Charlie “Scotty Warbucks” Shoten is a tournament circuit pro. I have known Charlie for many years and respect not only his play, but the man as well. I’ve never seen him get out of line or go on tilt. Recently an article came out in Poker Player Magazine that just might explain his success. Since it’s publication, many a pro have come to Charlie with victory stories and owing it in a great part to Charlie’s article. Charlie told me he was thrilled that it’s had this kind of effect and hopes that many more players can get the same out of it that these Pro’s have had. I must admit that its a strange read at first, but as Charlie says you don’t get this till you read it 3 or 4 times and then he suggests you re-read it every day.

Last night at the Bike I had a problem with a dealer.
Now I can tell you I very rarely know who’s in the box, I never look at the dealer and I don’t believe that the mailman has anything to do with the content of the mail.

Chumash Casino in Santa Ynez, very close to Santa Barbara invited me to come and play in their “Who wants to be a Millionaire” Tournament. This will be a 100 NLH buy-in event with some very nice prizes.

Two nights ago in the $500 NLH at Commerce I had to overcome some unbelievable odds just to make the money. I had three very interesting hands; luckily I had enough chips to survive each of these. All accept the last one of course. The 1st occurred early on with small blinds. A gentleman 2 under the gun raised from 15 to 60. In the early stages of a tournament you’ll often get many callers here. I had KQ suited in diamonds and wanted to see the flop. I called, as did 4 others.

As a Tournament Director I certainly understand the difficulties in hiring enough competent dealers for a major event. As a player, I try to be as tolerant as I can with a new dealer, usually helping with side pots etc. (ok, call me a table Capt..) But after all, it’s oft times necessary.

Deciding to stay home this January was a tough decision knowing how well attended the WPO was going to be, but the late winter and the entire spring will have me on the move so I chose to spend some family time here in Socal.

I was in the 1500 NLH event a Commerce the other night and this hand came up.

I doubled up early when I made a small raise on the button with KK. I was called by the SB and flopped a K. He checked and I checked behind him. The turn brought a 9. He bet, I raised and he pushed in on me. How lucky you have to be sometimes to find your opponent catching the only card on the turn that gets me all his chips, he had 99 and went bust set under set.