The latest blogs from PokerListings.com http://www.pokerlistings.com/feed/blogs Sun, 22 Nov 2009 11:09:31 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 en-us http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/random-wsop-observation-37-iveys-biggest-fans Meet Phil Ivey's biggest fans. This cute couple has been following Ivey around for over a decade. <br><br> They've known him since the days he was known only as Jerome and played underage in the casinos of Atlantic City. <br><br> "We met him in Atlantic City when he was playing back then and we played with him there." <br><br> Ivey must have made a positive impression on the two. Ever since then, they've been making a pilgrimage out to Vegas once a year to watch him play in the WSOP. <br><br> "We've been coming out here for 10 or 11 years. We always come out for two weeks to support him."<p>Ivey knows them pretty well. A week ago, we saw the two hand a note to a floor man to be passed to Ivey.</p><p>Phil read the note and smiled bashfully. We wondered what was written on the paper.<br /><br />"Oh that was just a little note with our new cellphone number and some well wishes."<br /><br />They're rooting with all their heart that Ivey takes it down. If he does they're ready to party.<br /><br />"Oh if he wins we'll definitely have a big celebration."</p><br /> Visit <a href="http://www.pokerlistings.com">PokerListings.com</a> info@www.Pokerlistings.com News Mon, 13 Jul 2009 22:41:32 +0100 http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/random-wsop-observation-37-iveys-biggest-fans http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/random-wsop-observation-36-dont-mess-with-freddy We just saw a guy out in the Amazon Room get a penalty when, after losing a pot, he picked up his drink and drink holder and spiked them onto the ground. <br><br> He was forced to go stand by the rail for a full round before being allowed back in the game. This prompted us to look back at one of the most entertaining penalties handed out at this year's WSOP. <br><br> We saw a guy a couple of days ago get a penalty for throwing his cards at the dealer repeatedly. Another guy got a penalty for throwing chips at a player. <br><br> There have been countless penalties administered for swearing and excessive celebrating alike. But nothing compares to the penalty given to Freddy Deeb for the complete meltdown he had when playing a pot with Tony G.<p>Tony G had been quietly needling Freddy Deeb about a few hands they had played together.</p><p>He wasn't saying anything exceptionally rude, but Deeb slowly heated up until he began to boil like a tea pot and his spout began to pour.</p><p>Somehow, somebody managed to get his epic freak out on camera. Check out the vid here.</p><p><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" width="425" height="344" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/rqwQiIy1b48&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/rqwQiIy1b48&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></p><br /> Visit <a href="http://www.pokerlistings.com">PokerListings.com</a> info@www.Pokerlistings.com News Sat, 11 Jul 2009 09:23:59 +0100 http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/random-wsop-observation-36-dont-mess-with-freddy http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/random-wsop-observation-35-a-portly-fellow As you all know, the WSOP isn't just about the poker. There are plenty of prop bets and ridiculous challenges that happen here on a regular basis. We had someone come up to us who had some stories to tell. <br><br> There is a man of portly stature that towers above the average man who heard that PokerListings.com knew of a place in Las Vegas that serves a 120 oz. steak (that's 7.5 lb., 3.4 kilo). <br><br> If you eat it - plus two sides - it's free.<br><br> If you try and fail, it's about $280.<p>This is a steak made for six. But nonetheless, the prospect of eating an entire one by himself excited our portly friend. <br /><br />He came over and demanded to know where he could get such a meal.<br /><br />"You can't eat that, it's too much. Why would you even want to try?" we asked him.<br /><br />"I think I can. I once ate 11 chickens in one sitting one time. That's my record. But that's easy because it's just poultry," he said, as serious as a heart attack (and we do mean heart attack).<br /><br />Before we could even let it sink in what it means to eat 11 chickens, he came at us with another one.<br /><br />"I also once ate 58 hot dogs in eight-and-a-half minutes. But I cheated. I didn't eat the buns, they're just too heavy," he continued in a thick Eastern European accent. Buns too heavy? What!??!?!<br /><br />"I also once ate 12 litres of ice cream in one sitting. That was a good one," he said. By now our heads were spinning. We were wondering if perhaps he could indeed eat this steak. We told him where it was and he enthusastically said that he would try it soon.<br /><br />Before he left he had one more golden nugget for us. He leaned in with a devilish grin.<br /><br />"I have a bet. In August I have a bet that I have to eat one Big Mac. That is all, just one Big Mac," he said.<br /><br />Well that sounded pretty easy. Perhaps he really didn't like Big Macs despite being a human trash compactor. Maybe they were his weakness. We asked for clarification.<br /><br />"It is just one Big Mac... per hour... for twenty-four hours," he said before erupting in laughter.<br /><br />"I think this one I won't be able to do. It's just the same thing over and over again. I'm not allowed to eat anything but Big Macs. Maybe if I was allowed to eat fries as well I could do it. But I think that once I get to the maybe number fifteen I'll be so sick just seeing the Big Mac sitting there," he said.<br /><br />We wondered what the bet was for. To do something so disgusting as eat 24 Big Macs in 24 hours there must be big money on the line.<br /><br />"No, this one is for pride," he replied.</p><br /> Visit <a href="http://www.pokerlistings.com">PokerListings.com</a> info@www.Pokerlistings.com News Tue, 07 Jul 2009 22:24:59 +0100 http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/random-wsop-observation-35-a-portly-fellow http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/random-wsop-observation-34-frozen-in-time Playing in the Main Event can be a dream come true. Players dream about coming to Vegas and winning millions of dollars. For some, busting out can be too much to handle. <br><br> A few minutes ago a player was facing an all in bet on a three-diamond board. He thought for several minutes before calling and was shown the nuts. <br><br> At this point, most people would throw their cards in the muck and get on with their lives. Not this guy; he sat frozen in time. <br><br> The dealer wasn't sure what to do. He slowly reached out and pulled the cards out from under the man's hand and tapped them on the table, making it obvious that the hand was about to be killed. Still the man didn't move. <<p>The dealer shuffled up and dealt a hand and he still didn't so much as blink. He just stared blankly into space. <br /><br />The hand completed and the dealer began to shuffle and deal a second hand. The table just went on as if the frozen man wasn't even there.</p><p>After the conclusion of this hand, the dealer went to shuffle hand number three since the bust out. He blinked, shook his head and then stood up.</p><p>"Well, thank you everybody. Good luck," he said before he drifted away.</p><br /> Visit <a href="http://www.pokerlistings.com">PokerListings.com</a> info@www.Pokerlistings.com News Sun, 05 Jul 2009 05:35:48 +0100 http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/random-wsop-observation-34-frozen-in-time http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/mrs-donkey-bomber-blowin-up Julie Schneider has been playing poker since she was 17 or 18 years old. Somewhere along the way, she met Tom Schneider and the two married. <br><br> Tom would eventually make a name for himself in the poker world by winning multiple WSOP bracelets as well as Player of the Year in 2007, but today it might be Julie's turn to shine. <br><br> She is at the final table of the $2,500 Deuce-to-Seven Triple Draw event. It just happens to be her favorite game and she's proving that she has the skills to compete at the highest level.<p>Julie has been having a better Series than Tom this year. This will be her second cash so far. We caught up to Tom while he sat on the rail showing support for his wife.<br /><br />"I have one [cash], and I've played a lot more than she has this year," he laughed.<br /><br />Julie has been around the poker community for a very long time both as a player and a dealer. She dealt poker for about 17 years and has been playing even longer. Tom taught her Deuce to Seven. He used to let her sweat him while he played in the $400/$800 Mixed game. <br /><br />"That's when she really started to love the game a lot."<br /><br />One might think that being married to a multiple-WSOP-bracelet winner is like having a wealth of information right at your finger tips but Julie has her own game plan.<br /><br />"She doesn't want to hear any of my ideas about poker. She has her own ideas about deuce to seven. It's her favorite game and she plays online all the time."<br /><br />Tom reluctantly answered who he thought was better, himself or Julie.<br /><br />"I think she is maybe slightly better than I am now."<br /><br />The two have played in many tournaments before and even started this Deuce to Seven event at the same table.<br /><br />"We asked them to move us because we didn't want to be at the same table. I think husbands and wives at the same table is a bad idea. It just doesn't look good."<br /><br />Tom said there were upsides and downsides to being in a relationship where both partners play poker.<br /><br />"It can be good, it can be bad. It's nice to have a wife who plays poker. If I play until six in the morning she doesn't think anything of it. That's very nice. A lot of women wouldn't tolerate a poker player's life, but she does and I would do the same for her."<br /><br />Just like any relationship, you have to take the good with the bad.<br /><br />"Bad beat stories can get a little old for both us," he laughed.</p><p>Check back to PokerListings.com often for the latest and greatest news from the 2009 World Series of Poker.</p><br /> Visit <a href="http://www.pokerlistings.com">PokerListings.com</a> info@www.Pokerlistings.com News Thu, 02 Jul 2009 04:33:49 +0100 http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/mrs-donkey-bomber-blowin-up http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/random-wsop-observation-32-door-lottery Some poker players have absolutely no common sense. They might be brilliant on the felt but they have no clue how to do something as simple as open a door. <br><br> Here at the WSOP, the doors are solid wood. Hence they aren't see through. Yet people still barrel through them like a New Jersey frat boy pumped up on steroids. <br><br> We constantly see people getting slammed by these doors as inconsiderate fools fling them open. It's somewhat of a lottery when you go to open it. You never know when you're going to catch one in the face. <br><br> Earlier we saw someone with a nice cheeseburger and fries. They looked hungry. As he reached to open the door, some monkey who had probably just suffered a bad beat kicked the door open.<p>Fries, hamburger meat, bread, ketchup, and mustard went flying all over the place. Some poor sap had his dinner all over himself and the worst part - the jerk that opened the door didn't even apologize.</p><p>Some people.</p><br /> Visit <a href="http://www.pokerlistings.com">PokerListings.com</a> info@www.Pokerlistings.com News Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:46:46 +0100 http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/random-wsop-observation-32-door-lottery http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/random-wsop-observation-silf Let's take a moment to discuss one of the best if not THE best food on offer at the Rio. <br><br> The official sandwich purveyor of the World Series of Poker is a small sandwich chain called Capprioti's. Their sandwiches are some of the best that can be had in all of Las Vegas, let alone the Rio. <br><br> But there is one sandwich that stands out a cut above the rest. It is known as the "Bobbie". It is a sinister mix of freshly roasted turkey, moist stuffing, cranberry sauce, and mayonnaise all on a soft roll. It's not your run-of-the-mill sandwich. <br><br> If you're thinking it sounds strange you might be right, but if you're thinking that it sounds disgusting - well then, you couldn't be more wrong. <br><br> A virtual Thanksgiving dinner on a roll, the "Bobbie" is a sandwich that will leave you feeling full and reminiscent of family dinners from years past all at the same time. <br><br> If you ever find yourself at the Rio or at a Capriotti's elsewhere in the U.S., don't even bother looking at the menu. <br><br> Pick up one of these hefty sandwiches and prepare for the wild ride that only turkey, mayonnaise, stuffing, and cranberry sauce can bring you.<p>You won't be disappointed.</p><br /> Visit <a href="http://www.pokerlistings.com">PokerListings.com</a> info@www.Pokerlistings.com News Sat, 27 Jun 2009 23:09:40 +0100 http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/random-wsop-observation-silf http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/random-wsop-observation-counterfeit-watches Mike Swick may have a 14-2 record in MMA fights and a smokin' hot wife but he does not have a real Breitling watch. <br><br> We noticed Swick sporting his $30 Chinatown special during the $1,500 PLO H/L event. We were tempted to go up and needle him about said contraband but we realized we would like our faces to remain un-shattered. <br><br> There are many occasions out in the Amazon Room where we notice people wearing counterfeit watches, including some people who have plenty of money. <br><br> PokerListings.com has no problems with people wearing such poor quality imitation merchandise, but we always reserve the right to call them out on it.<p>Keep checking back to Pokerlistings.com for the latest happenings at the Rio.</p><br /> Visit <a href="http://www.pokerlistings.com">PokerListings.com</a> info@www.Pokerlistings.com News Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:31:14 +0100 http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/random-wsop-observation-counterfeit-watches http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/random-wsop-observation-chip-tossaments Scotty Nguyen and Layne Flack took some time out inbetween hands to indulge in some classic degeneracy. <br><br> The game was chip toss. They picked a line on the carpet and stood about twelve feet away. The stakes - $5,000 chips. Whoever tossed the chip closest to the line got to keep his opponent's. <br><br> Nguyen must have practiced this before. His first toss couldn't have been more centered on the line had he walked up and placed it there. Score one for Nguyen. <br><br> The second toss wasn't as good for Scotty but Flack's was even worse. Nguyen 2 - Flack 0. <br><br> Flack needed to return to his table so in one final desperate move he doubled up the stakes. One toss for $10,000. <br><br> Scotty's toss was good - about six inches from the line. Flack's toss went up into the air and began to roll. It stopped when it hit an observer's foot which happened to be right on the line. <br><br> Just like that Flack was back to even. Scotty looked at the observer in despair. <br><br> "Awww, why you have to do, do, do that baby?" he asked.<p>Better luck next time Scotty.</p><br /> Visit <a href="http://www.pokerlistings.com">PokerListings.com</a> info@www.Pokerlistings.com News Wed, 24 Jun 2009 08:11:04 +0100 http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/random-wsop-observation-chip-tossaments http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/cernuto-conscious-after-wsop-collapse Earlier today there were some tense moments in the $2,500 Razz event when tournament veteran "Miami" John Cernuto was in the middle of dragging a pot and appeared to fall asleep before collapsing to the felt. <br><br> According to Pokerati.com, tournament officials stopped the clock and cleared the area while paramedics were summoned to attend to him. <br><br> Cernuto was laid onto a stretcher and taken out of the tournament area. He was conscious and even waved to the crowd as he was wheeled out. <br><br> Communications Director for the WSOP, Seth Palansky, said that Cernuto is a diabetic and it seems that was the reason for the collapse. <br><br> Our thoughts go out to "Miami" John Cernuto and his family.<p><a href="http://www.pokerati.com">Pokerati.com</a> has more information.</p><br /> Visit <a href="http://www.pokerlistings.com">PokerListings.com</a> info@www.Pokerlistings.com News Wed, 24 Jun 2009 05:42:42 +0100 http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/cernuto-conscious-after-wsop-collapse http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/random-wsop-observation-food-scarce-at-the-rio The Poker Kitchen used to have a sign on it that advertised its hours. Open 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. it said. That would have been all well and good had it been true. <br><br> Several times during the past week the Kitchen has shut down early, leaving poker players to fend for themselves. Thankfully no riots broke out over the premature closures but many players were left scratching their heads and hungry. <br><br> One player took the locked doors especially hard. Perhaps he had just busted out of a tournament and desperately needed to fill the empty void in his stomach and soul with some greasy Chinese food or an overcooked burger. <br><br> He went outside and found the kitchen closed. He did the only thing he could do, and tagged both signs with a familiar (to many) acronym "FML". If you don't know what it means, google it. <br><br> The Rio sprung into damage-control mode and took down the graffitied signs and had them replaced with signs that simply say "Open at 11 a.m." <br><br> For now the actual closing time of the Rio Poker Kitchen will remain a mystery to all.<p>A word of advice: if an extra saucy pulled pork sandwich is what you desire, the earlier the better or else you'll be left out in the heat, porkless and hungry.</p><br /> Visit <a href="http://www.pokerlistings.com">PokerListings.com</a> info@www.Pokerlistings.com News Sat, 20 Jun 2009 08:09:45 +0100 http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/random-wsop-observation-food-scarce-at-the-rio http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/random-wsop-observation-20-baron-gets-no-respeck Isaac "westmenloAA" Baron recently had a problem that most people dream of. He had way too many chips in front of him and they were getting in the way.<br><br> He politely called over a floor man and asked if they could please color up some of his chips so he could have more space.<br><br> The floor man declined, saying that they couldn't do it except for at certain times during the color-up periods for security reasons.<br><br> That's funny; PokerListings.com seems to recall Phil Ivey asking for a color up mid-level not even a week ago. The floor personnel didn't decline, in fact they ran to get Ivey some higher denomination chips.<p>Looks like westmenloAA will have to work a little harder if he is going to get the respect he deserves.</p><br /> Visit <a href="http://www.pokerlistings.com">PokerListings.com</a> info@www.Pokerlistings.com News Fri, 19 Jun 2009 07:59:49 +0100 http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/random-wsop-observation-20-baron-gets-no-respeck http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/random-wsop-observation-newhouse-has-hands-full Mark Newhouse went out for a smoke and PokerListings.com noticed that his hands were quite tied. <br><br>In one hand was a Parliament. In the other was $30,000 in cash. We were wondering what was up with the cash so we asked him. <br><br> "Yeah... Someone gave this to me and I don't really have pockets so what am I supposed to do?" Newhouse replied. <br><br> Well, we're not sure Mark. How about the bank? The safe in the room? The lockers at the cashier cage? Maybe even change it for chips so you don't have to lug around three large bundles of cash.<p>Anyway, not a bad problem to have.</p><br /> Visit <a href="http://www.pokerlistings.com">PokerListings.com</a> info@www.Pokerlistings.com News Thu, 18 Jun 2009 09:41:49 +0100 http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/random-wsop-observation-newhouse-has-hands-full http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/random-wsop-observation-the-rub-down The masseuse has been a WSOP staple for years. Some of these players can't seem to go one second of the day without a masseuse on their back. <br><br> It must make showering quite a production. <br><br> Phil Ivey is one of the worst offenders. One time we witnessed Phil Ivey get a massage for the entire day from start to finish. <br><br>This isn't such a big deal, but the girl was massaging his knee cap. Not his calves, not his thighs; just the knee cap.<br><br> At two dollars a minute, we estimate that this knee cap treatment cost about a thousand bucks - plus tip.<p>We spoke to a masseuse and asked her what the smallest and largest tip she ever got was. The smallest was a not so surprising $0 USD. The largest was $1,000 for a full day massage. <br /><br />For the massage aficionado like John Juanda, Chau Giang, and Roland de Wolfe, the massage bill for the entire series can stretch into the tens of thousands.</p><p>As we type this Chau Giang is about $240 into a massage from a man with very burly forearms and let's just say he's loving it!</p><br /> Visit <a href="http://www.pokerlistings.com">PokerListings.com</a> info@www.Pokerlistings.com News Tue, 16 Jun 2009 08:05:45 +0100 http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/random-wsop-observation-the-rub-down http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/like-father-like-son-the-daddy-alaei-interview A lot of people know that Daniel Alaei is one of the best poker players in the world.<br><br> But apparently his father Mehdi Alaei not only can play, but might have had a little to do with where Daniel is today. <br><br> We caught up to Mehdi Alaei as he negotiated his way through a $1,500 No-Limit Hold'em event at the World Series of Poker. Only about 35 players remained of the nearly 2,700 that started and the money was starting to get big. <br><br> We asked Mehdi if he was indeed Danny's father. <br><br> "Yeah, he's my son. Poor kid," Mehdi sighed.<p>We wanted to know if Mehdi taught Danny how to play or if it was the other way around. The classic chicken or the egg riddle.<br /><br />"My dad taught me. He was the best player back home where I grew up and then I taught him. [We talk about poker] all the time. I've sweat him ever since 2004," Mehdi replied. <br /><br />Mehdi has over fifty years of poker playing experience under his belt but he still hasn't gotten tired of the game.<br /><br />"I play local casinos all the time and I play online 40-50 hours a week."<br /><br />One would think that with a game load that heavy he wouldn't have time for anything else, but that's not the case. He has a full-time job on top of that.<br /><br />"I don't call myself a professional because I've got a regular job now. I did play professionally for eight years but I'm happy now to be running a business for someone."</p><p></p><p>Many parents are shocked when their children come up and tell them that they plan on playing poker for a living. Not Mehdi.<br /><br />"I always knew he had a big heart. He always had that gamble in him and to do this you gotta be almost a degenerate gambler - to be a professional the way that he does at the high stakes. He had it in him and I pushed him. I supported him all the way and I'm very proud of his accomplishments."<br /><br />Mehdi was obviously very happy for what his son has been able to do in the poker world. Is there anyone Mehdi thought would be a better player?<br /><br />"I mean, I might be a little biased, but Phil Ivey is the only one that I think might have a shot at him."<br /><br />This is only the second World Series event Mehdi has played, the first being in 2006 after Alaei won his first World Series bracelet in the $5,000 buy-in 2-7 No Limit Lowball w/ Rebuy event. Mehdi wasn't planning on staying in the tournament this long. <br /><br />"I'm supposed to go back to LA in the morning but if I make a final table I might have to miss a day. This was supposed to be fun, but I didn't expect this."</p><p>Todd Brunson and Doyle Brunson were the first father/son to win bracelets in WSOP events but it has never been done in the same year.</p><p>Mehdi Alaei and his son Daniel have a legitimate chance to make history this year. We'll keep an eye on Mehdi as we're sure his son Danny will.</p><br /> Visit <a href="http://www.pokerlistings.com">PokerListings.com</a> info@www.Pokerlistings.com News Mon, 15 Jun 2009 10:57:49 +0100 http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/like-father-like-son-the-daddy-alaei-interview http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/random-wsop-observation-anybody-have-a-dollar Poker players have a very little known condition that's also common with kings and drug dealers alike: hundred-dollah-bill-itis. <br><br> These guys can order a coffee from the servers walking around and when it comes time to pay the tip, they don't have a dollar. <br><br> It's not that they don't have money. These guys will pull out wads and wads of hundred-dollar bills from pants that must have custom sewn 'deep pockets'. <br><br> We just saw a guy order a water and when it came time to tip he pulled out at least $40,000 in wads of cash and then apologized for not having a dollar.<p>C'mon guys and girls, just get some change and thank those working their pants off to keep you hydrated by giving them a well deserved buck or two.</p><br /> Visit <a href="http://www.pokerlistings.com">PokerListings.com</a> info@www.Pokerlistings.com News Mon, 15 Jun 2009 07:52:20 +0100 http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/random-wsop-observation-anybody-have-a-dollar http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/random-wsop-observation-chief-lotsadough Native American headdresses were earned by warriors for committing acts of bravery. Only chiefs and tribal elders were permitted to wear these and even then mostly only for formal ceremonies. <br><br> Apparently this player earned his headdress by bravely ponying up $1,500 to play a poker tournament he had little-to-no chance of winning. <br><br> We're sure the players on either side of him were thrilled to see this guy walk up but probably not as thrilled as the people who were sitting on either side of him for the plane flight over.<p>Keep checking back to see what other ridiculousness is going on at the WSOP.</p><br /> Visit <a href="http://www.pokerlistings.com">PokerListings.com</a> info@www.Pokerlistings.com News Mon, 15 Jun 2009 06:31:32 +0100 http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/random-wsop-observation-chief-lotsadough http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/random-wsop-observation-gamble-one-time For some poker players, gambling is as essential for their survival as food is. You'll see players gambling on nearly anything. <br><br> The other day Tim Phan and Roland de Wolfe were in the middle of a table redraw and saw the perfect opportunity to sneak in some extra-curricular activities. <br><br> First it was a heads up Baccarat hand for $5,000. The cards were scrambled in front of the dealer and both players reached in and picked two cards. <br><br> Phan turned over <span class="nowrap">J<img src="http://www.pokerlistings.com/images/deck/d.gif" alt="d" /> 8<img src="http://www.pokerlistings.com/images/deck/d.gif" alt="d" /></span> while Rollie turned up <span class="nowrap">T<img src="http://www.pokerlistings.com/images/deck/h.gif" alt="h" /> 6<img src="http://www.pokerlistings.com/images/deck/d.gif" alt="d" />.</span> Roland tried to draw another card but Phan stopped him and apprised him of the fact that <span class="nowrap">J<img src="http://www.pokerlistings.com/images/deck/d.gif" alt="d" /> 8<img src="http://www.pokerlistings.com/images/deck/d.gif" alt="d" /></span> is a natural. Game over, Tim Phan up $5,000. <br><br> The floorman was trying to get the guys moving. <br><br> "Alright guys, come on let's go," he said. <br><br> "Ok double or nothing red or black," de Wolfe blurted. <br><br> "Fine, pick a card quick," Phan said. <br><br> Roland picked a card. <br><br> "Red or black?" Phan asked frantically. <br><br> "Red!" de Wolfe said and rolled over the <span class="nowrap">3<img src="http://www.pokerlistings.com/images/deck/d.gif" alt="d" /></span> to win. <br><br> "Damn, I was just up $5,000," Phan said as he gathered his chips and headed to his new table.<p>Better luck next time Phan.</p><br /> Visit <a href="http://www.pokerlistings.com">PokerListings.com</a> info@www.Pokerlistings.com News Sat, 13 Jun 2009 21:59:27 +0100 http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/random-wsop-observation-gamble-one-time http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/random-wsop-observation-straight-cash-homey There's one thing this year that differentiates the landscape of the Amazon Room from years past. The amount of cash games going at all hours are exponentially greater in number. <br><br> A few years ago when satellite winners made up a large percentage of the fields, poker was experiencing a boom. Many people showed up from all corners of the globe to play the game they saw on TV. They wanted to play tournaments. <br><br> As the years went by, many people realized there's more to poker than just tournaments. Some liked the freedom that cash games offer. <br><br> A player can come and go as he pleases and not have to worry about having to spend hours or days before hitting pay dirt. <br><br> Others realized tournament poker isn't all it's cracked up to be as far as bringing in a consistent income. After all, it's been said before that the real money is won and lost at the cash tables. Word caught on and more players began to play for cash. <br><br> The increase in popularity among the cash games is obvious. Where three years ago there might be a dozen cash games, now there are over 70.<p>In the days before and during the $1,000 Stimulus event, the cash games numbered well over 100. It's anyone's guess as to how many tables will be going around Main Event time.</p><p>If you haven't tried cash games in the Amazon, jump in. The water is just fine. Now get in there you donkey!</p><br /> Visit <a href="http://www.pokerlistings.com">PokerListings.com</a> info@www.Pokerlistings.com News Wed, 10 Jun 2009 03:35:20 +0100 http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/random-wsop-observation-straight-cash-homey http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/chopping-the-night-away The Omaha 8 tournament continues to work its way up the pay scale. About 64 players remain and they are continuing to drop like flies. While it may appear that the tournament will be down to a final table in no time, that's not what PL.com is anticipating. <br><br> Omaha H/L is a split game. Take a stroll through the tournament floor and as far as the eye can see are dealers halving pots and shipping them to opposite sides of the table. <br><br> Sebastian Ruthenberg doesn't seemed too bothered by the prospect of it being a long night. He has his nose buried in a copy of Doyle Brunson's Supersystem 2, open to the Omaha H/L section of course. It appears to be working too as he's right up near the top of the leader board. <br><br> Robert Price has the honor of sitting on the chip lead but he has been slipping recently while players like Alex Michaels and Jon Nakatani nipping at his heels. <br><br> There are a few old school players hanging around. Players that have been playing Omaha H/L since before these internet kids even had their driver's licenses. Players like Freddy Deeb, Eli Elezra, Annie Duke, and Layne Flack just to name a few. <br><br> Erick Lindgren and Matt Savage are still in as well, but they are hanging on by the skin of their teeth. Fabrice Soulier was the most recent elimination, preceeded by Toto Leonidas. The self proclaimed best Omaha H/L player on the planet, Mike Matusow, is nowhere to be seen and neither is Scott Clements, who actually is one of the best Omaha H/L players around.<p>Stay tuned for updates on the mayhem, the madness, the insanity that is Omaha H/L.</p><br /> Visit <a href="http://www.pokerlistings.com">PokerListings.com</a> info@www.Pokerlistings.com News Sun, 31 May 2009 01:43:37 +0100 http://www.pokerlistings.com/blog/wsop/2009/chopping-the-night-away