by 2 Cylivers
The WSOP 2007 finished a couple of weeks back in Rio, Las Vegas and the coveted bracelet was claimed by Jerry Yang, a 39-year-old psychologist and social worker from southern California. Securing a seat at the WSOP by entering into a $225 satellite event, he came out top after about ten days of grueling poker. His win – a mind-boggling haul of 8.25 million dollars. He is giving ten percent to charity.
About 6350 players entered the event plunking down $10,000 for a seat in the No-limit Hold’em (NLH) WSOP event. The numbers were down by 25% from last year, which attracted over 8300 players. This year the World Series opened with various pot limit, seven-card stud, limit and no limit tournaments, which earned respect, admiration, various cash amounts and a bracelet for each of the winners.
This mega marathon needs focus, endurance and ability not only to play well but also to ‘read’ your opponents though their expressions, body language and betting patterns. There are high-octane ‘All In’ showdowns that can instantly double your chips or leave you sorrowfully treading down to the parking lot.
The chip leader in each table tries to muscle out the weaker (shorter stacks) players by repeatedly forcing them to the brink of poker existence. It takes one wrong move to see your dreams and money move to the other side of the table.
Most of the time aggressiveness pays off. Often a showdown between two loose players will result in the pot going over to the one who bet or counter-bet more. Most of the Internet players play aggressively which gets spilled out in these poker tournaments.
And above all, sweet luck needs to be hovering over you. The cards ultimately decide your fate. The dealer can shuffle, and you can pray but without a little bit of luck, you can kiss the ten grands’ goodbye.
