2004 is down to the final hours, so time to look back, give thanks and talk about the future. The Poker Prof and I began this blog just before the start of the 2004 World Series of Poker, in fact, it was April 15th. I would never have predicted the success we have enjoyed as a result of our efforts. You, our readers, have made all the work worth it by coming to read what we blog and look at our photographs. Our first thank you is for everyone that has stopped by to see what we are offering. Without you I would have quit this job.

The poker industry has reinvented itself and moved out of the smoke-filled backrooms frequented by the stereotyped degenerate gambler. Poker is now a highly respected sport on prime time television. Families watch tournament poker and follow their favorite players from the comfort of their living rooms, thanks in part to Lyle Berman and the World Poker Tour. New poker stars and millionaires are created weekly. The major Las Vegas resorts, that just a few short years ago were closing poker rooms and turning their backs to the players, are now opening new poker facilities and actively competing for players.

Tournament poker has moved into the big time with millions of dollars in prize money offered to the bold, skilled and sometimes lucky players that win all of their all-ins on any given day. The Internet poker rooms are teaching the game to people that have never touched a playing card or sat in a live game. When Greg Raymer won the 2004 World Series of Poker Main Event and collected a record purse of $5 million he gave hope to the millions of new poker players dreaming of someday winning the big one. Greg, the Fossilman, was the second WSOP Champion to gain his entry to the dance through an Internet satellite tournament. In 2003 Chris Moneymaker won the WSOP Main Event even though he had never played in a live game, only on the Internet. Are these two back to back WSOP Internet Champions a fluke? Maybe; but, maybe they are not. Live tournaments now attract record numbers of players. During the nineties a couple of hundred entrants in the WSOP Championship event was the norm. The 2005 WSOP Main Event is expecting more than six thousand entries. Internet players are experienced in playing and surviving tournaments with large numbers of entrants, so the advantage goes to them. This advantage will be short lived as the live tournament professionals adjust their game to take into account the thousands of players vying for a piece of the prize. The most important single thing to remember when playing in a tournament: Survive!

The Las Vegas and Poker Blog had its share of lucky breaks in 2004. The first was being recognized as legitimate media by Nolan Dalla, 2004 WSOP Public Relations Director. He issued press credentials and we were on our way. We attended every WSOP event with camera in hand and we shot thousands of images. The best of the bunch we complied and posted in a permanent gallery. A very big thank you, Nolan, for your confidence. The WSOP gig resulted in our being invited to cover many tournaments including the Hard Rock Pro/Am Celebrity, Four Queens Poker Classic, the Golden Nugget's Touring Comedians Charity tournament, the Final Table Challenge, the Ultimate Poker Challenge at the Plaza, the Bellagio’s Festa Al Lago, Hard Rock's Hot Tex II, Orleans Open 2004, the Game Show Network's Battle of the Sexes at the Plaza and the Bellagio’s Five Diamond World Poker Classic. We also covered the first (and last!) WPPA tournament at the Orleans; but, that’s another story for another day. Thanks to everyone that allowed us to come into the tournament pit and document the events and players including Nolan Dalla, Matt Savage, Jack McLelland, Doug Dalton, Garret Okahara, Dave Lamb, the World Poker Tour, the Hard Rock and Bonnie Damiano. I’m sure I will remember many others that invited us in.

And finally, I wish to thank all of our fellow Bloggers for giving us a link from their established blogs even though we were a complete unknown. Without being allowed into this exclusive community we would not have survived, much less flourished. Thanks to all of you that came to our first ever World Poker Blogger Tournament at Sam’s Town and made it a great success. It would never have been possible if not for our friends and fellow bloggers, Dick Gatewood and Dr Pauly. I wish to offer a special thanks to the professional players, Marcel Luske, Max Pescatori, Evelyn Ng, Karill Gerasimov, Ron Rose, Charlie Shoten and Tom McEvoy for taking the time away from busy schedules to attend and visit with all of us. You truly made it a special event, one we will never forget!

A special thanks goes to Foiledcoup for having the confidence in our efforts and voluntarily providing his view of the poker industry and the events. He provides our readers with his unique insight into the world of poker through his personal relationships with the players and workers.

And least I forget, I wish to thank Mrs. Flip for her understanding, encouragement and assistance during the long hours I have spent at events and at the computer keyboard. Thanks for proofing the hundreds of articles and correcting the many mistakes.

Oh yea, thanks to the Poker Prof for nagging me into getting off the couch and becoming productive. I am reminded that all the work has been worth it everytime I look at the web logs and realized that thousands of people visit with us everyday. Thanks to everyone that has made 2004 such a big success.

Posted by flipchipro at 12:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Greg ‘Fossilman’ Raymer can not only play world class poker: but, he apparently is a respectable street brawler. While he was in Las Vegas for the Bellagio’s Five Diamonds World Poker Classic he found himself alone on the twentieth floor outside his room with two gun toting bad guys wanting the one or two thousand cash in his pocket. They distracted him by pounded on the door to the room next to his and complaining about a misplaced key; when he opened his door to check out the problem they tried to force Greg back into his room. The 2004 World Series of Poker Champion called upon his lawyer learned, poker sharpened skills of observation; then quickly decided he would take his best shot in the corridor. He shoved the larger of the two to the floor, then the smaller guy pulled out a gun and demanded the money. A surprised Raymer then watched the guy on the floor get up, then he and the second would-be robber with the gun decided to retreat, walking past two hotel security people responding to Greg's shouting. The Bellagio’s surveillance then watched the two leave the hotel and drive away in their car. Raymer identified them from photos and hotel security then completed the ID from the surveillace video and after connecting them with an incidence earlier in the evening. They had been playing in the Bellagio’s poker room. Las Vegas police continue to search the city for the two.

Greg said he believed the robbers would have harmed him had he allowed them to force nim back him into his room. He said they made no effort to hide their identities so he believed they planned to rob and then kill him. He also indicated he is rethinking his personnel safety. Since winning the 2004 WSOP Championship and $5 million he has been an easily approached public figure, never turning away an autograph seeking fan, but now that will probably change.

Las Vegas Metro Police have made a positive ID of the two suspects. They are Kevin R. Joy, 35, and Deem Cassim, 31, who metro believes tried to rob 2004 WSOP Champion, Greg Raymer, outside his room at the Bellagio. Police described Joy as 6' 2", 240 pounds with a bald head and green eyes. Cassim is described as 5' 8" 150 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. they were last seen driving away from the Bellagio in a late model Nissan with Nevada plates that may contain the numbers 135. If you have any information call metro at 702.229.3591 or Crime Stoppers at 702.385.5555. You may be eligible for a cash reward.

Posted by flipchipro at 11:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

New Year’s Eve is rapidly approaching, just a few hours left for 2004, then we march into 2005 and begin a new round of poker tournaments. The World Series of Poker will be held in its new digs at the Rio Resort located just off the Las Vegas Strip. Even the dates for the WSOP have changed to later in the year, beginning June 2 instead of mid-April. Will downtown Las Vegas be without a major poker tournament for the first time in more than three decades? Not hardly. Barrick gaming, new owners of the Plaza Hotel in downtown Las Vegas, has stepped up and scheduled the World Poker Classic. The full service tournament will run from April 21st through May 17th, and though many of the events will be Hold’em you can also play in a H.O.R.S.E. or Omaha 8 or better tournament. The final event will be a two day, $50,000 buy in No Limit Hold’em Championship that is sure to attract most big name professional players plus a bunch of lesser known entrants. The World Poker Classic will follow the Bellagio’s 3rd annual Five-Star World Poker Classic. This WPT sanctioned tournament will be held from March 31st through April 24th.

Beginning on June 3rd, 2005 will be the World Series of Poker at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas. The scheduled two day events will continue through to the five day Championship No limit Hold'em final that ends on July 15th. The final two days of the $10,000 buy In No Limit Hold’em Main Event are currently scheduled to be played at the historic Horseshoe in downtown Las Vegas as part of the 2005 centennial celebration for the city. The prize pool for the Championship Event is expected to top $50 million. All players making the final table will go home a millionaire; but only one will be wearing the highly coveted World Series of Poker Championship bracelet.

2005 promises to be a banner year for tournament poker and the poker industry in general. Many new rooms are scheduled to open at major properties here in Las Vegas. The opening of new casinos with live poker continues all around the country. The biggest problem live game players face is waiting for a seat to open up. Hopefully, our learned leaders will decide it isn’t a crime to play online poker and we Americans can join the rest of the civilized world competing in virtual poker rooms without fear of being a law-breaking criminal, having bank accounts frozen and credit cards cancelled.

We are already planning the next World Poker Blogger Tournament and it promises to be bigger, better and even more fun than our last meet if that is possible. The Blogger Tournament was the high point of the past year for me. Even with all the scheduling, coordinating and worry I didn’t want the day to end. 2004 was a great year for the Poker Prof’s Las Vegas and Poker Blog. I look forward to all the actions in 2005.

Posted by flipchipro at 12:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I met a "snowbird" from England at the Bellagio. More of a bridge player than a poker player. He wisely, unlike the Hendon Mob who waste money on rooms; but, don't pay staff, took my advice and relocated from the Bellagio to a huge suite at the Tuscany for only $59 a night. However, New Years Eve sees the arrival of the $350 a night rate; so, he wisely decided it would be a good idea to leave Las Vegas and see California, especially the Pacific coast. He asked me along for the company. After 10 years in Vegas, I have turned into #1 homeboy, never even left town for a few hours to see the Hoover Dam. A belated seven year itch arrived just in time for me to say yes. As I am the one with computer access and an atlas I am the trip planner.

I liked the idea of a day one drive through Death Valley and somehow finishing the day in Monterey. Day two would include a visit to Bay101 in San Jose on the way to SF. Then, down the coast to Santa Monica, a place I love, and return home to Vegas via Harrah’s Rincon, where I hope to be for the World Series prelim in February.

However, the rain is pounding the California coast and Las Vegas, for that matter, with mudslide warnings and poor visibility. Maybe we will just drive the I15 to Santa Monica on day #1 and I can spend a rainy day looking around the many used CD stores.
Should give me something to write about. There is room for a little one, Lee Cazinha!

Editor’s Note: Before I (or you) can feel too sorry for Foiledcoup having been ‘trapped’ in Las Vegas for ten years you need to see what he ‘suffers’ when he is here doing the homeboy thing. The two photos should let our readers know what a hard life he leads. Anyone want to trade with him?

Posted by at 12:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Christmas shopping rush is over here in Las Vegas; but, the after Christmas sales have just begun. Today was a trip to the Forum Shops at Caesar's Palace on the Vegas Strip. The crowds of tourist and locals were overflowing at the upscale shopping mall. While Mrs. Flip looked at every single item in every shop, I had some time to kill; so, I took photos for today’s post. The Forum recently completed the second major expansion of the shopping mall and as the photos will witness, no expense was spared to provide the shopper with luxurious, opulent surroundings, unlike anything most of us have experienced. The original mall featured the now famous animated statues that come to life every hour and give a show; while, the entire mall goes through a night to day cycle every hour. The second expansion was more animatronic statues, even one that transforms from a throne to a winged, evil thingy that tells the story of Atlas, Gadrius and Alia. A 50,000 gallon aquarium filled with over 500 large tropical fish including graceful rays gliding through the deep is another of the free attractions and a great place to take a break.

The latest addition is three stories of marble, giant statues, spiral escalators, reflecting pools, fountains, skylights and more than 160 shops straight out of Rodeo Drive. The Forum provides shoppers with limo drop off and valet parking. Restaurants for hungry patrons include something for every appetite and budget. Take the family to the Cheesecake Factory or sample great seafood at Joe’s Seafood, Prime Rib & Stone Crab, catch a quick lunch at the trendy Planet Hollywood or treat yourself to creations from Wolf Gang Puck’s Spago. If you just need a quick pick up there are numerous espresso and pastry bars. Browse world class art at Peter Max Gallery, pick up a bauble at Bvlgari, perhaps a new purse from Fendi or Gucci. Buy the kids that perfect toy at FAO Schwarz or the Disney Store. The Forum Shops at Caesars, the shopping wonder of the world, is also the most profitable shopping center in the US. The place is always filled with shoppers from all over the world and most are carrying bags filled with just purchased treasures. In a recent survey more than 65% of Las Vegas visitors said they had gone shopping and made a purchase while vacationing here.

The town is beginning to fill up for the New Year’s weekend. The sidewalks along the strip were shoulder to shoulder with tourists watching the dancing Fountains at the Bellagio, the fire breathing Volcano at the Mirage or the Pirate ship battle in front of the TI Resort. Another good news item is the Las Vegas monorail is finally running again after extensive testing and re-certification. Hopefully the falling monorail parts will be no more and the system can provide a quick and convenient means of moving about the Las Vegas Strip. Most of the hotels are sold out for the weekend. The major strip resort’s room rates for the New Year are averaging $600 to $800 per night with a two night minimum.

This will be the first year that the Las Vegas New Year’s Eve street parties on the strip and downtown at the Fremont Experience will not be broadcast on national TV. Even though the city is the second most popular New Year’s destination, ranking just behind New York City, none of the entertainment gurus believe it to be worthy of sharing the fun from the entertainment capitol of the universe. That’s means I will have to provide everyone with photos and impressions of the party. Hopefully, the Poker Prof and Foiledcoup will also be out and about with cameras and note pads. I will sort through the photos and notes to provide graphic proof that Vegas had a party for the New Year.

I added a few photos in the extended section of the post. All were taken at the Forum Shops.

The reflecting pools featured on the ground level of the newest addition to the Forum Shops and the incredible spiral escalators.

These statues come to life and tell the story of Atlantis complete with fire, water, smoke and special effects, every hour on the hour.

The greeter at FAO Schwarz is one of the tin soldiers from the Nutcracker.

A good place to take a break and watch the fish at the 50,000 gallon aquarium.

Everywhere you look there are more statues. The ceiling also goes through a night and day cycle every hour.

Buy some great art from the Peter max gallery in the new addition to the Forum Shops.

Posted by flipchipro at 1:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Day two started for me at 08:30 am.The muffins were better today, bought from Seattle’s Best, rather than the factory ones from the previous day. The Pit Bull was replaced by Red Bull. Evy was back to her usual sweet self. She experimented with different shades of make up from Lee's $5K collection. I suggested a Gene Simmon’s Kiss face. After her session Evy came over for a hug. Obviously she didn't find Mr. Right from the selection of toothless wonders in the Plaza sportsbook. Next up, Jen and Kathy. These three were the 10:00 am girls. With only one round for each player left they realized that not only did they have to play against the men for a team prize of $5K each, they were playing against each other. The top three point scorers of each sex reaching the final with a prize of $40K to the winner.

The backroom staff was talking about their next assignment, a Bass Fishing Tournament. Not much work for the make up girls there, "A bit more lipstick on that Bass please."

The players have to keep changing clothes to give the impression the series was filmed over six weeks, not 36 hours. The best dressed male or female was Antonio Esfandiari.
Ironically, a last minute tactical switch led to the most newsworthy incident of the tournament. Clonie replaced Kathy at 10:00 am, leaving Kathy (Liebert) playing with Kristy (Gazes) and Karina(Jett) at midday. Kristy, who answered the profile question "How did your husband propose?" with "He drank lots of beer and urinated on the sand," upset Kathy so Kathy asked, "How many husbands have you had?" Kristy, never one to mince words, replied with, "Don't you think you should have had at least one at your age?" The women traded a few more verbals before Kristy offered Kathy the chance to take it outside. By the way, this should air as Episode six. As Kristy stays with Karina when in Vegas, and Evelyn is close too, this isolated Kathy. Even Mike Paulle does not like her.

I sat with the make up girls again. The talk is not of poker but the players appearance,"X needs to cover their ears," "Y should be wearing long sleeves," "Z’s hair is too much," I loved it.

Kyle, the ubiquitous dealer, tries to impress Lee by betting her $3 he can throw his empty water bottle into the trash. She pockets the $3 and is unimpressed.
Layne Flack tells us he has to win to cover his losses on the machines the previous night.
Everyone seemed relieved when it was all over. I somehow managed an invite to Karina and Evy's room. They said, "Bye Steve," in unison as Karina asked, "Is this my bra or yours?"

Posted by at 12:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Seasons greeting and a bah humbug to everyone. I’m in the full jolly spirit of things handing out coal to relatives and glowering at people who try to send good cheer my way. I've spent the past few days improving the poker tournament listings and adding a poker tournament caledar. I've also added photos to the poker chips page from all the varieties available from our friends at Buy It In Vegas.

This week in review is a motley mix and some of these posts are the best gifts I received for the holidays. First there are a couple of online poker posts, one on goats and book shills and another on flat out exploiting the system. The dealers in the community continue to offer a unique perspective on poker, so be sure to check out Linda and O.J. for excellent content. The Poker Chronicles has a nifty post on Super System 2 which begins with a nasty bad beat placed on someone who mis-played pocket rockets pre-flop (limping with rockets is just begging for a suck-out) and DoubleA's offers an interesing railbird's eye view of short handed no limit stacks. Chicago to Vegas has great poker related headlines including a few about the monorail… yes, that monorail. Finally, I saved the best for last, check out Sloetimes Poker Blogger eBook idea for some great laughs and then stop by the filmgeek for what is one of the coolest geek concepts I’ve ever seen, Starwars meets Megaman meets poker.

Posted by pokerprof at 5:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Twas the Night Before Christmas in the Poker Room

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the room,
Not much was moving, quiet as a tomb,
The chip racks were stacked on the side in a row,
Hoping some good luck would fill them with dough;

The players were sitting hunched in their seats,
Telling their tales of all the bad beats,
The dealer looked at me and ask,
Do you plan to bet or will you pass?

From out in the casino I heard a shout,
I jumped from the two seat to see what was about,
And what to my surprise did appear,
A fat guy drinking a bottle of beer,

He came into the room all in a bustle,
No one guessed it might be a hustle,
He slid into the six seat and yelled for a rack,
Then looked around and said, “I’ll leave when I’ve filled my sack,”

Through the air the cards did fly,
Lady Luck had blessed this red suited guy,
He played every hand never folding a one,
The outcome was always the same, he won and won,

When he had taken most of our chips,
He said I’m going to give you some poker tips,
I’ve played them all, the good and the great,
And let me tell you I can relate,

I’ve sat across from Hellmuth, Luske and Chan,
Brunson, Nguyen, even a guy called Fossilman,
They remind me of a boxer with a glass jaw,
They can’t even play me to a draw,

Now please excuse me, I really must go,
I gotta make a stop at the Bellagio,
I left my Mercedes in their valet,
Don’t look so surprised, I traded the sleigh.

I hope you all have a very prosperous year,
I’ll be back next Christmas to play right here,
Maybe you should read a poker book or two,
The way you play you don’t have a clue,

Under you’re pillow tomorrow you must look,
That’s where I’ll leave your copy of Brunson’s book.
And with that he turned and walked away,
Have a Very Merry Christmas Day!

I hope you enjoy our effort at a little Holiday humor. The Las Vegas poker scene is a great place to spend some of your holiday time, play poker, relax and make some new friends. Crowds fill the poker tables, even on Christmas eve. The festive atmosphere has taken over the city and will continue to build to a fever pitch for New Year's Eve. Consider giving yourself a special holiday present and come on down to Vegas.

Las Vegas parties everyday of the year; so, we decided it would be a good idea to offer a list of ways to know it's Christmas in Vegas. This weeks Nines.

The Top Nine ways to know it's Christmas in Las Vegas.

9. Instead of an olive your martini has a sugar plum.
8. All the food at the Circus Circus buffet is red or green…no, wait, that’s normal.
7. Big Red sleigh in valet parking.
6. Frosty the Snowman hitting on the cocktail girls.
5. Downtown Vegas decorated as giant lump of coal.
4. Hotel security dressed as nutcrackers.
3. Elves playing the slots.
2. The coffee shop daily special... roasted reindeer.
1. Santa playing No Limit Hold’em in the card room!

That's it for today. Tomorrow has the Week in Review and J. Santos' "Muck It" cartoon. Happy Holidays & Stay Safe!

Posted by flipchipro at 12:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Whilst the rest of you were Christmas shopping or driving to LA, I was blending in backstage at the "Battle of the Sexes," a new seven part poker series, to be on GSN, filmed over two days this week at the run down Plaza. Ceiling tiles either missing or discoloured from water leaks. Players reported mold in the bathtubs. Want to know what Evybabee is like at 08.30 am? What the WSOP champion had for lunch? Then read on.

I arrived bright and early Monday morning at a specially built set in an upstair’s room at the downtown downscale venue. I was pleased to see a player’s only breakfast had been provided. The players didn't seem to be hungry so I helped myself to OJ, coffee and a muffin.

Beautiful make up artist Lee Cazinha (@yahoo.com) informed the room that Evelyn Ng was still in bed. My offer to go up and wake her fell on deaf ears. Matt Savage MC/TD shook hands with me. "Do I need a pass?" "You should, I will get you one." It never arrived. Evy did though and demanded a Red Bull. "Here’s a Pit Bull it’s the same thing." "It’s not the same thing," snapped Evy, obviously not a morning person. Karina Jett and Clonie Gowan, both Mothers, are more familiar with the daylight hours. In fact, Karina looked liked she had been up for hours, so perfect was her make up and hair (that’s another plug for Lee). Lee told me she had been up since 05.30 am. Note to TV networks planning on filming a poker event: A 2:00 pm start works better for the players. Chris Moneymaker was the winner of the ‘tired look award’ amongst the dozen players. He has lost a lot of weight since his WSOP triumph.

One person who hasn't lost weight and is unlikely to, given his diet, is current WSOP champ, Greg Raymer. He sat at the table and devoured a big Mac and fries with a triple scoop of Dreyer’s ice cream to follow. On set, he wore "those glasses" and we saw his head on fist, elbow on table look on a couple of occasions.

Jennifer Harman, looking for some TV exposure after missing most of the WSOP because of her well documented health problem, informed me she was still exhausted from her fourth place finish to Daniel Negreanu on Saturday. "I never had chips so I played under pressure for two days."

Kurvy Kristy Gazes and Kathy Liebert who "scrubs up well" to quote Barney Boatman made up the sexy sextet.

Do you remember the "Seinfeld" episode where Kramer was swept into a board meeting when passing by an office? He then returned the next day before someone confronted him with "What do you do here?" Kramer replied, "Well....nothing. I don't work here." That was the situation I was in as I sat in the GSN control room. Everyone else had a laptop on their desk. I had a make up girl (Lee again) and a constant supply of complimentary snacks. We even asked for some cheese for our crackers!!!

Tomorrow I will list the players and rules and tell you about an amazing "Lets take it outside" catfight on the set.

Posted by at 1:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

The Poker Prof and I just returned from a fast trip to the Southland, Los Angeles, that is. We combined some business interest with a holiday visit for Mrs. Flip and made the one day turn around without incidence. Traffic was light to moderate, even our return across LA at evening rush hour on the infamous I-10 was quick. We will have a major announcement in the near future as a result of today’s events, providing everything continues on track. We stopped in at Hollywood Park Casino and looked around hoping to see O.J. but we missed him. The poker room at the casino is large and full. Tables filled with players and floor people constantly calling names from the wait list for any empty seats. The trip was hastily conceived so we had no time to contact OJ in advance, maybe next trip we will not be so rushed.

Although it is late and I am very tired, I have to get this post up. I am running the photo of Shana Hiatt taken by Foiledcoup at the WPT’s Young Guns of Poker Tournament last Sunday at the Bellagio. Richard “Quiet Lion” Brodie was kind enough to proof our last post and he wondered why the pic of Shana in the red dress wasn’t on display; so, Richard, here it is. Well worth the wait and a reminder of why we love to watch the WPT series on the Travel Channel. I will also have the photos I shot on Tuesday of some of the babes of poker at the Battle of the Sexes Tournament that just concluded at the Plaza Hotel located in downtown Las Vegas. The event was filmed for broadcast on the Game Show Network and it will be worth your time to tune in. I will post the date it will be shown once available.

Las Vegas is kind of quiet in celebration of the Christmas holiday. A brief few days of rest and relaxation before the masses arrive to ring in the New Year, one of the insane parties that makes Vegas the center of entertainment. If you've never experienced a Las Vegas New Year's Eve party in the streets, be it under the canopy light show on Fremont Street or the Vegas Strip uptown, do yourself a favor and come join in the fun. Be sure to schedule a few extra days to recover from extreme partying. Happy Holidays!

Posted by flipchipro at 1:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Scott Fischman won the first "Young Guns of Poker" WPT event on Sunday at the Bellagio. The event was an invite only shootout with the oldest player only 24 yrs old.
First to exit was WSOP second, David Williams, who was sweated by Saturday’s big winner, Daniel Negreanu, and Layne Flack. David suffered a couple of bad beats; the first against Joe Cassidy, when he played 3,Q in the big blind. The flop looked a dream 3,3,4 but the turn brought a 2 and Joe made a straight with his A,5. Then David went all in with presto 5,5 against Scott Fischman with A,Q. Again, David flopped trips then made a full house; but, Scott rivered another Q to make Quads! 8,5,Q,Q,Q. David could not believe his young poker eyes and exited in sixth. John D'Agostino was never in the hunt and Joe Cassidy took him out with K,K against Q,J. A solitary Jack was no use and John exited in fifth. Thunder Keller never fired a shot and was out of ammunition when he went all in with Q,10 against Scott's Q,Q. Pete Lawson, a very promising player, was next to go in third leaving a very comfortable Scott heads up against ex law student Joe Cassidy. Joe went in with A,Q, Scott had Q,J but a Jack came on the turn. All that was left was the photo shoot. Shana Hiatt looking stunning in a tight fitting red dress. The tournament attendance was way down from Saturday’s crowd who filled an overflow ballroom to watch on close circuit TV.

Scott received a $25,500 seat in the WPT finale at the Bellagio in April as well as some TV exposure.

Posted by at 12:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

The tournament scene here in Las Vegas will move downtown to the Plaza hotel on Tuesday. A closed set Battle of the Sexes event is scheduled for a two day run. Foiledcoup has been tracking this event through his close association with some of the female players scheduled to compete. He will be there providing support to the ladies playing against the guys. Jennifer Harman, Evelyn Ng, Karina Jett and Clonie Gowan play against four male professional counterparts. Amazing that Foiledcoup doesn’t seem to know who the guys are. I will be there with the camera and shoot photos of the action, if possible. Of course, I can always take more photos of Foiledcoup and the girls. Seems that every time I look through the view finder there is Foiledcoup and one or more of the babes of poker smiling into the lens.

The strip is crowded with visitors and locals alike doing their last minute Christmas shopping at the many shops. Shopping is now our number one attraction, even surpassing gaming. You can find something for everyone here in Vegas. We have the new outlet mall stores located close to downtown that offer a variety of brand name bargains. Strolling through the strip resorts you will find shops with names like Gucci, Versace, Saks, Chanel and more. Seven figure art and equally priced jewels are available for your pleasure. Las Vegas shopping specializes in shops you probably do not have back home, unless of course, you live in Hollywood, Paris, New York, Palm Springs or equally exclusive communities. Vegas has become a shopping mecca, whatever you seek you can probably find it here.

Foiledcoup will provide a complete report including photos of the WPT Young Guns of Poker Tournament held Sunday evening at the Bellagio. The group of invited players topped out at twenty-four years of age. They competed for a $25,000 + $500 seat in the WPT World Championship at the Bellagio in April, 2005. The winner of the tournament and seat was Scott Fischman.

Las Vegas Holiday photos will be posted throughout the next two weeks as we celebrate Christmas and New Years.

Posted by flipchipro at 12:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I don't know when Flipchipro is planning on buying his Christmas gifts; but, our run in to Christmas has been shortened by the addition of the Young Guns of Poker at the Bellagio Sunday and a Battle of the Sexes being filmed at the Plaza Tuesday and Wednesday. The latter will feature my favourites, Karina Jett and Evelyn Ng, as well as Jennifer Harman, who agreed last week to join our stable. This means we will follow Jen's progress in any tournament she plays; plus, she gets to have her photo taken with me! Clonie Gowan is the fourth women who will take on four male players.

Daniel Negreanu didn't slip on any Costa Rican banana skins on his way to victory in the main event at the Bellagio on Saturday. Daniel’s mother brought him some vegetarian sandwiches in case the young Canadian felt hungry; but, the game did not last until the dinner break. Devilfish told her, "You'll be able to afford to put some meat in his sandwich now," after Daniel picked up a table full of cash, $1.7 million.

Steve Rassi was crippled by Jennifer Harman. His only way of playing was to go all in. Jennifer called him with A,Q; Steve looked confident as he showed Q,Q. However, Jen flopped an ace. Daniel came in for the kill the next hand. Steve took home $217K plus a TV appearance in the spring.

Daniel, the Vegetarian Matador, called Vinny Landrum’s all-in bet blind and made a straight! Daniel then went in against a tougher bull in the shape of Humberto Brenes. The Costa Rican did not see the red flag as he called Daniel who had quad fives.
The Bull scraped a little off Daniel when Daniel folded a Queen on a flop of Q,2,2. Humberto showed AK. A little regrouping, then Daniel finally finished off Humberto with K,7 against 7,8. The board was 4,3,7,6,3.

Lots of photo opportunities later. Daniel took his Mother and friend, Evelyn Ng, to dinner. I expect his Mother will get a nice Christmas present from Daniel and that’s no bull.

Posted by at 12:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The big news in the poker blog world this week is Otis getting a gig to blog the Caribbean Poker Stars event when Wil Wheaton turned it down and passed the offer along and he has a couple of articles in All-In. I can think of no one better for this, congratulations Otis! I’m on the Lord Admiral Card Club Poker Podcast this week, but there is plenty of good content none-the-less, it’s great to listen to these shows while killing time on the computer. Iggy already has a comprehensive list for the WPBT tournaments. Finally, check out Felicia’s post on tournament etiquette for some sound advice on keeping annoying behavior in check.

Poker Tournament action in Las Vegas continues through the Holiday's so give yourself an early present, come to Vegas and win one. We saw Doug Dalton, Poker Operations Director for the Bellagio, and he reported that he is now feeling great after the recent heart attack. Amazing what a few stents can do, just ask Flipchipro. Happy Holidays!

Posted by pokerprof at 4:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Bellago’s Five Diamond World Poker Classic WPT sanctioned championship tournament was played this evening at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino here in Las Vegas. The final six players from the field of 376 entries sat down to determine a champion at approximately 5:00 this afternoon. The event was filmed for later broadcast on the WPT series on the Travel Channel. A large crowd of fans were there when the doors opened at 3:00 and patiently waited for the 4:30 seating to begin. The Bellagio had set up a large screen in the outer ballroom and provided seats, drinks and snacks for everyone.

The first hour of play saw a cautious group of poker players folding most hands and not calling any bets. Finally, Humberto and Nam Le got into a heads-up hand. After the flop of 6,7,9 of diamonds Humberto sholved all-in with a short chip stack of about a half million. After considerable thought, Nam Le called from his stack of approximately three quarters of a million. They both turned up their hole cards and Humberto showed a 10,J of diamonds for a made flush while Nam showed a 8d, Qs giving him a straight flush possibility with the 6 of diamonds. The turn and river did not help either player and Humberto doubled up. Nam Le went out in short order when he went all-in with a K,Qo to Vinny Landrum’s K,Jo and Vinny caught a J on the turn. Nam was eliminated in the sixth spot for $152,468. Steve Rossi was the next player to go down. He was out in the fifth place and collected $217,812. Play continued for another hour with Daniel often using his considerable chip lead to overpower the table and take the blinds and antes.

The next victim was Las Vegas professional player, Jennifer Harman. Vinny Harmon called Jennifer’s all-in bet. They turned up their hole cards and Jennifer showed an A,7o to Vinny’s pair of 3’s. Jennifer got no help and Vinny caught the third trey on the turn. Jennifer was eliminated in the fourth slot and received $299,906. She was the only female to make the final two tables. Jennifer is considered to be one of the toughest cash game players around, male or female, and she probably won the single largest pot in a cash game in a Las Vegas casino, more than $1.3 million. The final table is now down to three, Daniel Negreanu, Humberto Brenes and Vinny Landrum. Daniel has a commanding lead with Humberto second and Vinny the short stack. This is exactly how the tournamnent ended. Vinny went out in the third spot and earned $462,851. Humberto played heads up with chip leader Daniel Negreanu and finally went all-in. Daniel won the hand and became the 2004 WPT Five Diamond World Poker Classic champion. Humberto collected $898,475 for second. Daniel takes home the top prize of $1,795,218 and is assured of the Player of the Year honors

Tomorrow sees the WPT Young Guns of Poker in ballroom 6 at the Bellagio. Doors open at 3:00 pm and seating begins at 4:30. Six of poker’s brightest and youngest stars play for a $25,000 + $500 seat in the WPT Bellagio World Poker Championship, April 2005. Professional tournament action moves downtown next week to the Plaza. We will be there to cover all the action.

This brings us to this week’s Nines list, the top nine ways to know if you are ready for professional poker.

The Top Nine ways to know you are ready for professional poker.

9. You know a flush often beats a straight
8. You sat next to Tom McEvoy on a four hour cross country flight
7. You changed your name to include a city, you’re now Waxahachie Winthrope
6. You once played on-line for six straight days
5. You can shuffle poker chips
4. Your friends call you the Re-buy champ
3. You have always been lucky
2. You can call Evybabee’s big pair without blinking
1. You just inherited ten million dollars!

That's it for today. Tomorrow has the Week in Review and J. Santos' "Muck It" cartoon.

Posted by flipchipro at 10:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

The Bellagio’s Five Diamond World Poker Classic is down to the final event, final table and final six players. Today, Friday, the last remaining eighteen players sat down at two tables and played until only six remained. coming into today’s action the chip leader was Daniel Negreanu of Las Vegas with $1,676,000 followed by Raymond Davis of Los Angeles, California with $1,308,000. Nam Le from Hungington Beach, California had $1,295,000 and Johnny Chan of Las Vegas begin the day with $815,000. Only one female was included among the eighteen, Professional poker player Jennifer Harman of Las Vegas, with $223,000. The play continued through the afternoon and early evening before we had the final televised table's six players. When Hasan Habib went out in seventh place the six players remaining at the table were, in order of chip count, Daniel Negreanu $6,865,000, Vinny Landrum of Canoga Park, California $1,140,000, Steve Rassi of Morton, Illinois $950,000, Nam Le of Hunginton Beach, California $940,000, Jennifer Harman of Las Vegas $875,000 and Humberto Brenes of San Jose, California $510,000.

Coming into today’s contest were well known professionals James Van Alstyne, Howard Lederer, Barney Boatman, Ted Forrest and Johnny Chan, whom went out in the eighth spot. The WPT Five Diamond No Limit Hold’em Championship began on Tuesday, December 14th, with 376 entrants paying $15,000 + $500 to enter the tournament. The winner will receive $1,795,218 from the prize pool that totaled $5,470,800. The winner will also get a $25,000 buy-in for the Bellagio’s WPT Championship in April, 2005. Second place will collect $898,475 and third will take down $462,851. The top fifty finishers received prize money with 41-50th collecting $21,781.

The final table is set for Saturday, December 18th, in Ballroom 6 at the Bellagio. The doors for the event will open at 3:00 pm and seating begins at 4:30 pm. Admission is free and seating is on a first come, first serve and is not guaranteed. The first five hundred guests will receive a collectible WPT poker chip. The ballroom has seating for approximately eight hundred fans. The event will be filmed for broadcast on the WPT Series on the Travel Channel.

The Championship on Saturday brings to a close the 2004 Bellagio’s Five Diamond World Poker Classic tournament but it isn’t the last day of WPT poker. On Sunday, December 19th, in Ballroom 6 at the Bellagio the WPT’s Young Guns of Poker event will be played with the doors opening at 3:00 pm and seating at 4:30 pm. Additionally, the first five hundred guest will receive a collectable WPT poker chip. The tournament will feature six of poker’s brightest, youngest players competing for a $25,000 + $500 seat in the season ending WPT World Championship at the Bellagio in April, 2005. The six contestants for Sunday’s match are 24 year-old David Williams, 24 year-old Joe Cassidy, 22 year-old John D’Agostino, 24 year-old Scott Fischman, 24 year-old Thomas Keller and 24 year-old Pete Lawson.

While covering today's event I noticed Marcel Luske, Europe's number one rated poker player, at the rail visiting with fans and signing autographs. The rails were crowded with fans five and six deep most of the day. T.J. Cloutier joined Marcel and I was fortunate enough to get a photo of the two poker legends.

Posted by flipchipro at 12:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Every holiday season the Las Vegas resorts spend millions to decorate their facilities. Although it is sometimes difficult to see the Christmas lights against a background of neon the town gets caught up in the holiday spirit and puts lights in front of lights. Covering the Bellagio’s Five-Diamond World Poker Classic everyday I have watched the hotel change the decorations from the Thanksgivings autumn scene to the Christmas winter wonder landscape. Three large white polar bears have replaced the pumpkins and huge ornaments are there in place of the brightly colored falling leaves. Reindeer skate on a frozen pond and the ground is covered with red, white and green flowers (Max Pescatori believes the colors were chosen just for him). Gone are the rows of corn growing outside the coffee shop.

Just a few short years ago Las Vegas would be empty and quiet at this time of year. You could fire a cannon through the casino and not hit anyone, the place would be empty. Casinos would be manned by reduced crews and most employees would be out of town visiting family. Locals would joke about our slowest week (Christmas) and busiest week (New Years) coming back-to-back. Not so anymore. The resorts are full of people enjoying the holidays here in Las Vegas. We now offer world class shopping so everyone has an excuse to be here and where else might you get lucky and pay for Christmas in one pull of the handle? From our slowest period to one of our busiest in just a few short years. What a Christmas present for Las Vegas.

The Five Diamond tournament is down to the last days of the final event. Friday will see the field cut to the six final TV table players. We will cover all of tomorrows action and as much of Saturday as we are allowed (the production crew frowns on cameras on the set or in the audience).

I continue to recover from the Blogger’s Tournament held last Saturday. I am still amazed at how fun and exciting the event turned out. The Internet crowd that attended our tournament was the perfect example of model players. The staff at Sam’s Town commented on the well behaved bunch and said they could teach some of the regulars proper table manners. I can’t wait to do it again. We are already in the preliminary planning stages for the next one. Hopefully we can offer seating for everyone and even increase the number of professionals and special guest. I will provide updates on our progress and planning.

I am offering a few of the photos of the Bellagio’s Holiday decorations. It is difficult to reproduce the grandeur in a small photo on the small screen. You really need to be here in Las Vegas for the holidays at least once. Great food, spirit, spirits, entertainment, shopping and atmosphere, what more could one want? Well, maybe the cocktail girls dressed up like elves. Oh yea, we also have the world’s greatest poker, even on Christmas day.

Check out the WPBT photo gallery. We have selected our picks from the mass of photos and have made them available.

Posted by flipchipro at 12:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (1)

The second day of the Bellagio’s Five-Diamond World Poker Classic is finished. The play ended at 9:00 pm with the chips bagged and stored until Thursday. The chip leader for the day is Tony G. We did not have an opportunity to get his chip count; but he is clearly the leader. Thanks to FoiledCoup we do have chip counts for a number of players on our watch list. The following players and their chip counts at the end of the second day are as follows:

David “Devilfish” Ulliott $610,000

Richard “Quiet Lion” Brodie $262,000

Phil “The Brat” Hellmuth $250,000

Jennifer Harmon $195,000

Howard Lederer $140,000

Karill Gerasimov $91,000

Dewey Tomko $50,000

Barny Boatman $42,000

Many of the popular players are now spectators. Eliminated from the tournament today was Marcel Luske, Charlie Shoten, Chad Brown, Scotty Nguyen, Tom McEvoy, Greg Raymer, Annie Duke and many more. Other players that still have chips are Men Nguyen, David Plastik, Chip Reese, Shawn Rice plus about thirty more.

Foiledcoup and I had an opportunity to chat with Jennifer Harmon about the tournament. She told us she is running on adrenaline along, since she has had practically no sleep in the past few days. Someday a female is going to win one of the major tournaments and I’m betting it will be Jennifer, one of the most competent poker players in the industry, male or female. No big surprise if we see Jennifer at the final table on Saturday. Incidentally, I am also operating on adrenaline and caffeine since I have had little sleep because of the Blogger’s tournament and the many days of the Five Diamond. I will probably completely miss Christmas because I slept through it; but then, could I be so lucky?

Posted by flipchipro at 12:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Imagine this scenario. You are drawn seat 3 in a tournament. You arrive at the table to find Gus Hansen (seat 4), Antonio Esfandiari (seat 5), Evelyn Ng (seat 6-A double bad beat as you cannot see her!), Scotty Nguyen (seat 7), Hemp Seed (seat 9) and Ted Forrest ahead of you in seat 1. This is what happened to our reader with the highest IQ, Richard "Lion Tales" Brodie, at the $15K buy-in WPT event at the Bellagio on Tuesday.
I asked Richard mid afternoon if they were allowing him multiple rebuys. He replied, "I own this table."

Sure enough, Richard ended the day with $86,375 chips which was $86,375 more than Gus and Antonio had. So, no lunch date with Shortstacks but also no bad beat story over dinner. Richard and Evelyn have been at the same table often at this tournament making my railbirding easier. My other horses; Max Pescatori, Karina Jett and Ruth Graham decided not to play the main event. Max covered his rent at the Bloggers tournament on Saturday!

Posted by at 12:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I?m still running around the clock with the WPT main event being held this week; but, I put off my tourney report long enough. I want to write it up before I forget the details.

It started with an e-mail from Pauly asking about a private table for a few bloggers hitting Vegas in December. I immediately thought of fellow blogger and poker room manager, Dick, and within a couple of days the private table had turned into a tournament. With a few more e-mails and planning the tournament turned into an all day affair. Things really went into full swing for me the Thursday before the tourney; when, while covering the WPT events I asked a couple of the pros if they would like to join in the fun. Charlie Shoten was already on the list and Max Pescatori decided to join in to find out what the bloggers were like. Well, while chatting with Marcel Luske, Charlie joined us and asked Marcel if he?d like to come. Marcel, being the ultimate good-spirited gentleman, decided on the spot to come as well. This brings me to the most memorable quote of the past few days when Devilfish joined in the conversation:

Marcel: ?I?m going to a poker tournament event where Charlie will be speaking would you like to come??
Devilfish (to me): ?Not sure, what?s the buy in??
Me: "err.. $50.00"
Devilfish: (pause) ?Fuck That!?
Marcel: ?Now David one second? (to me) will there be a re-buy??

Which still cracks me up, David did intend on coming, but alas, 10:00 am is too early for most professional poker players so next time I?ll factor this in. Fortunately many were able to come (see the posts below for the lists).

After extensive e-mails and phone calls with Pauly, Otis, All-In poker Apparel, Charlie, Dick, Check n? Raise and a few others all the swag is in place, all the people are lined up and I manage to get to bed around 2:30 am Friday night and fall asleep around 4:30, planning to be up at 9:00 or so to scramble over and make sure one last time that everything is in place. Things did not go according to plan. At 5:30 that morning my cat decided to dump a glass of grapefruit juice, conveniently sitting on the headboard, onto my face? I never got back to sleep. So after a shower and triple checking everything I made my way to Sam?s Town at 8:30 to meet with Dick and Charlie.

The plan was to start things at 10:00 sharp; and again, it didn?t get off as planned; but, things still worked out well anyway. The limo we sent for the pros at the Bellagio didn?t leave Sam?s Town until 9:00 and didn?t arrive at the Bellagio until about 10:00 (it was supposed to leave the Bellagio at 9:30); but all was well, for right after the limo had confirmed the pick-up Pauly called to tell me the bloggers were just piling into the car, like a group of circus clowns putting a huge group of people into a space that defies the laws of physics. In the meantime, a few people had already arrived on the scene and fortunately the food and meeting new people was keeping everyone occupied. So around 10:30 am the rest of the pros arrive and although no-one said anything I?m sure they were hesitant about the small groups of people scattered around the room. Then, about five minutes later while pacing in the hall like a patient waiting for the results of a tumor biopsy, I hear a commotion from around the corner? either a pack of bloodthirsty Huns from a Credit Card commercial were decending upon the Casino or the bloggers had arrived. Leading the pack was none other than Pauly with about two dozen Internet scribes in tow. I spent most of the time jumping around from person to person and actually got to meet Iggy, blasted though he seemed. I guess he was? how shall I put it?? ?short? on time and a ?little? fatigued. A damn shame I didn?t get to spend more time with him. Anyways, I did get to meet everyone and as a whole I?ve never been more impressed with the intelligence, courtesy and good energy from such a large group, as Badblood so correctly pointed out, there was not one person who didn?t ?fit?. Though I?m sure if you compared the blogger gathering to a painting it would be a Jackson Pollock crossed with a Salvador Dali? while on hallucinogenic drugs and using day-glow colors; nevertheless, we were a bonded community without knowing it until we all gathered. The pros seemed to fit in as well as anyone. From the moment the last blogger filed into the room I knew this was going to be something special (and not in the ?short-bus? kind of way).

After everyone got into the room we mingled for about 15 minutes and around 11:00 am the day?s events got underway. We started with Charlie, who gave a 20 minute speech on the rather complex philosophical system he developed which allowed him to live a better life and be a better poker player. The speech was rough in spots but judging by Maudie and Bill the gist of the material came through clear. Next, Jeffery Hass of Check n? Raise poker gave a presentation on the new poker site and answered questions and criticisms of the site with clarity and certainty. He also provided some of the finest swag on hand, a jacket for the bloggers that made the final table. Jeffrey then got the names and addresses of everyone there so he can send each of them one of the special WPBT Tournament jacket (Customs stopped him from bringing them all in). Finally, Tom McEvoy, the consummate teacher, took to the podium and answered questions from bloggers on some of the more intricate aspects of poker and on line poker. The only thing I clearly remember from all of this was almost every answer at some point included, ?Like most poker question, it depends?? About 12 minutes into Tom?s presentation I found out the pros had to get a move on to be at, as Bill so eloquently put it, ?some small Four Diamond?s thingy over at the Bellagio.? So, that wrapped up the morning presentations.

The tournament did start on time. I drew a seat close to FoiledCoup and folded every hand I was dealt for the first seven minutes, mostly to make absolutely sure Dick?s prediction would fail and I never actually got involved in a pot. I did steal the blinds a couple of times, but that was about it? then I was moved to the circular hay-bailer of poker tables with the unholy trinity of Felicia, Max and Charlie. The table was consuming players faster then Al with a bottle of SoCo. Seated to the left of Charlie, I was in a horrid spot, and the worst of it was the cards were colder than a doctor?s examination table? the metal kind? with no pad and a bad chest cold while stripped to you?re skivvies. 10-2o, 4Jo, 2-8o and then just as the blind were about to devour me and spit out my bones like the other victims of this meat-grinder disguised as a poker table I was dealt a lovely K-Jo, the best two cards I?d seen since the tournament began. I pushed my shriveled stack into the belly of the grinder only to be called down by the chief butchers, Max and Charlie. Max had pocket 4?s, Charlie Q-9s. The flop hit me with a King, but it steamrolled Max with a 4 giving him a set which became a boat on by the river. Oh well, Charlie was gone too and that was the tourney for me.

For some closing thoughts, there were a lot of cool conversations though-out the day and plans were already being put into place for the next Vegas shin-dig. I wish I had a chance to spend more time chatting with BG, Ferrari, Mas, Daddy, Asphnxma, Derek, Bob, -EV, Poker Grub and Grubett, Mr. and Mrs. Al Can?t Hang (especially you Al, some people are the life of the party.. you ARE the party!), Iggy (I barley got to say ?hi?) and Maudie. I did spend a fair amount of time chatting with BadBlood (a geek disguised as a bodybuilder), Hank (a geek disguised as a Jock), Bill (a geek), Otis, CJ, Linda, Felicia, Glenn and of course Dr. Pauly a hippy and great guy!

I collapsed right after the tourney and spent most of Sunday recovering? all I could think about was what a great time and we have to do it again, bigger and better!

Posted by pokerprof at 5:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (1)

I have a new assignment. I am trying to have a copy of Ron Rose's "Poker Aces, The Stars of Tournament Poker" book signed by the featured players so we can offer one as a prize to you, our readers. So far no one has refused. Howard Lederer wrote "Flop em dead" above his signature. I stopped him as he was entering the temporary poker room at Bellagio to play his heads up semi final which he won. He was sweated by his sister's, Annie Duke and Katy Lederer, the author of my favourite book of the year "Poker Face." Katy looks a bit like singer Natalie Merchant.

Wendeen Aoerta was introduced to me. She was wearing a full length fur coat given to her by Perry Green from Alaska. It gave me an idea. I could send PETA naked photos of Evelyn NG,Karina Jett and Ruth Graham for a poker girl edition of "I'd rather go naked than wear fur." Of course, I do not have naked photos of them; but, I know Flipchipro would be a willing assistant.

Karina had just flown in from St Martaan and was stressing that the Bellagio was out of copies of "Card Player;" where she debuts her "Ask Chip and Karina" column. Karina,"You're so vain, I bet you think this blog is about you, don't you?"

Evelyn was relaxing after picking up over $7k on Saturday. She did not think losing a couple of hours sleep to attend the Blogger's breakfast handicapped her.

Tobey Maguire was playing again. I like him. He dresses very casual and does not have a trophy girlfriend or ask for special treatment.

Posted by at 12:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Championship $15,000 + $300 No Limit Hold’em final event got under way today at noon. The Bellagio’s Five-Diamond World Poker Classic tournament is now down to deciding the 2004 champion. The tournament seated 376 entrants playing for a share of the $5,740,800 prize pool. The winner of the championship will receive $1,796,218 and a $25,000 seat in the 2005 Bellagio WPT Championship in April. Today's tables were filled with professional and novice players trying to survive to the final table and a piece of the money. Some of the early eliminations included Marcel Luske, David Williams and Antonio Esfandiari.

Many of poker’s elite remained at the tables. Doyle Brunson, Chip Reese, Gus Hansen, Greg Raymer, Phil Ivey, Howard Lederer, Ted Forrest, Scotty Nguyen, Jennifer Harman, Annie Duke, Cindy Violette, Tom McEvoy, Lyle Berman, Daniel Negreanu and Minneapolis Jim were playing their ‘A’ game and accumulating stacks of chips. The event includes everyone that is someone in poker. Our photographer and Foiledcoup are covering the tournament so we will be providing photographs, details of the play and Foiledcoup’s unique take on the big time poker tournament scene.

Players draw for their seat assignments so the table order is completely random. The luck of the draw put together a dream team group. Ted Forrest, Richard Brodie, Antonio Esfandiari, Evelyn Ng and Scotty Nguyen drew the same table. The play began today at noon and continued until 9:00 pm this evening. The remaining players will return tomorrow, Wednesday, at noon for day two of the event.

Posted by flipchipro at 12:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Another day in paradise; or, how I spend my days here in Poker Central. Today, Monday, the eve of the Five-Diamond championship event, saw the Bellagio’s tournament area filled with poker players in a Super Satellite vying for a seat in the $15,000 + $300 Buy-In No Limit Hold’em main event. For a mere $1500 + $70 and a lot of card skill combined with a little luck you have the opportunity to be seated in the ‘big one’ for a dime on the dollar, what a bargain! Rumors around the room were saying that more than five hundred entries were already confirmed and when the cards are dealt for the first hand on Tuesday at noon the accumulated prize pool may be large enough to pay the winner $4 million. Has poker hit the big time or what? The sport is paying out lump sum lottery size prizes without the long lottery odds (well, maybe long for some of us). The 2004 WSOP gave its’ Champion, Greg ‘Fossilman’ Raymer, a cool $5 million dollars. Even the second place finisher, David Williams, made off with $3.5 million and Dan Harrington received more than a million. Many of the in-the-know poker people keep saying, “You ain’t seen nothing yet!” How big will the money become? Well, how big will the sport become? To television and the Internet we have to say, “Thank You, Thank You, Thank You…….” To the lawmakers and politicians we have to say, “Get it right! It isn’t a crime to play sports; even those that involve money (are there any sports that don’t require money?).”

The final regular event #13, $3,000 + $100 Buy-In Pot Limit Omaha, played the final table today. The winner, Hilbert Shirey of Winterhaven, Florida, was also the chip leader coming into today's final table. He takes away $109,415 for his victory. Second place finisher, Vegard Nygaard of Oslo Norway, collected $62,914 and Galen Kester of Tunica, Mississippi, received $32,825 for third place. Hendon Mob member, Joe Beevers, from London, England, was forth and collected $19,148. Other notables included Robert Williamson III of Dallas, Texas in sixth for $12,309 and Barry Greenstein from Palos Verde, California was ninth for $5,471. The event attracted 94 entries and offered a prize pool of $273,540.

The final match for the $25,000 Limit Hold’em Heads Up got underway about 6:00 pm and didn’t end until close to midnight. Howard Lederer and Jeff Lisandro played heads up poker for almost six hours before Jeff had finally taken all the chips. He and Howard played textbook poker hour after hour with only a couple of brief table breaks. They traded the lead too many times to count. As the match wore on, the rail began filling with fans straining to see the poker show being played out. The last hour had a crowd of fans and other players gathered around the table. Even Penn, of the famous comedy duo of “Penn and Teller,” came in and sat in a front row seat. Jeff receives $194,000 for his win while Howard gets $97,000 for second. The event featured sixteen players putting up the $25K entry fees.

Most of poker’s rich and famous are at the Bellagio for the final event. Looking around the tournament room many of poker's best known stars were playing. Antonio Esfandiari was performing at a table in the Super Satellite. One of poker’s sexiest ladies and toughest tournament players, Evelyn Ng, was working to acquire her bargain Super satellite seat. The cash games in the Bellagio’s poker room are filled and have waiting lists for seats. The Five-Diamond tournament has been an exciting event to photo and document. Everyday I look forward to the poker contests, the colorful players, the constant live action, the crowds of spectators and especially getting to socialize with some of the living legends of the sport and some of the rising young stars. As I have said before, I am very lucky to live in Vegas and spend my days recording and documenting the history of the sport of poker. When you find something to do that you enjoy you never have to go to work.

The WPBT Holiday Classic photo gallery will be available late Tuesday. We have selected the photos and have them set. The captions are being entered. The gallery will be proofed one last time and then released. We hope you enjoy the photos as much as we enjoyed taking them. Another WPBT tournament is already in the planning stages. We will provide more information once some of the details are worked out. We are planning a bigger, better event, if that’s possible. The first one will be very hard to beat.

When the Bellagio's Five-Diamond World Poker Classic is over and nothing more than a memory I will have to find something else to look forward to. At least it is December so my favorite day of the year is coming, the day after Christmas. Once the tournament is over and we have some spare time to sort and prepare the best of the thousands of photos we have of the Five-Diamond we will post a permanent photo gallery. I will also post some of my favorite Las Vegas holiday photos. The hotels spend millions to decorate the resorts for the holidays so I will share the fantasy. If you make your own cards some of the photos may be just what you are looking for.

We will continue to cover the action at the Bellagio until the final hand is dealt at the final table. The production crew that films the World Poker Tour Championship event for broadcast on the Travel Channel will be recording all the action beginning Tuesday. Mike Sexton is already here and has played in a few of the events and Shana Hiatt will be making an appearance any minute. Our own Foiledcoup has been busy collecting autographs in his copy of Ron Rose's book of professional poker player biographies, "Poker Aces, The Stars of Tournament Poker." He hasn't provided any of the details: but, he claims it will be the top prize in a contest he will offer for our readers. Having the autographs of close to a hundred well known professional poker players will be a special treasure for some lucky reader so stay tuned. I guess I won't be eligible to win the signed book since I work for the Poker Prof, too.

Posted by flipchipro at 3:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Bellagio’s Five-Diamond World Poker Classic played the final table for Event #12, $3,000 + $100 buy-in No Limit Hold’em, Sunday evening. The winner of the largest first place prize money to date at the Five-Diamond was David Pham of Cerritos California, taking home $414,419. Second place went to Alan Goehring Henderson, Nevada winning $197,456 while Dan Alspach from La Jolla, California completed the top three and received $101,720. The event featured a large field of 420 entries vying for a share of the $1 million plus prize pool. In addition to the first place money, David receives a $25,000 entry in the 2005 Bellagio WPT Championship. Another big plus for David for his victory was the points he was awarded propelled him past Daniel Negreanu and John Juanda to the top of the Player of the Year standings. If David remains at the top of the list it will be his second Player of the Year honors.

Other notables in the event included WPT Host, Mike Sexton, going out in the lucky thirteen spot and collecting $11,967, Kirill Gerasimov of Moscow, Russia attended the blogger breakfast and then finished fifteenth for $11,967 and Evelyn Ng went out in the twenty-seventh place and was paid $7,180. The event paid the top fifty players.

Another of the $25,000 Limit Hold’em Heads-Up matches was completed on Sunday evening when Howard Lederer, after taking time to sign Foilcoup's book, eliminated John D’agostino. Hilbert Shirey of Winterhaven, Florida is the chip leader going into today's final table for event #13, $3,000 + $100 Buy-In Pot Limit Hold’em. The tournament attracted a field of 94 players competing for the first prize money of $109,415 from a total prize pool of $273,500.

A $1,500 + $70 No Limit Hold’em Super Satellite is scheduled for today, Monday. The number of $15,000 + $300 seats awarded for tomorrow’s WPT Championship Event will depend on the number of entries. The WPT sanctioned No Limit Hold’em Championship will be filmed for broadcast on the WPT Series on the Travel Channel. The tournament will be filled with poker stars, movie stars, poker playing movie stars, wannabe stars and poker media stars covering all the other stars. Definitely a star studded event. I will be there with cameras recording some great poker history.

Posted by flipchipro at 3:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I would like to thank Max Pescatori for spending the entire day with the bloggers at Sam's Town yesterday. Max,in EU bandana, also cajoled Evelyn Ng into attending just to listen to Charlie Shoten's presentation and Max allowed Felicia Lee to return home to Arizona with a cowboy hat!

Marcel Luske and young Russian Kirill Girasimov also saw the Vegas eastern block from the back of a limo.

The tournament was tough. As Max said, "This is more intense than a million dollar tournament." The final four featured two Euro males and two young females. I received a jacket specially made by Check n Raise Poker for my fourth place plus a unique t shirt from All In apparel which should have said, "I didn't dominate the table."
After I said farewell to my new blogger friends, I was driven by Max, in his Mini Cooper, to the Bellagio where I was pleased to see both Evelyn and Kirill finish in the money in the $3000 buy in NLHE tournament. That's good Karma.

I also watched John Juanda heads up against Howard Lederer. That was nearly as intense as the bloggers tournament. Tobey Maquire was in a large cash game with WSOP champ Greg Raymer and Erick Lindgren.

Dick Gatewood provided us with a great breakfast and a good tournament structure. Thanks to Ron Rose for donating copies of his excellent coffee table poker book, "Poker Aces."

Lets do it again, soon. Any blogger who did not attend, you missed a memorable day. Thanks also to the Pokerprof and Flipchipro for providing the tournament with some dead money.

Posted by at 2:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (1)

This week in review is a list of “thank you’s” owed to the many people and companies that made the World Poker Blogger Tour Holiday Classic held Saturday at Sam’s Town a reality and success, so let’s get right to the accolades.

Many thanks to our Tournament Director and Co-host, Dick Gatewood and Co-host and organizer Dr. Pauly. I also wish to thank the newly opened Internet Poker Room, Check N’ Raise for sponsoring the event and providing all of the participants with great jackets commemorating the First WPBT Holiday Classic. Special thanks to Maudie for designing and providing shirts for the event, wear them proudly! Even more clothing from final table sponsor, All In Poker Clothing for providing signature, 'Dominate the Table' shirts, shot glasses and bottle openers, thanks for the nice gifts! Professional player, Ron Rose, receives another special thank you for not only coming to the event; but, presenting everyone with a copy of his book, “Poker Aces, The Stars of Tournament Poker.” Thanks to our own cartoonist and resident drunk, J Santos, who provided three signed, original "Muck It" cartoons.

I extend a most special thank you to the professional players for taking time away from their busy schedules at the Bellagio’s Five Diamond to make our blogger event special indeed. Many thanks to Professional Players Marcel Luske, Evelyn Ng, Max Pescatori, Charlie Shoten, Tom McEvoy, Kirill Gerasimov and Ron Rose. We enjoyed meeting and visiting with all of these stars of poker. Many thanks to Charlie Shoten for the presentation of his upcoming book, “No Limit Life,” and to Tom McEvoy for his question and answer session. Thanks to Felicia Lee for making the one day trip, even though she was not feeling well; and then, winning the tournament.

Thanks to Sam’s Town Hotel and Casino for providing the rooms, food, dealers, management and limousines for this special event.

And finally, Thanks to all of the Poker Bloggers for traveling thousands of miles to be here in Las Vegas for this first ever WBPT tournament. Blogs are already being posted detailing this event and Bill has posted a good read complete with photos. I will have Flipchip’s party photos complied and available soon.

Posted by pokerprof at 11:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

The first World Blogger's Poker Tour Holiday Classic Tournament is now over; although, I suspect that many of the participants remain in Vegas and are continuing their poker holiday as I write. The event began today at 10:00 am with a meet and greet breakfast that filled the meeting room with more than thirty of the most influential poker bloggers from all around the country, mixed in with some very well known professional poker players. Sounds like a party. The hosts for the tournament were Pauly from Tao of Poker, LasVegasVegas's own Poker Prof and Dick Gatewood from Buy It In Vegas. The facilities, food tables, dealers and security was provided by Sam’s Town Hotel and Casino on the Boulder Strip. The Professionals that were on-hand for the breakfast was Marcel Luske, Kirill Gerasimov, Charlie Shoten, Max Pescatori, Evelyn Ng, Tom McEvoy and Ron Rose. We wish to thank them for getting up early and coming to our event to meet the blogging community. They were also playing at noon in a No limit Hold’em event at the Bellagio’s Five Diamond World Poker Classic.

The tournament began promptly at 1:00 pm in the Sam’s Town Poker Room under the direction of Dick Gatewood, Poker Room Manager. The field was limited to thirty players that included mostly poker bloggers and a few professionals. Max Pescatori and Charlie Shoten shared a table with the likes of Pauly and Felicia Lee (Felicia Lee is a Professional Player that blogs). Unfortunately, I was the second player eliminated when my pocket aces were run down by Max’s Ah,Jh when the turn brought the third heart and a flush. Probably a good thing since I was back on the camera documenting the tournament. For a complete list of the order of finish go to Pauly’s Blog, Tao of Poker. The tournament Champion was Felicia Lee of Arizona. Las Vegas Professional Player, Max Pescatori, was second, and Julie McGovern of New York was third and our own Foiledcoup finished forth. Felicia’s husband, Glenn, took the last money spot when he finished fifth. Dr. Pauly went out on the bubble after coming into the final table as the chip leader. The crowd stayed until the last hand was dealt and the awards were passed out. We will be adding a gallery of the best from the more than three hundred images we are sorting from the blogger tournament.

The Bellagio’s FiveDiamond World Poker Classic played the final table for event #11, $2,500 + $100 No Limit Hold’em, Jim Myung finishing first and collecting $117,000. Jeffrey Littlefield from Texas finished second and received $86,000. Today was the first day of event #12, $3,000 + $100 No Limit Hold’em had a record field of 414 entries. The final table will be played on Sunday with the winner receiving $414,419 and a $25,000 seat in the 2005 Bellagio WPT Championship.

Spending the day with the poker bloggers and professional players, then taking part in a tournament brings us to this weeks Nines list, How do you know you’re in a Blogger’s Poker Tournament.

9. Twenty-five people climb out of one limo
8. The table talk includes words like Linux, blade servers and bandwidth
7. Sitting across from someone named Mrs Al Can’t Hang
6. Cocktail girls can’t bring beer fast enough
5. Thirty people furiously writing in little notebooks
4. Every time someone goes all-in thirty digital cameras flash
3. People chanting, Hammer, Hammer, Hammer
2. Meeting all those players you usually only see on TV
1. Felicia Lee wearing a cowboy hat!

That's it for today. Tomorrow has the Week in Review and J. Santos' "Muck It" cartoon.

Posted by flipchipro at 11:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (3)

This is the eve of the World Poker Blogger Tour Holiday Classic Tournament 2004 scheduled for play at 1:00 pm Saturday at Sam’s Town Hotel and Casino. We are expecting thirty of the most influential Internet poker scribes to be in attendance beginning at 10:00 in the morning. The complimentary breakfast will be a greet and meet event that will introduce the bloggers to some well known members of the professional poker community in town for the Bellagio’s Five Diamond World Poker Classic WPT sanctioned tournament. Needless to say, I am quite nervous about all the happenings tomorrow and as one of the tournament host I am quite busy with the many details that are required to make this a success. The Poker Prof and I are most thankful to Dick Gatewood for his tireless efforts and miraculous ability to do the impossible. Without his contributions this tournament would not have been possible. Of course, I will be there with the camera recording the events of the day to provide a gallery of photos.

The world of big-time events continues at the Bellagio. Today’s final table, $2,500 + $100 Pot Limit Hold’em, was won by Rodeen Taledi, who received $162,961. Finishing second was Humberto Brene taking home $81,480; while Lee Watkinson went out third and received $40,740. Eric Seidel was fourth and collected $24,444. Today’s event #11 was $2,500 + $100 Limit Hold’em. The final table for the event will be played on Saturday. The Saturday event will be $3,000 + $100 No Limit Hold’em and the action begins at noon.

Posted by flipchipro at 12:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (1)

Another great poker day at the Bellagio’s Five Diamonds World Poker Classic. The $2500 + $100 Buy-in Pot Limit Omaha event #9 played the final table; while event #10, $2500 + $100 Pot Limit Hold’em played the first day. Many poker celebrities and TV tournament stars wandered through the tournament area. The Poker Prof, Foiledcoup and I were entertained by the European Champion, Marcel Luske, a most affable storyteller. During the conversation David “Devilfish” Ulliot and Charlie Shoten joined our group outside the rail. The professional players would always take the time to greet and shake hands with the many awestruck fans.

Now back to the Poker. The Pot Limit Omaha event was won by Glen Cozen of South Pasadena, California. Glen outlasted a field of 109 entries to take home the $105,729 first prize money. Dale Morrow of Tunica, Mississippi was second and received $60,795 while Kirill Gerasimov of Moscow, Russia finished third and earned $31,719. The prize pool for the event totaled $264,325.

The Pot Limit Hold’em event was slowly reducing the field down to tomorrow’s final table. Well known professional players remaining in the tournament was Antonio Esfandiari, Charlie Shoten, Carlos Mortensen, John Juanda, Eric Seidel, Joe Awada, Humberto Brenes and Steve Simmons. Another of the Heads Up Limit Hold’em matches was underway between Mimi Tran and David Oppenheim with both players having equal chips. Yesterday in the Heads Up play Erick Lindgren was defeated by John D’agostino.

The Friday event #11, $2,500 + $100 Buy-in Limit Hold’em, begins at noon in the tournament area located outside the Bellagio’s poker room. The remaining first round Heads Up Limit Hold'em matches should also play on Friday.

Posted by flipchipro at 12:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Bring in extra security as "Miss Poker World," Evelyn Ng, is coming to play at Sam's Town on Saturday. I made the ultimate sacrifice...I gave her my last piece of chocolate. Only 1 piece though, I would hate her midriff to resemble Mike Paulles'.

I had the pleasure to sit behind top European player, Marcel Luske, in a one table satellite last night. His pupil, David Williams, was also at the table. Marcel made a move on the college drop out. David informed Marcel that he wasn't laying this down as he flipped his cards to show he had flopped quad tens. Marcel was left with six $100 chips but recovered to win, explaining every move to me along the way. An amazing player. He then took the time to talk to a couple of star struck young fans. They could remember every hand he had played on the ESPN coverage from the WSOP 2004. I must admit, I can't remember hands for more than five minutes; but, I see so many.

I think I will remember the hand where 4 players went all-in, one with aces, two with kings and the fourth with jacks, for a while though.

See some of you on Saturday,I will be the one close to Evvybabee!

Posted by at 12:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Bellagio’s Five Diamond Poker Classic Event #8, $3000 + $100 Buy-In No limit Hold’em, ended today with Jerry Young of Diamond Bar, California the winner. Jerry collected $329,384 for first place. He defeated Men ‘The Master’ Nguyen of Bell Gardens, California after the two had gone heads up for more than an hour. The final hand had Men all-in to Jerry’s slight chip lead. Jerry turned over pocket sixes and Men showed pocket Queens. The flop came 6,2,2 giving Jerry sixes full of deuces to Men’s two pair. The turn was a seven and the river offered no help. Jerry had won his first major tournament. In addition to the cash prize he received a $25,000 + $500 Buy-In for the 2005 Bellagio WPT Championship. Men earned $156,049 for his second place finish. He was the chip leader coming into the final table with $334,000 in tournament chips. The third place money of $78,024 was taken by Steve Crockett of Costa Mesa, California. The event didn’t conclude until 10:30 in the evening.

The heads up Limit Hold’em $25,000 + $300 Buy-in matches started today with Jennifer Harmon eliminating Barry Greenstein, Eli Elezra defeating Daniel Negreanu and Howard Lederer outlasting Craig Singer. Additional pairings were Jeff Lisadro and Bruno Fitoussi, Carlos Mortensen and Erik Saegstrom, Mimi Tran and David Oppenheim, Erick Lindgren and John D’agostino and John Juanda and Allen Cunningham. Heads up play will continue with today’s eight winners matched against each other. The prize payout for this event is $194,000 for 1st, $97,000 for 2nd, $48,500 for 3rd and $8,500 for 4th.

The first day of play for Event #9, $2,500 + $100 Buy-in Pot Limit Omaha, had played down to two tables from a field of 109 entries and a prize pool of $264,325. The winner of the event will be determined at the final table starting play at 3:00 pm on Thursday, 12/09. The first place money is $105,729. Joe Beevers of the Hendon Mob was one of the sixteen remaining players.

Tonight was poker royalty night at the Bellagio. WSOP Main Event winner, Greg Raymer, was chatting with Barry Greenstein and Jennifer Harmon as they played their heads up match. I had an opportunity to visit with Greg for a few minutes and he said he has been very busy with appearances, sourcing Fossilman cat-eye glasses, writing a book and dealing with offers as a result of his WSOP Championship. He did say that he no longer does much lawyer business other than for himself. While we were talking WSOP main event second place finisher, David Williams, came strolling through the tournament area and posed with Greg for our photographer. At one of today’s two remaining Pot Limit Omaha tournament tables was Mike Sexton, Commentator and spokesperson for the World Poker Tour. The crowds at the rail were five and six deep. The center of the Poker World is at the Bellagio. If you are a fan of the world of professional tournament poker then you need to be here, too. We will continue to photograph and report all the action. The Poker Prof is busy compiling a Five Diamond gallery that will feature the best of the hundreds of photographs we have taken at the event and the first offerings should be available soon. Event #10, $2,500 + $100 Buy-In Pot Limit Hold’em, begins play on Thursday at noon.

Posted by flipchipro at 2:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The $1500 + $70 Seven Card Stud Hi-Lo event at the Bellagio’s Five Diamond World Poker Classic has crowned a champion. Dao Bac of Garden Grove, California outplayed a field of 129 entries to claim the $75,078 first prize money. Farrad Rouhani of Germantown, Maryland finished second and received $37,539 while Andy Blumen of Las Vegas was third and earned $18,770. The prize pool for the event totaled $187,695 and paid the top 16 finishers. Notable professional players that finished in the money included John Juanda of Marina Del Ray, California in tenth place and cashing for $2,815, Men Nguyen of Los Angeles was twelfth for $2,815 and Max Pescatori from Las Vegas came in fourteenth and received $1,877.

Today’s Event #8, $3000 + $100 No Limit Hold’em, begin at noon with a field of 291 entrants. The prize pool totaled $846,810 with $329,384 going to the winner and the top twenty-seven finishers making money. In addition to the money the event champion will also receive a $25,000 seat in the 2005 Bellagio WPT Championship. Late in the evening the field had been cut to three tables. Remaining in the action was professional players John Juanda, Barry Greenstein, Amir Vahedi and Minneapolis Jim. Men ‘The Master’ Nguyen was demonstrating why they call him the master after eliminating two players from his table and taking a commanding chip lead in the tournament. The final table action will pick up tomorrow at 3:00 pm and continue until one player remains.

Many of the professional players were out and about at the Bellagio this evening. We had the opportunity to visit with WPT Battle of Champions winner and friend, Ron Rose. He played in today’s event but was eliminated in the afternoon. Ron is the author of the book, “Poker Aces, The Stars of Tournament Poker.” The book is one great collection of professional player biographies. I am constantly referring to my copy when researching players and tournaments. The book makes a nice addition to any gaming library. Ron will be at the Holiday Blogger’s Tournament at Sam’s Town on Saturday. Unfortunately, Evelyn Ng may not be able to make the event as we reported earlier due to conflicting scheduling.

Posted by flipchipro at 1:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I met up with two fellow, albeit superior, bloggers at the Bellagio yesterday. Both have animal names so I photographed them in the green surroundings of the Bellagio’s tournament room sign in desk.

The Camel is England’s Keith Hawkins. He blogs for the Hendon Mob. Keith has a face that would be any comedians dream. It cracks me up anyway. He can play a bit, too. He cashed twice at the WSOP 04, in the $2000 NLHE and the $1000 PLHE.

The Lion is Richard Brodie, the thinking mans blogger, "Lion Tales." Richard invented the internet, as Al Gore claimed, then actually wrote a book or two and has now moved on to tournament poker. He actually reads my blog and has wisely informed his friend the Bloch (Andy) to do likewise. He hopes to receive a Full Tilt jacket off Andy for Christmas.

A short note concerning the Holiday Blogger's Tournament at Sam's Town this Saturday at 1:00 pm. Everything appears to be on track and we are anticipating a great time beginning with the complimentary breakfast for all entrants. We are already planning the second stop on the Blogger's Tournament Tour for sometime in the first quarter of 2005.

Posted by at 12:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Felicia (FLD) will hate me for saying this but watching the final table of the stud tournament at Bellagio was about as interesting as a dentists waiting room.

The room was brightened by the return of the breathtaking Evelyn Ng. Evybabee played at Foxwoods (She finished in the money in the $500 buy-in Hold ‘em, cashing in $1500). Then she moved south to sample the beaches and nightlife in Miami. She has returned to a frigid Vegas with darker skin, whiter teeth (not that she was ever Austin Powers) and newly trimmed hair.

Whilst I was chatting with Evelyn fellow blogger, Mike Paulle, was meticulously counting the hands in the stud tournament before a player was eliminated. The answer was 64. After talking to Evelyn for 64 hands she left to play a blinder in the super satellite, finishing 3rd. Dan Alspach was one of the seat winners.

John Juanda and Daniel Negreanu took time off to visit time serving Mike Matusow in jail. John said Mike is coping ok and is thinking seriously about writing a book about the whole sad episode in his life.

Posted by at 12:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Event #6, $2000 + $80 No Limit Hold’em, finished this evening at the Bellagio’s Five Diamond World Poker Classic. The winner of the event was Michael Mizrachi of Hollywood, Florida. Gioi Luong of Westminister, California finished second and Jean-Robert Bellande of Hollywood, California completed the top three. The trio had apparently come to an agreement to split the money three ways and continue playing for the $25,000 + $500 seat in the 2005 Bellagio WPT tournament. The prize payout for the event was $273,040 for first, $127,114 for second and $63,557 for third. Each of the three collected $154,570 while Michael takes the $25K WPT seat.

The final table provided one of those rare occurrences that had everyone in the room crowding around the table to see the outcome and fortunately our photographer was pushed right up to the table by the rush. You can see the exclusive photos of the event only here on the Poker Prof’s Las Vegas and Poker Blog. The final table was down to six players when the hand was dealt. The first to act was Phi Nguyen who bet $40K on his pocket Jacks, the one seat folded and Thomas Mathiesen called with his pocket Kings. Michael Mizrachi, from the button, raised $40K with his pocket Aces. The small blind folded and the big blind, Gioi Luong, raised all-in with his pocket Kings. Phi Nguyen called all-in, Thomas Mathieson called all-in, and Michael Mizarachi called all-in. The chip leader, Gioi Luong, had everyone covered. They turned up the hole cards and the crowd of fans watching from the rail gasped so loudly that the tables from today’s event emptied with everyone crowding around to see the action. The flop brought 3,9,4 rainbow. The turn was another 4. The river was a 2. Michael’s pocket rockets took the $600,000 pot; eliminating Thomas Mathiesen and Phi Nguyen. Gioi Luong lost about half his chips and Michael became the new chip leader. The crowd went wild and was about as loud as any I have ever seen at a poker tournament. Suddenly everyone was on a cell phone saying, “You’re not going to believe this hand. Pocket Kings, Pocket Aces, more Pocket Kings and Pocket Jacks with six hundred thousand in the pot, four players all-in!”

The Five Diamond is proving to be very exciting poker. Most of the professional players are at the Bellagio for this tournament. The cash games in the Bellagio poker room are full around the clock. The resort is now wearing its Christmas decorations and the air is filled with the sounds of the holidays. A great time to be in Las Vegas and if you enjoy poker then the Bellagio is the place to be.

Posted by flipchipro at 12:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The fifth event of the Bellagio’s Five Diamond World Poker Classic concluded Sunday evening. Bill Seber of Houston, Texas survived the field of 245 entrants in the $1500 + $70 Buy-In Pot Limit Hold’em tournament and takes home $142,587. Scott Fischman of Las Vegas finished second and collected $71,295. Gabriel Thaler of Cupertino, California was third and received $35,648 while Maurice Atlani of Paris, France takes $21,389 for fourth. Additional professional players that made it into the money includes Jesse Jones going out thirteenth for $3,921, John Juanda receives $3,921 for fourteenth place and David Plastik collects $3,565 for seventeenth.

Event #6, $2000 + $80 No Limit Hold’em played the first of two days on Sunday. The field of 358 players had been cut to thirty late in the evening. Professional player Eric Seidel remained in action with a large stack of chips. The prize pool of $694,520 will be distributed among the top twenty-seven finishers. First place money is $273,040 plus a $25,000 + $500 seat in the 2005 WPT at the Bellagio. Today’s event is $1500 + $70 Buy-In 7 Card Stud Hi-Lo. Tuesday’s event will be $3000 + $100 Buy-In No Limit Hold’em contest that promises a large field of players trying to get a piece of a large prize pool.

The host for this WPT sanctioned event, The Bellagio Resort, is most accommodating for the players, fans and media. We always enjoy covering events at the world’s most luxurious hotel and casino. The Bellagio’s Five Diamond World Poker Classic is managed by Tournament Director, Jack McLelland, and his staff. We appreciate the professional treatment we receive during the many hours we are on the floor at the tournament.

Posted by flipchipro at 1:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

There are a couple of cool stratagy posts this week; first, part of Hank’s recent uber post is a section on Playing the Players and Glenn has posted his successful free-roll on-line tourney strategy. Next, there is a nifty piece from Sound of a Suckout on Online casino bonuses. On the subject of media, Matusow and Monty Python Check out Mene Gene’s post Vaster Wasteland. Dick still has some rooms at Sam’s Town at a good rate for the upcoming blogger tourney and Pauly is keeping everything together. All-In Poker Apparel should be offering up some cool swag for the tourney in addition to everything else lined up. On that note, Evelyn Ng plans on joining us for the Holiday Blogger festivities thanks to that lecherous limey, FoiledCoup. Finally, I just finished my end of the month work-fest and one fundraising site I maintain has a story on charity poker with Phil Hellmuth.

Posted by pokerprof at 1:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Poker Prof and I went to a reception and awards ceremony for one of our favorite charities, Art Quotient. The none profit organization, Art Quotient, promotes the arts in our public schools. There has never been a period when art programs have taken such a hit as now. With shrinking education budgets the arts are the first programs to be cut from the curriculum. If you are one of those people that not only enjoys playing poker but appreciates art as much as we do; then take a look at the Art Quotient website. You’ll be amazed at the level of talent of these young artist have in abundance. The Prof provides all the programming for the website, keeps it on the air and helps to ensure that the content is current.

When you think of the arts and culture Las Vegas is probably not the first city that comes to mind. Most people believe that all we have out here in the desert is gambling, booze, acres of bare skin and almost every vice associated with humans. Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on your attitude and preference) this is true; but, we do indeed have art and culture. Steve Wynn owns and exhibits one of the great collections of fine art while the Bellagio continues to show the its’ collection of art. World class art galleries are found in the many shopping resort shopping malls located throughout the city. In fact, some critics think of Las Vegas as the finest example of modern art in the world today. I tend to agree. The city is definitely a work of art. In fact, it is a huge piece of living art that continually renews itself. You must visit Vegas often to see what changed in the last few weeks or you’ll miss an entire phase of the ever changing landscape.

The final table at the Bellagio's Five Diamond poker Classic today was the $1500 + $70 Omaha Hi-Lo Split event. Phil Hawkins outlasted the field of 172 entries and won $100,102 while well known professional player, Miami John Cernuto, took second and earned $50,052. mike Yoshihara was third and collected $25,026. P_layt started at 3:00 pm today and was over in little more than an hour. The final table for the Pot Limit Hold'em will be played on Sunday. A large field is expected for the $2000 + $80 No Limit Hold'em event that starts at noon on Sunday.

This weeks Nine list covers the top nine periods in the evolution of the Vegas city scape.

Top Nine art periods in the evolution of Las Vegas.

9. Paint by numbers single story desert hotels
8. Bugsy Seagal, Bullets over Vegas
7. Salvador Dali does Dice Clocks
6. The Elvis years or art from roadside sellers
5. The Steve Wynn era, exploding volcanos, sinking ships and dancing fountains
4. Neonopolis, losers with lights
3. Faux marble statues that come to life
2. Faux boobs, butts and lips that bring you drinks
1. Dogs People Playing Poker

That's it for today. Tomorrow has the Week in Review and J. Santos' "Muck It" cartoon.

Posted by flipchipro at 6:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The third event of the Five Diamond Poker Classic, $1500+$70 Limit Hold’em, is complete and we have a winner. Proving that he is a true professional capable of playing with anyone was more important than the $121,057 first place money for winner David Williams. Coming off a second place finish in the WSOP Main Event where he collected $3.5 million makes today’s prize money seem like chump change. Winning the event by defeating a field of 208 players, including many well known pros was priceless. David went into the final table as the chip leader with $140,000 while John Esposito was second in chips with $98,000 and Gioi Luong came to the table with the third largest stack, $88,500. The second place finisher in the tournament, Richard Shreckengaust, received $60,528. Gioi Luong was eliminated in third place and won $30,264.

The winner of Five Diamond Event #1, John Esposito, went out in fourth place and was paid $18,158. Professional player, John Juanda, made the final table and finished in the eight spot for $6,053. Men ‘The Master’ Nguyen and David Levi both collected $3,026 for their seventeenth and eighteenth place finish.

Congratulations to David Williams for his victory. The young Texan is making quite a name for himself in the world of tournament poker. He is quite the gentleman and always accommodating to his many fans.

The Friday, 12/03/04, Event #4 is $1500+$70 Omaha Hi-Lo Split. We will post the results once they are available. The Saturday Event #5 is $1500+$70 Pot Limit Hold’em.

Posted by flipchipro at 2:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Bellagio’s Five Diamond Poker Classic Event #2, $1,500+$70 Seven Card Stud played the final table Thursday evening. The field of 110 entries was topped by Thor Hansen of El Segundo, California. Thor received $64,018 prize money from the $161,050 prize pool. David Feder of Battle Creek, Michigan finished second and received $36,812. The top three was rounded out with Jeff Burdsall of Las Vegas taking down $19,206 for thied. Scott Fischman of Las Vegas finished fifth and collected $9,603 while Mikhail Smirnov of Moscow, Russia was eighth and received $4,802.

Today's event was a Limit Hold’em tournament which attracted a field of 208 entrants paying $1500+$70 for a shot at the first prize of $121,057. The total prize pool for the event is $302,640. The field included a number of well known professional players. When the field was cut to two tables and eighteen players the remaining professionals included 2004 WSOP Championship Event second place finisher, David Williams, with a large stack of chips. Men ‘The Master' Nyugen nursed a short stack while Steve Simmons slowly added to his stack. John Juanda and John Esposito were at the second table and both had a nice chip collection. The play will continue today until nine final table players remain. The final table will begin play on Friday at 3:00 pm.

The Friday event will be $1500+$70 Omaha Hi-Lo Split. Play will start at noon in the tournament area located outside the Bellagio’s poker room. The Bellagio is currently being decorated for the Christmas Holidays so take some time and come to Vegas for the Holiday cheer and then stay to play in the Bellagio’s Five-Diamond Poker Classic. Meet and beat the pros, enjoy some great food and spirits and celebrate the season at the most luxurious hotel on the Las Vegas Strip.

Posted by flipchipro at 12:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Five Diamond Poker Classic at the Bellagio has crowned the first champion when the first event concluded late on Tuesday evening. John Esposito of Las Vegas outlasted a field of 306 entrants in the $2000+80 No Limit Hold’em event. The total prize pool was $593,640. John received $235,711 and a $25,000 entry in the World Poker Tour Finals on April 18th, 2005 at the Bellagio for today's victory. The final table chip leader, Reza Payvar of Los Angeles, finished second and collected $107,947. Jimmy Cha of La Habra, California was third and takes home $53,973.

The first day of Event 2 of the tournament, $1500+$70 Seven Card Stud, was being played in the tournament area. Many well known professionals were seated in the event. The number one rated player, Daniel Negreanu, was sitting behind a large stack of chips. At other tables was TJ Cloutier sporting new Poker Mountain logos. Mel Judah, Hassan Habib, David Levi, Joe Awada, David Plastik, Jesse Jones and Steve Simmons remained in the action. The seven card stud final table will be played today, Thursday, beginning at 3:00 pm. Event 3, $25,000+$300 Heads-Up Limit Hold’em, starts at 2:00 pm today. Tomorrow’s event, $1500+$70 Limit Hold’em starts at noon.

The Bellagio’s Five Diamond Poker Classic is a World Poker Tour sanctioned stop. The $15,000+$300 No Limit Hold’em Championship final table will be filmed and shown on the Travel Channel. The Five Diamond Tournament Director is Jack McClelland, a poker industry veteran. Jack and his staff spend many long hours on the tournament floor managing all the events and ensuring that the tournament is smooth and trouble free.

We continue to count down the days until the Holiday Blogger Tournament at Sam's Town here in Las Vegas. Max Pescatori is now a definite maybe and we are hoping to have one of the Hendon Mob since they will be in town for the Five Diamond poker Classic. This event is shaping up to be a real happening. Our Tournament Director, Dick Gatewood at Call, Raise or Muck It, has up-to-date tournament information.

Posted by flipchipro at 10:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Yesterday Caesars Palace announced the opening of a 15,000 sq. ft. poker room in March. The MGM is already building a 25 table room and I told you of the Hard Rock’s plan to open a 12 table room ASAP. These will join the recently re-opened rooms at the Gold Coast, Aladdin and Ballys. With all these rooms opening you can imagine the demand at dealer schools to learn poker dealing.

However, I was a little surprised to learn from Dave Thompson, who works for a dealers school trying to place rookie dealers, that no-one is hiring inexperienced dealers. Of course, as everyone moves up the dealer food chain a few openings must occur. I am thinking graveyard shift in the El Cortez (Spanish for lung cancer).

The cold weather has brought out the demand for facial hair in the top players. Both fellow bloggers, Daniel Negreanu and Paul Phillips, appeared at the Bellagio this week sporting new beards. Maybe they are closet Tobey McGuire beard fans. Also sporting a beard was Mike Paulle, who was pleased he took the pension money off the Grandmas in the NLHE at the Gold Coast. So if you see some old ladies walking up the Hill with the help of their Zimmer frames in freezing temperatures offer them a ride home and tell their Grandsons Mike Paulle can be found at the Bellagio.

Posted by at 7:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)