The problem lies in how to get there and this unfortunately is a problem many players have gone through and are going through now. Poker obviously plays different at all levels. At the lowest levels, the quality of play is, well, terrible. At the higher stakes, it is more realistic. When players start out playing poker, they can’t just jump to mid or high stakes games unless they have money from previous endeavors. Most have to build a bankroll and earn their way up. This is where the problem lies.

Good players play good poker, but good poker does not always work at the low levels. As well, a tournament with a $10 buy in is usually going to have thousands upon thousands of entrants, a field even an experienced professional will have a lot of trouble beating. Good players may simply not be able to get up the stakes where they would be good, if that makes sense. So, how can they get there?

BANKROLL BUILDING

Grinding the low stakes doesn’t always go as planned. A player maybe good enough to play $2-$4 NLH, but only has the money for $.10-$.20. Playing at $.10-$.20 can be brutal. Players calling all in with 32 and winning. Bluffing and catching miracle 2-outters. Not only that, but playing low stakes is not good practice for higher stakes since the games are so different. So players need to do a few things other then grind to get up in stakes.

First, always play with rakeback. This will keep money coming into your account from an outside source. Second, try playing on a new site so a player can also work towards a huge first deposit bonus. All online poker rooms give these bonuses. Third, if you can prove your play, try getting backed. Backing can get players the bankroll they need to play in the big games without the useless grind at low stakes.

And remember, when a player does play at the micro stakes, remember who the opponents are. Do not try crazy bluffs or advanced plays. ABC poker is the way to go.

Can you tell me a little about the Regina Early Learning Centre and your role within it?

Joel: The Regina Early Learning Centre is a child and family development centre working with low income families to provide pre-school programs for disadvantaged children from five years old to pre-natal instructions. I myself have served as Vice President of the Board off Directors for the last 2 years. I’ve also liasoned with a Capital Campaign Committee, which oversaw the implementation of raising $1,500,000 for our pre-school.

How did the idea of a charity poker event as a fundraiser come about?

Joel: Our Board of Directors is made up 100% of Parents of Students, and not all of them are financially blessed. So we were brain storming on how we could financially support the Regina Early Learning Centre and my friend Matt Robertson put me on to Linda Miller-Wenman at Casino Regina’s Charity Poker Department.

How did you come upon Casino Regina as a location for your event?

Joel: Every Thursday Night, Casino Regina hosts a Charity Poker Game for Non-Profit Charities, and it seemed like a great fit. The venue is clean, professional, stylish, and the players last year loved it!

Had you considered the other options like a private function room with hired dealers and rented equipment?

Joel: We had, but the legalities, paperwork, coordination, and man-power seemed to be a bit more than the Board of Directors was able to handle with what we already had on our plate with fundraising.

Were there any restrictions in Canada (or local laws) that you needed to consider as they pertain to hosting a poker tournament for charity?

Joel: Not at all. As long as you are within the guidelines of the Saskatchewan Gaming and Liquour Authority, you’re good to go. Casino Regina takes care of all of the legal issues as long as you have a Non-Profit Status as a Charity.

What is the single biggest issue you faced running a charity poker event?

Joel: Selling tickets would be up there, but I would have to say securing Celebrities for the Tournament. It takes a lot of relationship building, and networking to secure popular people, and to have them commit.

What would you consider the ‘recipe for success’ in hosting a charity poker event?

Joel: Baby Steps. Don’t try to get everything done the 1st week you sell your tickets. Take time to give yourself attainable goals and work towards them a little bit each week, and everything will fall into place.

Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions Joel, is there anything you would like to add?

Joel: Keep a positive attitude, and at least once in your life, go All In against the odds, or you’ll regret it!

We encourage you to submit your charity events through our Submit an Event form so we can help you spread the word about your event. Also, feel free to browse through the schedule of upcoming events and help support their respective charities by participating when you can.

Please feel free to spread the word about our website so that the hosts and organizers of these charity events will know there is a place for them to promote their cause! Here are a few ways to help:

• If you own a blog or website, you could link to us like so: Charity Poker
• Use the Social Networking buttons at the bottom of this or any other event announcement post. You can use these to post to Digg, Twitter, StumbleUpon, etc.