ES
WSOP 2009 Sr NLHE
Played in my first WSOP event - #43 - Seniors NLHE. It was big, it was loud, it was wall-to-wall people. And in the end, I learned the benefit of reistering early to get a low number table - otherwise, you'll get moved often as tables are broken down, and have to survey the players at every new table (as I did - unsuccessfully). The challenge is to not get overwhelmed by the massive number of players, and play patient, fundamental poker. Oh, and try not to get out-drawn as I did when my pocket tens called a 3-bet pre-flop raise, the flop came 10h, 7h, 2d, I pushed a mid-size stack and pocket Ah As snap-called. Of course, the turn and river were runner-runner hearts.
Stayed in the Rio - Masquarade tower smelled like smoke - Ipanema was better.... food was expensive and un-remarkable... but the Poker Room... that was another story.... there were many players willing to raise big pre-flop, continue bet the turn and river and begin the showdown with "well, I didn't hit my draw..."
I will be back next year if for no other reason than to play in the cash games - WOW!
Glad to hear you had a great time. I played in the Seniors for the fourth time this year--my Trip Report is under the heading "Chip and a Chair". I strongly recommend that every serious poker player hit the WSOP at least once--it's sort of like a trip to Mecca, a necessary Pillar of Faith. The tournament is extraordinarily well run when you consider the numbers (consider 2,000 seniors,still remaining from a field of 2,700, many with prostrate issues, fired up on coffee, heading for the john all at once when the first break is announced two hours into the event). For a low buy-in tournament, the structure is great--one hour levels starting at 25-25 with 3,000 to start. I'll be back next year--hope to see you there.