain massive year-round favourites. Choose from a whole host of topnotch eateries and night spots (see The High Five) to make your stay work for you, but be sure to visit Grand Central Terminal before you leave. A far cry from any railway station you’ve ever seen, the stunning cerulean blue ceiling criss-crossed with gold designs arcs over the hub-bub of commuters, and somehow, it’s beautiful. Enjoy a glass of champagne to toast your stay, or visit Charlie Palmer’s Metrazur (www.charliepalmer.com/Properties/ Metrazur) and dine gazing out over the 80,000 foot main concourse, and plan what you’ll do when you visit next, because you’ll find that one bite of the Big Apple is never enough.

If the Phillppe Starckdesigned Hudson Hotel is out of your price range when it comes to picking a place to stay, then take a trip up the escalator to the trend-setting venue’s space-age bar and enjoy its speciality apple martinis – you won’t taste a better one anywhere in the city. www.hudsonhotel.com

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and if you want to do it in style, you can’t go wrong by reserving a table at Peacock Alley in the Waldorf Astoria. Dress up, and order the Eggs Benedict. www.waldorfnewyork.com/dine-in-style

For a speedy pre-theatre dinner, or a languid post-show supper, hit John’s Pizzeria off Times Square. A vast range of pizzas and pastas will make your mouth water, but be warned, the portions are as huge as the menu – it’s best to share. www.johnspizzerianyc.com

November 2010 | Insider | 51

DO TRY BUY | DRINKS

FULL OF CHRISTMAS SPIRIT ‘Tis the season – well, ‘tis almost the season. With Christmas just around the corner it’s time to get into the party mood and what better way to start than with our guide to the top wines, spirits and holiday cocktail concoctions. Whether as a gift for your nearest and dearest or as a treat for your fellow party goers, these are guaranteed to fill you with festive cheer. So raise a glass (or seven) for Insider’s top tipples this winter

MCGUIGAN SEMILLON BLANC The Semillon Blanc 2010 is a new of wine from cutting edge Australian winery McGuigan, and is being hailed as one of the most exciting wines to come out of Australia in the last 10 years. Award-winning winemaker Neil McGuigan has crafted a young wine that is crisp, highly aromatic and packed full of flavour with a textured feel and zippy acidity. Great as an aperitif, or the perfect match for seafood, pasta and Asian-fusion dishes, this new style is set to change the way we enjoy wines from Down Under.

52 | Insider | November 2010

DO TRY BUY | DRINKS

MILLIONE SPARKLING ROSE Millione is a delicious lightly sparkling Frizzante rose from Italy. It looks good, it tastes good and it does good. For every bottle sold, £1 will go towards building community-run primary schools in Sierra Leone, West Africa. The aim is to sell one million bottles. With that, 20 new schools will be built to educate 10,000 children a year for years to come. Find out more at www.oneinamillione.com

SALTO Salto is a flavoured cachaça that captures the spirit of Brazil; its hallmark being a delectable mix of bitter, zingy flavours balanced with sweeter honey notes. Salto can be sipped and savoured over ice with a squeeze of fresh lime to awaken the natural citrus flavours. It’s also tempting with a splash of lemonade, mixes perfectly with any fruit juice and brings a zesty edge to cocktails. With its exotic flavours, this new spirit has a refreshing bite and unique taste. See www.saltobrazil.com for more details

November 2010 | Insider | 53

DO TRY BUY | DRINKS

Our fine selection of single malts and bourbons make stylish Christmas gifts and will add a touch of class to any social mixer

WHISKEY GALORE

ARDMORE Ardmore is the only malt whisky from the Highland Scotch whisky region to be fully peated. Mainland Scottish peat creates different flavours to that found on Islay, making Ardmore softer and more complex, with a unique peat-smoke richness. First aged in ex-bourbon barrels, Ardmore Traditional Cask receives its second maturation in handmade Quarter Casks. The spirit mellows as it matures, taking on the colour, taste and aroma from the casks. Ardmore ages in cask and is bottled when it reaches the optimum maturity, which is down to the judgement and experience of the Master Blender.

54 | Insider | November 2010

DALMORE AURORA Single malt producers Dalmore bring us their new limited edition 45 year old whisky, Aurora. Distilled in 1965 it has been created in small batches using an artisan philosophy that has been passed down through generations. This special edition is named after the elusive Northern Lights, which can be seen from banks of the Dalmore distillery in Inverness. Just like the lights which inspired its name, Aurora can vary in intensity, shape and form, creating a unique experience. The perfect Christmas gift for whisky connoisseurs to enjoy around the fire over the festive period. Visit the website at www.thedalmore.com

DO TRY BUY | DRINKS

GLENGOYNE offer a personalised bottling service on bottles of 10, 17 or 21 years old, offering a truly unique and special gift for a loved one this Christmas. In addition, Glengoyne have launched a new limited edition ‘Art of Glengoyne’ range. The first in this collectable series depicts the Glengoyne Distillery overlooked by snow capped mountains – a classic Christmas image. SMOKEHEAD is a stylish, contemporary and individual Islay single malt whisky. Described as being like a cannonball, Smokehead is an explosive rollercoaster of peat, smoke and spice with some delicate sweetness. Smokehead has won a number of awards for both its massive flavour and distinctive design. The whisky has also become a hit with young, discerning whisky drinkers and rock fans following its sponsorship of the

Classic Rock and Roll Honour Awards and the Ultimate Band Contest for Marshall Amps. Curious to discover more? Then visit www.smokehead.co.uk MAKER’S MARK Maker’s Mark is a handcrafted bourbon whisky distilled in Loretto, Kentucky where the Samuels family has been making bourbon for over six generations. World-renowned for its smooth flavour and iconic hand-dipped bottles dripping in crimson wax, Maker’s Mark is perfect to sip on its own, chilled with ice. The experienced Maker’s Mark distillers believe that they have found a bourbon that is versatile enough to be mixed with cocktails, including this warming winter beverage. Kentucky Toddy The smooth, ginger cake flavour of Maker’s

Mark bourbon makes it an ideal ingredient for this hot toddy with a Kentucky twist. Prepare in a mug and enjoy by a crackling log fire. Ingredients 2 shots Maker’s Mark bourbon 1 shot pressed apple juice 1 bar spoon of honey Boiling water 1 slice apple 2 cloves Cinnamon stick How to prepare Stir Maker’s Mark bourbon, pressed apple juice and honey together in a mug. Top with boiling water and add a slice of apple, cinnamon stick and two cloves. Allow the apple, cinnamon and cloves to infuse and serve.

November 2010 | Insider | 55

DO TRY BUY | DRINKS

Fancy something new? These delectable and versatile drinks come with exciting new cocktail recipes to expand your palette and are guaranteed to fill you and your friends with the party spirit BLACK MOTH VODKA Black Moth truffle-infused vodka is the perfect indulgence this festive season. Simply poured over ice, Black Moth is the ideal way to bring a decadent Christmas dinner to a festive end. And if you are looking for something extra special, the Black Moth mixologists have been hard at work to develop the perfect creamy Christmas cocktail. Black Moth Christmas Spice Black Moth vodka and a touch of sweet PX sherry, shaken with fresh double cream and

a touch of vanilla, served straight up, garnished with freshly grated nutmeg on top. Ingredients 40ml Black Moth vodka 20ml double cream 15ml PX sherry 10ml vanilla liqueur Method Shake all ingredients with ice and fine strain into a chilled martini glass, garnish with the freshly grated nutmeg and enjoy. For more cocktail recipes and food pairing suggestions visit www.blackmothvodka.com

GREENALL’S GIN Greenall’s Original London Dry Gin is a traditional gin featuring a unique blend of botanicals, including herbs, fruit and spices. The silky smooth flavour develops into dry, rounded Juniper notes and exhibits fresh yet mature citrus flavours. Greenall’s Gin finishes with woody, earthy tones and warm spices which are perfect for a classic Gin and Tonic. Greenall’s Gimlet Glass: Martini Garnish: Twist of lime Method: Shake all ingredients with ice and fine strain into a chilled glass 2 shots of gin ¾ shot Lime juice

56 | Insider | November 2010

DO TRY BUY | DRINKS

SMIRNOFF COCKTAILS Smirnoff have taken the fuss and mess of out preparing cocktails with Smirnoff Cocktails, a range of expertly premixed ready to serve drinks available in three delicious variants Mojito, Cosmopolitan and Caipiroska, all of which are perfect for the party season.

JO HILDITCH’S BRITISH CASSIS Jo Hilditch’s British Cassis has been presented with two gold stars at the Great Taste Awards 2008 and Jo was even dubbed a ‘food hero’ by the BBC’s Hairy Bikers. Made with the finest British blackcurrants, this delicious alcoholic mixer drink is sure to help you celebrate Christmas in style and sweeten up your champagne with a hint of flavour. Jo’s Cassis can be used to create festive champagne cocktails, which are as easy to prepare as they are elegant.

There are three classic Smirnoff Cocktails available: Vodka Mojito A perfectly balanced blend of crisp clean Smirnoff Vodka, Kaffir Lime Liquor and natural mint flavour.

Grand Cosmopolitan A professional shake of crisp clean Smirnoff Vodka, Triple Sec Liquor and a splash of Cranberry juice.

Caipiroska A refreshing sweet and tangy mix of crisp clean Smirnoff Vodka, fresh lime and sugar.

Check out the Smirnoff Cocktails page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SmirnoffGB

KIR ROYAL Ingredients Jo Hilditch British Cassis Champagne Method Add the blackcurrant cassis to a chilled champagne flute Add the champagne while stirring with a cocktail stirrer to mix the two See www.britishcassis.co.uk for more ideas JACK DANIELS Renowned for Old No.7’s square bottle and black label, Jack Daniel’s is among the world’s best-selling spirits. The portfolio of products includes the iconic Jack Daniel’s Old No.7, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel and Gentleman Jack. The classic JD and cola comes pre-mixed in its own can, or if you fancy something different then try the new and delicious Jack Daniel’s and Ginger. A time honoured whiskey mixer, ginger ale matches perfectly with Jack Daniel’s robust caramel and smokey oak characteristics to make a refreshing long drink. These convenient cans are just the thing to take along to Christmas get-togethers where only the cool taste of Tennessee Sippin’ Whiskey will do. Please drink responsibly. www.drinkaware.co.uk November 2010 | Insider | 57

DO TRY BUY | XMAS GIFTS

THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS WITH CHRISTMAS, AS IN WAR, THE MANTRA SHOULD BE ‘PREPARATION, PREPARATION, PREPARATION.’ BEFORE YOU ROLL YOUR EYES AT THE VERY SUGGESTION OF CHRISTMAS SHOPPING, THINK BACK TO LAST YEAR. IF YOU BOUGHT ANY OF YOUR PRESENTS FROM AN ALL NIGHT GARAGE OR WRESTLED AN OLD WOMAN FOR THE LAST BARBIE AND THE THREE MUSKETEERS DVD, THEN THE INSIDER GIFT GUIDE SHOULD BE ESSENTIAL READING

Games without frontiers

In the normal run of things, you might expect this generation of home consoles to be coming to an end to make way for the next big leap in couch-bound gaming. However this is not the normal run of things. This current species of hardware won’t be dying out for a good while yet, so as an alternative to the expense involved in launching a completely new platform, Sony and Microsoft have decided to augment their systems with motion control add-ons, both paying more than a little homage to Nintendo in the process PlayStation Move The Controller: The Move controller feels like a straight evolution of Nintendo’s Wiimote. It’s a distinctive looking object; a small black wand with a glowing pingpong ball perched at the end. It might raise a giggle, but this multicoloured orb is essential for Sony’s motion tracking system which relies on the PlayStation Eye camera being able to see it against any coloured background. The secondary controller is wireless, unlike the Wii’s Nunchuck, but on the flipside it’s yet another device to worry about keeping charged. The system supports up to four players, who will of course need a wand each. The Obligatory Sports Game: Sony’s take on Wii Sports, Sports Champions, includes six game types. The testosterone filled pursuits of Gladiator Duel and Archery have the option of using two wands 58 | Insider | November 2010

for extra realism. The rest of the games (Disc Golf, Beach Volleyball, Bocce and Table Tennis) are more passive from the outset, but they’re sure to encourage fierce competition all the same. The emphasis is competitive play, though it can be enjoyed solo. Thwacking, shooting, and throwing are all achieved by natural, intuitive motions and Sony are keen to emphasise the accuracy of the system over its competitors. The Killer App: Launch title Sorcery casts you as a magical apprentice in a fantasy adventure which pits you against The Nightmare Queen and her dark minions. Players will use the Move controller to cast spells, mix potions and explore the Faerie Realm – a strange world filled with secrets, puzzles, demons to slay, townsfolk to help, and children to save. Move Starter Pack £49.99, additional controllers £34.99, navigation controller £25.99

Nintendo Nintendo don’t have any new hardware to launch this year, aside from a new Wiimote which includes their Motion Plus accessory built in. But they do have a reason to celebrate. It has been 25 years since the release of industry-defining platformer Super Mario Bros. and Nintendo are commemorating the occasion with a 25th Anniversary Wii bundle. The new machine is coloured a striking red and will include a collector’s booklet, a Super Mario soundtrack CD and the fan favourite Super Mario Allstars compilation, which collects the first 3 Super Mario Bros. titles as remastered in 1993 for the SNES. There’s also a 25th anniversary edition of Nintendo’s ever popular DSi XL handheld, which comes bundled with New Super Mario Bros. as well as a glossy rouge finish. And if none of these add ons tempt you, there’s a vast array of games out this Christmas to keep everyone entertained. 25th Anniversary Wii bundle £164.99, DSi XL bundle £149.99

Wii Party Nintendo Wii Wii Party brings more than 80 different minigames into your home for everyone to play. £34.99

Xbox 360 Kinect The Controller: If you want to see Kinect’s input device look no further than your bathroom mirror. According to Microsoft, you are the controller. The Kinect sensor bar combines a camera, a multi-array microphone and a sophisticated depth sensor to pick up the user’s every gesture without the need for wands or buttons. Kinect also allows users to control their Xbox in a non-gaming context, reducing menu navigation and movie playback to simple hand gestures and voice commands. The Obligatory Sports Game: Kinect Sports comes courtesy of Rare and looks rather like a slicker, more polished Wii Sports. Thanks in no small part to the 360’s distinctive avatars filling in for Nintendo’s Miis, the whole package may feel eerily familiar. The selection of games includes boxing, bowling, volleyball and ping pong. It will be interesting to see how the Kinect equivalents of these motion-control staples fair against the tried and true Nintendo offerings we’re all used to.

FIFA 11 DSi, Xbox360, PS3, PC, PS2, PSP, Wii FIFA 11 has everything you could want from a modern football game – it’s got the looks, the sounds and it feels great to play. A number of feature updates and more subtle changes make it an even more fully-rounded offering. £24.99

Volleyball and Soccer should help set it apart, but the Track and Field section – itself a subset of stadium based minigames which can be played together as a ‘pentathlon’ - goes some way to distinguishing this title from its rivals. The Killer App: Dance Central is an exclusive rhythm game from Harmonix, creators of Rock Band and Guitar Hero , and is planned to be a launch title for Kinect. The player must mimic dances portrayed on screen as closely as possible, racking up points and combos to the likes of Kylie Minogue, Lady Gaga, Technotronic and more. Harmonix have put a lot of their characteristic polish into a product sporting slick visuals and 1:1 motion tracking which will pick up your every twitch, smooth move or uncle-atwedding pratfall. Dance Central includes 32 tracks on the disc, while more will become available to download in future. Add on £129.99 (for existing 360 owners), 4GB console bundle £249.99, 250GB console bundle £299.99

Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood PC, PS3 & Xbox360 The next adventure of the award-winning game series with a new story, new features and brand new multiplayer modes. One of this year’s outstanding titles. £29.99

Fallout New Vegas PC, Xbox360 & PS3 This is the sequel to the award-winning Fallout 3, and introduces new locations, factions, monsters and more for you to explore, battle or discover. £24.99

Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit PC, Xbox360, Wii & PS3 Part of the successful NFS series, this allows you to play as a speed racer or as the police. Race or chase – your choice. £29.99

www.game.co.uk November 2010 | Insider | 59

DO TRY BUY | XMAS GIFTS

Sound and Vision You owe it to the HDTV you’ve probably only watched standard def programming on to invest in Blu-ray. With modern blockbusters made for the hi-def experience and old retro titles being lovingly restored, now is the perfect time to invest in the format

Sony BDP-S370 Blu-ray player The new Sony BDP-S370 Blu-ray player is DLNA compatible meaning it can ‘talk’ to other compatible devices such as a phones, laptops or music players and play their stored content on your TV. You can also easily plug an external Hard Disk Drive or USB device into the front USB port and enjoy stored movies, music or photos through your TV or home cinema system. Users with an iPhone or iPod touch can also download a free app which turns their device into a remote control and includes the ability to access a disc details such as jacket artwork, actor biographies and production information. BRAVIA Internet Video, Wireless LAN ready, Entertainment Database Browse. £179 iPad 2010 proved to be a massively successful year for Apple. The release of the iPhone 4, minus those initial ‘don’t hold it that way’ teething problems, was big news but was almost eclipsed by the unveiling of this little doozie in April.Three million units were sold within 80 days and it’s been a must have buzz gadget ever since. The iPad is available as Wi-Fi only or Wi- Fi+3G, each in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB versions. A must have item for any Apple zealot. Prices start at £429

60 | Insider | November 2010

Amazon Kindle The Kindle can store 3,500 books, and unlike LCD screens there is no risk of glare as you read. With over 450,000 books available from the ebook store including UK and international magazines, blogs and over one million free books and battery life of a month the Kindle is the biggest e-reader on the market today. £109 Wi-Fi enabled, £149 Wi-Fi (free 3G)

Home Cinema Projector Sony VW90 3D Home Cinema Projector allows movie fans to view stunning high quality images in 3D. The projector can project 3D in full HD 1080p plus it also has the capability to take 2D videos and simulate 3D images. RRP £6,400 The projector is also available in HD. Sony HW20 full-HD Home Cinema Projector. RRP £2,400

November 2010 | Insider | 61

DO TRY BUY | XMAS GIFTS

Chops Perfect for sporty people who need headphones to stay on no matter how much running or sweating- the comfortable rubber ear pieces stretch to fit everyone’s ears, and won’t budge until you’re ready to take them off. £22.99

Holua The only headphones in the world to be made with a natural wood casing and come in a hemp pouch- the perfect travel accessory for the eco-warrier in all of us. They are luxurious with the gold trim and have an awesome sound quality resonated through the wood. £79.99

Icon Designed with a soft padded headband with antislip gel and a fit to form design. With spare colour caps for the outer ear cups and a microphone with track and volume control on the nylong cable – they are the perfect smart headphone on the go. £34.99

Skullcandy headphones Smoking buds These cute little Paul Frank inspired ear-buds come with a nylon cable so you never get tangled, three silicone gel accessories and a fantastic sound quality delivered through the 11mm diameter speakers. £27.99

62 | Insider | November 2010

Beatbox The brand’s first digital sound system with iPod docking station that expands the Beats experience from individual enjoyment of high-end audio quality to a social experience £399.95

Beats Pro A breakthrough studio-quality headphone for professionals and prosumers. £399.95

Beats

headphones developed by Dr Dre and Monster

Powerbeats Ground breaking new sports performance headphone inspired by 2009 and 2010 NBA MVP Lebron James. £139.95

JustBeats A collaboration with pop music phenomenon Justin Bieber and the first headphones specially aimed at ‘opening the ears’ of young music fans to the richer listening experience that comes with high quality sound. £169.95 for on-ear version, £89.95 for in-ear version

iBeats Affordably priced in-ear headphone ideal for use with the Apple iPad, iPod, iPhone and all portable music players. £89.95

November 2010 | Insider | 63

DO TRY BUY | XMAS GIFTS

Stocking Fillers The new eBay Outlet is a one stop shop for all your Christmas needs with discounts as much as 70% off retail price. All items are fixed price from established high street retailers, direct from them to you – no bidding, just great items direct from your favourite high street retailers at a discounted price

Cooler electric book reader Was £189.99, Now £179.95

Sony Playstation3, 120GB Was £249.99, Now £234.95

Flip Video Underwater Camcorder Was £129.99, Now £109.95

64 | Insider | November 2010

iPod touch 32G Was £289.99, Now £219.99

A Simples Life, Aleksandr Orlov Aleksandr Orlov, founder of comparethemeerkat.com, joins Tony Blair, Steven Fry and Nelson Mandela in the race for Christmas bestseller. The book tells the story of Aleksandr’s family from their humble origins in the Kalahari to the present day and the successful meerkat comparison business, comparethemeerkat. com, which Aleksandr runs from the small village of Meerkovo near Moscow. £9.99

Swann camcorder and recording pen Was £59.99, Now £39.95

The Traveller’s Guide for Planet Earth A new collaboration between travel experts Lonely Planet and award winning BBC documentary Planet Earth, the book allows readers to experience 50 extraordinary destinations from the BBC’s spectacular documentary. £15.99 The Travel Book The international bestseller is back. The first edition of this photographic journey through every country in the world sold more than 500,000 copies across the globe. This new edition, with 100% new content, features a double page spread about each country and reveals a glimpse of life in each destination. £40

Best in Travel 2011 Looking for 2011’s hottest journeys, destinations and experiences? You’ll find hundreds of them in the eagerly-anticipated Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2011, the sixth annual collection of the best places to go and things to do around the world for the year ahead. £9.99 A Moveable Feast A Moveable Feast is a collection of takes from experts in the field, including celebrity chefs and bestselling travel writers such as Anthony Bourdain, Andrew Zimmern, Simon Winchester and Matthew Fort. £7.99

Retro Cappuccino Set Now £14.95

Bill Gold: Posterworks A compilation of the work of Bill Gold, the artist behind sixty years of iconic Hollywood posters. His credits include posters for A Streetcar Named Desire, Dial M For Murder, Bonnie And Clyde, Bullitt, My Fair Lady, A Clockwork Orange, Get Carter, Dirty Harry, The Untouchables, and Unforgiven. Foreword by legendary actor and director Clint Eastwood. Limited, numbered, and signed edition of 1,500 available as a Master or Deluxe Edition. £350 November 2010 | Insider | 65

DO TRY BUY | XMAS GIFTS

£19.95

£25

Retro inspired t-shirts available from www.moretvicar.com

Jigsaw Knit Women’s Scarf Was £49, Now £34 Jigsaw Leather Tote Was £225, Now £127

66 | Insider | November 2010

£25

£22.95

£21.95

A Suit That Fits’ bespoke online tailoring service offers stylish personalized gift vouchers starting at £50. They are posted, free of charge, and arrive in a wrapped in tissue paper in pearlescent black box, ready to place under the Christmas tree. The lucky recipient of the embroidered gift voucher can redeem it in branch or online at www.aSuitThatFits.com.

November 2010 | Insider | 67

DO TRY BUY | XMAS GIFTS

The Peruvian Boombox hat is a beanie that has integrated headphones positioned in an optimum point in the ear-flaps, which plug directly into your MP3 player. For more go to www. ripcurl.com. £25

Wearing thick-rimmed black spectacles, a pocket protector, and a checkered bow on her head, the new Hello Kitty Nerd Mimobot USB flash drive reflects Hello Kitty’s supercute studious and inner geek. Available in 2GB to 16GB. For more go to www.mimoco.com. £20

For big kids, these Battle Cars are oozing with cool retro style and comes equipped with infrared cannons and rear sensors on each car. The goal is to shoot your opponent until their vehicle is disabled. The built-in scorekeeping Shield Level Indicators show when you have been hit, get hit three times and you’re out. The first and second hits will stop your car in its tracks and trigger damage sound effects. The final hit will activate out of control driving and explosive sound effects, causing ultimate shut down. You can use up to 6 units at once due to its tri-band remote control for full on Derby battles. £59.95

X-Dream Gyroxus Gaming Chair is the only gyroscopic gaming chair around. The chair moves in tandem with your every move in game. Available as PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii or PC compatible. For those who take their gaming very seriously. £299.95

This huge Lego figure is fully poseable, with a torch built into his foot. Fun and handy and great for Lego fans and big kids. In classic Lego colours, the figure has two super bright LEDs built into his foot. Perfect for having on your desk, in a drawer or on a shelf for when you need him. £14.96

68 | Insider | November 2010

PROMOTION

Discover paysafecard the prepaid solution for the internet

pay online fast without bank account or credit card available from over 300,000 sales outlets worldwide

aking payments online has never been easier! People are often afraid to disclose their bank account details or credit card numbers when paying online, whilst others do not even have a credit card. The prepaid voucher paysafecard enables everyone to make safe and easy purchases online. paysafecard is a fast, easy and secure way to pay online

without the need for a credit card or bank account. The prepaid-voucher is available in values of £10, £25, £50 and £75. Get your paysafecard now! The prepaid vouchers can be bought in more than 300,000 sales outlets around the world. In the United Kingdom it is available at all PayPoint outlets. To find your nearest outlet, just surf on www.paysafecard.com and enter your address in the paysafecard store-locator. It will show you your closest point of sale right away.

How paysafecard works! When purchasing a paysafecard voucher the consumer receives a 16-digit PIN code, which allows him to pay at more than 3,500 online-shops that accept paysafecard as for example 888poker, PokerStars, PartyPoker. When making a purchase on the webshop, all the customer has to do is choose paysafecard as payment method and enter the 16-digit PIN code that is printed on the paysafecard. That’s it - the payment is done! As far as online purchases are concerned, it doesn’t get any easier than this.

November 2010 | Insider | 69

INSIDER | SPORTS

This Sporting Life Sports fans are spoilt for choice this month with everything from a heavyweight title fight, the climax of the 2010 Formula One season, the Ashes and even the indoor tug of war championships. Michael Gales delves into November’s sporting calendar to ensure you don’t miss any of the action

Cricket

The Ashes Australia v England 1st Test Match 25-29 November This is a Test Series you won’t want to miss. England travels Down Under to defend the Urn and win a Test Series on Australian turf for the first time in 23 years. The Ashes is a battle of strategy and nerves as both teams carry their nation’s

70 | Insider | November 2010

hopes and expectations with them each time they step out of the pavilion. No other sport conjures up this rivalry as impressively as cricket, and these oldest of rivals will battle it out over five Test Matches which promise to be intense and fierce. After reclaiming the Ashes last summer, Andrew Strauss’ team will be optimistic and focused on avenging the 5-0 whitewash they experienced the last time they landed in Australia. This current batch of English cricketers, under the

stewardship of Andy Flower, has a new incentive and looks hungry for success. With England coming into the Series after trouncing Pakistan this summer and Australia struggling to find the form that made them the most feared side in the world, rarely in recent times has England had a better chance of exercising their demons and winning away from home. The first Test in Brisbane will set the tone for the Series and England must make a good start.

INSIDER | SPORTS

Boxing

The Battle of Britain David Haye vs. Audley Harrison 13 November After defending his World Boxing Association Heavyweight title against American John Ruiz, David Haye looked set to challenge either of the Klitschko brothers in his quest to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. However, the self-proclaimed “saviour of the heavyweights” was priced out of a fight and therefore announced he would defend his crown against the much maligned Audley Harrison. The November 13 showdown at Manchester’s MEN Arena has been dubbed the ‘Battle of Britain’ and is shaping up to be the most anticipated all-British World heavyweight title fight since Lennox Lewis went toeto-toe with Frank Bruno in 1993. Although on paper this fight doesn’t appear to be of the same calibre as previous home-grown heavyweight encounters, it does have the necessary ingredients to generate substantial hype on these shores, as the bookies anticipate huge betting interest and record takings.

Formula One

Climax to the 2010 season Final two Grand Prix, Brazil 7 November and UAE 14 November Numerous changes to rules, regulations and points were implemented before this season began in an attempt to conjure up more excitement for a sport which

was arguably becoming monotonous to the un-fanatical fan. As the season draws to a close these changes have proved decisive, with the closest fought constructor and driver championships in recent times. Heading into the final races of the season, any of five drivers have the chance of becoming the 2010 world champion, including British hopefuls Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button. Both the Brazil and the UAE Grand Prix will no doubt prove pivotal in the race to top the drivers’ championship, as no world champion can be confirmed before the penultimate race and more than likely, the smell of burning tyres around the final race will determine who holds the bragging rights at the end of 2010.

Rugby

Blood and Mud The Autumn Internationals 6-28 November It’s that time of year again when the impressive Southern Hemisphere teams travel to Northern shores for a monthlong festival of bone crashing, mud eating and blood spilling rugby. The Autumn Internationals never fail to capture the sporting nation’s imagination and this year will be no different as England, Wales, Ireland, Scotland, France and Italy go head-tohead with South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Fiji and Samoa. With the 2011 New Zealand Rugby World Cup on the horizon, each nation will want to lay down an early statement

to the rest of the world so expect these international fixtures to be full of passion, commitment and skill.

Horse Racing And they’re off

Newbury Winter Festival 25-27 November The three-day Newbury Winter festival is an action-packed showcase of horseracing, which culminates with one of Britain’s most famous jump races: the Hennessy Gold Cup. Denman enraptured the crowd last season as he regained the crown he won in 2008, and will be looking to make history with a third win if he runs. There is a real festival atmosphere at the event. By day three, excitement reaches fever point, and punters can even take advantage of the Winter Festival Shopping Village as they wait for the results.

Tug of War

And now for something completely different English National Indoor Championships 4 December If you fancy something a little outside the mainstream, why not travel to the Harry Mitchell Centre, in the Midlands to watch the National Tug of War Championships. Here you will witness men and women groaning and grunting in an unnerving manner with a single goal: representing England at the UK Indoor Tug of War Championships in February 2011. Now that is something you won’t see every day.

November 2010 | Insider | 71

INSIDER | SPORTS

Timing is everything 888sport’s Ed Nicholson, the Insider’s resident sport pundit talks us through his top betting tips for the month

ust as it is with comedy, timing is everything when it comes to betting. Get it right and everyone’s laughing; get it wrong and no one apart from your bookmaker of choice will have a smile on his face. I was reminded of this only last month. Having burnt the midnight oil analysing whose boots would strike the most Premier League goals this season, I wrote a persuasive piece of prose in this very magnificent magazine offering numerous reasons why Dimitar Berbatov was overpriced at 16/1 with 888sport to score more goals than any other player. Imagine my glee then as, just four days later, I watched as the gentleman in question crack in three goals against United’s arch rivals Liverpool. He moved to the top of the goal-scoring table with six goals, and was cut to just 4/1 to win the Golden Boot. Immediate vindication. Or so I thought. Unfortunately for everyone concerned, Insider hadn’t yet hit newsstands. When it did two days later my column made me look a prime candidate for the ‘Aftertime Merchant Award 2010.’ Knowing I was right won’t have helped any of you pay those bills, as the 16/1 was long gone. But it did concentrate my mind on an important aspect of gambling that will enrich both you and I in the future. Namely that timing remains an extremely important factor when analysing forthcoming betting opportunities. Good timing takes on many forms. In racing it is easy to take advantage of timing. One way is to watch out for top class horses making their seasonal debuts. Invariably, first time out is not the time to back a top class horse. It is invariably being trained for another more important

72 | Insider | November 2010

race (and crucially one that is worth more money) at another time later on in the season. To win on his seasonal appearance will actually be more of a hindrance than a help; it means he may have peaked too soon, and/or he may be given more weight for his main aim later on, making it less likely he will win. Obviously, if he is taking on greatly inferior rivals then he may still win, just as Usain Bolt would beat racing presenter John McCririck whenever they met on a racetrack. But sometimes, if the odds are in your favour, it may be worth laying or opposing a ‘star,’ choosing to back the next best horse in the race instead.

GOOD TIMING TAKES ON MANY FORMS Another good example of timing being important in racing is in regards to antepost betting. Last month Henry Cecil’s Usain Bolt was due to run in the Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket. He was long odds on to win that Grade One race, and he was 2/1 to win next year’s classic, the 2000 Guineas. For those, like me, who thought Frankel was the proverbial certainty in the Dewhurst Stakes, a bet on the 2000 Guineas at 2/1 would also have been a smart move. If he didn’t win, or just struggled to win, that 2/1 on next year’s 2000 Guineas may have drifted. But if Frankel was to win convincingly, then that 2/1 would be a distant memory: he would be much shorter. And so it proved. Having easily won his race last month he is now evens with 888sport to win the 2000 Guineas next May. If you now think Frankel will win next year’s 2,000 Guineas you will have to back him at

Ed Nicholson has worked in the racing and betting industries for over 20 years. He has been the in-house betting expert on TV shows such as Big Brother and The Big Breakfast whilst also appearing regularly on At the Races and Sky Sports. He has also compiled odds on a range of diverse markets from whether it will snow at Christmas to how many seats the Conservatives would win at the General Election. He has written sports betting columns for Maxim and The Guardian, and is now part of the 888 Insider community, ready to pass on his wealth of betting knowledge and experience.

considerably shorter odds than if you had backed him before he ran in the Dewhurst. In football, it is always worth looking at future fixtures before placing a bet on a match. For instance, when Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool or Man Utd are due to play a side considered to be significantly inferior to them a few days before they are due to partake in an important Champions League/ Europa League fixture it is always worth thinking, what players could the manager rest, and what impact would them missing this game have on the betting? Too many times one or more of these sides have rested key players such as Cesc Fabregas, Didier Drogba, Fernando Torres/Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney. The timing of these matches has meant that the odds have significantly changed. In my experience the odds can change dramatically in any number of markets if key players miss these games, and a bit of research in advance of a weekend game can reap rewards. You could find yourself ahead of the bookmaker even before kick-off.

INSIDER | SPORTS

Recommendations this month Man Utd take on Wolves at Old Trafford on Saturday 6 November and I’m banking on Wolves getting more bookings than the Red Devils. 888sport offer a bookings match bet on every Premier League match. The bet works by awarding 10 points for every yellow card and 25 points for a red shown. The maximum is 35pts. Last time I suggested the value may be on a 2-0 Man Utd win, but I will also be having a small wager on Wolves being awarded more bookings than Man Utd. No team have been given more yellow cards (19) and Mick McCarthy’s side have conceded 126 fouls – the second highest in league. Compare this with 15 yellow cards and just 91 fouls for Man Utd. When you drill further down the bet becomes really more

obvious. Anything better than 5/4 should be snapped up about Wolves receiving more cards than Man Utd. I also want to be against Chelsea when they travel to St Andrews on November 20. I watched Birmingham against Arsenal at the Emirates and was impressed. They simply do not concede goals at home and have options through 6 foot 8 inch Nikola Zigic at set pieces. I can see this game being very close and a bet on Birmingham receiving a goal start (at around 8/11 or better) could be the way to go. This fixture is typically low scoring – the last four matches have seen just two goals – with the Blues drawing three of the last seven encounters at home, so I would also want to be on there being under 2.5 goals at anything better than 1.66.

888sport’s Top Tip Do you like having a bet on televised football? Well if you do, think how many times you have a bet on a 0-0 draw. I would like to bet that the answer is never. No one bets on a 0-0, and very few people bet on a game being a draw either. In fact, one of the easiest ways for a bookmaker to win money is to issue prices on a home win, an away win and a draw – and then just watch Final Score and see a multitude of games finish in a draw. One of the reasons bookmakers lost money in September 2009 was that there were so few draws and all the teams that were supposed to win, did win. Only one draw in 30 matches (3.33%) meant that the bookmakers had very few places to hide, and the final percentage of draws was 25%. Although a draw accounts for typically 30%33% of a home win/draw/away win betting proposition, less than 5% of all bets on a match are placed on a draw. People don’t like to bet on any match finishing all square. Therefore don’t immediately discount a draw when placing a bet on a football match. It can be arguably better than backing the away team in many circumstances. In fact, betting on things not to happen in a match (few goals, few bookings, few corners) typically offers better value than betting on things to actually happen. The reason is logical: bookmakers know that certain eventualities will be backed so they offer shorter odds on it happening. It’s classic supply and demand. For example when Man City play ,Carlos Tevez will generally be a shorter price to score first, or any time, than he perhaps should be as the majority of recreational punters will have him as their choice to score first. This is especially true if a player has been scoring plenty in the recent past. Punters have short memories. The only way you can consistently make money betting is to bet on eventualities that are overpriced. Backing Carlos Tevez to score the first goal every time he plays for Man City will lose you money in a typical year as the odds on offer will not win you enough money to cover the times he doesn’t net first. You might get lucky on an irregular basis, but not in the long term. Finally, take a tip from a bookmaker: if you fancy a 0-0 (perhaps Birmingham v Chelsea on 20 November, which has been 0-0 on two of the last four St Andrews fixtures and 0-1 on the other two) then always, always, always back no goal scorer rather than 0-0. Because if a goal is scored but is an own goal, and the game goes on to be 0-1 or 1-0 then you’ll get paid out on no goal scorer, but not 0-0. And the odds are always exactly the same. Just for the record there were 52 own goals last season accounting for 5% of the total number of goals scored. Liverpool’s Jamie Carragher has scored seven own goals for Liverpool in competitive matches, three more than he has scored for his club team. Another example of bad timing.

November 2010 | Insider | 73

888 | SHOP

the

store

This month the 888poker store has a lot of new and exciting rewards on offer. From eagerly anticipated games like FIFA 11 and Call of Duty: Black Ops, to the release of the new Samsung Galaxy Tab. We’ve also got some fantastic football memorabilia and even more new items so why not visit the store now and see what you can find? Once logged in, the 888 store automatically calculates your points balance and allows you to search through the entire store by using either the categories on the left hand side or by entering the name of the product in the search bar. There are also popular brand selections and popular searches for you to follow. Once you click on a product the price you see is the price you pay. There are no additional shipping costs or hidden charges. Once you have selected your item (or items) it’s a simple click to the ‘checkout page’. Just enter the address that you would like the goods delivered to and 888 will do the rest. Upon making an order you will receive an email confirmation with your unique order reference number. Once the order has been shipped from the 888 warehouse you will receive an additional email with the tracking number and the name of the shipping company. This will let you know exactly when your goods are going to arrive. The store contains some excellent new special 888 branded items including headphones, playing cards, computer mice, backpacks, caps and hoodies. These have all been specially designed with the new 888 logo and are manufactured to the highest quality. It has never been easier to be part of the 888 community. Also keep an eye out for unique 888poker Experiences, you could get the chance to play some of our amazing 888ambassadors. Beat them at their own game.

74 | Insider | November 2010

FIFA 11

PS3, Xbox 360 The latest release from EA Sports gives players a whole new experience in football games, with a new key feature that will reinvent player authenticity: Personality+. This new feature allows individual player abilities to be reflected in the game so their skills are clearly defined. See your favourite FIFA 11 players shoot, score, save, pass, dribble and tackle as they would on the pitch. There are also improvements such as 360 degree dribbling, over 500 licensed teams to choose from as well as 28 official leagues.

Call of Duty: Black Ops PS3, Xbox 360, Wii

Go behind enemy lines as a member of an elite Special Forces unit and engage in private warfare, classified operations and explosive conflicts around the world. You will now have access to new exclusive equipment and weaponry to help you get through the thrilling Cold War setting. With new features such as cinematic single player campaign, signature multiplayer and the return of fan favourite zombie mode. A thrilling new instalment of the biggest action series of all time.

Samsung Galaxy Tab The latest rival to the Apple iPad, the Samsung Galaxy Tab is everything you need in a portable seven inch device. Not only does it have a combination of telephone and video call functions, but it also has mobile internet, an entertainment centre, and easy-to-use navigation. A touchscreen device that can connect to your local area network (WLAN) or your own mobile internet (HSDPA) to give you constant connectivity on the go. The Samsung Galaxy Tab also has Bluetooth to easily connect to your mobile, a memory card slot for unlimited space and two cameras. One gadget not to be missed.

888 | SHOP

Football Memorabilia Perfect for any football fan; the latest signed memorabilia from some of the Premier League and International teams Liverpool Shirt: Signed by Fernando Torres This Liverpool home shirt was personally signed by Fernando Torres in an exclusive signing with the Liverpool and Spain striker in Liverpool earlier this year. The shirt comes in presentation packaging with an official certificate of authenticity featuring an image of Torres signing the shirt. Torres’s signature is highly prized, making this a superb item for any collector of football memorabilia or an incredible present for any Liverpool FC fan.

Liverpool Shirt: Signed by Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres This Liverpool shirt has been signed by Anfield legends Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres. Gerrard made his Liverpool debut in 1998 and has gone on to become a true Anfield legend. Meanwhile, after two seasons as Liverpool’s number nine, Torres has established himself as a world-class striker and has already become a firm favourite. It comes with a certificate of authenticity and photos of the signing.

Arsenal Shirt: Signed by Cesc Fabregas Cesc Fabregas is the heartbeat of the current Arsenal side, and a real fan favourite. His pace, power and pinpoint passing regularly light up the Emirates as he orchestrates the Gunners’ midfield and attack. This Arsenal 2008-10 home shirt was personally signed by Cesc in an exclusive session in London earlier this year.

Manchester United Shirt: Personally signed by Wayne Rooney This Manchester United shirt was personally signed by Wayne Rooney in an exclusive signing session with the United and England forward in Manchester in March this year. The shirt comes in presentation packaging with an official certificate of authenticity featuring an image of Rooney at the signing session.

Reebok Limited Edition Pro boot: Signed by Ryan Giggs The Reebok Giggs Pro boot is a limited edition piece of football memorabilia by Reebok to salute the genius that is Ryan Giggs. Giggs is Manchester United’s most decorated player and a true legend both at Old Trafford and his home country of Wales. This highly collectable piece of sports memorabilia comes with an official certificate of authenticity featuring an image of Ryan signing and would make an incredible gift for any Man U or Wales fan.

Insider readers will receive 15% discount on their 888poker store purchase with redeem code: INSIDERNOV11

November 2010 | Insider | 75

INSIDER | CALENDAR

What’s on… November Stuck for things to do? Impossible with the Insider’s guide to the month

Bonfire Night 5 November “Remember, remember the Fifth of November, The Gunpowder Treason and Plot…” A lovely traditional rhyme sung by children at this time of year which, depending on the source, either ends in the words “Burn him” or “And there let him die.” Not quite In the Night Garden is it? But kids and adults both love Bonfire Night. A good excuse to eat toffee apples, buy too many sparklers and irritate your neighbours with disappointing fireworks. Hosting your own Guy Fawkes party? Send your snaps letters@888insider.com for the chance to feature in the magazine and win items from the 888 store.

GoldenEye 007 Nintendo Wii, 5 November Chances are if you played

76 | Insider | November 2010

a Nintendo 64 at all, then you played this game. Addictive and influential first person shooter GoldenEye is out this month re-imagined for the Wii. Gamers can look forward to getting hooked all over again, with an updated story and voice acting from current Bond Daniel Craig. The game features four-player split-screen multiplayer capability; eightplayer online multiplayer options; eight classic Bond characters and unique modes, unlockables and achievements. Well worth a look if you missed it first time round and a healthy dollop of gaming nostalgia for fans of the original.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I 18 October You can tell yourself it’s just for kids, but with five out of six films sitting nicely in the Top 20 highest grossing movies of all time it isn’t just the little uns heading to Hogwarts – they don’t have that much

pocket money. Harry Potter’s transformation from bestseller to screen icon has been 10 years in the making, and this month marks the beginning of the end. Deathly Hallows is the first of a two-part finale to the film series which sees Harry and friends seeking the means to destroy the evil Lord Voldemort. For a generation of kids and young adults who grew up with these films, it’ll be a bittersweet farewell and for movie fans it’s another trip to the flicks for a heady dose of fantasy fare. Pack your wizard hats and some spare tissues, there may be some tears.

Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange Party 27 November Smirnoff bring a touch of Miami nightlife to the UK on the 27 November; the epic finale of the Nightlife Exchange Project. The three month initiative aimed to discover and celebrate the best in nightlife around the world, with 14 countries pairing up and swaping some of their nocturnal delights. The UK event is being held at London’s Troxy featuring hip hop act N.E.R.D and a Miami-inspired set from DJ Zane Lowe. Party goers can expect Miami Mule cocktails beside the virtual interactive pool, and an indoor beach with palm trees and dancers. One can only dream how Miami will cope with the British Old English pub and kebab combo. For the chance to win tickets to the event, visit www.facebook.com/SmirnoffGB

INSIDER | CALENDAR

Sport Football

Tennis

6 November

12-14 November

FA Cup first round

ATP tour, Paris Masters

Motorcycling

Boxing

7 November

13 November

Valencia MotoGP

David Haye vs. Audley Harrison

888poker tournaments $50,000 Sunday Challenge

$25,000 Saturday Challenge

$15,000 Friday Challenge

Buyin: $80 Guaranteed prize: $50,000

Buyin: $55 Guaranteed prize: $25,000

Buyin: $33 Guaranteed prize: $15,000

$12,500 Thursday Challenge

$10,000 Wednesday Challenge

$12,500 Tuesday Challenge

Buy-in: $13.20 Guaranteed prize: $12,500

Buy-in: $27.50 Guaranteed prize: $10,000

Buy-in: $109.00 Guaranteed prize: $12,500 Daily $5,000 guaranteed at 18:30 GMT for buy-in of $22.00

November 2010 | Insider | 77

COLUMN | POKER’S GUIDE TO IDIOTS

POKER’S GUIDE TO IDIOTS

Stand-up comedian and writer Geoff Norcott is a hit with audiences all over the world. Passionate about sport, he’s a familiar face to many as presenter of The 888 Sports Show. This month he’s been thinking about the perfect poker face and Shane Warne’s captivating eyes

o I’ve dumped my lifelong aversion to poker and am finally learning my ‘back raise’ from my ‘backdoors.’ My decision to learn about poker is based on largely superficial reasons i.e. the need to feel like a ‘proper’ man. It was either poker or DIY and losing money won out over losing limbs. That said my journey through the king of all card games will probably be equally erratic. My first move should be to learn the history, the rules and how to play. I’ll get to that eventually but something happened to me recently that strengthened my resolve to become the world’s greatest ‘tight aggressive’ poker player. I present 888 Sport on Channel One with Steve Claridge and Ed Nicholson. Recently, we were blessed with a genuine sporting superstar (no offence Steve) when Shane Warne dropped by to talk cricket and poker. I love cricket and had previously presumed there to be no parallels between the two, but ‘Warney’ set me straight. To him, poker and cricket are all about pre-emption, bluff and counter bluff. As I got lost in Shane’s opinions and oddly mesmeric eyes, another thing struck me. He must have the greatest poker face. A disarming combination Shane Warne is as blokey as they come, albeit with a gentle manner and unusually twinkly eyes. Plus he was in my view the greatest bowler ever. This is a quite a disarming combination, and certainly a

78 | Insider | November 2010

successful one given his victories at recent poker tournaments. If I was going to have any chance of ever winning a single hand, I needed to know I could conceal my emotions. Hiding feelings is important for men. It’s how we close deals, stay married and get hernias. The poker table will eventually be a great place for me to test my body language, but will my background suit the game in the same way as ‘Warney’s’?

SHANE WARNE HAS UNUSUALLY TWINKLY EYES I used to work in advertising, which should help. Truth is always the first casualty for any good media salesman. You’ve got to have some front when you’re trying to convince a top end car manufacturer that a 30-second ad in Scooby Doo is perfect for their target audience. I also used to be a teacher, where a good poker face is crucial. You have to answer questions about books you haven’t yet read and make a vicious hangover seem like the common cold. You also have to field pupils’ misguided answers without laughing in their faces. I once asked the class to define a simile. One lad replied: “Something you put at the end of a text message to show you are happy.” As with poker, you also have to

decide when your opponent is bluffing and, while there was a chance that one of my students had suffered the devastating loss of three grandparents in a month, decide to call his/her hand. Being a stand up involves the repression of natural human responses. When you step out in front of 500 stags and hens, replete with inflatable phalluses and fancy dress, anyone’s natural response would be to feel a sudden need to vomit. But you can’t show fear. An audience must think you are unflappable. If they tell you “you’re shit” you simply smile, say something impolite about their mothers whilst looking delighted to be there. Sometimes you get dealt a terrible audience and have to act like it’s a good one, and surely that’s the essence of a good poker face. Sometimes, if you hold the pose long enough, people start to believe in you and doubt themselves. Stand up is a pretty communal experience, so I’ve been brushing up on my one on one skills as well. Last week my wife asked me if the cat’s mess was there when I left this morning. I paused, turned my head slowly and said: “No, if I had noticed it, I would have cleared it up.” I think I pulled it off. Though we have been sleeping in separate rooms since. So I’m happy that my poker face is what it should be. I have to be confident I can ‘play the game’ before I play the game. Now it’s the simple task of learning how to do both and if I can find out which eye drops Shane Warne uses, I’ll be laughing.