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South China Morning Post
28-05-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Mountainhead review: Succession creator mocks uber-rich tech bros in satisfying satire
Jessie Armstrong isn't done skewering the rich and powerful. The creator of the acclaimed HBO series Succession, a satire inspired by the Murdoch family and its media empire that ran for four seasons, is back on the premium cable network and its streaming offshoot, Max, with the TV film Mountainhead, which he wrote and directed. Funny and thought-provoking, the film sees four friends – all tech titans – getting together for a poker weekend in the new mountain retreat one of them has had built in a snowy and entirely picturesque chunk of the US state of Utah. Hugo (Jason Schwartzman) is hosting Randall (Steve Carell), Venis (Cory Michael Smith) and Jeff (Ramy Youssef). They call Hugo 'Souper' – short for 'Soup Kitchen' – because while they are worth billions, he is good for only about US$500 million and some change. Play The weekend is to involve 'no meals' – the men will really rough it with cold cuts and the like – and 'no deals' – this is not a time for business to be done.
Geek Girl Authority
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Girl Authority
How to Master Bluffing Tactics in Popular Tabletop Games
Bluffing is one of the most entertaining mechanics in tabletop gaming. Whether you're trying to outwit your friends in a tense round of The Resistance , baiting an opponent in Coup , or trying not to smile during a game of Skull , the art of deception often means the difference between winning and losing. While strategy and planning play a big role in tabletop gaming, bluffing adds another layer of complexity, one that leans into social cues, timing, and sometimes outright lying. A good bluff creates tension. It shifts suspicion, confuses opponents, and forces others at the table to second-guess their choices. Unlike in traditional games of skill, bluffing hinges not just on what cards or resources you hold, but on what others think you might be hiding. Mastering this skill requires a mix of boldness, restraint, and psychological awareness. The Poker Parallel: Where Bluffing Began Many of the best bluffing strategies used in modern tabletop games have their roots in classic card games, most notably poker. In poker, bluffing is a key tactic in which players bet and raise when they have strong hands, but also when they're attempting to force opponents to fold. Bluffing well in poker involves controlling body language, managing betting patterns, and understanding player tendencies. The same principles can be applied when bluffing in various tabletop games. This skill isn't limited to the casino floor. Online poker has become a global phenomenon, and every serious player knows the value of well-timed deception. While playing at a general iGaming platform or in an online poker room , players rely less on physical cues and more on timing, betting behavior, and opponent history. These sites usually also offer added benefits like fast payouts, bonuses, and other perks that can be used to augment betting strategies. Platforms like these also show how digital poker has evolved, allowing for strategic bluffing even without face-to-face interaction. Players learn to pick up on hesitation in bet timing or on sudden aggression as telltale signs of a bluff or a trap. Learning these cues is essential to the game. Know the Rules Before You Bend Them Before attempting to bluff in a tabletop game, it's important to understand the rules inside and out. Bluffing only works when others believe you're playing within the rules. In Sheriff of Nottingham , for instance, the whole game revolves around lying about what's in your bag of goods. You can declare you're transporting cheese when you're smuggling crossbows, but if the Sheriff knows how the rules work and sees you getting too confident, they may decide to inspect. Knowing the rules allows you to fake certainty or feign ignorance depending on what the situation requires. In games like Secret Hitler or Blood on the Clocktower , knowledge is power. Players who seem unsure of the rules become easier targets for suspicion, while those who are confident can manipulate the table with ease. Control Your Reactions In games where bluffing is allowed or expected, your face is part of the game board. Facial expressions, hesitation, eye contact, and tone of voice all communicate more than you might intend. If you're someone who cracks under pressure, practice saying lies out loud with a steady tone and neutral body language. A successful bluff doesn't look like a bluff. In games such as The Resistance : Avalon , players are often forced to lie outright about their loyalty. Someone who fidgets too much, avoids eye contact, or nervously defends themselves might seem suspicious, even when they're telling the truth. On the other hand, players who remain too quiet or neutral can attract suspicion for different reasons. For this reason, striking a balance between participation and restraint is key. Use Information as a Weapon In social deduction games, information is currency. How you share or withhold it can shape perceptions around the table. In Codenames , the spymaster has to give clues without giving away too much. While not a bluffing game per se, the psychology is similar: one must carefully choose what others know and guess how it might be interpreted. In bluffing-heavy games like Coup , it's all about claiming power roles you may not actually have. Knowing what roles are still in play and understanding what opponents are likely to do helps craft believable bluffs. If you know someone is likely holding a Contessa, claiming to have one yourself might be riskier. However, if several have been revealed already, it becomes more believable. Timing is Everything Bluffing too often makes it predictable. The best deceivers pick their moments. If you're always bluffing, opponents will eventually catch on. In Bang! , claiming to be the renegade every game gets old fast. Vary your behavior and give others a chance to question what's real and what's a trick. There are also moments in games where bluffing can change the tide dramatically. Late-game rounds in Skull become tense because one wrong call can cost you the game. That's the perfect time to raise a bet and bluff hard, when it's all or nothing. A calm demeanor, even when you're bluffing big, will unsettle players who are second-guessing their own moves. Understand Your Group Every gaming group has different social dynamics. Some players are more confrontational, some more passive, and others enjoy causing chaos. Bluffing in a group of first-time players may call for more subtlety. In contrast, seasoned gamers might expect double-bluffs or calculated risks. If your group is more logic-based, craft bluffs with game mechanics in mind. For social groups that thrive on chaos and conversation, focus more on emotional manipulation and storytelling. Being able to read your group and adjust your approach is a skill that will serve you across all games that include deception. Learn From Each Game One of the best ways to get better at bluffing is through experience. Win or lose, think about what worked and what didn't. Did someone call your bluff too quickly? Did you get away with a bold move? Keeping mental notes or journaling your strategies can help you become more unpredictable in future sessions. Sometimes the bluff isn't about you. It's about planting seeds of doubt in someone else's mind or letting two other players clash while you fly under the radar. Bluffing is as much about guiding the narrative as it is about hiding your own intentions. The next time you sit down at the table, pay attention to more than just your cards. Watch your friends, time your moves, and remember: the truth is only powerful if no one knows it's real. In the world of tabletop games, a good bluff is worth far more than a good hand. 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Reuters
19-05-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Indicted Supreme Court lawyer Goldstein asks judge to toss US tax charges
May 19 (Reuters) - Prominent former U.S. Supreme Court lawyer Thomas Goldstein has asked a federal judge to dismiss criminal charges stemming from his side career as a high-stakes poker player, disputing the government's evidence that he flouted tax laws. Lawyers for Goldstein at law firm Munger, Tolles & Olson on Friday filed pretrial requests to a U.S. judge in Maryland seeking to exclude statements he had made to U.S. customs agents and to force the government to disclose more information about its allegations. Goldstein was indicted in January for tax evasion and other alleged tax crimes connected to his poker playing, which featured games in the United States and abroad with stakes reaching into the millions of dollars. The charges mainly relate to his federal income taxes for the 2016-2021 tax years. Goldstein has pleaded not guilty. The prosecution has drawn widespread attention given his national prominence as a top appellate lawyer before his retirement from practice in 2023. Goldstein, the former publisher of the SCOTUSblog news site, has argued more than 40 Supreme Court cases and represented major corporate clients. Goldstein and his defense lawyers did not immediately respond to requests for comment. A spokesperson for the U.S. attorney's office for Maryland declined to comment. In one filing, Goldstein accused prosecutors of withholding, opens new tab information beneficial to his defense, including full witness statements from some employees of his former law firm Goldstein & Russell. Prosecutors contend Goldstein illegally deducted salaries and health benefits from four women who did not qualify as employees of the firm based on the little amount of work they did. Goldstein also contends he filed a tax return in each year identified in the charging documents and said that he paid the outstanding taxes with penalties and interest. He urged U.S. District Judge Lydia Kay Griggsby to throw out, opens new tab statements he allegedly made to U.S. customs officials in 2018, arguing he was in custody at the time and should have been advised of certain protections, including the right to remain silent. Prosecutors allege Goldstein told a customs officer that about $968,000 he was carrying in cash was gambling income. Goldstein also said there is no evidence he ever affirmatively instructed office managers at his law firm to mischaracterize personal transactions as business expenses. He said some of the charged crimes fall outside the six-year window in which they must be filed under relevant U.S. tax laws. Goldstein's trial is scheduled for January 2026. The case is United States of America v. Thomas C. Goldstein, U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, No. 8:25-cr-00006-LKG. For United States: Patrick Kibbe of the U.S. attorney's office, and Stanley Okula Jr of the Justice Department For Goldstein: Jonathan Kravis, Stephany Reaves and Adeel Mohammadi of Munger, Tolles & Olson Read more: Supreme Court veteran Goldstein wins release again in tax crimes case Supreme Court lawyer pleads not guilty in tax case tied to poker winnings Leading US Supreme Court attorney Tom Goldstein charged with tax crimes
The Sun
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Everyone can see the poker cards – but you have 20/20 vision if you can find the hidden dice in 10 seconds
THE poker cards and chips are obvious, but can you outsmart everyone by finding the dice in 10 seconds? Put your mind to the test and see if you can spot the dice, and three other lucky charms, below in the time limit. 6 This image is known as an optical illusion, meaning there could be other less obvious elements to be found. Everyone can quickly see the busy poker scene in the frame. But only those with 20/20 vision and a high IQ will be able to solve this mind-bending puzzle in time. Are you able to spot all four lucky charms, including a dice, or will you be left scratching your head? It might seem a bit daunting at first, but the trick is to carefully examine each section of the image. You might wish to start from the top left corner of the image and work your way down, or maybe do the complete opposite - whatever gives you more confidence. Another useful tactic is picking an element of the picture - in this case a card - and analyse what's around it. Were you able to find the lucky charms? If so, congratulations. Answers: Three of the lucky charms are under poker chips of the same colour. The first one is the red dice, which is buried under a red chip at the bottom-centre of the image. Everyone can see the busy poker scene - but you have 20-20 vision if you can find the dice hidden within The second is a yellow horseshoe, hidden beneath a yellow chip and an ace of diamonds card in the bottom-left. Third, there is a yellow coin in the image's top-right. This is beneath a blue chip and an ace of clubs card. Finally, there is a green clover beneath a green chip on the card's top left corner. How many did you get in the time? It takes the average viewer 30 seconds to solve this brainteaser. This means if you solved it in under 10 - you've got some serious eyesight! One in 10 people even give up on this brainteaser altogether. Did you know that solving optical illusions is a great way of training your brain and improving creative thinking? How can optical illusions and brainteasers help me? Engaging in activities like solving optical illusions and brainteasers can have many cognitive benefits as it can stimulate various brain regions. Some benefits include: Cognitive stimulation: Engaging in these activities challenges the brain, promoting mental agility and flexibility. Problem-solving skills: Regular practice enhances analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Memory improvement: These challenges often require memory recall and can contribute to better memory function. Creativity: They encourage thinking outside the box, fostering creativity and innovative thought processes. Focus and attention: Working on optical illusions and brainteasers requires concentration, contributing to improved focus. Stress relief: The enjoyable nature of these puzzles can act as a form of relaxation and stress relief. Brainteasers are purposefully designed to trick our vision and can be used as simple determiners of intelligence. So you might want to try The Sun's wide range of optical illusions created to stimulate the deepest parts of your brain. You could have a very high IQ if you're able to spot the rabbit among the cats in the image below! And you most definitely have 20/20 vision if you can find the snake in the forest scene below. 6 6 6 6 6
South China Morning Post
11-05-2025
- South China Morning Post
3 Chinese nationals arrested for running illegal poker den in Japan condo
Three Chinese nationals were arrested for operating a poker gambling den in Tokyo, police said, suspecting they made more than 60 million yen (US$413,000) in less than a year. Advertisement Wang Yi, a 42-year-old resident of Tokyo's Kita ward, and two others were arrested on Friday for allegedly running the poker operation in a Tokyo condominium and collecting fees from patrons, the Metropolitan Police Department said. While one of the suspects admitted to the charge, the others told investigators they were only playing a poker game with friends, police said. Police also arrested nine patrons at the flat located in Toshima ward, alleging they had engaged in illegal gambling. They suspect the three Chinese nationals received 5 per cent of winnings as a fee and hosted around a dozen players per day. While gambling is technically illegal in Japan , the government does permit a limited amount of betting on strictly controlled events, such as horse racing, boat and bicycle races and the lottery, with the profits being returned directly to the state. Advertisement In April, local media reported that six comedians affiliated with Osaka-based talent agency Yoshimoto Kogyo had been referred to prosecutors on suspicion of gambling and were facing indictment. The six men have all admitted the charges, with one of them saying he gambled more than 50 million yen.
