In the midst of the WSOP I’ve been struggling to find time to blog. I think it’s safe to assume that’s to be expected when there’s a tournament everyday at the Rio until mid July. I busted early in today’s event ($2.5k NLH) so I’ve finally found some time to update on my first series.
I played a $1.5k sat (to the $40k) the night before the $40k NLH. I was at the Rio and figured it’d be a good idea to play something there and get a feel for the place before playing in the biggest buyin WSOP NLH tournament ever. I ended up taking 9th in the satellite when 4 places paid (105 entered). It was a mistake to play considering it lasted until 3-4am and I had to play the next day at noon.
The $40k NLH was a pretty sick event. 120k starting stacks, first level had antes (200/400/50), and 60min levels. Def a unique tournament, and a lot of players liked starting with antes. I predict next year’s WSOP will have some lower buyin NLH tournaments that start with antes (and a $25k NLH until each decade when they’ll have a $50k, $60k, etc).
I played at 3 fairly soft tables (considering the field) on day 1. My high point was around 250k at level 8 but I ended the day with 144k. I knew I was very focused/playing well after I made a nice call with A-high against an opponent who turned out to be MrSmokey. Had I known it was Smokey before the hand I would’ve called faster, but my read after playing with him for a couple of hours sufficed.
Unfortunately on day 2 I drew the worst table ever and was pretty handcuffed with my stack (day started at 2.5k/5k/500).
Seated 1-9: Phil Ivey, Nam Le, Raszi, Sorel Mizzi, Bakes, Me, Mike DeMichele, Dave Benefield, Dani Stern
I shoved 108k on the button with 6-6 at 3k/6k/500 and ran into DeMichele’s J-J in the SB. Oh well. Grats to my friends who final tabled. I look forward to watching it on ESPN.
The very next day was the $1k NLH. This tournament was capped at 5,600. It ended up getting 6,012 entrants (ship the o/u bet, I took > 5880 or something like that). This tournament was the first time I “truly experienced” the WSOP. “Truly experienced” meaning the first time I saw the Rio hopping with people.
I played fine in the $1k, but couldn’t get into it at all and was pretty happy after busting (QQ < AK). It was just a total mindfuck to go from playing day 2 of the $40k to the $1k. I also got very little sleep the night before, so I really just wasn’t in the best mood.
I guess I’m glad I didn’t skip it though. I learned what the majority of the WSOP is all about…..lots and lots of large field, quick structured (this is not a complaint) NLH tournaments. Whiffed the first 5 events but I think I’m playing really well and feel more prepared and ready for the summer than ever.
-Adam
