Poker.com's Poker Blog: June 2006

WSOP Bracelet #2 - Brandon Cantu

Friday, June 30, 2006

Day 3 saw the $1,500 no-limit and pot-limit hold’em tournaments resumed and the limit event got underway. The three tournaments in progress accounted for more than 1,200 players – plus sidegame and satellite action.

$1,500 No-Limit Hold’em Final Table

The remaining nine players in the $1,500 no-limit hold’em event took their seats at 2 pm PDT today to vie for the $757,839 first prize payout and the famous World Series of Poker bracelet that goes with it.

Here were the chip counts upon entering the final table:

1 & 2 (tied) – Lee Padilla: $753,000; Brandon Cantu: $753,000
3 – Drew Rubin: $573,000
4 – Mark Ly: $516,000
5 – Mark Swartz: $359,000
6 – Don Zewin: $340,000
7 – Juan Carlos Mortensen: $337,000
8 – Ron Stanley: $283,000
9 – Brent Roberts: $260,000

It was two and a half hours before the first elimination, and it was the most recognizable player at the table out first. Juan Carlos “The Matador” Mortensen busted in ninth place ($71,617) when he had run into trouble holding A-Q in two major hands and sat at the final table severely wounded. Mortensen moved all-in preflop for his last few chips and was called by Mark Ly in the big blind. Ly shows Q-9 and Mortensen turned over pocket fours. The board came K-10-5-Q-7 and Mortensen’s pair was overtaken by the queen on the turn. Mortensen arrived at this table down from the huge chip lead he'd had throughout most of the tournament's final stages.

Mark Swartz was next on the hit-list when his offsuit KJ met Brandon Cantu’s pocket tens. Swartz earned $88,668 for his eighth place finish.

The next hand was huge, vacating two seats at the final table in one shot. Ron Stanley moved all-in preflop for his last few chips and Don Zewin reraised all-in as well. Lee Padilla had both players covered and made the call. Stanley showed A-9, Zewin turned over 8-8 Padilla flipped over the A-J. Zewin was ahead and the flop of Q-6-2 was no help to the other players. But when Padilla spiked a jack on the turn, the crowd roared and he raised his arms in jubilation. He made a needless flush when the 7 of spades fell on the river and he knocked out both players. Stanley ended in seventh place ($107,614) while Zewin placed sixth ($126,940).

Players hunkered down and it was almost three more hours before the next player was eliminated. Brandon Cantu called when Brent Roberts moved all-in. Roberts turned over pair of sevens and Cantu flipped up A-Q clubs. The A-Q worked for Cantu here, contrary to Mortensen's luck with the hand earlier, as a queen hit on the flop and the turn and river gave no solace for Roberts. He busted in fifth place ($151,570).

Fourth place, and the $176,579 prize that came with it, went to Lee Padilla when his A-3 diamonds was dominated by Mark Ly’s A-10 off. The board didn’t improve Padilla’s hand (no surprise flushes or elusive threes) and the table was left with three players.

Barely over an hour later, Drew Rubin called Brandon Cantu’s all in with A-6 offsuit and faced pocket eights. The board didn’t pair Rubin’s ace and he was sent home in third with a $226,597 paycheck.

Soon thereafter, Brandon Cantu’s voice sounded hoarse as he cheered and clapped upon seeing Ly’s holdings in what would be the defining hand of the tournament. With a board showing A-J-6, the turn came 7 and Ly checked. When Cantu came out betting, Ly moved all-in and Cantu called. Cantu fliped over A-K and Ly showed J-4, giving Cantu the lead with a pair of aces over Ly’s pair of jacks. Cantu put his hat over his face as the gravity of the situation overwhelmed him and he started pacing. Ly gave a sheepish smile. When the river hit a blank 8, Cantu ran and jumped into the crowd where his friends had been cheering him on. It was only a matter of hands before Cantu took Ly’s few remaining chips ($10,000), when his Q-5 hit two pair against Ly’s 10-2 with a board of A-5-4-Q-8, and eliminated Ly in second place ($416,816).

After plowing through a record 2,776 no-limit hold’em players, Brandon Cantu won the second bracelet event at the 2006 World Series of Poker and took home the $757,839 prize.

Day 2: $1,500 Pot-Limit Hold’em Reaches Its Final Table

Play for the pot-limit event continued at 2 pm PDT today in a flurry of cards as the 71 remaining players were dealt their first hands of day two.

With 71 players starting the second day of this event was also the last day for some notable poker professionals including Tim Phan, Michael Davis, Dewey Tomko, Michael “The Grinder” Mizrachi and Chris Ferguson.

The final table is sure to be a clash of the titans as the likes of Rafe Furst, John Juanda, Burt Boutin, Can Kin Hua and Eric Lynch have all made the cut. Lynch enters as the chip leader with $455,000 while Furst sits in third ($222,000) and Juanda is a little further behind with $147,000, which places him in fifth.

Day 1: $1,500 Limit Hold’em Players Pack the House

Like the events before it, the $1,500 limit hold’em event broke a record for entrants as 1,068 players hit the tables with the hope of taking a piece of the $1,457,820 prize pool. The winner of this event will bring home a $335,289 payday and the enviable World Series of Poker bracelet.

Some recognizable players who busted out in day one of this event include Allen Cunningham, Todd Brunson, Joe Sebok, Andrew Black and Minh Ly.

The bubble burst at 11:50 pm PDT, and the 98 remaining players could proudly say they’d made the money (at least $2,187 from that point forward). Players grinded it out for about another hour before play ended for the night with a mere 69 players left.

Shane @ Poker.com

Posted at 9:22 PM Permalink | 0 comments | Talk on the Poker Forum

Didn't make it to the WSOP?

Poker.com has come up with something fun for poker players to do this July if you aren't going to make it to the World Series of Poker.

The inaugral Poker.com Championship started today, launching a series of 32 events throughout July. There's something for everyone in the Championship Schedule, and we'll also be keeping a leaderboard. The overall leaderboard champion will win themselves trips to Atlantic City and Melbourne, Australia to represent Poker.com in a WPT event and the Aussie Millions.

All Championship Event winners will receive the Championship accolade, and will go through to Event #32, the Tournament of Champions.

The first event, as in the tradition of the WSOP, was a staff event. The tournament is running right now and I am going horribly... There'll be no staff championship trophy for me unless I start getting miracle cards.

So check out the Championship page for all the details. I know I'd be playing if I didn't work here as it looks like a heap of fun!

Kris @ Poker.com

Posted at 1:00 AM Permalink | 2 comments | Talk on the Poker Forum

WSOP Day 2 - Fields narrow

Thursday, June 29, 2006

Day 2 of the World Series of Poker saw action in 2 events, it was day 2 of the $1,500 No-Limit Hold'em event and day one of the $1,500 Pot-Limit event.

Over 1,200 players shuffled chips in the massive Amazon Room at the Rio Hotel as Casino buzzed with the sounds of simultaneous poker tournaments.

By the end of the day the final table was set for the No-Limit event and the Pot-Limit event had reached the money.

No-Limit

The No-Limit starting field of 2,726 was down to 122 players, with all survivors entering the days action in the money.

Carlos Mortensen appeared in good position to advance as he entered play near the top of the leader board and spent most of the day building on his already formidable chip stack. Ten minutes before the 7:30 p.m. dinner break, Mortensen eliminated two players on the same hand, and, with over $600,000 in chips, nearly doubled his lead over second-place player Brandon Cantu.

A number of pros who failed to advance past day 2 included Phil Hellmuth, Phil Gordon, Paul Darden, Bill Gazes, and Tuan Le.

Shortly after midnight, Tom Nguyen was knocked out of the tournament in tenth place and the final table was set. Brandon Cantu enters the final table as the chip leader with $753,000. Carlos Mortensen survived to make the final nine as well. He enters tomorrows play in seventh place with $337,000.

Pot-Limit

The pot-limit tournament began at noon with a field of 1,102 players. Some of the biggest names in the sport, many of them having already been eliminated from the no-limit event, turned out in pursuit of the $345,984 first-place prize.

The pros dominated early action and the chip leader board included familiar names like Michael “The Grinder” Mizrachi, Erick Lindgren, Chris Ferguson, and John Juanda.

As the evening progressed, and the money bubble approached, the table action and player demeanors grew increasingly intense. One example of the tournament’s mounting tension involved poker pro Tim Phan. He argued with an opponent about an apparent string bet after the player had dropped a $500 chip onto the felt, then proceeded to move all in. Unable to settle the dispute, the dealer called in a floor manager who, in the end, sided with Phan.

With only 99 places paying, the bubble burst shortly after 11 p.m. Play continued for another hour and a half before play ended with only 71 players left.

Shane @ Poker.com

Posted at 7:35 PM Permalink | 0 comments | Talk on the Poker Forum

WSOP Bracelet #1 - Chris Gros

World Series of Poker Event #1 - The Casino Employee $500 buy in event has been won by Chris Gros, a dealer from Caesar's Palace.

Gros emerged as the champ from a record field of 1,232 entries and a total prize pool of $554,850.

The final table placings were...

1st Place Chris Gros $127,616
2nd Place Bryan Devonshire $66,582
3rd Place R.J. Wright $38,531
4th Place Scott Clark $27,720
5th Place Christopher Himmenger $22,176
6th Place Craig Federspie $19,404
7th Place David Wortham $16,632
8th Place Marsha Waggoner $13,860
9th Place Barry Goldberg $12,474
10th Place Alejandro Posso $11,088

Chris had this to say about his win, "I don’t know what’s more exiting, not having to make another mortgage payment or winning the bracelet. It is something that I will always have.”

The event currently running is a $1500 buy in NL Holdem tournament. Current chip counts have Lee Padilla in the lead. The event is scheduled to finish on June 30.

There's still plenty of chances to qualify for the WSOP at Poker.com. If you make your first deposit using coupon code WSOPFREEROLL you will not only receive a 100% deposit bonus, but will also get a free entry to the July 15 WSOP main event freeroll. Download now to get your chance at $10million and poker immortality.

Posted at 2:09 AM Permalink | 0 comments | Talk on the Poker Forum

WPT host wins WSOP TOC

Tuesday, June 27, 2006

World Poker Tour host Mike Sexton has beaten 26 of the best in poker at the rival World Series of Poker - Tournament of Champions.

The TOC is an annual invitation only event that includes the top World Series of Poker and WSOP Circuit players of the past year battling it out for $2 million in prize money, with $1 million going to the champion.

There are 27 places available, 12 go to the winners of the WSOP Circuit events over the past year, 9 go to the players who made it to the final table at the WSOP Main Event with the remaining 6 players being invited by Harrah's Entertainment and its sponsors.

Only 10 could make the final table and after one day of play the table was set with Andrew Black at the head of the tabel with a commanding 2 to 1 chip leader over nearest rival Daniel Negraneau.

Only the top 9 finishers recieve prize money so the 10th place finisher would be in the unlucky predicament of making a final table and still going home empty handed.

That turned out to be Gus Hansen, one of poker’s most feared and respected top professionals, he arrived with the second-lowest stack stick and went out quickly.

Daniel Bergsdorf, (7th place WSOP Main Event) was the next player to be eliminated. About an hour into play he moved all-in with pocket kings after the flop came J-9-8. Unbeknownst to Bergsdorf, opponent Daniel Negreanu had flopped a monster hand, holding queen-ten -- good for a straight. Bergsdorf failed to improve and finished in ninth place, which paid $25,000.

Kido Pham, (Bally’s WSOP Circuit champion) went out next. Pham was low on chips and tried to steal with a weak hand. Andrew Black made the call, caught a pair, and ended Pham’s dream of becoming a millionaire. Eighth place paid $25,000.

One of the tournament’s most decisive hands occurred mid-way into the finale. The hand completely altered the fortune of at least two players, and set the stage for the remainder of the tournament. Daniel Negreanu was dealt pocket kings and called an all-in re-raise by Andrew Black, holding ace-king. It’s rare in tournament poker to see a confrontation between the two largest chip stacks, but this is precisely what happened. The kings held up and Negreanu rocketed up into the chip lead for the first time. In an instant, Black’s humongous chip stack went from a castle to a farmhouse.

Chris “Jesus” Ferguson was the next elimination. Low on chips throughout play he finally busted-out when his pocket sixes were flattened by Darrell Dicken’s pocket eights. Neither player improved, so the higher pair won. Ferguson collected $50,000 for finishing seventh.

Darrell "Gigabet" Dicken, (Rincon WSOP Circuit champion) went out in sixth place. On his last hand, moved in on a semi-bluff with a diamond flush draw. Mike Sexton had top pair (kings) and called. Dicken failed to catch a much-needed diamond, and picked up $75,000 for two days of poker playing.

Andrew Black, who suffered a brutally disappointing experience at this final table, became the tournament’s next fatality. With his massive chip advantage at the start, Black certainly expected to finish higher than fifth. But he could not overcome the big loss to Negreanu. Black went out on a flush draw with king-nine suited, but missed. Mike Matusow anxiously scooped up and meticulously stacked Black’s final chips. Black’s prize amounted to $100,000.

Chris Reslock, (Atlantic City Showboat WSOP Circuit champion) made a great run at the final table, finishing fourth, despite arriving as the player lowest in chips. On his final hand, Reslock was dealt ten-nine and flopped a pair of tens. Daniel Negreanu also flopped a pair of tens, with a king-kicker. The higher side-card played, and Reslock was busted. He rode his short stack up to $150,000 for fourth place.

That left Mike Sexton, Daniel Negreanu, and Mike Matusow two of the biggest mouths in poker and an absolute gentleman of the game. The verbal fireworks that many in the standing-only crowd were anticipating went off almost immediately. Matusow consistently baited his favorite target, Negreanu which only encouraged a combative and comedic rebuttal, more often than not leaving the entire table in stitches. Even the calm and collected Mike Sexton broke up a few times.

After trading chips back and forth for over an hour, the next major confrontation took place when Mike Matusow, the best poker player in the world (so he claims on GSN's High Stakes Poker), admittedly made a mental mistake and “slipped.” Matusow’s fateful hand started off innocently enough, with Mike Sexton making a standard raise with pocket sevens. Matusow had A-4 and re-raised all-in. Sexton contemplated his decision for a time and finally decided to call. Judging by the look of despair on his face, Matusow knew he was in trouble. Predictably, the sevens turned out to be lucky for Sexton, and the defending champ was out. Matusow’s share of the prize money amounted to $250,000.

As the tournament entered a third unscheduled day, heads-up play finally began, Mike Sexton enjoyed a slight chip lead over Daniel Negreanu – 1,488,000 to 1,212,000. The duo would duel for more than five hours, initially trading the chip lead back and forth. But as the night grew longer and morning came to light, it was Sexton who was both more aggressive and appeared to catch a more favorable run of cards in the tournament’s later stages. As the clock inched toward 4 am, Sexton had improved to a 3 to 1 chip lead and the end seemed eminent.
But poker tournaments are often impossible to predict. One hour later, Negreanu reversed Sexton’s advantage and seized a 3 to 2 chip lead. Only the most hardcore poker aficionados still conscious at this stage.

After both players essentially played mistake-free poker for a total of 17 hours, in the end, one critical yet erratic hand proved decisive.

That hand took place when Sexton was dealt king-queen. Negreanu was dealt queen-jack (two diamonds). After the flop came K-8-4 with two diamonds, Negreanu (on a diamond flush draw) moved all-in and Sexton (holding top pair) called. Two non-diamond blanks fell on the turn and river, and Sexton regained the chip lead – this time about 4 to 1 over his adversary. Negreanu was unable to recover from that devastating blow.

Then, the clock struck six. With both players visibly weary from the dusk to dawn duel of staying power, the final hand of the TOC was dealt at 6:07 am PST. Negreanu, with queen-jack moved all-in with two overcards and a straight draw after the flop came 10-8-4. Sexton, with pocket aces, could not move his chips into the pot fast enough. An ace on the turn seemed to be a big card for Sexton, but it actually helped Negreanu considerably more. He picked up four additional out (four kings to make a straight). But an eight on the river paired the board, giving Sexton a full house – aces over eights – and his first WSOP-related victory in more than 17 years.

Mike Sexton’s victory was well-deserved for many reasons. Sexton won his only WSOP gold bracelet back in 1989, in the game of seven-card stud eight-or-better. But due to the demands of his celebrity as a poker commentator on television, Sexton has not been able to play in as many tournaments as he would like.

At the start of the tournament, Sexton – the eternal goodwill ambassador – pledged half of his TOC win to charity. That means a collection of Sexton’s favorite charities will split a whooping half-million dollars. “I have been blessed with so much good fortune,” Sexton said. “I really want to give something back from the game that has been so good to me and has taught me so many things.”

Official Results:

1st Place Mike Sexton Las Vegas, NV $1,000,000
2nd Place Daniel Negreanu Las Vegas, NV 325,000
3rd Place Mike Matusow Las Vegas, NV 250,000
4th Place Chris Reslock Atlantic City, NJ 150,000
5th Place Andrew Black Dublin, Ireland 100,000
6th Place Darrell Dicken Waterloo, IA 75,000
7th Place Chris “Jesus” Ferguson Pacific Palisades, CA 50,000
8th Place Kido Pham Dallas, TX 25,000
9th Place Daniel Bergsdorf Umea, Sweden 25,000

Shane @ Poker.com

Posted at 8:03 PM Permalink | 1 comments | Talk on the Poker Forum

Players' WSOP dreams saved

Monday, June 26, 2006

Media Information : For Immediate Release

The home of online poker, Poker.com has delivered on its promise to save players affected by ChecknRaisePoker's inability to send its tournament winners to the World Series of Poker in July.

An unfortunate situation arose in the poker world this month when online poker site ChecknRaise poker were unable to meet their financial obligation to provide World Series of Poker prize packages to ten of their players.

Instead of standing by idly, another online poker site, Poker.com, decided to do something to help these players and offered to fund their Las Vegas trips and World Series of Poker tournament buy ins.

With the co-operation of CNR, most of the players have now been contacted, their trips have been re-organized and they will now be enjoying all the benefits of being a part of the Poker.com family. Poker.com's generosity even extended to upgrade the player's $11,000 package as won at CnR, to a full $12,500, as given to all players who had won seats through Poker.com.

Poker forums and blogs around the globe have been buzzing with the news since the announcement last week.

One of the players affected, who goes by the nickname 'Caligard' had this to say "I was one of the ones affected and this is an unbelievable gesture. Thanks Poker.com for your unbelievable generosity!"

Another player, 'Big Poppa' was also appreciative. "Wow! I mean, wow!!! I was one of the winners of a Main Event seat from ChecknRaise, and you have no idea what this means to me."

Poker.com Director of Gaming, Paul Cherry said, "We have had so much great feedback from those affected as well as poker devotees in general since our announcement"

"Just like our players we are poker people, poker is more than a business to us."

"Our players are like family, as soon as we heard about the problem we knew we had to step in and help these players, because no one else would."

"Contrary to some online reports we are an independent poker room, with our own poker software, run by a group of people with an amazing passion for poker. This wasn't about saving face for a network or bailing out ChecknRaise Poker, this was about poker industry people helping poker players. It's a good feeling to know we helped these players out and they will now be representing Poker.com at the WSOP." Mr Cherry said.

For anyone else with WSOP dreams, Poker.com has decided to offer another seat to this year's main event for free via a special freeroll tournament. Simply sign up at Poker.com and make your first deposit using coupon code WSOPFREEROLL before July14, and you will be given a 100% deposit bonus as well as entry to a World Series of Poker main event freeroll on July 15.

Posted at 10:46 PM Permalink | 1 comments | Talk on the Poker Forum

Sunday's Tournament Review

Sunday’s at Poker.com is the perfect time to sit back in your favourite chair with an ice cold drink and while your at it, win yourself a month’s wage…

Now not even my partner could be angry with me for not mowing the lawn that weekend!

For your chance to play the Poker.com Freerolls simply earn yourself comp points ny playing at our real money tables or why not try winning your $10,000 guaranteed entry for as low as $5..

$20,000 Weekly Freeroll

Congratulations to KUIvy3 who, at the age of 22, is Poker.com’s youngest ever $20,000 Freeroll winner. Today’s exciting victory came against a skilled field of 790 entrants and lasted over 5hrs before KUIvy3 managed to take out first place and $4,000 in free cash.

Bust Out Hands:

19:25 - 5th Place IllusionS
- SB $8k - BB $16k
- JT1521 All In for $79,780
- BB IllusionS All In for $37,896
Flop: Ts Qc 8d Turn: 8h River: As
- JT1521 - Qd Qs Vs IllusionS - Ac 9d
JT1521 Wins: Full House, Queens over Eights

19:28 - 4th Place RaiRai
- KUIvy3 Raised to $48,000
- SB MrSGK53 Folds
- BB RaiRai All In for $113,607
- KUIvy3 Calls $81,607
Flop: 5h Jd 5s Turn: Ad River: Td
RaiRai - 6s 4c Vs KUIvy3 - Jh Kc
KUIvy3 with: Two Pair, Jacks and Fives

19:31 - 3rd Place JT1521
- SB $10K - BB $20K
- SB JT1521 All In for $39,676
- KUIvy3 Calls $29,676
Flop: 5s As 9h Turn: Jd River: 4s
- JT1521 - 5h Js Vs KUIvy3 - Ah 9s
KUIvy3 Wins with: Two Pair, Aces and Nines

Surprisingly both players tightened up (compared to the previous rotations) and 15 hands were played Heads Up, until...

19:34 - 2nd Place MrSGK53
- KUIvy3 is the Dealer
- SB - KUIvy3 $10,000
- BB - MrSGK53 $20,000
- KUIvy3 All In for $628,880
- MrSGK53 All In for $131,120
Flop: Ad 8s 7d Turn: 6s River: Td
- KUIvy3 - Tc 9h Vs MrSGK53 - Ts Jh
1st Place and $4K - KUIvy3 with Ten High Straight

$10,000 Guaranteed

Well, it looks like word is starting to get out and the Sunday $10,000 Guaranteed is growing in popularity, but it's still by far the best value around.

Usually a $10,00 tournament would require 200 entrants @ $50 to provide a prize pool of this size, but at Poker.com, we guarantee the full $10,000 every week!
Regardless of how many players register and play.

So, that’s double the money, but only half the players…Can you say E.V.?

Today’s $10k was an absolute poker marathon, lasting just under 5 hours until the eventual winner, ATM1221, was able to hold on to first place and $3,000.

On behalf of Poker.com I would like to congratulate on today’s great win and your impressive results this past month.
Previous $10k Results: 4th, 22nd, 45th...
Someone has been working on their game and the results are starting to show... or is that your bankroll starting to grow?

Bust Out Hands:
Only two hands after knocking out 4th place Gustavsson, Yona24 went up against ATM1221.
3rd Place - Yona24
- SB $1k - BB $2k
- Dealer - Yona24 Raises to $5,000
- SB Folds & BB Calls
Flop: 4h Qc As
- ATM1221 Bets $6000.00
- Yona24 Calls $6000.00
Turn: Tc
- ATM1221 Bets $12000.00
- Yona24 All In for $33868.00
- ATM1221 Calls $21868.00
River: 6h
- ATM1221 - 9h Ad Vs Yona24 - 5h Ac
ATM1221 with: Pair of Aces

Play tightens and a further 25 hands are dealt Heads Up, until…..

2nd Place - Augustin
- ATM1221 is the Dealer
- SB ATM1221 Raised to $5000.00
- Augustin Calls $3000.00
Flop: 9c Qd 4h
- Augustin Bets $15000.00
- ATM1221 Calls $15000.00
Turn: Jc
- Augustin All In for $52480.00
- ATM1221 Calls $52480.00
River: 2s
- Augustin - Kd 7d Vs ATM1221 - 8h Qc
1st Place & $3,000 - ATM1221 with: Pair of Queens

Upcoming Poker.com WSOP Finals:

Next WSOP Main Event:
- Sunday 2 July @ 15:00 - 1 Seat Guaranteed

Last WSOP Main Event:
- Sunday 9 July @ 15:00 - 1 Seat Guaranteed

Hope to see you in Vegas & good luck at the tables!

Liam @ Poker.com

Posted at 3:15 AM Permalink | 0 comments | Talk on the Poker Forum

Congratulations Harlequeen!

Sunday, June 25, 2006

Event number 8 of the Blogger Poker Tour was held on Saturday and Harlequeen scored herself an entry to the Grand Final along with the $125 first prize.

Papahun placed top 4 AGAIN - he's been the most consistent finisher in this first season of the BPT and will be a hot favorite to make the final table of the Grand Final.

After knocking Kris out with his ladies, Skinski inherited the bounty which then became moot when Skinski lasted to 5th place.... We just can't give these bounty spots away!

The Final Chance event is on this Friday night at 19:30 Poker.com time. (GMT-5) See you then!

Posted at 9:00 PM Permalink | 0 comments | Talk on the Poker Forum

Blogger Poker Tour #8

Friday, June 23, 2006

Event number 8 of the Blogger Poker Tour is this Saturday at 15:30 Poker.com time.

This is every blogger's 2nd last chance to earn themselves a coupon to the July 1st Grand Final where a World Series of Poker main event seat will be given away.

This weekend I'm also going to try and get up and play. It's VERY early on a Sunday morning, but I should be there to play. Whoever busts me out gets a seat to the GF also. It shouldn't be to hard to send me to the rail at that time of the morning...

Check out BloggerPokerTour.com for more details.

Kris @ Poker.com

Posted at 11:32 PM Permalink | 3 comments | Talk on the Poker Forum

Join Us For The WSOP!

Thursday, June 22, 2006

I can hardly believe it…. The biggest poker tournament the world has ever seen is just around the corner.

In fact, there is just over 4 weeks until the Rio Casino takes poker’s center stage and play host to an estimated 8,000 entrants. Therefore, you still have plenty of time to plan that trip and see the Poker.com Team in action… Paul and I would love to meet you!

2006 will see Poker.com send our largest live tournament team ever to compete in an array of different events, such as the:
• NL Texas Hold’em World Championship Event - $10,000 Buy-in
• NL Hold’em 3-day Event - $5,000 Buy-in
• NL Hold’em 3-day Event - $1,000 Buy-in
• Ladies Event NL Hold’em 2-day Event - $1,000 Buy-in

Here is how the Team is shaping up for the WSOP:
• Poker.com Main Event Seat Winners: 11 + 3 still to be won
• Blogger Poker Tour Seat Winner: 1 seat to be won 1st July
• Bluff Poker Seat Winner: 1
• Poker.com Ladies Event Seat Winners: 4
• ChecknRaise Seat Winners: 9 (Poker.com are paying the WSOP entry for 9 players after ChecknRaise were unable to honour seat legitimately won on the site)

Unfortunately, Paul and I will miss the start of the Ladies Event (for some reason work wouldn’t let us out of the office for a whole month), but we will arrive in Las Vegas on Wednesday, 26 July and depart 11 August.

Here are some WSOP dates to keep in mind:
July 26 - Paul and Liam arrive in Vegas
July 27 - Poker.com Party - meet staff and fellow players (merchandise galore)
July 28 - WSOP Main Event Day 1
Aug 10 - WSOP Main Event Final Day

So, if you have been considering making the journey, perhaps even playing an event or two, then send us an email and arrange to hit the tables with some of your fellow players and Poker.com Staff… It’s a great chance to put some faces to all those online nicknames you have come to know and love/hate.

Hope to see you in Las Vegas!

Liam @ Poker.com

Posted at 6:11 PM Permalink | 2 comments | Talk on the Poker Forum

Negreanu protege beaten by plumber.

Wednesday, June 21, 2006

The tuitilage of Daniel Negranea and a 2 -1 chip lead wasnt enough for Brian Fidler to top Clint Baskin at the Harvey’s Casino-Resort – Lake Tahoe WSOP Circuit event.

Fidler took a massive lead into the final day but while playing cautiously early an aggressive Baskin closed in with the elimination of the 8th and 7th place finishers Matt Russell and Joe DuBois.

Baskin snuck into the lead until Fidler knocked out Justin Scott in fith place giving Fidler about 800,000 in chips to Baskin’s 650,000.

Scott pushed all-in on a semi-bluff when he had an open ended straight draw, unfortunatly he couldn't complete the straight and Fidler who made the easy call with pocket rockets took down the pot.

Staying aggressive Baskin knocked out Robert W. Cheung in fourth with trip aces, reclaiming the chip lead and becoming the first player to top the million-chip mark.

Cheung (a.k.a. “RCW”) had been the chip leader after Day One but he could not maintain that momentum and failed to make a serious bid for the chip lead at the final table.

Terribly short stacked and struggling just to stay in the game Tony Le pushed all in with J-10, unfortunatly Baskin was looking at pocket rockets and quickly called. No help from the board sent Le home and put Baskin further in front.

When heads-up play began,Baskin enjoyed about a 3 to 2 chip advantage over Fidler with 1,371,000 to 831,000. Niether player was in a hurry to go any where and half an hour passed without a major confrontation.

That changed when Fidlers 2 pair ran into Baskin's trip dueces, putting Baskin up to nearly 1.6 million in chips.

The final hand came with the clock about to strike midnight, Fidler was dealt Q-9, Baskin was dealt A-4. Baskin made a raise and Fidler called. The flop came 9-6-5. Fidler had top pair and bet 17,000. Baskin called. A deuce on the turn gave Baskin an inside straight draw. Fidler bet 50,000 and Baskin called. “I knew that if I caught a three or an ace, I would win (the tournament),” Baskin explained afterward. “It didn’t cost me that much to call, so I did.” Baskin’s call turned out to be a brilliant decision.

A three fell on the river. The final board showed 9-6-5-2-3 giving Baskin a straight – ace to five. Fidler pushed all in. Baskin announced “call,” and raised his two arms high into the air. Baskin flipped over his hole cards and his cheering section went wild. Clint Baskin was the winner.

Married with two children Baskin won his seat into the main event via a $200 buy-in super satellite. He collected $372,240 for first place and also won the prestigious gold and diamond ring presented to every WSOP Circuit champion.

Next week, Baskin will travel from Lake Tahoe to Las Vegas to compete in the 2006 Tournament of Champions. The TOC, hosted by the Rio, is a $2 million freeroll for 27 top players, including the previous winners of all 2005-06 WSOP Circuit events. He will compete against the likes of current world poker champion Joe Hachem and other famous poker celebrities. Baskin is sure to enjoy the powerful momentum of this victory. The bigger question is – can he parlay a $200 super-satellite seat into a million dollar top prize?
Final Placings and Prize Money

1. Clint Baskin Stockton, CA $372,240
2. Brian Fidler Stamford, CT 206,800
3. Tony Le Reno, NV 113,740
4. Robert “RCW” Cheung Vancouver, BC (Canada) 82,720
5. Justin Scott Detroit, MI 72,380
6. J.C. Tran Sacramento, CA 62,040
7. Joe DuBois Green Bay, WI 51,700
8. Matt Russell Houston, TX 41,360
9. Jamin Stokes Grand Rapids, MI 31,020

Shane @ Poker.com

Posted at 9:54 PM Permalink | 0 comments | Talk on the Poker Forum

Poker.com saves the day!

Monday, June 19, 2006

:: Press Release ::
Poker.com saves the day for World Series of Poker hopefuls

The home of online poker, Poker.com, has generously offered to provide the WSOP packages won by ten ChecknRaisePoker.com members who have been told that ChecknRaisePoker.com is unable to fund their World Series of Poker prize packages as previously won through their website promotions.

According to various press releases surfacing on online gaming news sites, ten ChecknRaisePoker.com members that had won World Series of Poker seats have been informed that their prize packages are not to be honored. Via an email from ChecknRaise management they have instead been offered a series of small payments over the coming months.

Poker.com has attempted to contact ChecknRaisePoker.com management by email and telephone to confirm this situation and offer to cover the prize costs, but as yet have been unable to get a response.

Both the tournament entry fee and spending money according to the terms of each promotion will be provided by Poker.com if any of the affected players come forward.

Poker.com Director of Gaming, Paul Cherry said, "I don't want to comment too much at this time, as we are yet to obtain confirmation that the reported situation is accurate. But if the story is true, we are happy to help these players however possible.”

”From most players’ perspective, this is a chance of a lifetime, and I can’t think of anything more upsetting than to be told you are not going to Vegas, after having already won the prize. It’s only a few weeks away and the players may have already planned and paid for their travel arrangements.”

”Our own players are like family to us and we'd hate to see these ChecknRaise players miss out due to no fault of their own. That’s why we are offering to help them get to Vegas as a part of the Poker.com family and enjoy the trip they have won and earned. A trip that includes the chance to win a World Series of Poker bracelet!”

”I know that at Poker.com we keep all guaranteed tournament prizes and player funds in escrow, separate from operational funds to avoid such a situation ever occurring.” Mr Cherry said.

Poker.com has released this information in an attempt to resurrect the WSOP dreams of the ten players affected. If you have contact information for any of these players, please forward this offer to them and ask them to contact Poker.com to arrange their compensation package. Spread the word to help us make sure that these players get the World Series of Poker experience that they deserve.

For anyone else with WSOP dreams, Poker.com has now decided to offer another seat to this year’s main event for free via a special freeroll tournament. Simply sign up at Poker.com and make your first deposit using coupon code WSOPFREEROLL before July14, and you will be given a 100% deposit bonus as well as entry to a World Series of Poker main event freeroll on July 15.

Posted at 12:46 AM Permalink | 16 comments | Talk on the Poker Forum

$80 proves enough to book a WSOP Seat!

Sunday, June 18, 2006

Wow, what a whirlwind week it has been at Poker.com… We’ve seen our most exciting software released (great effort by the whole team), WSOP Main Event & Ladies seat winner’s, the Forum vs Staff Tourney and the weekly Freerolls.

I'm starting to have a hard time keeping up with all the winners, but I only have myself to blame and that little thing called the World Cup… Too many sleepless nights!
Aussie, Aussie, Aussie Oi! Oi!Oi!

$80 - Enough to Book WSOP Seat
Congratulations to Joejoek, who is the latest winner of an all expenses paid trip and seat to the 2006 WSOP Main Event. Don’t waste anytime booking your accommodation and flights to Vegas… We can’t have you missing this MILLION dollar opportunity!

How Joejoek Won $12,500 WSOP Package for $80

Entered WSOP Thursday Semi Final Freezeout
Placed 5th and won $275 Grand Final Coupon
Sunday 18 June WINS WSOP SEAT (99 entrants)

Here are some highlights from the Final Table:

18:37 - 4th Place Decider:
• Bobo8655 is the Dealer
• Alone70 Posted Small Blind $1000.00
• The666Devil Posted Big Blind $2000.00
• Joejoek & Bobo8655 Folds
• Alone70 Calls $1000.00
• The666Devil Raised to $10000.00
• Alone70 All In for $49275.00
• The666Devil All In for $9412.00
Flop: Ks 5c 5d Turn: 6d River: Qd
• Alone70 - Td Qs Vs The666Devil - Js Jd
Alone70 Wins with : Two Pair, Queens and Fives
Chip Count: Alone70 - $70,687

18:38 - 3 Players Remain
• Dealer - Alone70 raises to $8k
• SB & BB Fold
• Alone70 Shows: Jc Jh

18:39 - Chip Leader Swap
• Joejoek is the Dealer
• Bobo8655 Small Blind $1000.00
• Alone70 Posted Big Blind $2000.00
• Joejoek Calls $2000.00
• Bobo8655 Folds
• Alone70 Raised to $6000.00
• Joejoek Calls $4000.00
Fop: 5c 9s Jc
• Alone70 Bets $8000.00
• Joejoek Calls $8000.00
Turn: Qc
• Alone70 Bets $2000.00
• Joejoek Calls $2000.00
River: 5s
• Alone70 Bets $8000.00
• Joejoek All In for $26546.00
• Alone70 Calls $18546.00
• Joejoek - Kc Tc Vs Alone70 - 6c 6s
Joejoek Wins $86092.00 with: Flush, King High

18:40 - Play tightens up after some big pots swap hands…
- Chip Count:
• Bob8655 - $80,766
• JoeJoek - $87,092
• Alone 70 - $30,141

18:42 - Short Stack Tries To Double Up
• Alone70 Pairs 7’s on the turn & pushes All-in
• Joejoek Calls
• River: 9 - hitting a Nine High Straight on the board
• Split Pot: $31,141 each

18:43 - 3rd Place Decider
• Dealer: Bobo8655 raises 2 x BB
• SB: Alone70 re-raises All In - $23,641
• Joejoek Folds, Bobo8655 Calls $19,141
Flop: 9d 6d Ad Turn: Jc River: Qs
• Alone70 - 9s 9c Vs Bobo8655 - Ks Ts
• Alone70 finishes a commendable 3rd after his trip 9’s suffered runner-runner, giving Bobo8655 the straight.
• Bobo8655 Wins $53282.00 from pot 1 with : Ace High Straight

- Chip Count
• Joejoek - $113k
• Bobo8655 - $85k

- With both player potentially only 1 hand away from winning a $12,500 Package, surprisingly play did tighten up. You could almost say that for a few hands things became quiet friendly…. Until;

18:46 - WSOP 1st Place Decider
• Joejoek is the Dealer
• Joejoek Calls BB $1,500
• BB Bobo8655 Raises to $6,000
• Joejoek Raises to $9,000
• Bobo8655 Raises to $12,000
• Joejoek All In for $137,092
• Bobo8655 All In for $39,908
Flop: 9c 3c 8d Turn: 8h River: Qc
• Joejoek - Ac Kd Vs Bobo8655 - Jh Ah

Joejoek Wins with : Pair of Eights & King kicker

With the WSOP just round the corner and Poker.com Guaranteeing 2 Seats in our next Grand Final and Daily WSOP Freerolls, you could be next!

$20,000 Weekly Freeroll
Today's freeroll gathered a field of 761 eager players, a few of whom I’m sure were playing in the WSOP Grand Final... Good thing Poker.com now has multiple windows!

Congratulations to, PILLIKSKI, who claimed the first place trophy and $4,000 in cash… I know what I’d be using it for; “WSOP here I come.”

Here are this week’s deciding hands:
- 3rd Place Decider
• Ratamahatta1 is the Dealer
• PILLIKSKI Posted Small Blind $8000.00
• MrStepha Posted Big Blind $16000.00
• Ratamahatta1 All In for $97648.00
• PILLIKSKI All In for $507421.00
• MrStepha Folds
Flop: Tc 2d Ah Turn: 5d River: 3d
• PILLIKSKI - Th Ts Vs Ratamahatta1 - 7d 7s
PILLIKSKI Wins with: Three of a Kind, Tens

- Final Hand
• MrStepha is the Dealer
• MrStepha Posted Small Blind $8000.00
• PILLIKSKI Posted Big Blind $16000.00
• MrStepha All In for $123931.00
• PILLIKSKI Calls $115931.00
Flop: Ac Ks 3h Turn: 7d River: 9d
• PILLIKSKI - Ah 5s Vs MrStepha - 8c Qh
PILLIKSKI Wins with: Pair of Aces

$10,000 Guaranteed
How's this for value: $10,000 / $50 = 200 Players needed to create this size prize pool…
At Poker.com this week’s $10,000 Guaranteed only had a field of 88 players battle it out for first place. That’s the same as 200 players registering to play, but 112 not showing up on the day. Can you say + E.V.?

Congratulations to this week’s winner, Tazdog2, who’s +5hr effort was well deserving of first place and the $3,000.

Good luck at the tables this week!

Liam @ Poker.com

Posted at 11:18 PM Permalink | 1 comments | Talk on the Poker Forum

Wow - a blog post!

I've been too busy to post much lately, and it looks like everyone else has been too!

Anyway, things have been hectic at Poker.com over the past few weeks to say the least. Version 3.0 has been released and is a great improvement over the previous version of the software.

There's been a few players that have had issues with the new version if they have limited memory (RAM) available, but trust me - you can run this version on just about any machine built in the last 10 years. But if you have an older machine and are infected with spyware or trying to run too many applications at once you may have some slowness problems. Just set the software up using the settings options to run in the one window and you will be fine. Nothing has changed from previous verions when you run your games in the lobby window.

We have though many times about just making the software like every other poker client on the web, but we don't want to be 'just another poker room' like all the others that are constantly popping up. There's still a ways to go to get things perfect, but with the Poker.com software build, the sky is the limit in terms of what we can do in the future with features and functionality - and we can add these things very quickly. You may have noticed that other rooms rarely update their software - that's because it is such a difficult process with their coding environment. The smallest changes take months. At Poker.com we can make almost any type of change quite quickly in comparison, and with PC specs are going up and prices are going down so quickly, it won't be long before there is not a machine in the world that cannot handle any setup or change to our software.

So hang in there if you are having dificulties, and be sure to ask us the best way to get the most from your machine. We're even looking at doing a deal with one of the worlds largest PC manufacturers to regularly give away new machines. Stay tuned and you could win yourself a brand new PC in a Poker.com freeroll!

We've been approached with a lot of crazy deals for this year's World Series of Poker, from celebrity endorsements to jokers wanting to perform wild stunts or tattoo themselves for life (copycats). We have seen it all and resisted all so far.

It's amazing some of the figures that people expect for their dubious quality services. I can't go into specifics, but if you see someone 'pimping' themselves for an online poker room at the Rio, you can bet your grandma's rocking chair that they are being paid a pretty penny and couldn't give a darn about what brand is on their polo shirt or tattooed to their forehead.

I think time is running out for the effectiveness of these stunts and the credibility of fleeting celebrity endorsements. Is the public still so gullible to think that just because someone can read lines from a teleprompter and wears a brand's t-shirt, that it makes the business any better or more appealing?

We've resisted doing any sort of real endorsement type advertising so far. All of you sane people out there, please let us know that we're doing the right thing. Would you really care if Paris Hilton wore a Poker.com t-shirt? Sure to use Pari's favorite word, she'd look 'HOT' in a Poker.com ladies tee, but we'd feel like sell outs.... We'd rather wait until a home grown Poker.com player makes the big time!

Good luck in Sunday's big tournaments, and I'm going to try and post to this thing more often again in the future.

Kris @ Poker.com

Posted at 3:56 AM Permalink | 3 comments | Talk on the Poker Forum

VERSION 3.0 IS HERE!

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

The brand new Poker.com software has been released! With a fresh new look and loads of exciting features that you have been waiting for! Welcome to the new home of online poker!
Poker.com Version 3.0

The Poker.com website has also been redesigned to reflect the look and feel of our brand new lobby and tables. But it's not all about looks, here are just a few of the major features added in Poker.com Version 3.0!
"It's brilliant [Version 3.0], the Poker.com software is definately the most
innovative and feature packed game client on the market!"
- Pete Haslam, Beta Software Tester

New Game windows:

* Allows you to play each table game in a separate window.
* 2x2 grid mode allows you to play up to 4 games in the same window.
* Maximized mode won't take over your Windows taskbar.
* Each window is fully re-sizable.
* True multi-monitor support.

Lobby and Games:

* New "Players Online" indicator.
* Preferred seating now available on all poker tables.
* The long awaited "Bet Pot" button has been added.
* Backgammon now available as play money trial.
* All new emoticons, smilies and chat features.
* Auto-login option will by-pass the login screen.

Comp Points:

* Now awarded hand-by-hand instead of 15 hand blocks.
* Now awarded for every raked hand.
* Comp Points store is fully operational with more products arriving soon.

To celebrate the launch of our amazing new software, we are also making some changes to our freeroll schedule. We'll have hourly freerolls open to everyone and bigger daily tournaments for our regular players! Keep an eye out for the new tournaments starting soon!

Shane @ Poker.com

Posted at 2:59 AM Permalink | 2 comments | Talk on the Poker Forum

Mandalay Bay Pay Day

Friday, June 09, 2006

Joe Tehan is the Mandalay Bay Poker Champion!

Joe Tehan takes home just over $1 million at the World Poker Tour, Mandalay Bay Poker Championship. Joe takes home an impressive $1,033,440 when he spiked a set of nines over Burt Boutin's top two pair Aces and Tens.

Joe bets out $240,000 from the button and Boutin pushes all in for a further $1.49 million in chips, and Joe calls.
The cards are revealed pre-flop, Joe Tehan shows his 8h, 9c against Burt's monster Ah-Tc. The flop comes down Ts, 9s, 9h and Tehan spikes an almost unbeatable set of nines. Now only running aces or any ten can get Burt out of trouble.

The turn is the Ad, giving Burt the full-house out, but again only the Ace or the Ten can save him. The river adds insult to injury, an 8c gives Tehan the full house and the championship!

Burt Boutin finishes 2nd and takes home a cool $604,765.

Joe Tehan wins the Mandalay Bay Poker Championship winning $1,033,440!

Shane @ Poker.com

Posted at 2:12 AM Permalink | 1 comments | Talk on the Poker Forum

Time for TV

Thursday, June 08, 2006

The toughest stretch for most players in a WPT event is the run to the final TV table.

A lot is on the line, final table doesn't just mean more cash and a tilt at the title, it means exposure, and in the current market that can mean deals and endorsements.

Shunjiro Uchida and then Keith Tilston were the first casualties of the day, Tilston calling and going down to Brad Booth's full house despite Booths promise to show his cards if he folded.

Booth who had been near the top of the leader board for the last 2 days then took 2 big hits doubling up John Cernuto and losing a huge pot to Eddie Soto.

Tim Phan and Michael Woo were the next to be knocked out followed by Carlos Mortensen and Carlos Mortensen.

Down to 10 players the action moved to one table.

Seat 1 - Burt Boutin
Seat 2 - Thomas Koral
Seat 3 - Eddie Soto
Seat 4 - Alex Outhred
Seat 5 - Al Stonum
Seat 6 - Brad “Yukon” Booth
Seat 7 - Mike Landers
Seat 8 - Steve Vincent
Seat 9 - Joe Tehan
Seat 10 - “Miami” John Cernuto

Soto and Cernuto became the first two casualties of the final table and Mike Landers went next after Booth hit a queen on the flop and cracked Landers' Ac-Kc with his As-Qd.

The bubble burst 30mins later when Thomas Koral pushed all in from the big blind with J-%. Burt Boutin who had limped from the small blind quickly called and leaped with delight as he flipped over 10-10. The board helped neither player and the final table was set.

1. Alex Outhred - $1,743,000 (Seat 2)
2. Burt Boutin - $1,729,000 (Seat 1)
3. Brad “Yukon” Booth - $1,659,000 (Seat 4)
4. Joe Tehan - $1,371,000 (Seat 6)
5. Al Stonum - $263,000 (Seat 3)
6. Steve Vincent - $219,000 (Seat 5)

Shane @ Poker.com

Posted at 2:48 AM Permalink | 0 comments | Talk on the Poker Forum

Poker.com Welcomes Vistor

Wednesday, June 07, 2006

Last week Poker.com had another loyal player make the trip to Bris-Vegas and stop by the office to meet all the staff and see where the magic happens. Natalie, or Minxy81 as she’s known at the tables, has been a member at Poker.com for about 9 months now and decided to make the most of a long awaited holiday.

While staying in Brisbane Natalie, along with her beautiful 18-month-old daughter and friend Naomi, planned to do some sightseeing, partying, lazing by the beach and most of all… to hit the Texas Holdem tables at the Treasury Casino.

Now I’m not exactly sure how Natalie fared at the casino, but I know one thing… she was definitely the best dressed and looked like a seasoned poker pro in all her Poker.com gear. I only hope that her new outfit managed to bring her some good fortune, but with the number of donkeys and river chasers that frequent the Brisbane tables, any outcome is possible.

So, if you are ever in the neighbourhood or maybe going to be at an event that Poker.com crew are attending, well don’t be a stranger and send us an email. We always love to meet our players.

Liam @ Poker.com

Posted at 10:06 PM Permalink | 0 comments | Talk on the Poker Forum

18 or bust at the bay.

Fifty six players came into day 3 of the Mandalay Bay Poker Classic, 6 would fail to cash, and only 18 would go on to day 4 and compete for a place on the TV table.

With all of the big name casualties on day 2 only John Juanda, Carlos Mortensen, Erik Seidel, Hasan Habib, Tuan Le, and Harry Demetriou were left flyign the flag of recognised pros.

When Danny Smith became the bubble boy going out in 51st place it meant Juanda, Demetriou and Kristy Gazes would finish in the money for the second consecutive WPT tournament.

Gazes, whos husband Bill is no stranger to WPT events himself, making the final table in the LA Poker Classic, was playing strongly but found trouble in the shape of pocket aces. She moved all-in pre flop and when Patrik Antonius flipped up pocket jacks she looked in great shape, K-Q-T on the flop changed all that, and when the ace spiked on the river Antonius had his straight and Gazes was heading home with her aces cracked.

Antonius then found himself in trouble when he was moved to at a table with Day 2 chip leader Brad “Yukon” Booth ($335,500), Carlos Mortensen ($205,000), and Joe Tehan ($355,000). With two spades in hand and 3 on the board at the turn Antonius pushed when the river came blank possibly putting Joe Tehan on a draw, unfortunatly Tehan called and he also had 2 spades in hand, including the ace. Tehan who was already chip leader now had a commanding lead, a lead he held for the rest of the day, followed closely all day by WPT boot camp instructor Alex Outhred and Brad “Yukon” Booth.

The chip leaders at the end of the day were:

1. Joe Tehan - $1,056,000

2. Alex Outhred - $902,000

3. Brad “Yukon” Booth - $721,000

4. Thomas Koral - $590,000

5. Mike Landers - $531,000

The other notables not in the top are Tim Phan $388,000 and Carlos Mortensen $243,000 who both have enough chips and enough gamble to make a serious tilt on the final day.

Shane @ Poker.com

Posted at 7:35 PM Permalink | 0 comments | Talk on the Poker Forum

The young and beautiful fall at Mandalay Bay

Tuesday, June 06, 2006

Vanessa Rouso, David Williams and Evelyn Ng all looked to make a move early and doubled up, both ladies were eliminated soon after with David Williams continuing his run later doubling up again before being eliminated when his pocket kings ran into a full house.

The other big eliminations were an absolute who's who of poker. Paul Darden, David Sklansky, Kathy Liebert, Cyndy Violette, Dewey Tomko, Erick Lindgren, T.J. Cloutier, Josh Arieh, Mike Matusow, J.C. Tran, Joe Sebok, Amir Vahedi, Martin de Knijff, and Robert Mizrachi all fell during a big day of eliminations. The second day also saw the end of Day 1 dominator Gavin Smith. He moved all in on a flop of Q-9-4, holding two pair with his Q-9, he was called by Eric Buchman who held Q-J. The turn came T and the river K giving Buchman the king high straight.

Brad Booth leads the field into day three followed closely by Joe Tehan. Barry Greenstein's prodigy Tuan Lee had a great day and sits in the leading pack, a place he has occupied for most of day 2. Overnight leader Nenad Medic has fallen from his lofty perch but still has enough chips to make some moves.

The top 10 are:
Brad Booth $327,100
Joe Tehan $311,200
Tuan Le $287,500
Charles Pacheco $248,000
Carlos Mortensen $247,900
Tom Koral $220,400
Alex Outhred $216,200
Robert Wisiak $194,000
Gioi Luong $193,700
Kirk Conrad $189,700

With players like John Juanda, Tim Pham, Kristy Gazes, Harry Demetriou and Erik Seidel still alive there is plenty of life left in this tournament.

Shane @ Poker.com

Posted at 2:36 AM Permalink | 0 comments | Talk on the Poker Forum

Freerolls Provide Big Pay Day

Monday, June 05, 2006

$20,000 Weekly Freeroll
Every Sunday at Poker.com, we hold the $20,000 Weekly Freeroll to provide our regular players with an opportunity to share in this large prize pool with no cost to at all…

In today’s match, Shirun found out that her share was very tidy indeed… Shirun has been a member at Poker.com for over 9 months and was even able to get her real money account started with one of our $100 Daily Freerolls. It was with these winnings that Shirun was able to try her hand at the SnG’s…But the best part is, while playing these SnG’s she was also earning the 2,000 comp points required to play Poker.com’s Weekly $20,000 Freeroll.

Today’s great win has pocketed Shirun a cool $4,000 all from the comfort of her own home, not a bad days pay… or as Shirun so wonderfully put it“ that’s a months pay.” Path To +$4,000 Bankroll Without Having To Deposit:

Tested her skills on the Poker.com play money tables
Finished Top 10 in $100 Freeroll
Won Rabbit Room SnG
Won Gopher Room SnG
Won Otter Room SnG
Won Dolphin Room SnG, and more
Earns 2,000 comp points in 1 week
Not to mention earning several WSOP Daily Freeroll Coupons along the way..
Plays $20,000 Freeroll and…. Wins $4,000

Congratulations to Shirun from all the staff at Poker.com.

Match Highlights:
19:17 Level 20 Blinds 8k/16k 5 players remain

Short stack & late position, 27imod pushes - All in for $28k
BB - Shirun makes the call of $12k
27imod - Kd 8d Vs Shirun - 5c 7c
Flop: Ad 3c 5d Turn:Qs River: Ks
27imod doubles up, but is still the short stack.

Next hand the same 2 players face off, all-in pre-flop:

27imod - Ad 2d (pushes) Vs Shirun - 8s 8c (calls)
Flop: 6d Qh 3c Turn: 8d River: 10h
Shirun’s knocks 27imod out and recovers her chips from the previous hand.

19:22 Only 4 Players remain

DJsparkz Posted Small Blind $8000.00
MasterUG Posted Big Blind $16000.00
Table folds
DJsparkz All-In for $150265.00
MasterUG Calls for $142265.00
Flop: 3c 5s 5h Turn: Ac River: Jh
DJsparkz Shows - 4d Qd
MasterUG Shows - Ts Ah
MasterUG Wins $316530.00 from pot 1 with: Two Pair, Aces and Fives

19:23 Remaining 3 Players & Stacks

MasterUG - 526k
Shirun - 269k
Fejj183 - 211k

MasterUG takes down several pots of $50k with strong betting after the flop. 19:32 Level 21 Blinds 10k/20k

Shirun Posts Small Blind 10000
Fejj183 Posts Big Blind 20000
MasterUG Folds
shirun Raises to 70000
Fejj183 Flop: Ah 5s 6d
Shirun All In for 177382
Fejj183 All In for 132918
Shirun has Qc Kc
Fejj183 has 4s, 4h
Turn: Qh River: 3c
44464 Returned to shirun from pot 2
Shirun Wins 405836 from pot 1 with : Pair of Queens

19:35 The final 2 go Heads Up

MasterUG Posted Small Blind $10000.00
Shirun Posted Big Blind $20000.00
MasterUG Calls $10000.00
Shirun Checks
Flop: 5d Ts Td
Shirun All In for $530300.00
MasterUG All In for $391700.00
Turn: 7h River: 8d
Shirun Shows - Th 8h
MasterUG Shows - Tc 9d
Both players flopped trips, but the river was fell paired Shirun’s 8 and handed her the win with : Full House, Tens over Eights

$10,000 Guaranteed
I have been saying it for months, but only just now it appears that people are taking my advice and playing the best E.V. tournament online.
Prize pool = $10,000 = Buy-in $50 = 200 entrants
This week’s number of entrants = 121
That means you can win nearly 80 entrants money, but never have to play them….

Congratulations to Gavin12 who made the most of the opportunity and collected himself $3,000 for his efforts… That’s only $1,000 less than first place in the $20,000 freeroll, but with 800 less competitors.

Bust Out Hands:
3rd Place - 73skullz

73skullz is the Dealer
Gavin12 Posted Small Blind $1000.00
Tampa1 Posted Big Blind $2000.00
Dealing Cards
73skullz Raised to $4000.00
Gavin12 Calls $3000.00
Tampa1 Folds
Flop: 9c 2h 2c
Gavin12 Bets $7000.00
73skullz Raised to $14000.00
Gavin12 All In for $97668.00
73skullz All In for $34999.00
Turn: Ts River: 6c
Gavin12 Shows - 5d 5h
73skullz Shows - Jd Ad
$55669.00 Returned to gavin12 from pot 2
Gavin12 Wins $107998.00 from pot 1 with : Two Pair, Fives and Twos

2nd Place - Tampa1

Gavin12 is the Dealer
Gavin12 Posted Small Blind $1000.00
Tampa1 Posted Big Blind $2000.00
Dealing Cards
Gavin12 Raises to $6000.00
Tampa1 Calls $4000.00
Flop: Ks As Jh
Tampa1 All In for $91666.00
Gavin12 Calls $91666.00
Turn: 9h River: 8h
Tampa1 Shows - Kc Qs
Gavin12 Shows - Ah Js
Gavin12 Wins $195332.00 from pot 1 with : Two Pair, Aces and Jacks

First Place - Gavin12

Don’t forget that you can even enter the $10,000 Guaranteed for as little as $5 simply by entering the daily satellites…

Liam @ Poker.com

Posted at 8:07 PM Permalink | 0 comments | Talk on the Poker Forum

WPT rolls into Mandalay Bay

The first ever Mandalay Bay Poker Championship kicked off today, and the biggest names in the sport including Doyle Brunson, Phil Ivey, Erick Lindgren, Daniel Negreanu, Gavin Smith, Evelyn Ng, Barry Greenstein, John Juanda, Dan Harrington, Men “The Master” Nguyen, Michael “The Grinder” Mizrachi, David Williams, T.J. Cloutier, Jennifer Harman, and Joe “Atticus Finch” Sebok. vying for the $1,033,440 first place prize

The field of 349 had a little Hollywood flavor mixed in, with actresses Shannon Elizabeth and Jennifer Tilly along with actor turned director Nick Cassavetes.

With $50-$100 blinds and $20,000 chip stacks the $10,000 buy-in event favored conservative play and all the top pros survived Level 1.

When play started 2 tables had all the attention. Table 14 featured Mirage Poker Showdown 4th place finisher David Williams (Seat 3), Kenna James (Seat 5), Mark Seif (Seat 6), Jennifer Tilly (Seat 7), J.C. Tran (Seat 8), and T.J. Cloutier (Seat 10). On the other side of the room, Erik Seidel (Seat 3), Mike “The Mouth” Matusow (Seat 4), Tim Phan (Seat 6), David Singer (Seat 8) and Phil Laak (Seat 10) battled at Table 39.

The first casualties were John Phan, John D'Agostino, Laak, Joe Bartholdi, Mimi Tran, Barry Greenstein and Jennifer Harman all out before the first break.

Gavin Smith continued his fantastic run at the felt staying near the top of the leaderboard all day long, Carlos Mortensen, Patrik Antonius, Amnon Filippi and Amir Vahedi also maintained impressive chip stacks for the majority of the day.

With tournament officials announcing only eight more hands would be played Phil Ivey, David “The Dragon” Pham and Alan Goehring all took big risks and busted out during this time, with day 2 clearly in sight.

Other big names heading home early included Scott Fischman, Men “The Master” Nguyen, Michael “The Grinder” Mizrachi, Toto Leonidas, Liz Lieu, Chip Reese and Daniel Negreanu.

The chip leaders at the end of the day are as follows:

1. Nenad Medic - $141,700

2. Loi Phan - $119,025

3. Amnon Filippi - $112,150

4. Josh Arieh - $100,225

5. Amir Vahedi - $93,575

Carlos Mortensen ($93,575), Tim Phan ($93,000), Hasan Habib ($92,675), Mike Gracz ($87,400), Gavin Smith ($84,400), Patrik Antonius ($83,650), David Oppenheim ($81,925), and Tuan Le ($78,300) round out the rest of the big names featured in the top fifteen.

Shane @ Poker.com

Posted at 7:52 PM Permalink | 0 comments | Talk on the Poker Forum

22 days to the WSOP

Saturday, June 03, 2006

The World Series of Poker starts in 21 days in Las Vegas. You can still qualify for the main event by playing in satellite tournaments at Poker.com.

Here's a video of Stu Ungar winning $1 million in 1997. They filmed the final table outside on Fremont St that year, be sure to check out the interview with Gabe Kaplan at the end.

Posted at 12:30 PM Permalink |

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