Episode #148: Delay the WSOP Final Table?

MAIN TOPIC

It's just a rumor, but hey, that's what rumors are for - to debate endlessly. Chris and I take a point-counterpoint approach to whether Harrah's should consider delaying the final table of the World Series of Poker's Main Event for 90 days. I chose the right side, and Chris chose "in favor." And the only Ante Upper to play in a WSOP Main Event Final Table, Lee Childs, calls in with his opinion. Click here to hear the show.

OTHER TOPICS

New host for Poker After Dark: It's LeeAnn Tweeden, who also hosts NBC's National Heads-Up Championship, which begins airing this weekend.

CardPlayer tidbits: Take a tour of Phil Hellmuth's house (he has heated floors in his office!), get a glimpse of Larry Flynt's high-limit stud game at the Hustler Casino and tipping is back in the news.

Tampa Bay Poker Replay: One-Eyed Jack's is holding new Friday night WSOP qualifiers, and the Top Jack at OEJ's, Sam Minutello, is once again running the charity tournament at the Playboy Mansion.

One Minute Mystery: Columbo is taking a well-deserved break and will return soon.

HAND OF THE WEEK

Jerry (loser64) offers up a $1/$3 no-limit hold'em cash game hand from Sam's Town in Tunica, Miss.

The under-the-gun player is a retired local with $250, and the small blind is a maniac with $180. Jerry is in mid to late position with $95.

UTG makes it $9 to go, and Jerry and the SB call.

The flop: 2d-2s-3h

SB bets out $10, UTG and Jerry call.

The turn: 9h

SB bets out $10 again, UTG raises to $35, Jerry and the SB call.

The river: Kc

SB bets $35, UTG raises to $70 and Jerry calls. SB folds, saying he had 7-7.

UTG turns over 3-3 for a flopped boat.

NEXT WEEK'S SHOW

Scott calls in live from Las Vegas!

- SCOTT

Comments

[Brett Otte]

I remember being on The PokerDome and it was difficult during my post-interview to look in her eyes considering what Leeann Tweeden was wearing.

At least they told me the reason they told me they didn't air it was due to my explanation being "over their audiences' heads" instead of my eyes veering down.

In the mean time I am in the middle of my attempt at copying Chris Ferguson in making money online and not buying in.

I play only on Doylesroom and played a couple freerolls and got in the money both times and had about $1.80. I played 10 cent tables until I could move up. I now have over $400 in my bankroll and play $10 or $20 buy-ins, so I'm ecstatic.

[bfos7215]

I'm all for the idea of delaying the final table.

There are certianly good arguments against the proposal. But, let's all face it. It's not like the current setup is all that exciting.

In fact, as much as I enjoy poker, I didn't watch a single minute of last year's series. One factor is the lack of excitement and anticipation. But, another is that seeing nothing but the same "action" hands over and over is pretty boring for me.

Maybe some other ideas should be considered. Like treating it like a real series and have the ancillary tournaments function as feeders to the championship round.

[Ron]

I enjoy reading your hands of the week, but are we supposed to guess what Jerry had that kept him calling?

[bfos]

@Ron: Jerry had KK. It was in the show. So, I think they just forgot them in the notes.

[rbd64]

Just listened to the debate, haven't even finished the podcast and had to post my opionin:

Here is the premise:

Joe public only cares about the final table.

Why do we then need to subject everybody to 90 days of prefinal play? Play the final tables live.
Break for 1 day.
Build in an hour of buildup, some extra breaks for more romancing of the characters, and play it all live. Break over night, as often as needed to slit it up into a palatable format, but I am thinking 1-3 days I could commit to.

You got all the film of the buildup to use as filler. AND all the poker players, + the NEW fans that just watched Fasso win his first ever WSOP main event, will want to watch the story of how he got there, so the road to the final table shows will still be seen. If they want to jazz that up then add some (before the event obv), live satellites with uber hotties, and cover some of the better tables on espn 36 or something, but pimp it on sportscenter, please. And for the LOVE OF GOD MAKE FUN OF THE UIGEA ON TV (Frist embarrassment to republicans, that sort of thing).

1 day delay, go time. LIVE.
I'll still watch the freaking rest of the tourney, I have the 2007 stud and pot lomit omaha on my ipod and I like watching so much Ive seen them multiple times!

Sell the season in order including bonus satellite coverage if we act in the first 30 minutes.

[MacDaddyo]

I think it was Blaz whose comments you mentioned on the podcast that reminded us all that all the money that the palyers are playing for is their own! ESPN and Harrah's don't put up a dime of it. Now if ESPN or Harrahs wants to sweeten the prize pool to the tune of a few million, well I think the players would put up with the delay. If that wasn't the case and you took a vote of the players, my guess is that the delay would be voted down by a 3 to 1 margin. I know that there is a player's advisory committee for the WSOP. This issue will be a test to see if they have any real "say" on something significant.