Every Good Western

Every good Western has a saloon scene where either the villain or misguided hero are caught cheating. Having given a backhanded endorsement of Ultimate Bet I have to mention this article I came across. It says that Ultimate Bet and Absolute Poker have had some software problems. It suggests that something dishonest may have been going on. A bit of reflection on what I wrote about a few posts back.

If you don't do anything online without a heightened sense of healthy paranoia you're just a fool. Whether some one can see your cards, identify the deck allowing them to determine your cards or get into your web cam to see your reactions and hear your comments, I consider all possible, the advantage is with the cheater. I think determining the cards to come down on the table is less likely, unless the cheater is an insider. I know when I have chatted during a game sometimes my screen flashes several times after my first chat message. I have a general rule to avoid chatting but once in a while I have to chime in. Sometimes people chat vigorously trying to get a response from some one.

Possible cheating is one of the reasons you should keep notes on players. Something all sites provide. And it is most likely safer to play when volumes are high. I'm sure the cheaters are few and far between. At least that is what I'd like to believe.

What surprised me is that the article says that poker sites do not put in protections against cheating. I know the sites advertise heavily that the cash transaction side of their business is completely safe. (the PPA is adamant that online poker is not illegal) I'm not sure why they wouldn't want to be known for having the most secure games on the web.

But I really like what Ultimate Bet does and their new show is great. You can see it online. If I got paid for all the free advertising I give on my various blogs I would be a rich man. "Cowboys Full; The Story of Poker" was recommended on the show. One of a few poker books I'd like to read if I get the chance. I have a real love of history. ...Another free prop.

I have read most of the book Misao gave me for my birthday. I found that much of what it says I already picked up intuitively. Other things, and the clearly determined odds, are a big help if I can stay disciplined. "Omaha High-Low Poker" is the book and I'm not seeing as many A,2 A,3 2,3 in my hands when playing online as the book suggests I should. I have found things to be cyclical. I have to just wait things out. Which begs the question concerning the shuffle online; Can you program random results? Maybe that is a big part of the problem with online poker.

If anyone has any input in that regard I'd enjoy reading your comments.

If you want a nearly guaranteed honest game.... pull your wallet out and put out the cash to play at a casino.