[BigBrando]

Do you, or would you, allow anyone at your home game to bring out a "cheat sheet" or notepad during play? I remember Greg Raymer using one at the 2004 WSOP, and I've also seen it at casinos - but I wasn't sure if this practice made it into anyone's home game?

I mean, even if you weren't using it to record play during the game, you could easily refer back to it where you may have written down some hand calculations and stuff.

Look forward to hearing responses to this.

[beyondtilt]

we play with family so it is a must, we actually have what wins framed. i thought there was a thread with a button they was going to have that. i have also seen notes being taken at foxwoods.

[parrotheadMZ]

ok in my book, though I rarely see it done.

[links_slayer]

While it's never been brought up in ANY game I've played in (home games), I don't think I'd like someone busting out a steno pad in the middle of a game. I think having a good memory and keeping track of trends, stats, tells, etc. between your ears is all part of the game.

I'm okay with having a "cheat sheet" that has some standard rules and maybe even hand ranks ("what beats what") displayed. Last Sunday there was a guy I played with that was absolutely convinced that his flush beat my full house....true story.

[cdnmoose]

My Mp3 player records so if there is something I want to make note of, I will step away from the table or wait for the break and dictate to myself.

[dad604]

The only use of them at my games was a couple of beginers game where they needed the hand rankings. Otherwise, nobody has used any yet. I have mix feelings regarding the serious use of such. I think I would rather have players use their memory.

I think the rule of no foreign object on the table can be use against note taking. Do it when you are away from the table.

[ipgyst]

I was able to obtain Raymer's 2004 WSOP diary. There was only one entry:

"Mike Matusow is a dickcheese."

[dad604]

Originally Posted by cdnmoose

My Mp3 player records so if there is something I want to make note of, I will step away from the table or wait for the break and dictate to myself.

That's the way it should be done.

[jdunford]

It's never come up, but I don't see a problem with it. Now, if someone wanted to use a laptop or programmable calculator or something... then I might still allow it, but they'd get a 20 second hand timer, and be subject to whatever verbal and/or physical abuse the other players might impart...

I think note-taking is far more important in a huge tournament where players are moving from table to table. You're not going to remember the actions of a player that you were playing against 4 hours ago, or on a previous day or whatever. It's not very important in a 1-2 table tournament where you play with the same players for most of the tournament and should be able to remember their actions in key hands and overall playing style.

Now, putting a "cheat sheet" like an odds chart inside the cover or something... hmmm... I should try that!

[Double Eagle]

If someone is taking notes or using a cheat sheet, then by all means let them do it. They are probably going to be a good contributor.