A couple of stories from the WSOP...

[Talking Poker]

(This is in response to a request from 2Tone, posted in the Norman Chad thread in the Poker on TV section)...

I only went out for the main event this year. Next year will be a different story, as I plan to make a longer trip. I got a press pass this year, took a bunch of photos (see ), and had an awesome time.

I did play in some NL cash games and did well in them. I also played in 2 added on WSOP events - $1000 buy in each. I did ok, but ran into a huge hand each time that crippled me (stories for another time, maybe), and didn't make it to the money.

I also played in a couple of satellites for those add-on tourneys. I played in the first one because I saw Clonie Gowen in line to play, and I wanted to play with her. She ended up sitting to my left, and we chatted pretty much the whole time. She was very friendly... and a TIGHT player.

Clonie folded every single hand preflop except for two - one was when I raised small from the SB and then got her to fold when I bet out on the flop - and the other was when I limped in from the SB and let her play for free. I even made a comment like "Here, play this one with me." Me and Clonie... heads up, baby!

Here's how the hand went: I had K9 and limped in from the SB (blinds were $50 and $100), just so we could play a hand together. The flop was 234. I checked, she checked. Turn was another 2. I checked, she checked. River was a K. I bet $150, she immediately pushes all in. WTF, Chuck? I thought for a minute. Had I been trapped by a pro? Did she flop two pair or maybe even have a boat? It was $350 more for me to call, and the pot was about $900, so I finally said "Call." She said, "I've got a king," and I said "What's your kicker?" and she said "Uh oh." hehe... She had K7, and that, my friends, is the story of how I knocked Clonie Gowen out of a tourney. I went on to win the satellite, which put me in the next day's $1000 event.

The other satellite I played in was because I saw James Woods sign up and I wanted to play with him (seeing the pattern?). Again, when we drew seats, he was seated immediately to my left. We had a GREAT time at this table. Jimmy is a very cool guy, and a solid poker player. At the time, he had been playing for a little less than a year, and told me he was dedicating 2-4 hours every day to mastering the game. A former MIT grad, Jimmy is a very intelligent guy, and I think he could have success in the poker world if he continues to pursue it. Being famous and getting to play with the top pros in the world regularly doesn't hurt either. Just ask Ben Affleck and Tobey MaGuire, who are also both solid players.

I could go on and on, but the Eagles game is about to start All in all, I had a fantastic time at the WSOP and will definitely be there again next year. I'll post daily...