By Paul Hewson
 
How do you decide who the best poker player in the world is? Since 2011, the Global Poker Index has been tracking tournament results and crowning its Player of the Year. Tournaments aren't the be-all and end-all of poker, but they are the most competitive form of the game – and therefore ideal for a Player of the Year competition.

By Paul Hewson
 
While Joe McKeehen was busy winning the World Series of Poker Main Event last month, the commentators had lots to say about the way McKeehen was staring down his opponents. People seemed a bit intimidated by the man they call “ Joey Ice Cube.” Personally, I found McKeehen's stare somewhat amusing. I don't mean to brag – there are players out there who would freak me out if I had to look them in the eye – but McKeehen seemed like a nice guy to me. His stares appeared to be more inquisitive than intimidating.

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By Paul Hewson
 
There are easier ways in the world to make money than playing poker. That's the kind of thing you usually hear from people who have already been successful at day trading or other financial pursuits. But it's true – provided you're willing to apply those poker skills away from the table, in a job where you'll have bigger responsibilities than making sure you don't bet out of turn.

By Paul Hewson
 
It's been said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. This piece of wisdom can be traced back to the English author Charles Caleb Colton – who, as it turned out, was an avid gambler. Colton kept a residence in Paris and frequented the Palais Royale, where he was said to have earned a small fortune – before losing it all and spending his last years supported by his family.

By Paul Hewson
 
Joe McKeehen wasn't supposed to win the Main Event. He may have had the biggest stack by far at this year's November Nine final table, but McKeehen was “only” the +175 favourite to outlast the other eight players and earn that coveted gold bracelet – and the $7.68 million that went with it. Somebody else in the field was more likely to win.

By Paul Hewson
 
Are we about to witness another WSOP-inspired poker boom? This year's “November Nine” final table at the Main Event features players from four countries, ranging in age from 23 to 72. No women again this year, sadly, and no Daniel Negreanu; he busted out in 11th place. But there are enough personalities at this final table to give every poker fan a reason to tune in Sunday night (8:30 PM ET, ESPN) when the cards start flying.

Here's a quick look at this year's November Nine, listed in order of seat number, with their chip counts (M = 1 million) and their odds at press time to win the Main Event.
 
1. Ofer Zvi Stern (29.8M; +450)

Paul Hewson
 
Poker players – especially the big winners – are some of the most interesting people you'll ever meet. Many of them are introverts, rarely leaving the warm glow of their computer screens. Others are extremely outgoing, even flamboyant. Go to any live poker tournament, and you're likely to see some bold fashion choices bobbing around that sea of hoodies.

Things get even more interesting when prop bets and television are involved. Many top players have appeared on TV wearing the strangest things – often because they've lost a prop bet to their poker buddies. Looking for some last-minute Halloween costume ideas? Here are three examples of how you can stand out from the crowd, as provided by some of the biggest names in poker.

By Paul Hewson
 
Back in June, three members of the Miami Dolphins – defensive tackle AJ Francis, offensive tackle Jason Fox and tight end Jordan Cameron – were booked to play in a poker tournament at the Seminole Casino in Coconut Creek, but the NFL stepped in and told the players they weren't allowed to participate, citing rules against promoting casino events. It shouldn't have been a surprise; back in 2011, 30 players were barred from entering a charity event in Vegas hosted by Phil Hellmuth.

By Paul Hewson
 
If you want to make money at poker, alcohol is a pretty bad idea. You might feel like you make better decisions after some lubrication, but unless you're Jackie Chan in Drunken Master, it's not going to help your game. However, if you're hosting a friendly night of cards, and you want to keep everything convivial, booze is your friend.

Here are three classic card/drinking games you can mix in with your poker to bring some more life to the table. Be a good host and break out the quality bottles for your guests.

 
President

By Paul Hewson
 
Here we are at the start of another NHL season – one of the more anticipated seasons in a while, thanks to some new young players like Connor McDavid, and some new rules like 3-on-3 overtime. The poker community is paying very close attention this year. Daniel Negreanu is on the verge of bringing an NHL team to Las Vegas, and the New Jersey Devils have hired pro player Sunny Mehta to lead their analytics department.