We love TV3’s Celebrity Joker Poker, hosted by the hilarious Brooke Howard-Smith. We wanted to know a little bit more about how to play this sneaky game, so we asked Brooke, the man himself, to give us the lowdown on how to outwit, outsmart and beat down anyone when it comes to Poker! 

How would you describe Poker and its aim, in a few sentences?
The most skillful of all card games, no limit Texas Hold‘em poker pit’s players against each other as they outwit one another using tells bluff, body language and mathematics.

What is a common mistake you see people make on the show?
Too much bluffing. A good bluff relies on plenty of time at the table learning about your opponents, waiting till you see a sign of weakness then pouncing. Most good poker players will only bluff a few times in a day long tournament.
 
What is the best face to pull when bluffing?
If you want to take poker seriously then there should be no difference between your bluff and non-bluff face...

What are some common signs that someone else is bluffing?
Often strong means weak and weak means strong. An inexperienced bluffer may stare at you, or talk too much and act ultra confident. Inversely beware of someone who’s been chatty the entire time and suddenly shuts up!

What is the difference between the different types of poker – such as Texas Hold'em or Omaha?
The key difference between Hold-Em and Omaha is the amount of cards you have to play with. In Hold'em you get two “hole cards”, they’re your starting unique cards. In Omaha you get four.

Why do you think poker nights are popular?
It’s a chance to do battle with close friends and strangers. To outwit, steal, cheat and rob from them and then have a friendly drink afterwards.

What are the main elements you need for a good poker night – cards, card accessories?
A good table - you can find them on TradeMe, good cards (I suggest Kopax or any 100% plastic cards) and good chips... The rest is all just window dressing. If it’s your first game get a dealer or someone who understands the game to come and help you.

How much do you generally have to bet to play a good game at a casino?
There are tournaments for as little as $40; for that you’re in a game that will last up to six hours! Then there are cash games that could cost as much as $1000 a hand for the high rollers. There’s always plenty happening at Skycity and the staff are great, they’ll help first timers feel welcome.

How much of the game do you think is luck and how much is skill?
70% skill, made up of your tournaments to “read” the table, manage your play and apply mathematics... 30% luck, but again, you need the skill to be there when the luck hits!

What is your favourite aspect of the game?
The adrenaline when you re-raise someone bluff, or push in... I get more adrenaline from poker than I did from pro skating in the states!

What’s the best advice you’ve been given about Poker?
“Patience is not just a Guns & Roses song. It’s harder to make a good hand than find one.” This is my advice to me!

Who would you invite round for the ultimate night of Poker?
My crew, La Vida Poker, Phil Ivy, Daniel Negreanu, Allen Cunningham, The Deli Lama and Kenny Rodgers, just in case he had some last minute advice.

Any hot tips for winning a hand?
End it when you think you’re ahead, (unless you can’t be beaten) bet hard, bet big and take down the pot.

Holly Roberts

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