Saturday, October 17, 2009 - Liv Boeree
Well where can I start? I’m sat in Amsterdam airport after a somewhat hellish, screaming child filled ten hour flight back from a certain beautiful little island. The past ten days has been my personal heaven – the Ultimatebet Aruba Classic. After a riotous few days in Amsterdam with various UB pros we arrived in the balmy tropics and got straight to the most important part – locating the rest of the team and hitting the bar.
The first full day was spent on the beach and warming up my tubing skills for the inevitable bouts of last longer bets that were to bound to occur throughout the week. A number of us (including team members Matt Graham, Roothlus, Tiffany and Billy) rented a boat and we went for a very beery cruise involving diving competitions and trying to swim back to the boat against a very strong ocean current.
That night was the opening party including all the free booze and food UB could throw at the guests, and which inevitably ended up in everyone getting thrown in the pool. Lacey Jones and I had a chicken fight aboard Matt Vengrin and Matt Graham (we won, of course), and Phil managed to get through about $10,000 getting ladies to jump in the pool naked.
Lacey and I also got $1000 for one lucky guy who was the first one to jump in naked also… gotta keep the balance between the sexes!
Monday was relatively quiet as it was day 1A, and half of the pros, myself included, had been scheduled for a new UB photoshoot which I can’t wait to see the results of. Tuesday was day 1B, which was my first day of play. I had the Great Poker Ho on my table, who was lauding it up the way only Ho can, rallying the table and generally creating mayhem with some huge pots. Sadly things didn’t go Ho’s way once Robbie Cunningham came to the table and started crushing it utterly. I swear to God he had Jacks or better every other hand for two hours, and played them tricky enough too, knocking Ho out in the process. An interesting (and kinda costly hand) for me was when I had around starting stack and the blinds were 100 200. Robbie makes it 525 in the hijack, I have queens and make it 1600 in the cutoff. However, the supertight girl to my left who hadn’t played many hands at all goes to call his initial raise before I even get chance to act. When I say wait a minute, and do my threebet she instacalls behind anyway. The SB, who has been pretty LAG and was “internetting it up” as they like to say now does a really weird min raise making it 2700. Robbie now says “what the hell do I do?” and flats. I now ask the same question, and chose to call behind too (in hindsight should’ve jammed here, I mean, Laggy guy could have anything, Robbie or the girl, if they have me beat here are reraising) and the girl flats. The board comes A j 10 and Robbie bets out 2/3, I muck, the girl mucks and the SB stuffs it in with… A-10. What does the Cunningham have? Jacks of course.
My day went pretty much downhill from there and I got short after whiffing AK three times, and then found 10s vs QQs which sent me packing to the beach for more fun and frolics that I’ll document next week… tough life!
Tags: Adam "Roothlus" Levy, Amsterdam, Aruba, aruba classic, Billy Koop, Lacey Jones, Matt Graham, matt vengrin, P0ker H0, Phil Hellmuth, Poker Poker Poker, Robbie Cunningham, Tiffany "Tiffany M" Michelle, ub, Ultimate Bet
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Sunday, September 20, 2009 - Annie Duke
I am so excited for this weekend. I do about 7 or so WSOP Academies per year (some with UB’s own P0ker H0, Shawn Rice and Matt Graham and even Mr. Hellmuth will sometimes make an appearance). But whenever I can do one in my hometown it is pretty special. Special mainly because it means I don’t have to fly to Vegas and stay in a hotel and be away from my house. When you travel as much as I do believe me that is a special treat. Any extra time I get to sleep in my own bed is pretty special to me.
This weekend I will be at The Bicycle Club teaching my first ever cash game academy. The WSOP Academy has done a few cash game academies but never one where I am the instructor so I am really excited to branch out from the normal tournament play instruction I do. Joining me at this camp will be Ali Nejad and Shawn Rice so it should be really fun since both of those guys are really great. I spent this afternoon watching video clips from High Stakes Poker to analyze during the academy. Those are a really great learning tool since showing concepts in action is about the best way to really reinforce points.
It is also really valuable to show students that the top pros sometimes screw up :) I know I screw up all the time and I think players often make too many decisions based on fear of making a mistake. That kind of decision making process always leads to more mistakes rather than fewer since your decisions are driven by fear of screwing up rather than finding the actually correct line of play in a hand. Fear of failure rarely creates good decisions or successful outcomes so seeing that even the top players in the world make mistakes I think is a really good lesson to learn. I think it frees people up to realize that screwing up is okay as long as you see the screw up as an opportunity to learn. I know when I screw up I use it as a way to improve my game and I rarely get upset about it. This kind of attitude where you see opportunity in your mistakes also really helps stop tilt.
The video analysis is a new piece of the camp for me and I am really looking forward to analyzing the hands for the students. I am also going to be doing a full on pot odds section which I will no doubt really enjoy since unlocking the magic of math is always fun for me. Considering the tweet I got the other day, others may not feel the same though:
DivePoker@RealAnnieDuke looking forward to the impossible math this weekend…apparently the WSOP accademy is 100x harder when you’re around lol!
I, of course, consider that tweet a compliment 
Tags: high stakes poker, Matt Graham, P0ker H0, Phil Hellmuth, Poker Poker Poker, ShawnRice, ub, Vegas, WSOP Academy
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Monday, September 7, 2009 - Matt Graham
So I finally get to blog from the comfort of my home! After a month or two of relentless traveling It is so nice just to chill around the house, play with my dogs, and just lead a nice a simple day to day life. I have been playing a lot of poker this week , but with very little success. I have been playing the cash games and cannot find a winning session to save my life. Coolers all go the other way, beats have been hitting on me, and I am just not in a good mindset about it so I probably am not playing my best. I wish that was the worst news for my bankroll though… My stable of horses have been getting brutalized even worse than myself. I have 11 players that I currently stake and the are down about 150K in the past 2 weeks. Every deep run in a tournament just seems to end badly for them. I am quite sure at this point that I have cursed staking money 
Hopefully things will turn around in the coming weeks because the stress of watching my players struggle like this is really getting to me.
Outside of poker things are going great. I went out to Lake Mead for labor day yesterday and had a blast. We had a group of about 20 people and rented 3 boats. The weather was outstanding and the company was great. Obviously I am a moron though and I lost a pair of expensive sunglasses and also jumped into the lake with my Iphone in my pocket. You would think I would learn my lesson after going through about 8 phones from jumping in water, but you would be wrong. My girlfriend told me I am very smart in some ways , but can often be a complete “scatterbrain” as she put it. Im afraid I cannot argue her point
I am off to biloxi for the gulf coast poker championship on friday. I am really excited for the trip since I know a lot of people down there and also think it is going to be a great shot at winning a tournament. The borgata is runing a big tournament at the same time so I think the east coast grinders will just go to that. That leaves myself, my roommate, a few good southern grinders and a bunch of southern gamblers. I like my chances
Tags: Matt Graham, Poker Poker Poker
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Sunday, August 30, 2009 - Matt Graham
Hey guys. Writing from Cabo, Mexico. I have been here since Friday so almost no poker from me lately. I did play once while I have been here for the TLB HU freeroll. And I won! It was quite a tease though. After winning a box popped up and said $1,000 was credited to my account, since it was a $1K freeroll, but then they took it away from me:(. I guess its not a freeroll for me but I just play to try and save the company $1,000
I have been chilling out by the pool all week since apparently the ocean outside of the resort is too dangerous with the undertow and massive waves. Those waves sure look like fun though. The highlight of the trip has definitely been swimming with the dolphins. I have always wanted to, but just never got around to it. It is a little pricy but way worth it. Dolphins have got to be the coolest animals on planet. They are super smart and have a dog-like love for humans. I just have a couple more days here which I will probably spend about 30 minutes from here on some beaches that are safer. Kind of a pain to have to drive to get to the beach when I am staying on a beach resort but i guess its not too big of a deal. Later guys, I am off to a sunset beach walk with Kim
Pic with dolphin:
Tags: Cabo, dolphin, Matt Graham, Mexico, Poker Poker Poker, TLB HU
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Thursday, August 27, 2009 - Matt Graham
Hey guys. I am writing from New Orleans on my trip visiting my family. It is really great to be home. I should really visit more but it is just really hard to find time. I have been doing so much traveling for poker this year that when I have down time the last thing I want to do is get on an airplane.
My brother and I went to see the midnight premier of District 9 last night. Going into the movie I had seen the previews but really couldnt tell what to expect the movie to be like. Well, first of all, it was just awesome. It had great action that didnt overdo it, but also a great story and look into human nature. Basically the message is that humans are intolerant and cruel. Some of the scenes were quite disturbing, and when you walk out of that theatre you will definitely have a lot on your mind. I dont want to ruin the movie so I wont go into any detail, but I suggest everyone take the time to go see it. Be warned though, it is pretty gory so if you cant handle that you may not enjoy the movie.
Tonight, me, my brother, and my best friend from childhood are headed out downtown. May even take a stroll up and down Bourbon Street for ald times sake. Most locals almost never go to Bourbon, but hey, I am a tourist this time around!
I am on a pretty good run in the cash games on UB. I havent been a cash player in a very long time so I had to make some adjustments. I dont think being in blue and trying to bluff is a very good idea. Nobody ever seems to want to fold and they play back at me a ton. Some of the regs have even commented on how tight I have been playing, but hey, I am winning at a pretty solid rate so I am not going to change that until the players in the game adjust and start folding to me.
Alright I am going to watch Lion King with my Mom’s foster children now. Pretty much my favorite movie of all time….
Tags: family, Matt Graham, New Orleans, Poker Poker Poker, ub
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Tuesday, August 11, 2009 - Matt Graham
Hey guys, this is actually my first blog ever so I am a bit of a noob, but I will try my best. My life has been pretty uneventful since the world series so I will mostly talk about plans I have in the next couple of months.
The one exciting thing that has been going on lately is my search for a new house in Las Vegas. I moved out here last year just before the world series started. I was in a hurry to get in a place before the events started so I rushed my decision and wasn’t picky enough. I made two big mistakes in my selection. The first was no island in the kitchen. The second and biggest mistake was not getting a home with a pool. It is just way too hot here not to have a pool. I think about how bad it sucks basically everyday and have begun to loathe the house I have now. Anyways I am looking to build a new home so that is pretty exciting.
My days of sitting around the house I have enjoyed the past month are about to come to an end. I am going to be out of town a ton in the next two months. I am heading home to new orleans to visit family on wednesday and will be staying until monday. I will get home, have to do some laundry and then pack right back up to head to Cabo in Mexico on Friday. My girlfriend will be there for an entire week. I cant wait to soak up some sun and get the tan back that I lost sitting in the Rio all summer. I realy wish the WSOP was in the winter. I know it is impractical and will never happen but I can dream! I get back on Friday around 4PM Vegas time and have to hop on a plane at 7 to go to Chicago for my first session as WSOP Academy instructor. I don’t have any teaching experience, but I think I will catch on quick and will definitely have a ton of poker knowledge to contribute to the camp.
Last but not least, I will be heading to Aruba after that. I cannot wait to get there. It has always been my favorite place to travel for poker. I imagine it will be even more of a blast as my first trip there as a sponsored UB pro. I trust Poker Ho and the guys to get me into plenty of trouble. Jump in those satellites everyone and come on the trip with us. You won’t be disappointed!
Tags: Aruba, las vegas, Matt Graham, Mexico, P0ker H0, Poker Poker Poker, poker tournaments, ub, WSOP
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Saturday, July 25, 2009 - P0ker J0
Ok so I know the song is Just Another Manic Monday – but I feel strongly that the day should have been changed to Friday – if only for this week. My day flew by and before I knew it, I was late with my blog. Bad bad P0ker J0!!
Well I just finished a new photo shoot with some of my pros so you will soon see some exciting new pictures on the site – showing their pearly whites! Phil – in typical Phil fashion – maintained his (what I like to call) the “point and grin” pose as well as the groovy “thumbs up and smile” pose. I am never ever bored when I’m dealing with Phil. He is truly one of my favourite people in the world (but just don’t tell HIM I said that – love ya Phil!
Did you happen to see Matt Graham play in the VIP tournament last Tuesday night at 8:00 PM EST? He almost took it down! The players really loved playing and chatting with him. This coming Tuesday look out for the whacky and crazy HollywoodDave to grace the tables with his presence – and when I ‘m talking about HD, there is ALWAYS presence!
World travellers that my pros are – many are headed to London to play the WSOPE and then jetting straight to Aruba for our 10th anniversary event. I think this will be the best year ever and I hope to see you all there! There is NOTHING more fun than Aruba for the Poker Classic. And yes – its true – I do often lose a pair of shoes or two, but this year I’m coming prepared with and extra stash! Thanks to P0ker H0 for letting THAT cat out of the back! Payback is a bitch H0
I am so excited to announce (press release coming out next week) that we have reconfirmed Micahel Binger as a Team UB member for a second year. He has been so busy playing in live events this past year – but look out for the coming year. He will be blogging, twittering, providing some strategy pieces (and he’s a smaaaaaaaart cookie!) as well as playing in a ton of tournaments on the site! He is currently in Guyana with Victor Ramdin doing some volunteer work in health clinics – identifying and treating children with heart problems.
Another exciting addition to the team (which will also be announced next week) is that migration of the lovely Liv Boeree from AP to Team UB. Liv has been with AP for a number of years, initially in a UK focused role; but as you know, she has taken the poker world by storm and proven herself to be an international force to be reckoned with. Her skills, talent and ability to just play damn good poker make her a perfect addition to the strong Team UB in existence today. We are thrilled to have her, and just like Mr. Binger – you’ll be seeing a LOT more of Liv here at her new home – UB!
I want to close this BLOG with a big shout out to my MVP Scott Ian!! After a gruelling tour in Europe with his band Anthrax, he was the first person to complete the P0ker J0 homework assignment I gave the team. He truly is my MVP – so thanks to you Scott!! Keep an eye out for Scott at both the UB tables, in Aruba and on tour. Busy busy guy – but still my MVP!! xoxoxoxo
Ok – I’m feeling all warm and fuzzy and that cannot last so I’m off to the gym to do some damage (and when I say damage – I mean I’m gonna hurt tomorrow!!)
Enjoy the weekend and see you back here next week!
P0ker J0
Tags: Anthrax, HollywoodDave, Liv Boeree, Matt Graham, Michael Binger, P0ker H0, Phil Hellmuth, Scott Ian, WSOPE
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Tuesday, July 7, 2009 - Gene Bromberg
What with all the furor today over who didn’t get to play, let’s pause a moment to talk about those who ARE playing today. Including one Team UB member who is making his 2009 World Series of Poker debut, Scott Ian. Scott has been touring in Europe in support of Anthrax’s new album, Worship Music, and just made it into Vegas yesterday. And already he’s won a big pot with pocket Aces to boost his stack to over 40,000.
Two other players looking to make a big, final splash at the Main Event are Adam “Roothlus” Levy and Michael Binger, who are among the 2,809 players who are shoehorned into every nook and cranny of the Rio for play today.
One player who exited the tournament much too early was Matt “Wiscomurray” Murray, who was eliminated just before the dinner break. I saw him in the Phil Hellmuth lounge during the break and when he told me he’d been eliminated I said, “Oh, I’m sorry…I did get a pic of you, though.” Then I thought about what I said and added, “I’m sure that’s a great comfort right now”. Sometimes I can be a freakin’ idiot.
One player I didn’t get a picture of today was Matt Graham, who was eliminated from the Main Event while I was attending Jeffrey Pollack’s meeting earlier today. But I did get quite a few shots of Matt earlier in the Series, like when he won his second WSOP bracelet in the $10,000 Pot-Limit Omaha event:
Tags: 2009 world series of poker, 2009 wsop, adam levy, Anthrax, Matt Graham, Michael Binger, Scott Ian, world series of poker, Worship Music, WSOP
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Friday, July 3, 2009 - P0ker J0
Wow – well it has been FAR too long since I have posted. I have been gearing up for the WSOP but also managed to take a week off with NO access to technology. I headed down to the Dominican Republic and enjoyed a merlot or 10 on the beach! I actually left my Blackberry in the safe in the room and just kicked back – not a care in the world.
But now I’m bing bang back to reality. The WSOP is in full force and two of my newest pros are kicking some serious ass!! Check out Matt Graham and Brandon Cantu – two new pros – two new bracelets. I’m just so proud (shed a tear here). So all eyes will be on Mr. Hellmuth this year as he makes his big arrival on July 5th. If you are in the area on the 5th, he will be making the entrances of all entrances. It just seems that each year gets bigger and better. Aren’t I the lucky one that gets to help the Poker Brat get dressed every year. Some chicks would just kill for my job
UB is sponsoring some kick ass celebrities into the Ante Up for Africa event on July 2nd. You can expect to see the never boring Charles Barkley sporting the UB brand – as well as Herschel Walker (from Celebrity Apprentice), Dean Cain (Yes – Superman!!) among others. It should be a great event for a great cause!! I only wish I was able to land the great Jon Bon Jovi!
Well it seems the WSOP is all consuming. I cannot wait to hit sin city and meet some folks that I have only chatted with on the phone, and hook up with old friends that I haven’t seen in a while. Let there be fun, let there be laughter, let there be merlot but most of all – let there be copious amounts of hairspray!!
P0ker J0 out! Next BLOG comes to you from Sin City!!
xoxo
Tags: Ante Up For Africa, AUFA, Brandon Cantu, Charles Barkley, Matt Graham, Phil Hellmuth, WSOP
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Wednesday, June 24, 2009 - Gene Bromberg
By now you know that Matt Graham won his second World Series of Poker bracelet last night, so there’s no news to break here. But I took some pics of the final table last night that you might enjoy and I think for the most part they explain themselves. So, without further etc etc:
Tags: Matt Graham, wsop bracelet
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