A plain-language guide to poker rake: the capped-percentage formula, how tournament fees differ, and worked examples with an hourly cost estimate. Read more »
Poker winnings are taxable whether or not a Form W-2G arrives. This guide covers IRS reporting, W-2G rules for tournaments, withholding, and the 90 percent loss deduction limit for tax years beginning after 2025. Read more »
While the uninitiated might think of poker as just “playing cards,” for many it is a game of warfare that demands strategic thinking. Some tomes discuss optimal strategies, but few address chip usage. A new trend in tournament poker is sparking discussion, to the point that it could come up at the 2026 meeting of… Read more »
To paraphrase the line made famous by comedian Garrett Morris’ ‘Chico Escuela,’ “Poker’s been berry, berry, good” to Jonathan Little. Not only has Little been about to parlay his skills on the felt into over $7 million in career earnings (and two World Poker Tour titles), but Little has also added to the plethora of… Read more »
Gather around, kids, as we look back to a day in poker when – SHOCKER! – you only got one shot at a poker tournament. Yes, there were those days when you laid down your buy-in and, through your guile, luck, or fortune, played your way either to a big stack or down to the… Read more »
More Strategy
Three Mistakes That Newcomers to Poker Make
One of the best things about poker, especially in the 21st century, is the ways that you can discuss the…
You Want to Be a Poker Player? Some Questions to Ask
It is something that many consider, especially when things are going well on the poker tables. “Hey, I could quit…
The Pros and Cons of Online Poker
Normally when people find out that I work in the poker industry, they will have a host of questions about…
Poker Strategy: In Omaha, Outs Aren’t Everything, It’s Whether You Improve Enough
There are a few rules that players overlook when they are playing Omaha Hold’em. One is the cardinal rule of…
Poker Strategy: How Do You Deal With “Sticky” Online Poker Players?
With the number of people that have been flooding back to the online world due to the shutdown of live…
“Fit or Fold” As a Strategic Approach in Poker
You can most certainly play poker with a straightforward approach. Play the Top Ten hands, pocket Aces through tens with…
Poker Strategy: Paint May Look Great, But Tread Carefully
In sitting at the poker table, players will try to mix up their game lest their opposition gets locked in…
Three Approaches to Having the Second Biggest Stack at the Table
If you are any type of tournament poker player, then you’ve been in this position. You’ve taken your starting stack…
Has Omaha Hold’em Eclipsed Texas Hold’em as the “Game of Choice”
The world of poker is one that has been in a state of flux for some time. In its early…
Strategy: Who Said Poker Was Supposed to Be Fun?
There are several things that make poker enjoyable. Sitting down with friends for a home game or even heading to…
Five Things to Jump Start Your New Poker Year
The confetti have been cleaned up, the noisemakers have been put away and some are nursing off the remainder of…
Five Things to Consider Before You Say “I Suck at Poker”
Everyone has different standards of what constitutes success in the world of poker. For some, it is the ability to…
Three Reasons You ALWAYS Buy into a Cash Game “Short”
What is the best answer to any question about poker? “It depends.” Yesterday we looked at the action at my…
Three Reasons You NEVER Buy into a Cash Game “Short”
Heading to my home casino, the Seminole Hard Rock Tampa, I was looking forward to some cash game action and,…
Three Hands You Need to Fold Pre-Flop and Why
Even if you are a neophyte to the game of poker, there are some basic tenets that you have before…
Taking on a Limped Pot Situation in the Blinds
Discussing the game of poker will give you tremendous insight to not only your way of thinking about playing the…