Posts Tagged ‘Online Poker’
PokerTime Launches MyPokerLab Tracking and Analysis Suite
If you play on the popular Microgaming Network site PokerTime, downloading MyPokerLab, a free poker tracking and analysis suite, is a must. You’ll instantly have access to what the site dubs “a personalized poker tuition service that will help you to play better, plug your leaks, and boost your bankroll. Analyze your game while you play – get real-time information and advice on every aspect of your game.”
A high-octane five-minute introductory video appears on MyPokerLab’s website that reviews the major features of the service.
Central components include quizzes, which present users with questions like, “You hold 7d-8d on a flop of 6h-9h-2s and face multiple opponents. How many clean outs do you have?” In addition, charts ripe with information display stats like the number of hands played, profit or loss, and BB/100.
Plus, you’ll be able to view key metrics like Voluntarily Put Money into the Pot (VPIP), Pre-Flop Raise percentage (PFR), cbet percentages, and turn aggression percentages. All are paramount to understanding how you play and where your weaknesses are.
Throughout your years of schooling, you received report cards showing your performance in easy-to-understand letter grades like A, B, and C. MyPokerLab takes the same concept and applies it to concepts like post-flop aggression, stealing, 3bets, and showdowns. Suggestions for each category are given in order to help you improve and plug any leaks you may have.
Major poker topics are reviewed in case users aren’t familiar with all aspects of the game. One sample topic shown, for example, is bet sizing. Text found on MyPokerLab gives the following advice for players deciding how much of a bet to fire out in a hand: “In No Limit, your bet should be between 50% and 100% of the pot, with the majority around 75%.” The topic also includes a discussion of the commitment threshold and the optimal times to increase or decrease your bet sizes.
The site touts “hundreds of in-depth videos” and features forums to allow you to interact with other users. Recent posts are displayed on the dashboard when you log in. Plus, you’ll be able to share questionable hands with others in the click of a button and view hands posted by fellow users. Many members of forums like PocketFives.com and TwoPlusTwo will attest to the fact that the key to improving your online poker game is debating and discussing hands with others. MyPokerLab allows you to do so quickly and easily.
MyPokerLab also offers articles on a variety of poker-related topics and you can enlist in a linear course that includes basic and advanced concepts. The site has incorporated social networking sites into its fold and is completely free to use. The pricing is a far cry from advanced poker analysis software like PokerTracker and Holdem Manager, which can run nearly $100.
To download MyPokerLab, you’ll first need to download, install, and create an account on PokerTime. Remember that the site is on the Microgaming Network and does not accept players from the United States. You’ll be playing alongside users of other Microgaming Network sites like Gnuf, Ladbrokes, Purple Lounge, and Unibet. According to the poker tracking site PokerScout.com, the Microgaming Network is the eighth largest worldwide, with a seven-day running average of 1,640 real money ring game players. It’s the fifth largest network worldwide that does not accept USA players.
Once you have set up a PokerTime account, download MyPokerLab and log in with your online poker credentials. Then, you’ll be perfecting your game in no time. It’s very rare to see this type of computing power free of charge, so make sure to take advantage of MyPokerLab if you have a PokerTime account.
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Betfair Poker joins Ongame Network
Betfair and Ongame Network published today a joint press release about Betfair Poker joining Ongame Network’s global online poker network in the end of this July.
This deal between Ongame and Betfair will bring a lot of new players and more money to Ongame Network.
The Head of Betfair Poker, Daniel Svard, comments the migration:“From now on Betfair Poker players will have a greater supply of games at all times of the day. Both companies have also really committed to developing their functions.”
Martin Lerby, Head of Ongame Network continues:“In the long run Betfair is an ideal partner for us. Betfair is a respected, technically mature brand. We are very delighted to welcome Betfair’s players and know-how in this highly competitive market.”
Source: Ongame Network
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The Nightly Turbo: Collusion Scandal, Another Reality Poker Show in the Works, and More
PokerStars Sponsors JohnnyBax’s Stable in WSOP Main Event
PokerStars, the world’s largest online poker site, is sponsoring some of the most well known, successful players in this year’s World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event. From Daniel Negreanu to David Williams to Vanessa Rousso, the USA-friendly site has a noticeable presence in the world’s most prestigious poker tournament.
Last year, the poker industry watched as internet poker sensation Cliff “JohnnyBax” Josephy railed Joe Cada throughout his historic Main Event final table run in November. Josephy, along with Eric “sheets” Haber, routinely field a stable of players for the Main Event and this year is no exception. However, Poker News Daily has learned that PokerStars has officially sponsored the group in 2010.
Unfortunately, Josephy, a bracelet winner, ran a set into the nut straight on Day 1D after all of the money went in on the turn. The board failed to pair on the river and that was all she wrote for the East Coast native, who cashed twice in this year’s tournament extravaganza for over $10,000 combined. He’ll now watch from the sidelines as his stable forges on. The group includes players like Nick “fu_15” Maimone and Jamie “TheNew” Robbins, who finished 15th and 11th in last year’s Main Event, respectively.
Poker agent Dan Frank is responsible for brokering one of the largest player deals we’ve seen in terms of the number of people involved and will oversee its execution on the floor of the Amazon Room. Cada was seated at the ESPN feature table on Wednesday for Day 1C and finished with a stack of 67,150, good for 254th overall. He became the youngest WSOP Main Event champ in history last year after defeating Darvin Moon heads-up for $8.5 million.
Josephy’s bracelet came five years ago in a $1,500 Seven Card Stud tournament. In 2006, he blasted through the field of the World Poker Tour Championship and banked $146,000 after finishing 12th. The same year, “JohnnyBax” landed in second in the Ultimate Bet Aruba Poker Classic for $446,000 in a tournament won by Devon Miller. Josephy wasn’t done there, however, taking second in a $4,800 No Limit Hold’em preliminary event held during the Foxwoods World Poker Finals for another $187,000.
Last year, Josephy finished third in a $5,000 Pot Limit Omaha event at the WSOP, narrowly missing out on his second bracelet and banking $166,000 in the process. Online, he’s been no slouch. Three weeks ago, Josephy took down the Full Tilt Poker Sunday Brawl for $78,000, his largest online score according to PocketFives.com. He sits at #59 in the site’s Online Poker Rankings on the strength of holding the 46th best Pro Poll score worldwide.
Cada, meanwhile, tuned into the UFC fight in Las Vegas last Saturday before gearing up for his Main Event title defense. He faced off against Poker News Daily’s own Sean Gibson in a penalty kick competition the day before and fell four goals to three. Frank served as the goalie for the competition and together with Cada has offered up a challenge to anyone in the poker community.
For $1,000, anyone – even you – can challenge Cada to a best-of-five penalty kick competition with Frank once again in goal. However, rather than using palm trees as a goal as we did in our competition, a real net must be used. Frank told Poker News Daily that Cada was “devastated” after losing the prop bet, but we’re sure that an $8.9 million top prize in the Main Event this year would mollify any hard feelings.
PokerStars will continue to receive exposure through Josephy and Haber’s stable today as Day 2A kicks off from the Rio in Las Vegas. The field will showcase the survivors of Day 1A and Day 1C.
Tags: 2010, aced, Daniel Negreanu, darvin moon, full tilt poker, Online Poker, poker player, pokerstars, tournament, usa, vegas, WSOP
PokerStars Sponsors JohnnyBax’s Stable in WSOP Main Event
PokerStars, the world’s largest online poker site, is sponsoring some of the most well known, successful players in this year’s World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event. From Daniel Negreanu to David Williams to Vanessa Rousso, the USA-friendly site has a noticeable presence in the world’s most prestigious poker tournament.
Last year, the poker industry watched as internet poker sensation Cliff “JohnnyBax” Josephy railed Joe Cada throughout his historic Main Event final table run in November. Josephy, along with Eric “sheets” Haber, routinely field a stable of players for the Main Event and this year is no exception. However, Poker News Daily has learned that PokerStars has officially sponsored the group in 2010.
Unfortunately, Josephy, a bracelet winner, ran a set into the nut straight on Day 1D after all of the money went in on the turn. The board failed to pair on the river and that was all she wrote for the East Coast native, who cashed twice in this year’s tournament extravaganza for over $10,000 combined. He’ll now watch from the sidelines as his stable forges on. The group includes players like Nick “fu_15” Maimone and Jamie “TheNew” Robbins, who finished 15th and 11th in last year’s Main Event, respectively.
Poker agent Dan Frank is responsible for brokering one of the largest player deals we’ve seen in terms of the number of people involved and will oversee its execution on the floor of the Amazon Room. Cada was seated at the ESPN feature table on Wednesday for Day 1C and finished with a stack of 67,150, good for 254th overall. He became the youngest WSOP Main Event champ in history last year after defeating Darvin Moon heads-up for $8.5 million.
Josephy’s bracelet came five years ago in a $1,500 Seven Card Stud tournament. In 2006, he blasted through the field of the World Poker Tour Championship and banked $146,000 after finishing 12th. The same year, “JohnnyBax” landed in second in the Ultimate Bet Aruba Poker Classic for $446,000 in a tournament won by Devon Miller. Josephy wasn’t done there, however, taking second in a $4,800 No Limit Hold’em preliminary event held during the Foxwoods World Poker Finals for another $187,000.
Last year, Josephy finished third in a $5,000 Pot Limit Omaha event at the WSOP, narrowly missing out on his second bracelet and banking $166,000 in the process. Online, he’s been no slouch. Three weeks ago, Josephy took down the Full Tilt Poker Sunday Brawl for $78,000, his largest online score according to PocketFives.com. He sits at #59 in the site’s Online Poker Rankings on the strength of holding the 46th best Pro Poll score worldwide.
Cada, meanwhile, tuned into the UFC fight in Las Vegas last Saturday before gearing up for his Main Event title defense. He faced off against Poker News Daily’s own Sean Gibson in a penalty kick competition the day before and fell four goals to three. Frank served as the goalie for the competition and together with Cada has offered up a challenge to anyone in the poker community.
For $1,000, anyone – even you – can challenge Cada to a best-of-five penalty kick competition with Frank once again in goal. However, rather than using palm trees as a goal as we did in our competition, a real net must be used. Frank told Poker News Daily that Cada was “devastated” after losing the prop bet, but we’re sure that an $8.9 million top prize in the Main Event this year would mollify any hard feelings.
PokerStars will continue to receive exposure through Josephy and Haber’s stable today as Day 2A kicks off from the Rio in Las Vegas. The field will showcase the survivors of Day 1A and Day 1C.
Tags: 2010, aced, Daniel Negreanu, darvin moon, Online Poker, poker player, pokerstars, tournament, usa, vegas, WSOP
PokerStars announce World Championship of Online Poker events
The Nightly Turbo: PokerStars Announces WCOOP Schedule, World Series of Poker Sets Record, and More
Preliminary 2010 WCOOP Schedule Released by PokerStars
Starting on September 5th, the 2010 World Championship of Online Poker (WCOOP) will play out on PokerStars. A total of 62 events will be held and, while the guarantees have not yet been announced, over $50 million was given out last year when 45 tournaments were run.
Three events get underway on September 5th. What normally is a busy Sunday online will now also include a $215 No Limit Hold’em Six-Max event starting at 13:00 ET. Two hours later, look for a $10,300 No Limit Hold’em High-Roller tournament. Also taking place on the opening day of the 2010 WCOOP is a $215 Two-Day event.
The $5,200 2010 WCOOP Main Event is penciled in for September 26th at 17:00 ET. Last year, Yevgeniy “Jovial Gent” Timoshenko banked $1.7 million for taking down the WCOOP’s featured tournament, one of the largest prizes awarded in the history of online poker. Also at the final table was newly minted DoylesRoom Brunson 10 member Dan “djk123” Kelly, who took down a HORSE tournament the day before for a WCOOP bracelet. Kelly added $643,000 for his performance in the WCOOP Main Event.
As you’d expect from a major tournament series on PokerStars, the 2010 WCOOP schedule has a variety of games and formats including Badugi, Five Card Draw, Omaha, Razz, Eight Game, Stud, Triple Draw, Single Draw, Razz and HORSE. Three High Roller events are on tap and will take place each weekend during the WCOOP.
Here is the preliminary schedule of events released by PokerStars on Thursday. A final version is expected within a week after the site solicits feedback from online poker players on forums like PocketFives.com:
Sunday, September 5th
13:00 ET: $215 No Limit Hold’em Six-Max
15:00 ET: $10,300 No Limit Hold’em High Roller
17:00 ET: $215 No Limit Hold’em Two-Day
Monday, September 6th
14:00 ET: $320 Pot Limit Omaha
17:00 ET: $215 No Limit Hold’em Shootout Six-Max
20:00 ET: $215 No Limit Hold’em Turbo with Rebuys
Tuesday, September 7th
14:00 ET: $215 Pot Limit Five Card Draw
17:00 ET: $215 TBD
20:00 ET: $1,050 No Limit Hold’em 15-Minute Levels
Wednesday, September 8th
12:00 ET: $265 Pot Limit Omaha Knockout
14:00 ET: $320 No Limit Hold’em Ante Up
17:00 ET: $215 No Limit Hold’em Heads-Up Two-Day
Thursday, September 9th
12:00 ET: $215 No Limit Hold’em
14:00 ET: $265 No Limit Hold’em Six-Max Knockout
17:00 ET: $215 Razz
Friday, September 10th
14:00 ET: $215 Pot Limit Omaha Six-Max
17:00 ET: $215 No Limit Single Draw
20:00 ET: $109 Eight-Game 10-Minute Levels
Saturday, September 11th
13:00 ET: $109 No Limit Hold’em 10-Minute Levels
17:00 ET: $215 Limit Hold’em
Sunday, September 12th
13:00 ET: $215 No Limit Hold’em
17:00 ET: $530 No Limit Hold’em Two-Day
Monday, September 13th
14:00 ET: $215 No Limit Hold’em Four-Max
17:00 ET: $320 Stud
20:00 ET: $215 Pot Limit Omaha Turbo Cubed
Tuesday, September 14th
14:00 ET: $320 Mixed Hold’em Six-Max
17:00 ET: $320 Limit Badugi
20:00 ET: $1050 No Limit Hold’em 15-Minute Levels
Wednesday, September 15th
12:00 ET: $215 No Limit Hold’em Cubed
14:00 ET: $530 No Limit Hold’em Triple Shootout 10-Max
17:00 ET: $320 Eight-Game
Thursday, September 16th
12:00 ET: $215 No Limit Hold’em Six-Max
14:00 ET: $320 Pot Limit Omaha Six-Max Cubed
17:00 ET: $320 Limit Triple Draw 2-7
Friday, September 17th
14:00 ET: $215 No Limit Hold’em with Rebuys
17:00 ET: $530 Limit Omaha High/Low
20:00 ET: $320 No Limit Hold’em 10-Minute Levels
Saturday, September 18th
13:00 ET: $530 No Limit Hold’em Heads-Up Two-Day
15:00 ET: $25,500 No Limit Hold’em High Roller Heads-Up Two-Day
17:00 ET: $320 HORSE
Sunday, September 19th
13:00 ET: $215 No Limit Hold’em
17:00 ET: $1,050 No Limit Hold’em Two-Day
Monday, September 20th
14:00 ET: $320 Pot Limit Omaha Six-Max with Rebuys
17:00 ET: $320 No Limit Hold’em 2X Chance
20:00 ET: $265 No Limit Hold’em Turbo Knockout
Tuesday, September 21st
14:00 ET: $320 Pot Limit Hold’em/Omaha
17:00 ET: $530 Stud High/Low
20:00 ET: $1,050 No Limit Hold’em 15-Minute Levels
Wednesday, September 22nd
12:00 ET: $215 Pot Limit Omaha Six-Max
14:00 ET: $215 No Limit Hold’em Big Antes
17:00 ET: $320 Pot Limit Omaha High/Low
Thursday, September 23rd
12:00 ET: $215 No Limit Hold’em Turbo
14:00 ET: $530 No Limit Hold’em with Rebuys
17:00 ET: $2,100 Pot Limit Omaha Six-Max
Friday, September 24th
14:00 ET: $530 No Limit Hold’em Cubed
17:00 ET: $1,050 Limit Hold’em Six-Max
20:00 ET: $215 No Limit Omaha High/Low 10-Minute Levels
Saturday, September 25th
13:00 ET: $530 Pot Limit Omaha Heads-Up Match Play
17:00 ET: $2,100 HORSE
Sunday, September 26th
13:00 ET: $215 No Limit Hold’em
15:00 ET: $10,300 Eight-Game High Roller
17:00 ET: $5,200 Main Event Two-Day
Visit PokerStars for more information. Remember, the site happily accepts players from the United States.
Liv Boeree and UB.com Renegotiating Contract
Rumblings around the Amazon Room, site of the 2010 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event, have Liv Boeree and UB.com parting ways. However, Poker News Daily can independently confirm that the two sides are actively renegotiating Boeree’s contract.
Boeree made waves in April after taking down the European Poker Tour’s (EPT) San Remo Main Event for $1.7 million. She bested the largest European EPT field ever of 1,240 in the process and defeated Sweden’s Jakob Carlsson heads-up. Boeree’s win was the latest in the so-called Year of the Woman, which also included Annie Duke winning the National Heads-Up Poker Championship and Vanessa Selbst taking down the PokerStars North American Poker Tour (NAPT) Mohegan Sun Main Event.
Poker News Daily has learned that Boeree’s contract has expired, but the two sides are pursuing a new deal. A UB.com spokesperson explained on Thursday, “Liv’s contract has expired. We are in contract renegotiation discussions now.” The negotiations are expected to come to a head within a week.
Meanwhile, the 2010 WSOP Main Event is playing out at the Rio in Las Vegas. Boeree played on Day 1B on Tuesday, running into a set of kings during the first level to cripple her stack. Then, she was poised for a much-needed double up with pocket jacks, but an opponent with pocket eights found a set. Boeree has never cashed in a WSOP tournament with a buy-in greater than $2,000. This year, she turned in three in the money finishes for $8,000 total.
Boeree, who is dating fellow poker pro Allie Prescott, still appears on UB.com’s website as a sponsored pro. The U.K. native was born in 1984 and, 21 years later, appeared on “Ultimate Poker Showdown.” There, she received instruction from Annie Duke, Phil Hellmuth, and David “Devilfish” Ulliott and the rest, as they say, is history. Duke and Hellmuth now front Team UB, while Ulliott serves as the namesake behind the Entraction Network site Devilfish Poker.
In May 2008, Boeree took down the Ladbrokes Poker European Ladies Championship for $42,000. Then, she final tabled a preliminary event held during the Aussie Millions in 2009 for another $13,000. The same year, Boeree took 37th in the World Poker Tour (WPT) Championship at the Bellagio for $40,000, nearly doubling her $25,000 buy-in. Her crowning glory remains her win in San Remo, where she became just the third woman ever to win an EPT title, joining Vicky Coren (EPT London in 2006) and Sandra Naujoks (EPT Dortmund in 2009).
Besides Hellmuth, Duke, and Boeree, UB.com’s roster of sponsored pros also includes former “Poker2Nite” host Joe Sebok, “Amazing Race” contestant Tiffany Michelle, two-time bracelet winner Brandon Cantu, and Anthrax’s Scott Ian. In early June, Cantu re-signed with UB.com for one year. UB.com pros were spotted at the site’s get-together at the Mandarin Oriental bar at CityCenter in Las Vegas on Monday. The night ended with a shotgun wedding as part of a site-sponsored prop bet contest.
Recent player signings include David Williams and Vanessa Selbst inking agreements with PokerStars, the world’s largest online poker site. In addition, PokerStars is sponsoring the stable of pros belonging to Cliff “JohnnyBax” Josephy and Eric “sheets” Haber during the Main Event, which includes well-known players like Nick “fu_15” Maimone, and Jamie “TheNew” Robbins. Back in May, Amanda Musumeci joined the ranks of Bodog, which parted ways with Williams, Justin “ZeeJustin” Bonomo, and Jean-Robert Bellande.
Tags: 2008, 2009, 2010, Annie Duke, bellagio, bodog, european, Justin Bonomo, ladies, Online Poker, Phil Hellmuth, poker player, poker show, pokerstars, Tiffany Michelle, tournament, vegas, woman, WSOP
WSOP Main Event Attendance Up 34% After Three Starting Days
Three starting days are in the books in the 2010 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event. Today at Noon PT, Day 1D will kick off after being the first to sell out its pre-registration. Overall, attendance through the first three starting days of the Main Event is up a colossal 34% year over year.
In 2009, there were 3,685 entries after Day 1C officially closed its doors to new players. A total of 1,116 entered on Day 1A, while just 873 took to the floor on Day 1B, which fell on the Fourth of July. Day 1C saw 1,696 entrants in 2009. This year, the first of three starting days in the Main Event occurred on Monday, July 5th, safely removed from the holiday festivities one day prior. Day 1A this year featured a starting grid of 1,125 players, while Day 1B attracted 1,489. Yesterday, Day 1C saw a field of 2,314 show up for a three-day total of 4,928.
Among those who took to the felts on Day 1B was Annette “Annette_15” Obrestad, a Full Tilt Poker pro, who was seated at Table 2. Meanwhile, Poker News Daily witnessed Tiltboy Rafe Furst make his exit after an opponent flopped a set of threes. Jeff “yellowsub” Williams, who finished third in a $5,000 No Limit Hold’em event, told us to bet on the Netherlands in the Fifa World Cup; sure enough, “Sub” was right, as the European country outlasted Uruguay 3-2. Unfortunately, we did not make it to the Rio sports book in time.
At the table next to Full Tilt pro Jeremiah Smith’s was an all-in and a call with A-K versus aces, one of several pots that featured Big Slick running into the superior hand. This time around, however, the player with A-K made a straight a busted his opponent. A bevy of players donned blue 888 logos, including Leo Margets, the Last Woman Standing in the 2009 Main Event.
Justin “ZeeJustin” Bonomo, Matt “mcmatto” Affleck, Drag the Bar instructor Dusty Schmidt, and Marco “CrazyMarco” Johnson were among those who carried the banner for the internet poker community on Tuesday during Day 1B. On Day 1C, online poker pros in the room included DoylesRoom’s Faraz “The-Toilet” Jaka, free agent Lauren Kling, Kling’s beau Mike “SowersUNCC” Sowers, and Jordan “Octavian_C” Rich.
Furst and Joe Sebok were among those who donned an all-white jump suit in support of Bad Beat on Cancer, whose green 1% patches can be seen on a bevy of players in the Amazon Room.
Day 1D of the Main Event has a capacity of 3,800 and, as of 5:00pm PT on Wednesday, nearly half of those seats were sold. In 2009, a total of 6,494 players entered the Main Event, meaning that we’re already guaranteed to have a field larger than last year’s, a welcome sign given the depressed economy. The 2009 attendance would have been even larger had 500 players not been shut out after Day 1D reached capacity. Whether today will have any similar drama remains to be seen.
Wednesday began with PokerStars pro Joe Cada issuing the command to start play. Then, it was UB.com pro Phil Hellmuth’s turn to shine. Several hundred spectators endured 110-degree heat in the Rio parking lot to watch Hellmuth enter as an MMA fighter, including Mike Matusow. When asked by Hellmuth why he was in attendance, Matusow responded that he wanted to watch the “idiocy.” Meanwhile, 2010 bracelet winner Gavin Smith caught a pink UB.com hat tossed to the crowd by several dancers.
Finally, we’d be amiss if we didn’t discuss the trials and tribulations of Illinois native Stuart Nitzkin, the first player eliminated from the Main Event back on Day 1A. He lost a pot with pocket aces when the final board came K-K-10-10-10. Then, he donated his remaining chips with pocket kings after a player with K-10 made a straight. So it goes in poker’s richest tournament.
The survivors from Day 1A and Day 1C will convene for Day 2A on Friday. Those who made it through Day 1B and Day 1D will assemble for Day 2B on Saturday. Stay tuned to Poker News Daily for the latest news, notes, and nuggets from the 2010 WSOP.
Tags: 2009, 2010, bad beat, european, full tilt poker, Justin Bonomo, Online Poker, Phil Hellmuth, poker player, pokerstars, tournament, woman, WSOP
WSOP Main Event Largest Since 2006
Only 2006 - arguably the peak of the poker boom - produced a larger turnout.
While the official registration number won't be released for another few hours, we know 4,928 players registered on the first three days and day 1D will exceed day 1C. That means the number will be well over 7,200.
"I had a bet that the number would hit 7,500," Doyle Brunson told PokerListings. When asked what he would attribute the spike in registrants to, Brunson summed it up in two words: "Internet poker."
Certainly the rise in online poker has contributed to increased turnout, but that alone can't explain the year-over-year spike.
"We're fortunate that people save up to play in this event," said WSOP Communications Director Seth Palansky. "This is the Olympics of poker and people want to play in the most recognizable poker event in the world."
Allen "The Chainsaw" Kessler said he has seen an increase in all of the tournaments he plays in. "People have more money in general, all of the higher buy-ins I've been playing like the $5k and $10ks have seen increased numbers."
"It helps that the WSOP didn't screw up registration this year and turn people away," Kessler added.
While there is still higher than usual unemployment in the United States, the U.S. financial situation has improved compared to last year and that probably contributed to the turnout. "I think the economy is coming back,"said Jeff Shulman. "[Registration] had been going up every year until the last couple, so I think this is a good sign."
"The fact that they didn't hold the tournament over the 4th of July weekend probably helped," said 2009 bracelet winner Blair Hinkle. "The last two years there was at least one day on the 4th and they lose a ton of American players who don't want to play on those days."
"I just hope they realize what they did right and do it again next year," said Hinkle.
Visit PokerListings.com
The Nightly Turbo: Peter Eastgate Quits Poker, French Poker Players Boycott, and More
Online poker bill in California to be redrafted
Tags: Online Poker
Improve your game for free with MyPokerLab.com
PartyGaming PLC Earnings Remain Steady For 2010, Show Growth Over 2009
In an announcement today following the close of trade on the London Stock Exchange, PartyGaming PLC reports that, while the second quarter of 2010 remained steady despite falling slightly short of forecast expectations, earnings for the company are outpacing their results from 2009.
The second quarter for PartyGaming – which encompasses the late spring and early summer months of April, May and June – has been impacted by several factors in the online gaming economy, including the seasonal drop in the numbers of players participating in the company’s bingo, casino, poker and sports betting offerings. The 2010 World Cup, currently playing out in South Africa, has also led to a drop in the numbers of players as the world watches events unfold. Even with these two adverse conditions, PartyGaming has been able to nearly meet their previously announced financial objectives.
Over the second quarter, PartyGaming has dropped approximately 2% from its expected figures, now being reported in Euros rather than American Dollars. Even with this slight drop, the figures from 2010 are ahead of where the company was in 2009. Total revenues in the second quarter of 2010 are up 28% over the same time period of last year, primarily due to the acquisitions of Cashcade and the World Poker Tour and continued strong growth in PartyCasino.
Bingo, sports betting and PartyCasino are holding steady with their projected forecasts, with net revenue growth in PartyCasino to be up approximately 6% in the second quarter despite the usual seasonal downturn. Bingo and sports betting are looked to be steady in quarter-to-quarter comparisons by the company.
Some of PartyGaming’s movements into previously untapped markets have resulted in both good and bad news for the organization. In late June, PartyGaming was licensed in France to operate both an online poker room and a sports betting operation, but similar licensing attempts in Italy have been stalled. PartyGaming expects that the Italian regulatory agency should clear PartyGaming for operations in Italy come the fourth quarter 2010.
During the announcement, PartyGaming Chief Executive Officer Jim Ryan was understandably happy with the second quarter numbers and the overall state of the company. “We are pleased with the relatively robust performance of our business compared to many other consumer facing businesses in what remains a challenging economic environment,” Ryan stated. “Overall, the Group has performed in-line with expectations even though the adverse impact of the World Cup on our non-sports betting verticals was slightly greater than expected.”
Regarding the new regulatory state in France, Ryan noted, “We have made great progress in securing partners for our poker network in France with PMU, AB Groupe and Aviation Club de France already in place. We expect to add another significant partner to our French network in the near future. The early signs from this important new market are encouraging.”
One of the biggest moves last year by PartyGaming was the acquisition of the World Poker Tour, which Ryan believes is only the beginning of new possibilities in the United States for the company. “The World Poker Tour is performing in-line with our expectations and we believe that this asset, combined with the strength of the PartyPoker brand and the resolution of our U. S. legacy issues, ensures that we are well-positioned should online gaming become regulated in the United States,” Ryan opined. “In this respect, discussions are progressing well with a number of potential U. S.-based gaming partners.”
The latest report has drawn investors to the London Stock Market and moved PartyGaming’s stock price up since last week. On Friday, PartyGaming PLC was being traded at 206.3p and has since risen markedly. At the close of trade on Tuesday, PartyGaming PLC’s share price is quoted at 231.2p.
Williams, Selbst Join PokerStars
The online poker room introduced the two players as members of Team PokerStars Pro during a press conference at the Palms on Tuesday.
Williams mentioned he was happy to be a part of the PokerStars family.
"It's quite special to be part of Team PokerStars," said Williams. "I've always felt it's the biggest and best site there is."
"Being part of a product that you can endorse whole-heartedly is amazing."
Both players are young but have experienced a lifetime of poker over the last decade.
A former Magic: The Gathering player, Williams rose to poker stardom when he finished runner-up to current Team PokerStars member Greg Raymer in the 2004 WSOP Main Event.
It was the best ever finish for an African American in the Main Event and Williams earned $3.5 million for his second place finish.
Over the next few years Williams was never short of media exposure as Bodog Pro and was featured on reality game show King of Vegas and in his own Raw Vegas video blog.
His poker record is also impeccable with second place finish in the WPT Borgata Poker Open for $573,800 in 2004, a WSOP bracelet win in the 2006 $1,500 Seven-Card Stud event.
Most recently Williams won the WPT World Championship at Bellagio for $1.5 million to bump his lifetime earnings to $7.9 million.
Williams is hopeful his game will only improve as a member Team PokerStars Pro.
"If I'm struggling or I have questions about my game I'm going to have world champions that I can turn to," he said.
Meanwhile Vanessa Selbst is one of the premier female players in the game with five WSOP final tables, a victory in the 2008 WSOP $1,500 Pot-Limit Omaha for $227,933.
Selbst won NAPT Mohegan Sun back in April for $750,000, which bumped her lifetime earnings up to $1.6 million.
Selbst was born in Brooklyn, New York, and cut her teeth playing online poker where she was known as fslexcduck.
She's currently a law student at Yale and an instructor at the online poker training site Deuces Cracked.
Selbst and Williams will join a team that already includes Daniel Negreanu, Joe Hachem, Vanessa Rousso, Greg Raymer, Chris Moneymaker, Jason Mercier, Barry Greenstein and many more players from around the globe.
Both players will play in the ongoing 2010 WSOP Main Event.
The 2010 WSOP continues through July 17. For comprehensive coverage of the WSOP tune in to PokerListings' Live Updates and News.
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Tags: 2008, 2010, Barry Greenstein, bellagio, bodog, Daniel Negreanu, Online Poker, pokerstars, tournament, vegas, WSOP
2010 WSOP Main Event Gets Underway
It seems like every year when the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event begins, we and all the other poker news outlets start out our first article about it with something melodramatic, something poetic about the drama and fanfare of the legendary poker tournament. And that introductory paragraph usually ends with something like, “That’s right, the WSOP Main Event is here.”
This year, we’re going to skip all that and just let you know that on Monday, the first of four Day 1′s of the 2010 WSOP Main Event kicked off, beginning an almost two week grind until the new members of the November Nine are determined. Before the action started, the plan was to play four 120-minute levels with a 20-minute break after the first and third and a 90-minute dinner break after level two. There were some complaints, though, that this would make dinner early for even senior citizens, and tournament officials decided to make a change to the schedule. Shortly before play began, it was decided that four and a half levels would be run and the dinner break would come after level three, which makes for both a better dinner time and allows for more players to be eliminated, reducing the risk of overcrowding on Day 2.
The final tally of runners on Day 1A was 1,125, almost exactly the same as last year, when 1,116 people took to the felts in the first flight of the first day of the WSOP. When the dust cleared Monday night, 819 players remained and now have the luxury (and larger hotel bill) of waiting until Friday’s Day 2A to join players from Day 1C. Players from Day 1B and Day 1D will combine in Day 2B on Saturday. This is a change from last year, when Days 1A and 1B players merged and Days 1C and 1D joined up for their Day 2 flights. The adjustment was made because traditionally, the final two Day 1′s get many more players than the first two, creating wildly uneven Day 2′s. That problem should be mitigated further by the WSOP’s new rule that only allowed players to choose a starting day up to a certain point, after which they were automatically assigned a day in order to even things out as much as possible. This rule was applied primarily to avoid the debacle that occurred last year, when Day 1D sold out, causing a couple hundred players to be turned away when they tried to register the morning of the tournament.
Although that controversy looks to be resolved, this is the World Series of Poker, so there needs to be something that rubs players the wrong way. The one thing that came up Monday was that the tables started ten-handed, which makes for some overcrowding around each oval. The odd part was that the Pavilion, which was the “overflow” room, only had 18 tables running, making players wonder why WSOP officials couldn’t have just taken one player away from each table and started more tables in the Pavilion, as there was tons of room. As the day went on, though, tables were reduced to nine-handed, so the grumblings died down.
The 766 players standing have all reported their chip counts, and it seems the chip leader is Corwin Cole with 228,200 chips, almost 200,000 more than his 30,000 chip starting stack. Dwyen Ringbauer follows at a distance with 191,125, while 2010 WSOP Players Champion, Michael “The Grinder” Mizrachi, continues his strong Series, sitting in third place with 142,650 chips. Rounding out the top five are Felix Bleiker (136,300) and Heinz Kamutzki (135,750). Also near the top of the leader board are 2009 WSOP Europe champ Barry Shulman (113,325) and 2003 WSOP Main Event winner Chris Moneymaker (107,425). It came to our attention that the reported chip leader, James Mitchell, has an inaccurate chip count.
Other notable poker names still alive include Vitaly Lunkin, Maria Ho, Dwyte Pilgrim, Lacey Jones, Scott Seiver, Praz Bansi, David Grey, Vince Van Patten, Peter Feldman, Mel Judah, Dewey Tomko, Thor Hansen, Matt Matros, Mike Gracz, Juha Helppi, and Dutch Boyd, Tiffany Michelle, and Erik Seidel.
2004 WSOP Main Event champ and outspoken poker advocate, Greg Raymer, was eliminated just over an hour after he gave the “Shuffle up and deal” announcement. Also hitting the rail were Chino Rheem, Victor Ramdin, Jimmy “gobboboy” Fricke, T.J. Cloutier, Billy Baxter, Isaac Haxton, Beth Shak, Mike Caro, Andy Black, and Nick Schulman, to name a few.
A few non-poker celebrities tested their skills as well. Actor/comedian Ray Romano was back for another WSOP, as was fellow actor/comedian David Alan Grier. NBA star Shawn Marion gave it a go, as did music mogul Rene Angelil, who is known to be a pretty good player in his own right. Of those men, only David Alan Grier made it to the second day.
Day 1B will kick off Tuesday at noon as another huge batch of players set off on their dream of poker riches.
Redrafting the Online Poker Bill in California
Dan “djk123” Kelly wins $25,000 6-max event for $1.3m
DoylesRoom Brunson 10 Candidate Dan Kelly Wins WSOP $25,000 Six-Max NLHE
In the $25,000 Six-Handed No Limit Hold’em event at the 2010 World Series of Poker (WSOP), six players came back on Saturday to determine a champion. Eliminated on Friday evening were favorites Carlos Mortensen (17th), Daniel Negreanu (11th), and Isaac Haxton (9th), but the final table still provided exciting action. Leading the tournament when six-handed play began was DoylesRoom Brunson 10 candidate Dan “djk123” Kelly, who held a nearly 2-1 lead over 2010 WSOP double bracelet winner Frank Kassela.
In what was the quickest final table at this year’s WSOP at 4.5 hours, Kelly was able to hold off the charge of some highly skilled pros. Eugene Katchalov was the first to depart and, while he wasn’t able to take the bracelet, Katchalov’s finish marked his fourth final table at this year’s WSOP. Eugene has banked over $500,000 for his performances over the last six weeks.
Another top player, Mikael Thuritz, was dismissed in fifth. After making the final table of the $50,000 Player’s Championship, Thuritz’s performance at this final table marked his third cash of his WSOP, with no cash lower than 13th place.
Kassela was dispatched from the final table in third place, ending what would have been a historic run at a third WSOP bracelet this year. With his finish, Kassela surged into the lead of the WSOP Player of the Year race. He currently sits with 285 points, 60 more than John Juanda and 75 more than Vladimir Shchemelev. Since only the Main Event remains, Juanda would have to finish at least third to tie Kassela; Shchemelev would have to finish second.
Canada’s Shawn Buchanan was the runner-up to Kelly, but he has to be happy with his performance at this year’s WSOP. His second place finish was his eighth cash of the year, tying him with Allen “Chainsaw” Kessler for the lead.
With the victory in Event #52, Kelly also has the chance at a very special reward. His sponsor, DoylesRoom, is currently running a battle featuring Kelly, David “Doc Sands” Sands, Faraz “The-Toilet” Jaka, and Michael “Martine23” Martin for the next position with the powerful Brunson 10. Whoever garners the most points in all events at the WSOP will take the seat alongside such notable young players as Amit “amak316” Makhija, Zachary “CrazyZachary” Clark, and Chris “moorman1” Moorman:
1. Dan “djk123” Kelly (Potomac, MD) – $1,315,518
2. Shawn Buchanan (Abootsford, British Columbia) – $812,941
3. Frank Kassela (Rossville, TN) – $556,053
4. Jason Somerville (Stony Brook, NY) – $386,125
5. Mikael Thuritz (Las Vegas, NV) – $272,084
6. Eugene Katchalov (New York, NY) – $194,559
The highly popular Ante Up for Africa charity event also played out during action on Saturday. The non-bracelet event, created by Poker News Daily guest columnist Annie Duke, acclaimed actor Don Cheadle, and Norman Epstein four years ago to raise awareness about the issues in Darfur, drew in 83 players, including several top pros and many celebrities. Players such as former Main Event champion Joe Hachem, Erik Seidel, Player’s Championship winner Michael Mizrachi, and Duke joined celebrities such as talk show host Montel Williams, boxing legend Evander Holyfield, Australian footballer Shane Warne, NFL great Jerome Bettis, and “Rounders” actor Matt Damon to raise money for the cause.
Seidel and Bettis both made the final table and went out in fifth and sixth place, respectively. The final duo that battled for the championship were Carbon Poker’s Shannon Elizabeth and top pro Phil Gordon, both veterans of the Bravo poker series “Celebrity Poker Showdown.” Gordon was able to defeat Elizabeth during heads-up play and then immediately turned around and donated his winnings back to Ante Up for Africa. All totaled, the charitable tournament raised over $275,000 to support the cause that Duke and Cheadle have brought to the poker world’s attention.
1. Phil Gordon (Henderson, NV) – $129,086
2. Shannon Elizabeth (Los Angeles, CA) – $79,776
3. Aleksey Filatov (Norwood, MA) – $55,843
4. Carter Phillips (Las Vegas, NV) – $40,676
5. Erik Seidel (Las Vegas, NV) – $29,926
6. Jerome Bettis (Roswell, GA) – $22,355
7. Barry Hartheimer (New York, NY) – $17,930
8. Kyle Carlston (Henderson, NV) – $14,945
9. Claire Renaut (London, United Kingdom) – $12,843
Although the Main Event begins tomorrow, there are still four tournaments in progress. In the final $1,000 No Limit Hold’em event, David Peters leads the field into Day 3. With 47 players remaining, the final nine will be the target late this evening and the final table will play out on Monday.
The final $10,000 World Championship event (#55), Pot Limit Omaha, will determine a champion today with a staunch final table. Ludovic Lacay leads an international field that includes second place pursuer Daniel Alaei and 2007 WSOP Main Event fourth place finisher Alexander Kravchenko.
Event #56, $2,500 No Limit Hold’em, will also play deep into the night to determine a final table. Corwin “mig.com” Mackey holds a 2-1 lead over Sweden’s Christian Jeppsson when play continues this afternoon. Other notable players on the leader board include Jon “PearlJammer” Turner, Dan Shak, and Court Harrington.
Stay tuned to Poker News Daily for the latest from the 2010 WSOP.
Tags: 2010, Annie Duke, Australia, Canada, charity, Daniel Negreanu, Online Poker, poker player, poker show, skill, tournament, vegas, WSOP
Brendan Taylor Wins WSOP $1,500 Limit Hold’em Shootout
The $1,500 Limit Hold’em Shootout (Event #53) was the lone final table on the World Series of Poker (WSOP) schedule on Friday, making for a somewhat quiet day before the Main Event kicks into gear.
A handful of Limit specialists advanced to the eight-player final table, including Full Tilt Poker Red Pro Mike Schneider, Terrence Chan, Brendan Taylor, and a player known for his outstanding No Limit Hold’em resume, former World Poker Tour Player (WPT) of the Year and current Victory Poker pro Jonathan “FieryJustice” Little. Each player had won their previous two tables and began the final day with 450,000 chips.
The talk at the beginning of the day surrounded Chan, considered one of the most feared Limit Hold’em players in the world and noted for winning two PokerStars Spring Championship of Online Poker (SCOOP) events on the same day in 2009. He also made a WSOP Limit Hold’em final table earlier this summer, taking third for $83,125. Chan, however, ran into several tough spots early and ultimately went out in eighth place when his pocket sevens walked right into the pocket aces of Little.
After Sijbrand Maal exited in seventh place, a short-stacked Schneider was forced to commit his remaining stack with pocket threes and Ben Yu called with 9h-7c in the big blind. The board ran out Qh-Qs-9s-Jc-5c, giving Yu a higher pair and sending Schneider home in sixth.
Just minutes later, it was Brian Tate who was sent to the rail. Taylor did the dirty work, eliminating Tate with a flopped pair of jacks to take the chip lead. From there, Taylor dominated the rest of the tournament. He knocked out Joe McGowan and Little to find himself heads-up against good friend and housemate, Yu. Taylor’s chip advantage was too much to overcome, as Yu eventually got his last chips in with Ac-9h against Taylor’s Ad-7h, but Taylor spiked a seven on the flop to seal the title and the $184,950 payday. It was his first career bracelet and one that he’d been eyeing for years.
“When I came out here in 2005, I told myself, ‘I am going to win a gold bracelet this year,’” said Taylor after his victory. “My goal was to win a Limit event. Of course, I didn’t do it that year. I didn’t do it the next, and the next, and the next. Two years ago, we got down to four-handed and I had an average chip stack and I think I was the best player at the table. And, sure enough, I was the next player out within 10 hands. So, this is a great feeling.”
1. Brendan Taylor – $184,950
2. Ben Yu – $114,484
3. Jonathan Little – $73,218
4. Joseph McGowan – $48,546
5. Brian Tate – $33,276
6. Michael Schneider – $23,563
7. Sijbrand Maal – $17,125
8. Terrence Chan – $12,961
The Weekly Turbo: France Grants Online Poker Licenses, Poker Pros Get Sponsored, and More
Full Tilt Poker Holding Rush Week Starting July 12th
From Monday, July 12th to Sunday, July 18th, Full Tilt Poker is holding Rush Week. Capitalizing on the popularity of its fast-paced Rush Poker, Full Tilt is dishing out up to $250 in cash per player along with entries into an exclusive $50,000 Rush Week Freeroll.
In honor of Rush Week, which totes “Seven Days of Speed” as its tagline, several guaranteed tournaments on Full Tilt Poker will offer a Rush Poker structure. This means that as soon as a player’s action in a hand has ended, he or she is whisked off to another table with a new set of opponents to begin a brand new hand. The lack of downtime means constant decision-making and the potential to see 300 hands per hour. Rush Poker ring games first appeared on Full Tilt back in January. In April, Rush Poker tournaments were rolled out.
There are several ways to collect cash as part of Rush Week. Players who earn at least 10 Full Tilt Points (FTPs) per day from Rush Poker games on any four days during the promotion will bank $5. If they can perform the same feat on all seven days of Rush Week, they’ll earn $10. Players who amass 100 FTPs per day on any four days during Rush Week will collect $25, while those who can generate 100 FTPs per day on all seven days will earn $50.
Finally, Full Tilt Poker members who accrue 1,000 FTPs per day on any four days during the week will receive $125. Those who can rack up 1,000 FTPs per day on all seven days will take home the grand prize of $250. Players can only take home one cash prize, meaning that the awards for racking up FTPs during Rush Week are not cumulative.
Rush Week officially starts at 00:00 ET on July 12th and ends at 23:59 ET on July 18th. Only FTPs earned in Rush Poker cash games and tournaments are eligible for reaping rewards and bonuses earned as part of Full Tilt’s Rush Week. Happy Hours, while lucrative, don’t count for this promotion.
Similar to other Full Tilt Poker promotions, players must opt into Rush Week in order to qualify. To do so, log into the Full Tilt client and click on the “Cashier” button. Then, click on “My Promotions” and select “Rush Week.” If you’re curious as to where you stand, head back to the “Rush Week” landing page.
Qualifying for the $50,000 Rush Week Freeroll is pretty simple. All you have to do is reach the final table of a Rush Poker tournament during the promotional period. Text found on Full Tilt Poker’s website highlights an important caveat to qualifying: “In Rush Poker Tournaments that do not play down to a final table, all players who win the top prize will be automatically entered into the $50,000 Rush Week Freeroll.”
The $50,000 freeroll is scheduled for Sunday, July 25th at 15:15 ET. Full Tilt has bumped up the number of Rush Poker tournaments on the docket during the week in order to allow plenty players to qualify for the freeroll. Players are automatically entered to the $50,000 freebie, eliminating the hassle of having to register manually.
Full Tilt happily accepts players from the United States and is the world’s second largest online poker site, trailing only PokerStars. Its fleet of sponsored pros includes 2009 World Series of Poker November Niner Phil Ivey, Howard Lederer, and Chris Ferguson. Rush Poker is patent pending in the United States, the European Union, Australia, and Canada. Visit Full Tilt Poker today.
Tags: 2009, aced, Australia, Canada, european, freeroll, full tilt poker, Online Poker, Phil Ivey, pokerstars, tournament, WSOP
Ryan Welch Defeats Jon Eaton to Win WSOP Bracelet
In what could best be described as “the calm before the storm,” only one bracelet was awarded on Thursday night in action at the World Series of Poker (WSOP).
In the $3,000 Triple Chance No Limit Hold’em tournament, Event #51 on the WSOP schedule, 12 men returned on Thursday afternoon for their shot at a coveted gold and diamond WSOP bracelet. Jon Eaton held a roughly 600,000 chip lead over Frank Rusnak, with underrated pro Will “The Thrill” Failla lurking in third place. The players wasted little time once the cards hit the air, getting down to the final table in roughly 4½ hours.
Rusnak was one of the victims of the early carnage, doubling up Bradley Craig and losing a key hand to Failla to drop his chip stack into the danger zone. Rusnak, who has almost $600,000 in tournament earnings since his debut in 2007, was never able to get any traction from the start and got his final chips in with K-Q. He was called by Koen de Bakker, who had him dominated with his A-Q. The flop offered an appealing A-5-J rainbow arrangement, but delivered no 10 for Rusnak, dropping him from the tournament in 11th place.
Once the final table was established, one of the rarer occurrences during a WSOP final table occurred. Guillaume Darcourt, after an all-in bet from Tad Jurgens and an all-in over the top from Noel Scruggs, agonized over a decision that would either make his tournament or crush his dreams of a WSOP bracelet. After the careful deliberation, Darcourt made the call with pocket sevens, only to see Jurgens table pocket queens and Scruggs show his A-Q. The seven that popped on the flop sent a thunderous roar through the audience and delivered a rare bird at a WSOP final table, the double knockout. Jurgens started the hand with fewer chips and finished in ninth and Scruggs took the eighth place slot.
Over the next four hours, the remainder of the final table would be eliminated, bringing the action to a heads-up battle between Eaton and Ryan Welch, who diligently ground his way through the final table. On the final hand, with Eaton holding slightly fewer chips than Welch, the duo got their chips to the center of a 9-7-6-10-K board. Eaton bet out roughly 525,000 on the river to start, only to face an all-in reraise from Welch. Eaton struggled with the decision, reasoning out the hands that Welch could possibly hold before making the call. Welch immediately showed Q-J for the rivered nut straight and, once the chips were counted, became the latest WSOP champion.
1. Ryan Welch (Henderson, NV) – $559,371
2. Jon Eaton (Las Vegas, NV) – $344,830
3. Guillaume Darcourt (Paris, France) – $223,459
4. Will Faille (Smithtown, NY) – $163,532
5. Bradley Craig (Cleveland, OH) – $121,451
6. Sergey Lebedev (Troitsk, Russia) – $91,407
7. Tommy Vedes (Fort Mojave, AZ) – $69,647
8. Noel Scruggs (Del Mar, CA) – $53,694
9. Tad Jurgens (Tempe, AZ) – $41,842
Four other events were in play on Thursday, with two tournaments that will award bracelets on Friday. In Event #52, the $25,000 Six-Handed No Limit Hold’em tournament, 18 players will come back on Friday afternoon from the original 191 starters. Bryn Kenney is the overnight chip leader stacked with 2.425 million, but there is danger lurking around every corner. Daniel Negreanu, who has had a quiet 2010 WSOP, is in sixth place, with 2010 double bracelet winner Frank Kassela ahead of him in fifth. Add in Sam Trickett, Isaac Haxton, Shawn Buchanan, Eugene Katchalov, Justin “ZeeJustin” Bonomo, Carlos Mortensen, and Vadim Trincher, and the final table of this event should hold for exciting poker.
In the $1,500 Limit Hold’em Shootout, Victory Poker pro Jonathan “FieryJustice” Little and Terrence “Unassigned” Chan lead a final table of eight. As with a Shootout tournament, all eight worked their way to the final table by defeating a full table of opponents over the first two days of play. Everyone will start with 450,000 in chips when the cards fly this afternoon.
The first Day 1 of the latest $1,000 No Limit Hold’em tournament drew a sizeable field of 2,340 players, potentially making this $1,000 event one of the largest of this year’s WSOP, depending on the second Day 1 gathering. The final table of this tournament will take place on Independence Day.
The $10,000 Pot Limit Omaha World Championship drew a starting field of 346, which was whittled down by over half to 171 by the end of Day 1. Australia’s Antonio Paino is the chip leader with 240,000, with several top pros mixed throughout the field. 2009 November Niner James Akenhead is in third, with Fabrice Soulier (sixth) and Ted Lawson (seventh) both in the top 10. Final table play in Event #55 will take place on Saturday.
Only one event will begin play on Friday, the $2,500 No Limit Hold’em event. It is also set to finish play on Sunday, prior to the start of the $10,000 World Championship event on Monday. Although there are tournaments in action over the next few days, it more than likely will be a preparation weekend for many of the top players as the WSOP moves into its final two weeks and its World Championship event.
Tags: 2009, 2010, Australia, Daniel Negreanu, Justin Bonomo, Online Poker, poker player, Russia, tournament, vegas, WSOP
First Impressions of the 2010 WSOP by Lee Jones
I think the WSOP may actually be shedding some excess and concentrating on poker, as it should. It’s no secret that the Las Vegas economy has been one of the hardest hit in the American (and global) downturn; the WSOP is reflecting its host city’s hardships.
Now, I don’t consider this a bad thing. The World Series of Poker is supposed to be about (!) poker. For a while, poker was so faddish that “they” (the media, anybody who had a dollar to make from it) attempted to make it all things to all people. For instance, in recent years there was a “Poker Lifestyle” show at the WSOP. “Poker Lifestyle” – surely you’re kidding, right? I mean, poker is a game, not a lifestyle.
But there it was, although last year it began looking frayed around the edges. There were fewer booths and you’d be hard-pressed to find a relationship to poker at many of them. Perhaps with a bit of foreshadowing, one of the larger booths was that of Sports Legends Challenge. They proposed bringing retired sports heroes and poker players together at a tropical resort. They sold (or awarded in satellites) dozens of prize packages and then the whole thing collapsed in a cloud of scandal and lies.
Maybe this was yet another sign that there are limits to what poker should try to be. Whatever – the lifestyle show is gone. The room that used to hold it is now the main tournament area, full of poker players.
Gone this year are the energy drinks (although the beef jerky is still everywhere). The side halls don’t have the ancillary vendors that have been there in recent years. There’s less pomp and glitz and for that reason you can see the poker better. Player fields are down a bit, but have no fear, there’s more poker – at the Rio and elsewhere – than you can shake a stick at.
Tournament of Champions
I had the opportunity to participate in the ESPN webcast of the first two days of the Tournament of Champions. As you’re probably aware, this was a 27-player tournament (a three-table sit-and-go if you will) consisting of many of the top players in the world. Twenty of them were chosen by a poll of the fans. By and large, I think the fans did exceptionally well at picking (although I was disappointed that Chris Moneymaker didn’t make the cut).
The match has an extremely generous structure and this, combined with the solid play of the participants, produced the departure of only nine players after two days of play. As I pointed out during the webcast, these pros didn’t suffer from the over-eagerness that often affects players more used to shorter-stack online events. As an example, Greg Raymer ran into a set-under-set situation and a couple of other nasty second-best hand scenarios, yet managed to survive quite a while beyond them.
Having watched this event closely for two days, I’m 100% sold on the idea of bringing together a relatively small group of top players to battle it out. If nothing else, the stories they tell and the poker lessons they give by example are well worth it.
One parting comment on the TOC: Phil Hellmuth showed up over two hours late on the first day – a day in which they were only going to play four levels (four hours). I know that a fashionably late appearance is his standard M.O., but I (and others) consider his tardiness for this event unconscionable. Being voted into the TOC by the poker community was, or should have been, an honor for anybody selected. Showing up late indicates a lack of respect for the other players in the tournament, the game, and the community at large. That last sentence is largely a paraphrase of what Mike Matusow said right to Phil’s face; good for Mike.
Note to the poker community: When you get ready to vote for TOC participants next year, don’t forget that slight.
Poker is Everywhere
As I said before, there’s poker everywhere. I played in a donkament at the Venetian last night; the poker “room” has spread out into the casino like kudzu on steroids. There were tournaments, sit and gos, and satellites. There were cash games, including $8-16 Limit Hold’em, $1-2 PLO, and dozens of No Limit Hold’em games. Away from the media and the beef jerky, it’s just pure uncut poker and it was beautiful to be part of it.
Resort Fees
Who thought this abomination up? Hotels all over Las Vegas are now adding a “resort fee” to the cost of the room. They don’t advertise it as part of the room price, but you have no more choice in paying it than you do the state room tax. It’s supposed to cover things like the weight room, swimming pool, and internet. But a lot of things that it’s supposed to cover used to be part of the room cost anyway.
I understand the Las Vegas economy is hurting and the hotels are trying to make an extra buck. But this approach of tacking on a nearly hidden charge (many resellers don’t mention the fee in their ads) is cynical and disingenuous.
Note: If you’re shopping for Las Vegas hotels, be sure to ask about “resort fees.”
The People
As always, the real joy of attending the WSOP is encountering friends I see once a year or so. Players, bloggers, media people, former colleagues, WSOP staff, all of them. Las Vegas can be a cold impersonal town, but when you’re having a post-cash-session dinner with old friends from across “The Pond,” it feels warm and intimate.
Note: Don’t come out here by yourself, unless you know people here. Meet friends from home, make contacts over the forums, do whatever is necessary. As lonely as it can be here by yourself, it’s one of the best places in the world to hang with friends.
Lee Jones is the Card Room manager of Cake Poker and has been in the online poker business for over six years. He is also the author of “Winning Low Limit Hold’em,” which has been in publication for over 15 years.
WSOP High Profile - Allen “Chainsaw” Kessler
Kessler has been one of the biggest breakout stars of the 2010 WSOP, cashing eight times in seven different games for a total of $373,733.
If you look around the online poker forums it seems like Kessler is everyone's favorite player to needle, with a reputation as one of the tightest players in the game.
Kessler says he doesn't worry about his detractors, and instead uses that image to his advantage.
"I was playing aggressively in the Pot-Limit Eight-or-Better Omaha events and people would just fold, because they're always afraid that I have the absolute nuts," Kessler said.
According to legend it was Gavin Smith that gave Kessler the "Chainsaw" nickname, though Kessler says it may have been someone other than Birdguts that actually originated the name.
Kessler's been known on the poker circuit for more than a decade, and he's known as a player that will hold out for a minimum cash when on the money bubble.
He used that strategy in his most recent cash finish in $1.5k No-Limit Hold'em, holding out for 191st place and a $3,089 cash.
Kessler's brand of play has earned him a reputation as a nit, but "Chainsaw" defends his style unapologetically.
"In that situation I have to fold with any hand, because even if I double up I don't have a decent stack," Kessler said.
Chainsaw is already well known amongst his poker peers, but with a breakout 2010 WSOP, Kessler's star is rising.
His biggest result came in the $10k Seven-Card Stud Hi-Lo Championship, when he finished second to Frank Kassela and cashed for $276,485.
"I know all the games and I've been concentrating just on the 5 p.m. events," Kessler said.
"I've been basically focusing on the smaller-field mixed events. That's my specialty."
Kessler told PL.com that an unlucky beat prevented him from a ninth cash Thursday night, and that he's keeping an eye on his spot in the Player of the Year race.
The 2010 WSOP continues through July 17. For comprehensive coverage live from Las Vegas tune in to PokerListings' Live Updates and News.
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Online Poker Spotlight: Daniel “Jungleman12″ Cates
Tags: Online Poker
PokerStars Licensed by ARJEL to Operate in France
After not being included on the original list of operators, PokerStars has earned a license to be able to operate an online poker site in France.
It was announced on Tuesday that ARJEL (Autorité de Régulation des Jeux En Ligne, or the Authority of Regulation of Online Games), the French organization that is in charge of the country’s new online gaming operations, delivered License Number 0006-PO-2010-06-25 to the owners of PokerStars. This license grants the world’s largest online poker site the ability to begin offering poker to French residents, which started yesterday at PokerStars.fr.
PokerStars did not jump into the licensing frenzy from the start, deciding to wait to see what the process entailed. Once it was comfortable with the procedures, PokerStars submitted its application on May 19th and was able to meet all of the stringent ARJEL license requirements. Although PokerStars is now available for French customers, there are some restrictions on online poker in France.
As of now, PokerStars.fr will enable French players initially to play free money tournaments and sit and gos. PokerStars.fr will begin running cash games once the regulations of the French government for online poker have been published, which is expected to happen at any time.
“PokerStars.fr aims to be one of the leading online poker operators from the day the French market opens,” PokerStars French Country Manager Alexandre Balkany stated during the announcement. “We plan on offering players the best tournaments, promotions, and opportunities to win seats at PokerStars’ world renowned international tournaments.”
PokerStars will also benefit from having some of the biggest names in French poker as a part of its pro squad. Led by Bertrand “Elky” Grospellier, PokerStars also has top French players Arnaud Mattern and Thomas Bichon on the roster. French rugby star Sebastian Chabal and tennis pro Gaels Monfils are also ambassadors for the online poker site.
“Players on PokerStars.fr will have fantastic new opportunities, not only to play online, but to win seats to famous international poker events like the PokerStars.com European Poker Tour and the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas,” Grospellier said. “These tournaments require players to have the right mix of skill, training, and concentration, and PokerStars.fr will be the perfect place for players to work on that.”
The new PokerStars.fr should only add to the European Poker Tour (EPT) fields, including the popular stop in Deauville, France. The EPT recently announced its 12-stop 2010-2011 schedule, which includes the French tournament as well as events in Spain, Portugal, and Germany, all of which count France as a border country. The EPT begins its seventh season in August with a tournament in Talinn, Estonia.
It has been a tumultuous 2010 for French customers looking for action online, be it sports betting, horse racing, or poker. After operating a state run monopoly on online gaming for almost three years, France made the decision in April to pass a law through the French Parliament to allow regulated online gaming. It created ARJEL to regulate the industry and opened its doors to operators, with the proviso that they adhere to the stringent guidelines of ARJEL.
Prior to the start of the 2010 World Cup, ARJEL released several licenses to the ownership groups behind such top online poker outlets as Everest Poker, bwin, and BetClic. With the most recent release of licenses, PokerStars is one of the first major companies to have been granted one. Other lucky license holders include Gaming Iliad SAS (Chilipoker.fr), Partouche Gaming France SAS (Partouche.fr), and Electraworks SAS (PartyPoker.fr). Sportingbet, Betfair, and William Hill have not applied for licenses and have restricted access to French customers. Microgaming’s application has not yet been approved.
Carbon Poker Signs Shannon Elizabeth
This week, the USA-friendly online poker site Carbon Poker inked “American Pie” actress Shannon Elizabeth to become its newest sponsored pro. Elizabeth, who has briefly been sponsored by other online poker rooms, will now join the flagship site of the Merge Gaming Network.
Carbon Poker spokesperson Peter Hampton commented in a press release distributed by the site on Wednesday, “We’ve been on the hunt for a face for our brand who is a recognized star and also a respected member of the poker community. Shannon easily meets both criteria and offers a creative edge that we’re thrilled to have on board. We’re launching several promotions that will involve players playing against Shannon and getting to know her both inside and outside of poker.”
Many in the poker industry remember Elizabeth’s role as Nadia in the 1999 movie “American Pie.” Her other credits include Harriet on “Love Actually,” Toni on poker-themed flick “The Grand,” and Justice on “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back.” Elizabeth also reprised her role as Nadia on “American Pie 2,” which was released in 2001.
In addition to her work on the big screen, Elizabeth has appeared on an array of television shows, including “Just Shoot Me,” “The Twilight Zone,” “That 70s Show,” and “Cuts.” She’s also had success on the live poker felts, reaching the semifinals of the 2007 National Heads-Up Poker Championship. Elizabeth trumped René Angélil, husband of singer Céline Dion, in the first round that year before disposing of Jeff Madsen in the round of 32.
PokerStars pro Barry Greenstein was Elizabeth’s foe in the round of 16, followed by the wily Humberto Brenes in the Elite Eight. In the semis, Elizabeth took on Paul Wasicka, the runner-up in the 2006 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event to Jamie Gold. Wasicka ultimately got the best of the talented actress, who banked $125,000 for her efforts. In addition to her success in the National Heads-Up Poker Championship, Elizabeth has a quartet of in the money finishes at the WSOP.
The Merge Gaming Network has grown leaps and bounds in recent months following the addition of Players Only and Sportsbook.com in April. According to PokerScout.com, which keeps tabs on online poker room traffic, the Merge Gaming Network is the 16th largest worldwide by volume at cash game tables with a seven-day running average of 650 players. Other Merge Gaming Network sites include Iron Duke, Poker Host, Poker Nordica, and RPM Poker.
Elizabeth will be sharing her thoughts frequently on the Carbon Poker Blog and also bring a series of videos to life. What their content is remains to be seen, but overall, Carbon Poker officials are over the moon at the latest acquisition: “The addition of Shannon Elizabeth highlights Carbon Poker’s commitment to becoming one of the top ten poker sites by 2011.”
A private party featuring Elizabeth is planned in Las Vegas on the night of July 4th. Elizabeth will more than likely play in the $10,000 WSOP Main Event, which begins on July 5th with the first of four starting days. Elizabeth has never cashed in a WSOP event boasting a buy-in higher than $2,000 and may look to buck that trend this year. The Main Event is one of three WSOP tournaments that will air on ESPN beginning later this month.
Visit Carbon Poker for more information. Remember, USA players are welcome.
June 30th – Daily Deal
Welcome back to the Daily Deal by Poker News Daily. Today, we’ll catch you up on the latest news and notes from the two thousand ten World Series of Poker, take a look at California possibly legalizing internet gambling, and go over brand new promotions from Full Tilt and PartyPoker.
Hello, I’m Sean Gibson and welcome to the Daily Deal by Poker News Daily.
To kick things off, we’ll go back to the Rio in Las Vegas once again to recap the action from the two thousand and ten World Series of Poker. Event number forty five was a fifteen hundred dollar no limit holdem tournament and was won by American Jesse Rockowitz for just over seven hundred and twenty thousand dollars. Event number forty-six was a five thousand dollar Omaha high low tournament which was won by Chris Bell who bested both Dan Shak, who finished second, and David “DevilFish” Ulliott who finished third. For his efforts, Bell rung in three hundred and twenty-seven thousand dollars.
Meanwhile, a non-bracelet event took place amid huge fanfare from the Rio in the WSOP Tournament of Champions. Players in this event had to either previously have won it or be voted in through a fan poll. There were five huge casualties on Day 1 of the event, starting with legend Doyle Brunson. Other players busting include two thousand nine world series of poker champion Joe Cada, Andrew Barton and Dan Harrington. The other casualty turned out to be defending champ and WPT host Mike Sexton, leaving seventeen players remaining. Mike “the mouth” matusow is your chip leader, being followed by Huck Seed, Johnny Chan and Scotty Nguyen.
Today, lawmakers in the California Senate Governmental Organization Committee will debate the merits of legalizing and regulating online poker. Senate Bill 1485, introduced by Inglewood Democrat Rod Wright, could help shrink major budget shortfalls in the west coast state. Among those not in favor of the proposed legislation is the Poker Players Alliance.
The PPA takes issue with the bill granting licenses to only three internet gambling “hubs.” In addition, the one million member strong organization disagrees with the bill’s criminalization of those who play on sites not granted licenses. In a letter sent to Wright in late June, the PPA cautioned,
“The measure as drafted would immediately criminalize online poker play well before any of the hubs are operational. It could easily be a year or more before online players could play legally.”
PPA California State Director Steve Miller is testifying at Tuesday’s hearing. As more develops in California, we’ll be reporting the latest as it breaks.
Starting this week, PartyPoker is bringing back its popular Card Rush Instant Win promotion, only this time, it’s super sized. Card Rush XL offers one-point-eight million prizes up for grabs, including cash, freeroll entries, and special leaderboard points. The promotion, which is sure to cause a massive traffic boost on PartyPoker, ends when every card has been given away or July thirty-first, whichever comes first. To claim a card, all you have to do is rack up fifteen Party Points.
Meanwhile, players in the United States can head to Full Tilt Poker, which is dishing out trips to the upcoming WPT Bellagio Cup in Las Vegas. Three direct qualifiers will be held on Full Tilt Poker, the first of which takes place today at twenty-one hundred Eastern Time. In addition, Step Seven sit and gos, which have a buy-in of twenty-one hundred dollars, will award WPT Bellagio Cup prize packages. The tournament has a $10,000 buy-in and begins on July 11th.
Thanks for joining me on the Daily Deal. Don’t forget to visit PokerNewsDaily.com and be sure to follow us at Twitter.com/PokerNewsDaily for the latest in poker news. This is Sean Gibson, wishing you deep runs in all your tournaments!