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It’s no surprise that we’re keeping the great deals coming over the holiday season. After all, you deserve a break from the exhausting stints of eating, sleeping and visiting relatives!

Find out what’s happening at Hollywood Poker:

:: Get something for nothing: $10K Freeroll Week III
:: Invite-A-Friend: Spread the spirit & split $150!
:: Resolve to win with our Deposit Bonuses
:: Join Celebrity Host Josh Malina in the Hollywood Poker Celebrity Classic!
:: Stay connect this holiday season with our Private Tournaments
:: Spend the New Year with the Hollywood Poker Girls
:: Experience the thrill of low limits & BIG fun!
:: Play hard? Think large!
:: Software Update
:: Player Spotlight: davebiglkAK!
:: Write to Win: Holiday Homegames
:: Holiday Wishes from WPT Host Vince Van Patten
:: Hollywood Poker Quiz

Get something for nothing: $10K Freeroll Week III

Hollywood Poker’s kicking off 2006 by giving you the chance to take a chunk of $10,000 for free. That’s right: You don’t have to buy-in or exchange any of your hard earned Poker Points to qualify. We’ll award you tickets to the $10K Freeroll Week III based on your real money play between December 5th at 12pm EST and January 9th at 5pm EST. The more Poker Points you accumulate during this time, the more likely you are to find yourself sitting front and center in all 4 ascending value freerolls.

Learn more about the $10K Freeroll Poker Week III.

Invite-A-Friend: Spread the spirit & split $150!

Until January 2, you can split $150 with a pal when you cash in with our Invite-A-Friend program. This limited-time offer puts you on the fast-track to easy street! Once you’ve invited your friend to play at Hollywood Poker, you don’t have to do a thing. You can just sit back, relax and let them meet the easy to clear Poker Point requirements.

While the Invite-A-Friend promotion is always up for grabs, our $150 offer expires in a matter of weeks. Don’t miss out on this chance to spread the holiday spirit by giving (and receiving!) with Hollywood Poker.

Learn more about how you can Invite-A-Friend to Hollywood Poker.

Resolve to win with our Deposit Bonuses

Another year’s over. It’s time to get off the rail and start playing to win! There’s no reason getting in the money should be hard – especially when we offer FIVE exclusive Hollywood Poker Deposit Bonuses. After all, there’s more than one type of player. The only question is: What kind of player are you?

Ponder no further. Here’s a helpful list of common player types. Once you select the one that best describes you, you’ll have found your perfect bonus code!

The Tournament Junkie

You live for the unparalleled thrill of tournament play and just can’t get enough of those Celebrity Bounties.

You want:
The Celebrity Tournament Package Bonus Code.

Features:  
:: A ticket that can be used for the Michael Woods Celebrity Invitational tournament or the Hollywood Poker Celebrity Classic. 
:: Celebrity Bounties available for up to $100.
::  $500 added to the tournament prize pool 
::  A free ticket to the beginner’s only Red Carpet Tournament.

The New Kid on the Block

You’re ready to try new things, make new friends and make some money – but you want to start off slow.

You want:
The New & Low Stakes Player Bonus Code.

Features: 
::  A 100% bonus for up to $50.
::  A free ticket to the beginner’s only Red Carpet Tournament.

The Easy Rider

You’re no stranger to poker, but you view it more as a recreational hobby than a vocation. Besides, your significant other might leave you if you spend any less time with them.

You want:
The Low to Mid Stakes Player Bonus Code.

Features:
:: A 100% bonus for up to $75.
:: A free ticket to the beginner’s only Red Carpet Tournament.

The Rising Star

You’re heading for the top, baby – but you’re not quite there yet. You’re keeping your eyes on the prize, your clicking finger toned and your lucky Ferguson wig on hand.

You want:
The Mid to High Stakes Player Bonus Code.

Features:
::  A 100% bonus for up to $100.
::  A free ticket to the beginner’s only Red Carpet Tournament.

The Heavy Hitter

You’re motto’s ‘Go hard or go home’ and you want to make sure your bankroll’s along for the ride.

You want:
The Enthusiasts & High Stakes Player Bonus Code.

Features:
::  A 500% bonus for up to $1,000.
::  Bonus money released in rewarding $50 increments.
::  A free ticket to the beginner’s only Red Carpet Tournament.

Get your Deposit Bonus codes today!

Join Celebrity Host Josh Malina in the Hollywood Poker Celebrity Classic!

We’re thrilled to announce that Josh Malina, creator of Celebrity Poker Showdown and star of The West Wing, will be hosting the Hollywood Poker Celebrity Classic for the month of January. You could walk away with a coveted Celebrity Bounty for up to $100 or a piece of the $500 increased prize pool. 

Need another reason to play the Hollywood Poker Celebrity Classic? Starting January 8th, Hollywood Poker will be monitoring the top 5 players in the Hollywood Poker Celebrity Classic. If you make the Hollywood Poker Celebrity Classic Top 5 Leader Board, you’ll be rewarded a slice of $1,000 proportionately, depending on your play.

Join Josh every Sunday at 2pm EST to try your hand at a game of ultimate Hollywood Hold’em. There’s finally a reason to look forward to the end of the weekend!

Find out more about the Hollywood Poker Celebrity Classic. 

Stay connected this holiday season with our Private Tournaments

Not everyone can visit one another this holiday season, but that shouldn’t stop you from getting together for a good old fashioned game of poker. After all, nothing says ‘Season’s Greetings’ like smack-talking your friends and family.

Hollywood Poker’s Private Tournaments allow you to design your own tournament. You say when, how much and who’s invited.

Learn more about how you can set up a Private Tournament today!

Spend the New Year with the Hollywood Poker Girls

Now you can exchange Poker Points for the 2006 Hollywood Poker Girls Calendar! Since its release, Hollywood Poker’s first calendar has become a hot commodity. For a mere 1200 Poker Points, you can join the thousands of players of have decked their halls with 12 smoking hot poker goddesses. 2006 is looking good!

To order your calendar, simply go to your ‘My Account’ page, click ‘Exchange Poker Points’ and select the 2006 Hollywood Poker Girls Calendar.

Haven’t met these bombshells? Check out the Hollywood Poker Girls!

Play hard? Think large!

Calling all future pros: Get ahead of the game by playing in Hollywood Poker’s big money tournaments, like the ‘Big Deal’. Or how about the $50,000 and $40,000 GUARANTEED tournaments? All of these events are dealing out high energy, mounds of cash and enough confidence to send you packing for the WSOP.

Think you’ve got what it takes? Visit our Featured Poker Tournaments page to find out how you can get in on the chance of a life time.
 

Experience the thrill of low limits & BIG fun!

There’s no reason you have to sell your first born to experience the thrill of poker. Hollywood Poker hosts weekly tournaments that guarantee amazing plays without amazing risk.

The ‘Lucky Dollar’, ‘Easy Money’ and ‘Speed Zone’ tournaments all boast big fun, without a big buy-in.

Here’s the deal:

‘Lucky Dollar’
Every Saturday at 3pm EST.
• Entry fee only ONE dollar.
•  $2,500 added to the prize pool.

‘Easy Money’
Tuesday to Saturday, 8pm EST.
• 50% of players end up IN the money.
• $100 added to the prize pool.
• Entry fee $5+0.50

‘Speed Zone’
Every Saturday at 2pm EST.
• $100 added to the prize pool.
• Entry fee $5+0.50

Looks like it’s time to slow play your way into the real money tables!

Find out more about our low-stake tournaments by visiting our Featured Tournaments page.

Software Update

There has been a small update to the tournament software that will help ensure tournament stability and allow you to play multi-table tournaments with increased ease.


Player Spotlight: meet davebigslkAK

Want your chance in the Spotlight? Simply e-mail me at hollay@hollywoodpoker.com. If you’re chosen for the week’s Player Spotlight, you’ll win a HollywoodPoker.com tournament ticket!

In this week’s Spotlight, meet davebigslkAK!

I am a 53 year old retired man who likes to play at Hollywood Poker. I like the tournaments, especially The Red Carpet, Michael Woods Celebrity Invitational and Hollywood Poker Celebrity Classic. When I signed up on the site I took advantage of the Celebrity Tournament Package. When I played in The Red Carpet I placed fourth and had a fun time. Then I played in the Hollywood Poker Celebrity Classic and had a ball . Man I watched Ken Howard play; I’m big fan of his. I wanted to get to the tables so I could go after the bounties but I got sucked out and it ended my chances. Still, I love playing at Hollywood Poker can't wait for the next day to play.

My goal is to play with James Woods, Michael Woods and Vince Van Patten - that would make my day! I watch Vince every Wednesday night on the Travel Channel’s WPT Tour.

I have been married for 35 years to my wife, Ann, and we have three kids. The oldest son is making the navy his career, my daughter is a homemaker and the youngest boy is a cheif.

I get my wife to play on the site sometimes. She likes to be the girl in the number two seat because she says she feels sexy! I tell her she is sexy.

Keep up the good work, Hollywood Poker and I will talk to you all later!

~davebigslkAK

Write to Win: Holiday Homegame

Christmas Big Deal

‘Twas the night before Christmas,
I was a little bit soused
When my measly two pair
met up with a full house

The chips in the center
Of my No-Limit Table’d
Be stacked by the winner
Myself severely disabled

This was my regular
Saturday night home game
Christmas Eve or no
We played it just the same

My wife and my children
All tucked in up the stair
Had given up hope
Santa’d ever come there

The money for gifts
Was now all in play
Converted to chips
And swiftly going away

Pizza boxes and beer cans
Decked out mid the décor
Of holly and lights
on a tree ceiling to floor

And way up on top
Was a bright Christmas star
Empty stockings all hung
On the place with the fire

The cards now reshuffled
Hole cards dealt out with care
My chip stack was dwindling
Near the ol’ chip and a chair

When to my wonderin’ eyes
Appeared in my pocket
To my utter surprise
a rocket on rocket

And though I was feeling
A little bit tired
My mind started in reeling
From my two Aces wired

The blinds now in place
The bet came my way
I was in early position
So I had to slow play

I watched and I waited
The small blind limped in
Then a test raise was baited
Smooth called all around again

The flop was a godsend
Worth more than gold
An ace and two kings
Though I thought all would fold

But what would be sweet
I couldn’t have known
Until after the hand
When all cards were shown

Two seats to my left
Had pocket tens in his craw
The seat to my right
Had jack queen and a draw

And the guy on the button
Had four to the flush
Just talking about it
Still gives me a rush

The turn brought a ten
Jack/queen bet his straight
I smoothed called again
Aces full was gonna be great

The presents I will buy
Would put poor Santa to shame
I’ll show my disgruntled wife
I was right not to cancel this game

Then a funny thing happened
The big blind pushed it all in
But I saw his tell
He revealed a slight grin

I knew right away
This was a big bluff
By the big blind
And I’d had quite enough

I had him covered
So I confidently called
But what happened next
Left me quite appalled

The bet was raised ‘round the table
All In’s again and again
With every chip that was able
Soon into this pot . . . when

Came 5th Street, the river
It was a spade ten
With the chips all committed
It was a done deal by then

The only thing left
Was to turn over our cards
As the faces turned sickly
One by one breaking their hearts

The straight beat by the flush
The flush beat by the house
Kings full of Aces
Boy, did he ever grouse

When my Aces full
Put him in his place
Such a broad smile
Now filled my whole face

I couldn’t believe the luck
That just happened to me
When out of the blue
Four tens did I see

He jumped up for joy
But was soon takin’ aback
When the big blind turned over
Another queen and a jack

They were both black
Each of them was a spade
Matched Ace, king, ten on the board
His Royal was made

He’d called us with that?
Was he really that thick?
Then it suddenly hit
For me there’d be no Saint Nick

My wife would loudly exclaim
As I drove outta sight
She’d be changing’ her name
After the custody fight

So if your home game
Falls on a Christmas Eve
Better to play Santa
Then Aces full . . .

and forever have to leave.

~Al N Smithee

Congratulations are in order for Al N Smithee,  who received the most votes in this week's Write to Win contest and who's won a tournament ticket!

You could win a HollywoodPoker.com tournament ticket for submitting an article in our Write to Win promotion! All you have to do is write about the week’s topic and send it to hollay@hollywoodpoker.com. I’ll post all articles that qualify in the ‘Center Stage’ section of the Green Room forums and your fellow players vote for their favorite article. Aside from the prestige and praise you’ll receive for your rhetorical brilliance, if you win you’ll also score a tournament ticket.

Write to Win will resume the first week in January. Feel free to send me your submissions now!

Next topic: New Years Resolutions.


Holiday Wishes from Vince Van Patten, WPT Host and Commentator

I want to wish all my friends at Hollywood Poker a joyous holiday season and a happy and healthy New Year.

It’s been an incredible year here at Hollywood Poker. I’ve met some amazing people, got to play against tough competition and I’ve enjoyed being a part of a great poker community.

I’m looking forward to seeing what’s in the cards for 2006.

Until then!

~Vince Van Patten


Hollywood Poker Quiz

Did you take the quiz and want to know how you did? Wait no longer – here are the answers:

Question #1: In the download version, where do you go to enable your statistics?
Answer #1: Click on the ‘Statistics’ tab and then select ‘Enable Statistics’.

Question #2: When does the improved $150 Invite-A-Friend promotion expire?
Answer #2: January 2, 2006.

Question #3: Which Hollywood Poker tournament boasts that 50% of players end up in the money?
Answer #3: The ‘Easy Money’.

Question #4: What's the minimum amount you can cash out using FIRE PAY?
Answer #4: $5 is the minimum cash-out.

Question #5: Name 5 of the Famous Faces in the Celebrity Players section of our 'Green Room'.
Answer #5: Any 5 of the following were acceptable:

James Woods, Vince Van Patten, Andrew Hill Newman, Ant, Jonathan Baker, Tim Busfield, Gary Carter, Ronnie Cox, Michael DeLorenzo,  Tom Everett Scott, Kato Kaelin, Jon Landau, Josh Malina, John O’Hurley, Mimi Rogers, Bill Smitrovich, Dick Van Patten and Norby Walters.

The Hollywood Poker Quiz will be returning in January, so keep your eyes peeled and your brain primed for another chance to win Hollywood Poker gear!

Hollywood Poker Extra Archive