Robbie Strazynski

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.

Six-time WSOP bracelet winner Daniel Negreanu is one of the most talked about players in all of poker. He’s one of the sport’s top-tier stars who truly transcends the game into the mainstream. He just notched a runner-up finish in the 2014 Big One for One Drop. But fame, money, and titles aside, Negreanu’s personality traits and the way he carries himself make him an exceptional ambassador for poker and someone we can look up to. Beyond the accolades being heaped upon him, here’s a list of 5 lessons I feel we can take away from Kid Poker’s second place finish.

Poker’s “Next Big Thing” is about to debut on TV. I’m talking about Poker Night in America. After you start watching this show, you’ll be talking about it too. It’s all prepped and reared to bring the fun back to poker and bring poker fans back to their televisions to watch. With a cast of poker characters that’s simply too awesome to turn away from, Poker Night in America is a winner. Here’s my analysis of why this show is practically guaranteed to be a HUGE hit.

Last time I played poker in Atlantic City, I was able to internalize an important poker lesson. As a result, I had one of the best poker sessions I’ve ever experienced. I’m not referring to how much money I walked away from the poker tables with, but rather the experience I took with me from that poker session. Playing poker for the love of the game is something every recreational poker player should strive for at all times. Read on to better understand what I mean by that.

Mental game coaching is certainly a trend these days as far as improving one’s poker game. One man, Elliot Roe, has created a unique approach to assisting poker players – via hypnotherapy. We caught up with him to ask what poker hypnotherapy is all about and to hear how he’s helped scores of players improve their game. Maybe he could help you too! Read on for more details.

Big poker news for me – I’m going to be the new co-host of the Top Pair Home Game Poker Podcast! The show, which has been around for over four years, features lead host Bruce Briggs and I’ll be joining him in replacement of departing co-host Eric Nelson. The show covers all sorts of topics about home game poker and also boasts a number of big-time guests from the poker world. Read on for more details and be sure to tune in!