June, 2008 (2)
May, 2008 (4)
April, 2008 (3)
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| 6/4/2008 12:19:56 AM EST |
| $5K Mixed Hold'em |
There is no bigger stage for poker than that of the World Series of Poker, and although its only been less than a week since the beginning of this years WSOP, we already have all the proof we need that skill rises to the top. In the two final tables so far we have seen the pro's coming out firing. ESPN is getting some breaks with some star studded tables. Although most eyes are on the $1,500 NL Event final table where Chris Ferguson is trying to capture his sixth bracelet, the action in the $5,000 Mixed Hold'em is coming to a boling point.
With about thirty players remaining, about one third of them are big name players. Andy Bloch, Phil Laak, Patrik Antonius, David WIlliams, Howard Lederer, Erick Lindgren, Justin Bonomo, Chau Giang, Issac Haxton, Roland de Wolfe are all still in contention. One table in particular could have been an episode of poker after dark.
Seat 1: Chau Giang Seat 2: Phil Laak Seat 3: Empty Seat4: Howard Lederer Seat 5: David Williams Seat 6: Erick Lindgren Seat 7: Robert Williamson III Seat 8: unknown
If this event isnt proof enough that skill is a big factor in the game, than I dont know what is. While its fun to see new faces make a name for themselves here at the Rio, there is still no greater thrill than watching the people that made us fall in love with the game. As a poker fan, this is stuff to dream about. Let's hope that some of the people trying to keep this wonderful game down take notice to the sizzling start to the summer here at the Rio.
I just made a bet with Dr. Pauly, we each picked five of the remaining players, and whoever has the last man standing wins the bet. My five:
Justin Bonomo - Bluff Columnist, so the Bluff Anti-Curse is in play. Erick Lindren - He has to win a bracelet at some point, right? Michael McKenna - I have no idea who he is, but he has some chips. Andrew Robl - Good2Cu online, and featured in the June 2008 players to watch. Howard Lederer - How did the professor slip to the last pick in the draft?
Dr Pauly: Roland de Wolfe Andy Bloch Isaac Haxton Phil Laak - Busted 2 minutes after the draft! Ariel Schneller
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| 6/2/2008 2:02:34 PM EST |
| 2008 WSOP is underway |
Congratulations to Nenad Medic for winning the first WSOP bracelet of 2008. With a stacked final table, Medic joined a small fraternity of players who have won both a WPT title and a WSOP bracelet. I'll also give a shout out to runner-up Andy Bloch, who has been on fire lately with his recent runner-up finish in the NBC Heads-Up Championship, and the Full Tilt $25K Heads-Up Challenge.
A lot has gone on since my last post. We finished up the July issue, which will be featuring a very different Lee Watkinson on the cover. He has really re-invented himeself and readers will be shocked at what he has been up to. Be sure to pick it up when it hits newstands on July 1st.
BLUFF also kicked off the WSOP in style with a party at TAO, hosted by Antonio Esfandiari, Phil Laak and Jennifer Tilly. It was a great night, and I got a chance to hang out with some of my favorite people in the poker. Two of our new bloggers also joined us at Tao, and it was great meeting them. USCPhildo and Bhanks11 were both there representing the young guns. They both seem like top notch guys, and I am excited to follow them and see how they progress in their first WSOP season. If you are reading this guys, I expect at least a final tabe from you both.
Last year, and every year our June issue previews some stories to watch and players to keep an eye on at the WSOP. In 2007 we had an incredible record. I am too lazy to get you all the details, but almost everyone on the June 2007 cover had a great WSOP. Our Young players to watch also had a great year, Travis Rice one of our examples made two final tables in his WSOP debut. In Video games, its a curse to be featured on the cover of Madden football, in poker its the opposite. If you are a featured player to watch in an issue of BLUFF, we like to think of it as an anti-curse. The anti-curse proved true already this WSOP, with Mike Sowers who final tabled the first event of the year. Add that to Phil Laak making the final table, and it bodes very well for the rest of the names in the June issue (Doyle Brunson Cover). I will definately keep you guys updated on how the Bluff Anto-Curse progresses.
I am trying to get used to this late schedule. I am used to waking up at the crack of dawn to be on track with our Atlanta office, but with the WSOP my day is starting much later. There is so much to be done in the evening that, i am making an effort to try and relax a bit more during the day and crank away in the afternoon and evenings. Even though its 1000 degrees here in Vegas, I think I'll be getting on the golf course a bit this week. I still havent played with Cantu to finalize our bet, but I figure the longer the better at this point, as It will only allow me to get better and better.
I am anxious to follow Event 2 today ($1,500 NL), I have some friends who made it to day two and I will be supporting them as they aim towards the final table. This was the biggest non-Main Event tournemanet in WSOP history which is very exciting. Hopefully this number highlights to the detractors that poker is still growing and strong.
Till next time...
Matthew Parvis
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