Friday Features Three Ways to Play - Limit, No-Limit, and Pot-Limit

By Jeremiah Smith

All three variations of Holdem were featured when play picked up on Friday-limit, no-limit, and pot-limit. The $1500 Pot-Limit Holdem final table headlined the day. As play progressed, it became clear that the top three chip leaders entering final table play would end the day in the top three spots.

It did not take long for the first elimination as Alan Gilbert's pocket tens ran into the queens of Can Kim Hua. One of tournament poker's most feared competitors was the next to exit when John Juanda exited in 8th place. Action was fairly slow following this elimination. Since there are no antes, pot-limit does not reward blind-stealing like no-limit. It was not until play narrowed down to three-handed that the action started heating up. Refe Furst and Eric Lynch exchanged blow after blow while Rocky Enciso seemed content to let them fight it out.

In what could have been the final hand of the night, Rafe Furst had both players all-in-and dominated-holding the AK versus the KQ of Enciso and the A7 of Lynch. The flop of J3K gave Furst command with top pair, top kicker but the Q on the turn and a blank on the river tripled up Enciso while knocking Lynch out.

Heads-up play would resume after a short break with Furst's $1,060,000 leading Enciso's $630,000. It would not take long for Furst to emerge victorious when he called the all-in bet of Enciso on a board of 108410. Enciso showed two pair holding J4, but Furst's 84 gave him the better two pair and his first World Series of Poker bracelet after the 2 rolled off on the river.

Day 2 of the $1,500 Limit Holdem event began with 68 players. Phil Ivey was off to a roaring start with his commanding play for most of the day until he ran into Lars Hansens' pocket Aces-on back to back hands. As play continued, a few players steadily increased their stacks to move on to the final nine.

The most notable player at the final table is internet wizard Josh Schein who finished second in the WPT Aruba event earlier this year. With five big bets all that separates chip leader Patrick Maloney's $260,000 and fifth place, the coveted WSOP bracelet will be awarded to tomorrow's steadiest player.

The game's top pros are partial to the $2500 Six-Handed No-Limit Holdem tournament, which began Day 1 play at noon. The tables were packed with seasoned veterans who thrive on the action forced by the shorthanded play. The skill required to make correct decisions in marginal situations means the best players rise to the top.

Daniel Negreanu went on a one-of-a-kind rush in the afternoon. He took a break from busting players with the blinds at $150-$300 to keep Mike "The Mouth" Matusow updated, "I busted 15 people. I have $48,000. The second chip leader keeps coming to the table and I keep busting him. It's sick!" Kid Poker made sure to mention that on each bust, he went in with the best hand.

As play ends, action will begin tomorrow with the final seven tables. Daniel Negreanu continues to lead this pack of skilled veterans with $159,900. Gavin Smith is not far behind in second place with $128,300.

Most Viewed Articles