Job Discussion Forums

[YouHadMeAtASL]

A little off-topic, but, are there any poker games around Japan? Casinos? Any home games? I'm not a pro or anything, but I could go for a good game every once in awhile.

I know there aren't "casinos" per se, but "card rooms"?

[markle]

search for the poster south of reality.

[YouHadMeAtASL]

found it, thanks!

[zorro (3)]

Do you play online? I know it's not the most sociable thing to do (although there are chat functions), but you can still get your fix.

www.poker.com

be prepared for a higher volume of bad beats because of the amount of hands that you will play. Also be prepared for some of the craziest calls and the most outrageously donkish play that you're ever likely to come across if you are playing small stakes.

[canuck]

If you want to play online, then:

http://www.pacificpoker.com/

You can play for free or you can play on the money side. It's one of the better sites on the net.

We have a game around every two months. Sometimes 5-6 people, sometimes 8-10 people. We have real poker chips (not that plastic garbage) and play Texas Hold'em only. It's usually hosted on someone's house or after hours at someone's business.

You aren't going to find any games other than home games etc. in Japan.

[zorro (3)]

poker.com is better!!! I tell you.
what's your name on pacific poker canuck? I'll look out for you cos I also have an account with them. Do you play often? Win, lose or break even?

[southofreality]

Thanks for the hook-up, markle.

To the OP, or anyone else who's interested, poker is getting more and more popular in the Tokyo area all the time. There are several card rooms in the city, including one called The Ueno Room. Several bars in Shibuya have started up weekly Texas Hold 'Em tournaments as well. Of course, gambling is illegal in Japan, but there's a big players association here (JPPA, I think) that keeps records of player rankings. The best are invited to play in tournaments where the winners get 'bought in' at WPT events as well as the World Series in Vegas.

Cash home games are not hard to find. You're likely to run into gangsters and high-rollers if you get around to different games in the area, though. My meager salary usually keeps me out of the heavy games, however.

Anyway, click on the page link in my signature for info on getting into a 'friendly' home game in the Tokyo area.

And, Canuck, there's a seat open for you next time you come to Tokyo.

[canuck]

[zorro (3)]

I guess you lose more than you win then Canuck. Or do you just use the play money?

[southofreality]

Here's a page link to the jppa page. You'll find info on the Ueno Room there. As far as the buy-in prize goes, I think that, since there's no buy-in for the qualifying tournament, it's OK to credit the winner with the WPT or World Series buy-in prize. It just ends up being a gift to the winner. I think the qualifying tourney is sponsored by PokerStars or some other poker playing site.

http://www.japan-poker.net/

[zorro (3)]

So basically it's a freeroll to a WPT or WSOP tourney which takes place outside of Japan.

We should get an online game organised for dave's members. I know that you can create your own STTs at poker.com. Anyone up for it?

[southofreality]

[zorro (3)]

That's a plan, but I'm needed in Scarborough this weekend. I'm not sure I can make it to South Tokyo by 6....Let me know how it goes though.

So would you be up for an online game for those of us who can't make the Tokyo gig south? And anyone else?

I won't take too much money off of you all....

[southofreality]

Sorry, Zorro.

I don't play cash games online. When you make it back to Tokyo, though...

[zorro (3)]