Breaking Down the Three-Bet

In today's ultra aggressive online games, it seems like you can't sit at a table for more than one orbit without facing at least one reraise before the flop.
Many players, however, don't even understand the reasons behind their actions. They just three-bet because it's the popular thing to do.
Some players three-bet way too wide a range, and some way too tight a range.
Both extremes can be very exploitable, and understanding the underlying reasons behind three-betting will help you do it much more effectively.
There are essentially two types of three-bets: the three-bet for value and the "light" three-bet.

The Value Three-Bet

The value three-bet is the "traditional" three-bet and is the same as any other value bet.
You believe you have the best hand, and you'd like to get more money into the pot while you have the advantage.
Which hands deserve to be value three-bet is up for discussion.
It really depends on a variety of factors - the table dynamics, your image, your opponent's image/playing marked cards tendencies, etc.
The key ingredient is that you have a hand that figures to be best against your opponent's range.

Three-betting too tight makes you predictable.

 

Against a standard tight-aggressive player your three-bet for value might be fairly tight - something like AA-JJ and A-K.
If instead you're up against a loose-aggressive player or a fish who you know likes to call reraises light, your range might be much wider - something like AA-99, AK-AQ.
The problem with three-betting too tight a range is that you risk becoming predictable.
If you play with the same opponents, they are going to catch on that when you three-bet you have a monster hand.
If they can accurately put you on four to five hands every time you reraise, they'll be able to make perfect decisions against you.

The "Light" Three-Bet

The "light" three-bet is when you reraise a pre-flop raiser with a hand that does not rate as the best at the moment but that still has value for a variety of reasons.
A light three-bet is a semi-bluff. Basically your first goal is to win the pot immediately. You would like your opponent to fold to your reraise.
Thus, your ideal opponent to three-bet light is a player who is loose with their opening raises.
You know that they raise light and thus you can reraise them light, because you know that for the most part they are going to have to fold.
This will win you the pot without even seeing a flop.

Image

If you have the image of a supertight player, you are going to have a hard time getting paid off on your big hands.
That's because they know you're tight and that if you are coming out shooting, you must have a hand.

Image is everything.

 

When you start three-betting light, your image of being a nit will be thrown out the window.
Let's say you three-bet a guy with 8♠ 7♠ and end up showing down two pair.
Now your opponents will start to look at you in an all-new light.
They'll be thinking, "Man, this guy isn't a nit after all. He just three-bet me with eight-high. I am going to call that guy down more often. He's clearly FOS."
Three-betting counters whatever tight image you might have established and allows you to play a more rounded game.
If your opponents believe you're full of it, then you're going to make thin value bets all day long until they readjust.

Balancing Your Range

Three-betting light is essential to making sure your reraises are more balanced.
If you only three-bet a tight range - say AA-QQ and A-K - then your opponents know that when you three-bet, you can only have one of four hands.
Obviously, not a balanced range.
When your reraising range is so narrow, your opponents are always able to make the right decisions.
As mentioned, though, when you add the light three-bet to your arsenal, your opponent can't be certain as to what you hold marked cards lenses.
You could have double aces or you could have 4♠ 3♠. They'll be left guessing.
And when they're left guessing, you leave the door open for them to make mistakes.
They will end up calling you when you have the goods, and folding when you have nothing.

What's a Good Light Three-Bet Candidate?

There is no one "good hand" for three-betting but there are certain types of hands better than others.
When you understand that the light three-bet is basically a semi-bluff, it makes it easy to determine which is which.
Your goal is to win the hand without showdown, but obviously that isn't always going to work.
So, when you're called, you want to have a hand that can play poker on the flop.
Suited connectors are great light three-bet hands because those times you do get called, you have the ability to flop a strong draw and potentially stack a guy.

Keep yourself in check.

 

This just isn't going to happen if you are three-betting T♥ 4♣.

Keep Yourself in Check

Remember, most of the value from the light three-bet stems from the fact that it's a semi-bluff.
You are relying on your opponent to fold the majority of the time.
If you start three-betting too often, your opponents will stop giving respect to your three-bets and start looking you up more often.
When that happens, your fold equity is gone and there is less value in three-betting light.
Now would be a good time to switch gears and benefit from your confused opponents paying you off light.

It's Not Rocket Surgery

The primary reason to three-bet is for value. Everything else is just a product of that. You want to get value out of your good hands.
However, if your three-betting range is too tight, then your opponent will adapt and just fold every time you three-bet.
Three-betting light balances your three-bet range and leaves your opponents guessing - and when they are left guessing, as we saw, they're going to make mistakes.
And as we all know, those mistakes are just numbers added to your bankroll at the end of the night.

Macau Gambling Revenue Hits Record in December

Macau, the world's largest casino market, raked in $38 billion in annual gambling revenues in 2012 after monthly revenues for December hit a record, a signal of sustained strength in the only place in China where visitors are able to legally gamble in casinos.

December's revenue growth of 19.6 percent, which came in ahead of forecasts of 16-18 percent, was boosted by stronger visitation numbers during the holiday season. The monthly figure of 28.25 billion patacas ($3.54 billion) was the strongest ever, according to data from the Macau government released on Wednesday.

Located on China's southern coast, Macau, a special administrative region like neighbouring Hong Kong, had seen gambling revenue growth fall marked cards sharply in 2012 due to lower spending by VIP customers who account for 70 percent of total revenues. Annual gambling revenue for 2012 rose 13.5 percent versus 2011 when revenues rose 42.2 percent.

Slower economic growth in China, tighter scrutiny of money transfers and moves to combat the country's entrenched corruption had dampened sentiment last year.

As a result, casino operators, including Las Vegas tycoons Sheldon Adelson and Steve Wynn, who own properties in Macau, saw earnings growth topple from 2011 due to subdued appetite from VIP Chinese gamblers and growing competition from Asian operators such as Galaxy Entertainment Group.

The stronger-than-expected monthly figure is positive for the market said analysts, but with no new supply set to open in Macau for the next two years, a new anti-smoking regulation that comes into effect in 2013 and tighter scrutiny over the VIP junket market, casino operators are in a more challenging position to boost revenues.

"For 2013 we are still not expecting it to be a fantastic year because the casino properties are already running at full capacity," said Aaron Fischer, head of Asia consumer and gaming research at brokerage CLSA Ltd in Hong Kong.

Higher spending by China's burgeoning middle class has been a key factor in propelling revenue gains in 2012, offsetting a slowdown in VIP growth marked card tricks. Whether volumes in the high end VIP market will stabilise and accelerate further on the back of stronger economic growth is an issue over which analysts remain cautious.

Estimates for 2013 gambling revenue growth range from 5-10 percent with the central government keen to maintain Macau's growth rate at a similar pace to the country's GDP rate, say industry executives.

Authorities are pushing to diversify the gambling-dependent hub with more leisure offerings in the hope of attracting a wider visitor base, including a wedding incentive scheme the Macau government launched in November that grants 300 patacas per local guest for their activities in Macau.

Analysts remain upbeat for Macau's outlook, citing an improving economy in China and infrastructure developments that will shorten the journey from the mainland to Macau.

Gambling in Macau

Gambling in Macau has been legal since the 1850s when the Portuguese government legalised the activity in the colony. Since then, Macau has become known worldwide as the "Monte Carlo of the Orient".

Gambling tourism is Macau's biggest source of revenue, making up about 50% of the economy. Visitors are made up largely marked cards of Chinese nationals from the mainland and Hong Kong. With the entry of large foreign casinos from Las Vegas and Australia, Macau overtook theLas Vegas Strip in gaming revenues in 2007.

Until Western-style casino games were introduced in the 20th century, only Chinese games were played, the most popular being Fan-Tan. Generally, gambling in Macau can be divided into three different categories: casino games and greyhound racing. There is also sports betting and a number of lotteries. At the present time, Macau does not license online gaming operations.

History

In an attempt to generate revenues for the government, gambling in Macau was legalised around 1850. In the late 19th century, the government introduced a licensing system for the fantan houses (Chinese gambling houses). It is reported that over 200 gambling houses were required to pay gambling rent to the government. The second casino monopoly concession was granted to the Tai Heng Company in 1937. The company was, however, too conservative to fully exploit the economic potential of gambling. The industry saw a major breakthrough in 1962 when the government granted the Sociedade de Turismo e Diversões de Macau (STDM), a syndicate jointly formed by Hong Kong and Macau businessmen, the monopoly rights to all forms of gambling. The STDM introduced western-style games and modernised the marine transport between Macau and Hong Kong, bringing millions of gamblers from Hong Kong every year.^[1] The license was extended in 1986 for another 15 years but expired at the end of 2001.

Macau was transferred to the People's Republic of China in 1999 and became a special administrative region of China. During this transition, there were no changes to gambling policy in Macau.

In 2002, the Macau government ended the monopoly system and 3 (later 6) casino operating concessions (and subconcessions) are granted to Sociedade de Jogos de Macau (SJM, an 80% owned subsidiary of STDM), Wynn Resorts, Las Vegas Sands, Galaxy Entertainment Group, the partnership of MGM Mirage and Pansy Ho Chiu-king, and the partnership of Melco and PBL. Today, there are 16 casinos operated by the STDM, and they are still crucial in the casino industry in Macau, but in 2004, the opening marked card tricks of the Sands Macau ushered in the new era.

Economic aspects

The so-called "Monte Carlo of the Orient", Macau's economy relies heavily on gambling. Nowadays, the gambling industry generates over 40% of the GDP of Macau. Since the early 1960s, around 50% of Macau's official revenue has been driven by gambling. The percentage remained steady until the late 1990s. In 1998, 44.5% of total government revenue was produced by the direct tax on gambling. Then there was a 9.1% decrease in 1999, probably due to internet gaming. After the handover of the Macau from Portugal to China, the SAR released gambling licenses to other companies in order to eliminate the monopoly played by the STDM. In 2002, the government signed concession contracts with two Macau gaming companies, Wynn Resort Ltd. and Galaxy Casino. This opened the gambling market for competition and increased government tax revenue significantly. It also attracted more tourists to Macau. At this moment, according to official statistics, gambling taxes form 70% of Macau's government income.

Many forms of gambling are legal there, such as blackjack, baccarat, roulette, boule, Sic bo, Fan Tan, keno and slot machines.

However, the gambling industry is also a source of instability in the Macau economy, as the nature of gambling business is not susceptible to technological advancement or productivity growth. The gambling business is still dependent on the prosperity of other Asian economies, especially that of Hong Kong.

Things To Do in Las Vegas, Plan on Going Soon

Vegas is one of the most exciting cities in the United States. There are so many things to see and do while you are in Las Vegas. The city is home to some of the most elaborate and amazing looking hotels and casinos in the world. The city also has many attractions and not far from Vegas is the incredible Grand Canyon. There is always something to do while in Las Vegas and never a dull moment. Truly a city that never has a bedtime, the variety of things to do can be from inexpensive tours to the most high class and ritzy places in the state of Nevada, like the Strip. If you enjoy a game of cards, and there are a variety of places and games to fill your fun, or want to go to a Vegas show at one of the many venues that range from family marked cards oriented fun to "gentleman's shows" there is always something for everyone to do while they are in the lively city of Las Vegas Nevada.


For all the money savvy visitors, fear not for deals can be found. On Fremont Street hotels like the Golden Nugget have different deals they offer during the week that save you money and make the burden of spending lightened. From Fremont Street, there are casinos and free things to do that are all just a part of the experience of staying on Fremont Street during your visit to the city that never sleeps. A futuristic and exciting light show, with exotic sound effects, offers an awesome visual experience that is not likely to be forgotten once your visit to Las Vegas is complete. Hundreds of eager people make the journey to this take part in this visual genius, and participate in the entertainment that is so widely available. Fremont Street has a much different cheat poker vibe than that of the Las Vegas strip, in the manner of hotels and casinos. Most of the hotels that are close to those of Fremont Street usually have deals and bargains that are worth looking into. Other hotels with special bargains include the famous, Stratosphere Hotel, The Luxor, Tropicana Hotel, Excalibur, and other recognizable names in the industry of Hotels.

Those who are ready to spend money and spend their days visiting Las Vegas in the thick of it all, you might want to consider staying in one of the Award Winning Super-Resorts like the MGM Grand Hotel, The Wynn and Encore, The Bellagio Hotel, and other hotels that are honestly right where are the action is in the city. All of these luxurious hotels/mega-resorts have the most up to date and exciting gaming, fine dining with food prepared by world renown Chefs, and some of the most popular shows in the entire city, all within the bounds of the hotel you choose to stay in.
No matter the occasion for you visit, be it business or just to vacation, you will not be disappointed in the options available to you for entertainment that Las Vegas has to offer. Last but not least, the "Entertainment Capital of the World" which is better known simply as The Strip, is completely jam packed with things to do that will serve to anybody's interest.
Go here: Things to do in Las Vegas or Things to do in Vegas

Things To Do In Vegas Besides Gambling

Many people falsely believe that Las Vegas is all about gambling. While it's true that Las Vegas is indeed a major gambling mecca, the fact is that you can actually enjoy yourself quite a bit in this city without ever placing a bet. This article will take a look at some of the diverse things you can do in Vegas, and also provide you with Travelocity coupons you can use to get discounts.


By going up and down the Las Vegas strip

 juice cards, one of the things that become apparent is that Vegas headlines many of the top talents in show business. Many famous individuals, like Jay Leno, Penn and Teller, and David Copperfield perform routinely at Las Vegas venues. Major events such as boxing matches are also highly popular. There are so many terrific shows to watch in Vegas, and it is definitely one of the more enjoyable things to do at night.

Las Vegas boasts dozens of trendy, highly popular night clubs as well. Most major casinos have at least one nightclub, and some of the more popular ones are located at hotels like the Palms and Hard Rock. When it comes to drinking and partying

marked cards lenses all night at a great club, Vegas is indeed one of the best towns for that kind of activity.

Of course, many people go to Vegas simply to enjoy the food. Some of the best restaurants in the world can be found on the Las Vegas strip. Whatever you are looking for, whether it's burgers, pizza, steak, or sushi, you should be able to find it easily.

And if fine dining is not your thing, you can always head to one of the many buffets. There is no doubt that food lovers of every type will find what they are looking for in Las Vegas.
If you are hoping to save a bit on your trip, I recommend using a Travelocity Coupons. I use Travelocity to search for both flights as well as hotels. You will also find many Las Vegas package deals, where you can get a flight and hotel room at a special rate.

Online Gambling Directories – Ready-made Guides for Online Gambling Enthusiasts

For all the gambling enthusiasts who want to try their gambling skills and luck in casinos, there is nothing exciting and thrilling as entering into the world of casino games online. There are loads of online casinos available offering the similar games as traditional land based casinos, including the exciting roulette and poker games. One of the major benefits of playing the online casino games is that you do not have to wait for your turn as in the land-based casino. Another advantage of online casino games is that you can play  juice cards the desired game at the comfort of your home provided you have a PC and an Internet Connection.



If you are at the initial stage of locating the online casino games online, the online gambling directory will help you to know the best casinos accessible on the Internet. The online gamboling sites also provide online gambling guide listing tips and strategies that will make your to win the game easily. If you are familiar with only few tricks and tactics about the online gambling, it is vital to take the help of online gambling guide to learn more and advanced skills.

The foremost advice of the online gambling guide for the online gambling starters is to attain information on their selected casinos. The online gambling directory also includes a list of five best casinos accessible online. In addition to the list, there are reviews about the games and services of the online casinos.

The online gambling directory also includes the casinos sites providing feedbacks and comments of the players on certain online casino thereby making easy to select the best casino. In addition, you can also read information in the news articles available in online gambling guide. This feature can assist you to learn what all new is happening in the world of online casino and what all new games are being introduced online.
 

How to play slots, lose money and have the best time of your life! Slot machine tips, tricks and urb

You walk into a casino. You are bedazzled by the lights, the colors, the people - oh, the money! You decide to warm up next to a slot machine. You pick the perfect one. It's next to the entrance (and you got an insider tip that the best chance of winning is with those machines) you sit down and open your wallet. You place your bet, pull the lever once, twice, but nothing happens. You try and press the button instead. Yes! You've just won 5 bucks. Good. You are on a streak. You win some, then you loose some then you get up. An old lady sits by the machine, your machine, puts in a quarter and you already know what is going to happen next. Yes. marked cards 7-7-7 and you want to kill yourself.

First of all - don't. Think of how killing yourself would limit your winning chances. Then try to internalize that slot machines aren't for making money. The only purpose they serve is to feed your recreation needs. All of the stories about grandmas that won millions on the penny machines? They might be true. But those grannies spent a good 30 years of their lives on the machines, while you were out there, enjoying your business. There are a few things to remember when you approach the slots. You might call them tips, you might call them hope, but they sure worth the read.
1. When that old lady made that spin and won a whole bunch of shiny coins - it wasn't your win. You have had to hit the machine at the same exact fraction of the second that she did in order to get that money. You have more chances of winning the lottery.
2. Take your time. There is no Play per Minute rate of success. Doesn't matter how fast you feed the machine - your chances still relay on one factor only and her name is lady luck marked cards lenses.
3. Hit the button or pull the lever? Some prefer the old school method. Some go for high-tech. The casino goes for your money anyway.
4. Here's a sure way to win - order a free drink. And order an expensive one. If you lost some dollars on slots, why not spoil yourself with a fine, triple bourbon on the house?
5. This one might actually work - try and bet the max amount. There are more winnable combinations with higher bets and they are always better.
6. The loose machines myth. Some say that the loose machines are placed by the casino near the entrance, cashiers, bar or anywhere near people who are not playing, in order to get them to see winners and motivate them to play. I say that there's a better chance of finding loose screw in the casino manager's head.
7. That card you stick in there, well ye, it's actually money. Casinos are using machine credit cards on a nation that already has way more credit over its head. The fact that you don't put green paper in the machine doesn't mean that you are not gambling with real, hard earned money. Know your limit and get out while you still can. You might even be able to afford buying some roses to your wife.
Oh, and last but not least! Practice! This is the best advice we can give you. The more you practice at home on slots - the more chances you get at a casino. Naaa... We're just messing with you. But if you are an addict and you just want to play for fun and want to loose less money, or you really want to know what's going on inside a slot machine.