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World Series of Poker: Circuit Schedule 2008-2009

Date: Tue, Jul 8, 2008

harrahsThe World Series of Poker Circuit schedule has been released for the 2008-2009 season. Slightly reduced from 12 to 10 stops the Circuit will begin in October of this year at Caesars Indiana. Last year there were two stops in New Orleans, Tunica and at Caesars Indiana; these have all been reduced to one stop only and a new event has been added for Harrah's Hammond.

Here is the new schedule:

2008-09 WORLD SERIES OF POKER CIRCUIT SCHEDULE

October 2 -- October 14, 2008
CAESARS INDIANA

October 24 -- November 2, 2008
HORSESHOE HAMMOND (Chicago area)

November 6 -- November 16, 2008
HARVEYS LAKE TAHOE (Nevada)

December 5 – December 18, 2008
HARRAH’S ATLANTIC CITY

January 20 – February 9, 2009
HARRAH’S TUNICA (Mississippi)

February 12 – February 25, 2009
HORSESHOE COUNCIL BLUFFS (Iowa)

March 4 – March 14, 2009
CAESARS ATLANTIC CITY

March 19 – March 29, 2009
HARRAH’S RINCON (San Diego)

April 12 – April 29, 2009
CAESARS PALACE (Las Vegas)

May 8 – May 20, 2009
HARRAH’S NEW ORLEANS

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World Series of Poker: Off Day/Day Off

Date: Mon, Jul 7, 2008

day offAs I mentioned yesterday, this is the official Day Off for the 2008 Main Event. There is a $500 Casino Employees event and a Charity Media Tournament but the only real high or low-lite will be the WSOP News Conference, if anything comes out of that lovefest, we will report details later; otherwise--see you tomorrow for Day 2A of [qoute] The Greatest Tournament in the World brought to you by Miller's Best Lite [end quote].

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World Series of Poker: Day 1A, 1B, 1C & 1D: 2008 vs. 2007

Date: Sun, Jul 6, 2008

ao7With a big finish on Day 1D, the 2008 World Series of Poker Main Event has reached an official total of 2,471 entrants, which makes this the second largest poker tournament ever.

2006 WSOP Main Event: 8,773 entrants
2008 WSOP Main Event: 6,844 entrants
2007 WSOP Main Event: 6,358 entrants
2005 WSOP Main Event: 5,619 entrants
2004 WSOP Main Event: 2,576 entrants

TODAY: 2008 Day 1D: 2,461 entrants
2007 Day 1D: 1783 entrants

2008 Main Event Day 1C: 1928 entrants [4,383 three day total]
2007 Main Event Day 1C: 1743 entrants [4,575]

2008 Main Event Day 1B: 1158 entrants [2455 two day total]
2007 Main Event Day 1B: 1545 entrants [2832]

2008 Main Event Day 1A: 1297 entrants
2007 Main Event Day 1A: 1287 entrants

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World Series of Poker: Day 1D Observations

Date: Sun, Jul 6, 2008

2008wsop

  • Day 1D has turned out to be the largest single day field for a World Series Main event. Lindy will get you the final numbers later but it looks like the field is in the neighborhood of 2200, which will surpass the old record from Day 1D of 2006. This means that the '08 Main Event will be larger than '07 and second only to '06.

    • .

  • With every table in all five locations around the Rio in play today, some of the tables were playing ten-seated. As registration closed after the first two levels the first order of floor business was to break those tables down to nine players before any other tables were broken and players were moved. All-in-all the process went smoothly.

    • .

  • Today was clearly the Day One of Choice for the professionals, even with the huge number of tables in play, it was easy to stroll through any of the venue sites and spot big names among the online wannabes and the next Jerry Raymer, Chris Yang or Greg Moneymaker.

    • .

  • Not quite sure why there is an off day tomorrow. Last year the Day 1A & 1B players were back to play Day 2A and then the Day 1C & 1D players were on for Day 2B. Then we had the day off on the 7th day. This year with tomorrow off, it will be Day 2A on Tuesday and Day 2B on Wednesday and Day 3 on Thursday. This means the Day 2B players will have to go back-to-back, while the Day 2A players get another day off. Wonder why?

    • .

  • Until today I have been impressed by the stamina of the media corps this year. While this has been WSOP-lite for me in 2008, many others were in the trenches every day and the survival rate has been high. Today, I noticed the tell tale signs that a few of my colleagues have been in one place far too long. It's not Vegas, it's one big poker room with the same story over and over. Hard to find the "story of the day" for six straight weeks.

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    World Series of Poker: Day 1A, 1B & 1C: 2008 vs. 2007

    Date: Sat, Jul 5, 2008

    ao7 As expected Day 1C was a much bigger field than either 1A or 1B. Estimates for tomorrow's Day 1D are all over the board with many predictions of over 2,000*. To match last year's Main Event total the magic number is 1,985*.

    Lots of name professionals are playing tomorrow and plenty of other players are coming in after spending the Fourth of July with family and friends. So, "close" will be the operational word tomorrow for all of those over/under wagers* on the total runners in the 2008 World Series of Poker Main Event.

    TODAY: 2008 Main Event Day 1C: 1928 entrants [4,373 three day total]
    2007 Main Event Day 1C: 1743 entrants [4,575]

    2008 Main Event Day 1B: 1158 entrants [2455 two day total]
    2007 Main Event Day 1B: 1545 entrants [2832]

    2008 Main Event Day 1A: 1297 entrants
    2007 Main Event Day 1A: 1287 entrants

    2008 Day 1D: Sunday?*
    2007 Day 1D: 1783 entrants

    *Late/Early reports or Early/Late reports are that the field for Sunday is over 2200 and counting.

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    World Series of Poker: Day 1C Observations

    Date: Sat, Jul 5, 2008

    rio1

  • As expected a much bigger field showed up for this Day 1C on a Saturday. Both the Amazon and the Brazilia rooms at the Rio were near full. Rumors were that Day 1D tomorrow was sold out but we can confirm this is only a rumor and seats remain available for Sunday. Lindy will provide accurate numbers when they become available.

    • .

  • The Mega Satellites were smaller yesterday but those fields have come back big today too. The 1 PM Mega Satellite was sold out and seats for the 4 PM,6 PM, and 9 PM were going fast.

    • .

  • Another "two of my favorite players" sighting today. Mike Matusow was playing at the ESPN feature table and doing well. Liz Lieu was also in the field and after a Diva-like tardy arrival, she also was on the upside of the chip race.

    • .

  • Interesting that some of the media, who came in only for the main event, are now complaining about the long hours. My fellow full-time, full-tournament media friends can only laugh at those who find covering one tournament a day for only five rounds to be a tough assignment.

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    World Series of Poker: Day 1A & 1B: 2008 vs. 2007

    Date: Fri, Jul 4, 2008

    ao7 This year Day 1B was smaller than Day 1A, unlike 2007 when the field grew each successive day. But we still have two big fields to count on Days 1C & 1D.

    In 2007 the final two days had much bigger fields and that is anticipated again this year; some early registration numbers indicate Saturday and Sunday will be much larger.

    2008 Main Event Day 1B: 1158 entrants [2455]
    2007 Main Event Day 1B: 1545 entrants [2832 two day total]

    2008 Main Event Day 1A: 1297 entrants
    2007 Main Event Day 1A: 1287 entrants

    2008 Day 1C: Saturday?
    2007 Day 1C: 1743 entrants

    2008 Day 1D: Sunday?
    2007 Day 1D: 1783 entrants

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    World Series of Poker: Day 1B Observations

    Date: Fri, Jul 4, 2008

    rio5

  • The field for Day 1B is clearly smaller than for Day 1A, there are sixteen empty tables in the main tournament area. Cash games continue in that section of the room. Final number for today will not be avaiable until at least the end of round three (the dinner break).

    • .

  • All five of the multi-table satellites yesterday had over 225 players. The largest was the $330 with 390 starters. Numbers were a bit off today with the July 4th holiday. A full slate of satellites are running tomorrow and a final 8 AM Mega on Sunday.

    • .

  • Two of my favorite players were in the field today. Bill Edler and Kristy Gazes. Two very good players and just plain great people. Kristy has three cashes so far this Series; Bill has been blanked this year but we all remember his bracelet last summer and his great run in the Main Event (23rd). I like to point out players like these two, if only to balance the other side of poker offered by the Doctor of Darkness Pauly.

    • .

  • The online qualifiers were even more prominent today with the new t-shirts, hats and stick-on logos seemingly at every other seat.

    • .

  • I took in the Life Style Expo during the first level, I was hoping for one real hi-lite. Just when it looked like I was going to have to settle for a Doyle book signing; I discovered the Cyndy Violette clothing emporium with Cyndy herself there to smile happiness into anyone's day.

    • .

  • I also stopped by the Cardoza Publishing booth. I predict the Cardoza display will be one of the hottest attractions at next year's Life Style Expo.

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    World Series of Poker: Day 1A: 2008 vs. 2007

    Date: Thu, Jul 3, 2008

    ao7A lot of people seemed surprised that today (Day 1A) "only" had as many entrants as last year. Seems like a pretty good number for a Thursday and one full table ahead of last year.

    2008 Main Event Day 1A: 1297 entrants
    2007 Main Event Day 1A: 1287 entrants

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    World Series of Poker: Day 1A Observations

    Date: Thu, Jul 3, 2008

    shuffle

  • A comparatively small field (1297) turned out for the first of four Day One flights. Speculation on just what that means for the total 2008 Main Event can wait a couple of days; I would point out this is Thursday with a big weekend in front of us and tomorrow is the Fourth of July here in the States. But just a couple of days will tell all we need to know.

    • .

  • There is a 25 table Mega Satellite ($1060) going on across the hall which will produce another two dozen players for the Main Event. I spotted Kenna James and Steve Dannenmann playing for a cheap seat. Another Mega goes off at 9 PM tonight. Two more tomorrow and two more Saturday.

    • .

  • Michael Craig and Dave "Devilfish" Ulliott were involved in four hands heads up in just the first hour of play. Michael dragged all four of those pots. Methinks the Devilfish will be after Michael the rest of the day. Maureen Feduniak is also at this table and I expect her to stay away from the boyz squabble, unless she can stack one of them. [Update: Suhail Falchouri ended the Devilfish vs. Craig confrontations by taking QQ against Ulliott's 99 and he Devilfish is gone]

    • .

  • I spotted one of my personal favorite players today, Dale Pinchot, he has been active though, we just have missed each other. He has two cashes in the Series this summer to go along with his two from last year.

    • .

  • I have been catching up with many of the dealers I know from past WSOP summers and have heard some interesting stories about this WSOP and the overall dealer climate in Las Vegas. I will save those for a "dealers only" article later on in the Main Event.

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    World Series of Poker: and Now It Begins

    Date: Wed, Jul 2, 2008

    meThe beginning of the beginning of the end....

    Fifty-One bracelets have been handed out; two more are ready to be presented today; the Player of the Year has been determined, congratulations to Erick Lindgren; the Ante Up for Africa event goes off today. Then, finally, we get to the Main Event and we answer most of the questions everyone has waited for.

    Will we have more entries than last year?

    Will the professionals somehow continue their dominance they have shown thru 53 preliminary events?

    Will it all run as smooth as the tournaments have run so far? By the way, nice job to the WSOP staff this was truly a nicely run Series so far. Minor mistakes, quick fixes and overall solid and uniform floor decisions. Kudos to Tournament Director Jack Effel and his WSOP floor staff.

    Another great move comes later this week, when the WSOP Media event is brought back with substantial prizes given to the favorite charities of the final table participants. A great solution to that on again off again event.

    Then tomorrow we reach the 2008 World Series of Poker $10,000 No Limit Hold'em Main Event. Four Day One flights, two Day Two flights and five more days to play down to the "November Nine" or the "Fall Final". Then all the WSOP eggs go into that ESPN/November basket and we all wait, watch, hope and pray. No matter who you favor in that mass of poker humanity, say a little prayer that at least one or two "names" make it to the final nine. Nothing could be better for poker than to see Scotty, Mike, Phil, Phil, Erick, Jennifer, Antonio, Gus, Daniel, Joe, Johnny** or heaven help us Doyle! make the final table.

    It all starts tomorrow.

    **Dewey, Cyndy, Bill, Gavin, Carlos, Chris, Doug, Liz, David, Tony, Lyle, Barry, Berry, Huck, Patrik, David, the other Phil and the other Phil, Greg, Layne, Chad, Isabelle, Todd, Freddy, T.J., Michael, Mike again, Ted, Gabe, Andy, Howard, John, John, John or John, Lee, Annie, Eli, Hoyt, Andy or even Jerry.

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    World Series of Poker: Week Five Comparison

    Date: Tue, Jul 1, 2008

    ao7A short week five to compare as we are now on the threshold of the Main Event. Fifty-three events are in the books or about to be and here are the numbers:

    53 Preliminary Events:

    25 events had increased entries
    15 events had decreased entries
    12 events were new tournaments or increased buy-ins
    1 tie

    Here are the week four comparisons:

    2008 Event #48
    $2,000 No Limit Hold'em
    Number of Entrants: 2,319
    2007 Entries: 2,038
    (Big increase)

    2008 Event #49
    $1,500 No Limit Hold'em
    Number of Entrants: 2,718
    2007 Entries: 3,151
    (down over 400 from the old record, but the event was capped so it had no chance of hitting 3,000)

    2008 Event #50
    $10,000 Pot Limit Omaha
    Number of Entrants: 381
    2007 Entries: 314
    (a strong increase for a $10K event)

    2008 Event #51
    $1,500 H.O.R.S.E.
    Number of Entrants: 803
    2007 Entries: 730
    (this was a $1,000 S.H.O.E. event last summer)

    2008 Event #52
    $1,500 No Limit Hold'em
    Number of Entrants: 2,693
    2007 Entries: new event
    (an added 7th $1,500 NLHE event)

    2008 Event #53
    $1,500 Limit Hold'em Shootout
    Number of Entrants: 823
    2007 Entries: capped at 720
    (the cap was raised this year, so we’ll call this an “other”)

    Next, I will be watching the four Day Ones of the Main Event to see where those numbers go.

    Week Four Comparison
    Week Three Comparison
    Week Two Comparison
    Week One Comparison

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    World Series of Poker: the Scotty Nguyen Syndrome

    Date: Mon, Jun 30, 2008

    profFirst and foremost, congratulations to Scotty Nguyen for taking down the $50,000 H.O.R.S.E. and being the first player to hold the Chip Reese trophy. Scotty has an amazing track record over nearly 20 years of playing poker. His record, of course, includes the 1998 World Series of Poker main event championship and tournament earnings approaching Ten Million Dollars. Now Scotty adds to his legend, taking down the most prestigious tournament in professional poker.

    But like so many great careers there is a dark side to Scotty's, one episode of which took place last summer at the 2007 WSOP main event. With twelve players remaining in the hunt for the final table nine, Scotty Nguyen was the chipleader and, as we all know, he did not make the final table. That crash and burn troubled Scotty for many months and will probably never be forgotten in poker lore.

    Fast forward to this summer, the very next World Series of Poker main event and add to the mixture: the delayed final table. Combine these two events and I offered to you the "Scotty Nguyen Syndrome".

    Syndrome: a predictable, characteristic pattern of behavior, action, etc., that tends to occur under certain circumstances

    I don't know when it will hit and it will not affect all players at the same moment but somewhere around 18 players or 27 players; maybe even as high as 36 or even 45 players for some, it will appear. This is not just the World Series of Poker Final Table, no this is the "November Nine", the "Fall Final".

    And as sure as it will be 108 degrees in Las Vegas, each an every player who survives to Day Six on July 13th and certainly to Day Seven on July 14th, each of those players will experience the "Scotty Nguyen Syndrome".

    To get that close to four months of publicity and interviews and endorsements and fame and potential fortune and who knows what else... The "SNS" is going to massively effect play whenever it sets in. Players will get tight, really tight; decisions will take longer, a lot longer; tempers will shorten, in some cases really, really shorten; table talk, hand winning celebrations and anything resembling angle shooting will be scrutinized, analyzed and penalized? Floor decisions will be magnified out of all proportion, imagine giving a player a two round penalty on the bubble!

    The final table bubble itself will be much bigger, extending out to at least 27 players. The media coverage will be more intense and more critical than ever before. And the players...? Well the players will not be themselves because they will be playing under the influence of the "Scotty Nguyen Syndrome".

    Rumor has it that Corona will lessen but not alleviate the symptoms of the syndrome but there is a rebound effect if you excede a twelve pak in less than two full tournament levels. Perhaps Harrah's should supply extra massage staff for the final four tables or just rig cold showers above the tables like they do in hazardous material labs. And people say poker is not a sport.....

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    World Series of Poker: the Calm Before the Storm

    Date: Sat, Jun 28, 2008

    stormWe are in the final week before the 2008 World Series of Poker main event. There is still a lot of "preliminary" action going on at the Rio; action that should not be overlooked as we all get our over/under bets in for the big show.

    The $50,000 H.O.R.S.E. tournament hits Day Four today with 24 survivors including: Doyle Brunson, Phil Ivey, Daniel Negreanu, Scotty Nguyen, Erick Lindgren and the eventual winner.

    There are two final tables today: Event #47 a six-handed Hold'em event and Event #48 Seven Card Stud that will have to play down from 13 to a champion today. Event #48 is a $2,000 Hold'em event entering Day Two today; they stopped play late last night as the players hit the money at 198th place. So everyone who goes out today walks away with cash.

    The big event today is the noon start of another $1,500 No Limit Hold'em tournament. Last year this event (Saturday before the Main Event) broke all existing records for non-Main Event registrations. That record has already been broken this year back on May 31st. All eyes will be on the registration count today, as anticipation is high for another record turnout.

    Sunday will bring us the final $10,000 Championship event prior to the Main Event. Expect a heavy European contingent for Event #50 Pot Limit Omaha. Late on Sunday, Event #51 $1,500 H.O.R.S.E. will go off at 5 PM.

    Monday brings the 7th and final $1,500 NLHE tournament; speculation is mixed on what a Monday start will mean for these usually big registration events. With two of these low buy-in events the final weekend before the Main Event, it is anyone's guess how many players have come in to town to take a double-shot at a WSOP bracelet.

    Tuesday brings us the now traditional $1,500 Limit Hold'em Shootout Event #53. Followed by the Ante Up for Africa Charity event on Wednesday.

    Finally, the beginning of the end and the arrival of the storm. On Thursday the Main Event will kick off four Day Ones with Day 1A. Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday will each launch a separate Day One, as the march to the November Final Table begins.

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