2 random questions...

[a_ntemage]

1. mainly online how do players react to wacky looking bets? 999,456 and stuff life that (to the best of your knowledge) and how would you react to the same?

2.should you bring a scientific calculator to a live tourney? is it even legal? you can use it to make standard calculations during a hand and it can be used to create fake tells (using calci virtually every hand and not using it once types...)

[RyckyRych]

1. Depends on the raise size really. If they do these odd bets for raises most of the time and then suddenly go 300/1200/end in zero, I'd pay attention to why. Really doesn't bother me, if anything I notice them more.

2. I have no idea.

[Tim]

2. should you bring a scientific calculator to a live tourney? is it even legal? you can use it to make standard calculations during a hand and it can be used to create fake tells (using calci virtually every hand and not using it once types...)

Should you bring one? Er, no. I would imagine you'd be laughed out of the venue. Is it legal? I'd be very surprised if any tournament director allowed you to use a calculator for assistance - although it's not something I've ever seen.

That was a very random question though... bravo!

[a_ntemage]

no i actually wanna bring one :p beng laughed out is fine... let them laugh ill show em :p it cant be legal though eh...

[Queso]

But what would you be trying to prove? What statement about yourself could you possibly be trying to make? The math in hold 'em is as basic as you can get; all things that can (and should) be done in your head. Keep track of the pot as it goes along, and divide it by the call to get pot odds. Same for giving pot odds. Four to a flush is about 35% on the flop; about 20% on the turn. Etc. What math could possibly require a calculator, much less a scientific calculator? Hand types and their equities should be known like the back of your hand. Effective stack sizes are easy to estimate. Stacks divided by blinds give you your "M". So while your mental energy can (and should) be devoted to the psychological aspects of the game, and what a player's bets, raises and calls might mean in relation to the hand, your own hand and it's relative strength, etc, you are punching buttons on a calculator.

After wiping tears of laughter away, I would know one of two things about you: you're either a complete moron who doesn't have the first clue of understanding that all hold 'em math can (and must) be memorized away from the table, or you're a snarky little trickster who wants to "fool" the table into thinking he's a moron-- and in either case, I know you are devoting far too much of your energies to utterly irrelevant or wasteful pursuits that have nothing to do with the critical issues of being successful in a poker tournament.

I would have your head for lunch, and use your scalp as a napkin.

[Queso]

And back to the first question, people who bet odd amounts are immature cutesy narcissists who think they are throwing a spanner into the works when all they're really doing is showing how little they know about what really matters in poker.

[J_Verschueren]

1. People who bet odd amounts often do so either to save time when multitabling, to befuddle their opponents or to make cheap steals, as the site software usually has to use more chips to visualise the bet, so it looks bigger. This is especially prevalent on PartyPoker. I must say, at the micro's, it does seem to work on the general crowd. Thinking players aren't usually fooled.
Personally, if I have nothing, I fold. If the pot offers me (almost) immediate odds for a good draw, I call or raise (depending on the type of game and my read on the player). If I've connected solidly with the board I raise a proper amount, relative to the pot and round it to the nearest 10 (<-- is that the proper expression?).

2. I'd be highly surprised if it's allowed. And even if it is, like Queso says, you're only likely to fool the easily fooled.

[TIME]

1. The wacky looking bets are immature "Unibomber" wannabes. If you're playing against opponents that will be fooled by them, you're not even really playing poker!

2. I agree with Queso ... a scientific calculator---give me a F'in break! Are you a player or not????

3. I think Mr. Q was a little harsh. He must have been hitting the "Sploosh", but hey it's the weekend.

4. Had a few "Splooshes" myself but hey, it's the weekend!

[Queso]

1. I wasn't referring to the OP specifically. Just to what my response would be if anyone showed up at my tournament poker table with a scientific calculator and proceeded to use it.

2. Poker is harsh.

[DangerMouse]

Time of the month Queso?