PRO CHAT TRANSCRIPT - September 8th 2006
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ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Howdy all
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Sorry about the miscommunication, there was an error in the earlier chat. It was suppised be scheduled for this time
QUESTION FROM pistolpete27: What was the main purpose of incorporating the Cap games?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Cap games has been a staple in the big game for years. It is fun and no onehas done it online. It is a different type of game and we wanted to give players somethinf new fun to try
QUESTION FROM laguam: Hi, can u tell us about CAP
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Basically, it plays like a regular no-limit game. The cap only comes into play on large pots. You have to make some interesting decisions that you can't make in a regular game with a big stack
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: You don't have to woryy about losing your whole stack in one big pot. It cuts both ways though. You can't move someone off a good hand as easily so it encourages action
QUESTION FROM Diarrhea18US: Are there any specific adjustments that you should make when switching from a normal cash game to a capped one?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Yes. The #1 adjustment you have to make is playing strong drawing hands big. If you have a big flush draw, you need to put pressure on your opponent because it gives you twomways to win. You can bluff it right there, or you can draw out. In regular NL
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: You kight bet off a big fraw on 4th street. It won't happen in Cap games. Again this breeds action
QUESTION FROM ringo6624: Do the cap games encourage "two card poker" where people just push pre-flop? This would take away the post-flop part of the game.
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: It can. I actually think is changes things on the flop. If you play too fast before the flop, you will get punished with overly agressive plays. But on the flop, you can push good draws and big pair without worrying about about runnig into a huge hand
QUESTION FROM JLCarter: Howard, is the CAPS game simply a "test run" for the big limits on this site, and if they pan out will they be taken out of CAPS, and, for example, a $500/$1,000 PLO game without the CAPS?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: 500-1000 PLO without a cap is simplt too big. With the cap it allow the big players to play high with out risking 100k on 1 pot
QUESTION FROM BPSytle: how exactly does a cap game work?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: A cap plays just like a NL or PL game. The one defference is if both player are in for the cap (30 big blinds right now) they are considered all in
QUESTION FROM PP2K: Who's idea was it?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Cap games have been played in the biggest cash games for years. BWE decided to bring it to online poker.
QUESTION FROM LS1_Stud: Do cap games favor a LAG style of play?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Yes. That is why it is fun. Fast agreesive play is rewarded
QUESTION FROM huntsvegas: do the caps vary in the same game??
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Sort of. It mimics tournament play in a way. When you are in a tournament, some players have short stacks and others have big stacks. If you are against a short stack you have to adjust your play knowing that the player only has a limited amount of
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: chip. It makes for interesting decisons. It keeps you on your toes
QUESTION FROM stinky33: Are you going to be adding more exotic games to Full Tilt, like spread limit?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Next will be mixed ring games. They should come in about a month or two. The same old NL game can get boring. We always want to mix it up. All forms of poker add challenges. If you cahllenge yourself by playing different forms of the game you get
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: better
QUESTION FROM Sharukh10: Isn't CAP just full tilt's way of lessening the edge between good players and bad players and therefore making more money because fish don't get broke so fast.
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: No. I think a good player who figures out how to use the differences to their advantage with do well in Cap games
QUESTION FROM Uncle Robbie: is it better to play cap if you have a small bankroll to start off with? you always give the best advice on tv thanks!
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Yes and no. You should always have enough to suffer a few losing sessions. But Cap games will allow you to lose a few tough hands without losing your whole stack to one set-over-set bad beat
QUESTION FROM qsdaddy: What are the blinds in the big game 4k-8k when they play NLH or PLO when they have a 100k cap?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: IN the big game, they play 1k-2k with a 1k ante with the 100k cap. It plays fast and loose
QUESTION FROM du74ke: Wouldn't this tend to take a lot of the skill out of the NL game, specifically implied odds
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Implied odds are lessened. But bluffing opportunities abound. Look for good way to play a 1-bet game and you will do well. Put pressure on a player with a big draw. Take a stand with top pair/top kicker. These are some ways to make the game work for
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: you
QUESTION FROM ldz30: So FTP has employed cap games to "breed" action...?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Kind of. I think it is an action game. But it also adds variety. I wouldn't want you to only play cap. But playing when you are in the mood for something differnt is good. We still offer all the same games. This is just another option
QUESTION FROM Sharukh10: Dear Howard, how can you be "the professor" with basic spelling and grammatical errors.
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Sorry. I am in London. It is 2 AM and I had a few drinks. I will do my best. LOL
QUESTION FROM PokerShark718: Are there CAP Tournaments?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: We might try it. But, in tournaments, it often becomes a cap game late as most players a re short
QUESTION FROM pistolpete27: How was the Cap amount arrived at for the games? Was it arbitrarily made or was there a formula?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: We are trying 30x the big blind. But we might raise it to 40 or 50 if that is waht people want
QUESTION FROM ldz30: Caps game were created to allow players to be able to play big without going bust sort of like a "safetynet"?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: We do think it will encourage players ot not "rathole". Players who go on a nice roll, tend to quit to "lock up" there chips. The cap does that for them now
QUESTION FROM Shady Poker: Since CAP games came from the big game, is it possible that full tilt may add the ability to run the board multiple times or have some kind of prop bet system?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Props is just a form of pure gambling. The big game players find it fun. But we don't think it has much to do with poker. There are no plans to add props.
QUESTION FROM mightycombover: Will all no limit games eventually be switched to cap, or will there be both available?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Aleays both. We are not trying to change basic NL games. WE are just offering an alternative
QUESTION FROM actiondavidk: Hi howard, thanks for taking time to chat with us, you said that it encourages action, so does that mean a player would expect to make more money playing a cap game at the same level as a nl game?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: I think if you play well and don't get wrapped up in playing too aggresively. You will do very well
QUESTION FROM TIMMYJ128: Are you going to get bigger Guaranteed tourney's?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Yes. They keep getting bigger as the site grows
QUESTION FROM Sharukh10: Is CAP the end of suited connectors
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Not at all. If you see a flop and catch a nice draw, you can play more aggresively and give yourself a chance to either bluff the pot or hit.
QUESTION FROM PowerofPoker: why call it nl if its not
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: It is NL until you hit the cap. Most hands play just like NL
QUESTION FROM LS1_Stud: can we get a Tip of the Week on CAP games?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Look for my tip next week
QUESTION FROM DoublZ: WE NEED HORSE RING GAMES!!!!
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: coming
QUESTION FROM piney1000: How long have these games been out????
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: We launched today.
QUESTION FROM 8ace: I know you have got this question probably a thousand times, I just came into the chat. Can you explain what these CAP games are?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Sure. They play just like NL or PL but there is a cap (30x the big blind). Once all players in the hand have put the cap in, they are considered all-in
QUESTION FROM MindBullets: Do you not think this will encourage the players that like to raise all-in repeatedly to just max out pre-flop every time?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: This won't work. As long as you open with reasonable cards for about 3x the big blind, a player would have to risk 30x to 3x (10-1) to bully you. You should do just fine calling with only your strongest against this strategy
QUESTION FROM Dalset: Hi Howard i just started playing one of these cap games It's very interesting and alot of fun, would you recommend a more aggresive or less aggresive playing style.
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: You can play both. If you sit back an pick off players capping it with weak hands you will do well. Playing your draws aggresively will work as well. The game is different and fun.
QUESTION FROM pistolpete27: Although you previously stated you wanted to offer more options for games, were Cap games instituted also because of the $300K+ pot between Luigi and Ballsrider last week?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: No. Cap games have been around for years in B+M. We have been working on them for a couple of months
QUESTION FROM Sharukh10: Players should have the option to run a hand more than once if the pot is over 200BB or something like that.
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: We migtht add that option soon. This is another "big game" feature
QUESTION FROM msntlm: With No-Limit Cap games, how do implied odds change when betting your drawing hands?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: If you movein post-flop for the cap there are no implied odds. But, you get pure fold equity. You can win two ways. Your opponent folds, or you get called and hit. It gives you very good semi-bluff equity
QUESTION FROM PokerShark718: I recently left Party Poker because of so many bad beats, will CAP prevent that from happening?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: No. Bad beats are part of the game of poker. But, in cap games, bad beats won't cost you your whole BR. It takes away the "knock-out" puch a weak player has in a NL game
QUESTION FROM mightycombover: So the only difference is that if a player moves all in, rather than the 100k he has, it would honor 30K instead?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Yes
QUESTION FROM LS1_Stud: we need a "Find the pro's" feature instead of having to manually search
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: We are working on enhanced search features. But right now, if you just check all the lobbies, the pros are easy to find. Just look for "red"
QUESTION FROM willy0801: do you like cap games?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: I really like cap PLO. The game plays fast. But, it also alowed me to make some intersting plays not available in regular PLO
QUESTION FROM golf4life109: why the cap on the lower limits...i really see this as a more valuable type of game for higher limit games?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: we don't want to discriminate. I think all players will find it interesting and fun. The high limit players shouldn't get all the fun. $100 is a lot of money for some players. It all depends on your BR
QUESTION FROM PokerShark718: Is it possible to go all in preflop with CAP Games?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: It is. But it still very dangerous. You will still be laying the pot a big price. After the flop is where Cap betting gets really interesting.
QUESTION FROM idontgamble: How long have CAP games been around? Who actually came up with the idea of NL CAP? Are CAP games exclusively on FTP?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: 1. Many years in the big game. 2. Don't know 3. Online. Yes.
QUESTION FROM Roberto Luongo: Do fishes like cap games?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: They might. If you are finshing, you might find your best catches in these games. Remember, losing 30x the big blind is still a big loss. You want to use solid NL strategy on most hands.
QUESTION FROM afkshower: Summarize why Cap Games are beneficial towards skilled players
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: They will challenge you to play a new game. They will breed action. Solid play will still get the money
QUESTION FROM twinklebells: Are girls as hot in London as they say, if so, can you still play strip in the CAP style?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: LOL. Yes!! I was in the hotel lobby and my wife almost fainted today. James Blond Daniel Craig) walked in. That was a thrill for her.
QUESTION FROM PokerShark718: how many other pors play cap games besides your self?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Almost all the top pros have played it
QUESTION FROM jmurjeff: Wouldn't there be no reason to buy in for the max now if the cap is only 30 times the big blind?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Yes. No need to buy in for than the cap. I would reccomend a buy-in for about 50x. That way, if you lose a small pot, you won't be below the cap
QUESTION FROM epaule: hi howard, would you mind elaborating on the plays you made that are different in capped PLO as opposed to standard PLO?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: You can play some interesting hands like 2 pair and a mediocre flush draw for the cap. It puts a lot of pressure on your opponent and if you run into a set, you can still draw out. In regular PLO, you might face a huge re-raise and have to fold.
QUESTION FROM pokermanrd3: Howard, Ive noticed many pros are staying in London now, is there some event there?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Yes. We are playing a tournament tomorrow and then next week we are filming a big cash game called "The Million Dollr Cash Game" for Sky Sports. We hope to bring this show to the US
QUESTION FROM The Famous 1: Hey Howard, scenario 6 handed i get KhKd raise, the blinds fold, one guy calls, the flop is 7 8 10 all clubs guy bets the pot, would you fold in a NL game? would fold in a CAP game?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: If you have the Kc, you can probably play in a cap game for the cap. IN regular NL, if you are faced with a raise for your whole stack, you are in a really tough spot
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: BRB
QUESTION FROM sunfish2: so in theory, cap games will slightly lower your win rate, but also lower your variance?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: in theory. Yes
QUESTION FROM twinklebells: In a CAP game...what would be the lowest pp you would call the cap with? Is this a lot lower than you'd consider in a NL game?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Maybe about 99 or 88. Yes, I would find it tough to play for more than 30x with less JJ
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: I'm going to switch a few general topic questions before I go to bed
QUESTION FROM Cheap Toaster: Did you have a chance to speak to Daniel Craig? There's a few poker scenes in the new Bond movie.
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: No. My wife seemed to think he knew who I was. I don't believe her.
QUESTION FROM rootdown: I am a NLHE player who is looking for another game to learn. Is it difficult to switch from NL to Limit? I usually hear about people making the transition the other way.
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: There is value in playing all games. The transition will improve your NL game. Give it a try
QUESTION FROM vixen68: Why does it seem like you get no respect in recent commercials?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: LOL. I am not embarassed by "only" having 2 bracelets. I think that ad just highlights what a great player Erik is.
QUESTION FROM visavis1111: "Million Dollar Cash Game" HOWIE YOU HAVE TO TELL US MORE!?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: WE are going to have a great line-up. Hnasen, Ferguson, Harman, Ivey, Juanda, Seidel, Cunnungham, DeWolfe, Matusow, Tony G and myself. I am really jazzed.
QUESTION FROM Patrick02: pro players actually sleep?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Not enough! When the action is going fast and furious, the games call you in your sleep
QUESTION FROM Vyszion: do you know if chris furgason is really trying to turn 0$ into $10,000? Someone said something about it, and I saaw him playing in some low money tournaments. and if so does he have a time frame?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Chris is very patient. He waits for the freerolls and is trying to build a BR. ONce he has enough money, he will try to move up slowly. I predict he will do it. He wants to prove a point.
QUESTION FROM serferlady: is the site going to have horse or other mix game cash games at all? like the triple draw or badugi games?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: We are working on mix games. The other are not planned.
QUESTION FROM alexx king: This is the first time I have seen the chat. How often does Full Tilt plan on doing this?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: WE have chats on a nightly basis. Many are "impromptu". Just check the "Pro Chat" lobby and tune in
QUESTION FROM ACESDOWN14: Howard, do you favor cap games?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: No. I enjoy playing them. But, you should enjoy all the games. Find the ones you excel at and play them all.
QUESTION FROM serferlady: since you arent playing the wpt events do you plan to play more ept events or other tourneys abroad?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Yes. I love Europe. The game is growing fast here. There a lot of tournamnets to choose from and I expect to play in more of them.
QUESTION FROM rootdown: On e suggestion fo the site Howard. Allow players to change the size of the windows to fit multiple tables better on the screen.
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: We are working on it.
QUESTION FROM ScoobyDoo123: What's the biggest pot in a cap game you've seen?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: I once won a 4 way 75k cap pot in PLO. That one was over 325k.
QUESTION FROM JJLaw: why can I play a good game against decent players; but cant seem to beat my calling station donkey friends on Friday nights?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Playing against calling stations takes patience. It is less skillful, but can be rewarding. Don't try to "out play" them. Wait for the nuts and bust them.
QUESTION FROM kczerwie: do you think omaha will be bigger that nl holdem in the near future?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: PLO seems to be growing. The general trend in poker over the years will be towards the others games. Most new players have come to poker through NLHE. But, the same game gets old after a while. The other games have a lot to offer and I expect to see
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: games like PLO grow very fast
QUESTION FROM Gonso: Are there a new "series" of Full Tilt commercials planned anytime soon?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: We like to add to our commercials each year. I would expect new ones by early next year. We just finished a new "Aussie Millions" ad. It is very funny. You should see that one very soon.
QUESTION FROM actiondavidk: Howard, has FTP considered adding NL games with antes?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: It could happen. I think they would be fun.
QUESTION FROM jjflash69: Do you think that the 50K HORSE event will evolve into the new "Main Event" for the pros and take some prestiege away from the Main Event?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: THe 50K horse will evlove into its own type of great presigious event. But, it will never replace the Main Event
QUESTION FROM mattvanhorn: You used to play backgammon in NY, right? What do you think of the chances of online backgammon taking off like poker?
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: Not very likely. Right now, computers play BG better than the best humans. That is a big problem. The best computers cannot hold a candle to good poker players.
ANSWER FROM Howard Lederer: It was a lot of fun doing this. I am off to bed. Godd night. And good luck!!