Hanging out in Monte Carlo
Broadcasting from Monaco, where the weather is supposed to be better but where the grass is green and the girls are pretty. (Thanks Guns N'Roses.)
It has been a while and, besides one or two commitments, I have allowed myself to do close to nothing. My manager probably hates my guts because of it (nah, just kidding), but it sure is nice to go out, enjoy the sun (when it is out), drink a whole bunch of White Russians or Vodka-apple juices and keep the flirt going. My buddy and fellow poker player Theo Jorgensen always says: "keep the game going," and I fully support that statement on as well as off the poker table.
I should actually be playing the World Series of Golf right now, but prior commitments made it impossible for me to go back to Vegas. It is probably for the better as my golf game is somewhat off at the moment.
Don't worry, though, this blog is not just gonna be about sex, drugs and rock'n'roll. I promised a follow-up to my WPT Championship experience and I would also like to say a few words about Harrah's WSOP Main Event Final Table decision.
First thing is first.
The WPT Championship experience…
I have to be honest, I am still somewhat confused about what happened in the heads-up match. Playing against David Chiu reminded me a little of my HU battle against Phil Ivey in the NBC HU Championships a little earlier this year. It was simple, every time I had something David/ Phil would fold and every time they had something, I also had a little bit to show. Against David I moved in with Jacks and raised and re-raised with Aces and Kings, when apparently he had nothing. But when I moved in with deuces he decided to call with fives. I don't know - maybe he had a read on me?
I am not complaining about the final hand. David knew I had him beat but decided to gamble. You lose those 2:1 hands about 1/3 of the time. In fact I had just won a couple of hands at the final table as a 2:1 underdog. That is poker!
Besides my unfortunate heads-up debacle, I am banking a lot of confidence to spend during the World Series of Poker. I plan on arriving in the very beginning of June and will probably play my first tournament -- the World Championship Mixed Event -- on June 4. I have at least another nine events lined up and now is definitely the time for my bracelet debut.
Speaking of the WSOP, I have had some time to think about Harrah's decision to postpone the final table of the Main Event. My general opinion is: If it's good for poker, I support it. Yes, it would level the playing field to some extent by allowing the inexperienced players to prepare well, but if we end up with greater publicity and better play, we should all profit from it.
What I would like to see from Harrah's is some kind of bonus to the players! Obviously they are making more TV money, and what better way to show their gratitude than to give back to the backbone of their show - us, the players.
It is very easy. They can just lower the registration fee and throw in some additional cash for the prize pool. Just call it social responsibility if you like.
That's all for now, the beach is calling me. (The weather has improved!)
Later
Gus
Gus plays online exclusively at FullTiltPoker.com. Be a part of Gus Hansen's poker community at www.theplayr.com, where among other cool stuff you can check out Gus' blogs, analysis, poker articles, Gus TV, Tips'n'Tricks, "Ask Gus" and even play against Gus in exclusive online and live tournaments.
It has been a while and, besides one or two commitments, I have allowed myself to do close to nothing. My manager probably hates my guts because of it (nah, just kidding), but it sure is nice to go out, enjoy the sun (when it is out), drink a whole bunch of White Russians or Vodka-apple juices and keep the flirt going. My buddy and fellow poker player Theo Jorgensen always says: "keep the game going," and I fully support that statement on as well as off the poker table.
I should actually be playing the World Series of Golf right now, but prior commitments made it impossible for me to go back to Vegas. It is probably for the better as my golf game is somewhat off at the moment.
Don't worry, though, this blog is not just gonna be about sex, drugs and rock'n'roll. I promised a follow-up to my WPT Championship experience and I would also like to say a few words about Harrah's WSOP Main Event Final Table decision.
First thing is first.
The WPT Championship experience…
I have to be honest, I am still somewhat confused about what happened in the heads-up match. Playing against David Chiu reminded me a little of my HU battle against Phil Ivey in the NBC HU Championships a little earlier this year. It was simple, every time I had something David/ Phil would fold and every time they had something, I also had a little bit to show. Against David I moved in with Jacks and raised and re-raised with Aces and Kings, when apparently he had nothing. But when I moved in with deuces he decided to call with fives. I don't know - maybe he had a read on me?
I am not complaining about the final hand. David knew I had him beat but decided to gamble. You lose those 2:1 hands about 1/3 of the time. In fact I had just won a couple of hands at the final table as a 2:1 underdog. That is poker!
Besides my unfortunate heads-up debacle, I am banking a lot of confidence to spend during the World Series of Poker. I plan on arriving in the very beginning of June and will probably play my first tournament -- the World Championship Mixed Event -- on June 4. I have at least another nine events lined up and now is definitely the time for my bracelet debut.
Speaking of the WSOP, I have had some time to think about Harrah's decision to postpone the final table of the Main Event. My general opinion is: If it's good for poker, I support it. Yes, it would level the playing field to some extent by allowing the inexperienced players to prepare well, but if we end up with greater publicity and better play, we should all profit from it.
What I would like to see from Harrah's is some kind of bonus to the players! Obviously they are making more TV money, and what better way to show their gratitude than to give back to the backbone of their show - us, the players.
It is very easy. They can just lower the registration fee and throw in some additional cash for the prize pool. Just call it social responsibility if you like.
That's all for now, the beach is calling me. (The weather has improved!)
Later
Gus
Gus plays online exclusively at FullTiltPoker.com. Be a part of Gus Hansen's poker community at www.theplayr.com, where among other cool stuff you can check out Gus' blogs, analysis, poker articles, Gus TV, Tips'n'Tricks, "Ask Gus" and even play against Gus in exclusive online and live tournaments.
