™
Author Archive
-
Hand of the Week: Taking Down Young Phan for Bracelet #8
In the 2003 World Series of Poker’s $2,500 buy-in limit Hold’em tournament, I found myself heads up with Young Phan. This may not seem like a huge deal, but let me fill you in on a little history:
In 2001, I was heads up with Scotty Nguyen in Omaha 8 or better with a chance to win my eighth title; I lost. In 2002, I was heads up with Johnny Chan in no limit Hold’em with a chance to win number eight; I lost – instead Chan won number seven to tie me. This time I needed to win!
There have been certain times in my career where I’ve felt an uncanny, almost other-worldly feeling playing poker, like I had entered a zone of complete talent and dominance. When I enter that zone, I know the time is ripe to take down a championship. So although I was playing great poker and was ready to take down Young, he wasn’t going for it. He brought his “A game.” Back and forth we battled, 100 hands, then 200 hands, and finally we crested 300 hands of one-on-one poker, and neither of us would back down. Grueling heads-up play like this feels more like a chess match, and sometimes you have to get creative and surprise your opponent.
-
Flashback Pic
2007 WSOP Grand Entrance. Never hurts to have a couple of lovely ladies on each arm for luck!
-
PH in Bronze!
I’m not sure I’m worthy of a piece of sculpture like this… but WOW!! Many thanks to World Class artist Jon Hair for his gift: a PH Bronze Bust. The Jon Hair Studio of Fine Art also has busts of Annie Duke, Doyle Brunson, Dick Van Dyke and more. So cool!
-
Holiday Weekend
Who’s playing their poker home game this weekend? Think $635,000 is an adequate cash haul?
-
Happy Thanksgiving!
Me and the great Jerry West in the Team Owners Room after last night’s Warriors game! Had an amazing chat with him for 20 min. Thankful to be with family and friends today, Happy Thanksgiving!!
-
Know Your Odds
A-A versus 9-9 is how big a favorite with a board of K-K-8-6?
A) even money
B) 5-to-1
C) 10-to-1
D) over 20-to-1
