My First WSOP Event

After flying to Vegas on Wednesday I was really looking forward to hitting the tables for my first
event of the World Series of Poker (WSOP). The event was the $2500 no limit holdem (short handed). Basically, you buy in for $2500 and if you make the top 10% of players then you get paid. Each table has a maximum of 6 players playing. Most of the best players in the world had assembled for this tournament. In total, 742 punters hit anted up to try their luck.

I often describe no limit hold’em as 85% boredom, 10% mild interest and 5% terror. Today it felt like 5% boredom and 95% terror. I hardly got any playable hands and when I did, someone had a better hand. For example, I found KK at one stage raised and got a caller. This caller happened to have AA. I lost ½ my chips on that hand. Despite hardly having any luck, I managed to last 7 hours before I was finally eliminated when I had 22 and pushed all in on a low chip count. I came in about 100th sport. If I could have lasted another 20 minutes I would have made the money, but I don’t play just to make the money, I want a big payoff so I am happy I risked it all. So I managed to beat home 642 other punters, but it is worth absolutely nothing at all. In fact, I would rather have been busted in the first 10 minutes to save 7 hours of grief.

Two positive things happened today. Number 1, I did manage to buy a tooth brush and
toothpaste today and my teeth are going to get a workout. Not many supermarkets in Las
Vegas and fur was beginning to grow on my choppers (too much information?). Second, Tony G is still in the tournament doing very well. In fact, he is top 20 as we speak.

Tomorrow I play the 2k no limit tournament. I expect 2000 players to be in this event. I really
want to win so bad it hurts!