Review: Poker Ace Portable Tournament Director
Posted on February 10, 2008
Do your run poker tournaments at home? Do you also play in these tournaments? If you’ve answered ‘yes’ to both questions, you know how much work it can be to keep track of time, blinds, and everything else while still trying to concentrate on playing poker. The Poker Ace Portable Tournament Director (PTD) will make your life much easier and make your poker tournaments more enjoyable.
The first thing you’ll see when turning on the PTD are two options:
- Start New Tournament
- Set Preferences
I chose preferences right away and was presented with:
- Backlight
- Brightness
- Contrast
Not a whole lot to configure as far as the preferences go. It took me a few button presses to figure out which buttons actually changed an option and which one moved to the next option. The button use here was actually very confusing and the opposite of what you’d expect it to be.
After selecting to start a new tournament you’re presented to choose from one of 10 structures. Eight of the structures are preset (but still editable) and two of them are for storing user configured tournament structures.
Once a tournament structure is selected, you’ll be prompted to choose:
- # of players
- Buy in
- Addons
- Rebuys
- Rebuys/Addons end of level
The next screen to come up is the payout structure, which is editable just as the tournament structure details are. Finally after everything is set you’ll be prompted to start the tournament. As soon as you press a button, the timer will begin and PTD goes to work. The screen displays the level, time remaining for the level, current blinds, next blinds, ante, and how much time is left during the rebuy period. During the last 10 seconds a beep will come from the device every second as a warning.
What didn’t I like?
I didn’t think the device is very user friendly. I mentioned the button use during the Preferences screen earlier in the review, but there were several times when I didn’t know which button to press. For example, when ending a tournament, the screen displays “Are you sure you want to end tournament?” but it doesn’t give any options such as Yes or No. Also, when I first was choosing a tournament structure I couldn’t figure out how to edit anything, so I had to consult the manual and found the Edit option was all the way at the bottom of a long list on the screen. This should be at the top. Using a device such as this should be as intuitive as possible and the manual should be a last resort, not required reading. A little more time spent on User Interface design and the manual wouldn’t even be needed.
The buttons don’t always bring up the next screen or change an option right away.
The beep used during the last 10 seconds of a level is not nearly loud enough. I tested the PTD by myself in quiet room and I could barely hear the beeping. If you’re playing a tournament with any kind of noise at all, you’ll need to have the PTD strapped to your ear to hear it.
Overall
The Poker Ace PTD - Portable Tournament Director is a great little device to use for your poker tournaments. The biggest challenges using the device are during setup, which can be done well before a tournament. The PTD runs for $49.99 at the Poker Ace PTD web site. I think it’s very good value for the time and hassle it will save you during a tournament.
Going Cold at Caesars Palace
Posted on January 22, 2008
As mentioned before, I was in Las Vegas on Friday night and early Saturday morning on a layover coming back from San Francisco. One of my college friends picked us up at the airport and gave us a ride over to Caesars Palace. We checked our bags and headed for the poker room.
The Caesars Palace poker room is definitely one of the nicest rooms I’ve played in. Dave and I were seated at a 3-6 limit table in the back corner of the room behind a divider wall. This kind of sucked because cocktail service tended to forget we were there. It also seemed to be a prime spot for the air conditioner to blow on us all night. I’ve never been so cold in a casino in my life and I was wearing a hooded sweatshirt the whole time.
There’s really not a whole lot to say about my play at the table. I didn’t get many playable hands. On the hands I could play I usually missed the flop. If I’d hit top pair, either all scare cards would come on the turn and river or someone would suck out on me with their 3-4 out draw. After awhile I started to play hands I know I shouldn’t have played. We played from about midnight until 5:30 in the morning when our table was the last 3-6 limit game and we lost our 5th player. I ended up losing $96 on the night.
We walked around the casino a bit and had breakfast in a cafe by the reservation desks. Took a taxi and got back to the airport about 3 hours early for our flight. I’m not sure why we didn’t try and get on an earlier flight by standby, but that’s a whole other story.
One Week Until Las Vegas
Posted on January 11, 2008
At this time next week I’ll be on a flight from San Francisco to Las Vegas, coming back from MacWorld. I have a 10 or 11 hour layover in Vegas for the night. How convenient hey? The plan is to hit up Caesar’s poker room this year. I think the last time I played poker was during last year’s Vegas layover, so my game is definitely going to be rusty.
Quick Las Vegas Visit Planned
Posted on December 14, 2007
Each year I attend the Macworld Conference and Expo in San Francisco, CA. On the flight home, we try and schedule a long layover in Las Vegas, NV. This year is no different. I’ll be landing in Vegas on Friday, January 18th at 10:16pm and flying out on Saturday, January 19th at 9:25am. The past two years we’ve played low limit hold’em at the MGM, but I think we are going to try Caesar’s this year. We’re looking for a card room that will stay relatively busy during the time we’ll be playing, so if you have other suggestions, let me know.
I think the last time I played poker was last year on the Vegas layover. My game is going to be a little rusty!
Full Tilt Poker Affiliate Withdrawals Are A Pain In The Ass
Posted on December 5, 2007
Withdrawing funds from a Full Tilt Poker affiliate account is a pain in the ass! I can’t even get the site to keep my logged in long enough to request the withdrawal. Once I can get it to go through the funds are transferred to my poker account. Then I need to log into the software and request a withdrawal there. That initiates the funds to be transferred to ePassporte and then finally I can transfer the funds to my bank account. What a process!
Poker Stars Affiliate
Posted on December 5, 2007
I just fired up Poker Stars for the hell of it. Went to the Cashier and I had $600 from affiliate payments sitting in my account. Talk about a great surprise! Merry Christmas to me!
What Happened to Poker Chip Tricks?
Posted on May 7, 2007
I sold the Poker Chip Tricks site nearly 10 months ago. The only activity at the site since the changes in ownership have been different advertising and one a offering free poker chips when signing up through Poker Source Online. I wonder if the US online gambling changes affected what was planned for the future of the site.
Poker Buzz Faded
Posted on May 4, 2007
What happened to all of the poker buzz in the United States? Two or three years ago you couldn’t go anywhere without hearing a conversation about poker. Now it rarely happens. I believe the legislation that put a lock down on online poker really hurt the poker industry in the US. I know I haven’t played a single hand of online poker since it came about. But I also hadn’t played for quite some time before it passed.
My main reason for quiting was that it took up way too much of my time. There are much better things I’d rather be doing and it’s paid off for me. I dropped 25 pounds and work out nearly every day. I bought a house which is a lot of work. I spend more time golfing and doing other things I enjoy. I’m no longer sitting in front of my computer for 3-4 hours a day watching the cards go by.
If you’re someone who has stopped playing…why?
What Is Poker?
Posted on March 31, 2007
Where have I been you ask? Shit…who am I asking? Does anyone even visit this “poker” blog anymore?
I haven’t written here in 5 or 6 months. I’ve played poker barely more than that. In mid-January on a flight back from San Francisco, I had a night long layover in Las Vegas. Hit up the MGM and about $180 playing $3/6 hold’em. It was fun and I wish I’d make time to do it a little more often. I made a few rookie mistakes, but that’s bound to happen when you haven’t played poker in months. I flopped a set of queens, turned a full house, and rivered quads all on the same hand. I was called all the way by two players, even after I check-raised the flop. They even called out my hand after the check-raise, but had to call me down. I was taking their money, so I was happy.
I don’t have money at any online poker sites and without checking my records, I’d bet I haven’t played a single hand of online poker in over 6 months. I still have a couple of hundred stuck in Neteller waiting for them to get their shit together and let US players withdraw. The online poker legislation or whatever you want to call it took away my interest in playing for the most part. I still like to play, but I’m making more productive use of the time I used to spend online playing poker.
I’ll still make posts here from time to time, but I doubt you’ll ever see the posting frequency of a year or two ago.
Until next time…head on over to Card Tricks and give me some suggestions!
Card Golf
Posted on October 10, 2006
I just wrote up a review over at Primary Rough of a new card game called Card Golf. It’s a game that could really be interesting when gambling is applied. While looking through their site I found this… “Card Golf is not a drinking game. The game requires math, which is difficult to compute when inebriated.”
Review: The Professor, the Banker, and the Suicide King
Posted on October 6, 2006
Inside the Richest Poker Game of All Time
I’ve had this book sitting on my shelf since Christmas, when I received it as a gift. A few weeks ago I finally got around to reading it and finished it last week. It ranks right up near the top with some of the other poker related books I’ve read.
Before starting on the book I knew the general idea of what the book was about, but I really had no idea the events discussed in the book happened so recently. The “Richest Poker Game” was just before and around the time of Chris Moneymaker’s famous World Series of Poker win.
For those not familiar with everything, “The Professor” in the title refers to poker pro Howard Lederer, “The Banker” refers to Andy Beal, and “The Suicide King” is the King of Hearts because of his sword stabbing his own head. The “Richest Poker Game” was a limit hold’em heads-up match between Andy Beal and a group of poker professionals. The game was played at limits up to $100,000/$200,000, so swings of millions of dollars were not unusual.
Michael Craig did a great job telling the story by piecing together information from many different sources about the game. It’s really an insightful read into the high stakes poker world. I’d easily give it an A.
Cashed Out
Posted on October 4, 2006
Wow, what a crazy few days it’s been in the poker world. Lots of great posts out there about the new legislation/laws/whatever you want to call it. I won’t even try to explain any of it here. I will give my opinion though…I think the government is making a big mistake and it sucks.
I’ve cashed my bankroll out of the poker sites and also cashed everything out of Neteller. I rarely play poker anymore and I don’t feel like fighting to get my money back later, so I’m taking my money and running for now. I’ll keep my eye on the situation, but to tell you the truth I don’t think it’s really going to affect me much. I don’t make time for poker like I used to. Too many other things in life I’d rather be doing than sitting in front of my computer getting kicked in the balls on the river by a 2 out donkey draw.
The Casino Experience
Posted on October 4, 2006
Signal vs. Noise, a design and usability blog from 37signals, has a neat post pointing out certain aspects of casino design. It’s titled The casino experience and is interesting coming from a software design company’s point of view.
2006 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Results
Posted on July 27, 2006
A list of the winners so far in the 2006 World Series of Poker.
- $500 No-Limit Hold’em Casino Employee - Chris Gros
- $1,500 No-Limit Hold’em - Brandon Cantu
- $1,500 Pot-Limit Hold’em - Rafe Furst
- $1,500 Limit Hold’em - Kianoush Abolfathi
- $2,500 No-Limit Hold’em Short Handed 6/Table - Russ Boyd (Dutch Boyd)
- $2,000 No-Limit Hold’em - Mark Vos
- $3,000 Limit Hold’em - William Chen
- $2,000 Omaha High-Low 8/OB - Jack Zwerner
- $5,000 No-Limit Hold’em - Jeff Cabanillas
- $1,500 Seven Card Stud - David Williams
- $5,000 Omaha High-Low 8/OB - Sam Farha
- $1,500 Limit Hold’em - Bob Chalmers
- $2,500 No-Limit Hold’em - Max Pescatori
- $1,000 No-Limit Hold’em w/ Rebuys - Allen Cunningham
- $1,000 Ladies No-Limit Hold’em - Mary Jones
- $10,000 Pot-Limit Omaha - Lee Watkinson
- $1,000 No-Limit Hold’em - Jon Friedberg
- $2,000 Pot-Limit Hold’em - Eric Kesselman
- $1,000 No-Limit Hold’em Seniors - Clare Miller
- $50,000 H.O.R.S.E. - David Reese (Chip Reese)
- $2,500 No-Limit Hold’em Short Handed 6/Table - William Chen
- $2,000 No-Limit Hold’em - Jeff Madsen
- $3,000 Limit Hold’em - Ian Johns
- $3,000 Omaha High-Low 8/OB - Scott Clements
- $2,000 No-Limit Hold’em Shootout - David Pham
- $1,500 Pot Limit Omaha w/ Rebuys - Eric Froehlich
- $1,500 Pot-Limit Omaha - Rafael Perry
- $1,500 No-Limit Hold’em - Mats Rahmn
- $5,000 Seven Card Stud - Benjamin Lin
- $2,500 Pot-Limit Hold’em - John Gale
- $5,000 No-Limit Hold’em Short Handed 6/Table - Jeff Madsen
- $2,000 No-Limit Hold’em - Justin Scott
- $1,500 Seven Card Razz - James Richburg
- $5,000 Pot-Limit Hold’em - Jason Lester
- $1,000 No-Limit Hold’em - Phil Hellmuth Jr.
- $1,000 Seven Card Stud High-Low 8/OB - Patrick Poels
- $5,000 No-Limit 2-7 Draw Lowball - Daniel Alaei
The $10,000 No-Limit Main Event starts tomorrow and it’s scheduled to run through August 10, 2006 when we’ll have another world champion crowned.
The WSOP Player of the Year race is still wide open. Jeff Madsen, a 21-year-old college student, is currently in the lead with 4 final table appearances, 2 bracelets, and over $1.4 million in winnings. After winning his record tying 10th golf bracelet the other night at his 3rd final table, Phil Hellmuth sits in 2nd, and has won over $1.1 million. Hellmuth also ranks #1 in career cashes at the WSOP with 55.
List compiled from results at CardPlayer.
Jeff Madsen Who?
Posted on July 26, 2006
Jeff Madsen is a 21-year-old poker player from Los Angeles, CA and he’s dominating the 2006 World Series of Poker (WSOP). This year is obviously his first WSOP and he’s already won 2 bracelets and finished 3rd in another event. Early this morning he made yet another final table and will go for gold bracelet #3. Currently he’s 2nd in the WSOP Player of the Year standings to Phil Hellmuth (20 points behind), but that will change after today’s event is over.
The kid’s results are quite impressive.
07/05/2006 Omaha High-Low 8/OB - 3rd place ($97,552.00)
07/16/2006 No-Limit Hold’em - 1st place ($660,948.00)
07/22/2006 No-Limit Hold’em Short Handed 6/Table - 1st place ($643,381.00)
07/26/2006 Seven Card Stud High-Low 8/OB - 3rd place ($65,971.00)
The interesting thing is that Madsen isn’t dominating any single type of poker. He’s made the final table in 4 completely different games of poker. That’s skill.
Phil Hellmuth Quotes
Posted on July 26, 2006
After Phil Hellmuth won his 10th WSOP bracelet yesterday, there couldn’t be a better time for the top 10 Phil Hellmuth quotes of all time.
2006 World Series of Poker (WSOP) FAQ
Posted on July 20, 2006
Otis at the PokerStars Poker Blog has a helpful WSOP FAQ posted.
My First Trip to Las Vegas
Posted on July 19, 2006
The trip reports are complete. Here is a full list of links…
First Trip to Las Vegas: Final Thoughts
Posted on July 19, 2006
First Trip to Las Vegas: Day 1
First Trip to Las Vegas: Day 2
First Trip to Las Vegas: Day 3
First Trip to Las Vegas: Day 4
First Trip to Las Vegas: Day 5
First Trip to Las Vegas: Day 6
- 5 nights is way too long.
- Summer trips way too hot. Dry heat is better than our humid heat here in Michigan, but 100+ degree temperatures are hot no matter what.
- The bus going up the strip and to downtown is the worst $2 you can spend in Las Vegas.
- I never got to see the Wynn, Hooters, Palms, Treasure Island, and several other of the big name hotels and casinos
- I spent way too much time playing video poker and slots. I’ve always hated slots.
- I can’t wait to go back to LV for a 2 or 3 night stay.
- I really enjoy playing poker into the early hours of the morning.
- Holy shit did my cards suck at the poker tables.
- Next trip I want to see a Cirque Du Soleil show.
- Seeing the WSOP was one of the coolest parts of the trip for me.
- Red Bull and Vodka is now my favorite drink.
- Coffee with Bailey’s is good too.
- Next trip I need to go with people who are willing to actually stay up past midnight.
- Didn’t get to any strip clubs. How pathetic!
- Shows are cool, but cost a lot of money. Blue Man Group was entertaining, but I’m not sure it’s worth $120 a seat and $20 for 2 drinks.
- I’m sure I missed a lot in my daily summaries, but I’m done!
First Trip to Las Vegas: Day 6
Posted on July 19, 2006
First Trip to Las Vegas: Day 1
First Trip to Las Vegas: Day 2
First Trip to Las Vegas: Day 3
First Trip to Las Vegas: Day 4
First Trip to Las Vegas: Day 5
Wednesday, July 5, 2006
Woke up around 9am. Showered and packed up the hotel room. Borrowed a key from Jere and stored our bags in his room. Walked the strip thinking maybe I could catch the Bellagio water show, but they were doing some kind of maintenance on the fountains. Jumped on the free shuttle to the Rio from Caesar’s. Much better than taking any bus! Putzed around the Rio for a bit and then took off looking for the World Series of Poker (WSOP). It’s quite a walk from the casino floor.
I walked into the largest poker room I’ve ever seen and was in awe. Started snapping photos. I had left my camera at the hotel, so was borrowing Lindsay’s and not quite sure how to use it. Got yelled at by security within 2 minutes of being in the room because the flash was on. Whoops!
I was quite surprised how close I was able to get to all of the players and how few tourists/fans were in the room. I saw the Brunsons, Phil Hellmuth, Annie Duke, Dutch Boyd, John Juanda, Clonie Gowen, Johnny “Fucking” Chan, and the list goes on. I can’t wait to get the pictures and see how they turned out, but not quite sure how long that will take since it wasn’t my camera. I imagine the enjoyment of being around all the top poker players in the world would grow old, but I was floating as I walked through the room. It was pretty damn cool.
Met up with the girls and checked out to see if there was a line yet for the seafood buffet. There wasn’t, so I blew some money on video poker. An old lady sat to my left just after I sat down and hit quad twos with an ace right away for a big win. Bitch! The seafood buffet was beyond words. We ate stuffed our faces for an hour and a half before finally calling it quits. There were so many choices, but I have to say the tortellini was the best I’ve ever had. I could have been satisfied simply filling up on those cheese-filled noodles. I’ve always wanted to try out different kinds of sushi to see if I’d like it and that’s exactly what I did. It was edible, but not something I’d ever order up on my own. I’ll stick to lobster, crab legs, shrimp, clam strips, etc for my seafood fix.
After eating we headed up to check out the sites from the Voodoo Lounge. Some storms were rolling in off the mountains so the view was pretty neat. Nothing like being on top of the Stratosphere at night, but still something to see and experience.
We caught a cab back to Excalibur, changed our clothes and headed out back to wait for our shuttle to the airport at 7:30. Our flight was scheduled to leave at 10:20pm and arrive back in Detroit after 5am local time. During checkin I noticed there were exit seats open all over the place, so I grabbed the three right by the door for us and I was in heaven with all the leg room. Got a good hour or two of sleep in on the plane. Got back to Detroit on time, were picked up by Rose, drove back to Lindsay’s place, and I was on the road back to Saginaw. Made it back around 8am. HOME SWEET HOME!
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