Over in Russia, poker is becoming almost as popular as vodka.

The favorite to win the 2008 WSOP is Russian Ivan Demidov, who sits in the final table’s second chip position. Vitaly Lunkin, also a Russian, won a no-limit Hold’em event; and Svetlana Gromenkova, yet another Russian, won the Ladies Championship. It kind of makes you wonder, doesn’t it?

Poker pro Daniel Negreanu figures the Russians owe much of their poker success to their penchant for playing chess.

“Chess is a great training ground for poker players because it’s a math-based game, much like backgammon is,” says Negreanu. “The battles between Bobby Fischer and Boris Spassky were epic. And while poker isn’t quite at that point, we’re definitely headed in that direction.”

Negreanu expects to see more Russians winning on the European Poker Tour and other major international poker tournaments in the coming years. (Read more of Negreanu’s article, “Chess Breeds Poker Stars in Russia“, in the Houston Chronicle.)

Poker Pro Magazine has plans to report on the massive poker scene in California. California is a poker hotbed with many large, well-known poker rooms. Over 11 months the magazine will feature a different geographic section of the state, and the poker action therein. The first issue will report on the Los Angeles card rooms.

“This is a major undertaking,” said Poker Pro Editor-in-Chief John “Johnny Quads” Wenzel. “California is home to hundreds of card rooms and many of the country’s best players. We are going to tell our readers exactly what is going on in the Golden State, from the biggest mega-rooms and Indian casinos down to the smallest local card room.”

The magazine will also increase their listing of tournaments and schedules throughout the States. Poker Pro magazine can be found in most casinos and poker rooms throughout the U.S., as well as on newsstands and in bookstores.

Read the interview with Team Bodog poker pro David Williams in Poker Pro magazine!

The East Tower Poker Room at Trump Plaza in Atlantic City is officially open. Featuring 12 PokerPro tables, the new poker room will undoubtedly draw poker players from all over the United States.

“The Poker Room at Trump Plaza will be the latest location for poker buffs to play in Atlantic City, just steps off the Boardwalk,” said Jim Rigot, General Manager for Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino. “Our state-of-the-art poker room will have competitive game offerings, flat screen televisions, a comfortable lounge, with convenient food and beverage offerings and low-limit blackjack tables. When you consider the increased hands per hour and a $3.00 rake, it becomes an obvious choice for even the most seasoned players.” Rigot added.

Can’t make it out to Atlantic City? Play poker online.