While it is true that nowhere in Vegas could you “run it twice” in a 1/2 game before Pokerati NLH/PLO came to town, now plenty of poker rooms hardly blink when two or more players get it all-in and want to reduce variance by seeing more than one river … just like they used to do it on High Stakes Poker.

So crap now the secret of the Pokerati Game’s success is out:

• Offer games people want to play, at stakes they’re comfortable playing
• Give preference to poker rooms with skillful, supportive staff (and maybe a really big sign)
• Treat low-stakes players no differently than high rollers (h/t Benny Binion)
• Suck out often to keep the nits away

That’s pretty much all it takes to host a game that attracts tourists and locals alike. And now that I can expect casinos everywhere to be spreading Pokerati-style live action, I suppose my pioneering days are over and I can go back to being just another poor-man’s Jean-Robert Bellande.

The now two time fan voted “Favorite Web-based Poker Show” award winning Poker Beat is going out on top with their 95th episode being their last one.

The Poker Beat: February 9, 2011

---

• Ashton Griffin Runs 70 Miles.
• The Federated Poker League.
• Multi-Entry Tournament on Full Tilt Poker
• High Stake Poker’s New Host.
• All-Time Money List.
• BLUFF’s Player of Year Points Restructure.

Saturday Night Live alum Norm MacDonald is replacing venerable sometimes-funnyman Gabe Kaplan as the show’s host. Gotta think it’s a good move because I’m kinda-sorta re-interested, suggesting others are too … Might even go outta my way to set the DVR.

Also changing things up this year … the show is being “presented by PokerStars” — meaning no usual cast of Full Tilt Pros. No Lederer, Matusow, Cunningham, or Harman? Please, they were like so 2006-2010. Supposedly the show’s gonna be airing in 3D, too (on GSN). Awesome. Can’t wait to see Doyle Brunson-HD in my living room … close enough to see his hole cards and imagine I’m bringing him a glass of water and some ointment.

(Go technology advances, but at the same time, keep thinking of the not-so-awe-inspiring Jaws 3-D and Honey, I Shrunk the Audience… not to mention PKR!)

Kevmath’s got the 411 over at Bluff, including the complete lineup and a breakdown of where the amateurs got their bankrolls. Also, if you want to know more about Norm and his path to poker and degenerate sports betting, check out Michael Kaplan’s profile on him from 2007.

Likewise, a reminder that Norm didn’t just come to Las Vegas outta nowhere … check out one of my early attempts at podcasting, from the 2006 WSOP: Norm Macdonald gives me personally very practical advice on how to take down single-table satellites — but not without an admission of recruiting minors to ghost on his PartyPoker account:

Norm Macdonald WSOP Satellite Tip

With no TWIP this week the entities over at Wicked Chops come together to discuss all things that are not the Reid Bill. Possible Rounders 2 story-lines were discussed followed by Chops admitting to trying to pick up the ladies years ago by impersonating Ben Folds (judge on The Sing-Off). After a lengthy discussion on their love of American Idol they move onto The Walking Dead. Listen to the show on the Wicked Chops site or download it on iTunes.

The Poker Edge:

Phil Gordon and Andrew Feldman break down the top stories of 2010 and take a look into 2011 after they discuss the possibility of Phil Helmuth on Dancing with the Stars. 2010 was the year of the Mizrachi’s will 2011 be the year of Durrr? You can listen to the entire podcast on ESPN.com, or download it directly via iTunes.

The Hardcore Poker Show:

The guys come together for their last show of the year and start off discussing the battle between Full Tilt and PokerStars on High Stakes Poker. After a brief discussion on Rounders 2 Pokerati’s own Scarlet_LV comes on to discuss the Reid bill and where thing with poker legislation go from here. Fresh off his final table at APPT Sydney Daniel Negreanu joins the show discussing the High Stakes Poker feud. You can listen weekly on Sirius Satellite Radio channel 98 every Wednesday from 8-9pm ET or you can download it via iTunes.

The Micros – Holiday Special:

Following up on the Pilot episode The Micros come with their Holiday Special with a special cameo from Erik Seidel.

GSN’S “HIGH STAKES POKER™” ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF
SIXTH SEASON, WITH A REFRESHED PLAYER LINE-UP AND A
BRAND-NEW LOOK THAT PUTS VIEWERS ON THE SCENE

Professional Poker Player and Journalist Kara Scott Joins Gabe Kaplan as Co-Host
When the Series Goes Into Production in November;

Season Six of HIGH STAKES POKER Premieres February 14, 2010, Only on GSN

(SANTA MONICA, Calif.) November 5, 2009 – GSN announced today the launch of the highly anticipated sixth season of HIGH STAKES POKER™, featuring a line-up of renowned poker champions, cash game specialists and promising up-and-comers, along with a brand-new look and feel for the show that puts viewers in the thick of the poker action. Acclaimed poker player, TV personality and journalist Kara Scott joins Gabe Kaplan as co-host of HIGH STAKES POKER when the series shoots its sixth season this November at the Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV. Scott will report from the High Stakes Poker suite, interviewing poker players about poker strategy, big hands and the table dynamics. Season 6 of HIGH STAKES POKER will premiere on February 14, 2010, airing Sunday nights at 8:00 PM (ET), with encore airings Sundays at 11:00 PM and 2:00 AM (ET), only on GSN.

Featuring a minimum cash buy-in of $200,000, HIGH STAKES POKER is the premier cash game in the history of television. The new season showcases some of the world’s top professional and amateur players; a partial list of the competitors expected to play follows. (Individual player bios can be found at the end of this release. Final player line-up is subject to change):

* Patrik Antonius
* David Benyamine
* Doyle Brunson
* Tom Dwan
* Eli Elezra
* Antonio Esfandiari
* Sammy George
* Barry Greenstein
* Phil Hellmuth
* Andreas Hoivold
* Phil Ivey
* Mike Matusow
* Allan Meltzer
* Daniel Negreanu
* Dennis Phillips
* Lex Veldhuis
* Yevgeniy Timoshenko

New co-host Kara Scott is well-known to European audiences as a poker player and journalist, having been the TV host of the European Poker Tour in 2007 and 2008. As a player, Scott was the only woman to finish in the money in both the 2008 and 2009 World Series of Poker Main Events, and only the second woman in history to do so in back-to-back years. She also finished second in the 2009 Irish Open in Dublin.

Gabe Kaplan, whose knowledge of poker and ability to explain the nuances of the cash game have made him a viewer favorite, returns for his sixth season as the analyst on HIGH STAKES POKER. As a world class poker player, Kaplan has made the final table in six World Series of Poker events, won the Super Bowl of Poker twice and finished third in the WPT 2004 Mirage Poker Showdown. Kaplan is best known for his starring role as the teacher and reformed “Sweathog” on the hit television series “Welcome Back Kotter.” He has also appeared in theater productions, originating the role of “Groucho, A Life In Review,” and starring in the national touring company of the successful Broadway comedy, “Doubles.”

High Stakes Poker (Season Six), Player Bios:

* Patrik Antonius (previous appearances: HSP3, 4 and 5)—The Helsinki, Finland native and former model and tennis player is considered one of the best short-handed high-stakes cash game players in the world. Antonius is known for his cool, calm, calculating style of play at the tables, which has earned him in excess of $2.84 million in lifetime live tournament winnings.

· David Benyamine (HSP2, 3, 4, 5)—The French native and former pro tennis player now lives in Las Vegas and is considered one of the best high-stakes cash game players in the world, especially in pot-limit Omaha. He owns one WPT open title and one WPT invitational title, and won his first WSOP bracelet in the $10,000 Omaha Hi/Lo World Championship in 2008. With lifetime live tournament winnings in excess of $3.47 million, he ranks #2 on France’s all-time money list.

* Doyle Brunson (HSP1, 2, 3, 4, 5)—At the age of 76, Brunson is perhaps the greatest player of all time, and is the author of several books, including Super System and Super System II. Impressively, he won the World Series of Poker Main Event in 1976 and 1977. Ranked 33rd on the all-time money list, he has lifetime live tournament winnings in excess of $5.87 million. He’s the owner of 10 WSOP bracelets, and has left his mark on the game: the WPT Five Diamond World Poker Classic was renamed the Doyle Brunson Five Diamond World Poker Classic in 2007.

* Tom Dwan (HSP5)—Known to his huge online fan base as “durrrr,” Dwan is considered one of poker’s premier cash game players despite his young age. He made two final tables in the 2008 World Series of Poker (the first he was old enough to play in), and has live career tournament winnings in excess of $1.12 million.

* Eli Elezra (HSP1, 2, 3, 4, 5)—A former member of an Israeli army commando unit, Elezra is a highly successful Las Vegas businessman and entrepreneur who considers poker just a hobby—but boasts lifetime live tournament winnings in excess of $1.91 million. He won his first World Series bracelet in 2007 in 7-card stud hi/lo, and also owns one WPT title.

* Antonio Esfandiari (HSP1, 2, 3, 4, 5)—“The Magician” is indeed a former professional magician and has been a regular in this game since the show’s inception. Esfandiari finished 24th in the 2009 WSOP Main Event, and has career live tournament winnings in excess of $3.49 million. He is also the winner of one WSOP bracelet and one WPT title.

* Sammy George (first appearance on HSP)— Born in Baghdad, Iraq, George moved to England when he was eight years old, and is now an extremely successful London businessman who plays in the highest-stakes cash games available. George says he will play deuce/seven like aces if he thinks the psychological make-up of his opponent warrants it. His nickname is “Any Two.”

* Barry Greenstein (HSP1, 2, 3, 4, 5)—Ranked 23rd on the all-time money list, with career live tournament winnings of almost $7 million, Greenstein has been dubbed the “Robin Hood of Poker” for being one of the first players to donate winnings to charity, his favorite being Children, Incorporated. He’s the winner of two WPT titles and three WSOP bracelets, the latest in the 2008 $1500 Razz event. He is the author of Ace on the River, which he signs and gives to any player who knocks him out of the tournament.

* Phil Hellmuth (HSP1, 4)—Known as the “Poker Brat,” Hellmuth was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in July 2007. He won his 11th World Series bracelet in 2007, making him the first and only person in history to do so. With 6 cashes in the 2009 WSOP, he now has more World Series cashes (75) and has made more WSOP final tables (41) than any player in history. His career live tournament winnings are in excess of $10.92 million, and he ranks 4th on the all-time money list.

* Andreas Hoivold (first appearance on HSP)—The 37-year-old English native now lives in Kristiansand, Norway, and says if he could change one thing about poker, it would be to legalize live poker in Norway. Nicknamed the “Cartoon Collector,” his card protector is a Mickey Mouse. He won the 2007 EPT Dortmund, good for $880,000, and has lifetime live tournament winnings in excess of $1.51 million.

· Phil Ivey (HSP3)— Highly regarded by many as the best player in the game today, Ivey ranks 3rd on the all-time money list, with career live tournament winnings in excess of $12.09 million. He’s the winner of seven WSOP bracelets, and one of only five players to win three in one year (2002). He capped off a terrific 2009 WSOP (during which he won two WSOP bracelets) by becoming a member of the November Nine.

* Mike Matusow (HSP2, 3, 4)—Known as “The Mouth” for his trash-talking, Matusow is one of poker’s most recognizable players. He’s the winner of three WSOP bracelets, his latest in the prestigious 2008 $5000 no-limit 2-7 draw event w/rebuys, and has lifetime live tournament winnings in excess of $7.29 million. His recently released autobiography, Check-Raising the Devil, is a candid look at his life and the many battles he has faced in his rise to stardom.

* Allan Meltzer (HSP5)—The man who once sold pretzels in the street in Brooklyn is now the president of Wind-up Records, the largest independent recording label in the U.S. A successful high-stakes amateur poker player, Meltzer plays with hedge fund managers in New York, the high-stakes crowd in Hollywood, and in Bobby’s Room at the Bellagio.

* Daniel Negreanu (HSP1, 2, 3, 4, 5)—One of poker’s most likeable personalities, “Kid Poker” owns four WSOP bracelets, the latest in a 2008 WSOP $2000 limit hold ’em event, as well as two WPT titles. With his 2nd place showing in the 2009 WSOPE Main Event in October 2009, he now has lifetime live tournament winnings in excess of $12.42 million and ranks #1 on the all-time money list.

· Dennis Phillips (first appearance on HSP)—The 54-year-old is a former account manager for a commercial trucking company—a company he is now in the process of buying. He was a member of the 2008 WSOP November Nine, and finished 3rd in the Championship Event, good for $4.51 million; he has lifetime live tournament winnings in excess of $4.76 million. Phillips works with 22 different charities, most notably Multiple Sclerosis, The Pujols Family Foundation, CancerPrevention.org and Juvenile Diabetes. He lives in St. Louis, Missouri.

* Lex Veldhuis (first appearance on HSP)—Born in Vlissingen, Netherlands, Velhuis now splits his time between Rotterdam and Las Vegas as a jet-setting pro. A former gamer, he currently multitables high-stakes cash games online, where he’s known by his screen name “RaSZi,” and has topped the PokerStars Tournament Leader Board twice. He finished 7th in the 2009 WSOP $40,000 NLHE 40th Anniversary Event, good for $277,000.

* Yevgeniy Timoshenko (first appearance on HSP)—Born in Ukraine in 1988, Timoshenko lives in Seattle, Washington, and is also known by screennames “Jovial Gent” and “Bballer88.” He won the 2009 WPT Championship, good for $2.15 million, as well as the World Championship of Online Poker Main Event in 2009, good for $1.71 million. He has lifetime live tournament winnings in excess of $3.22 million and is ranked 4th on the 2009 money list.

More details to come…

Audio of the announcement with Dennis, host Paul Harris and poker coach Joe McGowan:

Unconfirmed reports name Vanessa Rousso as his replacement.

AJ has more on the decision at his blog.

HT to sadler40 for the original post on 2+2.

Featuring Ansky and some other young online pros, in the show’s words:

Premieres Sunday, August 16 at 9pm on G4. This summer, geeks are wild as G4 takes viewers inside the world of competitive high stakes online poker in a new series that follows four young high IQ friends who join forces and set up shop in Las Vegas. Their challenge for themselves? To collectively earn $2 million dollars in only two months using their own money.

With this show, Face the Ace (on NBC), and even Sam’s Game (on Playboy.TV) … and all of them looking at least semi-good, frankly … anyone get the sense that the future of poker on TV continues to evolve? Mix in live coverage like you have with the Washington State Poker Championship below … and really, you gotta wonder what ESPN, the WSOP, and High Stakes Poker are going to have to deliver to keep up with (or ignore) the theoretically non-crappy televised poker we can expect in coming seasons.

Though admittedly, 2M2MM may well be a semi-successful one-hit reality wonder, while Face the Ace could go the way of Win, Lose or Draw … and Sam’s Game may end up in the archives somewhere next to Naughty Nurses Go To Europe #9.

We’ll see … or not. That’s kinda the question.

Click below for even more on what to expect from this new show:

OOPS: Apparently these player bios were inaccurate. Click here to see who these guys really are. The stuff about the show is still good though.

G4 LETS THE CHIPS FLY THIS SUMMER WITH “2 MONTHS, $2 MILLION” PREMIERING SUNDAY, AUGUST 16 AT 9:00PM ET /PT

New Series Follows Four Young Online Poker Pros as They Set Up Shop in Las Vegas and Attempt to Earn $2 Million in Just Two Months

Los Angeles, CA, July 27, 2009 – This summer, all bets are off as G4 takes viewers inside the world of high stakes online poker in a new series that follows four 20-something whiz kids turned high rollers who make big money flipping cards on the web nearly 24/7.  Brian, Emil, Jay and Dani – seasoned online poker pros and close friends – are roommates for the summer in Las Vegas with the goal of collectively earning $2 million in only two months playing online poker using their own money.   But with high stakes often comes devastating losses and, despite their expertise, they experience many ups and downs as they work towards their nearly impossibly goal.  They’ve turned down the world of 9-5 jobs and 401Ks for the thrill of online card rooms and “nosebleed” stakes… but will it pay off? Can they reach their goal? Will Vegas nightlife prove too distracting?  The new 10-episode half-hour series “2 Months, $2 Million” (“2M2MM”) debuts Sunday, August 16 at 9:00PM ET/PT on G4.

By combining their talent, Brian, Emil, Jay and Dani are a force to be reckoned with when it comes to playing cards and, this summer, they couldn’t ask for better surroundings to get focused on the game.  In the premiere episode, the guys move into a gorgeous 10,000 square foot mansion on three acres just outside the strip, which includes a converted home theater space that serves as their master control.  This “war room” features four 50” plasma monitors connected to each cast member’s custom computers via an array of hi-def video converters where one or all can play simultaneously.  They also create a “Tilt Room” to serve as a designated area for blowing off steam, which is needed quite frequently when high stakes hands don’t go as planned…bats and hockey sticks combined with watermelons and lettuce heads prove to be great tools for reducing stress.  And when it comes to figuring out who gets which bedroom, there is only one way these guys know how to solve problems.  They gamble for it.

While Brian, Emil, Jay and Dani seem to eat, sleep and drink poker, they also take time out to explore the Vegas scene.  Throughout the season, they hit many of the city’s trendiest clubs often running up $5000 bar tabs, and spend time checking out the hottest bodies poolside at some of the most exclusive hotels in Vegas.  They even take a trip to a luxury watch store and drop serious coinage on high-end timepieces.  The guys also make time to hang out with old pals who are in town for the World Series of Poker, including dinner with Tom “Durrr” Dwan, a live cash game against Erica Schoenberg and some high stakes online action with David Benyamine.

To help push each other and keep things interesting, the guys decide to implement a penalty stunt for the player who loses the most money each week.  The stunts become more and more outrageous as the weeks roll by, including one “loser” having to wear a ballet tutu to dinner at an exclusive hotel buffet and another being forced to play the harp on Las Vegas Blvd to try to earn tips from tourists.  While the guys are definitely having fun, they are extremely focused with their eyes on the prize.   At the end of the day, it’s all about bringing their “A” game every hand and doing whatever it takes to reach their $2 million goal.

“2 Months, $2 Million” is produced by Park Slope Productions in collaboration with G4. Paul Reitano and Terrence Sacchi serve as Executive Producers for Park Slope Productions.  Laura Civiello is Vice President of Development at G4.

Visit the “2 Months, $2 Million” official website for hilarious behind-the-scenes footage, episode highlights, expert poker tips, bios and more at:http://g4tv.com/2m2mm/

About Comcast Entertainment Group

Based in Los Angeles, Comcast Entertainment Group operates E! Entertainment Television, the 24-hour network with programming dedicated to the world of entertainment, and E! Online; The Style Network, the destination for women 18-49 with a passion for the best in relatable, inspiring and transformational lifestyle programming; G4, offering the last word on gaming, technology, animation, interactivity and “geek culture” for the male 18-34 demo; and FEARnet, the world’s premier horror and thriller destination on demand, online and on mobile devices.  E! is currently available to 96 million cable and direct broadcast satellite subscribers in the U.S. and the E! Everywhere initiative underscores the company’s dedication to making E! content available on all new media platforms any time and anywhere from online to broadband video to wireless to radio to VOD.  The Style Network currently counts 63 million cable and satellite subscribers and G4, the #1 podcasted cable network in America, is available in more than 64 million cable and satellite homes nationwide.   FEARnet is a joint venture between Comcast, Sony Pictures Television and Lionsgate.  FEARnet.com ranks as the number one horror web site and FEARnet On Demand is one of the top five VOD networks.

Bios:

More in-depth bio videos can be found here:  http://g4tv.com/2m2mm/

Brian Roberts (24):

Brian hails from Houston, Texas.  A math prodigy, Brian was tormented in high school by the cool kids.  He never fit in and walked home each day beleaguered and abused.  At 16, he dropped out and never went back.  While everyone else was in college, Brian was at a table in Atlantic City, playing cards.  Brian’s still searching for something fulfilling and hopes to have found it with his new girlfriend.  While she approves of poker, the rest of his lifestyle is another issue entirely.  Brian is smart, but the lure of the “Entourage” lifestyle may be too much to resist.  He’s never been cool, and Vegas affords him the dream life he sees when he closes his eyes.  Brian’s finally got something good in his life with his girl…but will he blow it.

Emil Patel (22):

Emil hasn’t hooked up with a girl in a year.  Being a skinny, 5’6” Indian kid is hard enough, not being able to handle your alcohol makes it even tougher.  Emil will talk smack with a Russian mobster online…and if you need to win a Math Olympiad, he’s your guy, but he has no idea how to talk to women and always ends up going home alone.  But all that is going to change this summer.  With his college degree in hand, Emil realizes it’s time to grow up.  His goal this summer is to find a real girlfriend.

Jay Rosencrantz (23):

Jay grew up as a poor kid in a wealthy part of Long Island.  Now, because of poker he has more money then all the people he envied growing up.  He is even able to help his family out with money.  He’s just started an interactive poker-coaching company, which he’s put a considerable amount of his own money into.  Running a legitimate and successful business would go a long way to making his parents’ proud.  But with all the money and girls partying at the house, can Jay keep his goals on track?

Dani Stern (22):

Dani is the youngest member of Team Israel.  Despite his parents’ concern, he recently dropped out of college once he saw the ridiculous amount of money he could make playing online poker.  Unlike Jay, Brian, or Emil, the entourage lifestyle is a new thing for Dani, and, for better or worse, he takes his cue from the other guys.  He’s definitely the most extroverted of the four, and can be the life of the party…unless you find screaming and making obnoxious prop bets unappealing.  But Dani, at heart, is a nice guy who unfortunately seems to be a bit of a bull in a china shop.  His approach to poker is the same as his approach to women: play as many hands as possible.  Sometimes it works, but most of the time Dani’s home after the club with Emil playing xbox or trying to take out a high stakes opponent.

That’s the name of the day, today, June 16, in Las Vegas.

The town’s Partyer-in-Chief, Mayor Oscar Goodman, declared it such in celebration of the uber-bendy, adult-acid-trippy Cirque du Soleil’s 25th anniversary. To honor the day, the name of the Strip has been changed — with plausibly confusing street signs and everything — from Las Vegas Blvd. to Cirque du Soleil Blvd. And at 1 pm today, outside Bellagio, some 300 people will be walking around on stilts as part of the festivities and a six-city worldwide effort to break the Guinness record for stilt-walking.

More than 90 million people have seen Cirque shows, which explains why its creator, Guy Laliberte, is the 261st richest man in the world, with $2.5 billion in net worth. He is also, of course, a poker player … much to the delight of Bobby’s Room and the regulars on High Stakes Poker. Without a doubt, both directly and indirectly, he has been a valuable contributor to the poker economy.

Also this week, Laliberte’s lawyers are protesting the release of a new, unauthorized biography that details some of the ballerest Dionysian fests in Vegas that only the creator of Mystere could imagine — A-lister orgies with the finest food, booze, drugs, music … and hookers flown in from Montreal.

In September, Laliberte, 49, plans to take an arguably well-earned vacation by traveling to space via Russian rocket for 12 days.

Click below to read more about what Guy Laliberte was allegedly doing when he wasn’t playing poker:

(Or click here to see David Benyamine win a $1.2 million pot from Laliberte.)

From The Independent:

During the parties, global business leaders, politicians, and Hollywood stars were entertained by Cirque du Soleil performers, and provided with millions of dollars of fine food and wine. Author Ian Halperin, who quotes dozens of former guests, details heroic displays of debauchery. “Everything you wanted was available at Guy’s parties,” said Myra Jones, a Milan-based fashion model who attended several of the events. “Drugs, the best music spun by famous DJs flown in from Europe and the USA, and the wildest sex you could ever imagine.”

The book claims that Laliberté’s assistants invited busloads of prostitutes from his native Montreal to the parties, which were attended by the likes of Robert DeNiro and Sir Paul McCartney. Mere B-list guests were required to sign a confidentiality agreement before attending.

“It was beyond crazy; it was complete insanity for hours. Everyone was so beautiful and so free,” said Angie Everhart, a Playboy model. “If there was a straight person in the house they must have freaked out watching everyone else trip. They would have thought they were the one on drugs.”

So anyhow, I was hoping to find Season 5, Episodes 8 and 9 of HSP … because I’ve been missing the show during its regular air time on GSN, opting instead to watch Celebrity Apprentice. However, not only are these episodes not up yet, but here’s the video that greeted me when I went to GSN’s YouTube page (previously dedicated to HSP) hoping to catch up on what I’ve been missing while following Annie Duke on NBC:

LOL.

UPDATE: Found High Stakes Poker, Season 5 Episode 8 here.