I’m off the ship and in a hotel in Ft. Lauderdale (well, Aventura, really). The cruise was really wonderful…lots of poker, sleep, food and fun. I still recommend that everyone take a poker cruise.

I mostly played 40-80 hold’em. Tremendous action with lots of straddles and an occasional rock game (a straddle’s worth of chips in a rubber band is entered into the game. The winner of the pot must use the “rock” as the straddle thing is called, to straddle the pot at his next opportunity). While this is sometimes introduced into games with no action, our game had plenty of action and still used a rock. It made the action junkies very happy.

I had a chance to chat with Gavin Smith and he had no problems with my column about his thoughts, so that’s nice. He did give me a few other insights into his play. I was honored to be asked to do a “Tips from the Pros” seminar with Gavin and Mark Gregorich, hosted by Mark Tenner. We all gave a few tips followed by an hour Q&A, then Brent Carter requested the floor and reminded everyone that all these tips were worthless if they did not pay attention and concentrate on the game. It’s a great point, and I shall remember to mention it more often. One of my real strengths at the table is my ability to focus on the game.

The tips I offered were not calling raises pre-flop with marginal values and daring to bet the river. You have probably heard me do these before. Mark Gregorich discussed AK, and reminded everyone not to bluff with AK on the river. Nobody with a worse hand will call, and typically nobody with the better hand will fold.

Gavin emphasized the power of position in no-limit hold’em, and how calling in position with a variety of hands could give you insights into your opponent’s holdings. This is an advanced concept, but used very effictively by the top NL tournament players.