WSOP
Saturday, July 11, 2009 - Gene Bromberg
We’ve played 14 levels so far at the Main Event–that’s 28 hours of poker. Twenty-eight hours sitting in that chair, playing hand after hand, disaster always one card away. The 789 players returning to the Amazon Room today have watched as thousands of other hopefuls saw those hopes betrayed, crushed, destroyed. And then watched as their precious chips were dragged across the felt to be incorporated into the victor’s much-bigger stack.
All that poker. All that time. All that tension and anxiety and exhilaration. And so far, all that has been for naught.
At least so far as money goes–not one player in the Main Event has made a dime so far. Not Bertrand “ElkY” Grospellier, who has run away from the field and is the chip leader with 1.3 million. Not Phil Hellmuth, eleven-time bracelet winner and the 1989 winner of this event, who returns today with 485,000 and a chance to post his 74th career WSOP cash…and perhaps be on track for far more. And not Scott Ian, who gritted it out yesterday with a shortstack and wrote today that “I’m gonna fight ‘em til I can’t”.
For some players in the field the Bubble is a psychological barrier that cannot be overcome. You’ll see players folding hands without looking at their cards, terrified that they might look down at two Aces and feel compelled to play a pot. A pot that might cost them their stack and any chance at cashing. And for a lot of the players in the field cashing in the Main Event is almost as great an achievement as winning the Main Event–the latter isn’t a possibilty they’ve honestly contemplated, but to make the money? To go home with money in their pocket and grand tale to tell? That’s worth folding Aces.
And then there are the players who know about this Bubble dynamic, and prey upon those who are terrfied to put a chip in the pot. In 2007 I watched Lee Watkinson (who went on to make the final table) go all-in preflop about ten times in twenty minutes because he had the table covered and no one was willing to gamble for their tournament lives. Watkinson picked up the blinds and antes risk-free–they shouldn’t have bothered dealing the cards, it would’ve saved everyone a bit of trouble.
I should say that at the moment the Amazon Room sounds like an echo chamber–all you hear right now is “All in and call, 64! All in and all, 58! All in and call 74!!” The desperate shortstacks are trying to gather ammunition to make a run for the Bubble, the gamblers are using the Bubble to add pressure to their big bets. But once we get closer and closer to that magic number of 648, the number of players who will cash in the 2009 Main Event, that’s when we’ll see who turtles and who bares their fangs.
Tags: 2009 world series of poker, 2009 wsop, Phil Hellmuth, Scott Ian, world series of poker, WSOP
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Saturday, July 11, 2009 - Gene Bromberg
The Main Event field has been reduced to 1,035 players, and if you needed any additional proof that the 2009 World Series of Poker is winding down you need go no further than the Brasilia and Miranda Rooms. Oh, the Amazon Room is still packed to the rafters, but over the last six weeks Brasilia and Miranda were always host to tournaments or satellites (or both). But no more–the entire Main Event field is now housed in Amazon and the other two rooms lie fallow after weeks of non-stop use.
It’s a bit melancholy to walk over to Brasilia, where the 5pm tournaments usually kicked off, and find the room as empty and quiet as a tomb:
And in Miranda they’re ready to pack up the chairs and tables:
And before too long they Amazon Room will start to empty out, and the staff begin the long process of breaking down the spare tables and carting them away. That’s still a day or so away, but when it comes that’s the signal that we’re getting close to the end. The end, except for determining who will make up the second November Nine, and take their shot at winning poker immortality.
Tags: 2009 world series of poker, 2009 wsop, amazon room, world series of poker, WSOP
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Friday, July 10, 2009 - APmedia
I get asked quite a few questions by friends and acquaintances about poker and things related to poker, but I’d like to talk about something that is not often asked, and that’s how to keep your mind/body fresh when you stay in Vegas.
If you find yourself in Vegas for more than a weekend (the time I think you can have enough fun in Vegas without going crazy) you may feel yourself getting worn out. I live here now, but even now that I live here I get bored frequently and have to find ways to keep myself motivated when I’m out here for long periods of time, which happens during the WSOP.
Vegas is a crazy town, there’s always something to do, and that’s part of the problem. When you are out in Vegas for Poker, it’s great to stay away from the temptations of Vegas and find a place just to relax and unwind. So find something you enjoy doing to take your mind off Poker or gambling. It could be going to a show, relaxing by the pool, or who knows, maybe clubbing baby seals is your thing: If it is, stop reading this and get off the blog!
For me personally, I love the ocean, so I frequently leave for the day to go to Malibu, CA, where I sit on the beach and just listen to the waves. If I can’t leave Vegas, I usually opt to go to the gym and get a good night’s rest.
So next time you feel yourself getting worn out in Vegas, just take a step back and relax. Find what makes you happy and go ahead and do that if you are losing and come back fresh tomorrow. Because ultimately, tomorrow is another day.
-Matt “Plattsburgh” Vengrin
Tags: Malibu, Poker Poker Poker, Vegas, WSOP
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Friday, July 10, 2009 - ProductMan
The WSOP is heating up to the point where I think it might be officially on fire. Congrats to all the winners so far! I’m sure that I’m not the only one who is glued to the blogosphere for the latest news and often off-color commentary. I think all these twitter tweets are starting to do a number on my cell phone battery, but I like pretending I’m a critical factor in the main event.
Of course, there’s been a lot of behind the scenes action too. With the WSOP being poker’s personal Mecca, it really is an opportune time to talk face to face with players worldwide. We’ve been gathering feedback about our client and site, sifting through comments, and charting our course for the future.
What’s even better is that we’re on the verge of rolling out an exclusive new feature. I hate standing up and not delivering, but let’s just say that it adds a brand new dimension to our poker client. As we approach the release date, we’ll post more details right here. Don’t forget to check the blog regularly to stay up to speed.
Remember that we always love hearing from you. You can always post your feedback and comments into the blog. It only takes a second to have your voice heard.
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Friday, July 10, 2009 - Gene Bromberg
I was writing up my previous post when I overheard someone on Media Row say, “What’s going on over there?” I kept my eyes on the screen until I heard someone say, “That’s Hellmuth”.
My head jerked up and I looked dead ahead, at what could only be described as a mob scene, even for a Hellmuth table:
With spectators pressed five-deep and media reinforcements on the way I grabbed my camera and jogged over there, not that getting close to the action was an easy task, especially with the players about to go on break and the floor staff asking the fans to shoo:
I did an end-around, ducked under the ropes, tiptoed behind Phil Ivey, and found myself a perch where I could find out what was going on. And that’s when I saw that Phil Hellmuth was involved in a hand and a big ‘ol mess ‘o chips in the pot:
The scene threatened to spin out of control–fans were pushing the ropes forward, other spectators were trying to squeeze behind to get out of the Amazon Room, photographers and film crews were rushing to the scene, and there were a half-dozen floor staff and security guards apiece manning the table. I carved out a bit of space for myself and tried to figure out what was going on. What happened was Phil check-raised on the turn with the board reading 9s-10h-3d-Kd, his opponent called, and when the 3c came on the river Phil bet 15,000. His opponent then snap-shoved for around 105K. As PokerNews reported, Phil said “”What is this? What in the world? Where did you find that card?”
Phil deliberated over the situation for a long, long time, trying to get his opponent to reveal something, anything. “You bluffing?” Phil said. “I don’t think you’d move in with Aces. I feel like I have you.” But Phil still didn’t make a decision.
The other player’s head bobbed to whatever beat was coming from his iPod as Phil struggled to make his decision. I looked over at the clock–Phil had been deliberating for over four minutes, and I was late on the scene. “I’m sorry I’m thinking so long guys, but this is my whole World Series”.
Finally, after what PokerNews said “may have been the longest hand we’ve ever watched”, one they estimated took 15 minutes to play out, Phil announced his call. The mass of people pressed close as Phil flipped over Qh-Jh for the straight. But his opponent didn’t have the full house threatened by his all-in shove–he turned over As-Qd for a whole lotta nothing.
“Yes!!!!” Phil shouted, leaping out of his seat and walking back into a small alcove formed by one of the exit doors. He’d called for nearly his entire stack and survived to tell the tale–and win a 320,000 pot.
Still, it was a close call (no pun intended, I think) and it took Phil a moment to gather himself after surviving one of those brutal situations that make No-Limit Hold-Em the Cadillac of Poker.
And then it was back to the table to stack the chips won in that massive hand…and prepare for the hundreds, the thousands, that Phil hopes he’ll play over the next six days.
Tags: 2009 world series of poker, 2009 wsop, Phil Hellmuth, ub, ultimatebet, world series of poker, world series ub, WSOP, wsop up
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Friday, July 10, 2009 - Gene Bromberg
For the first time since May 27 the Rio was quiet yesterday, with no tournament action scheduled. After the opening six days of the Main Event the World Series of Poker paused to take a breath before the six-day march to the final table. But not everyone pulled their noses from the grindstone as play concluded Wednesday night.
Like Phil Hellmuth, for example. Let’s see, Phil’s won eleven bracelets, millions of dollars, and he hobnobs with celebrities and seems to spend half his time with TV camera pointed at him. Yet as he walked out of the Amazon Room Monday night he passed the press box and said, “Hey, are you guys media?” There’s a sign that says “MEDIA PRESS BOX” right by the stairs but we didn’t snippy and acknowledged the fact. “I’m gonna give you guys some books!” he said, and rushed out the door, returning twenty seconds later with a box filled to the brim with copies of Deal Me In, the book Phil’s new publishing imprint just released. And so we were favored with the sight of one of the most famous and successful poker players in the world hustling down the row and handing out books like a glad-handing salesman. Here’s a shot of Phil giving copies to the PokerStars blogging team (gotta stick it to the competition):
Phil handed out the lot, signed a few autographs, and chatted with we ink-stained scribes for a few minutes before finally making his departure from the Amazon Room:
Scott Ian is also back to play today, this after he flew from Vegas to Tulsa yesterday to play at Rocklahoma yesterday with Anthrax. While others among the 2,044 players remaining the in Main Event field were lounging by the pool or catching up on sleep Scott and Anthrax were headlining one of the biggest music festivals of the year. Then Scott hopped on a flight at 7AM to get back to Vegas in time to take his seat today. Makes your typical day off seem pretty (deleted) weak, yes?
What did I do on my day off? Well, it turns out that the Rio wasn’t totally quiet yesterday, as the World Series of Poker Media Event was held in the Brasilia Room. After attending the press conference Jeffrey Pollack held at Martorano’s restaurant in the Rio (and enjoying the buffet laid out for us) the WSOP media took to the felt in a tournament using the new Dream Team format. We played in teams of three and your overall score is determined by the order you and your mates are knocked out. I’m proud to say that my team finished third (whoo-hoo!), as my buddy Pauly carried me and Kristin to near the top of the leaderboard by finishing third overall. It was fun playing poker as opposed to merely covering it, though I got knocked out about 90 minutes in and spent the rest of the time sweating Pauly. But I represented UB with poise and class, if not skill or cunning.
And now everybody’s back to work, 2,044 players fighting tooth-and-nail for every chip on the table. No more days off, not until we know the names of the players who take a break until the November Nine reconvenes.
Tags: 2009 world series of poker, 2009 wsop, november nine, Phil Hellmuth, Scott Ian, world series of poker, WSOP, wsop media event
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Wednesday, July 8, 2009 - Gene Bromberg
We’ve lost over 1,000 players during Day 2B of the Main Event, and to put that in some perspective that’s $10 million in entry fees left behind for the survivors. Ten million bucks invested with the best of intentions and the highest of hopes, gone in just a few hours.
Unfortunately one of those deposed today was Adam “Roothlus” Levy, and his unhappy tale is the stuff of nightmares. I’m not sure which is the worse way to go–a gut-wrenching bad beat, or betrayed by a cold deck. The latter is the fate that befell Adam–he flopped a set, only to have his opponent flop a larger set. That’s a receipe for disaster and that’s just what happened to Roothlus–sitting there with a set he lay in wait as his opponent took forever to decide what to do. Or, that’s what Adam thought his opponent was doing. He tweeted that he hadn’t heard the other player announce “All in” (his opponent didn’t move in his chips) and they sat there looking at each other waiting for the other to act. When Adam realized what had happeend he apologized for the inadvertant slowroll and turned over his set…only to find that he was drawing to a single out. That out didn’t hit, and Adam was out of the Main Event. He tweeted that “lol” was his reaction, which is better than the “bos” mine would’ve been (barf on shoes).
Still alive today are Phil Hellmuth, holding court on the Feature Table, and Scott Ian, who is competing with Phil to see who will be the last member of Team UltimateBet standing. And with a full week before the November Nine is official determined, it may be an equally long time before we know who wins that particular bragging right as well.
Tags: 2009 world series of poker, 2009 wsop, adam levy, Poker Poker Poker, Scott Ian, world series of poker, WSOP
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Wednesday, July 8, 2009 - Gene Bromberg
After sitting at the secondary feature table on Day 1C Phil Hellmuth was placed at the main ESPN Feature Table today. Phil came in with around 24,000 in chips but doubled up early on (I heard he made a flush to survive his first all-in of the Main Event) and is sitting with about 40,000 at the moment. And that has Phil in a fairly good mood.
They’ve allowed spectators back into the Amazon Room and a good number of them found their way to the Feature Table to watch the action and maybe get some TV time for themselves.
Tags: 2009 world series of poker, 2009 wsop, espn feature table, main event feature table, Phil Hellmuth, world series of poker, WSOP
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Wednesday, July 8, 2009 - Gene Bromberg
Play has just begun on Day 2B of the World Series of Poker Main Event, the largest restart in the history of poker. A total of 2,924 players returned to the Rio to play today, and to accomodate them the WSOP staff extended the playing area and eliminated most of the roped-off walkways through the Amazon Room. And so, for the time being, no spectators are allowed in the room, though they’ll be granted admittance one some tables break and the walkways are re-established.
Here’s what the Amazon Room looked like from Media Row 20 minutes before play began…
And what it looked like about 30 seconds from “Shuffle Up and Deal”:
Tags: 2009 world series of poker, 2009 wsop, amazon room, world series of poker, WSOP
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Tuesday, July 7, 2009 - Gene Bromberg
As the Main Event began Matt Vengrin twittered a series of simple goals he hoped to achieve during each day. “Playing Main Event tomorrow,” he tweeted last Thursday, “I’ve decided to win it”. Well, maybe that wasn’t a “simple” goal to achieve, but once he started playing he checked off a series of accomplishments along the way. “Goal #1–make the first break”. After returning from the jam-packed halls of the Rio he set his next goal–”Make end of Day 1″.
Once that was done Matt enjoyed his time off (a mini-goal) and then returned to action today. He raised the bar to a similar height as on Day 1–”Make it past the first level”. And as he took his seat (choosing Jedi-like garb for today) he looked to in a good frame of mind to check off a number of goals today.
But it wasn’t meant to be–as Matt twittered not long after I took his pic, “Failed on goal 4.. Out of main, played like an idiot and deserved to be busted. Next year will be better.” Not quite the way Matt planned to end Day 2, but that last line (”Next year will be better”) isn’t the usual self-pitying rant you usually hear from poker players when they bust from the Main Event. And I’d be willing to bet that Matt will reach that goal, and that next year WILL be better.
Tags: 2009 world series of poker, 2009 wsop, matt vengrin, world series of poker, WSOP
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