Jerry Yang - Live Updates

Level 4 Hour 1 Update: Jerry Yang Eliminated

Jul 03, '09

Blinds: 150-300 with a 25 ante

Players Remaining: 921 out of 1116

Chip Counts:

1. Dragan Galic – 110,000
2. Jeff Williams – 100,000
3. Jeremy Ausmus – 88,000
4. Radek Stockner – 88,000
5. Eli Elezra – 84,300
6. Kevin Stammen – 74,000
7. Bryan Colin – 72,000
8. Michael Kamran – 72,000
9. Allyn Jaffrey Shulman – 40,000
10. Barry Shulman – 28,500

Notable Eliminations:

Jerry Yang, Perry Friedman, Darryl Dicken

Big Hands:

Jerry Yang Eliminated

A short stacked Jerry Yang was all in preflop with J7 and was up against his opponent’s AK. Yang caught a good flop when it came 789, but the K on the turn put Yang in a bad spot.

Yang’s fate was sealed as the 4 fell on the river. Yang’s quest for a a second main event title will have to be postponed for at least another year.

Mark Gregorich Takes A Pot

On a board showing 10535, Mark Gregorich and his opponent checked with the pot around 4,000. The river was then the K and the action was checked to Gregorich. He bet 3,500 and his opponent went into the tank. After some thought, he said, “I’ll let you have it,” and mucked his cards. Gregorich raked in the pot and he was at 41,300.

By George!

The player in seat 6 opened the action for a raise to 1,150 and action folded around to Jason Alexander. He then reraised to 3,200 and seat 6 made the call. The flop then fell J52 and the action was checked to Alexander. He fired 6,000 and seat 6 came over the top, moving all in for 26,500. Alexander took a session in the tank and then pushed in the call.

Seat 6 showed 86 for a made flush and Alexander turned over 1010. He needed a lot of help and the J paired the board on the turn. The river then brought the J, giving Alexander a backdoor full house and the massive pot. He was at 84,500 after the hand.

Brad Garrett then had a little fun with his friend. “Wow,” he started. “As bad as your game is buddy, that’s incredible.” The table had a laugh and Alexander left his chips strewn about in front of him. “I’ll be back,” he joked, pretending to walk away from the table. “Yeah, to the pharmacy,” Garrett joked again. After all of this, Garrett forgot to input his ante and the dealer asked him to do it. “I’m sorry sweetheart,” he said. “Can I just get a minute to absorb what just happened.” Garrett then placed his ante in and play continued.

Duthie Shows Some Heart

Picking up the action on the turn, action was checked to John Duthie with the board showing Q7510. He fired a bet of 2,000 and his three opponents quickly mucked. Duthie took in the pot, but was still below his starting stack with just 20,000 in chips.

Michael Gracz Doubles His Opponent

Michael Gracz called his opponent’s all in bet, totaling around 24,000. Here were their hands.

Gracz: AK
Opponent: JJ

Board: J536A

Gracz hit his ace, but unfortunately for him it was after his opponent flopped a set. Gracz took a hit down to 50,000.

Those Flush Draws Will Cost You

After a flop of 724, Steve-Paul Ambrose called his opponent’s all in bet of about 21,000. Ambrose showed J9 for a flush draw, but his opponent held AA and Ambrose needed help. The turn was the 2 and the river was the 5 and Ambrose lost a big chunk of his stack, going down to 15,000.

Affleck Gets Opponent to Fold a Set

Matt “mcmatto” Affleck, the winner of the $3000 SCOOP event on PokerStars, and his opponent on the button got in 5600 preflop and took a flop of AKQ. Affleck bet 6500 and was called by the player on the button.

The turn was the 4 and Affleck bet 11,200 and was called. The river was the 5 and Affleck bet 24,000 of his 26,000 stack. The player on the button stood up and announced that he had a set and was seriously considering folding it. “This is disgusting,” said the player on the button as he agonized with his decision.

Finally, after a few minutes of thought, he tossed the QQ face up into the muck. Even though the entire table begged Affleck to show his hand, he did not oblige and tossed his hand into the muck without showinig.

Left In The Deck:

There were 1,116 players in day 1a for this year’s main event. This is down just slightly from last year’s numbers, as there were 1,297 players in 2008.

Player Tags: Michael Gracz,   Mark Gregorich,   Steve Paul Ambrose,   Jerry Yang,   Jason Alexander

Level 3 Hour 2 Update: Deeb, Vos Eliminated

Jul 03, '09

Blinds: 150-300

Chip Counts:

1. Dragan Galic – 110,000
2. Jeff Williams – 100,000
3. Jeremy Ausmus – 88,000
4. Radek Stockner – 88,000
5. Eli Elezra – 84,300
6. Keven Stammen – 74,000
7. Bryan Colin – 72,000
8. Michael Kamran – 72,000
9. Allyn Jaffrey Shulman – 40,000
10. Barry Shulman – 30,000

Notable Eliminations:

Freddy Deeb, Matt Glantz, Nelly, Chris Moorman, Mark Vos, Gabe Kaplan

Big Hands:

Freddy Deeb Busted By Keven Stammen

Three players were in a pot that saw a flop of KQ4 hit the felt. Keven Stammen fired 2,200 and Freddy Deeb made the call, as did another player. The turn was the 10 and everyone checked. The river was the Q and Deeb led out with 6,000. The other player in the hand folded, but Stammen repopped it to 37,000 total. Deeb only had 11,000 behind and made the call.

Deeb then tabled AJ for a Broadway straight, but Stammen showed KQ for a full house and Deeb’s main event was over.

Chris Moorman Gone

The player in the small blind limped in and Chris Moorman moved all in. The small blind called and the players tabled their hands.

Small Blind: AK
Moorman: JJ

Board: A4437

Moorman was outflopped and could not catch up the rest of the way and his main event was cut short on day 1.

Mark Vos Ousted

Mark Vos raised to 700 preflop and action folded around to Peter Hedlund. He reraised to 3,000 and Vos came back over the top, moving in for 8,450. Hedlund called and showed down AK. Vos tabled QQ and things were looking good for Vos. But the turn brought another ace to the party and Vos couldn’t hit his set on the river and he was eliminated.

Jerry Yang Doubles Up

A player in middle position raised to 850 and Jerry Yang all in 3,925. Action folded around to the middle position player. He made the call and Yang showed KQ. The middle position player showed 22 and the flop fell QQ3.

The player in the big blind then announced that he had folded a deuce. The turn was the K, filling up Yang and the river was the case 2. Yang doubled to 8,000.

Prerry Friedman Cracks Aces, Eliminates Opponent

Perry Friedman took a flop heads up against his opponent and the flop fell 998. After a series of bets and raises all of the money got in and the cards were turned face up.

Friedman showed K9, which was miles ahead of the AA of his opponent. The turn was the 7 and the river was the 8, giving Friedman a full house and the pot.

Nines Are No Good For Alexander

Jason Alexander raised from the hijack position and was called by the small blind. The flop was A104 and both players checked. The turn was the 6 and the small blind checked again.

Alexander decided it was time to bet and put out 1500 into the middle. He was met with a check-raise to 3500 from the small blind. After some thought, Alexander put in the call. The river was the 8 and both players checked.

Alexander tabled the 99, but the small blind turned over AQ and took the pot.

Veldhuis With A Stone Cold Bluff

Over at the feature table, the flop came down 432 and the action was checked to Lex Veldhuis. He fired 2,300 and his opponent made the call. The turn was the 9 and action was checked to Veldhuis again. He fired 6,000 more chips into the pot and his opponent stuck around. The river was the A and action was checked again to Veldhuis. He then moved all in for over 40,000, having his opponent covered. This induced a fold and Veldhuis then tabled K6 for absolutely nothing. He raked in the pot and was at 70,000.

Yang Doubles Up Again

After being moved to a new table, Jerry Yang made it 900 to go preflop and was three-bet by Steve Paul-Ambrose to 2550. Yang called and they saw a flop of 2K8 and Steve Paul-Ambrose put out enough to put Yang all in.

Yang put in the call and said “This is the hand I won the World Series with,” said Yang as he tabled the 88, giving him middle set. Steve Paul-Ambrose showed the 99 and needed to improve to take the pot.

The turn was the K and the 5, doubling up Yang to 17,000.

Player Tags: Perry Friedman,   Peter Hedlund,   Mark Vos,   Jerry Yang,   Jason Alexander,   Freddy Deeb,   Keven Stammen,   Lex Veldhuis,   Chris Moorman

Level 3 Hour One Update: A Lesson For The Master

Jul 03, '09

Blinds: 150-300

Chip Counts:

1. Bryan Colin – 75,000
2. Jonas Klausen – 70,000
3. Ludovic Lacay – 69,000
4. Jeff Williams – 68,500
5. Radek Stockner – 67,500
6. Jason Risenberg – 65,000
7. Jamie Robbins – 64,200
8. Erik Cajelais – 64,000
9. Allyn Jaffrey Shulman – 40,000
10. Barry Shulman – 30,000

Notable Eliminations:

Nick Frangos
Mike Sowers
Pieter de Korver

Big Hands:

The Master Is The Student?

On a board showing J93KA and with 5,150 in the pot, the player in seat 1 checked to Men Nguyen. He tanked for quite awhile before finally checking his hand. Seat 1 showed KQ for a pair of kings. Nguyen showed AJ for two pair and took the pot.

“You checked the river with two pair?” a player who was observing the hand quipped.

“He’s a changed man,” John Duthie joked. Nguyen then chimed in with; “Three more Corona’s and then maybe.” He then added, “You wanna teach the Master how to play?” The other player quickly replied, “I’m trying to learn from you.” Everyone laughed and Nguyen was at 31,000.

Lunkin Muscled Out

Vitaly Lunkin raised to 800 preflop and action folded around to seat 4. He made it 2,500 to go and Lunkin was next to act. He spent a few moments in the tank, then released his hand into the muck. He was at 45,000 after the hand.

Chan Ailing

After a flop of 835, the player in seat 1 bet 2,000 and Johnny Chan made the call. The turn was the J and both players checked. The river brought the 3 and seat 1 led out with another 2,500. Chan made a quick call and seat 1 showed 99.

Chan could not beat it and mucked his hand. He was down to just 8,200 after losing that pot.

It Was That Damn Sasquatch

Adrian Gavile and John Kranyak were involved in a hand that resulted in Gavile making quad jacks against Kranyak’s ace-king. As a result, Gavile won the $100 prize package offered by the official sponsor of the 2009 WSOP, Jack Link’s Beef Jerky. The prize package essentially consists of $100 worth of beef jerky.

Play was halted for almost five minutes as the floor awaited on the Jack Link’s Sasquatch to arrive and give Gavile his prize. However, the Sasquatch was nowhere to be found and the floor ruled for play to continue. Gavile would just have to wait for the Sasquatch to make his presence known in order to receive his prize.

Yang Thrown Off The Boat

On a flop of K85, Yang bet 2,700 and his opponent raised to 6,525. Yang made the call and the turn brought the 5 and the opponent fired 8,000. Yang raised to 20,000 and his opponent moved all in for 6,150 more. Yang made the call and tabled KQ for two pair and a flush draw. His opponent showed 88 for a full house and the river was the J, sending the pot to the full house and Yang was down to just 6,600.

Fricke Value Bets and Wins a Small Pot

With the board reading A48J5, Jimmy Fricke tossed out a bet of 1500 into an already bloated pot on the river. After a few moments of contemplation, his opponents tossed in the call.

Fricke quickly turned over the Q8 and his opponent mucked, as Fricke raked the pot with just third pair.

Hennigan Mucks to the Nut Flush

After a raise and a call preflop, John Hennigan defended his big blind. The flop was 684 and all three players checked. The turn was the 10 and Hennigan checked again. The preflop raiser bet 1700 and there was a call from the cutoff and Hennigan called as well.

The river was the 6 and Hennigan checked a third time. The preflop raiser checked and the third player in the hand moved all in for his last 6525. Hennigan took a few moments and then made the call.

The cutoff showed the AJ, good for the nut flush and Hennigan mucked his hand.

Player Tags: Men Nguyen,   John Hennigan,   Johnny Chan,   Jerry Yang,   Jimmy Fricke,   Adrian Gavile,   Vitaly Lunkin,   John Kranyak

Level 2 Update: Nelly Doubles Up

Jul 03, '09

Blinds: 100-200

Chip Counts:

1. Bryan Colin — 96,000
2. Keven Stammen — 76,000
3. Jonas Klausen — 68,000
4. Radeck Stockner — 67,500
5. Jerry Yang — 55,000
6. Robert McGlaughlin — 55,000
7. Tony G — 53,000
8. Phil Laak – 46,000
9. Allyn Jaffrey Shulman — 40,000
10. Barry Shulman — 35,000

Notable Eliminations:

Cody Slaubaugh
Jon Von Halle
Mike Sowers

Big Hands:

Jerry Yang Doubles Up With Quads

2007 Main Event Champion Jerry Yang raises to 800 from early position and it gets reraised 2,600 behind him. Yang calls and the flop comes 1076. Yang checks, his opponent bets 2,625 and Yang calls. The turn is the 4, Yang checks, his opponent bets 12,000 and Yang calls all in for 11,325.

Yang: 1010
Opponent: KK

Yang is ahead on the turn with top set against his opponent’s pair of kings. The river is the 10, giving Yang quads and putting back in the black this hand with 34,000 in chips.

Cody Slaubaugh Eliminated by Eli Elezra

Over on the featured table, Cody Slaubaugh got it all in on the river against Eli Elezra on a board of KQ326. Slaubaugh was covered and turned over K5 for top pair and a busted flush draw, but Elezra showed K6 for two pair. Elezra rakes the pot this hand while Slaubaugh hits the rail.

Matt Vengrin Capitalizes on Opponent’s Mistake

Matt Vengrin raises before the flop from middle position and gets one caller from the player in seat 9. The flop comes 662, and Vengrin bets 550. Seat 9 throws 1,050 into the middle, failing to verbalize a call. The floorman comes over and rules that his bet is in fact a raise and forces the action to 1,100. Vengrin immediately reraise to 4,025 and his opponent folds.

Michael Tureniec Runs Into Set Over Set

Michael Tureniec just doubled up his opponent with the 44 after a flop of J74. His opponent held the 77 and won the hand. Tureniec is just under the starting amount with 28,000.

Nelly Doubles Up

Nelly had a smaller stack of 12,000 when he moved all in over the preflop bet of an opponent. The initial raiser went into the tank before finally making the call. Nelly exposed the A10 and was up against the 66 of his opponent. The board ran out 97310J, as Nelly nailed his ten on the turn and eventually win the hand. He is back up to 24,000 in chips.

Phil Laak Puts Opponent All In

After calling a preflop raise from his opponent, Phil Laak saw a flop of 962. Laak’s opponent bet out and Laak made the call. The 5 hit the turn and Laak once again called a bet. On the river of the Q, action was checked to Laak who threw out a bet of 11,300, enough to put his opponent all in. The player mucked and Laak took down the pot. Laak is at 46,000.

Jennifer Tilly Puts Most of Stack at Risk

On a board of 653, Jennifer Tilly checked raised a bet of 2,200 by her opponent. She made it 6,000 which was almost half of her remaining chip stack. Her opponent went into the tank and eventually mucked. Tilly is at 18,000 in chips.

Andrew Black Adds to Stack

On a board of A42Q, a player checked to Andrew Black. The 2005 main event final table member bet 2,000 and his opponent quickly called. The 8 fell on the river and the player once again checked to Black, who bet the same 2,000. He was quickly called. Black exposed A-Q for top two pair to take the pot. Black is up to 35,000.

Player Tags: Phil Laak,   Eli Elezra,   Jennifer Tilly,   Andy Black,   Jerry Yang,   Matthew Vengrin,   Cody Slaubaugh

Level 6 Update

Mar 16, '09

Player Tags: Lee Watkinson,   Phil Hellmuth,   Jerry Yang,   Soheil Shamseddin

Level 2 Update

Mar 16, '09

Big Hands:

Jerry Yang Doubles Up

Jerry Yang moved all in on a board of Q9848 and seat 2 called him down. Yang turnd up A6 for the nut flush and he took down the pot when seat 2 mucked.

Andy Bloch Eliminated

Andy Bloch got all of his chips into the middle preflop and he was called down by an opponent who held pocket aces. Bloch held pocket kings and the board was dealt 9-7-5-2-2. Bloch is the first bounty player of the day to be eliminated.



 

Player Tags: Andy Bloch,   Jerry Yang

John Phan Defeats Jerry Yang

Mar 07, '09

John Phan and Jerry Yang got it all in preflop after a series of raises. Phan had Yang covered, but just barely.

Yang showed AQ, but it was behind to Phan's KK. The board ran out Q-9-7-K-J and Yang was eliminated from the tournament.

Phan advances to play the winner of Sam Farha and Peter Eastgate later this afternoon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Player Tags: John Phan,   Jerry Yang

Jerry Yang Defeats Clonie Gowen

Mar 06, '09

During the party at PURE last night, Ali Nejad joked about Clonie Gowen's match with Full Tilt player Jerry Yang. Nejad quipped, "In an exciting cross promotional development, this match will be broadcasted on CourtTV." The match ended up being much more tame, however.

Gowen was short stacked and moved all in from the button for 8,000. Yang made the call and showed down A8. Gowen turned over 103 and needed some help.

The board ran out J72A2 and the Shadow hit an ace on the turn to take out Gowen. Yang will now move on to play John Phan in the round of 32.






 

Player Tags: Clonie Gowen,   Jerry Yang

John Phan Defeats Jerry Yang

Mar 07, '09

John Phan and Jerry Yang got it all in preflop after a series of raises. Phan had Yang covered, but just barely.

Yang showed AQ, but it was behind to Phan's KK. The board ran out Q-9-7-K-J and Yang was eliminated from the tournament.

Phan advances to play the winner of Sam Farha and Peter Eastgate later this afternoon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Player Tags: John Phan,   Jerry Yang

Jerry Yang Defeats Clonie Gowen

Mar 06, '09

During the party at PURE last night, Ali Nejad joked about Clonie Gowen's match with Full Tilt player Jerry Yang. Nejad quipped, "In an exciting cross promotional development, this match will be broadcasted on CourtTV." The match ended up being much more tame, however.

Gowen was short stacked and moved all in from the button for 8,000. Yang made the call and showed down A8. Gowen turned over 103 and needed some help.

The board ran out J72A2 and the Shadow hit an ace on the turn to take out Gowen. Yang will now move on to play John Phan in the round of 32.






 

Player Tags: Clonie Gowen,   Jerry Yang

Shuffle Up and Deal

Nov 09, '08

Reigning world champion Jerry Yang has announced shuffle up and deal and action has begun.

Blinds are now 120,000-240,000 with a 30,000 ante. There are 21 minutes and 50 seconds remaining in level 33.

The next update will be posted at 12:08.












 

Player Tags: Jerry Yang

$10,000 Main Event - Day 2B - Level 6 (Hour 2)

Jul 09, '08

Blinds: 300-600, 75 ante

Chip Leaders:
Henning Granstad - 242,950
Igor Ioffe - 195,000
David Stucke - 168,000
David Benefield - 160,000
Dylan Linde - 146,000
Bill Blanda - 145,000
Sami Rustom - 140,450
Steve Billirakis - 137,000
David Singer - 136,000

Other Notables:
Nenad Medic - 122,000
Brad Booth - 120,000
Gus Hansen - 117,000
Andrew Robl - 105,000
Ayaz Mahmood - 80,000
Shun Uchida - 80,000
Jan Sjavik - 79,000
Phil Hellmuth - 77,000
Jeff Madsen - 75,000
Evelyn Ng - 75,000
Phil Gordon - 73,000
Chris Moneymaker - 68,000
David Daneshgar - 62,000
Liz Lieu - 55,000
Tony Dunst - 55,000
Mike Matusow - 53,000
Rolf Slotboom - 50,000
Joe Hachem - 34,000
Matt Hawrilenko - 32,000
Minh Nguyen - 32,000
Amir Vahedi - 31,950
Kyle Kloeckner - 30,000
Cory Zeidman - 28,000
Ryan Daut - 24,000
Bill Chen -24,000
Howard Lederer - 24,000
Nick Binger - 22,000
Ryan Daut - 18,000
Allen Cunningham - 16,000
Michael Binger - 12,000
Shannon Elizabeth - 11,500
Jeff Shulman - 10,000

Eliminations:
Alex Jacob
Jerry Yang
Beth Shak
Brian Townsend
Danny Wong
Joe Awada

Big Hands and Storylines:

Amnon Filippi Eliminated

Ryan Hughes raised to 1,400 under the gun and three players in middle position called. Then Charles Large, on the button, moved in for 12,500. Amnon Filippi, who had been holding his chips in his hand since the start of his hand, moved in for about 4,200. Hughes called and the three other players folded. The three players showed their hands:

Hughes: 99
Filippi: AK
Large: AK

Interestingly, not only were Filippi and Large sharing outs, but one of the players who folded claimed to have had pocket nines. The board was even worse news for Filippi and Large: the 876 flop giving Hughes an open-ended straight draw in addition to his pair. The turn was the 4, giving Large a flush draw, but the 8 on the river ended the World Series hopes of both Large and Filippi. Hughes is now up to 73,000.

Duane Thompson Doubles Through Evelyn Ng

Duane Thompson was all-in on the button for 11,000 against Evelyn Ng in the small blind. Thompson showed A2 and was visibly pleased when Ng showed KQ. Thompson was audibly pleased too, saying, “I can’t believe I’m ahead.” The raggy board – 75325 – kept him ahead, and he doubled up to 24,000. Despite the hit, Ng still has 75,000.

D’Agostino Takes a Hit

John D’Agostino just lost a 60k pot when his A-K could not improve against his opponent’s pocket queens. D’Agostino, sitting directly across from Phil Gordon, is down to 55,000.

Yang's run comes to an end

The defending champion has been eliminated. Seated at the second featured table, Jerry Yang was shortstacked and in need of luck. He first ran A-2 into A-Q, but survived when the board brought two pair and only their aces played. Then he moved in with A-J and was called by A-9, but a nine came on the flop and Yang was eliminated. On his way out, he wished everyone at his table good luck and then received a nice applause from everyone in the Amazon Room.

Goldstein Can't Pull the Trigger

Ken Goldstein, the SpadeClub poker room manager, was on the button and called a raise to 1500 from a player in middle position. The flop came K53 and both players checked. The 5 paired the board on the turn, and again both players checked. The J on the river brought the flush into play, and another checks followed. "No pair," declared the other player. Goldstein couldn't show a winner at that point. When the other player showed 108, Goldstein mucked his hand. Goldstein had about 12,000 in chips after the hand.

Hansen off to Nice Start

Gus Hansen was in middle position and raised to 1625, which resulted in play being folded around to the big blind, who made the call. The flop came J54, and both players checked. The 10 fell on the turn, and the big blind came out with a 4000 bet. Hansen seemed uncertain whether to simply call, or push the player all-in for his remaining 21,000. He finally made the call, and the 2 on the river made a four-flush on board. It was enough of a scare card that both players checked. The big blind showed KJ for top pair, while Hansen held 1010 for a set spiked on the turn, and he collected the pot. Hansen has about 120,000 in chips.

Player Tags: Evelyn Ng,   Kenny Goldstein,   Gus Hansen,   John D'Agostino,   Amnon Filippi,   Jerry Yang

$10,000 Main Event - Day 1D - Level 3, Hour 1

Jul 06, '08

Blinds: 150-300

Eliminations:

Leif Force
Fred Goldberg

Big Hands and Storylines:

Tilly turns nuts and doubles up

On a flop of JT2, Jennifer Tilly bet 1,500 from the big blind and was called by the preflop raiser. The K then came on the turn and Tilly checked. Her opponent bet 2,000 and Tilly quickly moved all in for 3,925 total. Her opponent called and flipped over AK but was way behind Tilly's AQ. Tilly turned a straight and then rivered a flush when the 5 came. Tilly doubled up and had about 12,500 after the hand.

Mortensen Bouncing Back

Carlos Mortensen has recovered nicely after stumbling to below 10,000 in chips earlier in the day. He just broke one opponent, after a flop came down KJ10. The player in the big blind bet 3000, one-third of his stack, into a 2250 pot. Mortensen, on the button, then raised enough to put the player all-in. The big blind called and showed QQ for second pair and open-ended draw. Mortensen held J10 for two pair. The turn brought the 6 and the river the 3, leaving Mortensen the winner and sending the other player's remaining 6100 in chips across the table. Mortensen now has 43,000 in chips.

Yang Collects Small Pot

The flop came down 1052 with four players still involved. After the 8 on the turn, the small blind bet out 725 and Jerry Yang was the lone caller. The river brought the 10 and both players checked. Yang showed A2 for two pair, while his opponent held 97 for the open-ended straight flush draw.

Player Tags: Chris Ferguson,   Carlos Mortensen,   Johnny Chan,   Jennifer Tilly,   Jerry Yang

$10,000 Main Event - Day 1D - Level 2

Jul 06, '08

Blinds: 100-200

Chip Leaders:
Shawn Conix - 57,200
Doug Lee - 53,000
Mike Postle - 50,000
Thomas Keller - 50,000
Victor Ramdin - 50,000
Thanh "Tony" Huynh - 47,500
Stephen Kenna - 46,500
Tom Chambers - 46,000
Antonio Esfandiari - 44,000
Ryan Daut - 44,000
Shun Uchida - 43,000
Chris Overgard - 42,000
Steve Billirakis - 42,000
Rick Murnick - 42,000
Allen Cunningham - 41,000

Other Notables:
Shane Schleger - 40,000
Dan Shak - 37,000
Hevad Khan - 37,000
Jose Canseco - 36,000
Thayer Rasmussen - 33,000
Ari Engel - 32,000
Alexander Kostritsyn - 25,000
Mark Newhouse - 20,000
Ray Coburn - 18,000
Greg Dyer - 17,000
Allen Kessler - 17,000
Carlos Mortensen - 12,000
Jennifer Tilly - 11,500
Tom Schneider - 11,000
Shannon Elizabeth - 7,500
Jerry Yang - 6,900

Big Hands and Storylines:

Shulman Shipped Sugar sans Show

The action folded to Jeff Shulman who raised to a total of 600 from his position in the cut-off. Both the players in the button and small blind folded, and the player in the big blind made the call. The flop came A74, generating a check from the player in the big blind. Shulman continued his aggression by firing a bet of 16,500 into the pot, and his opponent folded. That pot put Shulman’s stack to just over 16,000.

Champion’s Chips Chomped, Chugs On

A player in middle position made it 600 to go, and Jerry Yang made the call as the next player to act. Immediately to his left, another opponent called and the action folded to the big blind. After making the call, the big blind checked a flop of J84. The original aggressor checked as well, and Yang made a bet of 2,400. After deliberating, the player to his left declared himself to be all in and pushed his chips into the middle. The action folded to Yang, who went into the tank. Yang’s opponent had him covered, so at least three camera crews stormed into the area to capture the potential elimination of the defending champion. “If I fold, will you show?” Yang asked his opponent, who remained motionless. After a few minutes, Yang mucked his hand face up, showing that he held AJ. His opponent didn’t show his cards, but later told Yang he had flopped a set of fours. The loss brought Yang’s stack to fewer than 9,000 in chips.

Yang made up for some lost ground on the next hand by raising to 600 from middle position. The player in the cut-off called, and the two saw a flop of AQ8. Yang checked, and his opponent checked behind. The K on the turn brought another check from Yang, but this time his opponent made a bet of 1,000. Yang called and the dealer put out the J on the river. Yang led out for 2,150 and his opponent folded.

Ferguson Holding Steady

Chris “Jesus” Ferguson was the button and watched as the player under the gun limped, along with another player in middle position. Ferguson called the 200, as did the small blind, before the big blind threw out a raise to 1300. The player in middle position called, as did Ferguson. The flop came Q72, and all three players checked. They also checked the 8 on the turn. After the 5 fell on the river, the player from middle position bet 1500 and the others folded. Ferguson remains with 21,400 in chips.

Shulman Steps Aside

Jeff Shulman raised to 600 from the cut-off position and was called by the small blind. The flop came 1032 and both players checked. The 7 on the turn was also checked. The 2 paired the board while bringing a flush on the river, and the small blind bet 800. Shulman folded and was shown pocket sixes by the winner. Shulman has 17,000 in chips.

Too Aggressive...

Richie Smith shunned the timid, wait-and-see attitude that many players take on in the first level and instead opted for a hyper-aggressive style that nearly resulted in his elimination. On a flop of 1055, Smith, in a pot against Patrick Bruel, moved all-in with pocket jacks against the Frenchman. Bruel nearly broke his wrist trying to get his chips into the pot with his pocket tens. But like so many men who have played in the main event, Bruel will get to regale his friends (over and over again, I’m sure) with a bad beat story. A jack binked on the turn and Bruel was crippled. Smith apologized for the bad beat, but would defend his aggression to the death, “I’m relentless,” said Smith, emboldened by his growing chipstack.

Too Passive

Not everyone is Richie Smith, something that Shane Schleger was quick to learn today. On a flop of AQ6, action checked around to Schleger who bet 125. One player called and they saw the 6 on the turn. Action went check-check and the Q came on the river. She once again checked to Schleger who quickly checked behind. “Shaniac” mucked when she showed K6 for turned trips. Somewhere in the Brasilia Room Richie Smith is shaking his head in disgust.

Player Tags: Chris Ferguson,   Jeff Shulman,   Patrick Bruel,   Jerry Yang

$10,000 Main Event - Day 1D - Level One, Hour Two

Jul 06, '08

Blinds: 50/100

Chip Counts:

Thomas Keller - 56,000
Steve Billirakis - 50,000
Doug Lee - 46,000
Gary Germann - 46,000
Jon Friedberg - 40,500
Robert Cheung - 38,000
Paul 'Eskimo' Clark - 37,500
David Oppenheim - 37,000
David Woo - 37000
Steve Dannenmann - 37,000

Eliminations:

David Williams
Paul Wolfe
Scott Lazar

Big Hands/Storylines

Ferguson Loses Part of Stack, Still Looks Good in Black

On a flop of 863, 2000 World Series of Poker main event champion Chris “Jesus” Ferguson (wearing his trademark black leather duster jacket and hat) checked to his opponent, who made a bet of 2,200.  After deliberating, Ferguson made the call and checked again when the Q fell on the turn.  His opponent checked behind, and the two players took a look at the 5 on the river.  Ferguson continued to check, prompting his opponent to make a bet of 6,000.  Ferguson released his cards electing to protect his remaining 14,650.  Ferguson lost approximately one quarter of his stack in the hand.

Inexperience Shows

In a tournament with approximately 7,000 entrants, one is bound to come across players who have yet to develop the savvy to play in live games. Nils Ericcson is one of those players. Four players limped and Ericcson made it 675 from the small blind. Three players called and they saw a flop of K75. Ericcson led out for a bet of 1,700 and was called by a single player.

At this point Ericcson was noticeably trembling. This was not just a slight spasmodic episode of the hands; Ericcson was in full blown convulsive mode. Ericcson rested his elbows on the table and veiled his mouth with his hands, a prototypical poker gesture if there ever was one, only this one rendered moot by uncontrollable trembling, more befitting of a serial killer in the electric chair than a poker player in a well cushioned, lower-back supporting chair.

The turn card was the innocuous looking 2 and Ericcson bet 4,000. His opponent, still thinking nothing of the earthquake seated two seats to his right, made the call. When the dealer flipped over the Q on the river, Ericcson, shaking but not deterred, moved all in for his final 9,000. His opponent thought long and hard about his decision, staring down the Scandinavian as he did. Apparently whatever read he was getting from the young Ericcson was different from that of the small contingent of poker reporters tableside, and he made the call, showing 55. Ericcson was finally able to unleash all of his energy, theretofore confined to his hands – and head and abdomen and legs – but he did not leap from his chair, nor did he scream or even stand up. He calmly tabled his KK and watched the dealer push the pot in his direction.

Ericcson, now sitting (still) with about 35,000 chips in his charge, will need to quell his physiological tells if he plans on making a deep run in this tournament. Or he can just keep flopping the nuts and getting paid off.

Yang Survives All-in

Jerry Yang won his share of showdowns to capture the 2007 World Series of Poker main event, and he just survived his first of 2008. Yang, already critically low on chips, was in the small blind and limped with five others for 100 to see a flop come 952. Yang and the next two players checked then the player in seat 7 bet 500. Play came to the player on the button, but before he could act, Yang announced “call” out of turn. The button player, still with his option, raised to 1500, and all eyes turned back to Yang. In a familiar ritual to those who watched his 2007 championship run, and with television cameras and photographers jostling for position, Yang tanked, then stood, kissed his family photo, and announced “all-in” for his remaining 6475 in chips. Seat 7 folded, and the player on the button called. Yang showed a flopped flush, holding 107, while the button held 43, a smaller flush, but with an open-ended straight flush. But the defending champ would survive when the turn came 10 and the river brought the 9.

Evdakov Still Thrashes After Ten Cashes

Currently the all time record holder for most cashes in a single World Series of Poker with 10, Nikolay Evdakov started his main event today striving for his 11th.  In one hand, Evdakov raised to 300 total from early position, which brought the camera crews over to record the action.  His lone caller was his opponent in the big blind, who checked a flop of 655.  Evdakov bet again, this time 500, and his opponent folded.

Mortensen Still Up

Carlos Mortensen lost a small pot from the cut-off position, but remains up on the day with about 27,000 in chips. He opened for a raise to 300, which the small blind called, then the big blind reraised to 1000. Mortensen called and the flop came AK8. The big blind led out for 1500 and Mortensen laid his hand down.

Elizabeth Getting to See Flops

Shannon Elizabeth was in the big blind and was one of four players to see the flop for the minimum 100. The cards came Q103. All four players checked and the 3 came on the turn. Elizabeth bet 350 and took the pot. The next hand as small blind Elizabeth was one of four players to see the flop after a raise to 300. The flop came K95, and a late position bet for 550 got Elizabeth and the others to fold.

Day after big win, UFC's Griffin doubles up

With the board Q-10-7-5-Q, UFC fighter Forest Griffin calls all in and flips over pocket sevens for a full house. His opponent mucks and Griffin doubles up to about 30,000 chips. Griffin seemed to hesitate calling on the river, and Johnny Chan said that with full houses you pretty much always have to go with it.

"It's much easier on a computer," Griffin replied. "I don't know what's going on here."

He later added: "So do I have to lose all this before I can go?" Considering Griffin defeated Quinton "Rampage" Jackson last night, one can only imagine what Jackson looks like right now. Griffin has bruises on his forehead and ear, and his right eye is nearly swollen shut.

Player Tags: Chris Ferguson,   Carlos Mortensen,   Jerry Yang,   Shannon Elizabeth,   Nikolay Evdakov

$10,000 Main Event - Day 1D - Level One, Hour One

Jul 06, '08

Blinds/Antes: 50/100

Big Hands and Storylines:

Yang Active, Loses Pot

A year off hasn’t dampened the aggressiveness of defending champion Jerry Yang. He won a small pot with A2, pairing his deuce on the flop, but then got embroiled in a costly battle. Yang was in the big blind and saw a flop come Q63. He made a bet and was called by the player in the cut-off position. The A came on the turn and Yang stepped out for 1200. Again the cut-off called. The K on the river made a dangerous board even more treacherous. Yang led out for 3000, and the player in the cut-off then raised to 8500. Yang tanked, then reluctantly folded, though issued the warning “I’m going to lay down one time.” Yang lost a quarter of his stack and was just under 15,000.

A few hands later Yang took another beat, though did well not to lose more than he did. After a flopping a set of 10s, Yang was up against pocket aces, but lost when the board four-flushed. Yang is now down to just over 12,000 in chips.

Tilly Stymied Early

Jennifer Tilly tried to create something on consecutive hands, but came away empty. From middle position she raised to 300 and was called by the player in the cut-off. The flop came A43. Tilly checked, faced a 300 bet, and folded her hand. The next deal, Tilly raised this time to 200 and was called by the player on the button. The small blind then reraised to 750, and Tilly folded along with the big blind and button.

Norman Chad, Will You Marry Me?

World Series of Poker commentator Norman Chad, who often comically references his ex-wives during final table broadcasts, has inadvertently wooed the heart of at least one female viewer.  Seated in the blue section of the Amazon Room, Kay Sweeney reported to her table wearing a t-shirt bearing the words, “NORM’S NEXT WIFE.”  Chad eventually made his way to her table while reporting on today’s action, and Sweeney insisted on having a picture taken of the two potential lovebirds as soon as she was out of a hand.  “Play every hand,” Chad advised.  After getting on one knee, Sweeney formally proposed to Chad.  “Will you marry me?” Sweeney asked while holding Chad’s hand.  “I’ll get back to you,” Chad replied to a burst of laughter from the rail.

Wolfe lays down top pair

Five players limped in preflop and saw a 10-3-2 flop. Paul Wolfe bet out from the small blind for 500. He got one caller and the others folded. The turn was a four and Wolfe bet 1,000. This time his opponent raised another 1,300. Wolfe quickly folded A-10 face up and his opponent took down the pot.

Federer-Nadal distracting many

Many players are paying as much attention to the Wimbledon final as they are to their table. Gus Hansen is an exception. He has set up a chair next to the television and is spending more time there than at his seat at his table. Apparently being 15 feet away was too far and he needed to see the exciting match up-close.

Meandering through the Brasilia Room, we noticed these players taking their shot at the main event:

Hevad Khan
Ray Davis
Brett Jungblut
Mark Newhouse
Tom Schneider
Eugene Todd
Layne Flack
Antonio Esfandiari
Allen Kessler
Phil Gordon
Shane Schleger
Gregory Dyer
Jose Canseco
Todd Brunson
Ryan Daut
David Williams (already down to 12,000)

and players found within the confines of the much cozier Tropicana Room:

Alexander Kostritsyn
Thayer Rasmussen
Ray Coburn
Can Kim Hua
Ari Engel

Player Tags: Gus Hansen,   Paul Wolfe,   Jennifer Tilly,   Jerry Yang,   Norman Chad

Shuffle Up and Deal

Nov 09, '08

Reigning world champion Jerry Yang has announced shuffle up and deal and action has begun.

Blinds are now 120,000-240,000 with a 30,000 ante. There are 21 minutes and 50 seconds remaining in level 33.

The next update will be posted at 12:08.












 

Player Tags: Jerry Yang

$10,000 Main Event - Day 2B - Level 6 (Hour 2)

Jul 09, '08

Blinds: 300-600, 75 ante

Chip Leaders:
Henning Granstad - 242,950
Igor Ioffe - 195,000
David Stucke - 168,000
David Benefield - 160,000
Dylan Linde - 146,000
Bill Blanda - 145,000
Sami Rustom - 140,450
Steve Billirakis - 137,000
David Singer - 136,000

Other Notables:
Nenad Medic - 122,000
Brad Booth - 120,000
Gus Hansen - 117,000
Andrew Robl - 105,000
Ayaz Mahmood - 80,000
Shun Uchida - 80,000
Jan Sjavik - 79,000
Phil Hellmuth - 77,000
Jeff Madsen - 75,000
Evelyn Ng - 75,000
Phil Gordon - 73,000
Chris Moneymaker - 68,000
David Daneshgar - 62,000
Liz Lieu - 55,000
Tony Dunst - 55,000
Mike Matusow - 53,000
Rolf Slotboom - 50,000
Joe Hachem - 34,000
Matt Hawrilenko - 32,000
Minh Nguyen - 32,000
Amir Vahedi - 31,950
Kyle Kloeckner - 30,000
Cory Zeidman - 28,000
Ryan Daut - 24,000
Bill Chen -24,000
Howard Lederer - 24,000
Nick Binger - 22,000
Ryan Daut - 18,000
Allen Cunningham - 16,000
Michael Binger - 12,000
Shannon Elizabeth - 11,500
Jeff Shulman - 10,000

Eliminations:
Alex Jacob
Jerry Yang
Beth Shak
Brian Townsend
Danny Wong
Joe Awada

Big Hands and Storylines:

Amnon Filippi Eliminated

Ryan Hughes raised to 1,400 under the gun and three players in middle position called. Then Charles Large, on the button, moved in for 12,500. Amnon Filippi, who had been holding his chips in his hand since the start of his hand, moved in for about 4,200. Hughes called and the three other players folded. The three players showed their hands:

Hughes: 99
Filippi: AK
Large: AK

Interestingly, not only were Filippi and Large sharing outs, but one of the players who folded claimed to have had pocket nines. The board was even worse news for Filippi and Large: the 876 flop giving Hughes an open-ended straight draw in addition to his pair. The turn was the 4, giving Large a flush draw, but the 8 on the river ended the World Series hopes of both Large and Filippi. Hughes is now up to 73,000.

Duane Thompson Doubles Through Evelyn Ng

Duane Thompson was all-in on the button for 11,000 against Evelyn Ng in the small blind. Thompson showed A2 and was visibly pleased when Ng showed KQ. Thompson was audibly pleased too, saying, “I can’t believe I’m ahead.” The raggy board – 75325 – kept him ahead, and he doubled up to 24,000. Despite the hit, Ng still has 75,000.

D’Agostino Takes a Hit

John D’Agostino just lost a 60k pot when his A-K could not improve against his opponent’s pocket queens. D’Agostino, sitting directly across from Phil Gordon, is down to 55,000.

Yang's run comes to an end

The defending champion has been eliminated. Seated at the second featured table, Jerry Yang was shortstacked and in need of luck. He first ran A-2 into A-Q, but survived when the board brought two pair and only their aces played. Then he moved in with A-J and was called by A-9, but a nine came on the flop and Yang was eliminated. On his way out, he wished everyone at his table good luck and then received a nice applause from everyone in the Amazon Room.

Goldstein Can't Pull the Trigger

Ken Goldstein, the SpadeClub poker room manager, was on the button and called a raise to 1500 from a player in middle position. The flop came K53 and both players checked. The 5 paired the board on the turn, and again both players checked. The J on the river brought the flush into play, and another checks followed. "No pair," declared the other player. Goldstein couldn't show a winner at that point. When the other player showed 108, Goldstein mucked his hand. Goldstein had about 12,000 in chips after the hand.

Hansen off to Nice Start

Gus Hansen was in middle position and raised to 1625, which resulted in play being folded around to the big blind, who made the call. The flop came J54, and both players checked. The 10 fell on the turn, and the big blind came out with a 4000 bet. Hansen seemed uncertain whether to simply call, or push the player all-in for his remaining 21,000. He finally made the call, and the 2 on the river made a four-flush on board. It was enough of a scare card that both players checked. The big blind showed KJ for top pair, while Hansen held 1010 for a set spiked on the turn, and he collected the pot. Hansen has about 120,000 in chips.

Player Tags: Evelyn Ng,   Kenny Goldstein,   Gus Hansen,   John D'Agostino,   Amnon Filippi,   Jerry Yang

$10,000 Main Event - Day 1D - Level 3, Hour 1

Jul 06, '08

Blinds: 150-300

Eliminations:

Leif Force
Fred Goldberg

Big Hands and Storylines:

Tilly turns nuts and doubles up

On a flop of JT2, Jennifer Tilly bet 1,500 from the big blind and was called by the preflop raiser. The K then came on the turn and Tilly checked. Her opponent bet 2,000 and Tilly quickly moved all in for 3,925 total. Her opponent called and flipped over AK but was way behind Tilly's AQ. Tilly turned a straight and then rivered a flush when the 5 came. Tilly doubled up and had about 12,500 after the hand.

Mortensen Bouncing Back

Carlos Mortensen has recovered nicely after stumbling to below 10,000 in chips earlier in the day. He just broke one opponent, after a flop came down KJ10. The player in the big blind bet 3000, one-third of his stack, into a 2250 pot. Mortensen, on the button, then raised enough to put the player all-in. The big blind called and showed QQ for second pair and open-ended draw. Mortensen held J10 for two pair. The turn brought the 6 and the river the 3, leaving Mortensen the winner and sending the other player's remaining 6100 in chips across the table. Mortensen now has 43,000 in chips.

Yang Collects Small Pot

The flop came down 1052 with four players still involved. After the 8 on the turn, the small blind bet out 725 and Jerry Yang was the lone caller. The river brought the 10 and both players checked. Yang showed A2 for two pair, while his opponent held 97 for the open-ended straight flush draw.

Player Tags: Chris Ferguson,   Carlos Mortensen,   Johnny Chan,   Jennifer Tilly,   Jerry Yang

$10,000 Main Event - Day 1D - Level 2

Jul 06, '08

Blinds: 100-200

Chip Leaders:
Shawn Conix - 57,200
Doug Lee - 53,000
Mike Postle - 50,000
Thomas Keller - 50,000
Victor Ramdin - 50,000
Thanh "Tony" Huynh - 47,500
Stephen Kenna - 46,500
Tom Chambers - 46,000
Antonio Esfandiari - 44,000
Ryan Daut - 44,000
Shun Uchida - 43,000
Chris Overgard - 42,000
Steve Billirakis - 42,000
Rick Murnick - 42,000
Allen Cunningham - 41,000

Other Notables:
Shane Schleger - 40,000
Dan Shak - 37,000
Hevad Khan - 37,000
Jose Canseco - 36,000
Thayer Rasmussen - 33,000
Ari Engel - 32,000
Alexander Kostritsyn - 25,000
Mark Newhouse - 20,000
Ray Coburn - 18,000
Greg Dyer - 17,000
Allen Kessler - 17,000
Carlos Mortensen - 12,000
Jennifer Tilly - 11,500
Tom Schneider - 11,000
Shannon Elizabeth - 7,500
Jerry Yang - 6,900

Big Hands and Storylines:

Shulman Shipped Sugar sans Show

The action folded to Jeff Shulman who raised to a total of 600 from his position in the cut-off. Both the players in the button and small blind folded, and the player in the big blind made the call. The flop came A74, generating a check from the player in the big blind. Shulman continued his aggression by firing a bet of 16,500 into the pot, and his opponent folded. That pot put Shulman’s stack to just over 16,000.

Champion’s Chips Chomped, Chugs On

A player in middle position made it 600 to go, and Jerry Yang made the call as the next player to act. Immediately to his left, another opponent called and the action folded to the big blind. After making the call, the big blind checked a flop of J84. The original aggressor checked as well, and Yang made a bet of 2,400. After deliberating, the player to his left declared himself to be all in and pushed his chips into the middle. The action folded to Yang, who went into the tank. Yang’s opponent had him covered, so at least three camera crews stormed into the area to capture the potential elimination of the defending champion. “If I fold, will you show?” Yang asked his opponent, who remained motionless. After a few minutes, Yang mucked his hand face up, showing that he held AJ. His opponent didn’t show his cards, but later told Yang he had flopped a set of fours. The loss brought Yang’s stack to fewer than 9,000 in chips.

Yang made up for some lost ground on the next hand by raising to 600 from middle position. The player in the cut-off called, and the two saw a flop of AQ8. Yang checked, and his opponent checked behind. The K on the turn brought another check from Yang, but this time his opponent made a bet of 1,000. Yang called and the dealer put out the J on the river. Yang led out for 2,150 and his opponent folded.

Ferguson Holding Steady

Chris “Jesus” Ferguson was the button and watched as the player under the gun limped, along with another player in middle position. Ferguson called the 200, as did the small blind, before the big blind threw out a raise to 1300. The player in middle position called, as did Ferguson. The flop came Q72, and all three players checked. They also checked the 8 on the turn. After the 5 fell on the river, the player from middle position bet 1500 and the others folded. Ferguson remains with 21,400 in chips.

Shulman Steps Aside

Jeff Shulman raised to 600 from the cut-off position and was called by the small blind. The flop came 1032 and both players checked. The 7 on the turn was also checked. The 2 paired the board while bringing a flush on the river, and the small blind bet 800. Shulman folded and was shown pocket sixes by the winner. Shulman has 17,000 in chips.

Too Aggressive...

Richie Smith shunned the timid, wait-and-see attitude that many players take on in the first level and instead opted for a hyper-aggressive style that nearly resulted in his elimination. On a flop of 1055, Smith, in a pot against Patrick Bruel, moved all-in with pocket jacks against the Frenchman. Bruel nearly broke his wrist trying to get his chips into the pot with his pocket tens. But like so many men who have played in the main event, Bruel will get to regale his friends (over and over again, I’m sure) with a bad beat story. A jack binked on the turn and Bruel was crippled. Smith apologized for the bad beat, but would defend his aggression to the death, “I’m relentless,” said Smith, emboldened by his growing chipstack.

Too Passive

Not everyone is Richie Smith, something that Shane Schleger was quick to learn today. On a flop of AQ6, action checked around to Schleger who bet 125. One player called and they saw the 6 on the turn. Action went check-check and the Q came on the river. She once again checked to Schleger who quickly checked behind. “Shaniac” mucked when she showed K6 for turned trips. Somewhere in the Brasilia Room Richie Smith is shaking his head in disgust.

Player Tags: Chris Ferguson,   Jeff Shulman,   Patrick Bruel,   Jerry Yang

$10,000 Main Event - Day 1D - Level One, Hour Two

Jul 06, '08

Blinds: 50/100

Chip Counts:

Thomas Keller - 56,000
Steve Billirakis - 50,000
Doug Lee - 46,000
Gary Germann - 46,000
Jon Friedberg - 40,500
Robert Cheung - 38,000
Paul 'Eskimo' Clark - 37,500
David Oppenheim - 37,000
David Woo - 37000
Steve Dannenmann - 37,000

Eliminations:

David Williams
Paul Wolfe
Scott Lazar

Big Hands/Storylines

Ferguson Loses Part of Stack, Still Looks Good in Black

On a flop of 863, 2000 World Series of Poker main event champion Chris “Jesus” Ferguson (wearing his trademark black leather duster jacket and hat) checked to his opponent, who made a bet of 2,200.  After deliberating, Ferguson made the call and checked again when the Q fell on the turn.  His opponent checked behind, and the two players took a look at the 5 on the river.  Ferguson continued to check, prompting his opponent to make a bet of 6,000.  Ferguson released his cards electing to protect his remaining 14,650.  Ferguson lost approximately one quarter of his stack in the hand.

Inexperience Shows

In a tournament with approximately 7,000 entrants, one is bound to come across players who have yet to develop the savvy to play in live games. Nils Ericcson is one of those players. Four players limped and Ericcson made it 675 from the small blind. Three players called and they saw a flop of K75. Ericcson led out for a bet of 1,700 and was called by a single player.

At this point Ericcson was noticeably trembling. This was not just a slight spasmodic episode of the hands; Ericcson was in full blown convulsive mode. Ericcson rested his elbows on the table and veiled his mouth with his hands, a prototypical poker gesture if there ever was one, only this one rendered moot by uncontrollable trembling, more befitting of a serial killer in the electric chair than a poker player in a well cushioned, lower-back supporting chair.

The turn card was the innocuous looking 2 and Ericcson bet 4,000. His opponent, still thinking nothing of the earthquake seated two seats to his right, made the call. When the dealer flipped over the Q on the river, Ericcson, shaking but not deterred, moved all in for his final 9,000. His opponent thought long and hard about his decision, staring down the Scandinavian as he did. Apparently whatever read he was getting from the young Ericcson was different from that of the small contingent of poker reporters tableside, and he made the call, showing 55. Ericcson was finally able to unleash all of his energy, theretofore confined to his hands – and head and abdomen and legs – but he did not leap from his chair, nor did he scream or even stand up. He calmly tabled his KK and watched the dealer push the pot in his direction.

Ericcson, now sitting (still) with about 35,000 chips in his charge, will need to quell his physiological tells if he plans on making a deep run in this tournament. Or he can just keep flopping the nuts and getting paid off.

Yang Survives All-in

Jerry Yang won his share of showdowns to capture the 2007 World Series of Poker main event, and he just survived his first of 2008. Yang, already critically low on chips, was in the small blind and limped with five others for 100 to see a flop come 952. Yang and the next two players checked then the player in seat 7 bet 500. Play came to the player on the button, but before he could act, Yang announced “call” out of turn. The button player, still with his option, raised to 1500, and all eyes turned back to Yang. In a familiar ritual to those who watched his 2007 championship run, and with television cameras and photographers jostling for position, Yang tanked, then stood, kissed his family photo, and announced “all-in” for his remaining 6475 in chips. Seat 7 folded, and the player on the button called. Yang showed a flopped flush, holding 107, while the button held 43, a smaller flush, but with an open-ended straight flush. But the defending champ would survive when the turn came 10 and the river brought the 9.

Evdakov Still Thrashes After Ten Cashes

Currently the all time record holder for most cashes in a single World Series of Poker with 10, Nikolay Evdakov started his main event today striving for his 11th.  In one hand, Evdakov raised to 300 total from early position, which brought the camera crews over to record the action.  His lone caller was his opponent in the big blind, who checked a flop of 655.  Evdakov bet again, this time 500, and his opponent folded.

Mortensen Still Up

Carlos Mortensen lost a small pot from the cut-off position, but remains up on the day with about 27,000 in chips. He opened for a raise to 300, which the small blind called, then the big blind reraised to 1000. Mortensen called and the flop came AK8. The big blind led out for 1500 and Mortensen laid his hand down.

Elizabeth Getting to See Flops

Shannon Elizabeth was in the big blind and was one of four players to see the flop for the minimum 100. The cards came Q103. All four players checked and the 3 came on the turn. Elizabeth bet 350 and took the pot. The next hand as small blind Elizabeth was one of four players to see the flop after a raise to 300. The flop came K95, and a late position bet for 550 got Elizabeth and the others to fold.

Day after big win, UFC's Griffin doubles up

With the board Q-10-7-5-Q, UFC fighter Forest Griffin calls all in and flips over pocket sevens for a full house. His opponent mucks and Griffin doubles up to about 30,000 chips. Griffin seemed to hesitate calling on the river, and Johnny Chan said that with full houses you pretty much always have to go with it.

"It's much easier on a computer," Griffin replied. "I don't know what's going on here."

He later added: "So do I have to lose all this before I can go?" Considering Griffin defeated Quinton "Rampage" Jackson last night, one can only imagine what Jackson looks like right now. Griffin has bruises on his forehead and ear, and his right eye is nearly swollen shut.

Player Tags: Chris Ferguson,   Carlos Mortensen,   Jerry Yang,   Shannon Elizabeth,   Nikolay Evdakov

$10,000 Main Event - Day 1D - Level One, Hour One

Jul 06, '08

Blinds/Antes: 50/100

Big Hands and Storylines:

Yang Active, Loses Pot

A year off hasn’t dampened the aggressiveness of defending champion Jerry Yang. He won a small pot with A2, pairing his deuce on the flop, but then got embroiled in a costly battle. Yang was in the big blind and saw a flop come Q63. He made a bet and was called by the player in the cut-off position. The A came on the turn and Yang stepped out for 1200. Again the cut-off called. The K on the river made a dangerous board even more treacherous. Yang led out for 3000, and the player in the cut-off then raised to 8500. Yang tanked, then reluctantly folded, though issued the warning “I’m going to lay down one time.” Yang lost a quarter of his stack and was just under 15,000.

A few hands later Yang took another beat, though did well not to lose more than he did. After a flopping a set of 10s, Yang was up against pocket aces, but lost when the board four-flushed. Yang is now down to just over 12,000 in chips.

Tilly Stymied Early

Jennifer Tilly tried to create something on consecutive hands, but came away empty. From middle position she raised to 300 and was called by the player in the cut-off. The flop came A43. Tilly checked, faced a 300 bet, and folded her hand. The next deal, Tilly raised this time to 200 and was called by the player on the button. The small blind then reraised to 750, and Tilly folded along with the big blind and button.

Norman Chad, Will You Marry Me?

World Series of Poker commentator Norman Chad, who often comically references his ex-wives during final table broadcasts, has inadvertently wooed the heart of at least one female viewer.  Seated in the blue section of the Amazon Room, Kay Sweeney reported to her table wearing a t-shirt bearing the words, “NORM’S NEXT WIFE.”  Chad eventually made his way to her table while reporting on today’s action, and Sweeney insisted on having a picture taken of the two potential lovebirds as soon as she was out of a hand.  “Play every hand,” Chad advised.  After getting on one knee, Sweeney formally proposed to Chad.  “Will you marry me?” Sweeney asked while holding Chad’s hand.  “I’ll get back to you,” Chad replied to a burst of laughter from the rail.

Wolfe lays down top pair

Five players limped in preflop and saw a 10-3-2 flop. Paul Wolfe bet out from the small blind for 500. He got one caller and the others folded. The turn was a four and Wolfe bet 1,000. This time his opponent raised another 1,300. Wolfe quickly folded A-10 face up and his opponent took down the pot.

Federer-Nadal distracting many

Many players are paying as much attention to the Wimbledon final as they are to their table. Gus Hansen is an exception. He has set up a chair next to the television and is spending more time there than at his seat at his table. Apparently being 15 feet away was too far and he needed to see the exciting match up-close.

Meandering through the Brasilia Room, we noticed these players taking their shot at the main event:

Hevad Khan
Ray Davis
Brett Jungblut
Mark Newhouse
Tom Schneider
Eugene Todd
Layne Flack
Antonio Esfandiari
Allen Kessler
Phil Gordon
Shane Schleger
Gregory Dyer
Jose Canseco
Todd Brunson
Ryan Daut
David Williams (already down to 12,000)

and players found within the confines of the much cozier Tropicana Room:

Alexander Kostritsyn
Thayer Rasmussen
Ray Coburn
Can Kim Hua
Ari Engel

Player Tags: Gus Hansen,   Paul Wolfe,   Jennifer Tilly,   Jerry Yang,   Norman Chad

Shuffle Up and Deal

Nov 09, '08

Reigning world champion Jerry Yang has announced shuffle up and deal and action has begun.

Blinds are now 120,000-240,000 with a 30,000 ante. There are 21 minutes and 50 seconds remaining in level 33.

The next update will be posted at 12:08.












 

Player Tags: Jerry Yang

$10,000 Main Event - Day 2B - Level 6 (Hour 2)

Jul 09, '08

Blinds: 300-600, 75 ante

Chip Leaders:
Henning Granstad - 242,950
Igor Ioffe - 195,000
David Stucke - 168,000
David Benefield - 160,000
Dylan Linde - 146,000
Bill Blanda - 145,000
Sami Rustom - 140,450
Steve Billirakis - 137,000
David Singer - 136,000

Other Notables:
Nenad Medic - 122,000
Brad Booth - 120,000
Gus Hansen - 117,000
Andrew Robl - 105,000
Ayaz Mahmood - 80,000
Shun Uchida - 80,000
Jan Sjavik - 79,000
Phil Hellmuth - 77,000
Jeff Madsen - 75,000
Evelyn Ng - 75,000
Phil Gordon - 73,000
Chris Moneymaker - 68,000
David Daneshgar - 62,000
Liz Lieu - 55,000
Tony Dunst - 55,000
Mike Matusow - 53,000
Rolf Slotboom - 50,000
Joe Hachem - 34,000
Matt Hawrilenko - 32,000
Minh Nguyen - 32,000
Amir Vahedi - 31,950
Kyle Kloeckner - 30,000
Cory Zeidman - 28,000
Ryan Daut - 24,000
Bill Chen -24,000
Howard Lederer - 24,000
Nick Binger - 22,000
Ryan Daut - 18,000
Allen Cunningham - 16,000
Michael Binger - 12,000
Shannon Elizabeth - 11,500
Jeff Shulman - 10,000

Eliminations:
Alex Jacob
Jerry Yang
Beth Shak
Brian Townsend
Danny Wong
Joe Awada

Big Hands and Storylines:

Amnon Filippi Eliminated

Ryan Hughes raised to 1,400 under the gun and three players in middle position called. Then Charles Large, on the button, moved in for 12,500. Amnon Filippi, who had been holding his chips in his hand since the start of his hand, moved in for about 4,200. Hughes called and the three other players folded. The three players showed their hands:

Hughes: 99
Filippi: AK
Large: AK

Interestingly, not only were Filippi and Large sharing outs, but one of the players who folded claimed to have had pocket nines. The board was even worse news for Filippi and Large: the 876 flop giving Hughes an open-ended straight draw in addition to his pair. The turn was the 4, giving Large a flush draw, but the 8 on the river ended the World Series hopes of both Large and Filippi. Hughes is now up to 73,000.

Duane Thompson Doubles Through Evelyn Ng

Duane Thompson was all-in on the button for 11,000 against Evelyn Ng in the small blind. Thompson showed A2 and was visibly pleased when Ng showed KQ. Thompson was audibly pleased too, saying, “I can’t believe I’m ahead.” The raggy board – 75325 – kept him ahead, and he doubled up to 24,000. Despite the hit, Ng still has 75,000.

D’Agostino Takes a Hit

John D’Agostino just lost a 60k pot when his A-K could not improve against his opponent’s pocket queens. D’Agostino, sitting directly across from Phil Gordon, is down to 55,000.

Yang's run comes to an end

The defending champion has been eliminated. Seated at the second featured table, Jerry Yang was shortstacked and in need of luck. He first ran A-2 into A-Q, but survived when the board brought two pair and only their aces played. Then he moved in with A-J and was called by A-9, but a nine came on the flop and Yang was eliminated. On his way out, he wished everyone at his table good luck and then received a nice applause from everyone in the Amazon Room.

Goldstein Can't Pull the Trigger

Ken Goldstein, the SpadeClub poker room manager, was on the button and called a raise to 1500 from a player in middle position. The flop came K53 and both players checked. The 5 paired the board on the turn, and again both players checked. The J on the river brought the flush into play, and another checks followed. "No pair," declared the other player. Goldstein couldn't show a winner at that point. When the other player showed 108, Goldstein mucked his hand. Goldstein had about 12,000 in chips after the hand.

Hansen off to Nice Start

Gus Hansen was in middle position and raised to 1625, which resulted in play being folded around to the big blind, who made the call. The flop came J54, and both players checked. The 10 fell on the turn, and the big blind came out with a 4000 bet. Hansen seemed uncertain whether to simply call, or push the player all-in for his remaining 21,000. He finally made the call, and the 2 on the river made a four-flush on board. It was enough of a scare card that both players checked. The big blind showed KJ for top pair, while Hansen held 1010 for a set spiked on the turn, and he collected the pot. Hansen has about 120,000 in chips.

Player Tags: Evelyn Ng,   Kenny Goldstein,   Gus Hansen,   John D'Agostino,   Amnon Filippi,   Jerry Yang

$10,000 Main Event - Day 1D - Level 3, Hour 1

Jul 06, '08

Blinds: 150-300

Eliminations:

Leif Force
Fred Goldberg

Big Hands and Storylines:

Tilly turns nuts and doubles up

On a flop of JT2, Jennifer Tilly bet 1,500 from the big blind and was called by the preflop raiser. The K then came on the turn and Tilly checked. Her opponent bet 2,000 and Tilly quickly moved all in for 3,925 total. Her opponent called and flipped over AK but was way behind Tilly's AQ. Tilly turned a straight and then rivered a flush when the 5 came. Tilly doubled up and had about 12,500 after the hand.

Mortensen Bouncing Back

Carlos Mortensen has recovered nicely after stumbling to below 10,000 in chips earlier in the day. He just broke one opponent, after a flop came down KJ10. The player in the big blind bet 3000, one-third of his stack, into a 2250 pot. Mortensen, on the button, then raised enough to put the player all-in. The big blind called and showed QQ for second pair and open-ended draw. Mortensen held J10 for two pair. The turn brought the 6 and the river the 3, leaving Mortensen the winner and sending the other player's remaining 6100 in chips across the table. Mortensen now has 43,000 in chips.

Yang Collects Small Pot

The flop came down 1052 with four players still involved. After the 8 on the turn, the small blind bet out 725 and Jerry Yang was the lone caller. The river brought the 10 and both players checked. Yang showed A2 for two pair, while his opponent held 97 for the open-ended straight flush draw.

Player Tags: Chris Ferguson,   Carlos Mortensen,   Johnny Chan,   Jennifer Tilly,   Jerry Yang

$10,000 Main Event - Day 1D - Level 2

Jul 06, '08

Blinds: 100-200

Chip Leaders:
Shawn Conix - 57,200
Doug Lee - 53,000
Mike Postle - 50,000
Thomas Keller - 50,000
Victor Ramdin - 50,000
Thanh "Tony" Huynh - 47,500
Stephen Kenna - 46,500
Tom Chambers - 46,000
Antonio Esfandiari - 44,000
Ryan Daut - 44,000
Shun Uchida - 43,000
Chris Overgard - 42,000
Steve Billirakis - 42,000
Rick Murnick - 42,000
Allen Cunningham - 41,000

Other Notables:
Shane Schleger - 40,000
Dan Shak - 37,000
Hevad Khan - 37,000
Jose Canseco - 36,000
Thayer Rasmussen - 33,000
Ari Engel - 32,000
Alexander Kostritsyn - 25,000
Mark Newhouse - 20,000
Ray Coburn - 18,000
Greg Dyer - 17,000
Allen Kessler - 17,000
Carlos Mortensen - 12,000
Jennifer Tilly - 11,500
Tom Schneider - 11,000
Shannon Elizabeth - 7,500
Jerry Yang - 6,900

Big Hands and Storylines:

Shulman Shipped Sugar sans Show

The action folded to Jeff Shulman who raised to a total of 600 from his position in the cut-off. Both the players in the button and small blind folded, and the player in the big blind made the call. The flop came A74, generating a check from the player in the big blind. Shulman continued his aggression by firing a bet of 16,500 into the pot, and his opponent folded. That pot put Shulman’s stack to just over 16,000.

Champion’s Chips Chomped, Chugs On

A player in middle position made it 600 to go, and Jerry Yang made the call as the next player to act. Immediately to his left, another opponent called and the action folded to the big blind. After making the call, the big blind checked a flop of J84. The original aggressor checked as well, and Yang made a bet of 2,400. After deliberating, the player to his left declared himself to be all in and pushed his chips into the middle. The action folded to Yang, who went into the tank. Yang’s opponent had him covered, so at least three camera crews stormed into the area to capture the potential elimination of the defending champion. “If I fold, will you show?” Yang asked his opponent, who remained motionless. After a few minutes, Yang mucked his hand face up, showing that he held AJ. His opponent didn’t show his cards, but later told Yang he had flopped a set of fours. The loss brought Yang’s stack to fewer than 9,000 in chips.

Yang made up for some lost ground on the next hand by raising to 600 from middle position. The player in the cut-off called, and the two saw a flop of AQ8. Yang checked, and his opponent checked behind. The K on the turn brought another check from Yang, but this time his opponent made a bet of 1,000. Yang called and the dealer put out the J on the river. Yang led out for 2,150 and his opponent folded.

Ferguson Holding Steady

Chris “Jesus” Ferguson was the button and watched as the player under the gun limped, along with another player in middle position. Ferguson called the 200, as did the small blind, before the big blind threw out a raise to 1300. The player in middle position called, as did Ferguson. The flop came Q72, and all three players checked. They also checked the 8 on the turn. After the 5 fell on the river, the player from middle position bet 1500 and the others folded. Ferguson remains with 21,400 in chips.

Shulman Steps Aside

Jeff Shulman raised to 600 from the cut-off position and was called by the small blind. The flop came 1032 and both players checked. The 7 on the turn was also checked. The 2 paired the board while bringing a flush on the river, and the small blind bet 800. Shulman folded and was shown pocket sixes by the winner. Shulman has 17,000 in chips.

Too Aggressive...

Richie Smith shunned the timid, wait-and-see attitude that many players take on in the first level and instead opted for a hyper-aggressive style that nearly resulted in his elimination. On a flop of 1055, Smith, in a pot against Patrick Bruel, moved all-in with pocket jacks against the Frenchman. Bruel nearly broke his wrist trying to get his chips into the pot with his pocket tens. But like so many men who have played in the main event, Bruel will get to regale his friends (over and over again, I’m sure) with a bad beat story. A jack binked on the turn and Bruel was crippled. Smith apologized for the bad beat, but would defend his aggression to the death, “I’m relentless,” said Smith, emboldened by his growing chipstack.

Too Passive

Not everyone is Richie Smith, something that Shane Schleger was quick to learn today. On a flop of AQ6, action checked around to Schleger who bet 125. One player called and they saw the 6 on the turn. Action went check-check and the Q came on the river. She once again checked to Schleger who quickly checked behind. “Shaniac” mucked when she showed K6 for turned trips. Somewhere in the Brasilia Room Richie Smith is shaking his head in disgust.

Player Tags: Chris Ferguson,   Jeff Shulman,   Patrick Bruel,   Jerry Yang

$10,000 Main Event - Day 1D - Level One, Hour Two

Jul 06, '08

Blinds: 50/100

Chip Counts:

Thomas Keller - 56,000
Steve Billirakis - 50,000
Doug Lee - 46,000
Gary Germann - 46,000
Jon Friedberg - 40,500
Robert Cheung - 38,000
Paul 'Eskimo' Clark - 37,500
David Oppenheim - 37,000
David Woo - 37000
Steve Dannenmann - 37,000

Eliminations:

David Williams
Paul Wolfe
Scott Lazar

Big Hands/Storylines

Ferguson Loses Part of Stack, Still Looks Good in Black

On a flop of 863, 2000 World Series of Poker main event champion Chris “Jesus” Ferguson (wearing his trademark black leather duster jacket and hat) checked to his opponent, who made a bet of 2,200.  After deliberating, Ferguson made the call and checked again when the Q fell on the turn.  His opponent checked behind, and the two players took a look at the 5 on the river.  Ferguson continued to check, prompting his opponent to make a bet of 6,000.  Ferguson released his cards electing to protect his remaining 14,650.  Ferguson lost approximately one quarter of his stack in the hand.

Inexperience Shows

In a tournament with approximately 7,000 entrants, one is bound to come across players who have yet to develop the savvy to play in live games. Nils Ericcson is one of those players. Four players limped and Ericcson made it 675 from the small blind. Three players called and they saw a flop of K75. Ericcson led out for a bet of 1,700 and was called by a single player.

At this point Ericcson was noticeably trembling. This was not just a slight spasmodic episode of the hands; Ericcson was in full blown convulsive mode. Ericcson rested his elbows on the table and veiled his mouth with his hands, a prototypical poker gesture if there ever was one, only this one rendered moot by uncontrollable trembling, more befitting of a serial killer in the electric chair than a poker player in a well cushioned, lower-back supporting chair.

The turn card was the innocuous looking 2 and Ericcson bet 4,000. His opponent, still thinking nothing of the earthquake seated two seats to his right, made the call. When the dealer flipped over the Q on the river, Ericcson, shaking but not deterred, moved all in for his final 9,000. His opponent thought long and hard about his decision, staring down the Scandinavian as he did. Apparently whatever read he was getting from the young Ericcson was different from that of the small contingent of poker reporters tableside, and he made the call, showing 55. Ericcson was finally able to unleash all of his energy, theretofore confined to his hands – and head and abdomen and legs – but he did not leap from his chair, nor did he scream or even stand up. He calmly tabled his KK and watched the dealer push the pot in his direction.

Ericcson, now sitting (still) with about 35,000 chips in his charge, will need to quell his physiological tells if he plans on making a deep run in this tournament. Or he can just keep flopping the nuts and getting paid off.

Yang Survives All-in

Jerry Yang won his share of showdowns to capture the 2007 World Series of Poker main event, and he just survived his first of 2008. Yang, already critically low on chips, was in the small blind and limped with five others for 100 to see a flop come 952. Yang and the next two players checked then the player in seat 7 bet 500. Play came to the player on the button, but before he could act, Yang announced “call” out of turn. The button player, still with his option, raised to 1500, and all eyes turned back to Yang. In a familiar ritual to those who watched his 2007 championship run, and with television cameras and photographers jostling for position, Yang tanked, then stood, kissed his family photo, and announced “all-in” for his remaining 6475 in chips. Seat 7 folded, and the player on the button called. Yang showed a flopped flush, holding 107, while the button held 43, a smaller flush, but with an open-ended straight flush. But the defending champ would survive when the turn came 10 and the river brought the 9.

Evdakov Still Thrashes After Ten Cashes

Currently the all time record holder for most cashes in a single World Series of Poker with 10, Nikolay Evdakov started his main event today striving for his 11th.  In one hand, Evdakov raised to 300 total from early position, which brought the camera crews over to record the action.  His lone caller was his opponent in the big blind, who checked a flop of 655.  Evdakov bet again, this time 500, and his opponent folded.

Mortensen Still Up

Carlos Mortensen lost a small pot from the cut-off position, but remains up on the day with about 27,000 in chips. He opened for a raise to 300, which the small blind called, then the big blind reraised to 1000. Mortensen called and the flop came AK8. The big blind led out for 1500 and Mortensen laid his hand down.

Elizabeth Getting to See Flops

Shannon Elizabeth was in the big blind and was one of four players to see the flop for the minimum 100. The cards came Q103. All four players checked and the 3 came on the turn. Elizabeth bet 350 and took the pot. The next hand as small blind Elizabeth was one of four players to see the flop after a raise to 300. The flop came K95, and a late position bet for 550 got Elizabeth and the others to fold.

Day after big win, UFC's Griffin doubles up

With the board Q-10-7-5-Q, UFC fighter Forest Griffin calls all in and flips over pocket sevens for a full house. His opponent mucks and Griffin doubles up to about 30,000 chips. Griffin seemed to hesitate calling on the river, and Johnny Chan said that with full houses you pretty much always have to go with it.

"It's much easier on a computer," Griffin replied. "I don't know what's going on here."

He later added: "So do I have to lose all this before I can go?" Considering Griffin defeated Quinton "Rampage" Jackson last night, one can only imagine what Jackson looks like right now. Griffin has bruises on his forehead and ear, and his right eye is nearly swollen shut.

Player Tags: Chris Ferguson,   Carlos Mortensen,   Jerry Yang,   Shannon Elizabeth,   Nikolay Evdakov

$10,000 Main Event - Day 1D - Level One, Hour One

Jul 06, '08

Blinds/Antes: 50/100

Big Hands and Storylines:

Yang Active, Loses Pot

A year off hasn’t dampened the aggressiveness of defending champion Jerry Yang. He won a small pot with A2, pairing his deuce on the flop, but then got embroiled in a costly battle. Yang was in the big blind and saw a flop come Q63. He made a bet and was called by the player in the cut-off position. The A came on the turn and Yang stepped out for 1200. Again the cut-off called. The K on the river made a dangerous board even more treacherous. Yang led out for 3000, and the player in the cut-off then raised to 8500. Yang tanked, then reluctantly folded, though issued the warning “I’m going to lay down one time.” Yang lost a quarter of his stack and was just under 15,000.

A few hands later Yang took another beat, though did well not to lose more than he did. After a flopping a set of 10s, Yang was up against pocket aces, but lost when the board four-flushed. Yang is now down to just over 12,000 in chips.

Tilly Stymied Early

Jennifer Tilly tried to create something on consecutive hands, but came away empty. From middle position she raised to 300 and was called by the player in the cut-off. The flop came A43. Tilly checked, faced a 300 bet, and folded her hand. The next deal, Tilly raised this time to 200 and was called by the player on the button. The small blind then reraised to 750, and Tilly folded along with the big blind and button.

Norman Chad, Will You Marry Me?

World Series of Poker commentator Norman Chad, who often comically references his ex-wives during final table broadcasts, has inadvertently wooed the heart of at least one female viewer.  Seated in the blue section of the Amazon Room, Kay Sweeney reported to her table wearing a t-shirt bearing the words, “NORM’S NEXT WIFE.”  Chad eventually made his way to her table while reporting on today’s action, and Sweeney insisted on having a picture taken of the two potential lovebirds as soon as she was out of a hand.  “Play every hand,” Chad advised.  After getting on one knee, Sweeney formally proposed to Chad.  “Will you marry me?” Sweeney asked while holding Chad’s hand.  “I’ll get back to you,” Chad replied to a burst of laughter from the rail.

Wolfe lays down top pair

Five players limped in preflop and saw a 10-3-2 flop. Paul Wolfe bet out from the small blind for 500. He got one caller and the others folded. The turn was a four and Wolfe bet 1,000. This time his opponent raised another 1,300. Wolfe quickly folded A-10 face up and his opponent took down the pot.

Federer-Nadal distracting many

Many players are paying as much attention to the Wimbledon final as they are to their table. Gus Hansen is an exception. He has set up a chair next to the television and is spending more time there than at his seat at his table. Apparently being 15 feet away was too far and he needed to see the exciting match up-close.

Meandering through the Brasilia Room, we noticed these players taking their shot at the main event:

Hevad Khan
Ray Davis
Brett Jungblut
Mark Newhouse
Tom Schneider
Eugene Todd
Layne Flack
Antonio Esfandiari
Allen Kessler
Phil Gordon
Shane Schleger
Gregory Dyer
Jose Canseco
Todd Brunson
Ryan Daut
David Williams (already down to 12,000)

and players found within the confines of the much cozier Tropicana Room:

Alexander Kostritsyn
Thayer Rasmussen
Ray Coburn
Can Kim Hua
Ari Engel

Player Tags: Gus Hansen,   Paul Wolfe,   Jennifer Tilly,   Jerry Yang,   Norman Chad

Event 7 - $2000 NLHE - Filippi Felted Fast

Jun 04, '08

Blinds/Antes: 25-50, moving up to 50-100

Entrants: 1,591 (Approx.)

Eliminations: Amnon Filippi, Jamie Gold, T.J. Cloutier

Notable Hands:

Filippi Felted

On a flop of 542 the player in seat 1 bet 400 and Amnon raised to 1200. Seat 1 moved all in and Filippi called. Seat 1 showed A8 for a made flush while Filippi showed 54 for top two pair. The turn was the 9 and the river is the J, no help to Filippi who was crippled, left with only 400 in chips.

A few hands later on a flop of J98 Filippi moved all in for his last few hundred with 1010, and was called by the player in seat 6, who held QJ. The turn brought the 10, giving Filippi a set, but giving seat 6 the straight to the queen. Filippi needed to pair the board or hit the case 10 to win, or chop the pot with one of the two remaining queens. The river was the 4 and Filippi hits the rail early in the first level.

Morgan Off to a Fast Start

On a board of QJ10, Jordan Morgan bet out 600 and one player called. The 10 came on the turn and Morgan bet 1,175, and his opponent called again. The 3 fell on the river and Morgan bet 1,500, leaving himself with only 600 left behind. His opponent called and Morgan showed KK. His opponent showed 99 and said, "No wonder I couldn't hit the king." With the win, Morgan nearly doubled up to around 8,000 and his opponent was left crippled with just 325.

Yang Doubles Up an Opponent

Jerry Yang and Eric "Rizen" Lynch are seated at the same table and have already tangled in a pot in which neither player took down. Lynch raised to 150 preflop and was called by seat 6 and Yang from late position. The flop came 872 and both Lynch and seat 6 checked. Yang bet out 400, causing Lynch to fold, but seat 5 pushed all in for 575 more. Priced in, Yang called and showed J10. Seat 6 showed 77 for a flopped set and the 3 turn and 2 river did not improve Yang's hand – leaving him with 2,600 in chips.

Laak Vocal Early

Seat 4 raised to 150 preflop, seat 6 called and Phil Laak reraised to 500 total. Seat 4 called and seat 6 folded. The flop came 1042 and seat 4 checked. Laak bet 500 and was called. The K came on the turn and both players checked. The river card was the J and seat 4 checked and Laak bet out 1,000. While seat 4 tanked, Laak told the player that he may have been bluffing but just made a hand. He then told the player whether he'd call or fold, he'd show. The player folded and Laak showed KK for the set.

Tilly Crippled

Jennifer Tilly and another player called a preflop raise to 275 and three players saw a flop of 1010K. The board was checked. The turn was the 8. Tilly bet 600 and was called by both players. The J brought another bet of 1,500. Seat 7 moved all in and seat 10 called. Tilly did not hear seat 10 call and called as well, turning over Q7. Seat 7 showed A2 and seat 10 showed pocket kings for a flopped full house. Tilly was left with just 425.

Shannon Shorr Chipping Up Early

Shannon Shorr raised preflop and had one opponent call. The flop was 74A and Shorr bet 225. He was called and the turn was the 5. After that was checked, the 6 and Shorr bet 475. His opponent folded and Shorr was up to 5,200 at that point.

On the next hand with a board showing 66Q79, Shorr bet 1,100 and was called by an opponent. Shorr showed AQ for two pair with top kicker and his stack improved to 6,400.
 

Jared "TheWacoKidd" Hamby Knocks One Out

On a flop of 1073, the player on the button bet 300 and Jared Hamby called from the small blind. The turn was the 9 and the button moved all in. Hamby insta-called with top two pair (109) while the button turned over J10 for top pair with a gut-shot straight draw. The river was the 7, no help to either player as Hamby knocked one out and chipped up to around 6,500.

JC Alvarado Wins Big Pot Uncontested

JC Alvarado raised to 225 from the button and got two callers from the the big blind and the player in seat 4. The flop came K84, and the big blind bet 400. Seat 4 folded his hand while Alvarado raised to 875. The big blind called. The turn was the A and the big blind checked to Alvarado who bet 1,250. The blind called. The river was the 6 and once again, the big blind checked to Alvarado who this time bet 2,000. The big blind thinks for a few minutes before folding. Alvarado rakes a good pot.

Erica Schoenberg Doubles Up

On a flop of J98, seat 1 bet 2,000 and Erica Schoenberg moved all in  for 4,500. Seat 1 called and only had her covered by one green (25) chip. Schoenberg showed AJ while seat 1 turned over 108. The turn and river come 46, and Schoenberg doubles up while her opponent is crippled down to one chip.

Player Tags: Phil Laak,   Amnon Filippi,   Jennifer Tilly,   Jordan Morgan,   Jerry Yang,   Eric Lynch,   Jared Hamby

1,500 NLHE - Day 1B - Hour One

Jun 01, '08

Blinds/Antes: 25-50, moving up to 50-100

Entrants: 3,921 (Approx.)

Starting Stack: 3,000

Eliminations: Allen Cunningham, Jerry Yang

Big Hands:

David Singer Involved Early

Singer raised to 250 from the small blind. The button from seat 3 called and the flop came 784. Singer led out 500 and the button folded to get Singer started on the right track. Two hands later, seat 3 recovered some of what he lost when he bet 300 on the river and Singer folded, taking a pot of around 650.

Singer and Lindgren's First Minor Squabble

Lindgren raised to 150 and David Singer defended his big blind. The JQ2 flop was checked. Singer then led out with a bet of 400 on the 9 turn. Lindgren folded and Singer is now around 4,000 in chips while "E-Dog" is around 2,500. After the hand, Victor Ramdin joined the table.

Dennis Outflops Rockets

Kevin Dennis eliminated a player when his flopped set of 3's held up against pocket aces. Both players were all in on the turn.

Cunningham Elminated

Cunninham fired a turn bet of 1,000 and was called by Darren Black on a board reading K95A. The river brought a 7 and Cunningham moved all-in before being called instantly by Black, who tabled the KJ for a rivered nut flush. Cunningham mucked his cards and took an early exit from his second event of the year.

Yang's Short Day

After taking a large hit to his stack shortly after his "Shuffle up and deal!" announcement, Jerry Yang called all-in from the big blind for his remaining 200 chips following a pointed under the gun raise to that exact amount. The under the gun player flipped over JJ while Yang showed A6. The board ran out A7555 and Yang made a full house to double up and stay alive.

Just a few hands later Yang moved all in again and was called by a player showing 87. Yang tabled a J10 and maintained his lead as the board came J5310J, giving Yang another full house and another double up.

Yang's struggle finally ended a few hands later, still well before the end of the first level. After the under the gun player limped, Yang raised 200 of his remaining 575, inducing a call from the big blind and the limper. The flop came J59, both players checked, and Yang moved in. The big blind made the call with 56, slightly ahead of Yang's K10. He commanded a dominating lead on the turn when the 6 came off, and the 6 on the river ended Yang's very short day.

Tilly in Trouble

Jennifer Tilly raised to 150 preflop and got called by the player on the button. The flop came AA3 and Tilly bet out 200. The button raised to 500 and Tilly called. The 3 came on the river and Tilly checked, the button bet 500 and Tilly called. The button showed AQ and Tilly mucked, leaving herself with a stack of just 500 chips remaining.


Storylines:

Erick Lindgren and David Singer are seated at the same table. Lindgren is in seat 9 while Singer is in seat 4. Victor Ramdin arrived late and is also at the table. There should be some fireworks early.

Lee Watkinson is at the same table as Joe Sebok.

Barry Greenstein has taken his seat, 40 minutes after the tournament started.

"You got it baby, you got it!" was the introduction of Scotty Nguyen as he took his seat late into hour one.

Player Tags: Erick Lindgren,   Allen Cunningham,   David Singer,   Jennifer Tilly,   Jerry Yang

Jerry Yang Eliminated

Mar 25, '08

Jerry Yang has busted out of the tournament late on day 1. To read about the charity work he will be up to this weekend click here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Player Tags: Jerry Yang