OK, no more rhyming or singing the lyrics of “Do you know the way to San Jose.” Its bad enough that I just stuck that tune in your head if you happen to know it anyway.

Today’s write up is one to help all you short-stacked satellite monkeys (like me) that are angling for a shot at the big time on a thin roll find a spot to do it. Outside of Vegas and LA, very few places are as open to poker as the Bay Area, Northern California. Despite the regulatory quirks that keep some games from getting too big ($200 spread cap and 40 table room limits) the area comprised of the metropolis inhabiting the area around San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose is FULL of card rooms that try to be very player friends. Below are a few spots that have a way for you to win your way into a $10K major event on the WPT or at the WSOP.

The Bay 101 Shooting Star. Bay 101 Casino, San Jose, CA.

Having played in this event that features star players brought in with $5,000 bounties placed on their heads and daily $10k awards for having the chip lead, I’d have to say it is one of my favorites. So far, in my interviews with various poker stars, there seems to be and agreement. With a cap on seating at 500 entrants and a cool million guaranteed for first place, it is possibly one of the best shots at becoming an overnight poker millionaire you will ever have (before taxes, of course.) The very fan friendly event built up over the years in the laid back town of San Jose has made it a fun, comfortable stop away from the gambling Meccas like Atlantic City, Reno and Vegas. Matt Savage is anchored here and takes great pride in making sure this is one of the best run events on the WPT. (Matt does a sterling job anyway, but home turf is home turf.)

Currently, Bay 101 is running a satellite series that can be entered into as cheaply as the Sunday $100 + rebuys/add-on events all the way up to the $1000 satellites running the week before the $2k and $10k main events. More info on these satellites can be found at the following link:
http://www.bay101.com/cgi-bin/events/x.cgi

WSOP Main Event and $1,500 Stud Event from Oak’s Card Club, Emeryville, CA

This year the tournament team at Oak’s headed by Allan Wasserman decided to give both their Stud and Hold ‘Em players something to shoot for with a weekly tournament series building towards a big $25,000 WSOP package freeroll and a once a month Seven Card Stud WSOP tournament. The ‘Super Saturday’ $100 plus one $100 rebuy has an attractive addition to the first prize money…a $1500 seat in the WSOP Seven Stud Event plus airfare and accommodation. Personally, I think this is a victory for those of us that enjoy playing multiple “brands” of poker and Allan should be applauded for this type of innovation. To top that off, he was creative enough to put together a GREAT No-Limit Hold ‘Em tournament series with a great freeroll WSOP bonanza payoff at the end that both rewards regular players AND keeps the tournaments themselves playing out broadly with juicy first prizes as well. Over my two years up here in Northern California, I have come to really enjoy these tournaments and even if you don’t plan on shooting for the big prize of your seat in the BIG SHOW you’ll have a great time playing in this storied card club. If you want to find out more about these tournaments or what it is like to play in the OLDEST card room in the US (founded in 1907 as a clubhouse for the Oakland Oaks baseball team) just hit this link and head out to Emeryville: http://www.oakscardclub.com/index_special_e.asp

WSOP “Warm Up IX” Garden City Casino, Garden City/San Jose, CA

Jesse Rodgers, beginning his 13th year as Tournament Director at The Garden City Casino, takes pride in giving his players a shot a bigger money and glory every year. Now in its NINTH iteration, the WSOP Warm Up IX will take place between April 18th and the 28th featuring chances to win Main Event seats as well as Stud 8/b, Limit Hold ‘Em, Mixed Games, Omaha HLS and smaller NL Hold ‘Em event entries. The pricing for these events is always very reasonable. Each of  these tournaments will have a $225 buy in. Some will be No Rebuy, some a $100 Rebuy and the tournaments sending players to the $10,000 Main event will have multiple $100 Rebuys. Basically, for about double the cost of the normal daily tournaments, the local grinder can take a shot at not only some better than average prize money, but a seat in the big show and a little bit of travel and expense money. Be sure and check out http://www.gardencitycasino.com/calendar.cfm for the soon to be posted WSOP Warm Up IX event schedule as well as details on how to get to and in touch with Garden City and the venerable Jesse Rodgers.

The Life’s A Bluff.com “WSOP Wrap Up” Post-Event Interview

Matt Waldron, October 2007

While some people wonder what it would be like to play in the WSOP, some players circle it as the feature event in their calendar year; a career making or breaking competition sprawling over more than a month under the desert summer sun…albeit with air conditioning and room service. Since its inception, the World Series Of Poker has generated a maelstrom of controversy and opinions. Well, this year, we will try to cut through the blogosphere’s screams and the media’s hype and gripe by asking the pros with plenty of experience in the ‘Big Series’ to grade this year’s WSOP.

What are you most proud of at this year’s WSOP?

To be honest, I didn’t have much to be proud of because I didn’t come home with a bracelet! – Adam Schwartz, Rounders the Poker Show www.bigpoker.ca

The night I made the 3rd final table. Marco Traniello, Poker Pro

Besides my bracelet, it seemed that they were the most organized to date. Hard to say that it can’t improve but the food, bathrooms, side games etc. better than the past 2 years. Gary Styczynski, WSOP 2007 Champion Event 6 LHE www.gmoneypoker.com

Never giving up in a tournament. Tom Schneider WSOP Player of the Year 2007

I’m most proud of Marco making 3 final tables. The first event he played this year, he made it to the final table without any sleep. He traveled back from Italy and went straight to the tournament. Jennifer Harman Traniello, Poker Pro

My second place finish, even though I’m disappointed that I didn’t win. Gavin Smith WPT Season 4 Player of the Year

What did Harrah’s do BEST at this year’s WSOP?

Probably the final table auditorium– Adam Schwartz, Rounders the Poker Show www.bigpoker.ca

Improved from last year’s WSOP by listening to the players’ requests. Marco Traniello, Poker Pro

The food area was a great idea. Gary Styczynski, WSOP 2007 Champion Event 6 LHE www.gmoneypoker.com

Innovation. I was pleased with the new tournaments that were added and I thought that they did a good job on dressing up the room. Tom Schneider WSOP Player of the Year 2007

Getting management and the players together before the WSOP started. I think with the two combined, it made it one of the best WSOP ever. I also feel that they will listen to the players on the mistakes that were made this year and try to change them in years to come. Jennifer Harman Traniello, Poker Pro

They did a pretty good job of looking after the circus and keeping things running. Gavin Smith WPT Season 4 Player of the Year

What did Harrah’s do the WORST as this year’s WSOP?

So many things. Probably the worst was their selection for tournament director. — Adam Schwartz, Rounders the Poker Show www.bigpoker.ca

By having that ugly tent outside was unfair for the players in it. Marco Traniello, Poker Pro

I think the dealers do the best job possible, but some are definitely better than others. Gary Styczynski, WSOP 2007 Champion Event 6 LHE www.gmoneypoker.com

I would have liked them to allow the money to be split up between players and investors. If the parties are ok with the taxes and split it, it would have been great not to have to deal with it later. I liked having a bottle of water at the table when each tournament started, but this was very inconsistent. Sometimes they did, sometimes they didn’t. Seems small doesn’t it, but I like consistency in service. Tom Schneider WSOP Player of the Year 2007

I think the thing that they did worst is not to change the structures of the Limit Tournaments because the structures were already in print. I feel that if something is bad; fix it so we can have a better WSOP. I don’t believe we should have to wait until next year to change it. Jennifer Harman Traniello, Poker Pro

The fouled introduction of the new Bicycle Cards. Gavin Smith WPT Season 4 Player of the Year

With 55 events came 55 bracelets. A record number for the Series. Buy-ins were up in price but down a little in total attendance. Were they feeding off each other or were total entries and buy-ins expended up? Harrah’s isn’t talking so we can only guess. What does this schedule do to a professional player? How well was it pulled off? More importantly, what does all this traffic and the new EWSOP being touted as the last 4 events of the series mean for a bracelet’s value?

What do you think of the schedule of events in this years series? (New events, non-Hold ‘Em events, event “layering”, etc.)

It was pretty good. Maybe a bit heavy on the layering. — Adam Schwartz, Rounders the Poker Show www.bigpoker.ca

I like most of everything. Marco Traniello, Poker Pro

I thought the scheduling for the most past was on schedule. The Final table had some issues because it was using live hole card cameras. That event was delayed for a couple of hours. How much can I complain, I won the event. Gary Styczynski, WSOP 2007 Champion Event 6 LHE www.gmoneypoker.com

As I said before, I liked the new events and who doesn’t like having more events. There are some changes I would make to the schedule. For instance, there were similar types of tournaments starting very close to each other. For example, if you made the final table of the Stud/8 you couldn’t play in the $5,000 H.O.R.S.E. Similar events should be spread out so that a player can play the tournaments that he likes. Tom Schneider WSOP Player of the Year 2007

I loved the schedule of events this year. There was a lot to choose from. If you didn’t feel like playing Hold ‘em, there were plenty of other tournaments to play. I’m also happy that they had so many mixed game tournaments. Personally, I really liked tournaments starting at 5:00pm because that time fits more with my schedule. Jennifer Harman Traniello, Poker Pro

I liked the fact that it wasn’t all Hold ‘Em but there were just too many events. It’s too hard to maintain your focus for that long and I ended up not entering a lot of the later events. Gavin Smith WPT Season 4 Player of the Year

Do you feel that the value of a bracelet has gone up or down with the influx of players and increase in number of tournaments (including the ESWSOP)?

Down for sure. But still a great achievement. — Adam Schwartz, Rounders the Poker Show www.bigpoker.ca

Yes I do, but I also think the main event has increased in value. Marco Traniello, Poker Pro

I still think it has diminished a bit. I do suggest though, a 5 card draw event with picture cards wild. (we used to play it as kids & I think I would do well) Gary Styczynski, WSOP 2007 Champion Event 6 LHE www.gmoneypoker.com

I think that the value has gone down a little from the number of events; however; I think the way the WSOP has promoted its events and the larger fields has increased its value. Imagine how unimportant the WSOP would be if there was just the main event. I don’t know the best number of tournaments, but we’re probably getting pretty close. Tom Schneider WSOP Player of the Year 2007

I feel it still has the same value. I think winning a bracelet now is much harder so it’s more of a challenge. I am happy though that they changed the tournaments after the main-event to non bracelet tournaments. In my opinion, I feel that once the main-event starts, that tournament should be your last chance to win a bracelet. Jennifer Harman Traniello, Poker Pro

It’s a little watered down, but it is still very prestigious. Gavin Smith WPT Season 4 Player of the Year

What event will you not miss next year, even if you have to dig yourself out of a hole in the desert?

Main event — Adam Schwartz, Rounders the Poker Show www.bigpoker.ca

The small HORSE events. Marco Traniello, Poker Pro

Any of the Hold’em events, I realized that I’m a much better limit player than I give myself credit for. Gary Styczynski, WSOP 2007 Champion Event 6 LHE www.gmoneypoker.com

The two events that I won. Tom Schneider WSOP Player of the Year 2007

50K Horse Jennifer Harman Traniello, Poker Pro

The Main Event. Gavin Smith WPT Season 4 Player of the Year

Weirdness abounded at this year’s WSOP. Eskimo Clark nearly on life support, clinging to a chip lead and the table and refusing to leave, Vinnie Vihn disappearing but still cashing, more stupid celebrations and blow ups than even ESPN could cover, mass hysteria over the ‘Poker Peek’ fiasco, dealer errors, new and strange penalties, and so much more. But what did the pros see and what happened to them?

What was the craziest thing you saw during your series?

Some awful floor rulings involving players on the committee. — Adam Schwartz, Rounders the Poker Show www.bigpoker.ca

The ruling that they implemented during the 2-7 NL about the maximum amount you can lose signing up late. Marco Traniello, Poker Pro

The dealer lost more than 50% of my chips during a color up. I should have had 48K and was given 21K. The floor manager wanted to resolve the issue by asking each player if he/she had the proper number of chips. (The honor system) Obviously it didn’t work so the tourney was delayed 1.5 hrs to review the count on the video. 27K was given to another player. Gary Styczynski, WSOP 2007 Champion Event 6 LHE www.gmoneypoker.com

This year I really didn’t see anything that I would put in the category of crazy. I wish I had though. Tom Schneider WSOP Player of the Year 2007

Playing at the same table with Eskimo when it seemed like he was dying. He would not leave the tournament to get medical attention because he was the chip leader. Jennifer Harman Traniello, Poker Pro

Mike Matasow trying to tackle Mr. Peanut. Maybe Eric Lindgrin’s Golf Marathon bet, but c’mon, who tries to tackle Mr. Peanut? Gavin Smith WPT Season 4 Player of the Year

Your thoughts on the WSOP vs. the WPT?

The WSOP is the standard. The WPT has too many interests to serve to be as good of a tour as it could be. — Adam Schwartz, Rounders the Poker Show www.bigpoker.ca

They are both incredible events to win. Marco Traniello, Poker Pro

The WPT structures are too short and I definitely stay away. Gary Styczynski, WSOP 2007 Champion Event 6 LHE www.gmoneypoker.com

I think that the WSOP does a great job of promoting and profiling its players. It’s nice to be able to play 55 top notch events all in one place without having to travel. Having ESPN cover the WSOP is icing on the cake. Tom Schneider WSOP Player of the Year 2007

I like the WSOP better because they don’t change the structure at the final table. Jennifer Harman Traniello, Poker Pro

Oh wow. I think they are both fantastic in their own way. I like the changes the WPT are making while the WSOP, some of the events seem to have less play at the end. In the end though, I’m a huge WPT fan but the event I want to win the most is the WSOP Main Event. Gavin Smith WPT Season 4 Player of the Year

Change one rule in the WSOP format/tournament rules:

Show one card show both cards. Marco Traniello, Poker Pro

The days are way too long, especially sitting in “VFW POST” chairs. Gary Styczynski, WSOP 2007 Champion Event 6 LHE www.gmoneypoker.com

I love to play 2-7 Triple Draw Limit. That structure is the worst one in the whole tournament. People who play this game play for very high stakes; however it was the lowest buy-in tourney at the WSOP. And, I don’t like rebuys for limit tourneys. I would make it a $5,000 buy-in with no rebuys. Tom Schneider WSOP Player of the Year 2007

Show one card, show both. I have no idea the reason for this rule. Jennifer Harman Traniello, Poker Pro

The show one card show both rule. Sucks. Gavin Smith WPT Season 4 Player of the Year

With success comes adoration…and leeches! Some pros say its part of the game, others say its damn annoying. Regardless, people flock to money in more ways than one.

How many times did people ask you to lend them money at the Series?

Only a half dozen or so. One I said no to won a bracelet the next day! — Adam Schwartz, Rounders the Poker Show www.bigpoker.ca

Everyday at least once. Marco Traniello, Poker Pro

Every minute of every day. I moved to Caesars. Gary Styczynski, WSOP 2007 Champion Event 6 LHE www.gmoneypoker.com

11 Tom Schneider WSOP Player of the Year 2007

Zero - Jennifer Harman Traniello, Poker Pro

Between 10-20. I said no half the time. Gavin Smith WPT Season 4 Player of the Year

It is reported that “groupies” exist especially during the WSOP. Can you comment on this phenomena and how it has applied to you specifically?

None of them approached me. L– Adam Schwartz, Rounders the Poker Show www.bigpoker.ca

It comes with the exposure of poker and I like to deal with that. Marco Traniello, Poker Pro

It was reported by my brother that an 80 year old woman was following me around and was a fan. So, that was my groupie. I’ve always seen groups of people around Phil H. I was eating dinner with Gavin Smith, Erik Lindgren and my brother, Rick. A mom asked if she could take a picture with her 12 yr old son. I thought it was a bit odd, because of his age. But not a groupie. Gary Styczynski, WSOP 2007 Champion Event 6 LHE www.gmoneypoker.com

I signed a couple of autographs, but that’s it for me. Groupies exist for those players that spend a lot of time on TV. TV is an amazing thing. Even more amazing about the power of TV is that it doesn’t matter how you behave to have fans. Tom Schneider WSOP Player of the Year 2007

I think everyone was very respectful of the players. I’m happy that poker is so popular that anyone can enjoy it. Even the people who want to watch it. Jennifer Harman Traniello, Poker Pro

Other than women asking me to marry them online, I don’t think it applies to me yet. I think that we are on are way though! Gavin Smith WPT Season 4 Player of the Year

Whether you’re in love with the WSOP or not, everyone would change something. Let’s take a look at a few of the things that really got under the skin of some very hard people to rattle.

Most annoying thing that happened at the WSOP and, in a consequence free world, what would you do to fix it?

The “players’ pavilion” was a joke. Get rid of tent and don’t rent out the rooms next to the Amazon. Put extra people there. — Adam Schwartz, Rounders the Poker Show www.bigpoker.ca

When other players got a “bye” in the $5,000 Heads Up NLH and other players had to play the first round. I feel that they should of capped it at a certain number as they announced before. Marco Traniello, Poker Pro

In general, the way that people talk to each other and the dealers. Some people need to learn some courtesy. Gary Styczynski, WSOP 2007 Champion Event 6 LHE www.gmoneypoker.com

People I don’t know well asking to borrow money and me loaning it to them. To fix it, I would go broke and cut off my arms. Tom Schneider WSOP Player of the Year 2007

The long lines that everyone had to wait in to sign up for the first couple of tournaments. People were waiting in the sign up line for 4 hours. I would’ve opened up the cage a couple days before and would have had more people working to take sign ups. Jennifer Harman Traniello, Poker Pro

Security guards that won’t let me walk around. Let me roam! Gavin Smith WPT Season 4 Player of the Year

12. What was the best schwag (i.e. free stuff) you picked up at the tournament?

Didn’t really get anything. — Adam Schwartz, Rounders the Poker Show www.bigpoker.ca

Card Player Magazine Marco Traniello, Poker Pro

Not much, it was the worst year for freebies Gary Styczynski, WSOP 2007 Champion Event 6 LHE www.gmoneypoker.com

Was there free stuff? Oh yeah, the water. Tom Schneider WSOP Player of the Year 2007

WHERE WAS THE FREE STUFF? Jennifer Harman Traniello, Poker Pro

Man, I didn’t get any free stuff that I can remember. Gavin Smith WPT Season 4 Player of the Year

*Author’s Note* The diminished size of the Lifestyle Gaming Expo and the lack of sponsorship by dot coms, apparently effected by the incredulous UIEGA, limited the size and scope of items available for promotions. This took the event from near NASCAR status to a blip on the radar that had about as many strip clubs advertising as poker businesses. Some folks did a great job with what they had there, but personally, I think it could be really improved, especially the security.*

13. If you went to the Gaming Lifestyle Expo, what were your thoughts and did you see anything that made you think “It must be mine!”?

No, much lamer than last year. — Adam Schwartz, Rounders the Poker Show www.bigpoker.ca

A few poker tables and the DX Net Pro. Marco Traniello, Poker Pro

The gaming expo was bad for the regular poker player. I did some networking, so it wasn’t bad for me. Gary Styczynski, WSOP 2007 Champion Event 6 LHE www.gmoneypoker.com

I didn’t stop at the Expo. I did walk through, but I was in a hurry. There was one exhibiter that had strippers with a lot of tattoos and they weren’t too attractive. I don’t even know what there product is, but I’m not buying it. Tom Schneider WSOP Player of the Year 2007

I participated in the Gaming Lifestyle Expo endorsing a product called DX Net Pro so I really felt the Gaming Lifestyle Expo was a big success. Jennifer Harman Traniello, Poker Pro

I went to Tahoe to play golf. I didn’t even go. Gavin Smith WPT Season 4 Player of the Year

The WSOP season means different things for different people. Some said it was like a reunion with their poker friends from around the world, to others it seemed more like a circus, while still others thought it was Vegas at its best. One thing that all can agree on, however, is that some of the parties are legend.

15. Where was the best WSOP party and who threw it?

Howard and Suzie’s and the Full Tilt Poker party. Marco Traniello, Poker Pro

The ante up for Africa event was great because it was very private. I believe J. Chan’s energy drink sponsored it. Gary Styczynski, WSOP 2007 Champion Event 6 LHE

I didn’t go to one WSOP Party. I am not big on those kinds of things, and oh wait, I wasn’t invited to any. Tom Schneider WSOP Player of the Year 2007

Howard and Suzie Lederer and Steve Z threw a party. It was way too much fun. Jennifer Harman Traniello, Poker Pro

WSOPE Europe party near the end of the main event! Gavin Smith WPT Season 4 Player of the Year

Multiple tournament sessions can grind on anyone and you need a place to hide from the lights and cameras during and in-between events. Some European players from Ladbroke’s had their own lounge, celebs had the VIP suite, and others had to fend for themselves.

16. Where do you unwind between sessions/events?

In my hotel room or at the sing-a-long piano bars. — Adam Schwartz, Rounders the Poker Show www.bigpoker.ca

VIP Suite at the RIO. Marco Traniello, Poker Pro

Rio sports book bar (love sports), restaurants, the room. Gary Styczynski, WSOP 2007 Champion Event 6 LHE

I play a little $50 Pai Gow and have a few Bud Lights, then off to bed. That is the only gambling I do in the pit. I usually win or loose $300-400. Tom Schneider WSOP Player of the Year 2007

Usually at my home but if I really need to relax, I will go up to Mount Charleston and chill for an afternoon. Jennifer Harman Traniello, Poker Pro

I went to the Poker Royalty Suite and played a lot of Wii, and some golf. Gavin Smith WPT Season 4 Player of the Year

Love it or hate it, the Rio is the new home of the WSOP for now. Ideas have been kicked around and a multi-location format was even trotted out for the EWSOP. Here is some feedback from our interviewees.

17. If you could suggest a change of venue for the WSOP, where would you recommend?

Las Vegas convention center. Hard to get a gaming license for it though. — Adam Schwartz, Rounders the Poker Show www.bigpoker.ca

I would do it in the Main Casino of Caesars Palace. Marco Traniello, Poker Pro

Somewhere on the strip would be both good and bad. The crowds would add to the excitement but make it crazy for the players. Off the strip it’s a good idea. Gary Styczynski, WSOP 2007 Champion Event 6 LHE

I think it’s going to Caesas in a few years. That sounds good to me. Tom Schneider WSOP Player of the Year 2007

I like it at the RIO. I also hope it never leaves Las Vegas. Jennifer Harman Traniello, Poker Pro

I think the Rio is the perfect place. Gavin Smith WPT Season 4 Player of the Year

Showing up drunk, tired, high, or out of it was a common theme this year. (Or not showing back up at all…thank you Vinnie Vihn’s Chair.) Las Vegas is a land of temptations, so what did the pros say you should avoid during the WSOP?

18. Name one thing someone should avoid doing during the WSOP?

Drinking too late the night before an event. — Adam Schwartz, Rounders the Poker Show www.bigpoker.ca

Staying out late before the night of a tourney and unprotected sex (hey it’s Vegas) Gary Styczynski, WSOP 2007 Champion Event 6 LHE

White guys should not fist pump. Tom Schneider WSOP Player of the Year 2007

Answering your cell phone. I heard that someone with chips in the ME had 8s full and had 2 people all in with straights. His cell phone rang in the middle of the hand and they called his hand dead. Jennifer Harman Traniello, Poker Pro

Avoid getting your mind cluttered with non-poker issues. Gavin Smith WPT Season 4 Player of the Year

Stories abound and arguments between traveling partners were hard to miss, but our survey showed that a great support group makes all the difference during the grind of the WSOP.

19. Did you travel with a significant other or family member during the series? Did this help or hurt your focus?

I didn’t, but should have. — Adam Schwartz, Rounders the Poker Show www.bigpoker.ca

Yes, my parents and it helped. Marco Traniello, Poker Pro

Brother. He always had groups of women gathering around us. I guess, hurt. Gary Styczynski, WSOP 2007 Champion Event 6 LHE

My wife came to Vegas for every final table. She was great support, however, I think it’s best that she wasn’t there the whole time. All I did was play poker. Tom Schneider WSOP Player of the Year 2007

I live in Vegas so I didn’t have to travel. But Marco’s parents flew in from Italy to take care of the twins. It was a tremendous help so both me and Marco could focus on the tournaments. Jennifer Harman Traniello, Poker Pro

My now fiancée came with me and that help. Much better traveling with her than without her. Gavin Smith WPT Season 4 player of the Year.

There were FIFTY FIVE events at this year’s WSOP, and that is not including the 24 hour satellites and cash game action at the Rio. If it wasn’t the most poker action ever, anywhere, it certainly set records for person to person germ transfer. Load up on Airborn.

20. How many WSOP events did you play?

8. — Adam Schwartz, Rounders the Poker Show www.bigpoker.ca

Most of them – Marco Traniello, Poker Pro

In about 7 including the ante up for Africa Gary Styczynski, WSOP 2007 Champion Event 6 LHE

Around 25. Tom Schneider WSOP Player of the Year 2007

I’m not sure but I think it was around 13 or 14. Jennifer Harman Traniello, Poker Pro

25-30Gavin Smith WPT Season 4 Player of the Year

There was a ton of action before, during, and after the WSOP this year. Some said too much, some said just enough. One thing was for sure, Vegas wasn’t missing out on capitalizing on all that poker traffic. Buy-ins and tournaments for every style, bankroll size, and attitude were alive all over Vegas and none of them reported attendance problems. Our pros though, did not seem to notice much, but heard good things.

21. What are your thoughts on the non-WSOP tournaments spread across town this year (Binion’s, The Venetian, Bellagio, etc.)?

Didn’t play them, but heard they were quite good structures. — Adam Schwartz, Rounders the Poker Show www.bigpoker.ca

I like the schedule of the Bellagio’s ones. Marco Traniello, Poker Pro

I don’t really have an opinion here. I did hear that everyone liked the Venetian Tournaments. Tom Schneider WSOP Player of the Year 2007

Wow the last thing I wanted to do was go play another tournament. I mean how many tournaments were there at the WSOP? Jennifer Harman-Traniello, Poker Pro

I have no intention of playing them, but it’s a good option for other people. I would have played the Bellagio if I had time. Gavin Smith WPT Season 4 Player of the Year

Right on the heels of this year’s WSOP with barely enough time to get home and pack a change of clothes if you were traveling the whole circuit, London hosted the EWSOP. Only 4 events, but they were all large and very friendly to European and English favorites like PLO and PLHE. With a new competitive structure of starting all the day one flights in different locations, the EWSOP gave us a few things to think about. Is Europe booming? Are European players able to dominate pros? Should you fear 18 year olds at your table (yes.)? And most importantly, are these bracelets the same as those won in the series in Las Vegas? Opinion’s exploded online and in card rooms and below is the results of a poll that I took that has over 100 respondents live and online from a range of folks across pokerdom. SURVEY SAYS?!:

WSOP Europe Wins/Bracelets Are:

Exactly the same as Vegas WSOP Bracelets.		[41.11%]
Close but not quite. Maybe over time.		[22.22%]
The Diet Coke of WSOP Bracelets. Less than the original.		[26.67%]
Garbage, just a money making scheme.		[10.00%]

The Trump Taj Mahal VS. The Borgata

This weeks adventure took me out to Atlantic City. The Gem of Jersey, the Playground of the Populous and a sad reflection of itself in the summer. Seriously — Jersey in November? What the hell was I thinking? I was thinking of POKER, and on a limited basis, that is exactly what I was doing. I knew that the two best spots in town would be easy to pick and that is where I headed! On the Boardwalk to the Trump Taj and up the road to the Borgata. I must say that this trip completely changed my mind about east coast poker after some of my previous experiences and once again showed me that while the games remain the same, the flavour can change for one part of the world to the next, even inside the States.

The Trump Taj Mahal:

Made infamous to “Poker Boomers” in the movie Rounders, the Taj is the place where Worm and Mike McD journey after Mike’s love interest decides that one night out with friends playing poker is worth dumping him and sticking him with a massive rent check. What it details in passing but cannot relate is that ‘the Taj’ was the Bull of the Boardwalk before the Borgata showed up and still boasts an impressive (although aging) casino and room amenities. The poker room is large, probably 35-40 tables going on the weekends at any time, clean and spread out. No food at the tables cuts down on the clutter and mess but they will keep the drinks coming if you so desire. One side note for most of the Lifesabluff.com crew, this is a Coca-Cola establishment, praise be to the poker gods, no trekking a half hour out of your way just to get a decent cola. That aside, there are several other positives that must be mentioned.

The selection of games and seating: I am a big, big fan and proponent of having several styles of poker available at any time in a poker room and I am sorry to see the current trend turning most card rooms into Hold ‘Em dens. Even though I spend the bulk of my time there in the soft action, nothing stimulates my poker brain more and refreshes my love of the strategy and mental-warfare side of the game like a mixed game or a heavy stud session. The Taj spreads an impressive array of games including Omaha, Omaha Hi/Lo, Stud, Stud Hi/Lo, Hold ‘Em Limit and NL, and – under demand – blends of all of the above with several running at any given time. I was even able to get into a 3/6 Omaha Hi/Lo – Stud Hi/Lo game that bumped up to 5/10 a short while later. While it wasn’t a cash cow for me that night, it is probably the most pleasant playing experience I had the whole time. The Hold Em action has Limit Levels all the way up to 200/400 (I was playing on a Sunday night so it may go bigger on Friday/Saturday nights) and spreads an impressive variety of NLHE spreads. The most common being the 1-2 with a $100 minimum and a $300 maximum. To my new poker buddy and Life’s A Bluff fan from Middle Pennsylvania – I had pocket sevens on that dud flop, thanks for laying down the Jacks. To save his dignity, he did take about $160 off me a few pots earlier and that bluff hardly reclaimed it all. Much love to you and your poker room sir, and I hope your night kept going well after you hopped off the 3/6 O.E. Hi/Lo rotation game. While a lot of this has to do with the fact that the East Coast prides itself in being the last bastion of stud poker, it was good to see the floor keeping interest list going and actively helping interested players recruit a full table and keep games going strong. While the variety and selection is not up to par with the Bike or the Commerce in L.A. it does a hell of a job keeping a variety of games going for anyone walking in the door and should be applauded for that. The Taj gets a very strong 8 bluffs out of 10 for its game selection, amenities and maintenance.

Staff and Service: While the desk staff and wait staff in other parts of the Taj left something to be desired, the poker room ran like clockwork. No fighting over seats, overcrowded or dead tables or wondering just when you were finally going to get the game you were called for. The crew strives to find your game, find you and get you right to your seat and keep things hopping. I think my longest wait for one of the five games I signed up for was just under 10 minuets. I think this is mostly due to the room being fully staffed and the dealers and the floor personnel being very knowledgeable and professional. The tables themselves are comfortable, clean and have clearly defined betting lines, seat locations and even rake areas that should be a model for lesser rooms. Small mark against them for not having food service in the room, but a very small one since arguments go both ways on that one. Not quite as posh as the Venetian or the Bellagio, but a far cry from lacking in comfort. The quality of the staff and equipment pulls to a score of 8.5 bluffs out of 10. Check the photos and see for yourself.

Tournaments: Hosting two regional large scale tournaments (including the soon to begin 2006 Trump Poker Classic) every year and two tournaments daily, the Taj does not shy away from tournament style play. Sit and Goes are available at levels up to around $500 and begin when the interest list gets big enough to fill a table. My one tournament ended in the fifth level but I can attest that the Taj attracts a wide variety of playing styles and is not a soft spot like so many small Vegas Games. Typically about 100 runners per game but slow days can fall as low as 60-70. The payout structure is nice and is chopped up among about the top 10%. Buy in range for $50-$100 (including service fees) and the dealing staff is accomplished and know how to run their tables. It did not feel like I was in the new dealers training area at any time during my play. The blind structure is a bit aggressive if you are looking to pace your play. We started with 5,000 in chips and 25/50 blinds and by the third level we were at 100/200 with a 25 ante. It certainly forces faster play and a bit looser hand selection than I am used to, though I have always believed that you can get used to any structure if you practice it enough. God knows if it isn’t something you feel you can ever get comfortable with, then there is another game down the street. The Trump Poker Classic offers an interesting mix of games including $300 and $500 Stud and Omaha games as well as a couple Omaha Hi/Lo & Stud Hi/Lo rotation tournaments I would have loved to play in. While the vast majority of the tournaments between the 27^th of November and the 17^th of December are Hold ‘Em, there is a great mix thrown in there including Senior’s and Ladies Tournaments, short handed and team play at different buy-in levels. It is capped off with a $5000 two-day event and there is a $1000 super-satellite the day before. (With a satellite that expensive, I can only guess they will be giving away a lot of seats if the pot will have enough for one seat for every 5 players.) The timing is a little conflicted with other December Tournaments in Vegas and L.A. so I would guess it will be a big event for the local hard hitters and maybe some pros looking to sock away some last minuet Car Player or other Player of the Year points. Great game selection and lots of sub $1000 events making it accessible to about every player (even though space may be limited) speaks wonders for its majors however the dailies seem to be unimaginative and pushed a little fast. Not to say they aren’t quality games, but there is some room for improvement and creativity. I give it a check-raised 7.5 bluffs out of 10 from my short visit.

The Borgata:

Borrrrrr-ga-TA! I have no idea what the hell the name means or is supposed to refer to, but what I do know is that the Borgata holds its own in terms of class, quality and poise with almost any other casino I have ever seen. It has some of the best amenities that I have seen outside of Vegas and even then it does not look like a second-rate substitute like some many “top” casinos in places like Reno, Tahoe and Tunica. The headliners are pretty A list and the selection of restaurants includes a Wolfgang Puck restaurant and a wide selection of tasty other eateries and bars. All that aside, the crowning jewel in this felt-fiend’s mind is the gorgeous 85 table poker room. See for yourself!

The selection of games and seating: 85 tables. The most in Atlantic City and a massive number in Las Vegas or California. The tables all still look very new, very clean and are very, very comfortable. Hopefully, you are looking at some pictures posted with this forum and you can see the plasma TVs mounted on every beautifully bevelled angle of the poker room ceiling. I can’t stress enough how breathtaking this poker room really is. There are very few that play in its league anywhere in the world based on visual appeal, style, cleanliness and class. Topping that off, the brush areas are organized and computerized and the boards are constantly and quickly updated. The spread of games is very broad with a selection of Hold ‘Em, Omaha, Stud and Mixed Games playing at various limits, including Hi/Lo and Kill Pot varieties. On top of this, the Borgata spreads one of the widest limit varieties of Sit and Go Hold ‘Em games that I have ever seen on a poker room floor, even during tournament satellites. I’ll cover that a bit later on but I think I can wrap up this section by saying that the Borgata truly is the gem of Atlantic City and I can’t remember the last time that I was this stunned walking into a poker room. I could spend a LONG time barking about it, but the room really speaks for itself, and if not, there are top players around the world ready to give you a high opinion of the place. I give it a huge 9.5 bluffs out of 10.

Staff and Service: I was seated so fast I did not even get a chance to get the names of the wonderful staff on the front brush board. While I was only able to sit in with about 3 dealers in the 1/2 NLHE game, but during that time I saw some talented card handling, dispute resolution (no need to call the floor man when the table is run that tight) and people skills. It is refreshing to get an upbeat dealer, but it can change your outlook on the game and then your whole play level when you get a consistent, energetic dealing staff even on a down time like Monday morning. Nothing ticks me off more at a table than people that abuse dealers – especially competent ones – but you would have to be a real bastard to find something to pick on with the staff I was lucky to have at the Borgata. I only wish I could have spent more time with them! Looks like I have a reason to head back to Atlantic City (other than saltwater taffy close proximity to ‘real’ Philly Steak sandwiches). Speaking of friendly service, after playing, I stopped back at the service desk to ask a few questions about the tournament set up and game selection for this article and was given another pleasant surprise. From the rear board, Darla (I hope I’m spelling your name right dear) bent over backwards to get me in touch with the poker room manager, the tournament manager or anyone that could get me any extra tid-bits of information. Unfortunately, they were all either engaged or not available, but the staff on hand gets an “A” for effort for treating me like a rock star for my short time in the Borgata. You guys will be the reason that I am staying at the Borgata my next time in Atlantic City. The only point against the room seems to be a standard practice in AC poker rooms; no food at the tables. No matter, the positives outweigh the negatives and as nice at the rest of the place is, I’ll probably want to get out to grab a bite. 9 bluffs out of 10!

Tournaments: You want tournament action? You got it. Major WPT Events, Super Satellites (and the Ultimate Satellite), Daily Tournaments and Sit N’ Go selections like you may never see again. Let me lay it out for you here and then I’ll stick in my comments afterwards:

Sit and Go Single Table Tournaments:

n $1,000+40 (1^st - $7,000, 2^nd - $2,000, 3^rd - $1,000) 5000 chips, 20 min levels

n $500+30 (1^st - $3500, 2^nd - $1,000, 3^rd - $500) 4000 chips, 20 min levels

n $250+20 (1^st - $1,500, 2^nd - $600, 3^rd - $400) 3000 chips, 20 min levels

n $100+20 (1^st - $700, 2^nd - $300) 3000 chips, 15 min levels

n $60+15 (1^st - $400, 2^nd $200) 2000 chips, 15 min levels

NLHE Tournament Monday – Thursday 7pm & Sunday 4pm

n $100 Buy-in, $20 Entry Fee, Optional Add-on After Level 3

NLHE Tournament Monday – Thursday 11am & Sunday 11 am

n $50 Buy-in, $10 Entry Fee, Optional Add-on After Level 3

$50,000 Guaranteed Prize Pool. Every Friday at Noon through December.

n $250 + $30 No Limit Hold’Em. 6000 chips.

Borgata WPT/Winter Open Jan. 17 – 30, 2007 (All events NLHE)

WPT Borgata Poker Open Sept 5 – 19^th 2006 (Multiple Events and Games)

And the ultimate TP/MM poker wet dream:

The Ultimate Super Satellite Tournament Series!

n Event #1 — $110 + $20 Ultimate Qualifier (1 in 10 win voucher for the Ultimate Super Satellite)

n Event #2 — $220 + $30 Ultimate Qualifier (1 in 5 win a voucher for the Ultimate Super Satellite)

n Event #3 — $1000 + $100 Ultimate Super Satellite where 1 in 60 win the following:

o $10,000 WPT Borgata Classic Entry

o $10,000 WPT LA Poker Classic

o $10,000 WPT Foxwoods WPF

o $25,500 WPT Champtionship

o $4500 Cash (Travel & Hotel Expenses)

Its over now, but they plan to keep running these…see the link.

Various Poker Holiday Giveaways.

See what I mean? I think that the Borgata “gets” tournament players and strives to give them all something to look forward to. I think that the Ultimate Super Satellite is a stroke of Genius and having that kind of tournament game selection on tap year round is phenomenal. You have impressed us, mighty Borgata team! Only some small issues. First, the Daily Tournaments lack the variety you might get other places. They could have mixed game days, limit days, speed poker, short handed, rebuy, etc. but they don’t. Second, the Winter Open is ALL NLHE with one Limit event. I know it’s the hot game, and I believe it will remain so, but I would like to see them keep that AC tradition alive and offer at least one Stud and a couple Omaha Events to spice things up. Minor, minor things but it keeps them from being THE poker tournament Mecca. So, is a heavy house rake dropping them to 9 bluffs out of 10!

The Victor!!

While the Taj is a great place to play and one that I wouldn’t mind calling my home if I live in AC, the hands down winner here is the Borgata. The Taj is the stalwart old champion here (think Apollo Creed…he may loose, but its still alright to love ‘em) and the Borgata is the slick, new, cybernetic killing machine. You just can’t match what it has thrown together in Atlantic City unless you build a bigger, better casino. And that will take some doing. So if you pack your bags for Jersey, or the Godfather just send you there for a bit while the city cools off…stay and play at the Borgata. You will thank me.

This one got me a lot of crap.

Lucky Us

By Matt Waldron

5.2.07

Sometimes things just fall in your lap. A flopped full house with WAY too much action ahead of you, a bad beat jackpot at your table, or passes to catch an early screening of the latest poker flick. So, what do I do? Rake the chips, buy a round, and grab my favorite poker chick and head to the theater to catch the latest Chick Flick gone Poker Movie – Lucky You.

Because the staff trimming quotes for Variety and Rolling Stone won’t read past this paragraph, I’ll get to the basics first and save the juicy stuff for later. Eric Bana (Huck) and Robert Duvall (L.C.) are perfect in this film as an estranged father/son duo that both are making their way in the world of poker. I’m not sure enough can be said about how well they play together to make this film work. Their chemistry is concise and believable and anyone with parental issues will immediately identify with them and get sucked into their roles in the film.

Drew Barrymore actually plays the “straight man” in this film as the ‘girl next door’ (Actually Bakersfield) come to fulfill her dream of singing country music professionally. Sounds lame? You’re right. But she still puts in a solid performance in the obviously flawed role. She gets to be the girl that gets the changed man and is supposed to ‘awwww’ you with her innocence and charm. Unfortunately, anyone who has been around the gambling scene too long (and apparently everyone in the theater in San Francisco) recognizes her as relationship roadkill pretty early on and nothing really sticks about the relationship. Summarily, it’s the only serious hole in this movie and that pretty much derails the romance side of this film right there. But I have good news…we have a pretty damn good Vegas film here anyway!

Eric Bana is the headstrong ‘blaster’ that is on a constant roller-coaster of huge wins and stunning beats and is mortgaged out to the hilt. We meet him at the start in a classic opening scene in a pawn shop where he gets the scratch to turn $350 into over $10,000 in one table hopping session at the Bellagio…only to blow the whole thing. They manage to keep ‘Huck’s’ hard luck story believable as every thing he does to make the 2003 World Series Main Event turns around to bite him in the ass. Just when he has it all worked out, the father (Duvall) seems to show up and put him immediately on tilt or the deck goes artic-cold on him. While that may sound a bit contrived, the whole scenario really spoke to me and the reaction of the crowd told me I wasn’t the only one. And no, if you were wondering, he does not tilt by turning into the Hulk and smashing the table. In fact, his tilt is so subtle and realistic that it is probably the one, single item that truly cements this whole thing as a poker film.

Duvall is the prodigal father that has won two World Series Main events and has recently popped back into Vegas from the South of France to play the Series. This, of course, forces him into contact with his son and the boiling anger over their past builds the real central plot of the film. In fact, poker is the mechanism they use to tell the tale of a father attempting to gain the forgiveness of his son and guide him away from the mistakes he made and on to the road of real success. The role of him curbing the young blaster and trying to show him the roadmap to success reminds me of Duvall’s role with Sean Penn in “Colors” and the end result is that good if not better.

What Makes the Film:

Warning: Here thar be spoilers! Not of the ‘give away the ending’ type, but it may take away a chuckle or two.

The film is star studded with poker’s elite as well as Hollywood’s finest. You may have to stop yourself from going ‘poker geek’ and resist the urge to point out all the famous players (playing themselves and others) and sites in the film, lest you beleaguer your non-aficionado friends/dates, but it will be tough. Apparently this script made the right rounds as pretty A-list (or at least upper B-list) stars show up for some minor roles and make the whole thing pop.

One of the most entertaining ‘side shows’ in the film is the exposé on with ‘wild side’ of Vegas. I’m not talking strippers and blow here; I’m talking about the gambling obsessed sub-culture of action junkies, prop betters, and sharks that swims the seas of the Neon City. It draws on a lot of Vegas lore but keeps you very entertained as you meet Bana’s sports betting freak of a room-mate, the guy living in the bathroom with breast implants, and other assorted gems.

You get the feeling that you are getting a look into a world that few ever do more than vacation in and even fewer truly understand. Huck’s (Bana’s) furniture-less house, back entrances to casinos, authentic poker rooms and local bars are the set pieces that lend realism to the film and capture Vegas as it is or was (in olde 2003). The cinematography is dead on and if you enjoyed the director Curtis Hanson’s last works (L.A. Confidential and 8 Mile) you are going to see more of the same here. Eric Roth managed to craft a believable screenplay (outside of the romance angle that goes flat in the end) and the actors slide into their roles like a pair of their best broke-in blue jeans. One of my favorite things about going to the theater is listening to the crowd react and in this film the audience not only growled and cheered at the right times during the general drama, but during the poker as well. Great job all around on making the film work for all audiences.

So How is the POKER damn it!?!?

If you thought the poker in Casino Royal was crap, you have nothing to fear here. The hands that you watch are not royal flush over four of a kind over full house and rarely are they some monstrous, unlikely thing that is mystically solved by the poker pro. When they are close to that, you know you have seen the same plays at the table in both cash games and tournaments. They show a variety of games (including the rotation at the ‘Big Game’ in the Bellagio) but focus mostly on the crowd friendly staple, Texas Hold ‘Em. If you are a card player you will not get bored nor will you freak out about any obvious inconsistencies or horrible plays. Outside of the opening $350 to $10,000 run, nothing that happens is out of the range of believability or the commonplace but is presented in a way that keeps you engaged and interested and in some cases, hanging on the edge of your seat. Prepare to winge at the bad beats and cheer with the great calls, it’s all there and poker is on the main stage most of the movie.

Yes, some of it seems set up, but it is a movie…so what do you expect? I can’t really say anymore about the poker without giving away parts of the movie, so I hope this settles you on the fact that it is a fairly credible poker movie as well as a splendidly filmed, well directed, superbly acted film as a whole. I will leave you to judge the ending on your own. I’m sure it will be the controversial issue for many who see the film. Well, that and putting it up against Spiderman 3 at launch. But, as witnessed by my dates and other poker and non-poker playing guys and gals in attendance with me, it was not a night out wasted.

The poker is great, the acting is terrific but the romantic plot line dies on a limb withering the fruit at the end of the film. Still it gets a solid 7 BLUFFS out of 10 and my recommendation for a poker player’s date film of the year.

This is a bit of a personal prop article to a solid success in the 2007 Legends of Poker by a local LA Rounder and poker buddie of mine, Ronnie MacMillan.

Way to go Ronnie Mac.

So the last time I was in LA for the Mini Series and found cash game gold and no love in the tournament series, I saw an old tournament buddy and Live At The Bike team member, Ronnie MacMillan.

Ronnie was at the event doing some cleanup for the now defunct show and was about to head to Australia to do some similar work and I offered to loan him some cash to get into a cash game and the Seven Stud 8/ob tournament running that day. Well, none of it went well as a runner runner donkey popped his cash game and, despite brilliant play echoed by his tablemates, eventual card death shut Ronnie down. I was confident that he would pay me back as he had