California Poker Players Conference

Mike Caro, "The Mad Genius of Poker"
Keynote Presenter and Master of Ceremonies

Mike Caro, "The Mad Genius of Poker" is regarded as the world's foremost authority on poker strategy, psychology, and statistics. He's a noted gambling authority, industry consultant and spokesperson, respected odds-maker on current events and politics, and author of seven books, including "Mike Caro's Book of Tells: The Body Language of Poker."

He's founder of the Mike Caro University of Poker, Gaming, and Life Strategy. His accomplishments in the world of professional poker as player, teacher, casino manager, industry advisor and expert witness are too numerous to list, and resulted in his being included in 'Who's Who in America," "Who's Who in the West," and 'Who's Who in the World." And if that wasn't enough, Mike was inducted into the Seniors Hall of Fame for poker players at the 2006 World Series of Poker.

Mike sets the standards for industry and personal ethics and integrity. And he's a darn nice guy.

Throughout the Event:  Winning! Tips from Mike Caro!

Because the 2007 CPPC is blessed to have Mike Caro as Master of Ceremonies, you're going to receive his wit and wisdom throughout the event.

Although what you can learn from any one of this year's presenters is worth more than the price of admission, it wouldn't be crazy to register just for the sake of meeting Mike, basking in his presence and devouring his knowledge.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER and learn from Mike live at the 2007 CPPC!

Jeffrey Pollack

Jeffrey Pollack is founder of "The Sports Business Daily," a "must-read" for top decision-makers in the sports, entertainment and television industries. He's also a two-time Emmy Award® winner, having served as Managing Director of Broadcasting and New Media for NASCAR Digital Entertainment and as Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Communications for the NBA.

Jeffrey is Vice President of Sports and Entertainment for Harrah's Entertainment leading the company's live entertainment business on a global basis, as well as Harrah's work with the television, film, music and new media industries. To Harrah's he brings his highly regarded creativity and entrepreneurial insights to his responsibilities for managing Harrah's portfolio of sports ventures.

"Looking Ahead to the 2008 World Series of Poker"

How do you feel Harrah's is doing now that they've acquired the WSOP? The verdict certainly isn't in, given the short time that they've been running the show. But that hasn't stopped the controversy from building to near fever pitch.

Want to find out the inside story about what's happening with the most prestigious poker tournament in the world? You'll get insights and answers about the future of the WSOP at the 2007 CPPC, straight from the person most responsible.

Got a burning question about the World Series of Poker for Jeffrey? CLICK HERE to ask him in advance, then come to the Conference to hear his answers.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER and hear about the WSOP from Jeffrey live at the 2007 CPPC!

Discover what Vince has to say about being a highly successful professional tournament player:

Vince Burgio

Vince Burgio is yet another inductee of the Senior's Poker Hall of Fame on this year's CPPC roster. Among his many major poker championships and achievements are wins at the World Series of Poker, Hall of Fame Classic, $5000 Diamond Jim Brady Championship Event, two Four Queens Classics, two Legends of Poker tournaments, two L.A. Poker Classics, three World Poker Classics (back to back to back), two televised Ultimate Poker Challenges, the California State Championship, Masters of Poker, Heavenly Hold'em and Super Stars of Poker. Whew!

Vince is well known as a columnist with a unique inside view into the very heart of the poker world, with over 100 columns published in Card Player Magazine. His critically acclaimed autobiographical book, "Pizza, Pasta and Poker: The Private and Public Life of a Professional Poker Player," was selected by The Poker Forum.com as the Best New Poker Book of 2006.

"What It's Like to Be a Professional Poker Player"

Think you can make it as a poker pro?

Besides the fact that there's a significant challenge to consistently earning enough money at poker to give up your day job, the explosion of poker's presence in the public eye has affected the lives of pro players in ways that you've got to know about if you desire to play that game.

There are some great things about being a poker professional, and Vince is going to share them with you. But he won't hold back, and in his presentation he's going to tell you equally about the pitfalls and the downsides, and give you some invaluable tips about how to avoid them. Bring your questions, and discover if becoming a poker pro is a path that's right for you.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER and learn from Vince live at the 2007 CPPC!

Discover what Barbara has to say about outplaying your opponents, and tournament rebuys:

Barbara Enright

Barbara Enright is Editor of "Women Poker Player" magazine, winner of three World Series of Poker bracelets, and the only woman who's ever played at a World Series of Poker final table. Her numerous other accomplishments include being the only woman to win a best all-around (Legends of Poker, 2000) and she's the highest woman finisher at Mike Sexton's Tournament of Champions. As a professional poker player with an unmatched tournament record among all women players, Barbara was recently inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame with this year's co-inductee Phil Hellmuth.

"Reading Your Table"

Is your opponent bluffing? Can she read your tell - the one that you didn't think you had? Do you have command over this significant aspect of the game that falls into the "skills" category, and makes the difference between a winning player and a losing one, in both the short-term and long run?

At the Conference, Barbara will reveal strategies for figuring out your opponents' playing styles, how to adjust your own play accordingly, and how project a misleading table image so that it's nearly impossible for other players to put a read on you. Learn these skills, and dominate the table!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER and learn from Barbara live at the 2007 CPPC!

Discover what George has to say about how to select the best table to give you the greatest chance to win:

George "The Engineer" Epstein

Search the Web, and the picture it will paint is that George Epstein was the cream-of-the-crop in his career in engineering, having published over 200 technical papers and books, and having received numerous commendations and awards. During his luminous career he taught at UCLA and lectured at five different NASA Centers.

At 80 years young, George has been playing poker since he retired in 1991, and claims that he's NOT a professional poker player. Even so, he's a poker columnist and has written two books on poker. George says: "Playing poker is a wonderful form of recreation that leads to a healthy mind, which leads to a healthy body," and he's living proof of his own beliefs. As an advocate of poker, he teaches senior citizens (and players of all ages) simply how to enjoy the game - which means he teaches them how to win. You definitely want to learn from George, or else his senior citizen protégés will take your money in a heartbeat!

"Poker is NOT Gambling - Ask Mark Twain"

Over 100 years ago, Mark Twain wrote an essay about a famous court case that led to the conclusion that poker is a game of science (knowledge and skill). More recent inquiries into whether poker is a game of luck or skill, including one by U.S.C. Professor Dr. George Friedman confirm Mr. Twain's assertion. What do you think? George certainly has something to say about it that you don't want to miss hearing!

"The Four Basic Rules for Winning & the Hold'em Algorithm"

There are four basic rules for winning at any game of poker. Obey the rules, and you often go home a winner; break them, and you're likely to go home a loser. When you know the "Hold'em Algorithm" and apply it to Rule #3 (both the algorithm and the rule will be revealed during George's presentation), you can easily make the decision about whether to stay and see the flop or fold, based on your two hole cards. Will you be one of George's well-informed winning students, or will you lose to someone who is? The choice is up to you…

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER and learn from George live at the 2007 CPPC!

Discover what Russell has to say about how 99 cents can help you win more money and give less to the tax man:

Russell C. Fox

Russell Fox worked in the business world for almost 20 years, serving in a variety of finance and operations positions. Then he established his own tax consulting and preparation practice and became an Enrolled Agent (a federally licensed tax preparer), and he's been taking care of poker players' tax needs for over eight years. Nowadays he's considered one of the country's experts in the area of gambling and taxes.

Oh, yeah. Russ is also the co-author of two poker books: "Why You Lose at Poker" and "Mastering No-Limit Hold'em." That's probably two more than you've written so far

"Poker and the I.R.S."

"Our new Constitution is now established, and has an appearance that promises permanency; but in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes." - Benjamin Franklin, in a letter to Jean-Baptiste Leroy (11.13.1789)

You need to know about how all of the pieces of the poker / money / taxes work for two very important reasons: 1. So you don't get in trouble with The I.R.S.; and 2. So you give them as little as possible and keep as much for yourself as you can &endash; ethically, and legally. In his presentation, Russ is going to explain the most important federal and state laws that you've got to know about, whether you're an amateur or a pro. And you're going to learn exactly what you need to know about taxes so that whether you win or lose you can comply with the laws and take full advantage of them to limit your tax liability.

When you sit down at the table on any given evening you're probably not thinking about the tax ramifications, but when you apply all the rest of what you learn at this conference and start raking in the big bucks, you'd better be prepared to deal with this aspect of the game!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER and learn from Russell live at the 2007 CPPC!

Discover what Tony has to say about putting your opponent on probable hands, and about tight/aggressive play:

Tony Guerrera

Tony Guerrera may be young, but he's still a player to be reckoned with, and an authority to be learned from. Tony's written countless published articles on poker strategy, and hosts the "Killer Poker Analysis" Internet radio show. He's also the author of two books; "Killer Poker By The Numbers''and co-author of "Killer Poker Shorthanded" with John Vorhaus. When he's not writing or working on his show, he coaches players about how to optimize their hourly win rate, so make sure to ask him about that when you see him at the Conference..

"Poker's Youth Revolution: The Past, The Present, and the Flexible Mindset Needed to Dominate The Future"

Today's youth have greatly changed the face of poker in more ways than one, not the least of which is that on average young players come to the table more analytically sound than the average player just five years ago. So whether you're a newbie or a seasoned veteran of the game, you've got to keep up with what these "kids" are bringing to the table, or their book learnin' could just trump your Ace and Eights.

In his presentation, Tony is going to talk about this sea tide of change, and tell you exactly what you need to do to thrive in today's poker playing climate. You'll learn how to combine a strong theoretical foundation with a flexible mindset, so you can stay ahead of the curve (and your younger opponents) as poker continues to evolve.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER and learn from Tony live at the 2007 CPPC!

Discover what Susie has to say about the advantages of being a woman in a predominately male game:

And about how to use position to your greatest advantage.

Susie Isaacs

Susie Isaacs began making a name for herself when she took third place in the Women's Seven-Card Stud tournament in 1993, and then returned the following year to finish in fourth place. Then she stunned the poker world by becoming the back-to-back Women's Seven-Card Stud champion, winning WSOP bracelets in 1996 and 1997. In 2007 she placed 35th in a record field of almost 1,300 in that event, and has since won the Ladies Poker Dream Weekend tournament.

Susie may be one of the toughest competitors in women-only events, but this history-maker also does damage in mixed company: In 1998, she entered the WSOP $10,000 Main Event and finished in 10th place, just missing the final table. Since then, she's has cashed in at dozens of other WSOP and non-Series tournaments including placing in the top five percent of the field in the WSOP main event in 2006. Also an author, her most recent book is; "Queens Can Beat Kings, Broad-Minded Poker."

"The Five-P Theory / Queens Can Beat Kings!"

If you want to play consistent winning poker, knowing hand odds simply isn't enough. You've got to know about human nature, you've got to dedicate yourself to the game, and you've got to know strategy. Susie Isaacs knows more about "The Five P's of Poker": Patience, Position, Psychology, Perseverance, and Practice than most men playing the game today. You want to learn from her, not mess with her at the tables.

THE Tom McEvoy, winner of the World Series of Poker Main Event in 1983 and nearly $2 million in his tournament career to date, sauntered into Susie's first presentation of "The 5 P's," sat down, took out his notebook, and started writing. Give you any clues about how important this presentation could be to your ability to win???

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER and learn from Susie live at the 2007 CPPC!

Discover what Lou has to say about "Betting the River":

and about "how to profit from your opponent's betting patterns:

Lou Krieger

Lou Krieger has been winning at poker since he was seven, and he's, well, a few years older than that now. When he took up writing about the game, he put the same winning philosophy into becoming one of the world's most well-known and well-respected poker authors and journalists today. Lou has co-author of "Poker for Dummies," 11 best-selling books and more than 400 columns and magazine articles of poker strategy, and is editor of Poker Player Newspaper. He co-hosts "Keep Flopping Aces" on HoldemRadio.com with Amy Calistri.

"Seven Top Tips Guaranteed to Improve Your Game!"

At the Conference, Lou is going to reveal his seven favorite poker tips, and although he'll aim them at Texas Hold'em, you can be sure that you'll discover how to apply them in all your poker play. You'll want to get Lou's invaluable advice whether you play limit or no-limit, cash games as or tournaments.

Card Player Magazine columnist Nolan Dalla said that "getting Lou's advice is like getting painting lessons from Rembrandt or being taught the violin by Stradivarius." This presentation will be music to your ears.

Bonus Session: "Calling Stations, Maniacs, and Getting Water from a Rock"

You'll just have to be here to discover what Lou will reveal!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER and learn from Lou live at the 2007 CPPC!

John Pappas

Every industry and its constituents needs "a good man in Washington." In the poker world, John Pappas is your man. He's been working in Washington government circles since the day he graduated college and began working for his hometown Congressman. Since then, he's served as a media and policy advisor for dozens of Fortune 500 companies, start-up firms, trade associations and grassroots organizations.

Enter the Poker Players Alliance (PPA), for which John began working as Vice President of Government Affairs, coordinating lobbying, grassroots and media. As V.P., he educated lawmakers about poker and helped formulate legislation which ensures that Americans can continue to enjoy the great game of poker in the venue of their choosing. Now, as Executive Director of the PPA, John is responsible for the overall operations management, strategic initiatives, membership communication/engagement and recruitment.

"Poker in Politics"

If you think that poker doesn't have anything to do with politics, or vice versa... think again! Why is it that in California, you can play "21" Blackjack in some casinos and not in others? Politics! Why is it legal to bet on horse racing online, but not play poker for cash in online poker rooms based in the U.S.? Politics! Why can police in on most states walk into a friendly penny-ante game and bust Mom and Dad while they're playing poker with their kids or their neighbors? Politics!

What do you have to know about if you want to protect - and expand - your right to play poker at your home, in the casino, and on the Web? Politics! Who can you turn to to teach you about this important aspect of the game? John Pappas. Be there!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER and learn from John live at the 2007 CPPC!

Discover what Charlie has to say about how to unleash the power of your mind to play consistent winning poker:

Charlie Shoten

In 2002 at age 65 Charlie Shoten was an average poker player. In the next year he was ranked among the Top Ten players by Card Player Magazine, with 19 final tables, four wins and four seconds. Since then, Charlie's Lifetime recorded tournament earnings have risen to $1.3 million with 70 final tables including 16 1st- and 12 2nd-place finishes.

He's the author of the book "No-limit Life," winner of the finalist best book award for 2005 from USABookNews.com in the category of - not poker or gaming, but Psychology/Mental Health. He's also published nearly 50 articles in Poker Player Newspaper on the subject of poker and mind clearing.

"Your MIND... Focused or B.S.?"

How did Charlie Shoten go from being an average player to a million-dollar tournament champion in only a year? Here's his own words: "I had a shift in perception that allowed me to defeat the forces that were sabotaging my game and my life. These forces were memories, ideas, thoughts and beliefs that I held that were implanted in me by outside forces or that I had created in response to neglect or abuse."

At the Conference, Charlie will reveal the underlying principals that support his strategy, and his "Ten Commitments," designed to help you free yourelf from your most deadly enemy - your bad thoughts. Then you'll learn the step-by-step process he developed that will allow you to feel confident being who you really are, with a joyous mindset, a radiant smile, winning business and relationships and a happier life. You'll also discover that integrity, values and the truth are your greatest assets, and how to put them to work for you in your life and your game.

Charlie is going to joyously share his discoveries with you and hold nothing back. And as he says; 'The truth will set you free!" Want the personal freedom that turned Charlie's life - and his poker winnings -upside down in such a positive direction so fast? He's going to teach you exactly how to identify, assemble and master the tools, and implement the strategies for "Maintaining Focus" and "Being in the Zone" 24/7/365in poker and in life." Attend his presentation, and learn from the master!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER and learn from Charlie live at the 2007 CPPC!

Discover what Stan has to say about the influence of TV on poker, and about tournament trends:

Stan Sludikoff

Here's what Stan says about himself: Stan Sludikoff was born in Bronx, N.Y., July 17, 1935. Trained in architecture at the Pratt Institute and U.S.C. he's a certified city planner who served in the army and rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel. Stan is the author of a number of books and articles on poker, blackjack, craps and other gaming-related topics. He's been active in gaming journalism since founding Gambling Times in 1971 and Poker Player newspaper in 1982 and is still active as Publisher of the latter.

Far too humble for a man who's dedicated his life to poker journalism, and who is the most respected and possibly most influential journalist in the poker world today. Stan is an outspoken advocate for the industry and everyone involved in it. He's not afraid to speak up on behalf of players or the industry as a whole, according to what he feels needs to be heard and done. His impact is wide-reaching and significant. Whether you agree with his opinions or not, when you meet him, thank him. Through his advocacy and his publications, he's meant more to you than you most likely realize.

"The Future of Tournament Poker"

Tournament Poker is evolving quickly. Not just changing - evolving. From local tournaments to casino events to world-wide month-long televised tournament tours, poker is no longer an underground industry. The stakes for tournament producers, promoters and players get bigger every day, as do the number of entrants and the size of the prizes. And all of this affects you.

Stan knows as much - or more - than anyone in the poker world about the industry-wide activities and trends related to tournament gaming. And as a poker publisher and journalist his advocacy for players' tournament rights and rewards is unmatched by anyone else's.

Have you read his recent ongoing series about how the changes in the World Series of Poker - a tournament for which he is a staunch supporter and advocate - have impacted players since the WSOP was acquired by Harrah's? Stan and Jeffrey Pollack, WSOP Commissioner, are both Featured Presenters at this year's Conference. Let the sparks fly!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER and learn from Stan live at the 2007 CPPC!

Discover what Robert has to say about how to protect yourself from online collusion, and how to select and register for tournaments to give you the greatest winning edge:

Robert Turner

Robert "Chipburner" Turner has been playing and winning big since 1978, and is Poker Manager for the Normandie Casino in Gardena, CA. A poker industry icon, he introduced the game of Omaha into Nevada, and No-Limit into California when it was legalized. Robert is the only poker player to win an all around championship in four different decades, and was inducted into the Senior Poker Hall of Fame in 1999 alongside T.J. Cloutier and Kenny Flaton.

"How to Protect Yourself from Collusion / Cheating Online"

At the conference, Robert is going to take you behind the scenes of Internet poker, and answer questions such as: Who owns the site you're playing on? What's the responsibility of the Internet gaming site to its patrons? What responsibility does the site have to protect you? If they are monitoring the site, who's monitoring the 'monitors'? You'll learn exactly what you can, and cannot, do to protect yourself.

"Tournament Poker Game Selection"

Is poker a game of luck, or one of skill? Both, of course. But most players don't bring any knowledge or skills to the "game" of shifting the odds in your favor when it comes to tournaments. Yes, there are strategies for selecting tournaments, enrolling in them, and working what's happening at the tournament to your winning advantage. Prepare to learn the inside secrets of tournament winners.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER and learn from Robert live at the 2007 CPPC!

Discover what Marsha has to say about intimidating your opponents by exuding confidence at the table, and about winning tournament strategy.

Marsha Waggoner

Marsha Wagonner's impressive poker career began more than thirty years ago when he began dealing at a private poker game in Sydney, Australia. She moved to other side of the table, starting out playing 5-Card Stud and now has mastered more styles of poker than most men she beats. As a tournament player she's racked up more than half a million dollars in winnings, with 77 high-profile international tournament "cashes" to her credit, including taking 1st Place in Limit 7-Card Stud Hi/Lo at the 2003 National Championship of Poker.

"How to Lose and Be a Better Winner / A Girl in a Man's World"

Although the title of her presentation is "A Girl in a Man's World," Marsha is not only a WOMAN to be admired, she's a true lady. Her motto is "Be Nice," and if she had her way, she'd "banish bad behaviour in any form."

What does it take to be a woman and be a winner at what has traditionally been thought of as a "man's game" (although there have always been woman who have bested their male counterparts)? It's a bit like the line about Ginger Rogers, who you might remember, "had to dance as well as Fred Astaire - only backwards and in high heels." Would that all players - male and female - combined their knowledge of the game with the levity and class that Marsha brings to it.

Marsha came to the U.S. from Australia some thirty years ago. She took up residence in Reno, Nevada and spent ten years there raising her two children and serving her apprenticeship as a professional poker player. For the past twenty years Marsha has lived in the poker world of Southern California and Las Vegas and traveled the world playing in  tournaments near and far. She visits her homeland annually to help host the Aussie Millions. In the International Poker World, Marsha Waggoner is "Success