After attracting 1,000 entries over the first three starting flights, the partypoker presents: WPT500 continues at Aria Resort & Casino on Saturday, June 6 with the fourth of 10 starting flights. The event carries a whopping $2 million guarantee, and concludes during Independence Day weekend with Day 2 on July 5 and the final table on July 6. Every player who reaches Day 2 will not only make the money, and walk away with $800 in cash.
Online and live qualifiers are running now. For more information and a full schedule of events, head to WPT.com.
We had a chance to talk with Raw Deal Host and WPT Champions Club member Tony Dunst, who offers a few tips for both professionals and first-time players.
How excited are you for the return of the WPT500 at ARIA?
Tony Dunst: I always look forward to playing at the Aria; it’s my favorite poker room in Vegas. Everything they do is very professional.
How many bullets are you willing to fire?
TD: As many as it takes.
What is the best way to navigate such a huge field?
TD: It depends. If you’re down to re-enter, you can gamble for a stack on day one and fire it in there. If you’re trying to get by on one or two bullets, then play solid and wait for casual players to punt.
Are you playing differently than you would in any other tournament?
TD: Not really. If I land at soft tables I’ll be a little more active than normal, that’s about it.
Is the extra $800 for making Day 2 going to affect your strategy? Will you play the earlier flights during the first weeks of June?
If you have a large stack near the end of the night, you should smash people, and if you’re short, you should play the situation like a satellite.