Despite my pledge to the contrary my regular postings have been interrupted by a two week trip to Vegas to watch the World Series of Poker. Truly the world of poker has descended on Las Vegas and despite seeing coverage of the event from previous years nothing could really prepare me for the spectacle of thousands of poker players on hundreds of tables playing for 14 hours a day!
I had many friends in the tournament and watching them was truly nail biting and the tension at some points made me feel physically sick. So many people view poker as pure gambling, arguing that it is just the luck of the cards, but never was it more clear to me that it is a game of skill, patience and persistence. Yes luck plays a part ...but doesn't it in any sport?
Yesterday was 'bubble' day - the day when the final 10% (600-odd) cashed. It was pretty gruesome and it played out like chinese water torture as everyone kept their game tight only to climax with the vision of some grown men crying while others cheered. Some people's pain was other people's clear gain.
Now I have 2 friends left in the tournament who have made over $50,000 each and they have at least 3 days play ahead of them if they are going to make it into the big money. One is a semi-retired builder and the other a super-rich broker. Poker really gives a level playing field!
You should have been playing too!!!
Posted by: Shrub | July 17, 2007 at 02:22 AM