I’ve mentioned it before but it definitely bears repeating, and that’s the fact that when it comes to instructional poker, there’s really nothing that can stand up against learning from the pros in person, such as at a poker clinic. Words from a book can be misinterpreted and most poker DVD’s focus on the basic fundamentals of poker, leaving more experienced players unsatisfied. And when it comes to cash games, the list of good non-clinic methods of learning drops to almost non-existent levels. Worry not however, as the WSOP has just recently announced a new series of cash game based academies for 2009 designed to help those that don’t put 100% of their time and effort into tournament play.
The Cash Game Academies will include live-play workshops, seminars, hands-on instruction, and will end with cash game competition. Topics taught at the event will cover different aspects of the game such as making the transition from tournament play to cash games, bankroll management, and ID’ing opponent hand ranges. Students will even be treated to video analyses of cash games, with instructors breaking down hands at each stage and discussing different strategies.
The first WSOP Cash Game Academy will be held at Harrah’s in Atlantic City from January 24th-25th, with a stop at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas just two weeks later on February 7th-8th. Professional poker players Mark Seif, Paul Wasicka and Alex Outhred are among those scheduled to teach at the Atlantic City event, with Seif and Outhred meeting up with Michael Gracz two weeks later to instruct students at the 2nd stop at Caesars Palace.
Entry fee, as is the case with many high-end poker schools, is fairly expensive for the casual player, with each event carrying a price tag of $1,899. Still, for those who make their living at the tables, the benefits of such a course could in return bring a substantial gain in money made during further sessions.
I wouldn’t recommend such an intense course for a hobbyist poker player, but those that view poker as more of a lifestyle and profit center should strongly consider sitting down at a WSOP Cash Game Academy. You can find more info at www.wsopacademy.com
How is the 2008 World Series of Poker holding up against last year? 
There are many tournaments running in Las Vegas this summer either in competition with the World Series of Poker or in an attempt to pick up some lower limit tournament players who may be in town as fans or satellite players at the WSOP. 
These Party Poker [did I mention Tuaca?] final tables always crack me up. As soon as the final ten players are seated, someone begins the persuasion efforts to work out a deal and usually gets a majority of players to go along with them. This time it was even more comical, as all players came to the table with fairly even chip stacks. I understand time zone differences and all make it a little late for those overseas, but once you make the final table, put on a pot of coffee and win it all!
