Because of my trip to Atlantic City and influence from some readers and friends, I have started playing online poker again. I am used to a lot of trash talk from my years of experience playing online chess. It is fun and harmless and can be pretty humorous. It is a lot like the yahoo message board chatter. Some guy joined my table today, recognized someone and said "coming to take your cheese, hoe." I thought that was a pretty good one.
Speaking of chess and betting, PinnacleSports.com has become the first sportsbook to accept bets on professional chess.

"While it may not seem as popular as football or basketball, chess is played by millions around the globe and has as loyal a following as any other major sport. Individuals have been betting on the outcome of chess matches for hundreds of years, so we felt it was only natural to offer the world a way to bet on the U.S. Chess League."