Poker in Colombia: A Guest Post by Villa

Posted by Dave McCarthy | Filed under Uncategorized

Ever wondered what the poker scene is like in other parts of the world? Poker from the Rail reader Villa has written a review of poker in his native Colombia. (I found the part about the brick and mortar affiliates particularly interesting…)

Villa has also agreed to answer some questions if you want to leave any in the comments section.

Poker in Colombia: A Guest Post by Villa

I started playing poker 5 years ago. Back then, finding a game in my hometown (Barranquilla, for those google lovers) was tough. No home games, no poker rooms in casinos, no nothing, NADA! So internet was the only way to learn about the game, the players and everything related to the game we all love. Besides, poker wasn’t and still isn’t viewed as a good practice. When people ask me what I do in my free time I say “I play poker” and of 10 answers I get 9 weird faces or “Do you have gambling problems? If not, you will” and 1 “I have a friend who loves poker!!”

Poker on TV

We all know poker had a boom after Chris Moneymaker’s victory in the Main Event back in 2003, but poker really arrived here around 2006. Suddenly, in 2007, we were able to see poker shows on TV thanks to networks like Fox Sports and ESPN. We started watching shows such as Poker After Dark, WSOP events and EPT events. There were episodes I already knew who the winner was but TV gives you a whole other feeling.

Originally, online poker commercials only aired during poker shows. If you were watching Poker After Dark, you would see a Full Tilt Poker commercial, and so on. Nowadays the presence of poker on TV has grown. Online poker commercials are constantly on ESPN, even during non-poker shows, but on other networks you only see the commercials during poker shows.

Today we can see WPT events, WSOPE, LAPT events and all the shows I mentioned before. Full Tilt Poker has a space on ESPN prime time news with PokerMagazine, where they have the latest on poker in Latin America. In general, though, the competition (you guys know the name) has way more commercials and shows here…

Brick and Mortar Casinos

In my hometown there’s around 15 casinos but only 3 have poker rooms. A year ago I moved to the capital of Colombia, Bogota, and the action here is a lot different than in Barranquilla. There’s over 50 casinos with 30 having poker rooms. I’ve been to all the rooms in Barranquilla and two of them in Bogota, and one difference I know from my experience reading and seeing photos is SIZE. Compared to the ones in Vegas, our poker rooms are tiny!

Poker rooms started to appear in casinos at the end of 2007 and beginning of 2008. At first the stakes were very high and players like me couldn’t afford the action but at that time home games were always around the corner (home games are legal here). Finally casinos learned that with poker they could attract more customers, so Freerolls and low buy in SNG’s made their debut.

The Freerolls are interesting. They’re of course free, but there’s always a limit of players and they have rebuys (usually for one hour) and an add-on for a little money. These promotions have worked and it’s now very easy to find a place to play poker that suits your bankroll, whether in a casino or in a poker club (where you only play poker, no roulette or slots or blackjack). NL Holdem is the main and only dish for you to grab. From time to time there’s some Omaha, but so far I haven’t heard or found a place to play any of the others poker variations.

Brick and Mortar Affiliates

The Rockefeller Cash and Poker Room Casino is a physical casino affiliate to Full Tilt Poker. It allows players to withdraw and deposit into their Full Tilt accounts. This casino is the only affiliate to an online poker room here and IMO one of the best places to play high class poker in Bogota!

Popular Poker Pros

The most popular pros are pretty much the same as everywhere: Ivey, Doyle, Scotty, Negreanu, Hellmuth, Villa….(I wish lol).

The most popular Spanish speakers players are HUMBERTOOOOOOO (Sorry but had to do it lol), Gabriela Hill, Veronica Dabul, Leo Fernandez, Carlos Mortensen, Nacho Barbero and Alex Gomez – sorry if I missed any.

Talking about Colombian players, the most popular is Fabian Alvarez aka Fabestia who has played WSOP events, tournaments in Latin America and made the final table of one the LAPT events on season 2!

Well thank you all for taking the time to read and get to know a lil about poker in my country. - Villa

Permalink | July 28th, 2010 Play Online Poker at Full Tilt Poker

109 Responses to “Poker in Colombia: A Guest Post by Villa”

Dave McCarthy Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 7:42 pm
Leave your questions for Villa here. If he answers yours, we’ll give you 500 FTP points.

When online poker companies advertise on TV in Colombia, are the commercials for .net or .com sites?

Thanks,

Dave

FTP ID: DaveMcCarthy

Hi there Dave

The online poker companies advertise for .net sites.

Thank you for your question.

Villa
Shant Babayan Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 7:43 pm
are there many kind of poker games like omaha being played high stakes? whats the biggest tournament they have their?

FT ID THE 323
ollie lythe Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 7:45 pm
I am from england and i am due to go to medellin, colombia at the end of the year… is there a vivrant poker scene via casino or is it people playing home games~?

ftid: smurforiginal

Hi there Ollie

Poker in Medellin is growing very fast. You won’t have a problem finding a casino to play poker over there. I will recommend you to go to the Rio casino and Alegre casino.

Thank you for your question.

Villa
emb1990 Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 7:46 pm
Hey Villa,

Are there any restrictions that are on Full tilt that exclude you from certain tournys? How populr would you say poker is in Colombia? Do you know a lot of colombian poker players who play on full tilt?

emb1990

Hi there emb

No restrictions that I know off so far I havent had a single problem at Full Tilt because of my nationality. Lets say Poker is not as popular as soccer but its growing day by day with more people interest in learning the game.

I know around 20 who play on Full Tilt but I bet theres a lot more!!!!

Thanks for your question

Villa
Johnny(ACES)Cabral Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 7:46 pm
Hi what is it you think can bring Poker to a even higher exposure in Columbia? my screenname on fulltilt is JBCD71
Nicholas Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 7:47 pm
People believe players in North America, Europe and the Far East have different ways of approaching different games. Is there a difference from those in the way South American players approach for Stud games, Hold ‘Em and Omaha?
Johnny(ACES)Cabral Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 7:48 pm
Hello…What do you think can bring Poker higher exposure in Columbia?
Ventsi Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 7:49 pm
What was the amount of money you deposited when you first started playing poker?

[quote]Do you have gambling problems? If not, you will. [end quote]

Why do you think some people react like this when they hear about poker? I’ve also talked to people and they all are thinking the worst would happen to me if I play… It’s annoying.

FTP ID: vnzQ2

Hi there Ventsi

I started my bankroll on Full Tilt by playing freerolls.

I think people react this way because when they hear the word “Poker” they picture a casino and we all know and heard stories about people with gambling problems losing everything. Its hard to explain to a person that poker is not luck, that is a game of skill and you will be just fine.

Thanks for your question

Villa
Johnny(ACES)Cabral Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 7:49 pm
Hello ..What do think can bring higher exposure for Poker in Columbia?..my screen name on FullTilt is JBCD71
alex dellanzo Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 7:50 pm
Which poker show do you prefer High Stakes Poker or Poker after Dark? username adellanzopro1
Dustin Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 7:50 pm
I know that strategy worldwide is mostly the same, but at live games are Columbians generally reserved or loud, animated or tame? I love how different cultures react to things differently! User I’D: Cappersedge

Hi there Dustin

I thinks its pretty much the same as everywhere else. Theres always a quite person, the loud one like The Mouth, the one that comments and smash players who suck out or hit one ouetter like Poker Brath, the one that says what he thinks you have like Negreanu and even someone just moving his eyes like Ivey lol.

Since the regulars know each other the games are very talkative but once a new face gets in the table the game turns into a quiet battle filed like it happend to me the first time I played in a cash game.

Thanks for your question

Villa
JT Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 7:51 pm
Do you think the Colombian country and economy are ready to support a poker boom or will it be a more sporadic growth?

FTP ID: jt082005

Hi there JT

Im pretty sure it will more be an sporadic growth. Taxes for casinos are very high here so that doesnt help much.

Thank you for your question

Villa
BIGAUS121 Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 7:51 pm
First off, wonderful and insightful article that I found really interesting. This is my question: Is the history of the poker boom the same or similar in other nearby South American countries such a Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, and Brazil.

Thanks ahead of time if you choose to answer my question!

FTP ID: BIGAUS121

If we’ve got any readers from any of those countries who want to chime in, email me at davefromtherail@gmail.com and maybe we can get a guest post up about poker elsewhere in South America. –Dave
Brandon Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 7:51 pm
when was your peek in your career do you think???

FT ID subversivecynic
Tom Mathers Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 7:51 pm
FT I.D AFC1983

Do you think we will see any Columbian’s challenging for a final table place at the WSOP in the near future.
WINAGAINPOKER Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 7:53 pm
Villa feels to see and know that poker is growing more rapidly in Latin America compared to the rest of the world and also the quality of players?.
Why do so is demonstrated by the increase of Latino players in major events and the daily training of players poker pros in the various online poker rooms and live poker on the tables … Tell me how you feel that to you? thanks…

FTP ID: WINAGAINPOKER
Geoff Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 7:55 pm
i have heard some people get board with poker after 4 or 5 years of playing,i personally cant see that happening as i have been playing for three and cant get enough, do you do anything thing to keep thing interesting and maintain the love of the game?

ftpid Geckos06
Marek Z Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 7:56 pm
Do you think one day people is Colombia will consider respect people who play poker and not give them dirty looks when asked what you do.?
Do you know what poker show is most watched in Colombia and the one you like?
FTP ID- Marecski
Rena Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 7:58 pm
Hi, being relatively new to the game what in your best opinion is a good set limit for me as far as cash tables and tournament buy-ins go. I don’t wanna go too much too quick. Thanks!!!

FTP ID: lovebug2284
Tom Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 8:01 pm
Thanks for the insights Villa!

Do the Columbian players have tendencies that can be identified much like the stereotypes that players get from different countries or regions around the world have developed over the years?

Thanks for your time,
FTP ID= Phishrman
David Austin Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 8:02 pm
Considering that you began your poker playing as an online player, would you say that you have gained more experience pertaining to “reads” of other players in “live” play? Or do you gain more insight to players cards during online play?
Brandon Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 8:02 pm
do you think you’ll ever stop playing????

Id: subversivecynic
Barry Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 8:02 pm
Villa, first off, great read. My question is how are the players different there than in the States and/or Europe? Are they wild and crazy like the young guns or are they more old school playing ABC Poker? Thanks!

FTP ID: barrgoo
David Austin Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 8:03 pm
Ruffonetogo ftp id
Steve lee Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 8:04 pm
How many WSOP bracelets would you like to aquire and in what poker games over the next 10 years?
clownklla1
kyle while Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 8:05 pm
Is online poker legal in Columbia. or can u not deposit like here in the us? ftp id kylewhile89
Sebas Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 8:11 pm
como has visto la aceptacion del poker aca en colombia en estos ultimos 2 años… ya es mas comun encontrar en las universidad gente jugando poker… pero, conoces acerca de algun colombiano que tenga buenos ingresos, fruto del poker… aparte del bogotano que logro ganar el sunday million ??

FTP ID SeBaS_923

Hola Sebas

La aceptacion por el juego es muy buena. Como tu lo mencionas es comun encontrar personas que jueguen poker ahora que hace 3 o 4 años. Aca en Bogota la mayoria de Jovenes universitarios hacen partes de salas de poker o clubes de poker donde se reunen a jugar mesa libre o torneos con entradas bajas.

Conozco personas que viven del Poker pero son muy pocos, imagino que debe haber muchos mas. Lo mas razonable y comun es que una vez tenga buenos resultados invertir una parte de tus ganancias y convertirte en un empresario.

Gracias por tu pregunta

Villa
Faisal Carter Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 8:12 pm
“Do you have gambling problems?” – Thats usually what I get when I talk to people who have no knowledge of the game.

Just in your case, how little knowledge of the game is known in your parts people will assume that you have a gambling problem.

The love for the game and the skill ( yes Skill ) that comes right along with it, keeps players coming back as well as the thrill of winning big or small.

My question is:
Do you think the stereo type associated with being a poker player will go away with the increase ( in popularity ) that we have seen in the last few years.

ftp:
kingCassim
friday_39 Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 8:15 pm
who is your idol in the poker world..?
friday_39 Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 8:16 pm
who is your idol in the poker world..?

FTP ID:Skills_Luck39
Steven Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 8:16 pm
Is the style of play different in Columbia than when you play online? If so, how is it different?

FTP zeprecipice
richard Sheils Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 8:18 pm
Have you ever play poker on the same table as HUMBERTOOOOOOO?

FTP ID: goldenboy881991
Milos Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 8:20 pm
Did you have a mentor when you were learning the game? And If you weren’t a poker player, given your talents, what do you think you’d be?
Ftp: bokicar
Raul Triana Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 8:20 pm
Hi Villa

I’ve been playing during one year and a half, I started playing a lot of freerolls and so did my bankroll to begin with, now I’m playing cash game but I want and need to improve my strategy to start making good money, so I want to get books, but in Spanish because my English is not very good.

Where I can found books of poker in Bogota? are there some library where I can buy a spanish book? I have tried to find but I can´t, and less in my city Ibague where there are a few players.

Thank you

Hi there Raul

Unfortunately is true. I have 3 poker books and there all in English. The good thing is that today you can find on the internet more informationg about the game in Spanish, articles about the history, strategy, and so much more.

I read that twoplustwo will soon offer a translation of the best poker books in spanish. So dont worry and sit tight. In the meanwhile you can continue practicing your english

Thanks for your question

Villa
Alan Chiras Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 8:35 pm
What is the lowest stakes you can play in a casino there ( and can you translate it into USD or Euro’s? Thank you!

FTP ID:alanchiras

Hi there Alan

The lowest stake you will find in a casino to play cash is 1/2usd with a buy in minimum of 40usd. The lowest SNG has a $25usd buy in and for tournaments is 30usd. Freerolls can have rebuys for 5usd and addons for $10usd.

Thanks for your question

Villa
vvolf69 Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 8:47 pm
great read villa.. didn´t knew that about the affiliated casino in bogota. how is the quality of the game over there and maybe one of the full tilt guys can answer this… are there any casinos offering that service too?

btw. VILLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! you didn´t wrote anything about he south american poker playing chicas! you became a nerd? *lol

great blog… cya

Hi there Volf

In my personal opinion the quality of the game is pretty good. Lots of regulars grinding everynight at the casino.

So far theres only one casino affilate with an online poker room. Theres a rumor that soon Poker Stars and Ultimate Bet will have affiliates here too.

Unfortunately not many women play poker here so not much to mention about that subject.

Thanks for your question

Villa
Feress Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 8:48 pm
Hey Villa,
I’m really glad that somebody talks about this subject…
I am Tunisian (north Africa) and I love poker… The problem is that there’s many problems like yours in Columbia; we have only 2 poker rooms I think in wich Tunisians are not allowed to play (Tunisia is a muslim country and gambeling is forbiden by the religion, so by the law), but people around here arrange a lot of home games and it’s really cool…
The problem is that poker here is not considered as it should : people play for the money not for the skills (gambel on big pots), there are no tourneys, and the biggest problem is that is not allowed (even if the gouverment is not really focusing on poker players)
So, I found poker on the internet and I fell in love with Full Tilt poker… And there’s a problrm as usual : I’ve got no way to make a deposit and the freerolls are really hard and it takes time and patience to build a bankroll ( a lot of discipline, or a lot of luck… I once reached 90$ from 0, not a big amount but a looooot of work)
I want to know if you too played a lot of freerols and if there is a way to make a deposit from Tunisia ( if u think it’s similar to Columbia) ( now I’m asking a friend who lives in France to make the deposit for me)
Thank you Villa
FTP ID :Foufou 22
Sean Caulfield Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 8:56 pm
Hey Villa,

Have you ever encountered, or heard of any great stories, about any pro soccer players playing with you (or your poker buddies) at the tables down there or abroad?

Considering the popularity with poker and former athletes here in the States for it’s competitive nature, I would assume it would be similar in South America as well.

My favorite Columbian player (although I loved and respect Andres Escobar, especially after his sad passing), was Carols Valderrama. Not just for his hair, or striking ability………..but because his nickname was, “El Pibe” which means, in South American Spanish, “The Dude”. I would totally love to jive with that dude at the tables about his experiences if I ever played with him.

Thanks,

Sean C. aka ShizzMoney (Boston) on FTP
Patrick Gindrup Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 8:58 pm
who’s the best player in columbia? (don’t be ego)
kin regards
FT: OndHassard
herby007 Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 9:03 pm
Hey Villa,

Great read. A lot of us don’t ever think about how things are different else where and your post brought me a lot of insight TY. Do you think that Poker being televised has changed the way Poker is played now?

Thanks for Your Time

herby007
Josh Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 9:14 pm
HEy Villa, great read I just wondered how soft you feel the live games are in Colombia. Here in the States we’ve got part-time grinders even at the lowest limits who have played for years. With the boom more recent down there, is there easier money to be found from people who are just discovering the game? Or is there a pretty solid set of regulars? Thanks

Hi there Josh.

I havent found the first soft game yet and Im still looking for it hehehe. I think we have both. The difference is that in a casino you will only find the solid regulars players who are always waiting for a new fish to get into the tank If you know what I mean and people who is discovering the game go to play in the poker clubs where you will only find poker tables with low money tournaments and cash tables.

Thank you for your question.

Villa
edly68 Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 9:16 pm
How easy would it be for an English speaker with limited Spanish (mas cerveza por favor is about it lol) to play in Columbia?
sillymoi Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 9:39 pm
I enjoyed reading your article Villa. Do many women play poker in Columbia?

FTP ID: sillymoi
dave Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 9:40 pm
How is the security down there ? I used to work in bogota, and south in meta(villavicencio), and it was full of shady people. How is it in baranquilla and bogota ? Anything to worry about as far as carrying large sums of cash with you ? Any precautions one must take ?
Thanks, dave

ftp id: isuckoutonyou84

Hi there Dave

Casinos here have a very good security. Here in Bogota people who play poker know each other so theres no problem in that subject. I think its recommend in any country not to have large sums of money with you, if you cash big playing bestthing you can do is call a friend just to be sure and not get yourself in any trouble. Another advice here in Colombia if you calling a taxi is better to call one from a station and not to pick one on the streeth.

Thanks for your question

Villa
fievr Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 9:54 pm
when you going to do live events based in Colombia and Latin America?

FTP ID: fievrstar
Macgruder Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 10:01 pm
What do you think creates the difference between the acceptance of poker in Bogota verses the lesser or perhaps unacceptance of poker in Barranquill? Is this a cultural difference or simply a difference in the atmosphere in the bigger city?

Great article, thank you.

FTP ID: Macgruder

Hi there Mac

I couldnt say it better. By bogota being the capital of the country the atmosphere and the culture is very different from the one in Barranquilla. The big difference in the number of casinos its simply because bogota is bigger than Barranquilla and the average salary is higher than the one in Barranquilla.

Thank you for your question

Villa
Jeffrey Crosdale Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 10:05 pm
Hi, interesting read, is poker completely male dominated in colombia, or is there many women players

Full tilt ID-Jefficho
Sherry Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 10:06 pm
Hi Villa,

You said there were pro’s that play in your casino’s. Have you ever had the pleasure or the mispleasure of sitting down and playing with any? Do you have any great stories? This is a wierd question…lol…can you take pictures inside your casino’s? Thanks for your time to do this…it’s great to get to know you a little better !!

FTP: Chip Flick

Hi there Sherry

Well in my first live SNG here in Bogota I had the pleasure to play with a pro. I didnt know until someone told me. I was very excited and every hand I played with him it was so stressfull for me but I learned a lot! We played a hand and I was tryin to trap him and in the turn he told me I had “KQs” so he folded….. He was correct!!!!!

No pictures are allow inside any casino here.

Thank you for question

Villa
susan west Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 10:12 pm
Why in the world would u play poker? FTP-cupcake1010
Ellis Grimes Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 10:16 pm
Hi Villa, I enjoyed reading your post. Thanks for the perspective and I hope to come play in your neck of the woods someday.
I have watched a couple of your games online and have played with Gabriella Hill a couple of times. I knocked her out once and got the buy in back and a Tshirt. What a classy lady.
My question is have you been Stateside and played here and how much difference in playing styles compared to So America?
Thanks and Good Luck on the felts.
Ellis Grimes Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 10:17 pm
OOPs forgot,
ftp id is egwrangler
Jay Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 10:21 pm
Have you seen any violence in any of the home games/casinos or is it pretty safe everywhere to play? I live in the US and the casinos are extremely safe, but some home games can get “lively” although i haven’t been to any that are dangerous.

full tilt username : steelchef
Rodma on FT Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 10:39 pm
Is their a National Poker Tournament in Columbia that only native Columbians may enter and, if so, who are the past winners? Are you on that list?

Hi there Rodma

Yes, theres a National Poker Tournament but its open to everyone who wants to play, no nationality restriction. This tournament its played twice a year on March and August, it has a guarantee of 250.000usd and the buy in is 500usd with satellites to get into the tournament.

I havent played my first yet but hopefully next year I will start my participation on it.

Thanks for your question

Villa
SESHAT91 Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 10:58 pm
POR LOS TORNEOS QUE HAZ JUGADO, ¿CUAL CREES QUE ES LA CARACTERISTICA PRINCIPAL DE JUGADOR COLOMBIANO?
sebastian Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 11:31 pm
Hola villa soy de colombia y quiesiera preguntarte cual es tu mejor factor cuando juegas?

FTP-ID: shaggy2018
luis Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 11:37 pm
hey que tal villa me gusta tu estilo de juego soy Dominicano pero sigo los pasos de los grandes latinos del poker cual sera el siguente paso para ti?

FTP ID: azucarAA
alejandro Says:
July 28th, 2010 at 11:49 pm
—
¿que capacidad o condicion de tu juego personal , pensas que influyo mas a la hora de permitir convertirte en un jugador profesional?
osea, a tu criterio que caracteristica tuya penas que es la principal herramienta que permite que obtengas resultados destacados a nivel profesional.
—
(What capacity or condition of your own game, thought to be most affected when allowed to become a professional player?
bone, your punishment criteria trait of yours that is the main tool that allows you to obtain outstanding results professionally. sorry my bad english please!)
—
saludos y desde ya gracias por leerme.

full tilt user: lecorbu
wanda Says:
July 29th, 2010 at 12:15 am
Thanks for the insightful poker story.

Did/do you ever study the advice of the Pros from FTP Academy ?

playwanda
jana (id: shinyserenity) Says:
July 29th, 2010 at 2:01 am
hey, thanks for the great blog post. it was very interesting. so, (correct me if i’m wrong) out of the 8 poker pros that you listed in your post, 2 are female, which makes 25%. from your experience is that also about the percentage of women playing in the casinos? i’m guessing it’s probably not, since that would be quite a large number.
FPT-ID: shinyserenity

Hi there Jana

The percentage of women playing in the casinos is a lot lower than that. I will say it is around 5% and ages between 30 and 50 years old. Again from my point of view so I can be wrong

Thanks for your question

Villa
Wiccan53 Says:
July 29th, 2010 at 2:06 am
Am I understanding correctly? There is a poker room set up where you can play poker on line in Columbia and they handle your deposits being made too?

FTP ID: Wiccan53

Hi there Wiccan

The rockefeller poker and cash room is a phisycal casino that allows you to deposit and withdraw money from your Full Tilt Poker account. I thelps a lot people who doesnt have a credit card to make a deposit.

Thanks for your question

Villa
cigarretete Says:
July 29th, 2010 at 2:13 am
whats the main reason-why latino americans(Columbians,Argentinians,Brazilians nad other) are so aggressive players? in my opinion to much agressive
id:popkerkokoska
Balint, Papp Says:
July 29th, 2010 at 2:54 am
Hello Villa,

My question is: What is your strategy for the next 3 years in poker, will you play more online or you want more live events and where would you like to play on the next events?My main question is what would you say to the players, who have started playing just a few months ago???

Thank you for your answer!

ID: pobo00i

Hi there Balint

Well my gold this year is to play more live events and try to find a balance between online and live.

One advice its hard to give but the main one is to be very patient. Poker is a long run game in witch you need to be discipline, you need to practice, you need to study and prepare yourself phisically and mentally to be succesfull.

Bestof luck at the tables and thank you for your question

Villa
Doug Says:
July 29th, 2010 at 3:59 am
When you say high stakes poke in Bogota, what do you class as High stakes and what stakes do you feel most comfortable playig at?
themightyshadow Says:
July 29th, 2010 at 4:02 am
Do you, like many, dream of playing in the WSOP?

ftp id: themightyshadow
jonathanchoeee Says:
July 29th, 2010 at 4:04 am
My question :
If poker was aired only once in awhile. What gave you the motivation or what pushed you to becoming a poker player?

FULLTILT : BIGBLINDDSUCKA

Hi there Jonathan

When I first started playing it was at the play money tables. I met lots of people and it was really fun!! At the beginning poker was a away for me to improve my english but playing every single day almost 24/7 and watching the pros playing those SICK heads up battles was like a drug to my addiction (to pu it in those words lol) For me Bday a friend gave me 3 poker books: Harrington on Hold’em Vol 1 and 2, and Super System and I felt in love with poker and here I am

Thank you for your question

Villa
Woole23 Says:
July 29th, 2010 at 4:33 am
What is your opinion about where you can learn to play poker better, on live games (Frerolls and small buy in SNG’s), or playing on internet?
FTP ID: Woole23
Arcélio Silva Says:
July 29th, 2010 at 4:35 am
Many players would say they prefer wining a WSOP bracelet and get not money at all then to win a million bucks… What would you say you play for? The money or the bracelet?

Cheers.

FTP ID: Arcelio Silva

Hi there Arcelio

I play for bragging rights!!!!! Seriously I think its all part of a proccess. At the beginning, unless you rich, you play for money (you know, rent, food, and all that stuff) but once you become an stablished pro you played for the bracalet, I know I would!!!!!!

Thank you for your question

Villa
Elian Kolev Says:
July 29th, 2010 at 5:29 am
Hi Villa,

Have you been playing in europe casinos and what is the main difference between these in Europe and those in your hometown or Boggota.
In what you say i can tell that poker is getting speed in Columbia for the last 2-3 years.In Bulgaria its still slow developing(there is Balkan Poker tour and the one in |Golden sands).What can bring up the pase in yu oppinion?

Thanks.

FTP ID: BateElmo
CEPSI Says:
July 29th, 2010 at 6:17 am
Great read Villa!

Has Online Poker progressed enough in Columbia that it is now a concern to the Government? Is it likely that any restrictions may be brought in (as has recently happened in France) to regulate online poker/gambling in the forseeable future?

Username:: CEPSI

Hi there CEPSI

Thats a very good question. In the near future I dont see this happening since the game is still growing in our country and I dont see it growin to the level at which the goverment will have to work on a regulation for the game. I hope Im wrong

Thanks for your question

Villa
PicincuA Says:
July 29th, 2010 at 6:41 am
what is your oppinion of the november 9 of that year? have you play against one of them recently? and who think is in the best shape to win the nov9? In one question i want to know all what you think about this year WSOP
PicincuA Says:
July 29th, 2010 at 6:42 am
FTP id PicincuA
erthwyrm Says:
July 29th, 2010 at 7:43 am
Hi Villa, you mentioned the more popular poker pro’s in Columbia, but who are the poker pro’s you most enjoy watching/cheering for? As for your playing style, have you learned most of your strategy from TV and/or playing, or do you have access to poker strategy books too?

ftpid:erthwyrm
Trimming1 Says:
July 29th, 2010 at 8:34 am
Thank you for your insiteful blog.It gave a view of what is availble in Columbia. My Question is;Do you intend to play in any world poker tour events or ept events?
Harold Says:
July 29th, 2010 at 9:07 am
Hola,

Which game and level do you most enjoy?

What is the tax on poker earnings in Colombia?

Thanks,
lcid86
jonnie2thumbs Says:
July 29th, 2010 at 9:22 am
Hola Villa

what would you like for your birthday?

ftp jonnie2thumbs
Jens73 Says:
July 29th, 2010 at 9:48 am
Hi Villa,

first of all great to read and a nice view about poker in Columbia at the moment.
Have one question…. you ever tried to play ‘offline’ poker in a casino?! Do you have any intention in the future?! If yes, which game?! Cash Game or MTT`S?!

Thanks and tc,

Hi there Jens

Thats exactly one of my goals this year, trying to find a balance between online and live but defenetly playing more live. My strongest game are MTT’S but cash from once in a while will not hurt

Thanks for your question

Villa
FT-ID: Jens73
watchdog26 Says:
July 29th, 2010 at 9:57 am
So does Humberto make many appearances at the casino’s there?
valrez Says:
July 29th, 2010 at 10:46 am
Interesting read Villa. I’ve heard there are some small differences in dealing outside of North America. Is this the case in Colombia as well and if so how?

Ftp id: valrez
JamesDaBear Says:
July 29th, 2010 at 11:03 am
How important have forums been to the start of your poker career?

FTP ID: JamesDaBear
Wheres my dawg Says:
July 29th, 2010 at 11:08 am
I enjoyed your post…… Do you mainly play NLHE or do columbians play all sorts of Poker games?

Hi there

Mainly NLHE. Some casinos tried to offer other variations but theres no many players who can play all poker variations or games. Theres some Omaha from once in a while but is not as popular as NLHE.

Thank you for your question

Villa
3ple9 Says:
July 29th, 2010 at 11:22 am
Hello Villa

I am from Bosnia and play now since may this year on FullTilt.
Never played before and FT was my first poker room ever.

I like to know how you improved your play.
Did you read books and which ones you think you can recommend?

Thank You…!!!

Hi there

Practice, Practice, Practice, Practice and PRACTICE! My game still has lots to improve still thats a day by day proccess in witch you have to be patient and discipline. I have 3 books: Harrington on Hol’dem vol 1 and 2, and Super System. It will be cool if you can get your hands on them but just not read, treat them as school subject with means study, study, study, study…. and go back to them everytime you feel the need and you will discover interesting things that will help you out.

Thank you for your question and best of luck at the tables

Villa
SILVESTRE P Says:
July 29th, 2010 at 11:36 am
Saludo fraterno desde Yopal, Casanare.
Me agrada leer estas cosas de parte de un compatriota. He comenzado a jugar (aprender) poker hace apenas año y medio por diversión y casi que por obligación pues un accidente de transito me ha inmovilizado un poco. De un tiempo acá he logrado construir un bankroll de dinero real en las dos salas mas grandes del mundo partiendo de 0 y he pensado en tomar este cuentito del poker un poco más en serio al ver los beneficios de vender estos dolarillos a mis amigos. A raiz de esta situación me nacen tres grandes inquietudes, no soy muy bueno en el Inglés, por tanto, también formulo las preguntas en mi idioma nativo:
I’m not so good in English then i’ll write in my native language too:

- Como administraste tu bankroll al comienzo de tu carrera (incluyendo la etapa de aprendizaje) y como lo administras ahora

What about your bankroll management at the beginning of your carreer and what about it right now?

- Con que actitud asumiste la transición del poker online al poker en vivo? Es decir, siempre tuviste claro y muy enfocado tu objetivo de llegar a ser un gran profesional, o tuviste alguna pequeña duda alguna vez?

What was your attitude when you did the transition: online poker – live poker?
Did you ever think to become a PRO?

- Que piensas acerca de los libros?
What do you think about the poker books?

Muchas gracias por responder. Un abrazo fraterno. Éxitos
Thank you very much and sorry about my English!

FTP ID: SILVESTRE P

Hola Silvestre

Bueno veamos…..

1. La mejor forma de administrar tu banca es siendo disciplinado con los juegos y los niveles en los que juegas. Nunca jueges un torneo o en una mesa en el cual no te sientas comodo por el monto de plata en juego ya que afectara la toma de decisiones y no obtendras los mejores resultados. Dependiendo de tu estilo de juego te recomendaria nunca comprometer mas del 10% de tu banca.

2. Todavia estoy trabajando en eso. La clave es la paciencia. Mientras que online resives un promedio de 100 manos por hora en vivo son mas o menos 15. Asi que ser paciente y estar atento a todos los jugadores de la mesa es clave. Poker es un juego de informacion en vivo resiviras muchisima informacion que te ayudara en futuras decisiones. No me concidero un profesional pero estoy trabajando en llegar hacerlo algun dia. Mucho camino por recorrer y mucho poker por jugar.

3. Los libros son muy buenos ya que te ayudan mucho a enriquezer tu juego. El punto aljido o dificil es poder incluir todo ese conocimiento en tu juego y no perder tu identidad como jugador, es decir, no jugar como el profesional sino buscar la forma de incluir sus estrategias en tu juego y que te sientes comodo haciendolo.

Muchisimas gracias por las preguntas y la mejor de las recuperaciones.

Villa
Chad Y Says:
July 29th, 2010 at 12:13 pm
Villa,

Do the casinos in your country have affiliations with the drug cartels and double as fronts for money laundering?

I only ask, because this is fairly common practice among Latin American countries. Most of the casinos in Mexico are owned and operated this way, so I’m curious if it’s the same in your country.

Not that it’s a bad thing, it’s also how Vegas was built.

FT ID: Yodaddy624
al Says:
July 29th, 2010 at 12:44 pm
Wtg Villa,
I always considered Columbia unsafe for Americans from watching the news on tv,mainly from kidnapping.Just how safe would it be for an american to come to Bogata?Plus which city would be unsafest?Specially a poker player with a bankroll?Thanks for any info.

thewinner44 at fulltilt

Hi there Al

Colombia has changed a lot in the past 8 years! One of our weakest points as you mention was security but things now are a lot different. In bogota we have a lot foreign people living and visiting for vacations. The unsafest city would be Medellin but as a person that has lioved 26 years here I can recommend say you will be just fine!

Hope you come one day and play some poker in Bogota!

Thank you for your question

Villa
JOSE DAVID Says:
July 29th, 2010 at 2:43 pm
EL POKER EN COLOMBIA ESTA CRECIENDO……… MUY PRONTO ESTARA AL NIVEL DE PAISES COMO BRAZIL O ARGENTINA………… SALUDOS DESDE PASTO

FTP ID: jose david m

Hola Jose

Si señor! Depende de nosotros que llegamos a estar a la par de paises como Brazil o Argentina y creo que vamos por buen camino.

La mejor ciudad para jugar torneos en mi opinion es Bogota pero hay muy buenos torneos en Medellin y Cali.

Saludos y gracias por tu pregunta

Villa
JOSE DAVID Says:
July 29th, 2010 at 2:45 pm
¿ EN QUELUGAR DE COLOMBIA EXISTEN LOS MEJORES TORNEOS?
Denis Says:
July 29th, 2010 at 2:52 pm
Do you read book? whats the best book for poker tourney?

XMENBOX
SirNordle Says:
July 29th, 2010 at 3:22 pm
How safe is it to leave the casino after tearing up the felts
Spozzy Dog Says:
July 29th, 2010 at 3:39 pm
Great read Villa

To us (probably) nieve Europeans & Americans, Columbia has this bad rep of just being full of drug Lords and organised crime. Like you say poker has (to the nieve) also got a pretty bad rep of being for degens and gangsters.

1) Can this have a good affect at any time?
2) Can I sleep safely tonight?
Brayan Says:
July 29th, 2010 at 5:23 pm
Villa

Hola saludos desde villavicencio (meta)

Queria agradecerte por tenernos en cuenta, el poker en colombia cada dia crece mas y se ven mejores jugadores y de muchos estilos, y aprovecho para hacerte una pregunta, cual es el mejor casino para jugar NL?

FTP ID: BRAYAN H
Jeren Says:
July 29th, 2010 at 6:34 pm
Hey Villa,
I just recently decided to play poker as more than a hobby and would like to go pro one day. I live in a place much like you described where finding live games is near impossible and online is almost the only option. Close to 99% of the time that I share my desire to go pro with someone all that I hear about is how it won’t happen and probably is best that it doesn’t. I refuse to give it up however. Do you have any advice in progressing toward my goal in my current situation? Thanks for your time.

FTP ID: thejwun

Hi there Jeren

I have one rule and maybe it can help you out in your situation. Dont let anyone tell you what you cant do!!!! If you really want something work for it. On internet you will find lots of sources that will help you inprove your game. Articles, Videos, forums, Coaching sites, and practice all that you can!

Best of luck and be patient! Dont let bad results affect your game!

Villa
Javier C. Says:
July 29th, 2010 at 7:20 pm
Desde Villavicencio-Meta

Felicidades Por Llevar A Colombia Muy En Alto….

Hola Javier

Muchisimas mas gracias por tu comentario y la mejor de las suertes en las mesas! De nosotros depende que el poker en Colombia siga creciendo asi que a trabajar duro!

Saludos

Villa
squadinka Says:
July 29th, 2010 at 8:58 pm
Hi Villa!

It is said that poker in Latin America (and Colombia in specific) is far more “emotional” than poker played in USA or Europe. For example, people don’t get penalised for foul language or extreme emotion, because that is considered part of the game.

Personally, I think that this makes poker FAR more interesting, either to play or to observe.

Hi there

Yes it is!! As far as you dont insult any of the other players your good. Theres always a limit though, I mean you can say bad words and curse but if someone at the tables gets tired of it he will make you stop.

Story??? I once played with someone that lost a big pot with AA vs 98s and the guy spent like 10 minutes saying bad words and then he started crying!!!!! Everyone was “FOR REAL”??? That was very weird if you ask me.

Thank you for your question

Villa

Would you agree? What is the most vivid memory you have of such “emotional” poker demonstration in your country?

Thank you.

FTP ID: Squadinka
Andrew Batey Says:
July 29th, 2010 at 9:01 pm
Hi Villa

Enjoyed your discussion and thought you may be interested in my experience of living and playing professional poker in Uruguay, South America.

I lived and played there for a year and a half and I would be happy to share my thoughts and viewpoints if you would like.

Regards

Andrew
angelluv725 Says:
July 29th, 2010 at 10:36 pm
Very interesting read Villa. Thanks for sharing .Which do you prefer, online or live poker and why?
Jill C. Says:
July 30th, 2010 at 12:13 am
Hey Villa,
I Really enjoyed reading about what it is like to be in the poker scene in Columbia. Sounds very the same as the scene where I live. I guess maybe some things are universal.
I was wondering how much time you spend playing poker live and how much you spend playing online. Also, curious if you have plans to take your game to the next level at some point in the future?

Wishing you good luck at the tables!

Hi there Jill

I defenetly play A LOT more online than live but that is about to change. Gonna start a proyect soon with some friends and will have to play more poker so def gettin a lot serious . Hopefully one day I will move to the States and take it to the next level, only time will tell.

Thank you for your question

Villa
Poker Says:
July 30th, 2010 at 4:38 am
I just wanted to say great post. It’s great to hear that Poker is alive and well in Latin America. I run a online poker directory and it would be great to get some of the information on games spread, hours of operation, location etc etc out on the internet. Would love to hear more posts about poker in Colombia.
Bigslick112 Says:
July 30th, 2010 at 12:19 pm
Hi Villa, loved the article. What inspired you to become a poker player, even though not too many people played it in Colombia?

Bigslick112
Krabbeltje Says:
July 30th, 2010 at 3:33 pm
Hi Villa!

Nice read! …In the Netherlands we have like a chain of casinos in which the state is stockholder. The state makes money from the profits of the casino while at the same time regulating gambling. This could only happen through keeping poker a “game of luck” or “chance”…but lately the shift has been turning towards poker as a “game of skill” which means that probably the casino would lose its monopoly so to say. How is that discussion in Colombia and South-America?

FTP name : Krabbeltje
Jack Says:
July 30th, 2010 at 6:24 pm
Enjoyed the

I want to know, what sytle of game do you and other columbians fall into, more like American players or more of the Euro style?

Thanks for the write up enjoyed it very much.

ftp : tucson_jack
Luis Says:
July 30th, 2010 at 8:10 pm
Hey gracias por tu inicitiva… de verdad pocas veces se encuentran personas tan desinteresadas.

FTP ID = malakata
Luis Says:
July 30th, 2010 at 8:20 pm
Hola Villa;

Que te ha parecido el auge que ha tenido el poker en latino america los ultimos anos, y como piensas que el poker online ha beneficiado ese crecimiento ???

FTP ID = malakata
3ple9 Says:
July 31st, 2010 at 11:22 am
Sorry Dave McCarthy…

I had a question to Villa and he answered me…

But I didn’t write my FTP-ID: 3ple9

Instead I was putting it in the name of the comment like always…

…and thanks to Villa for his answers.
I have looked for Harrington’s books and started to read the first one…

Got it. Thanks. -Dave

Bye…!!!
Ernesto Says:
July 31st, 2010 at 1:35 pm
i´ve only one question about Colombia: Did you know if Shakira or Juan Pablo Montoya playing poker? FTP-ID: nestor3007,
angelluv725 Says:
July 31st, 2010 at 6:01 pm
Good luck always Villa and may all your dreams come true
Michael Greenhalgh Lewize Says:
August 4th, 2010 at 3:37 pm
Hey Villa,

Great post mate. There’s a hell of a lot of casinos in your hometown than mind (Manchester, England).

Just wondering how poker is working out for you? Is it recreational or something that you consider a part time career??

Cheers,

FTP ID Lewize
Jorge Gonzalez Says:
September 23rd, 2010 at 1:37 am
Hey villa! Im from Barranquilla too and I feel ya when you say anybody takes it seriously skillwise, heres a blog of mine.. http://j-pale.blogspot.com/
MC Train Says:
October 24th, 2010 at 4:28 am
Villa,
I was wondering if you could elaborate on Rockefeller being a “physical affiliate” of FTP. I’ve never heard of such an arrangement before. I guess they have an FTP account and they do a player-player transfer in one direction and slide cash across the table in the other direction…Is that right?
NURIA RAMIREZ Says:
January 29th, 2011 at 3:29 pm
¿Escribes en más sitios o has sacado el post de otra web? No sé de qué pero me suena mucho la entrada.