WSoP Next Week
I couldn't spend much time in the poker world this past week since I promised W.D. I'd finish a major part of a long-term project before we left. I've actually got more work to do this weekend on it.
On Monday, I'll take a plane to Las Vegas. I'm staying there for a full week, “just in case” I actually make it into the second and third day of my event.
I have done tons of prep work. I've been playing a lot of online tournaments, since the starting stack size and the blind structure (1,500 stack, with 60 minute rounds starting at 25/25) is about as quick as the typical online 1,500 stack with 30 minute rounds starting at 15/30.
I have been reminded in these weeks how much I dislike tournament poker, frankly. The drama of it is interesting to watch, but not so much to participate in. The variance is much higher than cash games, as you often have to work very hard over many tournaments to get to a spot close to the money, only to take a 40% or 20% bad beat and not make it. You can get into better spots more often in cash games.
I have read Harrington's books, and started reading Sklansky's new one (more later on how great the latter is), and just hope to play well. The truth is that I played the satellite more to give myself a reason to go to Vegas, knowing that I would never go unless I had a reason that more or less obligated me to head out there. The tournament isn't the important thing; the good trip with W.D. and lots of cash game play is what matters. The tournament is a distraction wherein I could get lucky and win a lot.
Nevertheless, I realize the drama of tournaments might perhaps make it interesting for blogging. I plan to make audio posts at each break, and each evening, I'll make a text post.
A few have asked the specifics of my event so they can come watch in Vegas. It's Event 37, a $1,500 buy-in N LHE event, which starts 12:00 Pacific on Tuesday, July 25, 2006 at the Rio. If you want to get in touch with me Monday night in Vegas, please leave a comment here with an email address or email me by Sunday night (23 July) at around 22:00 Eastern. Also, W.D. and I will be in Vegas until Friday, if you want to meet up with us at any time during that period.