Dec
31
by Chad Holloway
The 2010 WSOP will see several changes from last year.
Can you believe that final table of the Doyle Brunson World Poker Classic? It was the last World Poker Tour event of 2009 and it definitely ended the year on a high note. The final table was a laundry list of poker pros including Shawn Buchanan, Scotty Nguyen, Josh Arieh and eventual winner, Daniel Alaei. You may best remember Alaei for his performances on High Stakes Poker on GSN, but he is quite an accomplished tournament pro as well, adding a WPT title to his two WSOP titles. Congratulations to Daniel Alaei.
In other news, I see the WSOP released it schedule for the 2010 series as well as a number of changes. This year there will be 57 bracelet events running from May 27-July 17, 2010. Here are some of my thoughts on the upcoming series and newly implemented changes:
Expanded capacity- I was at the WSOP last year and was amazed by the sheer size of everything. Poker tables as far as the eye could see; however, as it turned out it still wasn’t enough. After the Day 1D Main Event debacle, where players were shut-out for the first time ever, the staff has decided to add more tables (about 20% more) and utilize their biggest space, the Pavilion Ballroom (58,000 sq ft). I thought the Amazon Room was tremendous so I can’t wait to see the Pavilion. Needless to say, this year’s event is going to be huge.
No Food Tent- Instead, the staff is using the Miranda Room to develop a food court. This is a great idea. The food tent last year was nothing special, over-priced and way too warm for comfort. Hopefully, they will add to their selection. Definitely a positive change here with a lot of potential.
$50k H.O.R.S.E. Format Change- The decision has been made to transform the format from H.O.R.S.E. to an 8-game mix. The Chip Reese Trophy is still up for grabs and I think this is another good change. Unlike last year, this event will be broadcast on ESPN, brining the prestige back into the mix. Furthermore, most of the top pros have been enjoying the 8-game mix online and in big cash games, making it the best test of poker skill for all-around players.
Deep Starting Stacks- Last year the players really seemed to enjoy getting 3x the buy-in starting stacks with slower blind structures. This allowed players to get more play for their buck, and I’m glad the WSOP staff kept it.
More $1,000 Buy-in Events- I was there for the $1,000 “Stimulus Special” last year and it was amazing. Literally too many people too count, with multiple eliminations occurring every minute. It was obviously popular and realistic for the average poker player in today’s economy. It was a fantastic idea to expand on a successful tournament and provide the players with an affordable shot at a bracelet.
$25k 6-Handed No Limit- This is a brand new addition to the tournament schedule. With such a large buy-in, the event will likely attract the biggest names in poker. This should be a field stacked with pros, which always makes for intense competition and entertainment.
I always get excited when the new WSOP schedule is announced. It’s a great opportunity to check out the changes and begin planning what events are worth playing. This year was no different and I don’t know if I’ve ever been this excited for a WSOP. If the new changes are any indication, this may just be the best WSOP yet.
Dec
21
by Phil
This was an amazing week. For starters, in my entire life, I have not seen as much PLO action at the Bellagio than I saw this week. It was there everyday this past week (cept last night I think.)
I had some sick wins and losses and had the best time ever. Len was my new favorite guy this week. He played plo like the genius he is and always had the nicest disposition. I was also very impressed with the way that the nlh games. Instead of small blind big blind and that is it (lame) it was always sml blind, big blind and then the big blind put in a dead ante. This is about 4.3 times better for the game. Some dead money in the pot to fight over. Truly excellent.
Saw Avatar in 3D last night. This was a mega stellar flick. Wow. Just amazing.
Checked out Aria the new mega complex this week too. Sorta cool. There is a restaraunt there called Lemon Grass (Thai food) and they have a crab dish that was the best crab dish I have ever had in my entire life. It was so amazing. I am going there in 20 mins to check it out again. Thank you Lemon Grass.
Oh, and had Kings over Jacks for a tidy little pot this week and the board came all babies. That felt great.
Later
Phil
a52eb631-f2e3-444d-9f10-4c68bd361d81|4|5.0
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Dec
15
by Katrina Lim
My pals at the felt.
Already got a text this morn from lil sis asking if I was gonna see her later, but doesn’t look like it. I can’t afford to get the flu right now…and since I was gonna be back on Thursday, I might as well just stay put now. I told Anna to stay in Vega$ through the new year and we can celebrate then.
Sending lotsa good vibes to Jon today as he’s currently 2nd in the Bellagio 5-Diamond!!! Jon has been on such a hot streak these past coupla weeks that I really hope he scores HUGE this week at Bellagio. I wouldn’t be surprised…it’s either feast or famine and right now, Jon can’t lose. GOOD LUCK PEARLJAMMER!
Big shout out to Justin Smith too!!! Hope he can make a great run too as the WPT at Bellagio has been good to him this year (4th place this summer fer $465k ain’t too shabby). Man, if both of them get to the final table, that would be so crazy!!! I would definitely drive my dumb ass to Bellagio right away to watch the action!!! That would be so awesome!! Good Luck to both of you!! Good vibes comin’ yur way! See! ~~~~~~~~
So today will be spent Christmas shoppin’ and more PCA qualifying…have a good day y’all and be good to each other! Life is good.
Dec
15
by Phil
Bobby's Room at the Bellagio.
We started with 60k and somehow I managed to build that stack down to 12k. Hmmmm... That is not good. Kept my focus though and was very happy to end the day with 55k or so. Manana will be day 2 (obv) and looking forward. There were some interesting hands for sure but then there always are.
There was a monster high stakes plo/nlh game in Bobby's room today and during the tourney I put my name on the list (5th up). After dinner I went to check on the list. And I was still 5th. Yes, that is often how it is when a super juicy high stakes game starts up in Bobby's room. If you happen to be in the starting line up then life is good, and if not, well then you might just find yourself on a list that just doesn't move. Ho hum.
Met 4leafowner a few days ago. That was cool. He was telling me how HoldemManager (software for poker) is great. The hand match ups in plo are instantly calculated and put up on the screen as you are playing. That is exciting. (Say good bye to the old school twodimes.net hand entering stuff!)
Phil