World Series of Poker 2008: First Look
May 30, 2008
Well it seems that the returning players, professional and amateur, are very happy with the 2008 version of the Amazon Room at the Rio Hotel and Casino. There is a lot more room between the tables and there are two side rooms, one to serve as a satellite venue and the other for overflow tables for any event.
Remember one priority at the WSOP is to get the scheduled events started on time; all the events, all the time. Today that was Event #1: $10,000 Pot Limit Hold’em, but as we move on through the seven weeks of the Series, we will have days of two tournament starts and two second day restarts and a couple of final tables. Those days can get very busy and empty tables can be at a premium. Add to this the cash games, Super and Mega-Satellites and everyone can be thankful there are more tables in more rooms for the 2008 World Series of Poker.
The first real test will come tomorrow when Event #2: $1,500 No Limit Hold’em goes off but the WSOP staff has anticipated the huge field that last year was still registering as the first level ended. No alternates at the Series this year, so Event #2 will have two Day Ones on Saturday and Sunday. Already over 1100 players are signed up for Saturday. Event #2 will in all likelihood be the biggest non-Main Event field ever at the WSOP, but it appears the WSOP staff is ready.
All-in-all a good first day for the Series; evidence of some good planning and preparation since last summer.
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2008 Event #1
$10,000 Pot Limit Hold’em
Number of Entrants: 352
2007 Reigning Champion: ALLEN CUNNINGHAM $487,287
Number of 2007 entries: 398
(the 2007 event was a $5,000 buy-in)
2008 World Series: Desert revolution
May 30, 2008
Change happens in a lot of different ways. In 2003, the poker world experienced a revolution like it hadn’t seen in decades. Team PokerStars Pro’s Chris Moneymaker went into the World Series Main Event on a $39 PokerStars satellite. He…
Looking Back at the BBT3
May 30, 2008
So. With Thursday night’s Riverchasers tournament now in the books, I find myself looking back over the BBT3 and trying to assess the landscape. I am looking very much forward to this coming Sunday night, when Miami Don’s Big Game will roll into town…
Should you turn pro? Radio show answers question
May 29, 2008
At 6 p.m., “Keep Flopping Aces” airs on Rounder’s Radio.
The subject of tonight’s program involves whether you should turn to the life of a poker pro.
Stepping in for regular host Lou Krieger is psychologist and author of The Psychology of Poker, Dr. Alan Schoonmaker.
Poker pros guesting on the show include Roy Cooke, Barry Tanenbaum, Mark Gregorich, and Don Olney, who will all be onhand to discuss what led up to them turning pro and if they have any regrets. They’ll also chat about the best and worst things about turning pro.
Other topics include cash vs. tourney pros, bankroll required, how relationships have been affected, and more.
Attorney Tom Walter will then talk about health and life insurance, mortgages, retirement, and other financial planning issues.
It promises to be an enlightening evening.
If you miss tonight’s broadcast, it’ll be archived a few days later at roundersradio.com.
Another Million Dollar Party Poker Event
May 29, 2008
Another $1,000,000 Guarantee Event is underway this weekend at Party Poker. As the countdown to this Saturday’s $1 million guaranteed tournament continues, Party announced that 200 SEATS are up for grabs on Friday. In addition, seats will be available EVERY HOUR on Saturday morning in the build up to the main event.
The tournament takes place on Saturday 31st May at 12.45pm ET (5.45pm BST, 6.45pm CET), with a championship style blind structure. There are still many ways to qualify for the tournament on a daily basis, starting from as little as $1, with other options such as freerolls.
The $1 million guaranteed is the finale to ‘May Madness.’ Throughout the month of May, PartyPoker.com guaranteed the prize pool of EVERY TOURNAMENT run on the site meaning a staggering $12 million was up for grabs! Saturday’s tournament brings the promotion to a close. Blind levels for the $1 million guaranteed start at 25/50, with the starting chips 20,000 and blind levels every 20 minutes.
To view all the ways to qualify for Saturday’s showpiece; See the entire schedule here.
May 28 Battle of the Planets update
May 29, 2008
This week’s Battle of the Planets begins with another congratulations to ‘Gr8DSip’ for taking down the Battle of the Planets $50,000 Triple Shootout this Sunday. ‘Gr8DSip’ earned his ticket for the event by placing in 5th on the Low Orbit…
Greg Raymer on Two Plus Two Pokercast
May 29, 2008
It’s a big week for the PokerStars VIP Club Two Plus Two Pokercast. In this week’s edition, Mike and Adam talk to Team PokerStars Pro and 2004 WSOP champion Greg “Fossilman” Raymer. You’ll hear from Greg about his role…