Live Tournament Updates
David Williams Busted
Level 5: 200,000-400,000, 50,000 ante
David Williams has busted out of the tournament and has left the ballroom to return to his sleek, black, brand-new Bentley in valet.
Sorted In: David Williams, Tournaments, Commerce Casino, L.A. Poker Classic, Season V11:40 PM, 02/24/07
Action! Cut!
Level 5: 200,000-400,000, 50,000 ante
Dan Harrington has been eliminated from the tournament.
Sorted In: Tournaments, Commerce Casino, L.A. Poker Classic, Season V11:32 PM, 02/24/07
The First Batch of NBC Snubs
Level 5: 200,000-400,000, 50,000 ante
David Sklansky – David Sklansky is hardly a lovable character. He’s brilliant but arrogant; he’s a leader but lacks social skills. Regardless of a sometimes-abrasive personality though, one fact that’s indisputable is that Sklansky is one of the fathers of the modern game. David’s ‘Theory of Poker’ and ‘Texas Hold’em For Advanced Players’ are amongst poker’s most enduring texts. As much as any author, he taught the world how to play the game. Added to a recent resurgence that saw him reach a WPT final table in September, his contributions make him one of the biggest snubs from this year’s tourney. If nothing else, to see him apply game theory to his matches would make the denizens of the Internet proud. John Phan – The Razor always seems to make this short list. Phan Seems to have just about everything going for him: Young, energetic, charismatic and a blast to watch at the table. His omission seems to be a function of two factors: The lack of a major tournament victory and a thick accent that might scare TV types away from giving him camera time. Phan’s biggest wins have all come off camera, and while he’s made seven televised final table, he’s failed to win any of them. Despite the ever-present Caronas and a towering table presence, that lack of a win has kept him from mainstream recognition, a fact that often begets itself in an industry exposure is key. Branding is everything. Second place in the Card Player Magazine Player of the Year race two years ago, Phan is once again forced to swallow his also-ran status. It’s a shame that he’s being hidden from the rest of the world. Joe Sebok – Some have called him the most improved player in poker. Again, Sebok is the whole package; successful, popular, smart, funny yada yada. On top of that, Sebok is quickly becoming a media heavyweight, with a successful Internet radio show on the books, his prop bets with Gavin Smith becoming legendary and his face a constant presence in media coverage the world over. Sebok, who is incredibly close with step-father Barry Greenstein, learned from ‘The Bear’, but ‘The Cub’ has earned his spurs with multiple $5K event victories. He’s a new kind of poker star, and I have to think his omission was a mistake on NBC’s part. He’s one $10K victory away from auto-inclusion in future editions. Keep checking this space as I keep the snubs coming. Also, remember that I do a lot of this kind of work over at my website, www.wisehandpoker.com
Sorted In: Tournaments, Commerce Casino, L.A. Poker Classic, Season V11:27 PM, 02/24/07
Strasser Calls his Bluffing Opponent Down
Level 5: 200,000-400,000, 50,000 ante
On a board of K
3
23
Jason Strasser checks to his opponent in the cut-off seat. He bets T3,100 and is called by Strasser. The river is the 3. Strasser checks again and the cut-off bets T8,050. Strasser makes the call and his opponent immediately mucks. Strasser shows K10 and takes down the pot.
11:26 PM, 02/24/07
Level 5
Level 5: 200,000-400,000, 50,000 ante
Play now resumes at Level 5 with blinds of T150-T300 and a T50 ante.
Sorted In: Tournaments, Commerce Casino, L.A. Poker Classic, Season V11:16 PM, 02/24/07
Break Time
Level 5: 200,000-400,000, 50,000 ante
The players are on a ten minute break.
Sorted In: Tournaments, Commerce Casino, L.A. Poker Classic, Season V11:04 PM, 02/24/07
Cousineau Eliminated
Level 5: 200,000-400,000, 50,000 ante
Tony Cousineau has busted out of the tournament.
Sorted In: Anthony Cousineau, Tournaments, Commerce Casino, L.A. Poker Classic, Season V10:58 PM, 02/24/07
Heads-Up
Level 5: 200,000-400,000, 50,000 ante
The National Heads-Up Poker Championship has become a staple in the poker calendar. Each year, sixty-four of poker’s best and brightest are selected to play in NBC’s heads-up extravaganza, complete with high-caliber production values and plenty of banter to go with them. The thing is, the selection process is a subjective one. Players are chosen based on their past success, present star appeal and their marketability. Celebrity players are included in the event while established pros are forced to the sidelines, unable to compete for the championship. I love the show, but to treat it as a legitimate championship may be questionable. As good as the show is, I think my greatest enjoyment of it is derived from the snub debates. Each year, a new crop of pros finds themselves affronted by their lack of inclusion, while others finally get the recognition they’ve been waiting for. It makes for some great debate with no real answers, a fact that makes the debate all the more fun. With the NHUPC happening this week, we’re keeping a close eye on those who didn’t receive invites. OK, those who didn’t receive invites who potentially should have. We’re talking former invitees and sharks who haven’t found the spotlight. In my next post, I’ll be looking at some of the players who haven’t gotten those precious golden tickets. Have a look at a few of the names that won’t be participating this year.
Sorted In: Tournaments, Commerce Casino, L.A. Poker Classic, Season V10:47 PM, 02/24/07
I'm Your Huckleberry
Level 5: 200,000-400,000, 50,000 ante
Huck Seed has busted out of the tournament.
Sorted In: Huckleberry Seed, Tournaments, Commerce Casino, L.A. Poker Classic, Season V10:40 PM, 02/24/07
Friedberg Eliminated
Level 5: 200,000-400,000, 50,000 ante
Jon Friedberg has busted out of the tournament.
Sorted In: Tournaments, Commerce Casino, L.A. Poker Classic, Season V10:33 PM, 02/24/07
