Playing a poker tournament isn’t the same as grinding out poker games. The reason is that the field is limited and your job is not only to win pots, but more so to outlast your opponents.  I recall not knowing this during my first serious poker tournament. It wasn’t a big money game, but it was the first time I had out played over 100 people in a daily tournament in Las Vegas. I recall it like it was yesterday; being at that final table, knowing that I was in the money and watching the top 10 payout prizes with every hand I played. I also remembered playing as a third person in a showdown where I had no business playing.  There were already two others all in, so someone would have lost and I would have ranked higher than one of the two. Foolishly, I played a decent hand, only to be beaten along with another player.  Had I realized at that point that my goal at that moment was to outlast the others, I would have not only made more money, but I might have actually won the whole tournament. It was a great lesson and one I will never forget. I’ll be sitting at the tables in a tournament this Friday in Vegas, so hopefully I heed my own advice and win big!

Until next time…

It won’t be my first time in Vegas for New Years Eve, but I am looking forward to being with good friends along with my wife.  I am also looking forward to playing the daily Poker Tournament at the South Point as I prepare for the 2012 WSOP. Not sure what day I will play, but I will get in on the 29th, so probably the 30th or 31st?

The only down side is the drive. The flights (which used to be cheap) have just gotten out of control, and of course, you then need to rent a car once you get there.  Living in Phoenix, we are close enough that when you add up the time you have to be there early, boarding time, flight time, getting your luggage, and getting a rental car, it works out to be not much of a time savings.

I am not even sure what hot spots there are in Vegas on New Years Eve, but I was told it will be pretty crowded.  Thankfully, David (my brother from another mother) lives there and has it all under control. In fact, my wife probably knows the name of the restaurant we are going to because she and David’s wife had a pow wow about the restaurant. All I know is that it is good and we will have a great time.

Here is my one suggestion however.   We had a great time at The M a few years ago. It’s off the strip so it’s not as crowded AND it’s a great hotel (they even had free champagne at midnight.) We had the pleasure of staying there once (different trip), and even better we had a free room with one of the best views. If I didn’t say it before, thanks for the free room!

Whatever you do, be safe, don’t drink and drive and feel free to “knock someone out” if they try to drink and drive.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Hey folks, it’s Anthony here.  I started this blog a few years back to chronicle my poker journey and I guess I just got super busy and stopped blogging about poker. Anyhow, I am back and I am looking forward to playing more poker and talking all about it. I am also going to launch a very unique program here as I look forward to playing in the World Series of Poker in 2012. I’ve talked about it for too long… it’s time to take action.  One of my clients actually encouraged me to step it up and play in one of the smaller WSOP games, so that is most likely where I will start. A WSOP win is a WSOP win and there is no shame in staring small.

Anyhow, thanks for listening and stay tuned!

~ Big Slick