Andrew Feldman

  (4:02 PM)

Hey everyone. Dennis will be joining us shortly! Keep sending in questions!

Dennis Phillips

  (4:03 PM)

Hey everyone!

Dave (Austin, TX)

Other than any of the other November 9, who was your toughest opponent during the main event?

Dennis Phillips

  (4:04 PM)

Wow. Probably the toughest one to get a good feel of or a good read on was Jeff Madsen who I played with on the second day. I pretty much avoided him.

Matt NJ

What do you find as your biggest strength as a player in general and how well did this strength work out for you in this main event?

Dennis Phillips

  (4:05 PM)

Not too sure there is one strength. I think a complete player is strong in several different areas. I think I have a good feel for the table and the players. I manage my chips well and am not afraid to throw a hand away, but I also thinkg I'll be the money in when I think I can take a pot down.

Enzo (St. Louis, MO)

Dennis, who do you think are the toughest players left at the final table? Also, best of luck to you, bring the bracelet to stl!

Dennis Phillips

  (4:06 PM)

Thanks! I pretty much have the players ranked from 1-8 in terms of who I want to face and who I don't want to face. You can't just distinguish one individual. They all play different type games and it depends on where I sit at the table, it will make a big difference on who I think will be tough at the table.

Rohan (NY)

So with $9 mil would you buy Cardinals' season tickets? Maybe a luxury box? A seat in the dugout?

Dennis Phillips

  (4:07 PM)

Already have season tickets to them and I kind of like sitting around with everybody and having some fun. I'm not sure I'd enjoy a luxury box as much.

Chris (NY)

Did you go to Vegas with any expectations?

Dennis Phillips

  (4:07 PM)

Two different things. I wanted to find out if I could play with some of the top notch players and my whole goal was just to go out there and make the money.

Justin (Denver)

Have you tried to learn from some of the mistakes other chipleaders have made in past ME final tables? What have you learned?

Dennis Phillips

  (4:08 PM)

Well, what I'll try to do is continue to play my game and not get carried away with having a deep stack or any other pitfalls that I could get into. I will manage my chips to my advantage.

Andrew (Brooklyn, NY)

I hear you're going to have quite the cheering section in Vegas. How do you think that will help you?

Dennis Phillips

  (4:09 PM)

Right now we have over 300 people -- friends, relative, coworkers that will be out there in Vegas. I'm not sure how it could hurt, and I know I'm going to enjoy it. We're basically going to have a heck of a lot of fun this weekend.

Dave (CT)

Given that you're the chip leader, what result will you consider a disappointment? Anything less than first?

Dennis Phillips

  (4:10 PM)

Actually, finishing at the final table is a huge achievement. If I finish ninth I'd be dancing a jig to the door, but am I going for the bracelet? You bet.

Dennis Phillips

  (4:11 PM)

Yes. I've already been in contact with the PPA and have been talking with them concerning it. I've been exchanging emails and will be following up with them to see how I can help.

Dave (Austin, TX)

Did you watch the ESPN360 coverage of Demidov in the WSOPE ME?

Dennis Phillips

  (4:12 PM)

I did not watch it. That was the time that my mother passed away, but I did play the high rollers. I spoke to him for a while, shook his hand and he really is a very good player.

Dave (CT)

What was the biggest mistake you saw players make over and over again throughout the tournament?

Dennis Phillips

  (4:13 PM)

Probably the biggest one would be not playing their position. It's a vital part of their game and so many people do not distinguish being under the gun and on the button. There's a huge difference in every seat around the table.

Justin (Denver)

what kind of assistance, if any, have you been getting to prepare for the final table?

Dennis Phillips

  (4:14 PM)

I've done a number of things to get ready for the final table. Some of the local STL players have been helping me with sit and goes, shorthanded -- 3, 4, 5 people at the table. Then I've worked with Roy Winston and Joe McGowan in just trying to fine tune the different aspects of the game. I haven't changed my game, my instincts or how I play, but I try to sharpen my skills in many of the different areas.

Brad (Gadsden,Alabama)

Dennis, What do you do to get ready before you play?

Dennis Phillips

  (4:15 PM)

Just try to be mentally prepared and refrehed. Maybe thats an advantage over the young guns that are out there. I'll get a good night sleep, eat the right food and be mentally relaxed to play my A game when ready.

Dave (Austin, TX)

As a poker player you have to make decisions of risk vs. reward. If ESPN/Harrah's decision to wait to play the final table in November was a poker hand what sort of odds would you give the decision? Risks being (cheating occuring, player's not being able to return, basically anything that would generate negative press for poker) Rewards being (higher ratings, better sponsorship offers)

Dennis Phillips

  (4:17 PM)

Actually doing a total flip around. When they first announced it I would've rated it a pretty poor hand. In hindsight, it has been a benefit, it has been a plus. They will probably do it in the future and I will support it. One recommendation is that they reduce the number of days in between. 50 or 60 should do it, not 117.

Chris (NY)

Where do you think you'll go with your winnings? Bahamas? Aruba? Des Moines?

Dennis Phillips

  (4:20 PM)

Haha. I don't even know how to answer that one, that's cool. Des Moines, I love it. Maybe I'll get a new set of tires for my truck, just kidding. I haven't come up ith a good plan for it yet, but I will invest it. If I win it all I hope to set up a charitable foundation to spread the wealth, but I have to win it first.

Brad (Seattle, WA)

What was the biggest surprise to you about actually playing in the WSOP Main Event, compared to what you had expected?

Dennis Phillips

  (4:21 PM)

I actually sat down the first day not knowing what to expect. 2 to 3 hours into it I realized that I could actually play with these guys. The competition in STL was the same as the local game where we had 60-80-100. As we moved onto Day 3, Day 4 or Day 5, everyone had to improve their game, but I was surprised I could play with them.

Saps (Westmont, IL)

Have you ever thought of becoming a Cubs fan?

Dennis Phillips

  (4:23 PM)

I grew up in central IL, the border where a lot of people were cubs fans and a lot of poeple were cards fans. My brother is a devout Cubs fan. I've been following the cards since 64 and I doubt that will ever change.

Sacramento

Who out of the final nine do you not want to be heads up against?

Dennis Phillips

  (4:24 PM)

I can't answer that! I definitely have preferences of who I do want to have there, but I don't think it makes a difference. There are 8 quality players there.

justin (denver)

have you kept in touch with any of the other november 9? Not a lot of people to relate to this experience with.

Dennis Phillips

  (4:25 PM)

We've actually run into each other during a number of tournaments and interviews and I seem to have a pretty good relationship with everybody. It's a good group of guys. Each of us wishing each other well - but of course we're all out to win, but really just a good group of guys.

Miguel (Chicago, IL)

Will you visit Vegas more frequently to play live poker because of your experience/winnings at this years event?

Dennis Phillips

  (4:26 PM)

Yes. I've already made trips out there and I will continue to do it in the future. There are some very good tournaments and some very good games out there.

Jeff, Atlanta, GA

I was watching your table during the AA vs. AK hand you played with Mark Vos to end day 5. I remember you being so shaken up that you couldnt even stack or count your chips to end the day. Was this the pivotal moment in the tournament for you? It seemed that from that point forward you were in the top few chip stacks the whole way.

Dennis Phillips

  (4:27 PM)

You're absolutely right. Day after day playing 12/14/16 hours a day was draining. This was the final hand of the day and propelled me into the top of the chips counts. Yes, I really did lose it for a moment there, but I got the emotions out of me, got composed and I was moving up the rest of the way on.

Rick (Boston)

Neat idea getting all the autographs on your hat. Which ones are from players you busted?

Dennis Phillips

  (4:29 PM)

Actually, none of them. I went out there to get the notable people - the people I saw on TV, the ones I respected and those are the ones that I got. I have most of the ones on the hat without even playing a hand against them. My favorite autograph is Mike Matusow. He stopped an interview to come over and sign my hat when he definitely wouldn't have had to. It was very gentlemanly of him. I said forget, I'll just leave, he waved me over there, signed the hat, wished me well and went on with the interview.

Jose (Long Island, NY)

Dennis, how much have you studied the other players? Do you study them just from watching the ESPN shows or are there other ways?

Dennis Phillips

  (4:30 PM)

I've studied them all that I could. I've done all the research that I could on them and what little was shown on ESPN, I've studied. I've tried to do all the research I can.

John (Wilmington, De)

Dennis you have a great weak personna when you have a big hand. How much of that do you think comes from your background? I think other players always think they are better than you and you just keep outplaying them.

Dennis Phillips

  (4:32 PM)

Maybe there are some advantages from being a 53 year old with a lot of life experiences. Able to keep your feet on the ground and play your hands and play your opponents.

Dave (CT)

How many times in the tournament were you all in and behind?

Dennis Phillips

  (4:33 PM)

One. I had 9-9 and the guy on the button made a raise, I pushed all in to get him out and he insta-called with 10-10. End result, I ended up with a straight. Absolutely sick.

Dennis Phillips

  (4:33 PM)

But that was only once. A lot of other people had a lot more than that.

Mike (Omaha, Nebraska)

I am also in the trucking business and love to play hold'em. I play on line everyday. What does it take to get to the postion you are in today?

Dennis Phillips

  (4:33 PM)

Practice. Practice. Practice. Never stop learning from this game. I hope that next year I'm a better player than I am right now. This is a game you can never perfect.

Dave (Austin, TX)

Chino seems to have gotten the most coverage during the ESPN coverage. Do you think this is a disadvantage for him since the rest of the 9 has seen some of his style or do you have your own read without the coverage?

Dennis Phillips

  (4:35 PM)

I have played with all of the peopel that are left at the table -- some for days. I pretty much have my own read or feeling for each of these players. As for Chino - I don't think its a huge disadvantage. He was involved with a lot of hands and made some good calls and some bad calls. It wasn't any help to him to be seen that much on ESPN, but I don't think it hurt him.

Steve (Cleveland)

Who has played the best in the main event? In your opinion? Who has been the toughest for you to play through the main event?

Dennis Phillips

  (4:36 PM)

Mike Matusow played a hell of a tournament. He had one blow up in it which anyone would have and he ended up losing to a three-outer. He played as well as anyone could without making the final table.

Dan (Nutley, NJ)

Do you play any games other than hold'em? Is it your best game?

Dennis Phillips

  (4:36 PM)

Yea. Hold 'em is my preferred game, but I'll play almost any kind of card game, any kind of poker.

Dave (Austin, TX)

Which online site are you signed with and how many others approached you with offers?

Dennis Phillips

  (4:37 PM)

Poker Stars and I was approached my several others.

Dave (Austin, TX)

If you win what are your plans as the ambassador of poker? Will you hit the tournament circuit? Are you going to do anything to fight the UIGEA?

Dennis Phillips

  (4:38 PM)

Yes I will hit the tournament circuit. I look forward to going to Latin America, Europe to play in these tournaments. I'm looking forwrard to working with the PPA and especially working on charity efforts.

Doug (Philadelphia)

Do you get more attention from the ladies now?

Dennis Phillips

  (4:39 PM)

Hahaha. Don't I wish. I've just had everyone wish me well and slap me on the back. Male, female, young, old, martian, whatever!

Ralph (Newark, De)

How much would it cost to get you to come to my home game?

Dennis Phillips

  (4:39 PM)

Too bad the Cardinals aren't playing in Deleware or we might have come to some agreement.

Justin (denver)

Was there anything specific you had to do to adjust your play from days 1/2 to days 5/6?

Dennis Phillips

  (4:40 PM)

Trying to stay on top of your game after all these grueling hours became a struggle. Conciously I tried to take a deep breath and an extra second or two to make any action. In this type of tournament, any wrong move and you could be out.

Dave (Austin, TX)

Do you have any advice to people who haven't played in a major tournament before?

Dennis Phillips

  (4:41 PM)

I think everyone should give it a shot. Its a heck of a lot of fun to get top of it. You need to test your skills and find out where you're at and then you can sharpen them to get better.

Dave (Austin, TX)

Do you have a full percentage of yourself in the Main Event? If not how much of yourself do you have?

Dennis Phillips

  (4:42 PM)

Not really a question I'm comfortable answering...

John (Wilmington, De)

What is your strategy? Aggressive, Patient. What do you do when you have the chip lead and your playing for a world championship?

Dennis Phillips

  (4:43 PM)

Again, when we sit down there there are two major factors -- the postiion which I do not know. Second, it's like starting the tournament over again and I'm sure plenty of these players have changed their games. I'm going to start this table out like I would any other and just see what happens.

Jacque (Quebec)

Craig Marquis said he'd rather be playing against older players because they're easier to read. Do you agree? Do you think that's a shot at you?

Dennis Phillips

  (4:44 PM)

He really said that? (Laughs). I think the exact opposite is true. I would much rather be playing against the younger players, specifically the internet ones because frankly, they are easier to each! Each to his own I guess.

Dave (CT)

Do you watch much poker on TV and do you have a favorite player?

Dennis Phillips

  (4:45 PM)

I do watch poker on TV and I rank the players as much off the cameras as much as on. Like Victor Ramdin who gives medical aid in his home country and Phil Gordon who works on the bad beat on cancer, those are the ones to look up to.

Stefan (Stockholm, Sweden)

Good luck at the final table. You seem like a really nice guy compared to a lot of other players. Do other people at your table ever really get under your skin? especially if you're near them for a long time.

Dennis Phillips

  (4:46 PM)

Very seldom. A lot of times I put down many of the comments to inexperience or being young. The persona that some people have at the table is more of an act. When you get them away from the table many times they change.

Jason (Chicago)

What percentage of poker is skill and what percentage is luck? What games are more skill and what games are more luck? Obviously to get to the final table you have to be both good and a bit lucky, right?

Dennis Phillips

  (4:48 PM)

Not only having a little bit of lucky, but its not running into any bad luck. You can play poker perfectly and still lose. If you played the 7,000 players in this tournament over again you'd probably have a different final table, but you'd be amazed to see how many players cash both times. There's a lot of skill in this game, more than what people believe.

Dan (Nutley, NJ)

Have you looked at any of the posted betting odds on the final table?

Dennis Phillips

  (4:49 PM)

Yes I have. It more of less reflects what you would expect and just follows the chip counts on the way downs with a couple of exceptions based on the amount of experience a player has had. I'm either the odds on favorite or tied with Ivan.

Joe (San Antonio)

Have you thought about what you would do if you won it all?

Dennis Phillips

  (4:50 PM)

I don't know. There's a lot of different scenarios. Me on the beach in Tahiti? More realistic I'd come back to STL and enjoy it.

Enrique (Mexico City)

There has to be one guy that you asked to sign your hate and gave you some attitude

Dennis Phillips

  (4:51 PM)

All the guys that signed the hat were great and thanked me, but the only person who signed it and gave it back to me without comment was Phil Hellmuth who was talking to someone else at the time.

Brad (Seattle, WA)

Unlike a lot of the younger guys, you've been playing poker for decades, and have seen the growth over the last 5 years, followed by the impact of the UIGEA. Are you optimistic or pessimistic about the future? Was the "Moneymaker Effect" mean that poker was just a fad?

Dennis Phillips

  (4:53 PM)

I don't think its a fad at all and I'm optimistic about the future. Anyone can play and anyone can succeed at. Who hasn't wanted to bowl a 300 game or hit a hole in one on the golf course. I guarantee that when 7000 players sit down, you don't know who's going to win it.

Joe (San Antonio)

Since Moneymaker won it, every main event winner was an ameteur that turned pro eventually. Do you see yourself as a pro if you do?

Dennis Phillips

  (4:53 PM)

I will be playing a lot more tournaments, cash games and making trips to vegas, but I will keep my day job. If you want to call that stuff being a pro, then I'm a pro, but I'll still have my day job.

Dennis Phillips

  (4:54 PM)

Thanks everyone! I appreciate all the questions and if I'm successful out there, maybe we'll do it again.