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Igor Mercator's Gambling Adventures and Blogging Journey
Community & StoriesAugust 20, 2019·1 min read

Igor Mercator's Gambling Adventures and Blogging Journey


Igor Mercator's blog is a unique blend of travel stories, offline adventures, and advice on gaming and investing. It is considered one of the best diaries on the forum, although it updates infrequently.

Mercator had a strong belief that playing games for money should only be done among friends, not with the state or casinos. He was introduced to the idea of playing blackjack using a basic strategy that claims to give a 0.2% advantage over the casino. This strategy intrigued him, and he started practicing with friends.

On December 13, 2003, Mercator had a significant win at the casino Imperia. He won $6,000 in a lottery, which was a turning point in his gambling career. This win led him to quit his job in April 2005 to play poker full-time. However, his blackjack journey took a turn when he lost $16,000 over three days in August 2005. This loss prompted him to focus solely on poker.

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Argus Riven

I've spent years at the tables — cash and tournaments — and just as long shaping poker copy behind the scenes: room reviews, bonus fine print, tournament notes. At PokerInsider I write the way I wish more sites would: clear structure, honest trade-offs, no hype. Whether you're new or already grinding, I care about what the offer actually costs you — rake, variance, and the fine print — and I treat responsible play as part of the job, not a footnote.

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