Dermot Dinan blogs: We're off to a crackin' start in Liverpool!

A crackin’ start!
The Liverpool Winter Festival started yesterday evening. Allan , Joe and I were met at the Circus Casino by General Manager Kevin Proctor at about 6:30 pm who told us that his phone had been ringing off the hook with enquiries for Friday’s Main Event.

I had earlier asked Allan how many entries he thought there might be for the £30 semi – freezeout tonight and he declared 60 would be a very good number, as this would generate about 5 seats or so into the Main Event at £500+£50 a ‘pop’. Kevin meanwhile was confidently predicting 80 + runners and he was nearer the mark with an entry field of 90 players by the time 8:30pm rolled around.

Just to recap, a semi-freezeout is a neat combo of a re-buy and a once only buy-in (freeze-out) multi tournament. In this case, following a £33 registration for 4000 chips, you are allowed one re-buy at any time for another 4k of chips , and a further add-on and 4k after 2 hrs of play. So the most anyone can do in is £93. That’s 4 pints a lager and a chippie meal, eh?

After the dust had settled and the rebuy and add-ons had finished, £5,970 had been collected. This meant that 10 seats in Friday’s £500+£50 Main Event were on offer plus £470 cash for the 11th placed finisher…. But more of that later.
The first all-in arrived on my table in hand 2 …. AK outflopped JJ for a quick double up for seat 7 – that player seemed to be involved in almost every hand after that! I won my first pot of the night by checking my seat 5 BB after seat 2 had smooth called. My 69s was smacked squarely with a 7 8 3 … he bet a strange (to me) less than 1/3rd of the pot which I called and the 5 came on the turn. He moved all-in for about 2k and I called …. He showed 77 but didn’t manage to house up. I started to feel a bit more settled after that!

Martin Bosch (from Alta, Norway – close to the Arctic circle!) was unlucky to walk into AA with his QQ but he took it well, rebought and came back strongly.
Level 2 and 100/200 blinds, I look down at AKs and make it 600 and get 2 callers … flop comes K 9 7 and seat 7 pushed all-in, 2nd caller folds and hoping he didn’t have K9 I called …. He showed K 10 and got no help…. I’m above chip average for the first time so I’m feeling ok.

Just before the break and the end of additional chips, I’ve got AA in mid- position and raise to 600 and get a call from Dennis in seat 1 who’s been very busy of late, and is in the BB…flop is A Q 8 and he bets 1k … I set him in for 2400 and he calls … he shows Q8 and is dead in the water.
74 players remained after the break and my add-on took my stack to 17k with the average at 9k … ok so far but a long way to go.

Levels 3 thru 5 seemed to pass very quickly without too much happening except for the eventual loss of Martin who having been dealt a blow holding QQ once before, found the ‘Sisters’ again only this time they left him crippled. A showdown of 5 5 vs. 8 8 summed his night up really as no help came to the aid of his underpair.
Next up was Level 6 Blinds 600/1200 46 remain DD stack 21k Average 21 k
I met a young man named Jamie McCormack around about this time on a short break. I knew Joe was doing well at the time, on about 35 k + and was chatting to Jamie about the football (Get in you Blue Boys !!! ).

I casually asked him how he was doing and when he replied “ Not too bad thanks … I’ve got about 52 k in chips“ I realized he had to be close to the lead which he confirmed, not in an arrogant manner but as a matter of fact. Jamie told me he is from Blackpool, aged about 20,and has been playing poker for 2 ½ years or so. What struck me about this young man was how composed he was at the table and in conversation. It came as no surprise that he comfortably made a Main Event seat by the way. I wish him well for Friday and the future.

OK. Level 8 and it’s getting hot out there !
32 remain Average 25 k DD 17k Blinds 1k/2k
Norwegian Joe has gone … he rather fell on his sword with AK to AA … having asked a serious question with a good sized raise, Joe was quickly re-raised for all 40k+ of his chips…. I know Joe is not happy with his call in this spot and it is easy to see the case for getting away from this one but y’know, poker makes us all do strange stuff now and again.
I’m trying to hang on but am between two stacks of 80k + and with the blinds increasing every 20 mins now I need to pick a spot.

Level 9 27 remain Average 31k DD 22k
Blinds 2k / 4k
There is panic in the air and I can feel it … people are moving with ‘any old ace’ and the big stacks are mopping up.
I have AJ and small blind makes it 8k to go …. I think I have enough chips to make him think hard for a while and those blinds are coming around again soon. When it’s me to speak I’m ready and announce all-in for 22k … Babu as he is affectionately known (no really !) is thinking that I haven’t played many hands but 14k is still about 1/3rd of his stack …. After an age he calls and “On Their Backs” he shows KK …. Ouch ! Flop K 9 7 Turn 3 River K!

Out in 27 th and soon after ‘Team 10Kings’ member LK was cut adrift in 21st place.
Sorry to say that it seems there was no Norwegian representative successful in today’s attempt to qualify but …. The have a strong contigent of players already confirmed entries for Main Event.

Incidentally the final twelve players each put £20 into the kitty as a sweetener for the 12th placed finisher,which I thought was very democratic and Liverpudlian-like … d’you know worrameeeen like ?
My man of the LIVE satellite: Mark Blake (Wales) – keep an eye on him for the Main Event. The structure suits him perfectly, he’s in-form and a very disciplined player.

Liverpool Winter Festival Day 1 is over and we're looking forward to new tournaments over the next few days.

Deadline for Team Competition

In agreement with Circus Casino and Nutz TV, we have set the deadline for entry to Team Competition at Friday by lunchtime at 12.00. Register a poker account with 10KingsPoker now!
If you have problems finding a team mate, let me know.
If you have problems register an account, let me know.
allan@10KingsPoker.com is my e-mail address

Registered entries so far:
* Team 10Kings

* 2 Brothers and a Donk
* The Fullring Nits
* Team UltraPervo
* The River
* Team Sandefjord
* Newcastle Poker Forum
* The Flintstones
* 3 Kings from The Castle
* Team Hartlepool
* Team Fart
* Team Salty Liquirice

Hurry up! £500+£50 Main Event filling up...

Hurry up, we now have 100 confirmed entries for £500+£50 Main Event!
If you want a seat, contact Circus Casino Liverpool directly asap.
There will be a LIVE satellite tonight which will open approx 10-14 seats depending on entries and rebuy/add'on.
Norwegians arriving at Casino around midnight, and we keep getting calls and buyins from all over UK.
Hurry up now - book your seat before it's too late!

Direct from Circus Casino: Dermot Dinan!

Please meet 10KingsPoker's expert blogger during Liverpool Winter Festival; Dermot 'Number Cruncher' Dinan!
This guy will praise, excite, provoke, critise - and 10KingsPoker is proud to have secured his services for the next few days while we bring the exciting game of poker to City of Liverpool.

Who is Dermot Dinan?

I am a 52 year old Irish born Wallasey man, although I have lived in London and Spain before returning to the Wirral in 1982, remaining here since then.

When did your interest for gambling start?

I started playing 3 card brag in school aged 11, frequently being punished for possession of 'The Devil's Bible' ! ... worth it though as 'ciggy' money was paramount in those days. After much dossing about in my late teens, getting married at 22 was a huge factor in getting only my second 'proper' job, as a Betting Shop Manager for Joe Coral in West London.I had been playing the horses recreationally since age of 15 with predictably poor results, and was sold on the idea of being paid to work in a place where I was spending too much time (not to mention money) anyway.

Dream job, eh?

Allan,listen. It's worth pointing out that back then (1978) the betting shop environment was totally different to today. Never any more than 2 afternoon meetings + 1 dog meeting, closed for night racing in the summer, open at 1030am and finished by 6pm at the latest. Yeah, it was a dream job. No all-weather nonsense and profit levels were more than acceptable. I only visit shops now under sufferance and even though they are virtually empty, the non-stop cacophony of 'cartoon' racing, American rubbish, dogs at all hours, all-weather, Lucky Balls every 15 minutes, and a minimum of 4 all-singing all-dancing roulette type machines..... as you can see,it really cracks me up!

It’s 24 hours business these days, mate. Times are changing…

Anyway, the cost of living enticed me to move back to the Wirral in 1981 and I went to work for an embryonic Stanley Racing .Most of their top-level management cut their teeth at Ladbrokes and after Stanley failed in some of their ambitious expansion plans, I was persuaded that Ladbrokes provided more opportunities for me. This was a big mistake and I can safely say, that a more immoral collection of yes-men and business graduates with no bookmaking experience, would be hard to put together in one company. What a complete shower they turned out to be! After 6 years of trying to do it their way I ultimately chose the highway.

You have never left the betting industry?

No, since then I have been on the periphery of some serious independent gambling circles where I got an invaluable grounding in spread-betting on eg, Winning Distances for Horse Meetings and the Bookings market in Football. As the Spread firms became educated over the years so indeed did the perceived value in both these markets eventually disappear. Not before I was able to flag up 6 consecutive winning years and a a very cheeky profit ‘thank you very much’ .... aaahhh those were the days!

Speaking about gambling circles… When did you enter the world of poker?

I learned to play 5 Card Draw at 15 but 7 Card Stud soon became the game of choice. Regular home games were the thing and although pubs didn't encourage us, the local snooker club saw some very tasty amounts change hands in the mid-70's ie £200 -£400. I was soon able to recognize the stronger players and made every effort to avoid them, the trouble was there were never any really weak games.

When did you first try online poker?

About 5 years ago I think, but it was definitely a small Sit & Go on Will Hill. I was a complete technophobe and was hoping for a gentle introduction as I wasn't sure about the buttons to call/rais. I was first to speak after the flop which came 777 ... all I could see was my KQ (I know, I know) and completely panicked unable to see the 'Check' button. I bet max instead much to the delight of the only other player left in who duly called with his A 7.....Ooops- ahem - bye! If I congratulated him on his Quads? Ahh come on, I couldn’t even find the chat box!

During Liverpool Winter Festival week you will face some of the young online poker Scandics. What do you think about them?

Overall I think the standard has improved across the board. While I feel it is wrong to generalise, the Scandys have certainly made their mark haven't they? I also think they have gone a long way to put to bed the argument that they "won't be able to get away with that in a live game",usually referring to a strong move out of position, UTG for instance seems to be a particular favourite.

I am also amazed at those who can play upwards of 6 games at once although that multi-tasking skill is not owned by just the Skandys.I can just about manage 2 games but always feel I'm missing something.

Looking forward to the Liverpool Winter Festival?

I really do! I love the buzz of a live event and having played the 10KingsPoker Invitational at Circus Casino last October I urge everyone who reads this to give it their support. As you know I will be trying to qualify for the Main Event via satellites so it suits all pockets. The Circus card room management are top-notch too, thanks in advance to Kevin, Paul and Ged.

How is the poker interest and knowledge on Merseyside?

Like a lot of cities poker in Liverpool has been around since before the advent of Hold-em, but it is television that stimulates the interest of non-players. Usually the basics of poker are taught at home but I suspect this tradition may not be as strong as it once was. The top TV tournaments covered by Sky still create talking points among sports fans though. Let me also say that there are some very good poker players on Merseyside, and this festival will be great venue for these to shine.

What are your poker strengths?

Unfortunately for me, outweighed by my weaknesses but I am much more patient in poker however, than I am in life. I do feel I am able to 'get away' from big hands in certain circumstances. I'm no graduate of M.I.T. but the old-fashioned method of settling bets I was taught by Joe Coral has meant that I had am a player who is strong percentage play. Stats are essential in evaluating most spread betting scenarios and have been known to unearth real value.

Any bad beats?

I'm bored listening to them so I try not to tell them but I like the story of the guy in Vegas who charges $50 per 15 mins to listen to your unlucky stories about any game... He charges double for losing Keno stories! Ha-ha.

Any bragging stories?

Quite a few! None that relate to gambling though…

Dermot, you have followed 10KingsPoker.com since early Summer, and you know our team well. How can we be successful in the long run?

I hate all the 'business speak' crap... you know .. blue sky this, out of the box that. It's just laziness in my opinion. I suspect you already know the answers but for what it's worth Allan, you can't do any more than market an honest, ‘value for money product’ that people find easy to consume/navigate. Word of mouth is still a very powerful selling tool, even in this multi-media market of today. Speaking about the Liverpool Winter Festival, you may not reap the benefits of your association with the City of Liverpool for many months but yes I would say, 10KingsPoker is on the right track.
Ok, enough talk. I will see you all down at Circus Casino Wednesday night for the LIVE satellite (£30 Rebuy + Add’on) for Main Event which starts Friday.

Dermot Dinan will keep you informed all festival long, and blog live from Circus Casino. And he does it 'Dermot-way'! 10KingsPoker has given him full freedom to write and say whatever he wants. We can guarantee more action from DD in a few hours...

Arrived in Liverpool

Checked in at Malmaison, done a quick interview with Nutz TV, got an update from Jan Mølby and booked transport for all Norwegian guests. It doesnt get any better, eh?

About to make a move, heading to Circus Casino for food, meeting with the one and only Paul Fox and later on playing the £40+4 Headhunter FreezeOut.

Good news from London too. 'Lobsterjo', LK and Klinge all arrived safe and sound at Stanstead - and now heading for action at VIC Casino. A warm up ahead of tomorrow's Festival start. Yippi!

ZZzznowstorm in London!

News from BBC:
Britain is bracing itself for further disruption as fresh bands of snow sweep across the country. South-east England has been hit by the heaviest snow in 18 years, causing trains and buses to be cancelled, and airports and schools to be closed.
There has been issued an 'extreme weather warning' for England, and passengers travelling to and from Heathrow, Stansted and Gatwick airports have been warned to expect "significant delays and cancellations".

This is no good news for our festival guests who will start arriving tomorrow at Stanstead, Luton, Birmingham, Liverpool and Manchester. I hope to go by train from London/Euston tomorrow at lunch. Fingers crossed. Good night.

Caroline Cove and her big balls!

I have seen CC play both in Blackpool and Liverpool, and she sure knows the game of poker. I must admit I had a good laugh when a frustrated poker friend of mine described her this way after being knocked out in Blackpool; 'Allan, that girl must be at least 7 feet tall, she was talking nonstop but you really dont wanna mess with her!'

For the Main Event starting Friday let's welcome; Caroline Cove!

CC, I know you're an experienced poker player on Merseyside. However, not many Scandics know you. Can you tell us a bit more about yourself?

Alan I'm an open book :) Everyone who has met me at the poker tables knows I am a very refined, quiet and shy lady, who only ever goes in with the nuts. I have never - repeat - never been barred from any casinos for arguing. Vicious rumours.

Where are you from?

I have a pub in Town Green which is near to Ormskirk.

Somebody asked me if that 'shy blondy' qualified through the LIVE satellite at Circus last Monday? Haha, not sure if he meant you.


Yes, he will definitely have meant me. I'm actually surprised he even noticed me, I am that quiet.

Being a girl around the poker table, do you have any special strategies? You certainly know how to play.

Okay I'll take my tongue out of my cheek now and tell the truth. I am not a typical representative of a girl at the poker table. It has been said many times I have bigger balls than most of the blokes! I run a pub, I've never been a shrinking violet and I am a very confident, outspoken woman - the line I hear most often is "Caroline says out loud what everyone else is just thinking" and I'm afraid it's true. I love to play poker and I have worked hard over the past year to really improve my game, so I can back up my big mouth with the moves to match as part of my game. I can talk anyone into calling when I want them too. One of my weaknesses is talking them into calling when I DON'T want them to! I talk when I have a hand and I talk when I don't so at least I'm consistent.

How long have you played online poker? Your strengths?

My strength online is not playing! I find it too easy to go on tilt online, yet I never do live. I have had a bit of success online but I'd be lying if I said overall I was up. I don't play cash online at all, but do enjoy 10 seater Sit n Goes.

How have you been doing lately?

I seem to be on form, I've only played live seven times this month and have cashed in 5 out of those 7 tournaments, plus I have played cash 4 times and only left down on one occasion. Last Monday I won one of the 4 LIVE satellite seats to the main event at the Winter Festival which I'm really excited about!

Have you entered the team competition yet?

No! We are two members (Caroline and Colin) - one to find! If anyone wants to play with me... speak up now!

Any bad beat stories?

I tend to forget a bad beat as soon as it happens purely because I know how many times I've bad beat people myself! They tend to even out but I think people forget about the horrible calls they make and get lucky and only remember when it happens to them.
My personal moment of achievement was in Dublin last year at the Winter Festival. I played the £500 side event, which I was paid into by Betfred (I spent the money and then had to win a satellite!!!) and had a very hard game with a massive lack of hands. Anyway, I tend to play a short stack well, as my concentration really sharpens up, and managed to keep myself in with a series of steals, squeezes and bullying small boys till they folded. I was then moved to a table which really should have been the TV table - other players there included Julian Thew, Ciaran O'Leary, James Akenhead and a few online pros. I played my heart out and finally managed to make it to the last two tables - into the money. I do remember what I went out with - a guy had just made a really bad call and gone on tilt, all in blind last three hands. The fourth time he did it I found KK in the SB and called. He had JQ and the flop came rag, rag, rag.. followed by a jack.. and another Jack! Game over! 18th place, about €1K. Like I say though, I had been on borrowed time for the past two hours, so I really couldn't complain - I had sucked out a few times to get as far as I did.

Looking forward to see you in Liverpool, Caroline.

I can't wait!! Good luck to 10KingsPoker.com and Circus Casino.