PLAY BALL! A TAINTED GAME LOOKS TO SHAKE OFF ITS PAST

APRIL 2008

Battle of the Sexes: Ladies Only Tournaments

A Look at The Masters: Can Anyone Tame Tiger?

Brandon Cantu Strikes Again With Second Major Win

Poker’s Darling

KIMBERLY APRIL 2008 $4.95US LANSING

INSIDE: POKER + ENTERTAINMENT + FOOD + MUSIC + SPORTS + GIRLS

contents

RANDOM ROUNDER 6. Random Useful Info

BEYOND THE RAIL 12. IP Casino Resort and Spa By Tom “Chips” McGee 31 Q&A 16. Ron Prevost

SPORTS AND LEISURE NEWS & EVENTS 18. All Things Sports and Leisure 31. Current News And Events

TIPS FROM ROUNDER GIRLS CASINO LISTINGS 22. Tips From Michelle and Kat 34. Directory of Hotels and Casinos

ALL THINGS ROUNDER SPECIAL FEATURE 24. Battle of the Sexes 38. Kimberly Lansing By Susie Isaacs PLAYER PROFILES 26. Busting My Nutz 46. Allen Kessler Looking For By Tom “Chips” McGee Breakthrough Win By Johnny Kampis 27. A Little Blind Stealing Strategy By Johny Kampis 48. Young Phan In His Second Decade As A Seasoned Pro 28. The Business Side of Backing By Johnny Kampis By Brian Heptinstall 50. Brandon Cantu Strikes Again 29. Stupid is as Stupid Does With Second Major Win By Al Spath By Johnny Kampis

30. To Straddle Or Not To Straddle ROUND UP By Jim Wampol 52. State by State Report ROUNDER GIRL BONUS 74 60. Brittany Morris

FASHION 62. Spring Awakening

SCHEDULES AND RESULTS 67. Weekely Tournament Calendar

73. Eric “Sheets” Haber Conquers the Competition at Caesars By Nolan Dalla

74. Brandon Cantu Wins Bay 101 Shooting Star

ENTERTAINMENT 77. List of Concerts and Shows

ROCKIN ROUNDER On the Cover: 78. Dave Schools Kimberly Lansing By Darlene Least Photo by Kaden Q&A WITH HOYT CORKINS 80. Ask Hoyt 62

2 Rounder April 2008 Lee Childs went from rank amateur to WPT Boot Camp Alumni to the 2007 WSOP final table. Now he’s joined the WPT Boot Camp staff to share his secrets, styles, and strategies with you in Camps nationwide.

Make your most profitable poker decision ever: Enroll today.

Real People. Real Training. Real Results.

Seating is strictly limited. Reserve your spot today. 866.978.2668 • www.wptbootcamp.com

© 2008 WPT Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. WPT, World Poker Tour, and Soade Card Design are trademarks of WPT Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. RM02 letter from the editor PUBLISHER Hank Sitton

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Evert Caldwell

MANAGING EDITOR Johnny Kampis

RESEARCH EDITOR Justin Newman CONGRATULATIONS TO TIM HEBERT for winning the main event of the inaugural Spring Break Poker Classic held CONTRIBUTING EDITOR at the Beau Rivage in Biloxi, Mississippi. 173 players Tom McGee turned out for the $2000 buy in with 1st place paying out $107,455. Not bad for an event that was scheduled on ART DIRECTION short notice. The decision by the MGM Mirage property Tim Kilgore Julian Hart to add this event shows they are committed to making The Coast a premier Poker destination. ARTWORK Many players took advantage of the beautiful weather Keely Caldwell by playing a round of golf at the Beau’s exclusive Fallen Tori McDonald Oak Golf Coarse. The tropical pool was also opened RESEARCH & CONTENT DEVELOPMENT during the Classic. Sun worshipers attending were treated Roberta Caldwell to a Rounder Girl photo shoot. A dozen beauties came from throughout the Southeast in hopes of becoming the WEB DESIGN next Rounder Cover girl. There were plenty of prospects Patrick Gallivan and a fun time was had by all. Chris Jones The Beau Rivage once again proved to be a gracious PHOTOGRAPHY host, providing the girls with a cabana, fruit plates and BabesSyndication.com, Jack Criswell a friendly staff who went out of their way to make Bill Ellison, Robert Glass, Eric D Harkins, everyone feel appreciated. Thanks to the Beau and a Johnny Kampis, Kaden, Nicole Kibert, Max V, special thanks to Ken Lambert. Justin Newman, Eddie Prichett, Adam C. Smith, Neil Stoddard, Mike Trobee, Toni Riales Players looking to accumulate points toward the Rounder of the Year contest may do so at two different CONTRIBUTING WRITERS tournaments in April. Caesars Indiana is hosting a Hank Cashman, Nolan Dalla, WSOP Circuit Event March 30th - April 13th, and the IP Crystalynn Harris, Brian Heptinstall, Susie Isaacs, in Biloxi, Mississippi is hosting the IP poker Classic April Johnny Kampis, Kimberly Lansing, Darlene Least, Claire "Anne" McDonald, Tom “Chips” Mcgee , 2nd - April 13th. Rounder Magazine and the Rounder Ben Pedroche, David Sasseman, Jim Wampol, Girls will be in attendance at the IP Poker Classic, so Jim Spader, Max Shapiro, Al Spath make sure you stop by to say hello. The WPT’s live update hostess, Kimberly Lansing, SALES is on the cover this month. The beautiful and bright Las Coley Sitton (864) 630-3876 Justin Newman (205) 886-5196 Angeles, California native proved she is not just another Evert Caldwell (205) 937-9887 pretty poker face by finishing 8th in the recently held WPT Celebrity Invitational. Apparently she listens to the SUBSCRIPTIONS advice she gets from the top poker pros she interviews at P.O. Box 55973 Birmingham, AL 35255 each WPT event. We recommend you take our advice and ADVERTISING INFORMATION/DISTRIBUTION check out her feature starting on page 38. Roberta Caldwell • [email protected]

MARKETING & PROMOTIONS Hank Sitton • [email protected] Evert Caldwell • [email protected]

Evert Caldwell Editor 20,000 copies of Rounder Magazine are printed each month by Boyd Brothers, Inc. contact Rounder Magazine (205) 856-0966.

4 Rounder April 2008 WIN YOUR SHARE OF A COOL

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9adgpa•ÛDakkakkahhaÛÝÛwww.ipbiloxi.comÛÝÛ1 888 WIN AT IP random rounder Rounder Techno Turns Top 5 Gadgets Of April 2008

SIR, YOUR TABLE…ERR, I MEAN MEAT…IS READY Outdoor grilling is a blast. Standing with your eyes narrowed over the hot stove, however, is not. So why not invest in the Grill Alert® Talking Remote Thermometer? It’s a specialized transmitter and receiver specially designed for handling your meat. Insert to the stainless steel probe into the center of the meat, select the type of meat, and choose how you want it cooked. The wireless transmitter will now send temperature readings to the receiver from up to 300 feet away. You can also clip the receiver to your belt, so you can get away from the grill and socialize with your friends/guests or handle any other urgent business. The display on the receiver will show target and current cooking temperatures while the bar graph tracks your cooking progress. There’ll be a voice alert when your meat is “almost ready” and “ready”. The display is also equipped with a backlight for nighttime use. Price is $75. Available exclusively at www.brookstone.com

THE HOYLE CASINO EMPIRE FORGET UP YOUR SLEEVE… FOR WINDOWS, MAC WEAR IT ON THERE Each level of this Virtual Vegas provides Have all the aces up your sleeve with players with new objectives, challenges, these stylish cufflinks that are the ideal and an opportunity to gain prestige, wealth, gift for the poker player, and would and status. Along the way, gamers meet a look great on a night out to the casino, host of helpful characters and have the full poker night with the guys, or that resources of their growing casino empire weekend in Vegas. Presented in a black at their disposal. From milking the big velvet box. $39.99 spenders, to positioning the most popular slot machines near the cash machines, it’s all Vegas, all the time with Casino Empire. Plus, it comes with a great quality games book for any casino beginner—hours & hours of great fun here. Pricing starts at a reasonable $9.99 at—among other retailers—Amazon.com.

SKULL-CANDY FOR YOUR IPHONE NOVATEL WIRELESS OVATION U727… iPhone users will definitely get a kick out of the Skull Candy Novatel’s Ovation U727 USB iPhone FMJ headphones. Designed with the iPhone in mind, modem stick provides a high-speed they come equipped with longer port plug-in. They also connection just about anywhere. have a microphone built in, as well as a button to pause the Too bad the Donner Party couldn’t music or hang up a phone call. The headphones are made get their hands on one. With data of a durable material that is designed for users on the go. download speed bursts to 3.1 For those that aren’t iPhone Mbps and upload speed bursts to users, the FMJ works great in 1.8 Mbps, you can get more done other headphone jacks as faster. And, the Novatel Ovation well, giving clearer and, in U727 broadband card offers a some cases, louder sound. first for Sprint - a built in microSD You can purchase the memory card slot for portable file iPhone FMJ on the Skull storage! Plus, there’s a built-in GPS Candy site for about receiver for your location-based $79.95. services software ♦

6 Rounder April 2008 Strange but true headlines from around the country.

DEATH IS NO EXCUSE! NO PLACE IN CHUCK E. CHEESE SAVE THE HORSE, RIDE ALONE 91 year old Ralph Ridenour’s at- FOR HEPATITIS Wilcox Memorial Hospital in torney’s were in court in mid march Manheim Township, Pa. police were Lihue Hawaii isn’t going to back trying to argue that Ridenour dispatched to the local Chuck E. down from their “no horse in wasn’t fit to stand trial. The one Cheese to help subdue a crazy man. hospital” policy. A man entered excuse they didn’t use to help their When they got there, they noticed the hospital early in march with client was the fact that he had died that the man had been spitting on his ailing relative’s stallion and in mid February. He was charged everyone and yelling, “I have Hepa- took the elevator to the 3rd floor. with attempted sexual assault titis C!” Once the police got him As soon as the door opened, the through the use of force and false in custody, they charged him with man and his horse were met by imprisonment. Ridenour’s relatives one count of disorderly conduct. security who escorted them back requested a do-not-acknowledge Employees at “The cheese” closed out. Even funnier was the fact that order after he passed on which the restaurant down and have been the relative was brought to see the meant that even Ridenour’s at- sanitizing the facility. According horse, but upon seeing the horse torneys were left completely in the to the Centers for Disease Control, exclaimed, “That’s not my horse!” dark about his death. hepatitis C is not transmitted via saliva. It is transmitted from one SPRING BREAK EXPLOSION ENGAGEMENT RING, person to another through blood. In Several spring breakers were WEDDING RING, SUFFERING rare cases, the virus can be spread arrested in Daytona Beach Fl. Diane Carnes was all set to get mar- through sexual contact. Thank god This month after setting off a ried on a Tuesday afternoon at the for Mr. Cheese and friends! small stick of dynamite on a 3rd courthouse in Scotts Bluff county, floor hotel balcony. The damages Nebraska. Unfortunately, she found STUDENT USES YELLOW JUSTICE included 3 safety windows and herself in handcuffs shortly before A student in Orlando Florida a metal light pole, which totaled the event was set to get underway. did what his teacher told him to around $2,000. “They’re really Carnes had threatened a woman do. He took her lunch box and nice guys, they were just really who had served on the jury of urinated in it behind a bookcase! drunk yesterday,” said spring Carnes’ felony charges for driving Since the incident, the teacher breaker Dan McDonough. “We under license suspension. County has been placed on administrative saw ‘em before dark and they were officials served her with the arrest leave and is awaiting to be so wasted that I don’t think they warrant as she was standing in front interviewed. The student’s mother remember doing that.” ♦ of her wedding party. has been on several news networks airing her disgust in the matter.

Plenty Of Chances To Win WSOP Seats Online WITH LESS THAN TWO MONTHS to go before the 39th double shootout sit-n-go’s, $33 with rebuys tournaments and annual World Series of Poker begins, online poker sites are steps. Popularized by Party Poker, the steps have recently getting ready to send thousands of players to the main event been implemented by PokerStars as a means of qualifying yet again. into major land based events. For as low as $7.50 or 500 Most all of the major sites are running satellites into the frequent player points, players can try to move up the six main event, though with the new regulations following the steps to a main event package worth $12,500. Players who Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act players usually wear PokerStars gear in the main event also get a free stay get the $10,000 (or more depending on the package) placed at the Palms and are eligible for cash bonuses for appearing into their account and have the option of using it to play in on televised tables. the WSOP. Full Tilt Poker is holding its standard array of qualifiers, PokerStars, which has sent the most players to the as well. Tuesday and Wednesday nights feature tournaments WSOP historically, is running its usual slew of qualifiers, with two seats guaranteed, with $200 + $16 and $300 + including the big $650 Sunday afternoon satellite, $215 $22 buy ins respectively. Thursday is the $1,000 + $60 buy

www.roundermagazine.com 7 random rounder

in with five seats guaranteed, and Sunday is a $500 + $35 players get $10,000 to be used for any WSOP event they buy in with two more seats guaranteed. On June 15, FTP choose, Doyle’s Room gear that includes autographed will hold its annual 150 main event seat guarantee with a leather bound copies of both Super System books, and a buy in of $500. Full Tilt is also giving away 50 free seats personal photo and strategy session with Doyle Brunson with Sunday freerolls offering three seats each weekend. and other poker professionals. Players can earn their way in through freeroll satellites or by Bodog is offering up thrice weekly $250 + $20 earning 3,000 player points in a week. If you win your seat qualifiers for a $12,000 main event package. Each qualifier through Full Tilt and win the WSOP main event, the site will on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday will guarantee one give you an additional $10 million. seat. There were overlays in past years so this might be one In addition to main event entries, players on FTP can to watch. Bodog also offers numerous satellites to get into win $2,000 WSOP preliminary event packages in regular the $270 qualifier on the cheap. satellites, and on June 8 the site is offering a $1,000 If you check around at some of the smaller sites, there qualifier for the $50,000 HORSE event with two seats are overlays in some of the qualifiers or satellites into the guaranteed. qualifiers. Carbon Poker and PokerShare have had nice Doyle’s Room is offering weekly qualifiers in which overlays in the past. Look around for the best values. ♦

The Values Of Teaching Texas Hold'em BY DAVID SASSEMAN

IT WAS MY FATHER that first taught the third most watched sports show arithmetic through Texas hold'em. me odds. I was 10 year old and the on cable TV. A Harvard Law School Professor, game was gin rummy. I am sure Besides learning about odds, Charles Nesson, has been in the news that is what made formulas in math, risk & reward, and thinking ahead, promoting poker as a wonderful way chemistry, and physics so much fun. hold'em can teach psychological and to engage peoples minds and expand Applying math and logic to real life social skills. Poker is a cruel teacher, thought. This is a learning tool that at that age, or any age, has a big influ- if you do not have patience or know can be used as early as sixth grade, and ence. He would state, what seems ob- how to "get into someone else's head," in college to produce sharper lawyers, vious now, "Think ahead, maximize you will lose. A player is rewarded for businessmen, and real estate profes- your chance of winning by throwing adjusting to different situations and sionals. Besides teaching mathematics away a good card now." This game personalities. The decisions come so and strategy, it teaches how to see influenced decisions I made in the fast and furious that multi-level think- from another's persons point of view, future. Cards are a great learning tool ing becomes just part of the game. "it is just a marvelous game for being and Texas hold'em is a thrilling way I taught my Great Nephews, able to see what a situation looks to learn all kinds of life's mysteries. Hunter and Mathew hold'em. It is a like from the other side". During an Texas hold'em has the action of game that can be taught very easily. interview captured on YouTube.com, ten mini-movies every hour. Like a drama, each hand has a beginning, Cards are a great learning tool and Texas middle, and end where twists & turns hold'em is a thrilling way to learn all kinds of abound. Whether you are rooting for your favorite player on TV, or playing life's mysteries. hold'em live, the game is simply thrill- At first, they both wanted to call ev- Professor Nesson says poker is a game ing and, the more you know about the erything or just go all-in for the fun of skill, "It is an incredibly elegant game the more intriguing the game of it. I immediately imposed the sit game." "It is one where your move becomes. Poker has seduced many out one hand every time you lose all depends on what the other person's players into learning probability. The you chips rule. Now Mathew is only move is going to be." mathematics of the game are discussed 8 years old but after he realized there So teach kids poker and use it as at live poker tables, at work, and at were consequences for his calling an a jumping off point for life's values. home The odds of winning are shown all-in bet with bottom pair he said, "I Teach how to apply the probability on the TV screen. Mike Sexton, Gabe am so stupid... so stupid... " I knew theory, patience, discipline, how to (Mr. Kotter) Kaplan, and Norman he learned a big lesson in life lesson focus on short and long term goals Chad talk about 'outs'. This fun and that day. and evaluate all variables while having intrigue has helped poker emerge as One learns reading, writing, and a relaxing, fun and social game. ♦

8 Rounder April 2008 LGT16252-100KPokerTournament:Layout 1 2/29/08 4:52 PM Page 1

ALL-NEW POKER LAS VEGAS ROOM

The All-New Poker Room at The Orleans will Pay $100,000 to Determine The Best Tournament Poker Player in Las Vegas! Here’s How We Intend To Do It... Play in any of our scheduled DAILY No-Limit Tournaments. (Now through December, 2008). You’ll receive points for finishing in the money. Monthly and year-end cash prizes will be awarded to tournament players earning the most points.

* Top 3 Monthly Point Winners Will Share $5,000 ** Top 9 Year-End Point Winners Will Share $100,000 *** First Place Year-End Winner Will Receive $50,000 *MONTHLY PRIZES 1st Place: $2,500 • 2nd Place: 1,500 • 3rd Place: $1,000 **YEAR-END PRIZES 1st Place: $50,000 • 2nd Place: 25,000 • 3rd Place: $10,000 4th Place: $5,000 • 5th through 9th Places: $2,000 each ***First place winner will also receive a gold bracelet for being named 2008 Player Of The Year

24-Hour Poker is Presented in the All-New Poker Room at the Orleans Winner of Three “Best of Gaming” Awards BEST POKER ROOM • BEST POKER TOURNAMENTS BEST PLACE TO PLAY LIVE POKER random rounder Rounder Girl Promotions at the Beau Rivage Spring Break Classic in Biloxi, Mississippi.

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(1) Eric Harkins gets focused on Erin (2) Brittany was all smiles during her photo shoot at the Beau Rivage pool (3) Heather with the Rounder Girls (4) Clonie Gowen, Kristy Gazes, and Ron Rubens of the WPT Boot Camp with the Rounder Girls (5) Ken Lambert with the Rounder Girls.

10 Rounder April 2008 5 (6) Timothy Miles stops by to say hello to the Rounder Girls (7) Future Rounder Girl Ashley with Rounder Girls Nicole and Erin (8) William 'T-Bird' Goff with Nicole, Erin and Catherine

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Poker room at The Venetian during a Tournament at the Deep Stack Extravaganza I in February The 2008 Deep Stack Extravaganza at the Venetian The second installment of the deep stack extravaganza series will kick off on April 4 and run though April 25 inside The Venetian Poker Room. Tournaments begin at 6pm and consist of a $330 buy-in with $4,500 in starting tournament chips. A $10 staff bonus is available for an additional $1,500 in chips. Daily satellites will be held throughout each tourna- ment in the series giving players an affordable oppor- tunity to participate in any or all of the main events. Winners of the satellites will be given tournament entry lamers that can be used during the Deep Stack tournament or any of the daily tournaments regularly 7 scheduled at The Venetian. Lamars cannot be used for cash play. Additionally, every player of the tournament will receive a $10 food credit upon registration. Tournament dates are subject to change. Visit www.venetian.com or call The Venetian Poker Room at (702) 414-7657 for the most up to date information and complete tournament details.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino-Biloxi SIT & GO SUNDAYS—Sunday 4 am - Monday 4 am The Poker Room will start a list for a Sit & Go single tournament and when there are 10 active players the tournament will begin. There will be 4 levels of sit and go tournament: $75.00, $125.00, $235.00 & $550.00

Payout for the $75.00 Sit & Go: ($75.00 Sit & Go start with $1000.00) 1st—$275.00 2nd—$165.00 3rd—$115.00 8 Payout for the $125.00 Sit & Go: ($125.00 Sit & Go start with $1500.00) 1st—$490.00 2nd—$295.00 3rd—$195.00

Payout for the $235.00 Sit & Go: ($235.00 Sit & Go start with $2000.00) 1st—$1005.00 2nd—$605.00 3rd—$400.00

Payout for the $550.00 Sit & Go: ($550.00 Sit & Go start with $3000.00) 1st—$2545.00 2nd—$1530.00 3rd—$1015.00

For More information call 228.276.7177 or 87 7.RUROCKN ext. 7177 or 8161

www.roundermagazine.com 11 beyond the rail

12 Rounder April 2008 What’s In A Name? Discovering the IP Casino Resort and Spa BY TOM “CHIPS” MCGEE

WHEN IT FIRST OPENED ITS DOORS, the IP Casino Resort and Spa was known as the Imperial Palace. Today, IP stands for … well, IP. It has long been one of my favorite places to pursue a Royal Flush, but recently, I had the opportunity to take a closer look at the property – and to my delight – I discovered Wthe many things that the initials “IP” stand for. INSPIRING PFACILITIES The IP is growing. The facility is undergoing a variety of renovations to the gaming areas and the restaurants. The movie theaters are gone – soon to be replaced with, Tien an authentic fine dining Asian fusion venue. The slot and table games are ex- panding, and there’s a special new poker room being designed for poker enthusiasts. IP is also doubling the size of the current IP Showroom in order to ac- commodate up to 1,400 guests and to expand their impressive roster of world-class entertainment. have much more space – you won’t have to dodge The check-in process is quick, and the staff is chairs, tables or other players as you move around. friendly and efficient. Clearly, the focus is on cus- We’ve ordered some very comfortable chairs for tomer service and making guests happy. Even the players who like long sessions, and the room will automated wake-up service has a HUMAN backup be enclosed so the noise from the casino floor who to make sure you have everything you need! won’t be a distraction. Our already great food The comfortable sleeping rooms and well- service will be upgraded for the new area. We can’t appointed suites are inviting after a night of food, wait until it opens.” gaming and entertainment. I’ve had the opportuni- Poker tournaments are frequent and Sterling ty to stay in several different rooms at IP, and they and his staff have adopted the mantra, “IP--where have always been in perfect condition. tournaments are done right!” A number of daily tournaments are offered and this month, the IP INTENSE POKER Poker Classic hits the beach with a cool million IP Poker Room Manager Jim Sterling is passionate on the line. Several tournaments are scheduled about the game and constantly looking for ways to with guaranteed prize pools of up to $75,000 and make his guests’ experiences the very best. The IP’s $100,000. Check IP’s website at www.ipbiloxi.com already player-friendly environment is about to be for complete information. There is also a big tour- kicked up a notch, by moving it downstairs… to ney scheduled for late October. Look for details the main casino floor. soon in Rounder. “We are very excited about the new poker Sterling expects IP’s new poker room to be up room,” said Sterling. “We’re moving it from the and running in the early summer. third floor to the first. The new poker room will “IP is constantly changing and improving as it undergoes a major multi-million dollar expansion. “IP is constantly changing and improving We don’t have a set date for our move, because as it undergoes a major multi-million dollar all the construction projects are intertwined. IP’s new look will be fantastic – it is worth waiting for,” expansion. IP’s new look will be fantastic – it explains Sterling. is worth waiting for,” Despite the number of renovations, casino

www.roundermagazine.com 13 beyond the rail

brighter lighting, comfy arm chair and a flat screen TV. My wife opted for two treatments – a facial with an aesthetician name Jessica and a full-body massage from therapist Shelly. “It was wonderfully pampering,” Susan said. “Jessica massaged away tension and treated me to guests are not inconvenienced. Management has suc- warm, steamy towels that were just heavenly.” ceeded in keeping the construction from distracting She also provided professional facial care tips, in- from the IP experience. Other than the signs of con- cluding ideas for treating Susan’s perpetually pink skin. struction you can see in the parking deck, there’s little And don’t let the term “facial” fool you. The treatment to suggest the amount of work truly going on. also includes massaging the shoulders, arms and hands with lotions. INTENSE PLEASURE For the massage, Susan said Shelly provided just Whether you’re male or female, the IP offers a treat at the right combo of relaxing, gentle massage with the it spa and salon, which is appropriately named “Senses.” deep tissue treatment that Susan’s Type A stress level A full-service spa, it is truly a treat for all the senses. It’s requires. “The hour just flew by.” visually stunning, filled with soft, relaxing music and From start to finish, “Senses” lives up to its promise smells fresh and clean without a trace of that antiseptic as one of the South’s best spas. One patron, a Floridian, odor that some spas have. Tucked away on one end of told Susan that she thought you had to go to Miami to the hotel’s first floor, its serene atmosphere is a welcome get treatment like she found at IP. respite from the hustle and bustle of the casino floor. The services run from the sublime to the sinful. You INCREDIBLE PFOOD can get a variety of manicures, pedicures (including one Chef Stephen Morgan, Vice President IP Food & Bever- specifically for flip-flop wearers) and hair services. And age, takes food preparation and guest services seriously. oooh, the massages. The spa offers treatments of 50 to He and his staff work diligently to bring excellent food 80 minutes with everything from deep tissue massages to every hungry patron. Morgan oversees every detail of (for the deeply stressed) to the warm stone massage, food operations, down to the selection of every utensil. which just melts away your worries. You can go it alone Starting as a dishwasher in New Jersey and then moving or take your spouse. There are even services for the on to the Culinary Institute of America, the Waldorf moms and moms-to-be. Astoria in New York, the Ritz Carlton, Morgan’s culi- When you arrive, you are shown to dressing area nary background is quite impressive. where you change (privately) into a sinfully soft robe IP offers guests everything from a AAA Four and given a locker to hold your clothes, etc. Then one Diamond restaurant to a hotdog cart. Let’s start at the of the friendly spa staff will give you a quick tour of top, literally. The casino’s flagship restaurant is perched the facility, which includes a rain shower, a hot tub area on the top floor of the hotel tower the 32 floors up. and a variety of large and small treatment rooms. You’ll Appropriately named thirty-two, it offers a wonder- wait for your treatment in your choice of the single-sex ful menu of choice beef, fresh seafood from around lounge or the co-ed lounge. In the co-ed area, the lights the world and over 500 different wines in a collection and music are soft and the room is sprinkled with cushy of approximately 6,000 bottles. In the two short years chaise lounges. The single-single sex lounge features since it reopened after Hurricane Katrina, it has won

14 Rounder April 2008 numerous awards, including Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence, an America’s Top Restaurants award from Wine Enthusiast Magazine and the prestigious AAA’s Four Diamond Award. “At thirty-two we offer four different types of fish daily, often flown in from all over the world,” said Mor- gan. “We only have the finest aged beef – only the best of the best. We make changes to the menu each season so there is always something different for people to enjoy.” And enjoy they do. My wife and I had one of the best meals since my grandmother’s legendary Thanksgiving dinner of 1986 at thirty-two. Our servers, Maggie and Hieu, were attentive, funny and personable. Harry, our somme- lier (aka, the wine guy), was masterful in his choice of our wines and generous with his time and knowledge. The French onion soup was hearty and delicious. The onions were crispy and flavorful and the broth was Try This At Your Next Poker Party perfectly seasoned. My wife was equally impressed with the lobster bisque. Creamy and delicious, it was loaded Jersey Breakfast Dog with lobster and flavored with just the right touches of INGREDIENTS: brandy and herbed garlic butter. It was a great indica- 1 beef hot dog tion of the treats to come. 1 strip bacon Our steaks with St. Michelle topping were perfect. 1 large egg The veggies were delicious, especially the crispy grilled 1 slice American or cheddar cheese asparagus. A variety of wonderful deserts were a perfect 1 bun ending to a completely satisfying meal. And if you can, PROCEDURE: make your reservations for just before sunset and ask 1. Preheat deep fryer to 355°F. for a window table. The view overlooking the bay and 2. Wrap bacon around the hot dog, securing at each the city of Biloxi is breathtaking. end with a toothpick. And coming soon … Tien. This one-of-a-kind restau- 3. When oil reaches 355°F, lower wrapped hot dog into fryer. rant will offer a variety of Asian cuisine in a very unique 4. Heat frying pan and fry one egg. atmosphere. Chef Morgan traveled Shanghai to research 5. Place cooked egg on a small plate. dishes and even to choose the dinnerware. “We wanted 6. Open bun and place onto frying pan on low heat or in to do something different. We have Japanese, Korean, toaster oven to lightly toast. Thai, Chinese, and Vietnamese chefs. We are building the 7. When bacon is firm and crispy, remove hot dog from oil. restaurant so the people will want to come back again and 8. Place slice of cheese onto egg and microwave for again.” Tien will feature Asian wines, sakes and tradi- 7-10 seconds. tional dishes from a variety of Far East cultures. The new 9. Place egg and cheese onto bun. restaurant is expected to open in early May. 10. Remove toothpicks from hot dog, and add to bun. 11. Add condiments and serve. ILLUMINATING PNIGHTS I’m too old to boogie, although I do an occasional boog-a-loo. However, for those so inclined, IP offers the Chill Ultra Lounge with refreshing specialty drinks and live entertainment. On Thursday nights ladies who wear something red get a drink on the house! And of course, the casino floor has almost every table game you can imagine, slots loaded with bells and whistles, friendly dealers and attractive servers. Put IP Casino Resorst & Spa on your list of places to visit, play, relax and just have fun. Bring your appetite and your sense of adventure. I know you’ll agree – IP stands for Instant Pfun! ♦

www.roundermagazine.com 15 Q & A

Q TELL US ABOUT THE SERIES Q YOU MENTION THERE ARE YOU’VE GOT COMING UP IN APRIL. MORE TABLES ON THE COAST A The event begins April 2-13 we’re NOW THAN BEFORE THE STORM. running $200 up to $2,000. The main DO YOU THINK THIS IS IN event will be $2,000. The tournament RESPONSE TO A NEED FOR MORE gets bigger and bigger every year so POKER IN THE AREA? we’re looking forward to it. A Before you had the Grand Biloxi, We have some nice guarantees the Beau opened for a little while and on the 4th, 5th and 6th of April. We’re then closed their room and then you going to be guaranteeing some pretty had the Gulfport room. Well, with the big money on the main events those Grand not reopening their room the days. Satellites will be running and IP came in and opened their 16-table we’re guaranteeing all of our second room and then the Beau opened and chance tournaments. We have my now you’ve got all the other casinos turbo tournament that I started at around here opening up their rooms. I midnight that we ran every night last think each casino saw a way of getting year. It’s a cheap $60 tournament that more players to come through their everybody gets in and has a good time, doors by opening poker rooms. At first, and I’m working on a few surprises and when the IP opened they were slam Q & A with extra stuff and bonuses. We want to let busy all the time. As the room kept everyone have a good time and come opening you still have a large amount Ron Prevost and enjoy themselves. of players, but they’re being divided up among everyone. So the casinos RON PREVOST IS THE POKER shift Q DO YOU THINK THE GROWTH are opening up their rooms to bring manager and tournament coordinator THAT WE’VE SEEN IN POKER THE more people in. I’m not sure it was in for the IP Casino Resort Spa in LAST FIVE YEARS CAN CONTINUE? response to there not being enough Biloxi. This month he will helm the A I think the growth will continue. The tables on the coast. casino’s biggest annual event the difference now is there are a lot more R Q IP Poker Classic. poker tournaments around. If you’ve IT’S SORT OF A KEEPING noticed, the big tournaments have UP WITH THE JONESES, IN Q HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE started to drop in numbers, but there’s OTHER WORDS. POKER BUSINESS? a lot more regional tournaments A Yeah, it’s hard to be a full amenities A First, right before I turned 21, I was everywhere. I think the number of casino if you don’t have a poker room. in a blackjack school in Baton Rouge, players are going up, but they’re being A lot of casinos want to offer everything Louisiana, working for Casino Rouge spread out over more properties, more to everybody and it is a way to get and I dealt blackjack, craps and several tournaments, more events. players in who would not come into other table games for about a year. your casino if there wasn’t a poker And then they taught me poker. Q SO MAYBE IT GIVES THE room there. APPEARANCE THAT POKER Q HOW DID YOU END UP AT THE IP? COULD BE SHRINKING WHILE IT’S DO YOU FEEL THAT HOLDING A Moving from Baton Rouge, I went ACTUALLY NOT? POKER TOURNAMENTS IN BILOXI to New Orleans at Treasure Chest and A I know in this market there are more IS A WAY OF HELPING THE then to Harrah’s. I became a shift tables now than before the storm, and COMMUNITY COME BACK? manager and supervisor and then if you add up the number of players Anytime you bring extra people who they needed someone to run some who play on any given night we have don’t live here to come stay in the tournaments. We did some big one- more players now, but it looks like hotels, go eat out at restaurants, shop day events and I kind of fell into being there’s less because they are spread in the area, it’s good. We’ve brought the tournament director. And then Jim out over five or six different rooms. in a lot of people who have never been [Sterling, the poker room manager] Whereas before there were only two big to the area before so it’s good for the came over and recruited me over here rooms down here. Now they are spread area, it’s good for poker. ♦ and I’ve been here for about two out among two big rooms and a bunch years now. of little rooms.

16 Rounder March 2008 WIDESPREAD PANIC’S NEW RELEASE ‘FREE SOMEHOW’ IN STORES NOW

SPRING TOUR 2008

Apr 1 Warner Theatre Washington, DC Apr 19 The Wharf Orange Beach, AL

Apr 2 Warner Theatre Washington, DC Apr 20 The Wharf Orange Beach, AL

Apr 4 United Palace New York, NY Apr 22 Johnny Mercer Theatre Savannah, GA

Apr 5 United Palace New York, NY Apr 23 Johnny Mercer Theatre Savannah, GA

Apr 6 Palace Theatre Albany, NY Apr 25 Walnut Creek Amph. Raleigh, NC

Apr 9 US Bank Arena Cincinnati, OH Apr 26 Walnut Creek Amph. Raleigh, NC

Apr 11 Auditorium Theatre Chicago, IL Apr 27 Landmark Theater Richmond, VA

Apr 12 Auditorium Theatre Chicago, IL Apr 29 Township Auditorium Columbia, SC

Apr 13 Auditorium Theatre Chicago, IL May 1 Jazzfest New Orleans, LA

Apr 16 Murphy Center Murfreesboro, TN May 2 Showgrounds @ Sam Houston Houston, TX

Apr 18 The Wharf Orange Beach, AL May 3 Nokia Theatre Dallas, TX sports and leisure

ies of all time.) sightings, usually players from the big "You know, you never handle your leagues trying to recover from an injury, luggage in the show; somebody else or from a slump, but for the most part, carries your bags ... You hit white balls it's a very casual environment. for batting practice, the ballparks are NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events like cathedrals, the hotels all have room are definitely the majors. A fan could service ..." says Davis to one of his Dur- get whiplash just trying to take it all in, ham Bulls teammates. from the Clydesdales over here to a I'll admit that does sound a lot like live concert performance over there to the Sprint Cup Series. The finest equip- a movie star grand marshal whizzing ment is always in use; the venues are past in a golf cart on the other side of some of the largest and grandest in all the fence. All this before the drivers are of sports. And I have personally never even introduced and a period of high- seen Jeff Gordon schlepping his suit- speed competition lasting longer than case up the stairway at any Speedway some Vegas marriages begins. NASCAR Slumberland location, although I'm At a NASCAR Nationwide not saying he wouldn't be willing to Series event, the races (and the do that, if the need ever arose. Which television broadcasts) are shorter, and is unlikely. therefore produce longer periods of But America's second-most popular intense action. form of motorsports, despite slightly An early mistake in a 500-mile different equipment and smaller pay- event can sometimes be overcome, Guest Column By checks, isn't necessarily second best in but in a shorter event competitors must Cathy Elliott the eyes of fans. Many actually prefer it race their hardest from green flag to to Cup racing, and the "minor league" checkered, and the margin for error is IT GETS A LITTLE UPSETTING at times, reference carries some credence. much slimmer. when one of NASCAR's rare "off" week- A large percentage of people in Five hundred mile races can last ends rolls around, to hear the inevitable the US have attended baseball games four or more hours, but Nationwide lament, "Aw, man, there's no race this at both major and minor league parks. Series events run about half that long. Iweekend." The fields look the same. The conces- They are perfect for families with small Let's correct that statement right sion stands post the same laminated children, who bring short attention off the bat, because it is inaccurate. Soft drinks-Hot dogs-Peanuts-Pretzels- spans to the track along with their The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series does Popcorn-and-Beer menus. Fans proudly sippy cups. not compete every week, it is true, but wear the jerseys of their favorite players. Then there are the players. Many even when the nation's premier racing There is a difference, though. The of the two series' competitors don't just series is enjoying a couple of rare and atmosphere at a stadium like Wrigley appear to be identical; they really are. well-deserved days off, there is plenty of Field or Camden Yards is more formal, Since the early days of the NASCAR action for fans to enjoy, and some seri- somehow. The organ music seems to Nationwide Series, many NASCAR ous stargazing to be done. swell more loudly. The grass looks, and Sprint Cup drivers have used their days Every off weekend for the NASCAR smells, greener. The players, with last off to compete there, for a number Sprint Cup Series in 2008, beginning names like Jeter, Pujols and Smoltz, ap- of different reasons – to gain more with Easter weekend in March and pear larger than life. "seat time", for example, or to familiar- ending in mid-July, features a NASCAR At minor league parks, things tend ize themselves with a particular track. Nationwide Series race. to be more laid-back. There may be Some just want to race. It is their hobby The Nationwide Series, often de- some wacky promotions going on – in as well as their job. scribed as "NASCAR's Triple-A," is at its "Bull Durham," it was "Hit Cow, Win In recent years, those claiming that core a proving ground for drivers look- Steak" – or a fly ball chasing dog in the NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers racing in ing to move up to the top tier of racing. outfield. There are occasional star- the NASCAR Nationwide Series take In NASCAR, of course, this lofty height is the Sprint Cup Series. In baseball, it is the major leagues, de- April 2008 Nascar Schedule scribed by Kevin Costner's Crash Davis DATE VENUE EASTERN TV character in the movie "Bull Durham" as "the show". ("Bull Durham" gener- 4/6/2008 Samsung 500 (Fort Worth, TX) 2:15 PM FOX ated renewed national interest in and 4/12/2008 Subway Fresh Fit 500 (Avondale, AZ) 8:45 PM FOX enthusiasm for minor league baseball 4/27/2008 Aaron's 499 (Talladega, AL) 2:20 PM FOX when it was released in 1988, and is considered one of the best sports mov- 5/3/2008 Crown Royal 400 (Richmond, VA) 7:45 PM FOX

18 Rounder April 2008 opportunities away from the series regu- he considered that a bad thing. When Point Standings lars, who are often younger and less he picks himself up off the floor and experienced, have criticized this practice. finally stops laughing, I'm thinking he'll # DRIVER CAR PTS While there may be some validity in this tell you he liked it. A lot. 1 Kyle Busch 18 782 view, the fact remains that the premier As Tom Hanks once stated so series’ superstars do attract large crowds succinctly on the silver screen, "There's 2 Greg Biffle 16 752 and generate a tremendous amount of no crying in baseball". (Okay, different 3 Kevin Harvick 29 749 fan interest, ultimately drawing more movie, but it's still a cool line.) attention to the lesser-known series and The same applies to NASCAR. 4 Jeff Burton 31 745 making more money for the venues. Let's not bemoan the absence of the 5 Dale Earnhardt Jr. 88 686 This is not specific to NASCAR, by NASCAR Sprint Cup Series during its any means. If you don't believe it, ask breaks – it always comes back – and 6 Kasey Kahne 9 674 the manager of the Birmingham Barons settle in for a wild ride with the NA- 7 Tony Stewart 20 656 how game attendance was affected SCAR Nationwide Series, during "on" when a former basketball player by the weekends as well as "off" ones. 8 Ryan Newman 12 635 name of Michael Jordan decided to try In NASCAR, there is no such thing 9 Clint Bowyer 7 606 his hand at minor league baseball for a as an "off" weekend. season or two. Then ask the manager if It's always Game On. ♦ 10 Kurt Busch 2 605

THE AZALEAS ARE BLOOMING and the fairways are freshly mowed. It’s almost Masters time again and play- ers are itching for their first crack at a major win in GOLF 2008. As we count down the days until April 10, let’s look at some burning questions for this year’s event, Twhat you might call the Super Bowl of golf. Will a rookie win this year? It’s tough for a first timer to win a green jacket with the pres- Burning Questions sure in this event, but there is a handful that could have a shot. Argentinean Andres Romeo finished third at last year’s at the Masters British Open and will try his hand at this major. Swede BY JIMMY SPADER Daniel Chopra won the Mercedes Championship earlier this year and is hot. California native Nick Whatley is also fresh off a win at the Zurich Classic in New Orleans. Country boy Bubba Watson of Florida tied for fifth at last year’s PGA Championship while his fellow Floridian Boo Weekley was a top 30 money winner in 2007.

Can Zach Johnson repeat? Johnson will try to be the first player since Tiger Woods in Johnson has won three times on the PGA Tour, and all 2001-2002 to win in back-to-back years. He took the title of those victories have taken place in Georgia. Could April in 2007 by shooting a final round 69 for a one-over total 2008 mark his fourth victory in the state? Not if Tiger has of 289. He won by two strokes over Woods, Rory Sabbatini anything to say about it. and Retief Goosen. “I’m looking forward to defending my title this year. Can anyone tame Tiger? It’s been a nice roller coaster and we’re excited to be on Some might argue that the recent halting of Woods’ it,” he said during the annual defending champions’ con- victory streak could actually help his quest for another ference call last month. Masters win. It’s long been argued that a loss right before Johnson didn’t try for a single par 5 green in two shots the playoffs can help a team stay loose. Maybe if the last year, choosing instead to lay up and try to pitch and putt New England Patriots had lost that final regular season for birdie. This conservative approach he picked up from matchup with the New York Giants they would have won former Masters champion Larry Mize worked wonders. the rematch when it really mattered. “Those par fives, as long as they are, you can make Perhaps the end of Woods’ attempt to match Byron birdies, and certainly there are a couple of times where I Nelson’s record of 11 consecutive victories will help him could have, or even eagles, but you can also make bogeys focus on the Masters. in a heartbeat.” “You can win every tournament for the entire year, but

www.roundermagazine.com 19 sports and leisure

if you go 0-for-4 in the major championships -- you don’t re- Woods now has 64 career victories, which ties him with ally get remembered for the number of wins in a career. It’s Ben Hogan for third on the all-time PGA Tour list. He has the number of wins in major championships. Those are the said that winning the Grand Slam is “easily within reason.” If biggest events,” Woods recently said. this is to be the year, step one begins in April. ♦ A Tainted Game Looks to Shake Off Its Past Jay Gibbons of the Baltimore Orioles – face 15-day suspensions to open the BY JIMMY SPADER Clemens’ reputation in the same man- season from allegations they recently ner that previous steroid discussion used performance-enhancing drugs. derailed the certain Hall nominations Gibbons admitted to receiving a ship- of players like Mark McGwire, Sammy ment of HGH in January 2005. Byrd Sosa and Rafael Palmeiro. and Jerry Hairston Jr. of the Cincinnati The 409-page Mitchell report iden- Reds could also be disciplined for pos- tified 86 players to differing degrees, sible HGH use, but Selig hasn’t made including Barry Bonds, the new home any announcements yet. run king who is looking for a new job In his report, Mitchell pointed out while under indictment on charges the unfair advantage that dishonest ath- he lied to a federal grand jury about letes maintained and raised questions steroids. More notables include Miguel about the validity of baseball records. Tejada, Eric Gagne, Jason Giambi The Hall of Fame soon expects to re- BASEBALL (who has already admitted to ceive the baseball that Bonds hit for his steroid use) and Andy Pettitte record-breaking 756th home run, but (who testified that Clemens had used the ball is now branded with an asterisk performance enhancing drugs). courtesy of fashion designer Mark Ecko. “If there are problems, I wanted He let baseball fans vote on what to do THIS MAY HAVE BEEN the most trou- them revealed,” Commissioner Bud with the ball after he won a bid for the bling off-season in baseball history Selig said at the time of the report’s rawhide at auction. Giving it to the HOF with the release of the Mitchell Report release. “His report is a call to action, with the brand received 47 percent of and the Congressional hearings that and I will act.” the vote. Only 34 percent voted for Ecko followed it. But so far Major League Base- to give it to the Hall with no marks. Peanuts and Cracker Jack? Heh. In ball has taken no steps to discipline A recent USA Today poll found that recent years, if you went to the ballpark players mentioned in the report. No 79 percent of major leaguers believe you were more likely to get steroids and players have been called in for inves- that steroids played a role in the recent Human Growth Hormone. tigatory interviews since Cleveland record-breaking performances, from The Mitchell Report, so named pitcher Paul Byrd spoke with baseball Bonds home run tear to those of McG- after former Senate Majority Leader lawyers Dec. 17, several attorneys with wire and Sosa. George Mitchell, linked seven recent knowledge of the disciplinary process “I believe that, too,” Fay Vincent, baseball MVPs and 31 All-Stars to ste- recently told the Associated Press. baseball commissioner from 1989 to roids and other performance-enhanc- Mitchell recommended that Selig 1992, told the newspaper. “It’s hard to ing drugs. not punish players implicated in his believe that anybody could not believe The focus was placed most heavily report “except in those cases where that.” on Roger Clemens, the seven-time Cy he determines that the conduct is so And 82 percent of fans believe Young Award winner who is eighth on serious that discipline is necessary to that records set by athletes using ste- the all-time wins list with 354 victories maintain the integrity of the game.” roids should be eliminated or kept with and seemed destined to be shown the A drug policy was instituted in a notation. door to the Hall of Fame. Now, they MLB on Sept. 30, 2002, and baseball Despite the reservations of fans may have to change the locks. While officials have said players were unlike- about steroid use in the game, they Clemens was adamant in denying he ly to be disciplined for conduct before continue to head to the ballparks in ever used steroids in testimony before that time. droves, with many clubs setting at- a Congressional committee, it didn’t Selig recently said his review pro- tendance records in recent years. Now seem to convince the panel – they cess was ongoing. “I haven’t made that the dirty secrets of baseball are later asked the Justice Department to any decisions on that yet,” Selig said. being exposed and the league is insti- conduct an investigation into whether “We are working to finish off all of tuting tougher penalties for the use of “The Rocket” perjured himself. The Sen. Mitchell’s recommendations.” illegal performance-enhancing drugs, fallout from the Mitchell report and the Two players – outfielders Jose let’s hope that the game can stay clean Congressional hearing risks tarnishing Guillen of the Kansas City Royals and after coming clean. ♦

20 Rounder April 2008 tips from rounder girls

22 Rounder April 2008 Dating tips PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERIC HARKINS ‹‹ ‹‹ ‹‹ Michelle Kat

Hometown: Birmingham, AL Hometown: Birmingham, AL. Favorite Casino Game: Slots Favorite Casino Game: Blackjack Hobbies: Modeling Hobbies: Horseback riding, working out, water skiing Dating Tip: Best advice is don’t take anyone’s advice. Dating Tip: Be creative and romantic. Girls like to know that you have put some thought and planning Most adventurous thing I have ever done is: Sky into the date. Diving...I jumped out of a plane at 14,000 ft. Something people would never guess about me: I can bait my own hook

www.roundermagazine.com 23 all things rounder

mood immediately changed from many of the girls were gathered festive and happy to somber and sad. around our table. Grandma’s There were three generations beautiful cowboys held up and a of one family on hand, a younger rolling, thunderous applause was woman, her mom and her grand- met by a standing ovation. The man mother. The grandmother, I would was trying to find an escape route. guess was probably in her eighties. Grandma got caught up in the She loved to play on the kitchen excitement and was smiling ear-to- table with her family but this was to ear for the first time that day. She be her first time to play “live” poker. held her umbrella up in triumph Much to our surprise; two guys and spontaneously began to chase came in and made a stink about the culprit while poking at him with wanting to play. They were politely her weapon. She then began swing- turned away. This was not a case ing the umbrella like a sword and of two fun-filled guys dressing in shouting at him, “You get on outta drag and playing for fun, which has here! You know you did wrong and happened more than once on the you know you are not welcome. tournament trail. The two party SHAME ON YOU!” crashers left and returned shortly Guys have dressed in very obvi- with their attorney. They were ous and outrageous drag on a lost begrudgingly allowed to play. A bet or just for fun to enter ladies Chip Chatter hush went through the room and only tournaments for eons, but BY SUSIE ISAACS I assure you it was tension filled as the fun in Southern, California has the word spread about what had turned ugly. Men are entering many happened at the sign-in desk. The ladies events. Two of them have Battle of bad vibes and negative energy aimed brought a lawsuit against LIPS (La- at our intruders was so thick you dies International Poker Series) and the Sexes could almost smell the stench. The another against a casino. What are fellows, at separate tables, seemed you guys thinking? What is next, THE CONTROVERSY OVER Ladies rather uncomfortable. The first the Girl Scouts, the Miss America Only Poker Tournaments rages on. player eliminated was, you guessed contest? It is nothing new. The Commerce it, one of the stinkers. A cheer went I started playing poker regularly began Ladies Only weekends in the up. I happened to be at grandma’s only because of regular weekly ladies Tearly nineties. The sole purpose, in table as was the remaining man. only tourneys in Las Vegas in the addition to pampering us gals and Grandma was not comfortable mid-eighties. The ladies tourneys showing us a great time, was to although all of us at the table were were my nonintimidating segue to recruit new players into the poker trying to make her feel welcome and open-field tournaments, and the rest, world. In August of 1997, during have a good time. The man who was as they say is history. Because of my the Commerce ladies weekend, two red-faced and appeared to be trying great experiences in the ladies fields, things happened that I will never to hide within himself seemed to be I have worked for years to help pro- forget. It began as a festive day and on self-imposed tilt. The first hand mote women in poker. then we heard the terrible news that Grandma played was against him. After deciding to write this Princess Diana had been killed in She had pocket Kings against his article, I asked some friends for an automobile accident. The overall A-Q. By the end of the hand, their opinions. This is what they had to say:

Women-only tournaments are Women-only tournaments are a “safer” place a “safer” place than mixed tourna- ments because they are missing than mixed tournaments because they are the frequently intimidating ele- missing the frequently intimidating element of ment of the male dominated poker the male dominated poker rooms. rooms. Not only do they provide

24 Rounder April 2008 an opportunity for newer women children looking for attention.— men; it’s more a matter of whether poker players to get their feet wet Janis Sexton, Tournament Director or not they want to. To the people on this exciting shore, but they also WSOP Circuit Events. who oppose ladies-only events I say encourage more experienced women lighten up; play the game you prefer players to refi ne and sharpen their Ladies-only tournaments aren't gen- and let others play the game they poker game without the extra pres- der apartheid; they are a matter of prefer. — sure. Don’t get me wrong – ladies’ preference. It’s not about whether Maryann Guberman, Manager, tournaments are very competitive, women can or can’t match wits with Gamblers Book Club, Las Vegas ♦ but at least everyone recognizes that you have a right to be there.— Lisa Adams, Poker Champion and Susie Isaacs is the most published female author on the subject of poker and Author (www.herpokerplace.com) she has a new novel out White Knight, Black Knights, (destined to be a best seller!) Visit her website for full descriptions on all of her books: I believe that if there is a real www.susieisaacsbooks.com. problem with ladies or men only tournaments, that they should sim- ply hold a ladies only and a men's only tournament on the same day with the same entry fee...and have the two fi nal tables combined at the last 20 players, to play off for the UNLIMITED Local & Long Distance Calling winners.—Sarah Casey, Poker Player

According to Lupe Soto, Founder and CEO of LIPS, this is exactly what LIPS is going to do $ this summer at the Orleans Open on July 12. They will hold a mens only and a ladies only tournament 24.99QFS
NPOUI† simultaneously and stop when 50 up ‡ men and 50 women remain. At this Switch to Vonage and Save to $300 a Year on Your Phone Bill ! point - an even fi eld - they will start Say No to Higher Phone Bills! Easy to Switch, Easy to Save another tourney. t
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www.roundermagazine.com 25 all things rounder

I went into my best Teddy KGB Busting My Nutz BY TOM “CHIPS” MCGEE – “Very aggressive. A new day, and you won’t be pushed around. But I EVERY POKER PLAYER IS looking I can’t count the times some butt reraise… “ I didn’t have five Gs but I for one thing – the Nutz. (Please tossing wart squeezer has sucked dramatically shoved in my last $248. note the spelling of the word Nutz out on the river. I can slow play to Seat four damn near jumped out – meaning the best possible cards, perfection, but it seems that most of his chair to shove in the rest of the absolute winner in any given of the time a poop smoking granny his chips and turned over the Jh-3s Ehand – not to be confused with the thumper will draw out on me. for a boat. Not the Nutz, but close nuts – which might be misunder- Just this past weekend I was enough for government work. .. that stood and taken to imply a fondness playing in Biloxi in the fabulous IP slime-covered, nurd poking, lard gur- for … well … nuts. It ain’t that poker room, flirting with the wait- gler! But as I put on my best “nice kind of party.) ress, relaxing and enjoying a won- hand sir” face and gently tapped the We wait for hours, sometimes derful evening of poker when glory table, I realized something. days for a hand that is unbeatable. be... I flopped the Nutz. My AK of It wasn’t the corn squeezing It is even sweeter when you flop diamonds shinned as the flop came nose blower’s fault. It was mine. A it. (Please note flop refers to the 3d-9d-8d. My face didn’t twitch, my pot-sized raise on the flop would placement of the first three com- hand was steady and ne’er a drop of have taken it down. Instead of munity cards in a Texas Hold’em sweat crossed my brow. I was one heading to the ATM, I would have game. It is not a reference to any off the button, so when everyone been stacking some chips. body part, sexual position, action checked to me, I tried to look dis- The problem with the nutz – is or massaging device.) interested as I tapped the felt. The that they swing with every card. Over my many decades of play- turn was the Js. Again check, check, With only a couple of exceptions – ing poker, the one thing that I have check. I bet about half the pot - $7. usually quads and certainly a royal discovered about myself is that I This time, seat four, a squirrely flush – the best hand is fluid Those am a sore looser. I may tell you nice looking huckleberry, raised to $25 pocket A’s are about a 70% win- hand and gently pat the table when – and being the sophisticated player ner heads up. But many is the time your 6-4 off suit takes out my pocket that I am, after much debating and a nice pocket pair has fallen to the aces with a four on the turn and a six a little Hollywood, I smooth called 6-2 off of some sheep-faced muffin on the river – but what I am think- the quarter. The river was the 3c. squeezer. ing is more along the lines of: Seat four bet a biscuit … $100 bucks Our good friend and WSOP You groin beating melon hump- … American. The poor bastard fell bracelet winner Hoyt Corkins told er!. How in the name of all that is right into my trap. me the best advice he had ever got- holy could you possibly make that I had him. I almost felt sorry for ten (and it came from Mr. Doyle call – you ignorant son-of-a-lice- the poor SOB. Almost. At least he Brunson) is never slow-play trips. infested-diarrhea-laden-camel. Are would have the pleasure of watching I believe you Hoyt. I won’t slow you insane? May a passing circus me work my magic as I ship every play anything ever again, and I will elephant drop a load in your new chip in his stack to their final rest- be ready and willing to put on the convertible… may a herpes infected ing place – right next to my decaf breaks if the situation warrants. pit-bull lick you right in the mouth coffee with a splash of amaretto and Better to win a small pot than lose … may a hundred Jehovah Witness’ whipped cream. a big one. And I promise on a stack who are also insurance salesmen and I was already spending the of Super Systems, that the next time Amway distributors move into your money. I have my eye on a new a fish tossing bum grabber wants a neighborhood. high-def TV that will make me feel chance to bust my nutz, he’d better I could go on, but you get the like Kimberly Lansing is doing her bring his wallet. idea. WPT wrap from my living room. Don’t take advice from me – I suck at poker. But from now on, if you sit down at a table with Big "Be ready to shove it all in before you try to Daddy Chips, be ready to shove it all in before you try to catch runner- catch runner-runner to break my nutz, other- runner to break my nutz, otherwise wise the only nose picking hamster tosser I the only nose picking hamster tosser have to blame, is me." I have to blame, is me. ♦

26 Rounder April 2008 A Little Blind Stealing Strategy BY JOHNNY KAMPIS

IF YOU’RE GOING TO SURVIVE with weak or medium hands from to 3 times the big blind anytime I and thrive in no limit hold’em tourna- a position close to the left of the raise, whether it is with A-A or a ment play, you’ll need to master blind blinds. If I’m attempting to steal the blind stealing hand like 7-8. The risk stealing. The term stealing is used blinds I don’t want to try it from just isn’t worth the reward if you Ibecause players often raise the blinds anymore than two spots to the right bet 5 or 6 times the big blind and with mediocre hands in hope of win- of the button. There are too many someone calls or re-raises and you ning the chips in the blinds uncontest- players to your left who could wake ultimately have to fold your unsuc- ed when those players fold. If you’re up with a big hand and re-raise you cessful steal attempt. You’ll have to raising with a big hand like Q-Q or otherwise. steal the blinds 3 or 4 more times A-K, you’re certainly not “stealing.” Don’t risk too much for too little. just to make up for what you lost It can be a tricky thing to steal I generally prefer to raise about 2.5 after your big raise. ♦ blinds. Do it too much and you’ll find a lot of players fighting back by re-raising. Do it too little and you’ll It can be a tricky thing to steal blinds. Do it too much find yourself blinded off when you and you’ll find a lot of players fighting back by re- run out of chips because you haven’t raising. Do it too little and you’ll find yourself blinded been aggressive enough. Here are some tips on blind thievery in tour- off when you run out of chips because you haven’t nament play. been aggressive enough. Don’t steal much early, but do steal a lot late. It’s really not neces- sary to aggressively go after blinds in the early levels of tournaments be- cause the blinds are small relative to Settle IRS everyone’s stack sizes. For example, in many tournaments you might start with 1,500 in chips and the blinds Back Taxes begin at 25-25. You can win 50 in blinds, which represents 3 percent of your starting stack. I’d rather limp for less than what you owe in with a mediocre hand and hope to flop a big hand that I might be able If you qualify we can: to double up with rather than try to

� Stop wage garnishments steal very little in blind money. In

the latter stages of a tournament, � Remove bank levies, tax levies, property seizures the blinds represent a much larger � Stop payment plans that get you nowhere percentage of the average stack and must be fought for at all costs. � Settle state and business payroll tax problems

Steal from the weak. Sit and ob- � Eliminate penalties, interest charges & tax liens serve your table for an hour. You’ll see which players are aggressive and which are timid. Most importantly, you’ll be able to determine who to target as your victim. Go after the If you owe over $15,000 in back taxes, call now blinds of the weak players -- even American Tax Relief with weak hands -- if you think they will fold and you are reasonably 1-800-283-0491 close to the button. Don’t go too crazy from early FREE CONSULTATION • NO OBLIGATION • CONFIDENTIAL position. Don’t try to steal much

www.roundermagazine.com 27 all things rounder

with these dealings. So it came as The Business Side of Backing no surprise that Jason would make BY BRIAN HEPTINSTALL a perfect fit to help Johan and be- come one of UB’s Pro Players. WHEN WE SEE OUR favorite player injury that effectively ended his One year later, Atwood went on TV getting felted in a $10,000 baseball career. back on the road to Aruba. And Main Event, the last thing you After his injury, Atwood went this time, Atwood was approached ever expect to hear from them is, into the business world where he by several other players who were “WhereW am I gonna get the rent worked for companies such as seeking his advice on how to nego- money from now?” AT&T and Washington Mutual in tiate the perfect deal. In fact, it seems almost trivial the vendor management market. At the time, Jason was only do- to them to lose what amounts to This side of business dealt solely ing this for the other players as a fa- a down payment on a house, or a with contract negotiations between vor and hadn’t given much thought new car. The reason for their calm the major businesses and their to doing this full-time. Instead, he demeanor is backing and sponsor- subsidiaries. went on playing with his own hard- ships. But, how does the common While working in vendor man- earned cash and began tearing up man get to this level? First, we’ll agement, Atwood began to play the tournament scene. After some take a look at a man who has taken more often in local card games up time he thought to himself, “How his life lessons and applied them and down the West Coast, which can I sell enough of myself to play to poker. Then he’ll provide some fueled his passion for the game. full-time?” simple tips on how to get backed. He would eventually start going So, in the summer of 2005, Jason Atwood hails from Tu- to WPT events, starting with the Atwood began researching all the alatin, Oregon and he has had his World Poker Challenge in Reno, legal aspects that go along with sell- share of dealing with contracts. An Nv. Here he would make friends ing a piece of his action. The big- avid poker player since his teens, with one of Europe’s most prolific gest key to his business plan would Atwood attended Pacific University poker players, Johan Storakers. be that he wanted to sell units of on a baseball scholarship, where he Jason and Johan started meeting at his winnings over a long period of got his Bachelor’s degree in busi- many events on the WPT. While time, instead of the “handshake” ness. After college, Atwood signed in Aruba in 2005, Johan took 3rd deals before every individual tour- with the Colorado Rockies where in the main event which sparked nament. This would help in two he again dealt with the contracts. interest by Ultimatebet.. Johan ways: One, he wouldn’t have the Two and a half years later, Atwood asked Jason based on his previ- fear of losing his backing after a would blow out his knee in an ous negotiation experience to help bad run in a tournament. Secondly,

As I listened to Atwood tell me this story, one thing popped into my head. Could anyone do this? And when I asked him that very question, his response was quick, “Yes!

28 Rounder April 2008 he wouldn’t be forced into playing to note the date, game selection, you are a winning player, or if you by someone else’s rules. buy-in, live or Internet, field size, need to get that poker resume in Atwood left no stone unturned and your place/payout. order a little more. in his quest to find the right way Track your expenses on any of If you feel like you have become of building a business plan, com- the trips you take. If you get back- a diamond in the rough, now it’s plete with a formula that would ing, you’ll need to know what kind time to see if Jason “The Agent” forecast his yearly winnings. The of traveling money you’ll need. Atwood can get you the dream deal hardest part of his business plan Once you have done this for a you’ve worked so hard for. ♦ would be presenting this to inves- period of a year, you will now have tors who had never played poker the info you need to see if you are before. He would include elements a winning player. You can make Questions and comments can be sent such as: playing with borrowed some rough calculations to see if to [email protected]. money versus scared money; how poker is a game of skill and not simply a game of chance; the legal aspects of backing a player; and MY SOCIAL SECURITY # IS why people need backing in the first place. After a year of compiling all of his research, complete with a formula that would show his win- 457-55-5462 ning forecast, Atwood was ready to put his plan into action. He found I’m Todd Davis, CEO of LifeLock, that once he found the investors, and this really is my social security number.* I’m here just to the hardest part of getting them to prove how safe your identity can be with LifeLock. All of us, no come on board was getting them to matter how careful, can become victims of identity theft. In read his business proposal. Once fact, every three seconds another identity is stolen. Do you ever worry about identity theft? If so, it’s time you got to they read it, Atwood said it was a know LifeLock. We work to stop identity theft before it happens. resounding yes! We’re so confident, we back our clients with a $1 million dollar guarantee. If for any reason you fall victim to identity theft, we As I listened to Atwood tell me will spend up to $1 million to hire the finest professionals to this story, one thing popped into repair the damage and restore your good name. Period. my head. Could anyone do this? Security, peace of mind, protection – that’s what LifeLock provides, along with the added bonus of reduced junk mail And when I asked him that very and pre-approved credit card offers. Normally it’s just question, his response was quick, $10 a month, but now you can try us free for 30 days. “Yes! But, no one’s gonna back Protect yourself, your family and all you’ve worked for. Guarantee your good name today. someone who thinks they’re good. They actually have to show it.” Here’s what LifeLock offers you: And this is the whole reason for this article. ฀ ฀฀฀฀ Everyone who is interested in ฀ ฀฀ becoming a full-time player must ฀ ฀฀฀ have some “street cred” before ฀ ฀฀฀฀฀ they can ask investors to back ฀ ฀฀฀฀ them. Despite being very tight- ฀฀฀฀Call for details lipped about his 60-page business plan; Atwood shared two key 30 DAYS FREE actions for players in order to help them find the free money they Call Today need to achieve. First, and most importantly, 888-215-1391 you must track your tournament *Do not share your wins and losses. Be completely Social Security Number or personal informa- honest with your tracking. Be sure tion unnecessarily. all things rounder

To Straddle Or Not To Straddle BY JIM WAMPOL

TO STRADDLE OR NOT TO straddle this is the question. will most likely have to fold. The best time to straddle is when My position without a doubt is not to straddle. I’ve read many you know you are about to be dealt pocket aces. If you have how to poker books, and have never seen a strategy for us- a way of knowing this I would certainly like to know. ing a straddle. Everything I’ve ever read says straddling is a What’s good about this move? Let’s see, I would only Tbad idea. On the other hand I see those same professional have position pre-flop and I most likely put my money in the players, who wrote the books, straddling in cash games. pot with a bad hand. If I want to outplay my opponent I have So in defense of the straddle, why would a professional do to act before him and hope he doesn’t have a hand. Bad, something that is considered a bad move? A person that has Bad, Bad situation. written about how bad it is to straddle, then turns around I’ve played in some card rooms and casinos where you on national television and straddles. I don’t have the answer can straddle from any position on the table. Some rules for this. It may be they are trying to convey a message that have been, first come first serve, while others give the first they are an action player so they can get action on their best option to the button and passing the option around the table hands. I guess the saying “method to the madness applies”. counterclockwise. Some of these rooms let you straddle any Let’s explore the concept and some scenarios. In most amount so you can see there are some variations. Let’s look casinos the player under the gun, or just to the left of the at this option. big blind, has the option to straddle. The straddle has to be Let’s say I’m on the button and straddle. The positive double the big blind. The next person can then straddle this point is I get to see the blinds act pre-flop before I act. True player at a rate of twice his bet. The option can be exercised the blinds occasionally wake up with a hand, but if I were a at the same rate all the way around the table. The straddle betting man I would bet they do not have a very good hand. bet has to be placed prior to the deal. If someone would take this bet I could win a lot of money For simplicity let’s say the player under the gun straddles. in one night. I already have position for the entire hand, The positive side to this is he gets to see every player act why straddle to get past the blinds? If I plan on outplaying first before having to act. He then has the option to raise or someone I already have the best position so why straddle? If I check. Most of the time, this notorious straddler will not have raise my straddle the other players are immediately suspi- a real hand. He’s out of position for the rest of the hand and cious and will call with less than premium hands. Once again most likely has put his money in with a bad hand. If he’s if you know you’re going to be dealt aces it’s a great move. lucky, no one raised behind him and he committed no more Build the pot with a straddle and then raise enough to limit money to the pot. On the other hand, if someone raised he the field. One absolute, always beneficial, aspect of a straddle is, when I’m in early to middle position and someone straddles on my left. This is great for me; it puts me in a much better "…if you know you’re going to be position pre-flop and lets me see most of the players act before I have to decide how to play my hand. It doesn’t cost dealt aces it’s a great move. Build me anything for all the information. the pot with a straddle and then If someone has a strategy or some other positive reasons to straddle I welcome your comments. But as for me I think raise enough to limit the field." I’ll pass on the straddle option. You can send your ideas or comments to [email protected] ♦

30 Rounder April 2008 news & events

Caesars Atlantic City Attracts the Largest Championship Field of the WSOP Circuit Season

BY NOLAN DALLA

FOR THE FOURTH CONSECUTIVE year, the World Series known as co-champion of the inaugural Ante Up For of Poker Circuit returned to South Jersey. Caesars Africa” poker tournament held last year at the Rio in Atlantic City, located on the famed oceanfront board- Las Vegas. He donated his entire share of the prize walk, hosted the ninth of 12 WSOP Circuit stops on money, totaling about $200,000, to the charity designed Fthis year’s tour. The $4,900 buy-in championship event to help victims of the Darfur tragedy. He was joined championship attracted 277 entries creating a total by his wife Beth Shak, who finished as the runner-up in prize pool of $1,357,300. This was largest turnout of a WSOP event last year in Las Vegas. any WSOP Circuit main event on the 2007-2008 sched- Most of these players did not survive past the first ule held so far. The large field edged out the previous day. In fact, 204 players were eliminated – leaving just high mark set by Harrah’s Atlantic City last year, when 73 players for day two. After another 11 hours of play 244 players entered the main event. Atlantic City’s two on the second day, the final nine were set. Florida’s Harrah’s-owned casinos rank as the top two champion- Dan Hicks arrived at the final table with a slight chip ship turnouts on the fourth season of the World Series lead. Eric “Sheets” Haber and Soheil Shamseddin were of Poker Circuit. close behind. Players and their starting chip counts Several poker pros entered the prestigious event, in- began as follows: cluding former WSOP gold bracelet winners Eric Froe- hlich (2 wins), Cliff Josephy, Chris Reslock, Michael “Little Man” Sica, and Cyndy Violette. Former WSOP Seat 1: Nick Binger 546,000 Circuit champions included Lou Esposito (2007 Har- Seat 2: Scott Blackman 391,000 rah’s New Orleans), Abraham Korotki (2007 Harrahs Atlantic City), Rich Rosetti (2006 Harrahs Atlantic Seat 3: Eric “Sheets” Haber 927,000 City), and Chris Reslock (2005 Showboat Atlantic Seat 4: Soheil Shamseddin 855,000 City). The defending champion, Danny Yousefzadeh Seat 5: Sumeet Batra 579,000 (2007 Caesars Atlantic City) also entered. Other pok- Seat 6: Steven Merrifield 624,000 er notables included Hevad Khan (WSOP main event Seat 7: Marc Morris 185,000 final table in 2007), Bernie Lee (13th in WSOP main event in 2005), and experienced poker pro Young Phan. Seat 8: Steven Greenberg 251,000 Dan Shak also played in the event. He is perhaps best Seat 9: Dan Hicks 1,182,000

www.roundermagazine.com 31 news & events

“60 Minutes” To Air Segment On Absolute Poker Cheating Addae C. Powell, 26, Jeffrey N. Powell, 30, and Akua N. Powell, 22 are now in police custody following a robbery of a high stakes poker game in Dela- THE RECENT CHEATING scandal at Absolute ware. The game was “set up” to be robbed by former New Jersey officer Poker will soon get additional media atten- HyunJim Kim who joins the three brothers in custody. They reportedly stole tion. Word is starting to circulate that the roughly $10,000, several keys, and various electronic items. Many of these popular CBS newsmagazine “60 Minutes” items would later be found in Kim’s car. Another side of the story is that the plans to do a segment on online poker that men who were robbed at the Wild Quail Golf and Country Club have been will delve into the recent deception at AP. identified as having connections with the Delaware harness racing industry. Nat Arem, an individual who played a The high-stakes game could draw a separate investigation into the players large role in uncovering the cheating, re- “illegal” activities. cently posted on his blog that “60 Minutes” had contacted him and others involved in A Massachusetts bill that would criminalize online gambling while allowing the investigation about doing on-camera three brick and mortar casinos to build, died just short of the house earlier interviews for the segment with reporter this month. This bill was being backed by Governor Deval Patrick, but had Steve Kroft. He said that “60 Minutes” cam- fierce opposition by influential House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi who op- era crews plan to travel to Costa Rica, where posed it for a number of reasons. Perhaps the biggest provision that helped Absolute Poker headquarters is located, to to defeat the bill was the criminalization of online gambling. Now that this film interviews. bill has been defeated, it can’t be debated again until next year. Arem said others contacted for inter- views include Marco Johnson, the player who A new charity event has been announced and will be headlined by Phil Hell- finished runner-up to POTRIPPER in a tour- muth Jr. and Robert Williamson III. The Kentucky Derby Championship will nament after a suspicious call by POTRIP- be held on May 3rd following the Kentucky Derby at Caesars Indiana. The PER with ten high. That hand was the linch- tournament will carry a $2,500 buy-in and will have rebuys and one add on pin in uncovering the fraud occurring at AP. at the break. Some charities that will reap the rewards include: the Interna- The national attention of the story is tional Red Cross and the Health and Climate Foundation. Fifty percent of not surprisingly making some people antsy. the buy-ins, rebuys and add-ons will go to charity and the other half will go While it will bring due exposure to the cheat- to the prize pool. ers, many worry what effect the segment will have on popular opinion of online poker. Nolan Dalla, noted poker writer and spokesman for Harrah’s World Series of Poker events, wrote on his blog that he had Uh Oh, Not Again his concerns. ULTIMATE BET, one of the most popular online poker sites, has admitted that a “The casual uninformed viewer of such player may have been cheating on its site. a segment is not going to differentiate After fingers were pointed at the account with the screen name “NioNio” between creeps like him and the millions months ago on popular poker forum 2 + 2, UB launched an investigation into of honest and decent online poker players possible abnormal play by the account. An independent third-party expert was worldwide who enjoy playing poker in their contacted to analyze the hand histories of the account “NioNio.” own homes. Indeed, I fear the target is not UB recently released a statement on the matter. “The initial findings of going to be the creep, or Absolute Poker our third-party expert confirm that the NioNio account’s winning statistics (which deserves scrutiny) - but rather the were indeed abnormal, and we have expanded the investigation to look into entire online poker industry.” whether an unfair advantage existed, how such a scheme might have been But Dalla’s friend Mark Seif, the perpetrated, and whether additional accounts beyond those of NioNio were poker professional who is a spokesman for involved.” Absolute Poker, said he feels bringing the is- Sources have reported that the “NioNio” account was deleted shortly af- sue to light could make people more in favor ter news of the cheating scandal on Absolute Poker, Ultimate Bet’s sister site, of the legalization and regulation of online broke last year. poker. Ultimate Bet and Absolute Poker are both run by Tokwiro Enterprises, There has not been an announcement which is owned by former Mohawk chief Joe Norton. Absolute Poker was fined by “60 Minutes” if and when the segment $500,000 by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission in February after an inves- will air. ♦ tigation revealed some accounts were able to view each player’s hole cards. ♦

32 Rounder April 2008 Smokin’ The Sound Fires Up The Racing Season

BILOXI AND THE MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST will once again offer the best in offshore racing and entertainment as the Offshore Super Series Powerboat Racing Association kicks off the 2008 season on April 4-6. The race produc- tion team headed by Woody Bailey has been working hard to bring this world Bclass event back for race teams traveling from all over the country. The spectacular show will kick off Thursday, April 4 as Race Village gates open up to the public, and fans can talk to drivers, throttlemen and crew members who are "dialing in" their speed machines for Saturday's testing and Sunday's competitive races. The ideal viewing areas are directly on the shore and along Casino Row, so spectators have never been closer to the action. The virtual "stadium" “We are extremely excited seating for "Smokin' The Sound" sets it apart from other race venues. Host about this year’s event. casino-hotels, The Isle of Capri, The Palace, Beau Rivage, Hard Rock, and the IP will sponsor "meet the racer" parties and the final awards ceremony. Not only is our red carpet This exceptional family event lets fans get close to some of the most expen- rolled out with boat loads sive boats in the world racing at speeds over 100 miles per hour. of southern hospitality, but The event committee and OSS officials will be hosting forty automotive we have also tweaked our students from the Jackson County Technology Center to view the race boat engines and talk to the teams. Dignitaries from surrounding communities venue to the max!! and the State Capital are planning on attending this memorable and excit- ing race. Race producer Woody Bailey states "We are extremely excited about this year's event. Not only is our red carpet rolled out with boat loads of south- ern hospitality, but we have also tweaked our venue to the max!! The race course, the hot pits, race village, registration and driver meetings, and the helicopter landing zone are all together and adjacent to each other. This will be a super set up for the race teams and fans alike." The hearts and souls of the offshore family have been with this event since the inaugural OSS race in 2004. Race teams were some of the first to jump in and help the Mississippi Gulf Coast area hit hardest by Hurricane Katrina. Rac- ers not only love the Biloxi area but they invest back into the community and this year will boost the economy with several million tourism dollars. Please visit www.smokinthesound.com for race course, wet pits, race village, hotel, travel, and event information. ♦

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www.roundermagazine.com 35 casino and cardrooom listings

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36 Rounder April 2008 COMING SOON

ENERGY DRINK

ELEVATE YOUR GAME KI LANS KI L PHOTO COURTESY OF WORLD POKER TOUR PHOTO COURTESY 38 Rounder April 2008 LANS KIMBERL WPT’sKIMBERLY World Class Personality ANSINLANSING By Tom Chips McGee

KIMBERLY LANSING IS THE GIRL (you wish lived) next They ran into pocket jacks - she turned a jack. Then my door. She is bright, funny, and guaranteed to draw a pocket queens ran into pocket kings, and I was out! crowd when washing her car on a sunny Sunday after- She prefers cash games and describes herself as an noon. And to put the bow on this beautiful package, she aggressive, sometimes very aggressive player. “I play just happens to be World Poker Tour’s Live $1/$2 or $3/$6 no-limit. I was very close with my Updates Hostess. grandfather before he passed away and he liked gam- To this point you may have seen Kimberly doing bling a lot. So when I find myself in a tough situation at live updates and interviews from WPT tourneys over the table, ‘I think Poppie,’ tell me what to do! Most of KIMBERLthe Internet. But beginning with the new season, she the time, I don’t get any guidance,” she laughs, “but it is will bring her unique and joyful style of interviewing to comforting.” the tube, sharing those duties with new WPT Hostess Poker is a game, and while there are often millions Layla Kayleigh. of dollars on the line, Kimberly’s interviews of some of Kimberly began her career in journalism writing for the best (and most serious) pros in poker, reflect her the Associated Press and entertainment magazines like fun-loving attitude. People. “I always knew what I wanted to do,” said Kim- “What I do on the TV show for the WPT can’t berly. “When I was six I would watch Connie Chung, always be so laid back. But what I do over the Inter- and I thought that must be the best job in the world to net on worldpokertour.com is 100 percent me. And be a TV reporter. I went to college and just sort of fell what I try to do is bring out 100 percent of who I am into writing instead of broadcasting. I started work- interviewing. There are so many amazing personalities ing for Hollywood.com, which opened up some other in poker, and everyone is so different and interesting doors which led to the World Poker Tour.” in their own way. But you dont see that when they are This energetic young woman loves to travel, which sitting at the table. When you are spending $10,000 on a is a good thing since the WPT takes her to casinos all game of poker, you might as well have fun. And that is over the globe. “You learn stuff about yourself when what I hope to bring out in my interviews.” you are on the road. I wouldn’t call myself a homebody, Kimberly’s favorite interviews (so far) include LANSIbut I like being at home and controlling my own sched- Joe Sebok, Antonio Esfandiari, and Daniel Negreanu. ule. And I especially miss my little wiener dog, Chloe.” During her interviews she has picked up some tips for Kimberly loves to play poker, and like every true playing the game. “Mike Matusow told me never, never, grinder, has her bad beat stories. “I played in WPT never, with a few cuss words involved, play ace rag. I Ladies Night. I was so frustrated. I had pocket aces. used to do that, but I took his advice to heart. Some- ANSINGwww.roundermagazine.com 39 times that works and sometimes it doesnt, but I am a very aggressive player and that tip helps to balance me out.” A great dinner and a movie or visiting with friends is Kimberlys idea of a wonderful evening out. A self-described foodie, she loves truffles, lobster and lots of fancy fare, but Kimberly is most passion- ate about a particular delicacy at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. “They have the most amazing tuna sandwiches at the snack bar!” She almost missed a flight because she just had to have one. Kimberly’s Walter Mitty fantasy is to co-host American Idol. But until Simon snatches her away, we will have the privilege of watching this vivacious host as she helps us get to know the pros of the WPT. “If you work hard and you’re dedicated and you love what you do, anything can happen.” EDITORS NOTE: Beginning with the new season in March, the WPT is moving from the Travel Channel to GSN. For the full airdate schedule and channel locator, visit www.WPTonGSN.com. You can also see many of Kimberlys interviews at www.worldpokertour.com.

40 Rounder April 2008 PHOTO COURTESY OF KADEN www.roundermagazine.com 41 Name: Kimberly Lansing Birthplace: Los Angeles, Ca. Birth Date: June 6 Sign: Gemini Eyes: Green Favorite Activities: Tennis, poker, culinary arts, wine tasting, traveling, painting, yoga Favorite Vacation Spots: Maui and St. Barths Perfect Date: A picnic dinner at the Hollywood Bowl with good wine and good music Favorite Sports Team: USC Trojans

“There are so many amazing personalities in poker, and everyone is so different and interesting in their own way. “ PHOTOS COURTESY OF KADEN PHOTOS COURTESY

42 Rounder April 2008 PHOTO COURTESY OF KADEN PHOTO COURTESY

www.roundermagazine.com 43 Kimberly Lansing April 2008 ♦

44 Rounder April 2008 2008

OF THE YEAR QUALIFYING EVENTS

Date Tournament Casino Location

Jan 3 – 24 World Poker Open Gold Strike Hotel & Casino Tunica, MS Jan 3 – 22 WSOP Circuit Event Grand Casino Tunica, MS

Feb 14 – 26 Oklahoma State Championship of Poker Cherokee Casino Resort Catoosa, OK

Mar 19 -30 Spring Break Poker Classic Beau Rivage Resort & Casino Biloxi, MS

Mar 30 – Apr 13 WSOP Circuit Event Caesars Indiana Elizabeth, IN

Apr 2 – 13 I P Poker Classic IP Casino Resort Spa Biloxi, MS May 9 -21 WSOP Circuit Event Harrah’s New Orleans New Orleans, LA Aug 25 – Sept 5 TBA Beau Rivage Resort & Casino Biloxi, MS Oct 16–29 World Poker Open Gold Strike Hotel & Casino Tunica, MS

TBA 7 Clans Poker Cup Series Coushetta Casino Resort Kinder, LA

Additional qualifying tournaments to be announced in upcoming issues. Players making the final table of Rounder qualifying events with Buy-ins ranging from $300 to $3000 will receive points in the !Rounder of the Year" contest. Casinos wanting their event to be included can send requests to: [email protected]. Tournament dates subject to change. player profile photo courtesy of the Wynn classic courtesy photo

Allen Kessler Looking For Breakthrough Win

BY JOHNNY KAMPIS

IF NOT FOR SOME BAD BEATS in piv- of the World Series of Poker in the at the final table only to discover his otal situations, more of the world last few years – once to Q-Q and opponent had flopped a set of jacks. would know the name Allen Kes- the other to Q-J. “I haven’t even played a set sler. While his play is well regarded Last spring during the Fox- over set hand and it has to happen Iamong the players on the poker woods Poker Classic, Kessler got at a final table heads up, the two tournament circuit, Kessler hasn’t it all in with A-10 vs. A-8 with six biggest chipleaders at the table. It’s had the breakthrough win that players remaining only to see the just so weird how these things would propel him to name status board come 3-6-4-5-7. “You can happen to me. among the adoring poker audience see me on the television. I can see But then Kessler catches at home. before the card comes out that I’m himself, “I shouldn’t dwell on the There was the tournament at going to lose,” he said. negative. I get to travel all around Niagara Falls last year in which Kes- “I’ve won first place in five the country.” sler was one of the chipleaders and or six events, but no really break- Not to mention that despite his lost with aces to queens to one of through things. Every time I get bad luck in key spots, the 40-year- the few players with a bigger stack. to a major event there’s a major old Pennsylvania native has won Instead of being propelled to a setback. I’m just snake bit.” more than $1 million in the last World Poker Tour final table he was Most recently at a final table of three years. out with 90 left. a WSOP Circuit event at the Grand In his past life, Kessler worked Then there were the two times Casino in Tunica, Kessler flopped a for a market research company that he lost with aces at the main event set of eights against the chipleader did survey analysis in Philadelphia.

46 Rounder April 2008 He was heavily involved in analysis Mirage tournament because I was decides to fold, and I turned over of presidential elections between really getting into tournaments the A-K and the whole table was in 1988 and 1996. He later left that then. Then all of a sudden there shock. It was really unbelievable.” job to work with his sister doing were these things – the Ultimate Kessler often plays online and website marketing. Poker Challenge – and I was doing could often be found in the food During his work in marketing, a lot of those. Full Tilt wanted to court of the Gold Strike with his Kessler met some people who were sponsor me in those. I made like laptop during the WPO. He mostly knowledgeable on advantage play five or six final tables. So I stayed plays Stud Hi-Lo, of limits from in gambling and went with them for that and all of a sudden it’s $30-$60 to $50-$100 on Full Tilt to Atlantic City. Kessler started Mandalay Bay and the World Series. Poker and PokerStars. gravitating to the poker room on All of these things and I never went “What I usually do is set a the trips and began playing the back home. And I stayed all the way target, like if I sit down with $1,500 $20-$40 Omaha Hi game at the Taj through the World Series, just stay- when I win $500 I’ll just quit and go Mahal. Over the years the game ing in hotels.” do something else. If you play too changed and grew. By the late 1990s, Kessler remained in Las Vegas long, you get bored at it or what- Kessler was regularly involved in the from April to August and his first ever. It gives you some incentive to $75-$150 Omaha Hi-Lo game. almost full year playing poker tour- play. When they had the iron man, “I got very good at that game. I naments proved fruitful, as he won I was playing until I got 200 points played it every week. I was playing close to $300,000. a day.” with Phil Ivey, Cyndy Violette, all His recent successes include a Kessler is looking forward to of these famous players. Then we win in the $1,000 Omaha Hi-Lo this summer’s WSOP in his quest got bored with that and decided we event at the Wynn Classic and final for a bracelet. He finished second would try Stud Hi-Lo.” table finishes at $1,000 No-Limit to Todd Brunson in the 2005 $2,500 Kessler quickly learned to play Hold’em events at the L.A. Poker Omaha Hi-Lo and fourth in the and succeed at that game (that even- Classic and World Poker Open. $5,000 Stud in 2006. In 2006, he was tually became half Stud Hi-Lo and Kessler is known as being a tight also one of the chipleaders in the half Omaha Hi-Lo), which also fea- tured noted East Coast players like John Hennigan and Nick Frangos. Life would change for Kessler “I’ve played all of these games for years with when Harrah’s invited him to a the best players in the world before they went Super Bowl party at its Las Vegas property in 1998. to crazy stakes, and I felt really comfortable “I go out there and see this at that table even though I’m playing with the whole other world out there. I didn’t even know about Las Vegas.” best players in the world.” After his first taste, Kessler kept going back, not just for poker but player on the circuit, a fact that $50,000 HORSE event before fad- for other gaming tournaments and fellow pro Gavin Smith frequently ing in the end. contests. He would work during the jokes about on the PokerRoad radio “I’ve played all of these games week for his sister and fly to Vegas show. But Kessler says he isn’t as for years with the best players in twice a month on weekends, some- tight as people believe and he will the world before they went to crazy times staying through the week. use his reputation to his advantage. stakes, and I felt really comfort- In April 2005, he went for a He recalled one hand against Nam able at that table even though I’m $300,000 baccarat tournament Le deep in a major tournament last playing with the best players in the freeroll and won it for $50,000. He year in which he had raised preflop world.” then played in a satellite for the Five with A-K. The flop came Q-J-x and If the cards hold up, you may Diamond World Poker Classic at Kessler checked. Le bet and Kessler hear the name Allen Kessler more the Bellagio and won his seat in the check raised all in. Le folded A-J often this year. ♦ main event. and Kessler showed the bluff. He was officially hooked. “Only because it’s me and he “I figured I was already there knows there’s no way I’m going to so I might as well stay and do the go all in without A-Q minimum he

www.roundermagazine.com 47 player profile photo courtesy of iMpDi courtesy photo

got better and his bankroll grew he moved up in limits, finally turning pro in the mid-1990s. He focused mostly on limit hold’em games at the $40-$80 level at the Bicycle and Commerce casinos. “Oh, the game was good then,” he said with a laugh. In the late 1990s, Phan played games as big as Young Phan In His $200-$400 and $400-$800. He said that celebrities with fat wallets fed the game. Second Decade As A “They just throw their money away for awhile until Seasoned Pro they get the hang of it. Now Jerry Buss plays so tight you wouldn’t believe it. It’s not easy to take money BY JOHNNY KAMPIS from him like before,” Phan said with a laugh. From there he moved to tournaments where he YOUNG PHAN WAS JUST ANOTHER white-collar worker in found success quickly. Take a look at Phan’s career a shirt and tie until a visit to the Bicycle Casino in 1986 numbers and you will see numerous cashes in tourna- changed his life. ments of all sizes. His breakthrough win was at the He watched the game of poker and got hooked. He Carnivale of Poker in Las Vegas in 1999, a $5,000 event sawY Johnny Chan nearly three-peat at the World Series in which Phan won $370,000 for first. He kept rolling. of Poker and got hooked some more. He played a few In a three-year span Phan won six major or semi-major sessions of $3-$6 Limit Texas Hold’em and won, and he tournaments and had dozens of cashes. was hooked for life. “I was doing so well from 1996-2001.” Although Phan continued his work as a store man- Between 2003 and 2005, Phan made four final tables ager in California, he kept playing recreationally. As he at the WSOP, He fared particularly well in 2005, making

48 Rounder April 2008 two fi nal tables and fi nishing in the top 20 four times. he took an eight-hour fl ight to Atlantic City for the “I had a real good year that year,” he said. “Now $5,000 main event at the WSOP Circuit event there. it’s so tough. The fi elds are so big. I’m happy to make a “Each year it takes a lot out of you,” he said. fi nal table, to win is another thing.” So he’s trying to do more investing to phase out all Most recently, Phan has done well in $5,000 events, of the poker travel. He recently invested in Lightning cashing in the last fi ve he has played, from Caesars Indi- Poker, a new type of automated poker table that is in ana to Borgata to Foxwoods. “I seem to do really well at the Bicycle and Commerce casinos and other interna- $5K events for some reason,” he said. tional locations. Phan is so involved in the company But Phan has slowed down his travel somewhat to that he has made presentations to casinos in an effort to spend more time with is family, which includes his wife expand the business. of 11 years, Christine, and two children, Kimmy, 10, “That’s my goal, to invest some money and live on and Timmy, 8. that. It’s getting hard to handle the 14, 15 hour days.” ♦ You might call them his good luck babies since both were born in May around the same time Phan made fi nal tables at the WSOP. “I missed both times my wife delivered the babies.” It’s OK for a younger person to Perhaps he’s trying to make up for that by slowing dream, but I don’t dream that down his travel, preferring to spend more time at home in Garden Grove, Calif. way anymore. I just want to live a “Before I was like a tournament junkie too. I’d normal life, just making money at play all the $300 and $500 events. I promised my wife I would slow down. My kids are growing up and I need cash games and tournaments. Just to spend more quality time with them. I’ll just pick the try to survive and take care main event and maybe the 3K and 5K and go.” of family.” The 48-year-old Phan fi gures he still travels to at least 30 tournaments a year. It is still his profession, after all. He believes the key to his success is his patience. “When you’re beat you’ve got to lay it down. I really can wait. I’ve won a lot of tournaments with low chips by picking up hands late.” Another one of Phan’s strengths is his ability to read people, and that has grown more diffi cult as the game has grown. Now with the bigger fi elds, Phan continually runs into new players at each tournament. “A lot of these players sit down and I have no idea who they are. It’s very tough for me because I don’t know who I’m up against.” Phan said he used to have big dreams and goals, but he thinks it was a detriment to his game. He bubbled television time in tournaments four times in 2005 and he believes pressure played a role. “We all have big dreams. I stopped that a few years ago, because what happens when you dream you put so much pressure on yourself. I’m 48. I’m not a kid anymore. It’s OK for a younger person to dream, but I don’t dream that way anymore. I just want to live a nor- mal life, just making money at cash games and tourna- ments. Just try to survive and take care of family.” Phan recently played the Shooting Star at Bay 101 $2,000 event for 15 hours on the money day (in which he barely made the money), then played the $10,000 main event for 13 hours and busted out. The next day

www.roundermagazine.com 49 player profile

Brandon Cantu Strikes Again With of Joe Giron/iMpDi courtesy photo Second Major Win BY JOHNNY KAMPIS

SOMETIMES WHEN YOU’RE hot, you’re hot. Brandon Cantu had just come off of three final table finishes at the Wynn Classic when he entered the Bay 101 Shooting Stars in San Jose, California. SThe former World Series of Poker bracelet winner then proceeded to win his first World Poker Tour title, putting him in select company of players who have won both majors. “If you win one you can be kind of a one-hit wonder. If you win that second one it kind of solidifies your poker career and no one questions you anymore,” Cantu said. “It’s good company to be in, real good company.” Cantu beat 375 other runners for the $1 million first place prize (plus earned another $40,000 in bounties) and a seat in the WPT Championship. It was a nice cap of the first quarter of the year for the Vancouver, Wash., native who had already made five final tables in the first two months of 2008. “I felt like I was playing like I wanted to play and I wasn’t making many mistakes. So it all worked out right,” he said. “I felt like it was my time.” Cantu has come a long way in the last five years, when after seeing Chris Moneymaker win the 2003 WSOP under the glare of the ESPN cameras he began playing home games with friends. Cantu them moved Cantu arrived in Vegas with no up a level and began playing at local casinos near his solid plan other than to play hometown. After discovering his natural knack for poker, Cantu took his bankroll on trips to Las Vegas. $2-$5 No Limit Texas Hold’em He then took his game to the ultimate level, moving and work his way up in the levels. to Sin City to play poker professionally in 2006 just before the WSOP. Fortunately for him he had a good “I really just liked the lifestyle in Vegas and poker was run at the tables immediately. going really, really good. It felt like it was the right time to make the move. The weather was nice. Everything

50 Rounder April 2008 seems to be good about Vegas so I wanted to move.” “I was there every other month anyway. It was cost- ing me more just to go back and forth.” Cantu arrived in Vegas with no solid plan other than to play $2-$5 No Limit Texas Hold’em and work his way up in the levels. Fortunately for him he had a good run at the tables immediately. “I made so much money so fast I didn’t know what to do.” What he decided to do proved very fruitful. Cantu used his burgeoning bankroll to take a shot at some WSOP events, and the fi rst one was the charm. The fi rst open event at the 2006 WSOP was a $1,500 buy in NLHE tournament that attracted a then non-main event record 2,776 entrants. Cantu won the gold brace- let and $758,000. A poker star was born. After his WSOP win, Cantu jumped up to higher stakes immediately and began playing $10-$20 NL. In 2007, Cantu says he “lost that winning edge” after tak- ing the game less seriously. “I think I lost it because I made so much money at such a young age. I didn’t have to work for it. I thought it would come to me,” he said. “This year starting in January I took it a lot more seriously.” Although Cantu plays all games, NLHE is his best, and he also feels he is good at Pot-Limit Omaha. He tends to stay away from small bet games. “I’m just not good at any fi xed limit game,” he said. After the 2007 doldrums, Cantu studied his game, played more live poker and now feels he has a better grasp of what to do in each situation. The 26-year-old plays some online, but is predominantly a live game player. Cantu believes one of his biggest strengths as a poker player is reading people so he mostly sticks to live play. “I feel like I know where I am at all times in the hand. I have way, way more success in live tourna- ments.” After unexpectedly winning his fi rst WPT crown after only two years as a professional, Cantu has spent the last couple of weeks thinking about his future poker goals. One thing he plans to do is travel more overseas Interested in booking a – specifi cally to Europe to play more European Poker Tour events. Gavin Griffi n recently became the fi rst poker celebrity for your player to win titles on the EPT and WPT and in the WSOP and Cantu wouldn’t mind joining his peer. next event? “Gavin started it and now I want to be the second one.” Cantu also wants another WSOP bracelet for his wrist. In 2007, he only played a handful of tournaments. Please visit The year 2008 will be another story. “This year I’m on a www.nolimitmanagement.com mission in tournaments so I think I will play a lot, like 25 to 30.” ♦ for more information. schedules & results

2008 Rounder of the Year Standings as of March 1, 2008 Rank Pts Player Hometown Earnings Rounder 1 63 Matt Culberson New Orleans, LA $102,911 2 60 Anthony Lay Oklahoma City, OK $110,283 of the Year 3 49 Charles Williams Reno, NV $66,487 The Rounder of the Year title will be awarded to the 4 47 Robert Castoire Cecilia, KY $79,762 player who accumulates the most points in a series of 5 38 Jonathan Tare New York, NY $75,114 Poker Tournaments taking place around our region. 6 36 Men Nguyen Bell Gardens, CA $61,134 The tournaments are open to all players. Rounder 7 35 Tim Hebert Lafayette, LA $107,455 Magazine will post the points leaders in each issue. 8 35 John Racener Brandon, FL $72,591 We will have a state by state breakdown as well as an 9 34 Jae C Chang Austin, TX $96,807 overall leaderboard. 10 34 Fred Roll Seneca, MO $113,680 *Qualifying tournaments will consist of 11 34 Sam Sundaram St. Peters, FL $65,464 $300-$3000 buy ins. 12 33 Buddy Lockwood Weatherford, TX $47,227 13 32 Arthur Evans Davie, FL $78,433 Top 10 Money Winners 14 32 Will Souther Pensacola, FL $23,791 15 32 Wade Townsend Dripping Springs, TX$77,042 Earnings Player Hometown 16 31 Lynn Achey Sheldon, MO $64,411 $113,680 Fred Roll Seneca, MO 17 30 James Beetz Houston, TX $64,391 $110,283 Anthony Lay Oklahoma City, OK 18 30 Jay Koeller Melbourne, FL $66,160 $107,455 Tim Hebert Lafayette, LA 19 30 Gary Lundgren Houston, TX $36,045 $102,911 Matt Culberson New Orleans, LA 20 30 Howard Reid Independance, MO $58,500 $96,807 Jae C Chang Austin, TX 21 30 Joey Sharp Carrolton, GA $58,739 $79,762 Robert Castoire Cecilia, KY 22 29 Kirby Brewer St. Louis, MO $29,683 $78,433 Arthur Evans Davie, FL 23 29 Mike Samuel Napierville, IL $59,897 $77,042 Wade Townsend Dripping Springs, TX 24 29 Terry Stewart $61,255 $75,114 Jonathan Tare New York, NY 25 28 Carlos Cuentas Houston, TX $55,302 $74,914 Rami Jradeh North Qunicy, MA 26 28 Kerry Rowden Iberia, MO $57,974 27 26 Chris Blaich Kansas City, MO $39,516 The following equation represents the 28 26 Chris Reslock Atlantic City, NJ $30,860 3 3 method used to calculate points earned by a B E 29 25 John Lovejoy Omaha, NE $41,131 player in each tournament. B is the buy in, 30 24 Mark Garner St Amant, LA $34,481 E the number of entrants, P is the place the P + 1 player finished in. Only players who make final table receive points. Seniors and ladies only events do not qualify.

Red Hot Rounder

FRED ROLL OF SENECA, MO is ranked 10th in the 2008 Rounder of the Year Standings after finishing in 1st place at the Oklahoma State Cham- pionship Main Event. His $113,680 earnings from his win make him our leader in the Money Winner standings thus far. Fred was crowned champion at the Main Event Sunday, February 24, during the “Oklahoma State Championship of Poker” at the Cherokee Casino. “I’m happy I won. I felt confident about the game and I’ve been catching cards the last two days,” explained the champion. Roll is no new kid on the block. His former accomplishments include a 3rd place finish in the 1997 WSOP Limit Omaha event where he made $27,600. “I really loved playing here,” Fred Roll told Assistant Tourna- ment Director at the Cherokee Casino Event, Brooks Turk after his win. “The tournament went really well and you guys did a great job.”

52 Rounder April 2008 State Leaders in Rounder Player of the Year Standings ALABAMA MISSISSIPPI RK PTS PLAYER HOMETOWN EARNINGS RK PTS PLAYER HOMETOWN EARNINGS 1 23 Richard McCrary Huntsville, AL $31,042 1 20 Tim Burt Robinsonville, MS $30,549 2 15 James Ray Mobile, AL $15,466 2 17 Jack Ward Gulfport, MS $27,264 3 12 Justin Cometti Fairhope, AL $17,413 3 13 Jerry Ard Monteicello, MS $10,241 4 9 Christopher Marsh Headland, AL $4,725 4 13 Jo Cain Walls, MS $16,979 5 8 Randy Kennedy Mobile, AL $13,025 5 13 Grant Phillips Madison, MS $9,746 6 7 Johnny Landreth Lanett, AL $6,512 6 12 Zack Sims Hattiesburg, MS $9,023 7 7 Don Willis Muscle Shoals, AL $5,273 7 11 Stewart Carpenter Hernando, MS $7,663 8 10 Douglas Lorgesee Hernando, MS $6,763 ARKANSAS RK PTS PLAYER HOMETOWN EARNINGS NORTH CAROLINA 1 20 William Graveline Batesville, AR $30,668 RK PTS PLAYER HOMETOWN EARNINGS 2 16 William Peoples Jacksonville, AR $17,805 1 22 Ronald Sewell Shelby, NC $27,252 3 15 Kerry Dawson Paragould, AR $19,260 2 8 Michael Matsui Charlotte, NC $8,279 4 12 Bobby Byram Osceola, AR $15,177 3 7 Fred Bell Charlotte, NC $4,106 5 12 Bert Madden Little Rock, AR $16,852 4 5 Larry Siler Tryon, NC $3,440 6 12 Justin McLeland Centerton, AR $14,778 5 4 Jerry Yoder Hickory, NC $1,983 7 10 Fabien Bourdon Heber Springs, AR $12,895 SOUTH CAROLINA FLORIDA RK PTS PLAYER HOMETOWN EARNINGS RK PTS PLAYER HOMETOWN EARNINGS 1 14 Jerry Barlow Fair Play, SC $14,282 1 35 John Racener Brandon, FL $72,591 1 14 Walter Milgroom Myrtle beach, SC $13,246 2 34 Sam Sundaram St. Peters, FL $65,464 3 8 Robert Johnson Seneca, SC $10,801 3 32 Arthur Evans Davie, FL $78,433 4 7 Renea Mahaffey Anderson, SC $9,078 4 32 Will Souther Pensacola, FL $16,087 4 7 James Summer Myrtle Beach, SC $6,426 5 30 Jay Koeller Melbourne, FL $66,160 6 5 William Ross Charlston, SC $3,198 6 19 John Andrus Daytona, FL $17,910 7 19 Scott Colins Metart, FL $16,357 TENNESSEE RK PTS PLAYER HOMETOWN EARNINGS GEORGIA 1 20 Hunter Robinette Mt Pleasant, TN $36,489 RK PTS PLAYER HOMETOWN EARNINGS 2 19 Michael Byers Nashville, TN $16,938 1 30 Joey Sharp Carrolton, GA $58,739 3 19 Corey Sanders Nashville, TN $28,548 2 22 Richard Hill Valdosta, GA $29,003 4 18 Frank Kassela Germantown, TN $31,468 3 21 Khalid Dghaim Atlanta, GA $22,592 5 17 Grant Watson Germantown, TN $16,251 4 21 Michael Hagan Atlanta, GA $22,410 6 17 Randall Witt Nashville, TN $10,971 5 16 Rex Rigdon Twin, GA $19,898 7 16 Robert Spiegel Henderson, TN $22,620 6 15 John Roveto Duluth, GA $17,526 8 15 Todd Cashion Lewisburg, TN $17,343 7 15 John Valet Conyers, GA $12,833 9 13 David Rylander Collierville, TN $10,630 10 12 Donald Godsey Church Hill, TN $17,158 KENTUCKY RK PTS PLAYER HOMETOWN EARNINGS TEXAS 1 47 Robert Castoire Cecelia, KY $79,762 RK PTS PLAYER HOMETOWN EARNINGS 2 17 David Dao Elizabethtown, KY $22,588 1 34 Jae C Chang Austin, TX $96,807 3 10 Lawrence Kozlove Louisville, KY $14,445 2 33 Buddy Lockwood Weatherford, TX $47,227 3 32 Wade Townsend Dripping Springs, TX $77,042 LOUISIANA 4 30 James Beetz Houston, TX $64,391 RK PTS PLAYER HOMETOWN EARNINGS 5 30 Gary Lundgren Houston, TX $36,045 1 63 Matt Culberson New Orleans, LA $102,911 6 28 Carlos Cuentas Houston, TX $55,302 2 35 Tim Hebert Lafayette, LA $107,455 7 21 James Henson Lake Jackson, TX $43,139 3 24 Mark Garner St Amant, LA $34,481 8 21 Quoc Truong Beaumont, TX $38,278 4 21 Philip Powers Metairie, LA $26,328 9 20 Doug Freiss Katy, TX $21,421 5 16 Andre Pierce New Orleans, LA $9,032 10 20 Raymond Perez Pasadena, TX $34,346 6 15 Gerard Rodrigues New Orleans, LA $17,144 7 9 Rufus Yates New Iberia, LA $19,488 www.roundermagazine.com 53 schedules & results

Beau Rivage Spring Break Poker Classic Rounder of the Year Qualifying Event

No-Limit Hold’em Event 1 March 21 No-Limit Hold’em Event 5 March 25 Buy In $300 Buy In $300 Entries 208 Entries 191 Total Prize Money $60,528 Total Prize Money $57,300 PLACE NAME HOMETOWN PRIZE PLACE NAME HOMETOWN PRIZE 1 Nicolas Gellepis Tallahassee, Fl $18,568 1 Michael Byers Nashville, TN 16,938 2 Jerry Ard Monteicello, MS $10,241 2 Will Souther Biloxi, MS 9,340 3 Wil Bean Montrose, MS $5,627 3 Tommy Combs League City, TX 5,132 4 Sam Sundaram St. Peters, FL $4,501 4 Fred Bell Charlotte, NC 4,106 5 David Earl Morris Memphis, TN $3,376 5 Dmitriy Shilnikov Katy, TX 3,079 6 James English Tamarac, FL $2,813 6 Gary Holcomb Mandeville, LA 2,566 7 Harold “Fred” Hill Daphne, AL $2,251 7 Rem Remington Jacksonville, FL 2,053 8 Wilbur Futhey Crossville, TN $1,688 8 Kenny “Badhat” Piel Livingston, TX 1,540 9 John Carpenter Spring, TX $1,125 9 Doug Lloyd Athens, GA 1,026

No-Limit Hold’em Event 2 March 22 No-Limit Hold’em Event 6 March 26 Buy In $300 Buy In $300 Entries 248 Entries 177 Total Prize Money $72,168 Total Prize Money $53,100 PLACE NAME HOMETOWN PRIZE PLACE NAME HOMETOWN PRIZE 1 Michael Hagan Atlanta, GA $22,410 1 Jeremy Shannon Jacksonville, FL 15,594 2 Jordan Todd Austin, TX $12,359 2 Aaron Holguin Houston, TX 8,599 3 Philip Powers Metairie, LA $6,791 3 Christopher Marsh Headland, AL 4,725 4 Johnny “JJ” Johnson Ft. Worth, TX $5,433 4 Craig Davis Grayson, GA 3,780 5 Andre Pierce New Orleans, LA $4,074 5 Kirby Brewer St. Louis, MO 2,835 6 Milton “Dickey” Saba New Orleans, LA $3,395 6 Dmitriy Shilnikov Houston, TX 2,362 7 Matt “Cub” Culberson New Orleans, LA $2,716 7 Keith Walther Gulf Shores, AL 1,890 8 Daniel Vo Atlanta, GA $2,037 8 Paul Odom Canton, GA 1,417 9 Vince Nola Baton Rouge, LA $1,358 9 Fred Cabral Atlanta, GA 945

No-Limit Hold’em Event 3 March 23 No-Limit Hold’em Event 7 March 27 Buy In $500 Buy In $300 Entries 190 Entries 185 Total Prize Money $95,000 Total Prize Money $55,500 PLACE NAME HOMETOWN PRIZE PLACE NAME HOMETOWN PRIZE 1 Richard Hill Valdosta, GA 29,003 + Seat 1 Scott Colins Metart, FL 16,357 2 Gary Lundgren Houston, TX 15,996 + Seat 2 Zack Sims Hattiesburg, MS 9,023 3 Timothy Miles Tallahassee, FL 8,789 + Seat 3 Andre Pierce New Orleans, LA 4,958 4 Jay Harris Pensacola, FL 7,031 + Seat 4 Tom Halbert Winfield, KS 3,966 5 Don “Shades” Willis Muscle Shoals, AL 5,273 + Seat 5 Captain Nick Cook Atlantic City 2,975 6 Clay Hubble Kenner, LA 4,395 6 Grant Phillips Madison, MS 2,479 7 Jason Swanson Gainesville, FL 3,516 7 Jerry Yoder Hickory, NC 1,983 8 Debbie LaVigne Fairhope, AL 2,637 8 W.D. Morgan Houston, TX 1,487 9 Josh Hunter Atlanta, GA 1,758 9 Paul B. Distefano Plaquemine, LA 992

No-Limit Hold’em Event 4 March 24 No-Limit Hold’em Championship Event 10 March 30 Buy In $500 Buy In $2,000 Entries 82 Entries 173 Total Prize Money $41,000 Total Prize Money $346,000 PLACE NAME HOMETOWN PRIZE PLACE NAME HOMETOWN PRIZE 1 Matt “Cub” Culberson New Orleans, LA 12783 + Seat 1 Tim Hebert Lafayette, LA $107,455 2 Will “Monkey” Souther Biloxi, MS 6,747 + Seat 2 Sam Sundaram St. Peters, FL $59,263 3 Philip Walsh Gulfport, MS 4,261 + Seat 3 Drew Hart Tampa, FL $32,949 4 Gary Reed Cumming, GA 2,841 + Seat 4 John Dolan Tallahassee, FL $26,050 5 Shawn Steele Pensacola, FL 2,486 + Seat 5 Philip Powers Metairie, LA $19,537 6 Rem Remington Jacksonville, FL 2,131 6 Gary Allen Valapraiso, IN $16,373 7 Cliff Mills Murphysboro, IL 1,776 7 Randy Kennedy Mobile, AL $13,025 8 Eddie Rayl Fitzgerald, GA 1,420 8 Christopher Gurney Knoxville, TN $9,769 9 Michael Andrews New Orleans, LA 1,065 9 Johnny Landreth Lanett, AL $6,512

54 Rounder April 2008 Southern Roundup

ALABAMA FLORIDA photo courtesy iMpDi courtesy photo photo courtesy iMpDi courtesy photo iMpDi courtesy photo

Don”Shades”Willis of Nick Gellepis of Tallahassee, FL Jeremy Shannon Muscle Shoals, AL 2008 Spring Break Poker Classic of Jacksonville, FL 2008 Spring Break Poker Classic Beau Rivage Resort & Casino Biloxi, MS 2008 Spring Break Poker Classic Beau Rivage Resort & Casino Biloxi, MS No Limit Hold’em Event 1 March 21 Beau Rivage Resort & Casino Biloxi, MS No Limit Hold’em Event 3 March 23 Finished 1st No Limit Hold’em Event 6 March 26 Finished 5th Earnings $18,568 Finished 1st Earnings $5,273 Buy In $300 Earnings $15,594 Buy In $300 Entries 208 Buy In $300 Entries 190 Entries 177 photo courtesy iMpDi courtesy photo iMpDi courtesy photo photo courtesy iMpDi courtesy photo

Christopher Marsh of Will ”Monkey” Souther Timothy Miles of Talahassee, FL Headland, AL of Pensacola, FL 2008 Spring Break Poker Classic 2008 Spring Break Poker Classic 2008 Spring Break Poker Classic Beau Rivage Resort & Casino Biloxi, MS Beau Rivage Resort & Casino Biloxi, MS Beau Rivage Resort & Casino Biloxi, MS No Limit Hold’em Event 3 March 22 No Limit Hold’em Event 6 March 26 No Limit Hold’em Event 5 March 25 Finished 3rd Finished 3rd Finished 2nd Earnings $8,789 Earnings $4,725 Earnings $9,340 Buy In $500 Buy In $300 Buy In $300 Entries 190 Entries 177 Entries 191

www.roundermagazine.com 55 schedules & results

GEORGIA LOUISIANA MISSISSIPPI photo courtesy iMpDi courtesy photo iMpDi courtesy photo iMpDi courtesy photo

Michael Hagan of Atlanta, GA Matt ”Cub” Culberson Jerry Ard of Monticello, MS 2008 Spring Break Poker Classic of New Orleans, LA 2008 Spring Break Poker Classic Beau Rivage Resort & Casino Biloxi, MS 2008 Spring Break Poker Classic Beau Rivage Resort & Casino Biloxi, MS No Limit Hold’em Event 2 March 22 Beau Rivage Resort & Casino Biloxi, MS No Limit Hold’em Event 1 March 21 Finished 1st No Limit Hold’em Event 4 March 24 Finished 2nd Earnings $22,410 Finished 1st Earnings $10,241 Buy In $300 Earnings $12,783 Buy In $300 Entries 248 Buy In $500 Entries 208 Entries 82 photo courtesy iMpDi courtesy photo iMpDi courtesy photo iMpDi courtesy photo

Richard Hill of Valdosta, GA Philip Powers of Metairie, LA Zack Sims of Hattiesburg, MS 2008 Spring Break Poker Classic 2008 Spring Break Poker Classic 2008 Spring Break Poker Classic Beau Rivage Resort & Casino Biloxi, MS Beau Rivage Resort & Casino Biloxi, MS Beau Rivage Resort & Casino Biloxi, MS No Limit Hold’em Event 3 March 22 No Limit Hold’em Event 2 March 22 No Limit Hold’em Event 7 March 27 Finished 1st Finished 3rd Finished 2nd Earnings 29,003 Earnings $6,791 Earnings $9,023 Buy In $500 Buy In $300 Buy In $300 Entries 190 Entries 248 Entries 185

56 Rounder April 2008 NORTH CAROLINA TENNESSEE TEXAS photo courtesy iMpDi courtesy photo iMpDi courtesy photo iMpDi courtesy photo

Fred Bell of Charlotte, NC David Earl Morris of Memphis, TN Jordan Todd of Austin, TX 2008 Spring Break Poker Classic 2008 Spring Break Poker Classic 2008 Spring Break Poker Classic Beau Rivage Resort & Casino Biloxi, MS Beau Rivage Resort & Casino Biloxi, MS Beau Rivage Resort & Casino Biloxi, MS No Limit Hold’em Event 5 March 25 No Limit Hold’em Event 1 March 21 No Limit Hold’em Event 2 March 22 Finished 4th Finished 5th Finished 2nd Earnings $4,106 Earnings $3,376 Earnings $12,359 Buy In $300 Buy In $300 Buy In $300 Entries 191 Entries 208 Entries 248 photo courtesy iMpDi courtesy photo iMpDi courtesy photo iMpDi courtesy photo

Jerry Yoder of Hickory, NC Michael Byers of Nashville, TN Gary Lundgren of Elgin, TX 2008 Spring Break Poker Classic 2008 Spring Break Poker Classic 2008 Spring Break Poker Classic Beau Rivage Resort & Casino Biloxi, MS Beau Rivage Resort & Casino Biloxi, MS Beau Rivage Resort & Casino Biloxi, MS No Limit Hold’em Event 7 March 27 No Limit Hold’em Event 5 March 25 No Limit Hold’em Event 3 March 22 Finished 7th Finished 1st Finished 2nd Earnings $1,983 Earnings $16,938 Earnings $15,996 Buy In $300 Buy In $300 Buy In $500 Entries 185 Entries 191 Entries 190

www.roundermagazine.com 57 schedules & results Western Roundup

CALIFORNIA photo creDit Joe Giron/iMpDi photo creDit Joe Giron/iMpDi photo creDit Joe Giron/iMpDi photo

Steve Sung of Torrance, CA John Phan of Long Beach, CA Kent Washington of Oakland, CA 2008 Bay 101 Shooting Star (WPT) 2008 Bay 101 Shooting Star (WPT) 2008 Bay 101 Shooting Star (WPT) Bay 101, San Jose, CA Bay 101, San Jose, CA Bay 101, San Jose, CA Championship Event 2 March 14 Championship Event 2 March 14 Championship Event 2 March 14 Finished 2nd Finished 6th Finished 31st Earnings $585,000 Earnings $135,000 Earnings $13,500 Buy In $9,600 Buy In $9,600 Buy In $9,600 Entries 376 Entries 376 Entries 376

NEVADA photo creDit Joe Giron/iMpDi photo creDit Joe Giron/iMpDi photo photo courtesy of Joe Giron/iMpDi courtesy photo

Noah Jefferson of Lafayette, CA Van Tuyet Nguyen of Jennifer Harman-Traniello 2008 Bay 101 Shooting Star (WPT) Bell Gardens, CA of Las Vegas, NV Bay 101, San Jose, CA 2008 Celebrity Invitational (WPT) 2008 Bay 101 Shooting Star (WPT) Championship Event 2 March 14 Commerce Casino, Commerce, CA Bay 101, San Jose, CA Finished 3rd Championship Event 2 March 14 Championship Event 2 March 14 Earnings $265,000 Finished 1st Finished 3rd Buy In $9,600 Earnings $100,000 Earnings $330,000 Entries 376 Buy In $0 Buy In $9,600 Entries 445 Entries 376

58 Rounder April 2008 Northeastern Roundup

CONNETICUT NEW YORK photo courtesy Wsop courtesy photo photo courtesy of Wsop courtesy photo of Wsop courtesy photo

Karen Harris of Trumbull, CT Allen Bari of West Orange, NJ Victor V. Bonavita of Bellmore, NY 2008 World Series of Poker Circuit 2008 World Series of Poker Circuit 2008 World Series of Poker Circuit Caesars Atlantic City, NJ Caesars Atlantic City, NJ Caesars Atlantic City, NJ Ladies Championship No Limit Hold’em No Limit Hold’em Event 5 March 10 No Limit Hold’em Event 4 March 9 Event 10 March 15 Finished 1st Finished 1st Finished 1st Earnings $72,000 Earnings $123,300 Earnings $22,878 Buy In $1,000 Buy In $1,000 Buy In $200 Entries 225 Entries 411 Entries 369

NEW JERSEY PENNSYLVANIA photo courtesy of Wsop courtesy photo photo courtesy of Wsop courtesy photo photo courtesy of Wsop courtesy photo

Frank Panetta of Brick, NJ Matt “All In” Stout of Jim Stenella of Bucks County, PA 2008 World Series of Poker Circuit Atlantic City, NJ 2008 World Series of Poker Circuit Caesars Atlantic City, NJ 2008 World Series of Poker Circuit Caesars Atlantic City, NJ No Limit Hold’em Event 1 March 6 Caesars Atlantic City, NJ No Limit Hold’em Event 6 March 11 Finished 1st No Limit Hold’em Event 7 March 12 Finished 1st Earnings $76,104 Finished 1st Earnings $57,186 Buy In $300 Earnings $59,210 Buy In $300 Entries 1,056 Buy In $500 Entries 706 Entries 382

www.roundermagazine.com 59 rounder girl bonus

60 Rounder April 2008 Brittany Morris Hometown: Fayette, AL Birthdate: July 1, 1987 Eyes: Blue Sign: Cancer Favorite Activity: Road trips, Riding 4 wheelers, Going out on a boat, Shopping Favorite Vacation Spot: A Beach Favorite Casino Game: Poker Favorite Sports Team: Alabama Crimson Tide

Best Date: I guess it was a date..a surprise date maybe. What happened was, I got off work and when I got to my car there was a rose on it with a note attached saying there were a dozen roses for me. The note had instructions and directions asking me to go to a place down town. I drove to where the note said to find another single rose and a note attached. There would be another rose with a note and so on. I drove around town to all the different spots and each note would say why this place was special and give me directions where to go next and there would be another rose. When I got to the final 12th destination It was out in the middle of this lake, an out door pavilion in a park close to my home. He was standing there holding a rose by a table with candles and a dinner he had prepared.

Worst Date: He took me to a concert. We got there and he saw some of his buddies sitting on another row. We left our seats and went to go talk to them before the show. Then he wanted to sit with his buddies but they were not our seats so all night people kept coming up and asking us to move. I kept asking if we could go back to our seats. He ROUNDER GIRL would lie and say we were moving in just a minute and then wouldn’t move and the people would ask again and security kept coming and checking “Are these your seats?’ ♦ bonus

www.roundermagazine.com 61 fashion

Spring Awakening When you win a big hand don't forget your right hand. Here are a few tips on what to surprise her with.

MILLEY green sleeveless dress VOOM yellow dress

62 Rounder April 2008 www.roundermagazine.com 63 fashion

DOLCE AND GABBANNA blue and red polka dot dress

64 Rounder April 2008 MILLY polka dot dress with keyhole neckline accessory

TORY BURCH alligator yellow purse

www.roundermagazine.com 65 fashion

MARC BY MARC JACOBS red and cream shift dress

All the fashions provided by CK Collection in Fairhope, AL.

Photography: Toni Riales Makeup/Hair: Tawana Hano Styling: Bryn Edgerly & Payton Brunson Photo asstistants: Richard McGill & Irwin Funes Models: Davida Williams & Lacey Dawkins 66 Rounder April 2008 schedules & results

Weekly Tournament Calendar

California TUESDAY SATURDAY MONDAY CASINO BUY IN 12:00PM IP $50 + $10 10:00AM Hollywood S&G $50, $65 RB, 10:00AM Lake Elsinore $17+$3, RB$5 1:00PM Isle of Capri $15 $115 AO 10:00AM Pechanga $20+$5 8:30PM Isle of Capri $50 11:00AM Gold Strike $40, $20 RB $20 AO 12:00PM Harrah’s Rincon $35+$5 WEDNESDAY 1:00PM Grand Casino $130 6:00PM Win-River $25+$5 1:00PM Isle of Capri $70, $20 Boundy SUNDAY 6:30PM Pechanga $40+$10 2:00AM IP $50 + $10 11:00AM Gold Strike $175 7:00PM Harrah’s Rincon $35+$5 6:00PM IP $50 + $10 1:00PM Grand Casino $130 7:00PM Hustler Casino $100+$25 7:00PM Isle of Capri $20, $10RB, $5 * 1:00PM Gold Strike $325 $10,000 guaranteed TUESDAY Bounty 10:00AM Lake Elsinore $17+$3, RB$5 THURSDAY Bay St Louis, Miss. 10:00AM Pechanga $35+$5 1:00PM Isle of Capri $50,$10RB MONDAY CASINO BUY IN 12:00PM Harrah’s Rincon $35+$5 6:00PM Beau Rivage $120 6:30PM Hollywood $50 +$10 Freeze-Out 6:00PM Win-River $35+$5, $20RB 6:00PM IP $50 + $10 FRIDAY 6:00PM Silver Slipper $45 Buy In includes 6:30PM Lake Elsinore $0, RB$10 $10 Bounty/Turbo 12:00PM Beau Rivage $40, $20 RB 6:30PM Pechanga $20+$5 WEDNESDAY 20/40AO 7:00PM Harrah’s Rincon $35+$5 12:00PM IP $50 + $10 6:30PM Hollywood $15 + $10, RB 7:00PM Hustler Casino $225+$30 THURSDAY 3:00PM Isle of Capri $25, $5RB WEDNESDAY SATURDAY 6:00PM Silver Slipper $25 + $10, RB 10:00AM Lake Elsinore $17+$3, RB$5 12:00PM Beau Rivage $120 6:30PM Hollywood $75 Buy In includes 10:00AM Pechanga $20+$5 $25 Bounty 12:00PM IP $100 + $20 12:00PM Harrah’s Rincon $35+$5 SATURDAY 3:00PM Isle of Capri $30, $10RB, $20 6:00PM Win-River $35+$5, 12:00PM Silver Slipper $45 Buy In includes Bounty 6:30PM Lake Elsinore $15+$5 $10 Bounty/Turbo SUNDAY 6:30PM Pechanga $40+$10 1:00PM Hollywood $100 + $10 Freeze- 12:00PM Beau Rivage $120 7:00PM Harrah’s Rincon $35+$5 Out 12:00PM IP $50 + $10 7:00PM Hustler Casino $100+$25 SUNDAY 3:00PM Isle of Capri $15, $10RB (Ladies THURSDAY 1:00PM Hollywood $40 + $10 Freeze-Out Only) 10:00AM Lake Elsinore $17+$3, RB$5 6:30PM Silver Slipper $65 Buy-In Omaha Hi 10:00AM Pechanga $20+$5 Tunica, Miss. Freezeout 12:00PM Harrah’s Rincon $35+$5 MONDAY CASINO BUY IN Everyday Silver Slipper $45 Buy-in Sit n Go Any Time Turbo 6:00PM Win-River $45+$5, $20RB 4:00AM Gold Strike $65 7:00PM Harrah’s Rincon $32+$8 11:00AM Gold Strike $40, $20 RB $20 AO Florida 7:00PM Hustler Casino $225+$30 1:00PM Grand Casino $65 MONDAY CASINO BUY IN FRIDAY 6:00PM Gold Strike $1000 + $125 7:00PM Seminole Casino $125 10:00AM Lake Elsinore $17+$3, RB$5 7:00PM Horseshoe $2000 gauranteed Brighton 10:00AM Pechanga $20+$5 +$65,$40 RB, $40 TUESDAY 12:00PM Harrah’s Rincon $35+$5 TUESDAY 7:00PM Seminole Casino $35 $25 RB, High 7:00PM Lake Elsinore $25+$5 11:00AM Gold Strike $40, $20RB, $20 AO Brighton Hand SATURDAY 1:00PM Grand Casino $500 + $65 7:30PM Ebro Greyhound $150+$20, $100 10:00AM Pechanga $20+$5 WEDNESDAY Park RB 10:00AM Win-River $25+$5 4:00AM Gold Strike $65 WEDNESDAY 11:00AM Harrah’s Rincon $35+$5 11:00AM Gold Strike $40, $20 RB $20 AO 7:00PM Seminole Casino $20 / $20 RB SUNDAY 1:00PM Grand Casino $65 ($500 added) Brighton 10:00AM Lake Elsinore $17+$3, RB$5 THURSDAY 7:30PM Ebro Greyhound $45+$15, $45 RB 10:00AM Pechanga $20+$5 11:00AM Gold Strike $40, $20 RB $20 AO Park 3:00PM Hustler Casino $225+$30 1:00PM Grand Casino $80, $20 Bounty THURSDAY 5:00PM Harrah’s Rincon $50+$10, $25RB, 6:00PM Gold Strike $1000 + $125 7:00PM Ebro Greyhound $100+$15 Park $25AO 7:00PM Horseshoe $65, $40 RB, $40 AO FRIDAY 6:00PM Win-River $40+$10, $5RB FRIDAY 7:00PM Seminole Casino $150 11:00AM Gold Strike $40, $20 RB $20 AO Biloxi, Miss. Brighton 11:00AM Sam’s Town $500 + $50 MONDAY CASINO BUY IN 7:00PM Ebro Greyhound $150+$20, 1:00PM Grand Casino $65, $25RB, $50 AO 6:00PM Beau Rivage $120 Park $100RB (WSOP Acedemy) 6:00PM IP $50 + $10 SATURDAY 4:00PM Horseshoe $65, $40RB, $40AO 12:00PM Ebro Greyhound $50 +$15 S&G 6:00PM Gold Strike $65, $30RB, $30AO Park

*First Sunday of the Month *every other week is a re buy tournament.Please call ahead to verify tournament times www.roundermagazine.com 67 schedules & results

7:00PM Seminole Casino $130 every other 7:00PM Planet Hollywood $50+$10AO 6:05PM MGM Grand $125 Brighton week is a Rebuy 7:00PM Sahara $40, $20 40RB 7:00PM Caesars Palace $150 Tournament 7:00PM The Orleans $80 7:00PM Golden Nugget $60, $40RB SUNDAY 7:00PM Tropicana $50, $10AO 7:00PM Mirage $125 12:00PM Ebro Greyhound $50 +$15 S&G 7:00PM Tuscany $22, $10RB 7:00PM Planet Hollywood $50+$10 AO Park 7:30PM Harrah’s $100 7:00PM Sahara $40, $20RB, 2$AO Nevada 7:30PM Paris $65 7:00PM The Orleans $80 MONDAY CASINO BUY IN 8:00PM Binion’s $70, $40RB 7:00PM Tropicana $50, $10AO 12:00AM Tropicana $50, $10AO 11:00PM Sahara $40, $20 40RB 7:00PM Tuscany $22, $10RB 1:00AM Golden Nugget $60, $40RB 11:30PM Harrah’s $50, $40RB 7:30PM Harrah’s $100 2:00AM Binion’s $70, $40RB TUESDAY 7:30PM Paris $65 2:00AM Planet Hollywood $50+$10AO 12:00AM Tropicana $50, $10AO 8:00PM Binion’s $70, $40RB 2:00AM Treasure Island $60+$5 AO 1:00AM Golden Nugget $60, $40RB 11:00PM Sahara $40, $20RB, 2$AO 4:00AM Tuscany $22, $10RB 2:00AM Binion’s $70, $40RB 11:30PM Harrah’s $50, $40RB 7:00AM Treasure Island $60+$5AO 2:00AM Planet Hollywood $50+$10AO WEDNESDAY 9:00AM Caesars Palace $65 2:00AM Treasure Island $60+$5AO 12:00AM Luxor Casino $62 9:00AM Luxor Casino $22, $20 1RB 4:00AM Tuscany $22, $10RB 12:00AM Tropicana $50, $10AO 9:00AM Monte Carlo $40+10AO 7:00AM Treasure Island $60+$5AO 1:00AM Golden Nugget $60, $40RB 9:30AM Paris $65 9:00AM Caesars Palace $65 2:00AM Binion’s $70, $40RB 10:00 AM Binion’s $50 9:00AM Luxor Casino $22, $20 -1RB 2:00AM Planet Hollywood $50+$10AO 10:00 AM Gold Coast Casino $22 9:00AM Monte Carlo $40+$10AO 2:00AM Treasure Island $60+$5AO 10:00 AM Hooters Casino $27 9:30AM Paris $65 4:00AM Tuscany $22, $10RB 10:00 AM Mandalay Bay $40 10:00AM Binion’s $50 7:00AM Treasure Island $60+$5AO 10:00 AM Planet Hollywood $50+$10AO 10:00AM Gold Coast Casino $22 9:00AM Caesars Palace $65 10:00 AM Rio $60 10:00AM Hooters Casino $27 9:00AM Luxor Casino $22, $20-1RB 10:00 AM Tropicana $50, $10AO 10:00AM Mandalay $40 9:00AM Monte Carlo $40+$10AO 10:00 AM Tuscany $22, $10RB 10:00AM Planet Hollywood $50+$10AO 9:30AM Paris $65 11:00AM Bally’s $65 10:00AM Rio $60 10:00 AM Binion’s $50 11:00AM Gold Coast Casino $22 10:00AM Tropicana $50, $10AO 10:00 AM Gold Coast Casino $22 11:00AM Golden Nugget $60, $40RB 10:00AM Tuscany $22, $10RB 10:00 AM Hooters Casino $27 11:00AM Harrah’s $50, $40RB 11:00AM Bally’s $65 10:00 AM Mandalay Bay $40 11:00AM Monte Carlo Sit ‘n Go 11:00AM Gold Coast Casino $22 10:00 AM Planet Hollywood $50+$10AO 11:00AM MGM Grand $65 11:00AM Golden Nugget $60, $40RB 10:00 AM Rio $60 11:00AM Oasis (Mesquite) $15, $15RB 11:00AM Harrah’s $50, $40RB 10:00 AM Tropicana $50, $10AO 11:00AM Sahara $40, $20RB, 2$AO 11:00AM Monte Carlo Sit ‘n Go 10:00 AM Tuscany $22, $10RB 11:00AM Treasure Island $60+$5 AO 11:00AM MGM Grand $65 11:00AM Bally’s $65 12:00PM Caesars Palace $200 11:00AM Oasis (Mesquite) $15, $15RB 11:00AM Gold Coast Casino $22 12:00PM Luxor Casino $30 11:00AM Sahara $40, $20 RB 11:00AM Golden Nugget $60, $40RB 12:00PM The Orleans $80 11:00AM Treasure Island $60+$5 AO 11:00AM Harrah’s $50, $40RB 1:00PM Monte Carlo Sit ‘n Go 11:00AM Bellagio $500+$40 11:00AM Monte Carlo Sit ‘n Go 1:30PM Paris $65 12:00PM Caesars Palace $200 11:00AM MGM Grand $65 2:00PM Bellagio $500+$40 12:00PM Luxor Casino $30 11:00AM Oasis Mesquite $15, $15RB 2:00PM Binion’s $70, $40RB 12:00PM The Orleans $80 11:00AM Sahara $40, $20RB, 2$AO 2:00PM Planet Hollywood $50+$10AO 12:00PM Wynn Las Vegas $300, $30RB 11:00AM Treasure Island $60+$5AO 2:00PM Tropicana $50, $10AO 1:00PM Monte Carlo Sit ‘n Go 11:00AM Bellagio $500+$40 2:30PM Harrah’s $100 1:30PM Paris $65 12:00PM Caesars Palace $200 3:00PM Caesars Palace $65 2:00PM Bellagio $500+$40 12:00PM Luxor Casino $30 3:00PM Golden Nugget $60, $40RB 2:00PM Binion’s $70, $40RB 12:00PM The Orleans $80 3:00PM Monte Carlo Sit ‘n Go 2:00PM Planet Hollywood $50+$10AO 12:00PM Wynn Las Vegas $300, $30RB 4:00PM Luxor Casino $50 2:00PM Tropicana $50, $10AO 1:00PM Monte Carlo Sit ‘n Go 5:00PM Caesars Palace $75(Pot Limit Omaha) 2:30PM Harrah’s $100 1:30PM Paris $65 6:00PM Mandalay Bay $80 3:00PM Caesars Palace $65 2:00PM Bellagio $500+$40 6:00PM Monte Carlo $50+$10AO 3:00PM Golden Nugget $60, $40RB 2:00PM Binion’s $70, $40RB 6:00PM Oasis (Mesquite) $35, $10RB 3:00PM Monte Carlo Sit ‘n Go 2:00PM Planet Hollywood $50+$10AO 6:05PM MGM Grand $125 4:00PM Luxor Casino $50 2:00PM Tropicana $50, $10AO 6:05PM Rio $125 6:00PM Caesars Palace $75(Ladies Night) 2:30PM Harrah’s $100 7:00PM Caesars Palace $150 6:00PM Mandalay Bay $80 3:00PM Caesars Palace $65 7:00PM Golden Nugget $60, $40RB 6:00PM Monte Carlo $50+$10AO 3:00PM Golden Nugget $60, $40RB 7:00PM Mirage $125 6:00PM Rio $125 3:00PM Monte Carlo Sit ‘n Go

68 Rounder April 2008 6:00PM Mandalay Bay $80 3:00PM Caesars Palace $65 2:00PM Bellagio $1000+$80 6:00PM Monte Carlo $50+$10AO 3:00PM Golden Nugget $60, $40RB 2:00PM Binion’s $70, $40RB 6:00PM Rio $125 3:00PM Monte Carlo Sit ‘n Go 2:00PM Planet Hollywood $50+$10AO 6:05PM MGM Grand $125 4:00PM Luxor Casino $50 2:00PM Tropicana $50, $10AO 7:00PM Caesars Palace $150 6:00PM Mandalay $80 2:30PM Harrah’s $100 7:00PM Golden Nugget $60, $40RB 6:00PM Monte Carlo $50+$10 AO 3:00PM Caesars Palace $65 7:00PM Mirage $125 6:00PM Oasis (Mesquite) $35, $10RB 3:00PM Golden Nugget $60, $40RB 7:00PM Planet Hollywood $50+$10 6:00PM Rio $125 3:00PM Monte Carlo Sit ‘n Go 7:00PM Sahara $40, $20RB, 2$AO 6:05PM MGM Grand $125 6:00PM Monte Carlo $50+$10AO 7:00PM Orleans Poker $80 7:00PM Caesars Palace $150 7:00PM Caesars Palace $150 7:00PM Tropicana $50, $10AO 7:00PM Golden Nugget $60, $40RB 7:00PM Golden Nugget $60, $40RB 7:00PM Tuscany $22, $10RB 7:00PM Mirage $230 7:00PM Planet Hollywood $50+$10AO 7:30PM Harrah’s $100 7:00PM Planet Hollywood $50+$10 AO 7:00PM The Orleans $105 7:30PM Paris $65 7:00PM Sahara $40, $20RB, 2$AO 7:00PM Sahara $40, $20RB, 2$AO 8:00PM Binion’s $70, $40RB 7:00PM The Orleans $80 7:00PM Tuscany $22, $10RB 11:00PM Sahara $40, $20RB, 2$AO 7:00PM Tropicana $50, $10AO 7:30PM Harrah’s $100 11:30PM Harrah’s $50, $40RB 7:00PM Tuscany $22, $10RB 7:30PM Paris $65 THURSDAY 7:30PM Harrah’s $100 8:00PM Binion’s $150, $50RB 12:00AM Luxor Casino $62 7:30PM Paris $65 11:00PM Sahara $40, $20RB, 2$AO 12:00AM Tropicana $50, $10AO 8:00PM Binion’s $70, $40RB 11:30PM Harrah’s $50, $40RB 1:00AM Golden Nugget $60, $40RB 11:00PM Sahara $40, $20RB, 2$AO SATURDAY 2:00AM Binion’s $70, $40RB 11:30PM Harrah’s $50, $40RB 12:00AM Tropicana $50, $10AO 2:00AM Planet Hollywood $50+$10AO FRIDAY 1:00AM Golden Nugget $60, $40RB 2:00AM Treasure Island $60+$5AO 12:00AM Luxor Casino $62 2:00AM Binion’s $70, $40RB 4:00AM Tuscany $22, $10 12:00AM Tropicana $50, $10AO 2:00AM Planet Hollywood $50+$10AO 7:00AM Treasure Island $60+$5AO 1:00AM Golden Nugget $60, $40RB 2:00AM Treasure Island $60+$5AO 9:00AM Caesars Palace $65 2:00AM Binion’s $70, $40RB 4:00AM Tuscany $22, $10RB 9:00AM Luxor Casino $22, $20-1RB 2:00AM Planet Hollywood $50+$10AO 7:00AM Treasure Island $60+$5AO 9:00AM Monte Carlo $40+$10AO 2:00AM Treasure Island $60+$5AO 9:00AM Caesars Palace $65 9:30AM Paris $65 4:00AM Tuscany $22, $10RB 9:00AM Monte Carlo $40+$10AO 10:00AM Binion’s $50 7:00AM Treasure Island $60+$5AO 9:30AM Paris $65 10:00AM Gold Coast Casino $22 9:00AM Caesars Palace $65 10:00AM Binion’s $50 10:00AM Hooters Casino $27 9:00AM Luxor Casino $22, $20 1RB 10:00AM Gold Coast Casino $22 10:00AM Mandalay Bay $40 9:00AM Monte Carlo $40+$10 AO 10:00AM Planet Hollywood $50+$10AO 10:00AM Planet Hollywood $50+$10AO 9:30AM Paris $65 10:00AM Rio $60 10:00AM Rio $60 10:00AM Binion’s $50 10:00AM Tropicana $50, $10AO 10:00AM Tropicana $50, $10AO 10:00AM Gold Coast Casino $22 10:00AM Tuscany $22, $10RB 10:00AM Tuscany $22, $10RB 10:00AM Hooters Casino $27 11:00AM Bally’s $80 + $40 option 11:00AM Bally’s $65 10:00AM Mandalay Bay $40 11:00AM Gold Coast Casino $22 11:00AM Gold Coast Casino $22 10:00AM Planet Hollywood $50+$10AO 11:00AM Golden Nugget $60, $40RB 11:00AM Golden Nugget $60, $40RB 10:00AM Rio $60 11:00AM Harrah’s $50, $40RB 11:00AM Harrah’s $50, $40RB 10:00AM Tropicana $50, $10AO 11:00AM Monte Carlo Sit ‘n Go 11:00AM Monte Carlo Sit ‘n Go 10:00AM Tuscany $22, $10RB 11:00AM Oasis (Mesquite) $15, $15RB 11:00AM MGM Grand $65 11:00AM Bally’s $65 11:00AM Sahara $40, $20RB, 2$AO 11:00AM Oasis (Mesquite) $15, $15RB 11:00AM Gold Coast Casino $22 11:00AM Treasure Island $60+$5AO 11:00AM Sahara $40, $20 40RB 11:00AM Golden Nugget $60, $40RB 12:00PM Caesars Palace $330 11:00AM Treasure Island $60+$5AO 11:00AM Harrah’s $50, $40RB 12:00PM Luxor Casino $30 12:00PM Caesars Palace $200 11:00AM Monte Carlo Sit ‘n Go 12:00PM The Orleans $80 12:00PM Luxor Casino $30 11:00AM MGM Grand $65 1:00PM Monte Carlo Sit ‘n Go 12:00PM The Orleans $80 11:00AM Oasis (Mesquite) $15, $15RB 1:30PM Paris $65 12:00PM Wynn Las Vegas $300, $30RB 11:00AM Sahara $40, $20 RB 2:00PM Bellagio $1000+$80 1:00PM Monte Carlo Sit ‘n Go 11:00AM Treasure Island $60+$5 AO 2:00PM Binion’s $70, $40RB 1:30PM Paris $65 12:00PM Caesars Palace $330 2:00PM Planet Hollywood $50+$10AO 2:00PM Bellagio $500+$40 12:00PM Luxor Casino $30 2:00PM Tropicana $50, $10AO 2:00PM Binion’s $70, $40RB 12:00PM The Orleans $80 2:30PM Harrah’s $100 2:00PM Planet Hollywood $50+$10AO 12:00PM Wynn Las Vegas $500, $40RB 3:00PM Caesars Palace $65 2:00PM Tropicana $50, $10 AO 1:00PM Monte Carlo Sit ‘n Go 3:00PM Golden Nugget $60, $40RB 2:30PM Harrah’s $100 1:30PM Paris $65 3:00PM Monte Carlo Sit ‘n Go

www.roundermagazine.com 69 schedules & results

6:00PM Monte Carlo $50+$10AO 7:00PM Planet Hollywood $50+$10AO THURSDAY 7:00PM Caesars Palace $150 7:00PM Sahara $40, $20RB, 2$AO 12:15 PM Trump Taj Mahal $50 + $15 7:00PM Golden Nugget $60, $40RB 7:00PM The Orleans $105 1:15 PM Harrah’s Poker Room $40 +10 7:00PM Planet Hollywood $50+$10AO 7:00PM Tropicana $50, $10AO 3:00 PM Caesars Poker Arena $80 + $15 7:00PM Sahara $40, $20RB, 2$AO 7:00PM Tuscany $22, $10RB 6:15 PM Trump Taj Mahal $100 + $20 7:00PM The Orleans $105 7:30PM Harrah’s $100 8:15 PM Harrah’s Poker Room $68 +12 7:00PM Tropicana $50, $10AO 7:30PM Paris $65 9:00 PM Caesars Poker Arena $60 + $15 7:00PM Tuscany $22, $10RB 8:00PM Binion’s $70, $40RB 12:00 AM Trump Taj Mahal $38 + $12 7:30PM Harrah’s $100 11:00PM Sahara $40, $20RB, 2$AO FRIDAY 7:30PM Paris $65 11:30PM Harrah’s $50, $40RB 12:15 PM Trump Taj Mahal $50 + $15 8:00PM Binion’s $150, $50RB New Jersey 1:15 PM Harrah’s Poker Room $40 +10 11:00PM Sahara $40, $20RB, 2$AO 3:00 PM Caesars Poker Arena $80 + $15 MONDAY CASINO BUY IN 11:30PM Harrah’s $50, $40RB 3:15 PM Trump Taj Mahal $100 + $20 12:15 PM Trump Taj Mahal $50 + $15 SUNDAY 8:15 PM Harrah’s Poker Room $68 +12 1:15 PM Harrah’s Poker Room $40 +10 12:00AM Tropicana $50, $10AO Trump Taj Mahal $175 + $25 3:00 PM Caesars Poker Arena $40 + $10 1:00AM Golden Nugget $60, $40RB 12:00 AM Trump Taj Mahal $100 + $20 2:00AM Binion’s $70, $40RB 6:15 PM Trump Taj Mahal $100 + $20 SATURDAY 8:15 PM Harrah’s Poker Room $68 +12 2:00AM Planet Hollywood $50+$10AO 10:15 AM Trump Taj Mahal $100 + $20 9:00 PM Caesars Poker Arena $60 + $15 2:00AM Treasure Island $60+$5AO 1:00 PM Caesars Poker Arena $150 + $25 12:00 AM Trump Taj Mahal $38 + $12 4:00AM Tuscany $22, $10RB 1:15 PM Harrah’s Poker Room $175 +25 TUESDAY 7:00AM Treasure Island $60+$5AO 6:15 PM Trump Taj Mahal $300 + $40 12:15 PM Trump Taj Mahal $50 + $15 9:00AM Caesars Palace $65 12:00 AM Trump Taj Mahal $100 + $20 9:00AM Monte Carlo $40+$10AO 1:15 PM Harrah’s Poker Room $40 +10 SUNDAY 3:00 PM Caesars Poker Arena $40 + $10 9:30AM Paris $65 10:15 AM Trump Taj Mahal $100 + $20 6:15 PM Trump Taj Mahal $100 + $20 10:00AM Binion’s $50 1:00 PM Caesars Poker Arena $100 + 20 8:15 PM Harrah’s Poker Room $68 +12 10:00AM Gold Coast Casino $22 1:15 PM Harrah’s Poker Room $40 +10 9:00 PM Caesars Poker Arena $60 + $15 10:00AM Planet Hollywood $50+$10AO 6:15 PM Trump Taj Mahal $100 + $20 12:00 AM Trump Taj Mahal $38 + $12 10:00AM Rio All-Suite $60 9:00 PM Caesars Poker Arena $60 + 15 WEDNESDAY 10:00AM Tropicana $50, $10AO 12:00 AM Trump Taj Mahal $38 + $12 10:00AM Tuscany $22, $10RB 12:15 PM Trump Taj Mahal $50 + $15 11:00AM Bally’s $80 + $40 option 1:15 PM Harrah’s Poker Room $40 +10 11:00AM Gold Coast Casino $22 3:00 PM Caesars Poker Arena $40 + $10 Casino Poker Rooms, If you have 11:00AM Golden Nugget $60, $40RB 6:15 PM Trump Taj Mahal $100 + $20 changes in your weekly tournament 11:00AM Harrah’s $50, $40RB 8:15 PM Harrah’s Poker Room $68 +12 schedule please email 11:00AM Mandalay $50 9:00 PM Caesars Poker Arena $60 + $15 [email protected] 11:00AM Monte Carlo Sit ‘n Go 12:00 AM Trump Taj Mahal $38 + $12 to update. 11:00AM Oasis (Mesquite) $15, $15RB 11:00AM Sahara $40, $20RB 11:00AM Treasure Island $60+$5AO 12:00PM Caesars Palace $330 12:00PM Luxor Casino $30 12:00PM The Orleans $80 1:00PM Monte Carlo Sit ‘n Go 1:00PM Oasis (Mesquite) $35, $10RB 1:30PM Paris $65 2:00PM Bellagio $500+$40 2:00PM Binion’s $70, $40RB 2:00PM Planet Hollywood $50+$10AO 2:00PM Tropicana $50, $10AO 2:30PM Harrah’s $100 3:00PM Caesars Palace $65 3:00PM Golden Nugget $60, $40RB 3:00PM Monte Carlo Sit ‘n Go 5:00PM Mirage $125 6:00PM Monte Carlo $50+$10AO 6:05PM MGM Grand $125 7:00PM Caesars Palace $150 7:00PM Golden Nugget $60, $40RB

70 Rounder April 2008 River Nutz (859)291-4455 Bar & Restaurant Leagues Shimmers Tavern (859)426-0491 Southern Lanes (859)635-2121 Willie’s Sports Cafe (513)770-0333 Alabama Midtown Tavern (404)541-1372 Zazou Grill& Pub (859)261-9111 Fox & Hound (205)968-3823 O’Shaughessy’s (770)998-3293 Gilleys (205)967-1504 Papas Pizza House (770)606-1100 North Carolina Hooters (Pelham) (205)682-9464 Sluggers Sports Cafe (912)920-4212 Beantown Tavern (704)849-2023 Hooters (Hwy 280) (205)437-1880 Smith’s Olde Bar (404)875-1522 Big Dog Cafe (704)243-2024 Incahoots (Helena) (205)361-2939 Steed’s Savanna (912)352-4300 Bogey’s Bistro (704)545-1669 Indigo Joes (205)991-4646 Taco Mac (678)289-0000 Buffalo Wild Wings (828)327-9464 Johnny B’s (205)323-6247 Startime Entertainment (770)993-5411 Coyote’s Concord (704)782-4427 The Brewhouse (404)525-7799 Gopher Hole (704)292-7200 Florida The Islander Savanna (912)897-6137 Iron Thunder Saloon (828)322-5080 BB’S Sports Bar (305)253-2466 The Pool Room Sports Bar & Grill (770)418-9086 Lake Lynn Lodge (704)782-5095 Big Fish Club (305)453-0820 The Vortex at Moreland (404)688-1828 Marcy’s Place Bar & grill (704)283-1611 Cutler Bay Sports Bar (786)293-1616 The Vortex at Peachtree (404)875-1667 Onemore Restaurant Bar & Grill (704)788-8874 Good Fellas (305)254-0108 Whistle Post Tavern (770)785-5008 R J Gators (704)599-2808 The Hurricane (305)884-5077 Wild Wing Cafe (912)790-9464 Red’s Bar & Boogie (704)238-9400 Irish Tavern (305)382-1516 Sharky’s (704)573-2155 Little Hoolies (305)252-9155 Indiana Tommyknockers (704)596-8303 Oasis Tiki Bar & Grill (786)488-4406 Bubbaz East - Indianapolis (317)898-7574 R J Gators (904)446-2089 Bubbaz (Camby) (317)856-3901 Tennessee Village Tavern (305)273-6123 Bubbaz Southwest - Indianapolis (317)865-3900 Balls & Strikes (706)937-7678 Dancin’ Bear’s Bar & Grill (317)831-2327 Chattanooga Billiard Club East (423)499-3883 Georgia Bypass Bar & Grill (765)287-0544 Chattanooga Food & Drink (423)553-6645 American Pie (404)255-7571 Riehle Brothers Tavern (765)474-4499 Dalton Depot (706)226-3160 AMF Bowling (770)427-4696 Dancin’ Bear’s Sports Bar & Grill (317)831-2327 Double Hill Billiards (423)875-8760 Barnacles (678)526-5227 Peppers (317)257-6277 Fox& Hound (423)490-1200 Bay Street Blues (912)236-6655 Peppers 2 (Greenwood) (317)887-0461 Legends - Holiday Bowl (423)843-2695 Buffalo Wild Wings (770)482-9453 Peppers 3 (317)275-2430 Mayo’s (423)622-9370 Central Station Sports Cafe (404)768-4004 Riehl Bros. Tavern (765)474-4499 Strikers - Holiday Bowl (423)899-2695 Coaches Corner Savanna (912)352-2933 Stadium Club Bar & Grill (765)743-3024 Dalton Depot (706)226-3160 Tipsey’s Bar & Grill (Greenwood) (317)883-8394 Pennsylvania Double Vision (770)505-2285 Wirty’s World - Indianapolis (317)782-1863 Dave’s Creekside Bar and Grill (570)992-4969 Dugan’s Tavern (770)785-2488 The Hammer Head Lounge (610)262-6713 Faces Lounge (770)579-3801 Kentucky The Blue Monkey Sports Bar (610)266-0603 Fado (404)841-0066 Apple Jacks Pub & Grill (859)746-9998 Indian Springs Hotel & Pub (610)863-3393 Granite City Cafe & Lounge (678)536-7707 Back Stage Cafe (859)491-2445 Kc’s Pub (570)476-1572 Hooters (770)607-9474 Bar Monet (850)491-2403 The Tap Room (610)391-1000 House of Rock (770)386-2337 Deadwood Saloon (859)491-3323 5 Points Inn (610)588-2173 Little River Sports Bar & Grill (770)345-4444 Flaagan’s Front Porch (859)371-9992 Mad Anthony’s (570)643-7000 Locos (404)233-2989 Muggbee’s (859)344-1333 Siamsa (570)421-8434 Mazzy’s Sports Bar & Grill (770)645-8576 Papa’s Pub (859)371-5567 Pub 715 South (570)629-6900 McTighe’s (404)816-3300 Peecox Bar & Grill (859)342-7000 Indian Springs Hotel & Pub (610)863-3393

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www.roundermagazine.com 71 schedules & results

invitational tournament. Three hours becoming a memberor host venue, con- prior to the invitational, the NPT offers a tact Stefan Martin at StefanMartin487@ play-in tournament open to all members. gmail.com.♦ The final 20 participants in the play-in also qualify for the invitational tourna- ment. Membership is free and anyone 21 and older is eligible to participate. Michael Totton, of Indianapolis, Nationwide Poker Tour- took down first place at the February Invite when heads-up his pocket kings held against Steven Merriman’s pocket Indiana threes. Totton qualified through the play-in earlier in the day as he was not MORE THAN 100 PLAYERS from across among the top 180 point-scorers for the state descended upon ByPass Bar February. & Grill in Muncie, IN on Saturday, The NPT’s March Invitational is cur- March 15 to participate in an rently scheduled for Saturday, April 19 at invitation only No Limit Texas Hold’em Wirty’s World, 3852 S. Madison Avenue Invitational Winner Michael Totton poker tournament hosted by the in Indianapolis. An open play-in will Nationwide Poker Tour (NPT) with the begin at noon and the main invitational first place finisher receiving tournament will begin at 3pm. MARCH INVITATIONAL RESULTS $1,000 cash. Players are also gearing up for the Those making the trek an hour 2008 Indiana Year-End Tournament 1st Michael Totton northeast of Indianapolis were treated which will be held May 17, 2008 at 2nd Steven Merriman to a spacious venue, seating draws Tipsey’s Bar & Grill, 8249 US Highway 3rd George Rinehart and assigned dealers at each table. 31 S. The top 200 point-earners from 4th Charles W. Shreves V At most daily tournaments throughout 2007 will compete at the Year-End event 5th Amanda Epperson the league, the players rotate the deal where the winner will earn a seat at the around the table. $10,000 WSOP Main Event. Across the 6th Devon Wake Each month, the Nationwide Poker country, up to nine WSOP Main Event 7th Trudy Bell Tour hosts an invitational tournament at seats will be given away at NPT Year- 8th Larry Wheatcraft one of its host establishments for the top End State Invitationals. 9th Floyd King 180 players in the state from the previ- For a complete schedule of daily ous month. More than $1,500 in prizes tournaments please visit www.pokerplay- 10th David Gillette are awarded to players at each monthly ersinc.com. For more information about

Major League Poker Players The MLPP has 500 registered players and growing. They play 7 nights a week and on April 5th the Top 50’s Tournament we will be sending the top 5 players to the W.P Princess Cruise Ship to a satellite event. Six winners will be sent to the WPT Gulf Coast Poker Championship at Beau Rivage Re- sort & Casino in Biloxi Mississippi September 6-9. The package is worth over $10,000.00 per winner MLPP is now an official Satellite Location for all WSOP Andy Katz took first events. check their website at place and a $10k seat www.majorleaguepokerplayers.com to the WSOP!

72 Rounder April 2008 schedules & results

Eric “Sheets” Haber Conquers married with kids and I do not get the opportunity to play in as many the Competition at Caesars events as some others, so I really BY NOLAN DALLA have to make the most of it when I play live with real people,” Haber ERIC “SHEETS” HABER collected a instructor at a popular website said. “To be able to grind it out day $431,136 cash prize. He also re- called pokerxfactor.com, which is after day after day at one of these ceived the WSOP Circuit gold and a site dedicated to helping poker major events and then make it all diamond champion’s ring, presented players improve their game. Look the way to the final table is some- Eto all main event winners on this for Haber to pick up a few more thing really special. This is what it year’s tournament circuit. Haber students following his big win. is all about for me.” was also given a voucher worth Haber now has 15 cashes in his re- He offered another interesting $11,000 good for an entry into the sume, and $660,000 in tournament perspective on tournaments and the 2008 World Series of Poker champi- winnings. He has earned consider- challenges of winning on the circuit. onship event. ably more money and has won other “I would not want to travel around Haber is a 41-year-old hedge events playing online. the country and play tournaments fund manager. He is married and “I really cherish the opportunity every day. I know there are many has two children. Haber is a lead to play in live tournaments. I am players who do that. But to me, you can’t possibly play your best 2008 WSOP Circuit game when you are out there day af- ter day. For me, it is better to come Caesars Indiana APR 2nd - APR 16th, 2008 to one of these events occasionally Caesars Palace Las Vegas APR 20th - MAY 1st, 2008 and really focus my efforts. When I get a shot, I really am determined to Harrah’s New Orleans MAY 9th - MAY 21st, 2008 play my best.” ♦

www.roundermagazine.com 73 schedules & results

Brandon Cantu Wins Bay 101 Shooting Star

BRANDON CANTU STARTED the final table with a huge chip lead and coast- ed his way to a $1 million victory. It was no easy field, as the final Bsix also included noted pros like John Phan and Jennifer Harman. percent of the chips in play with $330,000 for third. Phan was first to go. Entering four players remaining. Baker won Sung faced a tough road in the World Poker Tour taping as the $200,000 for his fifth-place finish. heads-up play as Cantu began with a short stack, he pushed in with Q-8 Jefferson was next to go when nearly 5 to 1 chip advantage. Cantu and was called by Noah Jefferson his A-K could not improve against won a big pot with a set and then and his pocket sixes. Jefferson won Steve Sung’s 7-7. He got $265,000 finished Sung off with pocket fours the race and Phan went home with for fourth. against pocket threes. Sung received $135,000. Harman was Cantu’s next $585,000 for his runner-up finish. Next came the play that would victim when they got all in preflop. This was the biggest win for set Cantu up to coast. Michael He held 9-9 and she showed A-K. Cantu, whose previous notable win Baker, who entered the final table The flop brought a king, but it also was a $1,500 No-Limit Hold’em in second place with 1.96 million contained a nine. Harman could not event at the 2006 World Series of in chips to Cantu’s 3.32 million, hit runner-runner and she collected Poker for $758,000. ♦ raised to 25,000. Cantu re-raised to 75,000 and Baker raised again to 200,000. After some pondering (and apparently posturing), Cantu made it 500,000 to go. Baker called and the flop was Qs-10d-2d. Cantu put Baker all in and Baker decided to gamble. Cantu showed two red aces and Baker revealed Kd-3d for the flush draw. The turn and river bricked off and Cantu then had 75

2008 WPT Schedule

Foxwoods Poker Classic April 4 - 9 2008 Foxwoods Resort Casino Mashantucket, Connecticut WPT World Championship April 19 - 26 2008 Bellagio, Las Vegas, NV

74 Rounder April 2008 Birmingham to the Bellagio… Biloxi to Binion’s… Our sales staff are taking a seat at every game.

Sales Positions open!

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!"#$%"#&$'()"#%*+'"($,"(+*,+-$ Visit us at: www.roundermagazine.com [email protected] schedules & results

of the Year Qualifying Event Tim Hebert wins Spring Break Poker Classic

BILOXI IS BACK, AND IF you don’t believe it just take a trip down to see for yourself. The Spring Break Poker Classic Bat the Beau Rivage is further proof that poker on the Gulf Coast is stronger than ever, as the new tour- nament series attracted fields of hun- The Rounder Girls dreds despite being scheduled only a pose with Spring couple of months before March. Break Poker The week and a half long event Classic Champion featured a slate of $340 and $550 Tim Hebert and No Limit Hold’em events, culmi- Tournament

Director Jessica Barratt. of iMpDi courtesy photo nating in a $2,100 main event that attracted 173 entrants. This was no slouch of a cham- tournament and they decided to cept instead of a desert view you get pionship field either, as it featured wait until the final table,” Hebert an ocean view.” nationally or regionally known said. “I pick up A-K against A-J Notable winners of preliminary poker stars such as Josh Arieh, Matt and double up there. I got pocket events included Nic Gellepis of “Cub” Culberson, David Robbins, queens against pocket tens. The Tallahassee, Fla., who took home Glyn Banks and 2007 Rounder of final hand I flopped a set of deuces, $18,600 in the first $340 event. the Year Timothy “T.K.” Miles, to I checked, he moved in and I called. Gellepis recently finished seventh name a few. The celebrity factor was Very fortunate, very fortunate.” at the championship event of the also here with the presence of “Bos- Hebert won a $500 preliminary Winter Bayou Poker Challenge, a ton” Rob Mariano, most commonly event at the World Series of Poker WSOP Circuit Event, in New Or- known for his two seasons on the Circuit in New Orleans last May leans last November. television show “Survivor.” and has made the final two tables of Recent Rounder profile subject The 173 players in the main two World Poker Tour events. and World Poker Open preliminary event created a first place prize of Players were happy to see the event winner Matt “Cub” Culber- $107,455. Ron Hebert of Lafayette, Beau Rivage add another major son won Event 4, which was a $550 La., came out on top even though tournament event here, as it allowed buy in. Culberson had a great series he came into the final table as the them to make an extra visit to the at the Classic as he also finished sev- short stack. Gulf Coast. “I like the Beau,” Banks enth in Event 3 and 13th in Event 2. “I hadn’t caught any hands all said. “It’s like a mini-Bellagio, ex- Will Souther of Pensacola, Fla., who is widely known as “Monkey”, won the heartbreak award for the The final hand I flopped a set of deuces, I series by finishing second in both Event 4 and Event 5. He also cashed checked, he moved in and I called. in the third event, earning him more Very fortunate, very fortunate.” than $16,000 over the series. ♦

76 Rounder April 2008 entertainment

▼ Blue Man Group— Beau Rivage April 10,11 Experimental musical theatre troupe the Blue Man Group was founded in 1987 by longtime friends Matt Goldman, Phil Stanton, and Chris Wink; identical in their blue-painted skin, skullcaps and black clothing, the trio soon became a fixture of the New York underground performance art scene thanks to their ▲ Blake Shelton—IP Casino regular appearances in Central Park, Resort & Spa April 25 followed by shows at noted East Village Multi-platinum country artist, Blake spaces including Dixon Place, Perfor- Shelton will perform live in IP Show- mance Space 122 and the Wooster room Friday, April 25, 2008. Group’s Performing Garage. Equal parts Shelton’s hits include “The More I play, concert, and sketch routine, the Drink,” “Some Beach,” “Don’t Make Blue Man Group combined sight gags, Me,” “Goodbye Time,” “Austin,” physical stunts and audience participa- “The Baby,” “Nobody But Me,” and tion, with members of the front rows ▲ Julio Iglesias—Beau Rivage “Home.” given plastic rain ponchos as protection April 20, 2008 from the hail of paint, food and other assorted projectiles launched from the stage; in early 1991, they premiered their production Tubes at La MaMa, moving to the Astor Place Theater by the end of the year and ultimately win- ning an Obie Award for their efforts. Tubes eventually expanded to long runs in Boston, Chicago and Las Vegas; in 1999, the Blue Man Group also issued an album, Audio, spotlighting their custom musical instruments. Three year later, the trio inked a multi-album deal with Atlantic’s sister label, Lava Records. ▲ Mike Epps— The Complex, which appeared in April IP Showroom April 12 2003, marked the Blue Man Group’s Comedian and actor Mike Epps has monumental sophomore album - a slick generated quite a buzz among his peers effort showcasing impressive collabora- and within the industry for being one of tions with Tracy Bonham, Dave Mat- the funniest comedic actors emerging thews, Dan the Automator and Esthero. in the Hollywood spotlight. He will be Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide performing at IP on Saturday, April 12 in the IP Showroom. ▲ Liza Minnelli—Beau Rivage Mike is perhaps best known for his May 9, 2008 roles as “Day-Day” opposite Ice Cube in both Next Friday and Friday After Next. He teamed up again with Ice Cube in New Line’s All About the Benjamins, and went on to star in The Fighting Temptations, Resident Evil 2: Apocalypse and most recently, The Honeymooners, Roll Bounce and Something New. Cur- rently in movie theaters, his latest movie BEAU RIVAGE ENTERTAINMENT - Welcome Home Rosco Jenkins. Call 1-888-566-7469 or buy tickets online at www.beaurivage.com IP ENTERTAINMENT - Buy tickets at www.ipbiloxi.com, or by calling ▲ Lord Of The Dance—Beau TicketMaster at 228-385-2600 Rivage April 25,26,27 2008

www.roundermagazine.com 77 rockin rounder

Darlene: For the Spring tour do ya’ll rehearse still? Will you get together? Dave: Yeah we’ll be rehearsing. We’re going to be fleshing out these new songs and making sure that we have them under our belt and that we can do what we do best with them. (Un- like previous albums where tracks were “road-tested” on stage before being laid down in the studio, Free Somehow offers a majority of songs that have yet to make their live debut.)

Darlene: Listening to ‘Free Somehow’ naturally we fans imagine all the new songs live. I have had a couple conversa- tions about different songs and how they might be that ”first time played”. I think the new record is beautiful...by the way. Are you happy with it? Dave: Thank you. I am very happy with it. I think it has been a long time coming that we got to do a big produc- tion record. I am really pleased and I am very proud. I think everybody in the band did a great job of writing songs and playing their parts and I think that Terry Manning (legendary DAVE SCHOOLS producer Led Zeppelin, Lenny Kravitz, ZZ Top, Al Green) did an amazing job of putting all of it together and...you know, FOR 22 YEARS ‘WIDESPREAD PANIC’ has been making having a vision that existed outside of the bands vision. music for themselves and their fans. They consistently rank as one of the top grossing live acts year after year, a tribute Darlene: Does Terry Manning come to see you play live? to their constant touring, and one of the most dedicated Dave: Oh yeah, absolutely. He absolutely knows what we fan-bases in music today. ‘Free Somehow’ the latest gift of are about. recorded music in the Widespread Panic catalog, marks the band’s 17th release and 10th studio album. Darlene’s inter- Darlene: Did you get the band to him? I know you did the view for April is with one of Panic’s undeniably important and record with Jerry Joseph with Terry Manning. most precious assets, bass player Dave Schools. Dave: I did the Stockholm record there. That is when I first met Terry and we really hit it off and he said he would love Darlene: Do you play Poker? to throw his name in the ring for producing the next Panic Dave: You know I don’t mind playing Black Jack. I don’t mind record so that is basically what we did. that at all. I like 5 card draw. I don’t like all this Texas Hold’em stuff that is going on these days. I mean...so what? (laughs) Darlene: Will there be another Stockholm Syndrome record? www.stockholmsyndromeband.com Darlene: John Bell (singer for Widespread Panic) is always Dave: I think so. You know we just got off tour. It was great. singing or rapping about imaginary Poker. I was wondering We had fun. Wally is back...an amazing recovery from can- about that. cer. Danny Louis is just an amazing addition to the band, a Dave: You know...you would have to talk to him...because great player and a great hang too; a great sense of humor. he has a saying that’s a metaphor of cards and gambling... We wrote some new songs. Jerry and I have some new songs song-writing. so we’ll see, you know. I am devoting as much time as I can to Panic right now. And Wally is devoting all of his attention Darlene: Do you get excited like us fans when ‘Widespread to Cheryl Crow...so we’ll see how long it is before there is a Panic’ announces “Spring Tour Dates”? Stockholm record. Dave: Where is it? I don’t even know where we are going. You tell me! I know we are starting April fools day and play- Darlene: Jerry Joseph is credited on a few of the songs on ing all the way through Jazz Fest, but I don’t really know the new Panic record, but none of the band members names where we will be. No I don’t get excited till I get on the bus. specifically appear. Why do you just put Widespread Panic. Really I dread it. I don’t like to leave my dog, leave my house, Dave: That’s because; we feel that no matter how big or But then when it comes and I get on the bus; it’s like, Ok! small a personal contribution is, that it is worth an equal por- I’m glad I’m here. Let’s...let’s get down to business, basically. tion in the end. You know...and it’s fair and it makes sense

across the board. It also keeps the peace because if you go of chris Monson courtesy photo

78 Rounder April 2008 about things the old school way of trying to decide what per- as a band now? Did you guys ever sit around back in the centage of a song someone was responsible for conceiving beginning dreaming of success or have a plan for ‘World you are just going to get into stupid math. The thing about Widespread Panic Domination’ that said “That’s where we Panic is that it’s a family and it has always been a family and want to be in 22 years”? that is the important concept to keep in mind. Dave: There was never a plan...beyond “we enjoy each oth- ers company and we are enjoying writing these songs”. Re- Darlene: I also read on the record “ All lyrics subject to ally the plan was initially to have a car that was running well change” Have you guys been sued for changing your lyrics or enough to get us and our gear to the gig we were playing. something? Is that why you put that disclaimer? ; ) So yeah we have gone above and beyond anything we ever Dave: Ha! No that’s JB basically saying I’m going to change expected. It was always a new adventure. lyrics at will so just because you read them in print here... don’t expect them to be the same every-night. And that’s a Darlene: Do you have any new goals as a band? good thing. It’s just we have a sense of humor and there’s Dave: New goals? Maintaining in this day and age is hard big thing with a lot of bands taking themselves to seriously enough; the price of gas...trying to keep ticket prices low. The these days. It’s always been that way with us. We are seri- big goal is to always keep it interesting for ourselves and for ous about the way we do things and we are serious about our fans and to hope that our fans will evolve along with us. our commitment to each other and to the band. But music should always be aloud to evolve and grow. Sometimes seri- Darlene: We’re trying! ous things can evolve into something humorous and some- Dave: It’s natural. Either you do or you don’t... ♦ times something that began as a humorous thing can evolve into something serious...so we include a caveat. ‘Live’ recordings of every show at www.widespreadpanic.com

Darlene: So Jimmy Herring...he’s going to be with us... Darlene’s Quick Picks April 2008 forever? Hopefully. Dave: Forever...I can’t say...after what happened with Mikey Blue Mountain—April 4 who can say that anything is forever..but he’s very happy and Workplay, Birmingham, AL we’re very happy. And this is a good thing this record because 13 Ghosts—April 10 it was really his first chance to bring his ideas to the band. You Caledonia Lounge, Athens, GA know certainly he has applied his ideas to the back catalog Player / Kommander but that’s like a different side of the brain at work, learning —April 11 how something goes. Writing new things and bringing that in Sam’s Saloon, Indianapolis, IN to the fold is extremely important and he just did a great job Rollin’ In The Hay—April 20 on the record. I am really proud of him and I am really glad Flora Bama, Orange Beach, FL that after almost two years with the band, he’s going to finally Robert Plant-Alison Krauss—April 23 have a chance to trot out his unique ideas. (‘Mikey’ - Michael Memorial Auditorium, Chattanooga, TN Houser beloved co-founding member and lead guitar player for Widespread Panic passed away in 2002) Santana W/ Derek Trucks Band—april 30 Hard Rock, Seminole, FL Darlene: Panic has definitely solidified their place in music For additional information go to history now. Would you say you are where you wanted to be www.myspace.com/darleneleast

BIRMINGHAM, AL www.thenickrocks.com www.myspace.com/thenickrocks

www.roundermagazine.com 79 ask hoyt

HOYT CORKINS IS ONE of the world’s best poker players. This World Series bracelet winner is known as the “Alabama Cowboy” and “Mr. All-In”. Each month Hoyt shares his 30 years of poker experience with our readers. If you have a Hquestion for Hoyt, you can write him at [email protected].

PLEASE GIVE ME A COUPLE OF EXAMPLES OF HOLE CARDS YOU WILL PLAY WHEN YOU ARE IN LATE POSITIONS, BUT NORMALLY TOSS IN THE MUCK IN EARLY POSITIONS. —EMILY IN TEXAS Hoyt: In late position I will play unsuited connecting cards. Honestly, I would almost rather have a 7-6 off-suit on the button than a 7-6 suited under the gun. Position is that important. In a pinch I will play a 4-5 off-suit in late position, but I like to have a 6 or 7 that is connected before I would commit many chips. Hoyt: I play some cheap games just for the enjoyment of it. I don’t like to play for long session, but I will play 2-3 hours. I AM SURE IT VARIES FROM YEAR TO YEAR, BUT WHAT TOUR- Todd Brunson gets up some home games sometimes with a NAMENTS DO YOU TRY YOUR BEST TO PLAY? $300 buy-in. He’ll have some of the pros over, have a cook —ANISTON IN SOUTH DAKOTA out and just play cards. It is a lot of fun. Hoyt: Of course the Main Event at WSOP is a must play. But I think the World Poker Tour Championship is my favorite. I I HAVE SOME BUDDIES THAT THINK TWO SUITED CARDS IN like the WPT championship – it’s a more skilled tournament. THEIR HANDS ARE SOLID GOLD. THE “BOOKS” SAY IT ONLY There are fewer players and more chips involved. The format IMPROVES YOUR CHANCE OF WINNING BY THREE PERCENT. gives you a better chance of winning. HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT SUITED CARDS? —KEVIN IN MISSISSIPPI I SAW YOU PLAYING ON A NEW CASH POKER SHOW THE Hoyt: I’m a big fan of suited cards, I wouldn’t treat them like OTHER DAY. YOU ARE MOST VISIBLE IN TOURNAMENTS. Gold, but they add value to the hand and it gives you a lot HOW OFTEN DO YOU PLAY CASH GAMES, AND DO YOU PRE- more playing opportunities after the flop. The hand equity FER CASH OR TOURNAMENTS?—JACK IN ALABAMA improves. If you flop a flush draw, you might be able to steal Hoyt: Good question. I play both. The difference between the the pot. way they are played is so big, if you aren’t careful, and you try to play cash like a tournament, or visa-versa, you can really WHAT IS ON YOUR IPOD?—STORMY IN NEVADA get in trouble. Cash is more relaxed. One of my theories of Hoyt: I use one once in a while, but most of the time I playing cash is to do one thing like a tournament. Buy in for a use earplugs. It helps separate you from the room. I listen certain amount and commit not to go back into your pocket – to county music; I like classic country – Hank Senior and I call it “hunting with one shell.” It forces you to play tighter. George Jones and those guys. I sometimes listen to a re- cording of the book of proverbs. IT SEEMS TO ME THE POKER CRAZE HAS LEVELED OFF SOME. WHAT DO YOU THINK?—RON IN TENNESSEE MIN THE MASTER HAS HIS BEER. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE Hoyt: I agree. The growth is not as meteoric as it was a BEVERAGE TO SIP WHILE YOU ARE PLAYING CARDS? couple of years ago. But, I think poker will continue to grow, —ALBERT IN SOUTH CAROLINA just not at such a crazy pace. I think that is a good thing. I Hoyt: A Perrier – some sparkling water with a twist of lime – like playing in a 300 player field tournament rather than an served by a beautiful waitress. ♦ 800 player field.

DO YOU EVER JUST PLAY IN A CHEAP “HOME GAME” FOR FUN, OR ONLY IN SERIOUS GAMES TO EARN MONEY? —ED IN GEORGIA ask hoyt

80 Rounder April 2008

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