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MY WSOPE 2011 in Cannes
When I decided to travel to Cannes to play in the World Series of Poker Europe, I had high expectations. I would accept nothing less than at least my first WSOP cash and high hopes of a bracelet.
It didn't take me long to see that this trip would be about more than just where I finished in the poker tournament, it would be a life changing experience both personally and at the poker table.
I thought I had some idea of what to expect, I had previously played in five WSOP events and had played in well over 100 tournaments both in Las Vegas and Calgary. As soon as I arrived at my table and looked around the room, I knew this would be different.
For starters, the field was much smaller than WSOP Las Vegas which was a good thing. This tourney would end up with just under 800 players, WSOP Vegas just under 3000.
The other big difference was the strength of the field. As I took my seat, every table I walked by was filled with pros. I liked this as I felt I could take advantage of being an obvious amateur although I play as good as any pro (in my mind anyway).
As play started, I looked around my table...two Italian pros I had seen on ESPN, a couple players who looked as amateur as I and then two young Americans and an Italian I recognized sat down immediately to my right. I recognized all three...they were Scott Seiver, Nick Binger and Fabrizio, three of the younger and red hot pros around.
(After the tourney, I went on-line to check tournament updates and noticed that my table was actually mentioned because of the number of pros. I also noticed I had my name mentioned in the online updates...both hands that I won against Scott Seiver and my picture also made the updates.)
Early on, Scott suggested we play deuce seven...if you win a hand with 27, everyone pays you 20 euro. This is one of the elements that gave the day the feel of a home game which helped me feel comfortable. Three hands after his idea to play deuce seven, he gets dealt 27 hearts and rivers a flush vs Fabrizio..."you have 27 hearts don't you? Not only I have to fold set...I have to pay you 20 euro!" he thinks for another few minutes and folds..sure enough Scott shows 27 and collects 140 euro. In all deuce seven costs me 40 euro and $700 in chips.
The day went fairly well for me, although I was never able to accumulate a large stack, I was healthy most of the day. I managed to reraise Scott Seiver 7 times. The 7th time, I had flopped a set and I was sure he was sick of me by now....he was, "does the guy just have kings every time!" but he folded.
Throughout the day, I had the chance to play with Scotty Nygugen, Maria Ho, Liz Lieu, Vanessa Rousso, a very beautiful blonde French pro and a few other pros I can't recall their name but they seemed to know everyone.
I ended up getting dealt jacks in my big blind...UTG plus one raise, cut off call...I reraise all in...original raiser folds...cut off goes into tank...and after about 7 minutes, he calls...he turns over JQ hearts....sweeeeeet! Even Scotty exclaims..."you call him with that baby!"
So it looks like I'm going to more than double up to about 21k...average is 12k...45 minutes till end of day one....2 hearts on flop..."don't do it Baby! From Scotty and.....heart on river! NOOOOOOOO!
Oh well, it happens. I played great, was in great position despite being 0 for 7 on Pre flop all in coin flips on the day. I proved I could play with the best and I even got called baby by Scotty Nyguen more than a few times.
I had the opportunity to sit with a number of pros at the poker table, hang out with them on break and even sat and ribbed Phil Hellmuth on his blown chance of taking over the WSOP player of the year (he finished 7th in WSOP Event 1, a 6th or better would have moved him into first).
People pay thousands to travel to exotic places to play and hang out with all the poker pros, the World Poker Tour advertised one recently with a price tag of $5000 and this experience was substantially cheaper.
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