World Series of Poker

[BP1]

I will be in Vegas next week and was wondering if anybody knows

1. Are spectators welcome?
2. What time do they start and finish each
day?
3. Is Nolan playing?

 

[Nolan Dalla]

Originally posted by BP1:
I will be in Vegas next week and was wondering if anybody knows

1. Are spectators welcome?

***Yes. Go upstairs at the tournament area of Binion's Horseshoe. The room -- which is a converted Bingo Hall -- will be filled with at least a thousand people, television cameras, etc. Negatives are that it is very crowded and hard to see sometimes. Also, a final table (which is on Friday with the final six players) is often very dull to watch, unless you are a serious student of the game (similar to watching a chess match). There is a simulcast area where you can eatch on close-circuit whihc is much better for viewing. If you are there, you will also run into some very big names. I spent several minutes talking with Amarillo Slim Preston this week, had lunch with Brad Daugherty (the 1991 World Champion) yesterday, and have spent countless hours chatting with great players and World Champions such as Chris Ferguson (2000 World Champion), and many others. Most of these players will be in attendance next week, making this the world's toughest poker event.


2. What time do they start and finish each
day?

***Forget about seeing the first four days...that's just an elimination process. The main event starts at noon each day. Noon Friday is the best time to go, as this is the first time the World Series will use a five-day format.

3. Is Nolan playing?

***Not this year. I failed to qualify by winning a Super Satellite and I'm not going to put $10,000 through the window to enter. Also, I'm not particularly strong as a tournament player. I prefer live-action cash games instead. Thanks for your interest.

NOLAN

 

[ozball]

Nolan,

In the observation room, do they allow you to see what the cards (downcards) of the players are? I vaguely remember hearing about an under the table projection system on an espn broadcast...Is this just a blurry half remembered dream, or for real???

It would surely open all of the final tables play open to broad analysis for use in future play...and potentially put these players play at a disadvantage in the REAL high stakes games and future world series if allowed.

BTW I really appreciate your picks and insightful analysis here at Madjacks. You have brought my gambling (investing) knowledge to a level that otherwise may have cost me thousands, and years.

All the best

ozball

 

[Nolan Dalla]

Originally posted by ozball:
Nolan,

In the observation room, do they allow you to see what the cards (downcards) of the players are? I vaguely remember hearing about an under the table projection system on an espn broadcast...Is this just a blurry half remembered dream, or for real???

***The special table you are talking about has only been used outside the United States -- at Ladbrokes on the Isle of Man in the Poker Million (Nov. 2000) and on the popular British television show, "Late Night Poker." To date, no US tournaments use this technology -- which is unfortunate. Frankly, most of the major events I have seen have been burdened with poor technology where it's difficult to follow the actio from a spectators point of view. The television shows we have seen have been abysmal.


It would surely open all of the final tables play open to broad analysis for use in future play...and potentially put these players play at a disadvantage in the REAL high stakes games and future world series if allowed.

***Good point. Player objection, tradition being the other, is the primary reason why this technology is not used at the WSOP.

BTW I really appreciate your picks and insightful analysis here at Madjacks. You have brought my gambling (investing) knowledge to a level that otherwise may have cost me thousands, and years.

***You are most kind. Rememeber, it's a team effort.

-- Nolan Dalla

 

[ozball]

thanks for the prompt reply Nolan. I think if poker is going to make the next step to a true spectator sport, that special viewing table will be necessary. You could imagine a telecast that selectively showed one hand or another, with expert commentary and analysis (perhaps from yourself,if not competing), building tension as the final table thins out. At the moment, not seeing the folded hands leads to spectator frustration.

Cheers

ozball

 

[djv]

Nolan/Ozball I agree with you guys. Watching would be made very interesting with new ideas such as mentioned here. Nolan I can understand your thoughts on tournament play.
Some times the speed of the game is such you loose your feel. It also seems there are more distractions. Im sure you have other reasons. But those are just some of my thoughts.
Have a great summer.
Dave.