Monthly Archives: April 2024

The 6 Best Tether Poker Sites in 2024 USDT Poker Sites Reviewed – Cryptonews

Posted: April 24, 2024 at 10:40 am

Last updated: April 23, 2024 06:37 EDT | 24 min read

If youre looking to play poker online using Tether than you have come to the right place. After visiting and testing dozens of Tether poker sites, we selected 6 poker sites to feature as the very best Tether poker sites in 2024.

Continue reading below to find out what makes each of these poker sites unique. Also, you will learn more about USDT poker in general and what to look for when visiting and playing at the top Tether poker sites. So with that, lets get into it.

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First on our list of the top Tether online poker sites is CoinPoker. CoinPoker was first established in 2017, and since then as quickly become a top destination for online poker. This is because they are fully licensed and regulated, thus offer a safe environment for online poker players.

More importantly, CoinPoker features several different crypto poker games such as Texas HoldEm, Pot Limit Omaha, and even 5-Card Omaha. Furthermore, you will find poker tournaments with large prizes and tables that are great for both beginners and experienced players.

In terms of banking, you can use USDT. All payouts and withdrawals are rather instant and there are no added fees. This is one of the best features at CoinPoker.

Lastly, CoinPoker is known for offering bonuses and promotions to both new and existing customers. Their flagship welcome offer allows you to earn up to 100% of $1,100 (in the form of CHP, which is their own token). This bonus is one of the best available across all crypto gambling sites.

Visit CoinPoker

BetOnline takes the second spot on our list of featured Tether casino sites with poker. At BetOnline, you will receive access to 25 video poker games and live poker games, including live Texas HoldEm. Moreover, BetOnline functions as a sportsbook and casino if you are interested in betting beyond just poker.

In terms of the Tether video poker, there are single-hand and multi-hand variants, including but not limited to Deuces Wild, Jacks or Better, and Joker Poker. Also, the live poker games run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Here, the buy-ins are reasonable and the quality of play is pretty high.

If you prefer, you can download a poker app from BetOnline, which exclusively features poker games. As opposed to navigating to the poker section via the online casino.

In terms of the bonus, BetOnline offers a $1,000 deposit match bonus, which is on par with the crypto bonus featured at CoinPoker. Its a very competitive offer and a great choice if you are looking for a new poker bonus to claim.

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Bovada is another top poker site that also accepts Tether. Like BetOnline, Bovada functions as a sportsbook and a crypto casino. However, the poker section does not disappoint as they feature both live poker and video poker games.

The best part about Bovada is their selection of poker tournaments. There are tournament games running daily and all of them feature great prizes. Additionally, there are cash games and as mentioned dozens of video poker games inside the casino section. All-in-all, Bovada provides a good selection of game formats and game types.

In terms of banking, you can use USDT to deposit and withdrawal funds. The payout timeline isnt as fast as CoinPoker but we were impressed with the easy process.

Overall, Bovada features 40 poker tables, tournaments, and video poker and that is what makes it a great online poker site. We highly encourage you to check out Bovada if youre looking for a new Tether poker site.

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Everygame is another top USDT poker site we believe is among the very best. The poker room at Everygame stands out as it features several live poker games running all day.

In terms of the games, Texas HoldEm and Omaha are the most popular games at Everygame. Also, the buy-ins are manageable. Additionally, players can participate in freeroll tournaments, eliminating the need for buy-ins altogether.

New players can claim a generous welcome bonus upon signing up at Everygame. Upon making your first deposit, you gain access to an extra $2,000 in funds, with Everygame matching 200% of your initial deposit. This bonus remains valid for up to 90 days from the date of activation.

Overall, Everygame offers a great poker section (including video poker) as well as a sportsbook and casino making it a great poker site if youre looking for a new Tether poker casino.

Visit Everygame

Ignition stands out as another casino offering excellent USDT poker games. Since its launch in 2016, Ignition Poker has garnered a dedicated following, establishing itself as a safe and secure online poker platform where you can use USDT to deposit.

At Ignition, you can explore the nuances of different poker variants, including Texas Holdem and Omaha. Additionally, there are an array of video poker titles including but not limited to Jacks or Better to Joker Poker and Deuces Wild. All-in-all, you have access to an enticing selection of video poker games upon joining the casino.

Moreover, Ignition offers generous $3,000 welcome bonus upon making your first crypto deposit. This bonus can be split, allowing you to allocate $1,500 towards poker and another $1,500 towards other casino games. With a manageable rollover requirement of 25x, Ignition presents an attractive proposition for both poker enthusiasts and casino gamers alike.

Visit Ignition

The last Tether poker site we wanted to highlight is Juicy Stakes. Juicy is most known for its affiliation with the Horizon Poker Network, sharing its platform with Everygame. Therefore, you know there are quality poker games available.

Like CoinPoker, Juicy Stakes offers very fast payouts and processes deposits rather instantly, especially when you opt to use USDT. Additionally, you can choose other banking option such as eWallets, Visa, Mastercard, and others.

In terms of poker, there are daily tournaments across multiple categories. From Bounty Tournaments featuring modest buy-ins starting at $1.10 to lucrative bounties valued at up to $500, theres something for everyone looking to test their skills and win big.

Lastly, there is an enticing welcome bonus at Juicy Stakes. Upon joining, you can benefit from a generous 200% deposit match, covering deposits of up to $1,000. Additionally, a monthly reload bonus requiring just a $25 deposit ensures that players are continually rewarded for their loyalty and engagement with the platform.

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The below table features a quick summary of what each of the best Tether poker sites offer.

In short, yes, Tether poker sites are legal and legitimate. This is because these online poker sites are hosted, licensed, and regulated by offshore governments. Meaning, countries such as Panama and Curacao review and regulated these poker sites to ensure they offer fair poker games and do not violate any online gambling industry rules.

Because the poker sites obtain their licenses from offshore governments, they are available to other countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom and not subjected to each individual countries own regulations.

There are numerous valid reasons why you should considering playing poker at the top USDT poker sites featured here. Below are the top 5 reasons we feel strongly about.

First and foremost, USDT poker sites are a great way to keep your banking info to yourself and enjoy anonymous poker. This is because the sites allow you to deposit using cryptocurrency and receive real money payouts via cryptocurrency. By using crypto, you are able to protect your personal information and personal banking information. Thus, you are able to remain anonymous.

The second best reason to consider USDT online poker sites is the fact that you will have access to dozens of top poker games. You will see various video poker varieties as well as live poker games across each of the best Tether poker sites weve recommended. This sort of variety is hard to find elsewhere.

Another reason to consider Tether poker sites are the bonuses. Online poker sites are known for offering competitive bonuses to new and existing players as a marketing tactic to help attract and retain users. Therefore, you are able to benefit from the competition by receiving excellent bonus offers, which can help you pad your winnings.

Quicker payouts and cryptocurrency are two things that go hand-in-hand. When you opt to use cryptocurrency such as Tether you will experience instant payouts and oftentimes zero additional fees. As opposed to having to wait days and endure fees if you were to use fiat banking methods such as credit cards.

Lastly, Tether poker sites are known for having higher betting limits, fewer payout limits, fewer fees, and overall less regulation in terms of fees and betting limits. As a result, you have a more casino-like environment, where you can simply just bring your money and play and not have to worry about being limited in terms of how you want to bet or how you want to be paid.

When it comes to choosing the best Tether poker casino site that is right for you, we urge you to consider the following factors. Ranking each factor is subjective, however, if you consider any or all of these you will most likely have an easier time narrowing down your top choices.

Tether online poker sites are not too much different from regular poker sites. That said, there are a few key differences that stand out. Below, we highlight how each are unique.

The unique features of Tether poker sites mostly related to the banking system offered at the poker sites. In other words, because Tether is a cryptocurrency, deposits and payouts are fairly instant and have little to no fees associated with them. This is always the case at other top poker sites and fiat poker websites.

Additionally, there are fewer limitations (as mentioned above) in terms of betting limits, payout requests, etc. This creates a player-friendly environment that shifts the emphasis towards the overall gaming quality and games offered as opposed to on-site regulations and limits.

All-in-all, Tether poker sites are known to be best for poker players that are most interested in quick banking, competitive and unique games, and players who are interested in claiming lucrative rewards and/or being rewarded for their ongoing play.

At fiat poker sites, you will notice a difference in terms of the deposit and payout wait times. More specifically with the payouts. Fiat payouts historically take at least 24 hours (if not longer) to process. Moreover, you will likely have to pay an additional fee to process the payment.

And because you are using a fiat banking method such as a debit or credit card, you are not able to remain anonymous. Whereas at Tether poker sites, you can remain anonymous.

Despite these limitations, fiat poker sites are still beneficial in some ways. They will carry some of the same game types as Tether poker sites and have cash games running 24/7 (just like USDT sites). So, if you are in need of a backup option you can look into fiat poker sites. However, Tether poker sites offer the best value overall.

After visiting and testing dozens of Tether online poker sites weve narrowed down our list by keying in on the following ranking factors. These factors were some of the more important aspects we considered when assigning each USDT poker site a rating.

The most important ranking factor we considered was the sites licensing status. We looked for an active license from a reputable agency or government. Each of the best Tether casinos have licenses, which means they are not rigged and have proven their legitimacy to independent governments. Thus, you can rest assured they offer fair poker games.

Next on our list is poker variety. Each of the best Tether poker sites feature several poker variations and game formats. The sites with the most variety earned a higher score. But all-in-all, each site offers a ton of variety and games that run 24/7, which is great news for any type of poker player.

Another aspect we look into is the banking system. In addition to Tether, we check to see if the poker site features alternative cryptocurrencies. Also, we test out the deposit and payout processes to see how long each take and if there are any fees. Overall, banking is a critical aspect of any good poker site and all of our Tether poker sites scored very well in this area.

Bonuses and promotions are also an important ranking factor. Online poker sites with competitive bonuses instantly score better than sites without bonuses. We also check to see if the site will reward existing customers and not just limit their rewards to new players.

Lastly, we test each site to see what their interface is like. This includes testing the site on mobile and desktop across Windows and Mac operating systems. The best developed sites will score higher but overall every site we featured has done a good job at developing a responsive poker site that works well on any device type.

As mentioned, the best Tether poker sites are known for offering a ton of poker game variety. As such, below are the top formats you will encounter at USDT poker sites.

Arguably the most popular format of poker is live poker. This game resembles in-person poker as you will be playing against real players via digital poker tables. Its the most entertaining, engaging, and competitive form of online poker there is. It is different from video poker due to the fact that you competing against other players.

Another popular poker game format is video poker. Video poker leverages random number generators (RNGs) to produce fair, and engaging video poker game varieties such as Jacks or Better or Deuces Wild. Video poker can be played at just about every top Tether casino and it does not require other players to participate.

The best online poker sites will feature tournaments as well. USDT poker tournaments offer a unique competitive environment to win large prizes and test your skills against other players.

Another popular format to callout are cash table games. Cash table games allow you to come and go as you please and play poker games with real money on the line (e.g. chips equate to cash).

Sit-and-Go tournaments are smaller tournament-like poker games. Here, you the final player left at the table will be the winner and earn cash prizes. There are buy-ins required but the prizes will oftentimes be quite large.

Within each poker format are poker games. In other words, there are several forms of online poker games each with their own set of rules. Below, are the most popular types of Tether poker games you will find across our top recommend sites.

The most popular Tether poker game is Texas HoldEm. Here, you receive two hole cards and then use five community cards to make your poker hand.

Omaha poker is a poker game where you will receive four hole cards. You must use two of the four hole cards and combine them with three community cards to build your final hand.

Next on our featured game list is 7 Card Stud. This poker game does not have any community cards. Instead, your hole cards are face down and you will receive up to five face up cards, which can be used to make your final poker hand.

Omaha Hi-Lo is when players will compete for a high and low halves of the final poker pot. Meaning, you can win with either the highest or best poker hand or the lowest hand.

Badgui is another popular Tether poker game. Here, the goal of the game is to build the lowest poker hand possible using only four cards.

Accessing quality bonuses is one of the best parts about Tether online poker casinos. With that said, we wanted to quickly summarize the main types of bonuses you will likely encounter across each of the top Tether casinos. Check them out, below.

The most common bonus found at Tether online poker sites is the welcome bonus. Here, the site will offer you bonus funds when you first sign-up. This bonus is only redeemable one time and only if you are a brand new customer.

Another common bonus featured at Tether casino sites is the no deposit bonus. This is a bonus where the casino will offer you additional funds without requiring you to deposit any of your own money. This is bonus is less common for newer players and more common among VIP customers.

A fairly common ongoing promotion across Tether poker sites is the reload bonus. Essentially, this bonus is another deposit match or deposit bonus but more often than not the amount is lower and there is a time limit to claim it.

The top poker websites are known to offer players free poker chips from time to time. This is akin to free spins for slot players. With this bonus, you can receive free poker chips to use during your next game, which is always nice no matter how good of a poker player you are.

A Tether poker site would not be complete without a VIP rewards program. The VIP rewards will vary depending on the Tether poker site but some common bonuses include special reload bonuses, free poker chips, and lower wager requirements.

The table below quickly highlights the top bonuses found at each of the best USDT online poker sites

As mentioned throughout this guide, there are many reasons to consider playing poker at a Tether poker site. However, there are a few downsides as well. Below, we aim to be as objective as possible with our top pros and cons list.

Getting started at a Tether poker site is a fairly simple process. However, if you are unsure about the process you can follow our short step-by-step guide below.

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News: Poker player forfeits chip lead for birth of his son – pokerstrategy.com

Posted: at 10:40 am

One poker pro gave up a big stack last week because something much more important was happening.

While poker players are notoriously late for a lot of things, the start of Day 2 with a chip lead is not one of them. It would take something very special for them to forfeit the stack entirely.

That is exactly what Nick Yunis did on Day 2 of the $1,100 Triple Stack event at the Seminole Hard Rock Poker Open in Florida. He bagged 509,000 chips which was the 11th biggest stack in an event with a $136,570.

His reasoning was very good, however, the birth of his new son:

This is not the first time this has happened. Jason Koon famously forfeited in the $250,000 Super High Roller (and got a refund) when his wife went into labour.

Yunis told PokerNews that he had a backer in this particular event who had no issue with forfeiting his stack. It no doubt helped that he won the $1,100 Deep Stack event in this series earlier this month for $34,005.

What was your reason for forfeiting a big stack on Day 2? Let us know in the comments:

Barry Carter is the editor of PokerStrategy.com and the co-author of The Mental Game of Poker 1 & 2, Poker Satellite Strategy, PKO Poker Strategy, Endgame Poker Strategy, GTO Poker Simplified, Mystery Bounty Poker Strategy and Beyond GTO.

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Lorenz Schollhorn Wins the Biggest-Ever WPT Prime Gold Coast Championship – PokerNews.com

Posted: at 10:40 am

If you ever needed proof that live tournament poker is as popular in Australia than it has ever been, the WPT Prime Gold Coast Championship is it. Some 1,395 players piled into The Star Gold Coast over three starting flights, each paying AU$2,000 and creating an AU$2,511,000 (US$1,611,811) prize pool.

The bumper attendance was not only a record for the WPT Prime Gold Coast but also the largest of any WPT Prime event (that had three starting days) in the tour's history. Lorenz Schollhorn will forever be known as this mammoth-sized tournament's champion.

The WPT Prime Gold Coast Championship's prize pool was distributed among the top 177 finishers. It should have been 175, but Paul Murray, Jesse Stanley, and Omer Silajdzija busted at the same time on the bubble and they chopped up a $2,211 min-cash.

Seasoned grinders such as Will Davies, the WPT Anchor Lynn Gilmartin, Kahle Burns, Billy "The Croc" Argyros, Sean Ragozzini, Kannapong Thanarattrakul, and Guy Taylor, finished in the money places but missed out on a final table appearance. Those who did navigate their way to the final table secured an AU$40,140 (US$25,766) payout.

Martin Ward's time at the final table was short-lived because he bowed out during the first hand. Schollhorn min-raised to 500,000 from the cutoff with ace-queen before snap-calling Ward's eight big blind shove, which he made with the dominated ace-eight of diamonds. Schollhorn's queen-kicker played, and Ward was gone.

Eighth place was settled a mere six hands later. Having lost all but two big blinds when Chin Yaw Chan cracked his pocket kings with pocket tens, Marco Perri pushed all in from under the gun with king-ten. Chan called in late position with pocket eights, and Schollorn came along for the ride in the big blind with seven-five offsuit. Both active players checked down the board, and Chan's snowmen claimed the pot and Perri's tournament life.

ZERO RAKE in WPT Global's $2.5M GTD Warm Up Festival; Full Schedule Released

The frantic pace continued, with Dylan Desmarchelier falling in seventh place on only the tenth hand of the final table. Travis Endersby min-raised to 500,000 with king-queen in late position, Desmarchelier three-bet all-in for 1,750,000 with pocket sixes, and Endersby called. The race was over almost as quickly as it began, thanks to the door card being a king. Neither the turn, nor the river came to Desmarchelier's rescue, and he had to make do with a seventh-place finish.

Endersby claimed his second scalp of the final table when he sent Rikiya Jibiki to the showers. Again, the chips went into the middle preflop, Jibiki three-bet shoving with ace-ten of hearts, and Endersby calling with pocket jacks. A queen-high board meant Endersby's fish hooks remained good, and Jibiki headed for the cashier's desk.

Five-handed play lasted 42 hands, ending with Chan's demise. From the small blind, Chan open-shoved for around ten big blinds with jack-ten of diamonds, only for Andres Vasquez to snap him off with pocket queen. Vasque flopped a set and improved to quads on the river.

Michael Fraser's participation ended a couple of hands later, pushing all-in for 15 big blinds with queen-ten only to lose to the pocket tens of Schollhorn, which propelled Schollorn into the chip lead.

PokerNews Freerolls Every Weekend on WPT Global

Schollhorn's stack increased again when he added Endersby's chips to it. After defending his big blind from a min-raise, Endersby check-called a continuation bet on the king-high flop, and did the same again on the five of spades turn. Endersby checked for a third time on the nine of diamonds river, which had paired the board. Schollhorn set Endersby all-in for his last 19 big blinds, and Endersby couldn't let his king-eight go, which is a shame considering Schollhorn had turned a set and improved to a full house with his pocket fives.

That hand gave Schollhorn a chip advantage of more than two-to-one over Vasquez. Schollhorn drew first blood, but Vasquez refused to back down. However, the final hand of the WPT Prime Gold Coast Championship played in such a way that someone was destined to go broke.

With blinds of 250,000/500,000/500,000a, Vasque raised to 1,250,000, and Schollhorn called. A ten-eight-five flop with two diamonds was greeted with a check from Schollhorn, a bet of 1,650,000 from Vasquez, and a check-raise to 4,800,000 from the chip leader. Vasquez moved all-in, and Schollhorn called.

Vasquez was in front with his pocket jacks, but Schollhorn's king-jack of diamonds had plenty of outs. The nine of clubs on the turn was not one of them, but the nine of diamonds on the river was. Vasquez busted in second place, leaving Schollhorn to take down the record-breaking WPT Prime Gold Coast Championship.

Your next chance to play in a WPT Prime event is between May 12 and 21, when the tour heads to Montreal. Also in May, from May 23 to 27, WPT Prime Vietnam takes place.

Once May is out of the way, there is WPT Prime Sanremo, WPT Prime Taiwan, WPT Prime UK, WPT Prime Liechtenstein, and WPT Prime Paris between June and October.

Remember, you can win your way into WPT Prime Main Events online at WPT Global. WPT Prime Passport satellites are available, awarding you a seat and some expenses into any WPT Prime tournament of your choosing.

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World Series of Poker Broadcast Schedule Released – CardsChat.com

Posted: at 10:40 am

In a little more than a month, poker players throughout the world will descend on Las Vegas for the 55th World Series of Poker and a chance at big money and the coveted bracelet. For those who cant make it to the desert to witness the action in person, PokerGO will again be the place to watch as the players battle for bracelet after bracelet.

PokerGO, which can be had for as low as $6.66 a month, will begin streaming from The Strip starting May 30, and promises to provide more than 300 hours of live broadcast. In all, the final tables of more than 30 events will be streamed, as well as the Main Event from start to finish.

The entire schedule is live, but some highlights include the$50,000Poker Players Championship,the $250,000High Roller,the $25,000 Heads-Up Championship,the $1,500Monster Stack,the $1,500Millionaire Maker, andthe $1,000Ladies Championship.

And starting July 3, PokerGO will livestream all 14 days of the Main Event.

The majority of PokerGOs WSOP livestream broadcasts will take place on the PokerGO streaming platform, available worldwide on Android phone, Android tablet, iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and any web or mobile browser viaPokerGO.com.

A selection of WSOP livestream broadcasts will be also be made available on thePokerGO YouTube channel.

Poker fans can get the $6.66 a month price by signing up for an annualPokerGOsubscription using the promo code WSOP24. That whacks$20off the regular annual priceof $99.99. Fans can also subscribe monthly for $14.99, or sign-up for a three month plan at $29.99.

PokerGO also gives its top-tier subscribers a chance to win a seat into the PokerGO Tour Championship Dream Seat Invitational, which is a $1 million freeroll open to the top 40 players of PGT event and winners of RunGood Poker Series tournaments. Each month, PokerGO draws a name from its annual subscriber list. The winner gets a $200 travel money and two nights in a hotel, as well as a seat in the freeroll.

Bob Pajich

Bob Pajich is a poker news reporter, creative writer, and poker player who never met suited connectors he didnt like. For any tips, corrections, complaints or kudos, please contact us.

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Tarpon man used housemate’s shotgun to ambush him after night of poker, police say – Tampa Bay Times

Posted: at 10:40 am

A Tarpon Springs man facing a murder charge in his housemates death used the victims shotgun to ambush him after a night of drinking and poker, according to new details included in an arrest affidavit.

The shooting occurred at 2:42 a.m. Tuesday at a home on the 1100 block of Clarissa Court, according to Tarpon Springs police.

Officers arrived at the home to find Luke R. Barker, 45, suffering from three gunshot wounds. Barker was taken to a local hospital, where he died.

His housemate, Richard Lewis, 54, was arrested on a first-degree murder charge.

According to an arrest affidavit released Wednesday morning, Lewis came home after a night of drinking and playing poker at a local bar and took possession of the victims pump action, camo colored shotgun.

Lewis took the victims shotgun from beside the victims bed, loaded it with three shotgun rounds, cycled all three rounds to ensure the shotgun worked, and then reloaded it, the affidavit states.

Lewis then loaded all three rounds again, putting one round into the chamber, and ensuring the safety was off.

Lewis said he then waited for Barker to get home.

When the victim laid on his bed, (Lewis) admitted he walked in the back door and fired one round at the victim, the affidavit states. Lewis said he heard Barker say, Ow, ow, ow.

Lewis told officers he chambered a second round and fired again and chambered a third round and fired again, then saw Barker fall to the floor, the affidavit states.

Lewis said he then walked outside, threw the shotgun in the yard and sat on an outside couch waiting for law enforcement to arrive, the affidavit states.

Lewis told police that he was tired of being put down, verbally abused and insulted in front of his friends, the affidavit states.

I did it because I wanted to, the affidavit quotes him as saying, also noting that he had been read his rights. It was not an accident.

Property records show that Barker owned the home.

Lewis was being held at the Pinellas County Jail without bail on Wednesday morning. A plea had not yet been entered on his behalf.

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Bubble Bursts on Day 2 of WPT SHRPS as 101 Players Advance; Josh Reichard Leads – PokerNews.com

Posted: at 10:40 am

Day 2 of the World Poker Tour (WPT) Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown Championship wrapped up late on Sunday night as 101 players found bags to advance to Day 3.

Out in front is Wisconsin's Josh Reichard, who sits tied for second on the all-time WSOP Circuit ring list as he searches for a maiden WPT title. Reichard will enter Day 3 ahead of fellow big stacks Michael Rocco, Anthony Spinella and Scott Baumstein.

There were 236 players left with 234 spots paid when a double elimination took place that made hand-for-hand play unnecessary. Stuart Young was the first to go as his ace-ten couldn't survive a three-way pot, while Brandon Hamlet was next to go to miss out on a minimum payday of $6,400.

It was an unfortunate finish for Hamlet, who made a splash in poker social media circles after pulling off a wild bluff on Day 1a that saw his opponent folding an ace-high flush on a paired board.

Rigby Talks "Dirty Diaper" at WPT SHRPS

There were 643 players who entered Day 2 and, despite the 60-minute level structure, they it only took a few hours for that number to half. As the money bubble encroached, some of those who failed to cash included Jason Mercier, Gerome Guitteau and Aditya Prasetyo.

All eyes have been on the upcoming high-stakes crossbook this summer between young poker stars Landon Tice and Jeremy Becker, and both players were in the Day 2 field. This warmup round went to Tice as he advanced to Day 3, while the "King of the Dailies" bowed out in 120th place for $8,200.

Other in-the-money eliminations on Day 2 included Matt Stout (216th - $6,400), Day 1b chip leader Maxwell Young (161st - $7,000), David Jackson (150th - $8,200), Ray Qartomy (137th - $8,200), Raminder Singh, (141st - $8,200), Blake Bohn (127th - $8,200) and poker coach Faraz Jaka, whose small blind three-bet jam was called by an opponent who had his king-seven dominated.

Meanwhile, Day 1a chip leader Eider Da Cruz is still kicking headed into Day 3 after getting life by doubling through Damien Simon during Level 17.

The SHRPS Championship action will continue with Day 3 on Monday, April 22 at noon local time as the event gets closer to crowning a winner. Before that happens, there's still Day 4 that will play down to a six-handed final table, at which point action will pause until May 29 when the final table plays out in Las Vegas.

PokerNews is here at Seminole Hard Rock and will continue to write about the SHRPS action, while live updates from the event can be found on the WPT site.

*Images courtesy Joe Giron & WPT

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Bubble Bursts on Day 2 of WPT SHRPS as 101 Players Advance; Josh Reichard Leads - PokerNews.com

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"Dirty Diaper" Comes Back to Haunt Rigby as Opponents Play it Back at WPT SHRPS – PokerNews.com

Posted: at 10:40 am

If the monotone chants of "RIG-BY! RIG-BY!" mean anything to you, you may have been in the Rio Amazon Room in Las Vegas during the 2021 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event. It was here that Pittsburgh's Nicholas Rigby became a household name in the poker world for his loose-aggressive, bluff-intensive playing style.

And if the name Rigby doesn't ring a bell, the phrase "Dirty Diaper" might. It's the nickname for deuce-three offsuit, which may be a rag holding in most poker games but may as well be the nuts in home games back in the Burgh. And thanks to his TV time on the feature table, it is also Rigby's signature poker hand.

After several deep Main Event runs in Las Vegas, Rigby is tried his luck on the World Poker Tour (WPT) and used his aggressive play and loose image to build up a top stack on Day 1b of the WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown Championship in Hollywood, Florida.

Read About the Day 1b SHRPS Highlights!

As he built up a stack before dinner break on Day 1b, it dwelled on Rigby that the Dirty Diaper was had come back to haunt him.

Ive had it played on me five times," he told PokerNews. "I think theyre five-for-five with it. Its powers are shifting. I havent played it often; I think Ive only had it twice.

Despite getting the Dirty Diaper shoved in his face, Rigby managed to score several knockouts at what he described as "a fun table" with "a lot of conversations."

"We had a lot of knockouts today, so a ton of chips at our table," he said. "People were getting picked off one by one. (I) just picked up some hands before dinner break.

Rigby had another memorable feature table moment at the 2023 WSOP when he busted poker titan and coach Chance Kornuth on Day 5 of the Main Event in a 200 big blind pot. Rigby woke up with aces at the right time as Kornuth held ace-king suited and went with it in a hand widely discussed throughout the poker world.

But there's no bad blood between Rigby and Kornuth, who was also in the Day 1b field at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood.

Ive talked to him this trip, but no, I havent brought up that hand," Rigby said. "Im sure he doesnt want to remember it.

While Rigby spoke with PokerNews, his friend Griff wandered over and started filming, noting that the guys will love this."

The guys in question are Rigby's Pittsburgh pals who enjoy playing the card game "Screw Your Neighbor," which Rigby explained the rules of.

I dont play much cash, I play a lot of Screw Your Neighbor with my buddy Griff," said Rigby. "You dont want to have the lowest card, you pass it to your neighbor on the left. Unless they have a king, it blocks it. This little buddy right here, he doesnt know that. So we took all his money.

After he returned from dinner break on Day 1b, Rigby had an awful level" that included "two coolers" that saw his hard-earned chips taken away. He advanced to Day 2 with over three starting stacks before falling ahead of the money.

Check out the WPT site for more updates on the SHRPS Championship with the money bubble approaching.

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"One of My Biggest Dreams": Reigning POY Bin Weng Reflects on WPT SHRPS Victory – PokerNews.com

Posted: at 10:40 am

Bin Weng's breakout year in 2023 is matched only by a select few runs in tournament poker history, such as Daniel Coleman's eight-figure steamrolling in 2014 or Michael Addamo's more recent high-roller tear through 2021.

Unlike the sunrunners who came before him, Weng has shown no signs of stepping back from live poker. A quarter into the new year, Weng has already racked up nearly two dozen Hendon Mob cashes including a second Circuit ring victory in Pompano Beach though none of them have quite lived up to Weng's standards.

"Not really (any notable results) this year so far," Weng laughed. "But hey, Im trying.

The Pennsylvanian's incredible 2023, which saw him winning the WPT and GPI Player of the Year awards, was highlighted by a victory in the World Poker Tour (WPT) Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown Championship for $1,128,250. One year later, Weng is ready to defend his title.

Red Hot Bin Weng Wins WPT SHR Poker Showdown

From the moment he sat down at the final table of the 2023 WPT SHRPS Championship with the chip lead, Weng had his eyes on the Mike Sexton WPT Champions Cup. It was four months after Weng secured a career-best score of an even $1 million at Borgata, and he was eager to surpass it.

I remember I was so, so, so emotional when the last hand played out," Weng told PokerNews. "When I knew I was winning the event. Because winning a WPT Main Event is one of my biggest dreams that made me decide to start playing poker. So it meant a lot to me. I was very emotional, very happy, cant even believe that I (won) that last year."

Incredibly, it wasn't the only WPT final table that week where Weng held the chip lead. He also led the final six in the WPT Choctaw Main Event, which played out the next day in the same HyperX ESports Arena in Las Vegas.

Weng wound up finishing fourth for $143,000 as a different player, Jared Jaffee, won his second WPT title. But Weng was just getting started.

In July 2023, Weng won the $10,000 WPT EveryOne for One Drop at Wynn Las Vegas for $2.2 million. Five months down the road, he took down the $25,000 WPT World Championship High Roller in the same venue for $958,279 as he secured both WPT and GPI POY titles.

"I feel very grateful and try to play my best," Weng said when asked about his breakout year. "We all know that poker is not an easy, normal job. Theres a lot of variance and stuff, a lot of unexpected things and emotions. And luckily, I got to win several big events last year. I mean, I cannot forget how good I ran at the final table, especially in a lot of big spots. I know I was so lucky. I know that one thing.

Is it any wonder that three out of four of Weng's biggest career scores were earned on the World Poker Tour? When he spoke with PokerNews on Day 1a, he said these are his favorite events to play.

I always have a good experience with the WPT Main Event tour. Their 60 and 90-minute structure is my favorite since the beginning, since I started playing poker tournaments. One of my favorites. So I feel really comfortable and very happy to be here, for sure.

That comfortability helped Weng navigate the Day 1a field, and may have assisted him when he correctly called down an opponent with ace-high before catching up with PokerNews on break.

Weng bagged a stack of 123,000 on Day 1a and will return for Day 2 on Sunday, April 21. Only time will tell if he will do the unthinkable by winning back-to-back SHRPS Championship titles.

*Images courtesy Joe Giron & WPT

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The Silicon Gambit: How AI is Reshaping the World’s Oldest Game – Chess.com

Posted: at 10:39 am

Introduction:

In the vast landscape of human achievement, few pursuits hold as ancient a lineage or as enduring a fascination as the game of chess. For centuries, it has captivated minds, challenged intellects, and forged strategic mastery in its players. Yet, in recent decades, a new player has entered the arenaone whose moves are not guided by intuition or experience, but by lines of code and computational prowess. This player is artificial intelligence, and its impact on the world's oldest game is nothing short of revolutionary.

Welcome to "The Silicon Gambit: How AI is Reshaping the World's Oldest Game." In this exploration of the intersection between technology and tradition, we embark on a journey through the annals of chess history, guided by the relentless march of progress and the relentless logic of algorithms.

From the earliest chess engines to the latest advancements in artificial intelligence, we'll delve into the ways in which computers have transformed the game of chessfrom the way it's played to the way it's analyzed, studied, and understood. We'll uncover the hidden strategies, the unexpected alliances, and the profound implications of this digital revolution on the timeless pursuit of mastery over the 64 squares.

Join us as we navigate the complexities of "The Silicon Gambit," where human ingenuity meets machine intelligence, and where the age-old battle of wits takes on a new dimension in the digital age. Whether you're a seasoned grandmaster or a curious novice, there's something here for everyonea glimpse into the future of chess and the brave new world that awaits us on the other side of the board.

Prepare to make your move. The game is about to begin.

The Evolution of Chess Engines:

Early Chess Programs: Discuss the origins of computer chess and the development of early chess programs. Highlight notable milestones, such as the creation of programs like Belle and Deep Thought, which paved the way for future advancements in chess AI. Rise of Chess Engines: Explore the emergence of powerful chess engines in the late 20th century, including Fritz, Rybka, and Houdini. Discuss how these engines utilized brute-force calculation and heuristic algorithms to evaluate positions and make decisions. Deep Blue vs. Kasparov: Examine the historic match between IBM's Deep Blue and world champion Garry Kasparov in 1997. Discuss the significance of Deep Blue's victory and its implications for the future of chess and AI. Advancements in AI: Discuss the advent of neural networks and machine learning techniques in chess programming. Highlight how these advancements have led to the development of stronger and more sophisticated chess engines, such as Stockfish and AlphaZero. The Era of AlphaZero: Explore the groundbreaking achievements of AlphaZero, a neural network-based chess engine developed by DeepMind. Discuss AlphaZero's self-learning capabilities and its remarkable performance against traditional chess engines. Impact on Gameplay: Discuss how the rise of powerful chess engines has influenced gameplay at all levels, from casual players to elite grandmasters. Explore how computer analysis has shaped opening theory, middle-game strategies, and endgame techniques. Future Developments: Speculate on the future of chess engines and AI in chess. Discuss potential advancements in hardware and software technology, as well as the broader implications for the game of chess and its players.

Impact on Gameplay:

Opening Theory: Discuss how powerful chess engines have influenced opening theory. Explore how engines have analyzed and refined existing openings, discovered new lines and variations, and challenged established principles in the opening phase of the game. Middle-game Strategies: Examine the impact of chess engines on middle-game strategies. Discuss how engines have provided players with new insights into positional play, tactical motifs, and long-term planning, allowing them to navigate complex positions with greater precision. Endgame Techniques: Explore how chess engines have revolutionized endgame techniques. Discuss how engines have helped players understand and execute intricate endgame maneuvers, optimize pawn structures, and capitalize on subtle advantages to secure victory. Computer-Assisted Preparation: Discuss the rise of computer-assisted preparation in modern chess. Explore how players use chess engines to analyze opponents' games, identify weaknesses, and prepare specific lines and strategies for upcoming matches. Tactical Training: Examine how chess engines are used for tactical training and improvement. Discuss how players solve tactical puzzles, analyze their own games, and learn from engine-generated evaluations to sharpen their tactical skills and pattern recognition. The Human-Computer Dynamic: Reflect on the complex relationship between humans and chess engines. Discuss how players balance the use of engines as tools for analysis and learning with the cultivation of their own intuition, creativity, and understanding of the game. Adapting to Engine Recommendations: Explore how players adapt to engine recommendations during games. Discuss the challenges of integrating engine-generated analysis into practical decision-making, including when to trust or deviate from engine suggestions.

Accessibility and Education:

Online Platforms and Mobile Apps: Discuss how technology has made chess more accessible to a global audience through online platforms and mobile apps. Explore popular chess websites and applications that offer tutorials, puzzles, live games, and community features for players of all skill levels. Digital Resources and Databases: Examine the wealth of digital resources and databases available to chess players, including game databases, opening books, endgame tables, and training materials. Discuss how these resources have facilitated learning, analysis, and preparation for players around the world. Remote Learning and Coaching: Explore how technology has enabled remote learning and coaching in chess. Discuss the rise of online chess lessons, webinars, and coaching services, allowing players to receive personalized instruction and feedback from experienced coaches regardless of their geographical location. Chess Software and Analysis Tools: Discuss the role of chess software and analysis tools in education and improvement. Highlight how players use software like ChessBase, Fritz, and Lichess to analyze games, study openings, and practice against computer opponents to enhance their skills. Chess in Education: Examine the use of chess as an educational tool in schools and communities. Discuss how technology has facilitated the integration of chess into curricula, extracurricular programs, and outreach initiatives, promoting cognitive development, critical thinking, and social skills among students. Global Connectivity and Competition: Highlight the role of technology in connecting chess players from around the world and facilitating global competition. Discuss online tournaments, leagues, and rating systems that allow players to compete against opponents of similar skill levels regardless of geographic barriers. The Democratization of Chess: Reflect on how technology has democratized access to chess knowledge, resources, and opportunities. Discuss how players from diverse backgrounds and regions can now engage with the game and pursue their passion for chess on equal footing.

The Human-Machine Dynamic:

Centaur Chess: Explore the concept of "centaur chess," where human players collaborate with computer engines to enhance their performance. Discuss how players use computers as tools for analysis and evaluation while leveraging their own intuition, creativity, and understanding of the game to make decisions. Human Creativity vs. Computer Calculation: Reflect on the ongoing debate between human creativity and computer calculation in chess. Discuss the strengths and limitations of both human and computer players, as well as the unique qualities that each brings to the game. The Role of Intuition and Experience: Examine the importance of intuition and experience in human decision-making in chess. Discuss how human players draw upon their knowledge, pattern recognition, and emotional intelligence to navigate complex positions and make strategic decisions. The Limits of Artificial Intelligence: Discuss the current limitations of artificial intelligence in chess and areas where human players still excel. Explore the challenges of programming computers to understand abstract concepts, evaluate dynamic positions, and adapt to changing circumstances in real-time. Ethical Considerations: Raise ethical considerations surrounding the use of computer assistance in chess, including concerns about fairness, transparency, and the integrity of the game. Discuss how regulatory bodies and organizations address issues related to engine assistance and computer-generated analysis in official competitions. The Future of Human-Computer Interaction: Speculate on the future of human-computer interaction in chess. Discuss potential developments in AI technology, including advances in machine learning, neural networks, and human-computer interfaces, and their implications for the game of chess.

Ethical and Philosophical Considerations:

Fairness and Integrity: Discuss the ethical implications of using computer assistance in chess, particularly in competitive settings. Explore concerns about fairness, transparency, and the potential impact on the integrity of the game. Consider how regulations and guidelines are established to maintain a balance between human and computer involvement in chess competitions. The Role of Creativity: Reflect on the role of human creativity in chess and its significance in the face of advancing AI technology. Discuss how human players' creativity, intuition, and emotional intelligence contribute to the richness and depth of the game, even in the presence of powerful chess engines. The Nature of Intelligence: Explore philosophical questions surrounding the nature of intelligence and its manifestation in human and artificial beings. Discuss how AI's ability to calculate and analyze chess positions differs from human intelligence's capacity for intuition, creativity, and understanding. Human-Centered Design: Consider approaches to AI development that prioritize human-centered design principles and ethical considerations. Discuss how AI technologies can be designed to augment human capabilities, foster collaboration, and promote responsible and ethical use in chess and beyond. Socioeconomic Implications: Reflect on the socioeconomic implications of AI integration in chess and other domains. Discuss how access to advanced AI technologies may exacerbate existing inequalities in chess and society at large, and explore strategies for promoting equitable access and participation. The Quest for Understanding: Emphasize the importance of ongoing dialogue and reflection on the ethical and philosophical dimensions of AI integration in chess. Encourage players, developers, and stakeholders to consider the broader implications of their actions and decisions in shaping the future of the game.

Looking Ahead:

Advancements in AI Algorithms: Speculate on potential advancements in AI algorithms and technologies and their implications for the future of chess. Discuss how machine learning, neural networks, and other AI techniques may continue to evolve, leading to even stronger and more sophisticated chess engines. Augmented Reality Interfaces: Consider the possibilities of augmented reality (AR) interfaces for chess. Discuss how AR technologies could enhance the playing experience, allowing players to visualize the board in three dimensions, analyze positions in real-time, and interact with virtual opponents in immersive environments. Human-Computer Collaboration: Reflect on the potential for deeper collaboration between humans and computers in chess. Discuss how future developments may blur the lines between human and computer play, leading to new forms of partnership and interaction in the pursuit of chess mastery. New Formats and Variants: Explore the potential for the emergence of new formats and variants of chess enabled by technology. Discuss how online platforms and digital tools may facilitate the development and popularization of innovative chess variants, catering to diverse preferences and playstyles. Impact on Chess Culture: Reflect on the broader cultural and societal impact of technology on the game of chess. Discuss how AI integration may influence the way chess is played, studied, and appreciated by future generations, as well as its implications for the preservation of traditional values and practices in the chess community. Broader Societal Implications: Consider the broader societal implications of AI integration in chess and other domains. Discuss how advancements in AI technology may intersect with issues such as privacy, security, and ethical governance, and explore strategies for promoting responsible and equitable development and deployment of AI. The Enduring Appeal of Chess: Despite the rapid pace of technological change, reflect on the enduring appeal of chess as a timeless game of skill, strategy, and intellect. Emphasize the importance of preserving the essence of the game while embracing the opportunities and challenges presented by technology.

Conclusion:

As we conclude our exploration of "Chess and Technology: The Impact of AI and Computers," we find ourselves at the intersection of tradition and innovation, where the timeless game of chess meets the cutting-edge advancements of artificial intelligence and computing technology.

Throughout our journey, we've witnessed the profound impact that AI and computers have had on every aspect of the game, from gameplay and analysis to accessibility and education. We've seen how powerful chess engines have revolutionized opening theory, middle-game strategies, and endgame techniques, providing players with new insights and opportunities for improvement.

We've also reflected on the evolving dynamics between humans and computers in chess, exploring questions of fairness, creativity, and the nature of intelligence. While AI continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in the game, we're reminded of the enduring value of human intuition, experience, and ingenuity in the face of technological advancement.

Looking ahead, we see a future where chess and technology continue to evolve hand in hand, opening up new possibilities for collaboration, innovation, and exploration. As AI algorithms become more sophisticated and technology more pervasive, we must remain vigilant in our efforts to uphold the integrity of the game and ensure that it remains accessible, inclusive, and equitable for all.

In the end, whether we're facing off against a computer opponent or sitting across the board from a fellow human player, the essence of chess remains unchangeda timeless test of skill, strategy, and intellect that transcends the bounds of time and technology.

Thank you for joining us on this journey through the world of "Chess and Technology." May your future moves be bold, your strategies cunning, and your love for the game unwavering.

Checkmate,

Harsharaj Sarma

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Mutant Bacteria Discovered Aboard International Space Station – Futurism

Posted: at 10:39 am

Gross! It's Alive!

The International Space Station has long been known as a unique and uniquely gross environment. But according to a new NASA study, it has stuff growing on it that is straight-up alien, too.

In a press release, NASA said that when scientists from the Jet Propulsion Lab looked at samples of the drug-resistant Enterobacter bugandensisbacteria found on the orbital outpost, they found that the strains had mutated into something that literally doesn't exist on Earth.

"Study findings indicate that under stress, the ISS isolated strains were mutated and became genetically and functionally distinct compared to their Earth counterparts," the press release reads. "The strains were able to viably persist in the ISS over time in significant abundances."

What's even crazier: E. bugandensis was apparently able to not only coexist "with multiple other microorganisms," but was also demonstrated in some cases to "have helped those organisms survive."

Published in the journalMicrobiome, a paper on the new study details how JPL researchers isolated 13 distinct strains of the gastrointestinal bacteria, which was discovered in 2018 and is associated with severe illnesses, including sepsis in newborns.

According to the paper, the strains studied in the new research were "isolated from various locations within the ISS," along with all the other nasty stuff that causes its peculiar smell. Along withE. bugandensis, NASA has been studying other potentially harmful viruses, fungi, and bacteria as part of its secondmicrobial tracking mission, which has astronauts literally scrape the ISS walls and put what they find under microscopes to see how weird they got.

"Closed human-built environments, such as the ISS, are unique areas that provide an extreme environment subject to microgravity, radiation, and elevated carbon dioxide levels," the press release explains. "Any microorganisms introduced to these areas must adapt to thrive."

And thrive it did! According to the study,E. bugandensis not only survived in the confines of the space station, but actually seemed to have become even more drug-resistant, placing it within the "ESKAPE pathogen group" comprised of several bugs that are known for "formidable resistance to antimicrobial treatments."

This study, the researchers insist, will help better contribute to the understanding of genetic evolution of pathogens and ultimately add to science's growing understanding of how to stay healthy in space.

For us on Earth, however, it's just another reminder that for all the damage we've done to our planet, we're still very lucky not to be trapped in space with mutated terrestrial germs.

More on the ISS:Departing Astronauts Leave Sticky Brown Surprise in Space Station

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