Commerce Casino First Graduating Class: University of Poker
Commerce, CA -- ( July 20, 2009 ) - After months of studying blinds, antes, tells, poker lingo and winning strategy the first class of Commerce Casino's University of Poker will get to see how their education stands up in real world conditions. They will compete in Commerce Casino's first CCUP Championship on Thursday July 30th at 8 p.m. a student-only tournament with a $2,500 prize pool provided by the Casino.
This first true test of their skills will feature a multiple optional $20 re-buys, which means that when players run out of chips, instead of exiting from the event, they can purchase additional chips to stay and play longer. That ensures that first-time players will be able to stick around for a lot more fun and a greater experience.
"We designed this tournament to be like the final exam with no grades," said Dave Mosikian, the Commerce Casino's Player Relations Manager. "People can really see what progress they've made. It also gives them some tournament experience in a non-threatening format before they venture out to the tables on their own against more experienced players. But the months they've put in at the University of Poker will definitely now give them confidence and a leg up when these players get out on the casino floor."
The CCUP Championships is limited to the first $500 to show up. Mosikian suggests players warm up at the cash game tables before they take their seat at the tournament tables.
Commerce Casino's University of Poker (CCUP) is a tuition-free institution where you can study all you want, never lose a penny, and laugh till you can't stop.
That's what's in store for the students who sign up for the "No Beginner Too Green" and "Intermediate" classes being taught at the world's largest poker casino, on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. There are no prerequisites, no 12-hour entrance exams, no term papers, and best of all, no cost to attend. It's a free University that teaches students how to play poker and win money. At Commerce Casino's University of Poker, you can avoid taking the expensive path of "paying for your lessons" in a poker game-- where every mistake has a price tag.
The professor is none other than the highly respected "Poker Comedian" Roger Rodd, Hollywood's "Instructor To The Stars." He teaches the game to the Hollywood elite and served as behind-the-scenes poker coach for the movie "Lucky You," with Eric Bana and Robert Duvall.
Below is a list of classes. The new "semester" begins immediately. To register for classes or for more information, go to: http://www.commercecasino.com/pokerclasses.aspx
NO BEGINNER IS TOO GREEN!!!
In the Beginner's Class, Rodd demystifies all facets of poker for any aspiring new player. Starting with the ranking of hand values and continuing through an explanation of fundamentals and blinds, students will soon be fluent in the colorful jargon of the game. The class ultimately moves into actual casino formatted poker playing, with the initial goal to establish the concepts of hand values, antes (blinds), betting fundamentals and rounds. Upon unanimous student comprehension, the class is taught the process of how pots are built and awarded, with an emphasis on Texas Hold 'em. Through the use of visuals, lecture, Q& A, and classroom mock poker games, the pupils are then ready for their "Final Exam"- a student-only freeroll tournament for prizes and the "CCUP Valedictorian Award."
INTERMEDIATE HOLD 'EM--TIME TO STEP UP YOUR GAME
If you're already a player who doesn't need to learn "from the ground up," but you're getting "ground up" either in a live game or online, CCUP offers an Intermediate Class. CCUP presents the class for the existing home game, online, or casino poker player who wants to improve results or go to the next level. As Mosikian notes, CCUP wants to educate Intermediate players on how the pros play "top set against a double double, an overpair in the two hole, and a donkey playing an airball who just picked up color with one to come!" Categorized by four criteria; Limit, No Limit, Tournament Play, and Live Game Play, each class will focus upon the singular and common aspects of that format of play. A comprehensive menu of necessary elements for winning play will be closely detailed and examined, as will specific strategic situations. Combining oral and written questions with a student-only freeroll tournament, CCUP will present prizes and the cherished "CCUP Graduate Student Valedictorian Award."
All sessions are taught in a private room with no intimidation or distractions. Enrollment will be limited to 25 students in order to insure maximum personal attention. Beginner's Classes meet on Tuesdays from 8 p.m.-10 p. m., while Intermediate Classes are on Wednesdays from 8 p.m.-10 p.m.
Commerce Casino, seven miles south of downtown Los Angeles, is located at 6131 East Telegraph Rd., Commerce, CA 90040, just off the Santa Ana (5) Freeway at the Washington Blvd. exit. Phone (323) 721-2100. For more information, go to www.commercecasino.com
