That was embarrasing, Britney!

Hey!
I have always been a huge music fan, and to me it feels like UK produces new talents every week. I will give you some great examples later on.

In Norway we have the well known Pop Idol, UK has developed THE X FACTOR.
Ever heard of Simon 'Mr. Naughty' Cowell? He is the creator, judge and mentor on the show, and he does speak a lot of sense.

Last night there was 'Britney Spears' night on THE X FACTOR, and each of the 4 contestants did one Britney cover. Fantastic quality, believe me - they are true performers you will hear about in the future!

However, today's big talking point is Britney Spears' LIVE performance last night. Personally, I think it was very poor - and Britney fans must have been felt let down. These superstars usually spend time with the contestants - Mariah Carey did it. Take That did it. Rod Stewart & co. have all done it. Britney didn't.

After 4 years 'exile', she was back on British soil. The TV show lasted more than 3 hours, and Britney was in action for approx 4 mins. Expectations were high, the crowd was fired up, the judges looked like kids in a sweetshop - what a great welcome they gave her. Sadly, it went downhill from then on!

Ok, look for yourself. I admit I'm no expert, because I dance like a headless chicken. I am scared of attention, microphones and stages. Still though, what has happened to Britney? Choreography? Does she mime? Playback? And seriously, I expected this girl to offer a few more useful advices to the contestants. Just watch the short interview after performing 'Womanizer'

See Britney Spears' stage performance:

(Clip taken from youtube)

Awesome, Britney? You certainly weren't.

Forget poker face and dicipline

Phil Hellmuth vs Dave 'DevilFish' Ulliott

Here you have two strong characters from the world of poker.

I was down at the Vic Casino yesterday. Dead busy as Grosvenor Poker Tour has entered its final stages. £3,000+£30 Main Event starting today. Good luck to Henning, Terry and the other lads. A hefty prize pool!

I had a meeting in the restaurant with my colleague LK, then went to the bar, watched the Liverpool game on telly and shared a few drinks with a young Norwegian poker pro duo. Cool guys. It's all about poker, and we had a lengthy discussion about big players, the biggest names in poker and we all had strong opinions. Very few player causes more debate than Dave 'Devilfish' Ulliott... And while we were debating at the loudest, the man himself suddenly walks in with his entourage!

We changed subject, had a few more drinks ordered and then I went home to my flat. Switched on telly, and guess who appeared on the screen: Dave 'DevilFish' Ulliott.

As I said, these two guys dont hide their feelings.
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=BJpcbpt-3jc

Liverpool Winter Festival - satellites tonight!

Win a €2,000 VIP PACKAGE!

Qualify tonight (Monday 24th of November)

10KingsPoker.com has just launched a brand new, exclusive campaign (Liverpool Winter Festival) and would like you to be the first to hear about it!

It's simple to take part and have your chance to win, just sign up to our Satellites:

Monday 24th November
19:00 GMT: A FREEROLL satellite (it’s called ‘Liverpool WF FR’)
20:00 GMT: €5 + 50c rebuy satellite (it’s called ‘Liverpool WF FR RB’)

Take part to win a seat at the final table of the amazing Winter Festival in Liverpool. See below for what this prize offers!

Be the envy of your friends: Fantastic €2,000 VIP Package!
• Tournament £500+£50 (at Circus Casino 6th & 7th of February 2009)
• Tickets to a live Premier League football match
• Travel and spending money
• Meet famous ex players from international football
• Join 'Team 10Kings' captained by poker pro Henning Granstad and Liverpool legend Jan Molby
• Compete in a fantastic team competition

Just visit us to sign up and play for your chance to win this brilliant prize.

See you online!

Allan
www.10KingsPoker.com

Read Neil Channing's view on Blackpool

This guy knows his poker..
http://www.pokerverdict.com/Poker-Blog/Neil-Channing/149929/top_ranking.html

'Team 10Kings' in Blackpool - see pictures

Voila!
'Team 10Kings' enjoyed a fantastic poker weekend in Blackpool.
I played the £100 side event, was dead nervous, felt I was short stacked the whole tournament - and then to end up on final table!! Yippi, what a buzz!

http://pokerdb.thehendonmob.com/player.php?a=r&n=115487

http://www.pokerpages.com/players/profiles/123920/allan-aasterud.htm


I'm proud. Final table - it does sound good, eh?
Only £230 - but 8th place among 66 starters. I'm happy.
Thanks for a great trip, guys!

See you at the "Liverpool Winter Festival" in Feb'2009!

'Team 10Kings' in Blackpool - Player 6 : Henning Granstad

Name: Henning Granstad

Job: International poker pro for the last 4 years and captain of 'Team 10Kings'

How many years have you been playing poker?
I have played texas holdem and other various poker games for around 8 years. The interest for 5 card draw goes years and years back!

You have met them all, but if you have to name one poker legend you really enjoy watching?
I’ve always liked Phil Ivey, but the last few years several other guys are making a real impact. Not many can compare with Phil Ivey, but I played against John Juanda in the WSOPE main event. He was pure quality that day we sat on the same table! You know, he used to very tight. However, on this occasion he certainly wasn’t! I don’t think I’ve ever played a tournament with anyone who played as many hands and won as many pots as he did. It was unreal! Definitely one of the most impressive tournament performances I’ve ever seen.
I also have a tremendous respect for players like Nam Lee and JC Tran who always seem to perform on top level in major tournaments. Remember, that’s what the game is all about. To perform, day in and day out.

Any young or old or new UK player you rate a lot?
Plenty to choose from, but I’d like to mention players like Neil Channing and Julian Thew which have been around for a long time. Both have a tight aggressive play which is difficult for the other players to read. Of the younger guys, I like ”Team Hit Squad”. All of them are tricky guys to play against!

What is your favorite poker game?
I currently play Pot Limit Omaha online. LIVE it tends to be "round of each" PLO and NLHE and the tournament favorite is No Limit. I also enjoy Fixed Limit which is a more action game than NL.
How do you prepare for big poker tournaments? Any special preparations?
There are different ways of preparing. Usually I want to relax and take it easy ahead of big tournaments. That way you can be max focused and ready to ‘survive’ long days in the casino. I do my own pre-camp. I play a lot of cash games to mentally prepare myself and focus on patience and discipline to start hands etc. The key word for success is discipline.

Your favourite casino in Europe?
No casino in Europe can even compare to an average casino in Las Vegas. I do like The Vic in London though, and the card room at Casino Cosmopol in Stockholm isn’t bad at all. To be honest of the places I have played poker in Europe, I think Stockholm is my favorite. Now let's see what Blackpool can offer!

'Team 10Kings' in Blackpool - Player 5 : Leiv Kåre Johannessen

Name: Leiv Kåre Johannessen

Poker alias: LK

Age: 38

Favourite club: Nottingham Forest

Your biggest strength as a poker player?
The capability to adapt my game to other players and different situations.

You have played poker all over the world. Your favourite place/casino?
In Europe: The casino in Barcelona because of the 20-40 euro limit game. A lot of old spanish guys with too mutch money, and little knowlege about poker.
In US: Commerce in LA, - the biggest poker room in the world. You play against players that have done this on a weekly basis for decades. They have read Sklansky and a couple of other books, making them very predictable.
In Las Vegas: Mirage. Not many places in Vegas can offer a $20-40 limit game. This is the game in Vegas I have made most money from. Not as good as Barcelona and LA, but a friendly card room placed in the centre of the Strip.

What's your best placing in a LIVE tournament?
I have won a few live tournaments, the first one at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas some years ago.

What do you think of the UK Grovenor Poker Tour?
I have not played it before, but it looks good. I really look forward to play as part of the 'Team 10Kings' in Blackpool.

Is it true that you were once banned from gambling in the state of Nevada?

Yep. I was banned from the Black Jack tables. They kicked me out off casinos in four different cities/towns in Nevada: Laughlin, Henderson, Las Vegas and Mesquite. In Mesquite I caused an alarm at the same second I entered the casino. They had my picture, and I could just forget about playing. Some how they didnt like players that count cards ha-ha. It was a problem I had experienced several times before. This time I came to Nevada with three disguises. After Mesquite I went back to Las Vegas, removed my beard and my Barcelona costume, and put on some new glasses and a gold chain. This way I could start over again - playing 30 - 40 minutes at each casino - moving around - playing in maybe 10 different places a day. The new disguise lasted for 4-5 days before they spotted me again. I never used my last disguse. I was really sick of Black Jack at that time, and it was one more week to go before my flight back home to Norway. I went to the poker room at Mandalay Bay, watched the guys in action for about 40 minutes, before I sat down in the $4-8 game. This was how I started playing poker.

'Team 10Kings' in Blackpool - Player 4 : HENRIK NARVESEN

Name: Henrik Narvesen

Age: 25

Poker alias: blueprins

Your idol: Bruce Dickinson

What's the most interesting aspect about poker?
To see and learn the different players' tactics and styles. I learn something new everyday, and I enjoy both online poker and LIVE tournaments.

Have you been in England before?
Yes, in London. However, it was only for one day! Ha-ha.

Are you football interested?
No, not really, although I do like Real Madrid. Impossible not to follow Spanish football when I lived in Madrid.
Your favourite sports then?
I'm all about icehockey! Love it, the greatest sport in the world.

What's your ambition ahead of Blackpool?
Be comfortable and confident. That way I can play with variety and enjoy myself all the way to the final table!

On Friday you will join up with 'Team 10Kings' in Blackpool. Are you nervous?
I have warmed up for the weekend by playing online, and on Thursday I will enter a LIVE tournament locally.

What do you think is your strength in a LIVE tournament?
I am good at reading players, and I dont let any one to mess with me.

You are one our winners from StudentCruise 2008. What's your feedback?
I made the Top 3 after a rocky ride in the start of Day 2. I was short stacked and not too optimistic.
Luckily the tournament structure gave me time to play my game, and I could collect chips. Honestly, I felt I did well and played solid poker all afternoon.
Blackpool here I come!

'Team 10Kings' in Blackpool - Player 3 : FRODE ALFREDSEN

Name: Frode Alfredsen

Age: 33

Poker alias: safran

Favourite team: Nottingham Forest

Favourite player: Oh, that’s an easy one. Stuart Pearce!

How often do you play poker?
I play a couple of LIVE tournaments each week, and you will also find me online on a regular basis.

What makes you fascinated about poker?
It’s the social aspect of the game and the great excitement.

What’s your ambitions in the Blackpool?
I want to win.

Are you nervous? Any special preparations?
Nah, not nervous at all. Haven’t prepared in any special way. Just looking forward to trip and meet up with ‘Team 10Kings’.

How did you qualify for a seat in the Team 10Kings?
I won a 10KingsPoker freeroll LIVE in Haugesund (West coasts of Norway) in the end of September. I certainly would like to repeat that performance in Blackpool on Friday!

'Team 10Kings' in Blackpool - Player 2 : THOMAS ERIK SANDE

Poker alias: siddis

I support: Liverpool

My idols: Steven Gerrard as a player, captain and person. Gus Hansen for his aggressive style.

How often do I play poker?
I play about 3-4 times a week. I enjoy playing online, but I prefer the LIVE action. One of the best experiences I have had is from a cruise in the Carribbean. I knocked out all 8 players on my table and went on to the final table. Ended up heads up at the end. I was Big Blind, and my hand was 5-2. The flop was A-3-4. Sweet! The guy goes all-in and shows A-A! Sorry mate, but you shouldnt have slow played pre-flop… hihi.

My biggest strength at the poker table: I’m relaxed. I don’t stress.

How did Thomas Erik Sande secure a place in the 'Team 10Kings' in Blackpool?
I was one of the '€1,000 package' winners from 10KingsPoker’s tournament on StudentCruise 2. I was very satisfied with my own play on the final table on Day 2. I was short stacked, the player with the least chips in the final – but I kept the calmness and made the right calls at the right time. I also bluffed a few times which gave me extra confidence. Well done to 10KingsPoker.com, you guys created a tournament with good atmosphere and lots of excitement. Plenty of poker was played on Day 2, and ‘LK’ ran the whole show smoothly as dealer.

My ambitions ahead of the Blackpool trip:

Wanna do my best and play a good game. A good result must be final table and in the money pool – but let’s take it step by step. I have a lot to learn. Depends on my Friday performance, but I am tempted to enter the Main Event on Saturday. Fingers crossed!

'Team 10Kings' in Blackpool - Player 1 : PAUL FOX

Name: Paul Fox
Age: 30
Pokeralias/nickname: Pafo777

Favourite team: Everton

Your poker idol: Daniel Negreanu

Job: Cardroom Manager (Circus Casino, Liverpool)

Any UK player you rate a lot?
One or two local players but I wouldn't give them the satisfaction of naming them!

Your favourite poker game:
No Limit Holdem. Currently having some fun with "Crazy Pineapple"!

Do you play a lot online/LIVE?
I have been playing online for around 4 years. Only small stakes and not as often as I'd like. Hard to play live when you can't play in any Stanley casino in the country! 400% profit in only proper live game so far.

What makes poker such a great game?
It requires a lower level of fitness than football.

Have you got a good poker story to tell?
I've just seen 3 players all-in on a final table. One player shows AA and is very pleased when he sees BOTH his opponents have KK. Not so impressed when the board comes 9, 10, J, Q!!!!! That's gotta hurt...

Your biggest strength as a poker player?
Not being afraid to put my chips in.

How is it to be a player and not a dealer? How do you prepare?
I'll probably warm up by donating some money to the casino's three card poker! The pressure will come from people knowing me as a dealer and wanting to see if i can play.

Your ambitions in Blackpool?
To enjoy the experience as being part of 'Team 10Kings' and prove that I can play a bit. Really looking forward to meet up with you guys. The 10KingsPoker Invitational back in start of October was such a pleasure to be involved in. I didn't have to resolve a single dispute all day. The tournament was played in the right spirit and all players and supporters had an enjoyable experience. The structure of the tournament allowed plenty of play and the standard of poker was extremely high.
Now that 10KingsPoker and Circus Casino (Liverpool) know what each other have to offer the Winter Festival in February should be a massive success.

See Paul 'Pafo777' Fox in action here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbLmDxLpqxc

First qualifier confirmed: 'VikinGutt' !!

Qualify for 'Liverpool Poker Festival 2009'!

Welcome to our new and exclusive campaign: 'Liverpool Winter Festival 2009'.
Qualify for the big final already on Sunday!

Win a €2,000 VIP package!

Sunday 9th of Nov at 19:00 GMT -
'A €10+€1 Rebuy satellite to Liverpool WF Final'
Only open for members of 10KingsPoker.com
1 entry for every €270 in the prizepool.

Monday 10th Nov at 18:00 GMT -
'A FREEROLL satellite to Liverpool WF Final'
This is a Freeroll satellite to the €250+€20 'LPool Super Satellite Final' on Monday 5th of January 2009.
1 entry to the final.

Monday 10th of Nov at 19:00 GMT -
'A €5+50c Rebuy satellite to Liverpool WF Final'
1 entry for every €270 in the prizepool

(Qualify for the 'Liverpool WF Final' online on Monday the 5th of January 2009)


Win a €2,000 VIP package!


Please email 10KingsPoker@gmail.com if questions.

Allan
www.10KingsPoker.com

See from Top8 to 1st place (26 slides!) '10KingsPoker Freeroll' on Monday night