In the Mind of a Poker Pro
 

So I'm checking out the "On Demand" feature on Comcast digital cable, and I find, under Lifestyle->Gambling->Poker, a seven part instructional video series on Texas Hold'em. I click on "info" and find the description: "Three of the world's top poker experts: David Sklansky, Todd Brunson, and Mike Matusow discuss, debate and evaluate advanced Texas Hold'em poker strateges." The first few minutes are free....

Re: In the Mind of a Poker Pro
 

well?

Re: In the Mind of a Poker Pro
 

Did matusow discuss how to blow up properly at the table? What about the high stakes games in prison? (played for cartons of cigarettes instead of singles)

Re: In the Mind of a Poker Pro
 

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well?

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Well, I only watched the free parts. It's possible these are just teasers or "On Demand" still needs work, but I didn't see an option to view the entire program or a price-- could be I was distracted because I was playing online too.

Anyway, I thought it was an interesting concept. The pros along with a moderator/host observe and comment on a live NL tournament. The players are not pros. (For those with minds in the gutter, Brande is hot.) They make a lot of mistakes. For players somewhere between beginner and intermediate, it should be instructive.

Matusow needs to be restrained and the host fails to do this (in fact the host is pretty much invisible). He (Matusow) tries to do both play-by-play and color commentary. In effect, he runs the show. That cannot have been the intention.

Sklansky comes off as authoritative, but unfortunately he is not a polished speaker. Brunson was interesting. When given a chance, he was thoughtful, confident, and well-spoken. I hope he gets more chances like this.

Grading on the curve, I give it a B.

Re: In the Mind of a Poker Pro
 

Footnote: apparently these are just teasers. The full-length shows will not be available for purchase until mid-January. Here is the schedule from their website:

http://www.selectondemand.com/channel.php?cid=5

Gambling - January 2005
New titles on
1/17
3 Card Poker
Baccarat
Blackjack - Basics
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Caribbean Stud
Craps - Basics
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Deuces Wild
Diamond Thief
Frank Sinatra
Indigo Swing
Jacks or Better
Jewel in the Crown
Let It Ride
Life
Little Devil
Mind of Poker Limit Texas Hold-Em
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Mind of Poker Pro-Omaha High-Low
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Monopoly
Playboy
Popeye
Razzle Dazzle
Roulette-Basics
Part 1
Part 2
Slotpoly
Spin Poker
Triple Play Poker
Wheel Of Fortune

Re: In the Mind of a Poker Pro
 

How in the heck can you watch that Sklansky clip? I have searched it 30min and haven't found it!! [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Is it somewhere here:
http://www.selectondemand.com/channel.php?cid=5

Re: In the Mind of a Poker Pro
 

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How in the heck can you watch that Sklansky clip? I have searched it 30min and haven't found it!!

Is it somewhere here:
http://www.selectondemand.com/channel.php?cid=5

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Sorry, no. It isn't on the internet. It's on cable TV.

"On Demand" is Comcast's digital cable system that allows you to select a program and watch it when you want to. The website only has the program schedules.

Re: In the Mind of a Poker Pro
 

Must move to USA then.... [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Re: In the Mind of a Poker Pro
 

I watched 3 of the parts on limit play. It was covering regular players at a SH limit table. T. Brunson pretty much kept quiet unless someone asked him questions, but Matusow & Sklansky both offered advice on all the hands they covered. It was largely stuff like "She should have raised or folded cause of this". I didn't realize they were putting out full episodes of these. The 7 minute teasers with the 4 minute intro were annoying as [censored].

Re: In the Mind of a Poker Pro
 

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I didn't realize they were putting out full episodes of these.

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Actually, these limit programs are self-contained, so maybe there will be no "full episodes." There are separate short videos on "Playing Big Pairs," "Entering the Pot First," etc.

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The 7 minute teasers with the 4 minute intro were annoying as [censored].

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Yeah, but you can fast-forward! Also pause and rewind. I don't know if you noticed the onscreen controls that are displayed at the beginning, but you can select these with your remote. I need this functionality 'cause it's hard to follow the action and commentary-- the presentation is a little unclear.

These limit programs may have been done after the No Limit Tourny stuff as everyone seems a little more relaxed and the discussion flows better.