Robbie Strazynski

The poker world has been buzzing about the “politics in poker issue” for the better part of two weeks since Daniel Colman and Olivier Busquet donned “Free Palestine” and “Save Gaza” T-shirts. In this video, I give a timeline of events and mention the main people who’ve been vocal on the issue. I also respond to Nolan Dalla’s video and give my final thoughts, crystallizing my feelings on the place of politics in poker. Enjoy.

We’re proud and honored to bring you an interview with Kevin Mathers, one of the poker world’s most beloved personalities. Regardless of how you’re familiar with him and the work he does, there’s certainly a lot you probably don’t know about him. We’re happy to cast a spotlight on Kevin in this interview in appreciation for everything he does for the greater poker community. Read on to learn his story.

Along with my Top Pair Home Game Poker Podcast co-host Bruce Briggs, I recently interviewed Chad Holloway, the Senior Editor at Pokernews.com. He’s also a World Series of Poker bracelet winner. Listen to the entirety of Episode 217 of the podcast, which includes the interview with Chad starting at the 12-minute mark. You can also read the summarized transcript.

With much thanks to World Series of Poker Media Director Nolan Dalla for his reply to my “There’s No Room for Politics in Poker” op-ed piece, here’s is my response.

In light of Daniel Colman and Olivier Busquet choosing to wear apparel with the intent of sending a political message while playing at a televised table during the 2014 European Poker Tour Barcelona Super High Roller event, the following needs to be said and explained in the clearest possible terms: There’s no room for politics in poker.

Even among some exceptional stories, some stand out head and shoulders above the rest. It is an honor to write up the story of a poker-playing friend of mine who has done far more than simply take the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. As important as it is to donate to the cause and spread awareness, there are some special people, like Gal Sont, who deserve extra attention.

Today’s Newsweek cover story was the straw that broke this camel’s back. I’m sick and tired of the mainstream media categorizing poker almost exclusively in the negative. What follows is a detailed description of poker’s image problem in the general public and a pointed recommendation for how it can be fixed. If you agree, I encourage you to please share with others who love the game and want to see it grow.

As much as online poker’s proponents keep pushing, there’s probably nothing they can do to get their favorite pastime legalized in certain jurisdictions. We’ve compiled a list of 7 places where it’s practically certain that legal online poker will never see the light of day. Think we’re being pessimistic? Wait until you see the places on this list – we might’ve even left some out!

As regular readers know, I’ve recently joined Bruce Briggs as the co-host of the Top Pair Home Game Poker Podcast. Once in a while, on the show, we interview some of poker’s most interesting players and personalities. The first interview I joined Bruce for was with Eric Raskin, Editor of All In Magazine and author of The Moneymaker Effect. Have a listen to the interview (you can also read the transcript), which was featured on episode 215 of the podcast.

Though I’ve tried mightily to maintain my regular poker writing routine, I have been unsuccessful. The plain fact is that I can’t help but be affected by the war raging between Israel, where I live, and Hamas. I ask you, dear readers, to please indulge me as I describe what it’s been like for my bubble to burst. I hope my words strike a chord with you and that you’ll achieve a better understanding of what it’s been like to live under the constant threat of terror. Above all, I hope this conflict ends soon such that life can get back to normal.

An incredible amount of content has been published over the course of the 2014 World Series of Poker. I’ve probably read hundreds of poker articles over the last few weeks as the WSOP was taking center stage. Five of these articles stand out to me as head and shoulders above the rest. Read on to see which ones I selected as “must-reads” and why, in my opinion, they’re deserving of that accolade.

Some poker books are guaranteed to grab your attention. One such book is Eric Raskin’s The Moneymaker Effect. Right from when you start the first page, you won’t be able to tear yourself away from this excellent oral history of Chris Moneymaker’s legendary run to the 2003 WSOP Main Event winner’s circle. It’s a fantastic read that documents one of the most important moments in poker’s history in a way like no other.