Play Begins At The 39th WSOP

So it begins. Yesterday I went over to the Rio and was excited just walking in the place. I was surprised there were some many people there for satellites and registration. Event 1 the 10k PLH has about 50 players signed up and event 2 the 1.5k NLH already had almost 1,000 registered. The main room was all set up and had some small cash games running along with a mega-satellite. There is a separate satellite room with its own cage and a separate registration room. I have to say the set up appears improved from last year. Even the chairs looked much better and more comfortable than last year. The playing areas have color coded signs above which will hopefully make finding your table easier. Overall it seems like Harrah's has made some good improvements. It must be a daunting task to put on an event such as this, especially for us highly opinionated poker players. I ran into many players I know, they seemed to share the same sense of excitement, many were already playing satellites, registering for events, or just checking out the place. I can't wait to start playing.

I am finally settled in a condo and have a car, which took longer than I would have guessed. Last night I had an interesting night. Mike Matusow invited me over to watch the Celtics/Pistons game, which got exciting at the end. However what was the most interesting part, was watching Mike play a couple of 500/1,000 HORSE games on Full Tilt. He was playing against Gus Hanson, Mark Weitzman, Jennifer Harmon, and some others. It was a great opportunity to discuss hands with Mike and learn from him. When I was in Australia at Aussie Millions earlier in the year I was fortunate enough to sit behind Mike live and watch his play. I felt that a valuable learning opportunity, but there I had to watch and be quiet, last night being able to discuss hands with him, was really beneficial. Roland De Wolf was there playing PLO as well. I have to give Mike credit for something else; he has taken the last few months and gotten himself into shape. He has been working out like a fiend and has lost about 50 pounds. You will barely recognize him at the WSOP.

From Mike's I ran over to the airport to pick up Noah Schwartz and then back home for the night. Noah and I have a good record in events when we stay in the same place. We discuss strategy, hands we played and just about anything else. We are hoping that this collaboration continues to work through the WSOP.

Today I have a few last things to take care of, and then it's off to the Rio for some satellites. I enjoy playing them and they help get me into a tournament rhythm. Tonight Corum is having a reception which I will attend and then tomorrow is the first event, the world championship pot limit holdem.

For more information on Roy Winston, you can visit his website: www.oraclepoker.net or send him an email: [email protected]