Q. I was in the lobby of a poker site last week and a few of the players were talking about something they called the "cash-out curse". They were claiming that once you start to cash out from a poker site you start to lose, any thoughts?
Inzamam, Pakistan
A. The 'cash-out curse' is one of several myths whinged about on poker forums.Many players have said the same thing: you win for a while then you withdraw your winnings and then you go on a losing streak and bust out. Its perfect for the conspiracy theorists of the world. Basically, its pure garbage. Its just normal fluctution and loose players will probably find this happening more to them than others.
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Q. Whats the point of burn cards? It strikes me as such a stupid rule. Is there any logic behind it? Any time I deal in my home game and forget to burn, everybody hisses. I can't understand it and i think it must be superstition.
Koji, Tokyo Japan
A. Burn cards are cards that are dealt face down at the beginning of a round before any other cards have been dealt. They are immediately discarded and not used during the hand. The reason for burning and turning is too prevent players gaining an advantage from recognising blemished or creased cards. Even deliberately marked cards could be at the top of the deck and it stops this form of cheating.
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Q. When I play Poker with friends, theres always the same rule: no phones at the table. However, when I went to my local casino recently there were a few players talking away on their phone whilst in a game. Is this legal?
Sergio, Turin Italy
A. As far as the rules of poker go, theres nothing against talking on your phone. However, many people are reluctant to do so, believing it to be rude, or be seen as using the technology in a way to cheat.
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Q. In the UK, smoking is being banned soon, but how will this affect casinos?
Bill, Newcastle England
A. Sorry to say, smoking is being banned in casinos too. These buildings are not excempt from the smoking ban. |
