My 2005 WSOP Event #2 Story

I lasted 116 minutes in the World Series of Poker. You read that right. One hour and 56 minutes. With a $1500 buy-in, I literally paid $12.93 a minute to play with the pros. It was a lot longer than some people lasted, and not nearly as long as others.

I was assigned Table #16, and immediately found myself with Steve Zolotow to my left. Normally, I would have been concerned if not frightened, but frankly, I did not recognize him at that time. As it happened I hooked horns with him on the first orbit. The blinds were $25-$25, with me on the “small” blind, and Steve on the “equal but big” blind. I saw my first pocket pair, the first of five pocket pairs in my 116 minutes of play. My table was abnormally tight, so I raised the minimum $25 to make it $50. He turned his head and said, “Are you min raising me?” to which I replied, “Yes, I am.” He folded. I had pushed a champion off his blind!

Table 16 was so tight early; I didn’t see a bet higher than $200 the whole time. I had pocket deuces four times and was never able to do anything with them. When I did see the flop with them (twice) I was not called (once) or was raised significantly (the other time).

After an hour and 20 minutes or so all of the 150 alternates had been added to the field and the tables started to lose players. I was moved to Table 15, which is where I lost my remaining chips. A bracelet holder on the table, who also happened to be the chip leader at the time, and I tangled. I did not know the guys name until I arrived home days later. Having $1200 in front of me, I was in middle position and had A-Js, and I limped in. (Mistake #1.) The button raised to $200; and the big blind bracelet holder, called. Dummy me called as well. (Mistake #2.) Flop comes 9h 10d Jd. I have TPTK, but I’m already screwing this hand up. Being first to act, I check. (Mistake #3.) The button checks as well. The bracelet holder grabs a couple of blacks off the top of his monster stack and bets. I think about it for two seconds (Mistake #4.) and check-raise a former WSOP champion $400 more. I was thinking that I was willing to throw my last $400 in if he wanted me to. (Mistake #5.) He raised me enough to put me all in and I called him. (Mistake #6.) The guy flipped over 10s-10c and my little WSOP experience was over. The turn was a blank and the river was a nine to give him a boat.

I want to congratulate Burt Boutin, with his bracelet and the WSOP chips I purchased, for finishing 11th and in the money in the WSOP 2005 Event #2.

Even with the six mistakes in one hand and the high price per minute, the experience was worth every penny.

Comments

[Wes]

Glad to see you found out who it was. It was a great time. Just remember, you promised me a home game and a place to stay if I ever made it to Seattle. :)

[Scott Chaffin]

You stepped up to the plate and took a swing. Lots (*koff*) didn't. I'm proud of you, son.

I enjoyed meeting you finally. I'm looking forward to getting together again, hopefully soon.

[Mr Subliminal]

It was great meeting and playing with you. Even though it was short, your WSOP experience is something you'll never forget. As for Burt, I know him from cash games and he's a nice guy.

[April H.]

Glad you enjoyed the experience if not the result. Wish I could have gotten there in time to see you play a couple of hands. Of course there is always next time, right?

[Joe Speaker]

Glad you found out who he was EZ. That would have kept me up nights. 'Course, you could have always claimed it was John Malcovich.

[Maudie]

What an awesome sight it was to see a sea of poker happening. Even more awesome had to be playing in the WSOP - one day I may be worthy. Nice write-up.