Andrew Feldman

  (1:52 PM)

Hey everyone. Welcome back to the daily WSOP poker chat! Chops will be joining me shortly, so send in your questions and we'll get to them in just a couple minutes.

Andrew Feldman

  (2:03 PM)

Chops is late getting to the Rio, so let's get started without him.

Justin (Denver)

So, obviously the big story is going to be Moneymaker. The question is, is he playing good, or running good?

Andrew Feldman

  (2:04 PM)

From the start of the day yesterday Moneymaker seemed to be on. Playing good/running good/being good. That said, there's a long way to go and the field is still filled with the best. Would I like to see him at the final table? Absolutely.

chris(reno)

matusow,cunningham,negreanu,ivey, and hellmuth or the field. if you had to make a bet which group would you take in the 40K NLHE event

Andrew Feldman

  (2:05 PM)

Field. Though I'd love to see one of the others win this event.

Ric (Rocklin Ca)

Do a lot of the top pros also play high stakes side cash games during the WSOP or do they stay focused on the tournaments?

Andrew Feldman

  (2:08 PM)

Many of the pros primarily play the side games. All the big players are in town and it's the time of the year where you can make a lot of money at the table. As an example, Doyle mentioned that he's been waiting to play the cash games as it's been pretty dry recently. The WSOP brings new fish in town...

JSC (Boston)

Aren't Hellmuth and Negreanu already out of the 40K?

Andrew Feldman

  (2:09 PM)

Which is why I'm taking the field. Matusow has a chance as the short stack...and then there's Ivey.

Billy (NYC)

Best words of advice for an amateur who won a seat in the WSOP main event?

Andrew Feldman

  (2:10 PM)

Take a deep breath and have fun. After spending time with each of the ESPN Poker Club qualifiers over the last four years, the were all anxious, but they settled down after a couple orbits. It's a stressful situation for an amateur, but you have to enjoy the experience.

Doyle B (Las Vegas)

I'm doing pretty well in the 40k. Do you think I stand a chance? And can you believe I "Tweet" ?

Andrew Feldman

  (2:11 PM)

You have 10 bracelets. You have a chance. I think if Doyle won this event it would be fitting. As far as the twitter craze, I think it was meant for poker players. Watching them update chip counts/opponents from the tables is quite cool.

Bai Ling (Wool, VA)

Do you think that the 40k will have the highest payout for first (other than the ME)?

Andrew Feldman

  (2:14 PM)

HORSE only had 148 last year, and I don't see 50 more players buying in since many spent their big buy-in this year on this event.

Chops Preiss

  (2:14 PM)

Chops here.

Jason, Newton, MA

Chops, lets get right into it. Tell us about the girls on the rail during the $40k event.

Chops Preiss

  (2:16 PM)

Dude, it was pretty slim pickings here for Event #1 (casino employees) and most of Event #2. Then, out of nowhere, one of the best looking girls on the rail appeared out of nowhere near the end of the day. We literally had half the poker media come up and alert us, pointing her out.

Pete (Rochester, NY)

The HORSE would need 149 players this year to match the first place payout of the 40k NLHE-only paying 16 places instead of 27 would be the difference.

Andrew Feldman

  (2:17 PM)

Yea. I'm really on fire today. For some reason I thought that the buy-ins were equal. Ok...that said, the HORSE champ will be very close to this one.

Harry (Dunn, MN)

Chops, what where your thinking while picking your fantasy poker team?

Chops Preiss

  (2:19 PM)

The fantasy team was meant to consist of WCP All-Stars. So if you're a reader of our site, you'll recognize why I made the picks I did. It's all people we obsess over.

Pete (Rochester, NY)

I assume Bonomo was one of the first names left off your non-bracelet winners list today? He would seem to have a more "current" pedigree than some others on the list (like Mizrachi and Smith, who have had nice results but haven't been as active on the circuit lately).

Andrew Feldman

  (2:20 PM)

Today's article, found here: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/poker/columns/story?columnist=wise_gary&id=4214458, was Gary's pick of those deserving without a bracelet. My list absolutely includes Bonomo and I'm hoping that he'll take it down to help my fantasy team. Good start in Event 2...

Joe (Quimby, IN)

Any big moments/stories from the 40k so far?

Chops Preiss

  (2:22 PM)

The Moneymaker story, if he makes a deep run, will obviously be huge. Because he hasn't done much since his 2003 WSOP ME win, people slag on him a bit more than they should. But he's the reason many people are even reading this chat right now. We're really hoping for his sake (and poker's) that he continues his good play.

Chops Preiss

  (2:22 PM)

Michael DeMichele showing up looking like Adam Lambert, while not as big, certainly got everyone's attention yesterday too.

Andrew Feldman

  (2:23 PM)

That was one of the strangest things I've seen. Random fact -- DeMichele and Hevad Khan from the same area growing up...

Apostle Paul, WV

I am sick and tired of hearing about Isaac Baron as the next big thing when it comes to internet phenoms. I'd wager my man Galfond win a bracelet first. After all he has the coolest screen name in the world.

Chops Preiss

  (2:24 PM)

Galfond (aka OMGClayAiken) won a bracelet last year, so you're obviously into making pretty safe wagers.

Chops Preiss

  (2:24 PM)

Really going out on a limb there.

Woodrow (Paige, CA)

I heard Phil Hellmuth had a huge blow up in the 40k. True?

Chops Preiss

  (2:26 PM)

Not really a huge blow up. Hellmuth said on twitter that Alan Sass "was the worst player at his table" after taking a beat from him, but Hellmuth had Ivey, Dwan, a few other big names there. His table was brutal. Hellmuth is on his best behavior this year.

Chops Preiss

  (2:26 PM)

Many parts of the new Code of Conduct are pretty much specifically addressing his behavior, afterall.

Will (Gates, WA)

How many horses do you have left in the race (40K) as far as your Fantasy team goes? Like your chances?

Andrew Feldman

  (2:28 PM)

I have Bonomo, Seif, Nam Le left

Chops Preiss

  (2:29 PM)

I think I have two ( J.C. Tran and David "The Dragon" Pham*). Funny thing is Moneymaker was gonna be my last pick, but didn't do it. *Not a real dragon

Lon (Tracy, CA)

Any feel out there now that the WSOP season is kicking off as to attendence and entry? Lots of speculation out there in the poker media. With all the economy doom and gloom, how's it looking?

Chops Preiss

  (2:31 PM)

First you owe us royalties on our trademarked use of The Economy(TM). But anyway, WSOP Commish Jeffrey Pollack and crew have repeatedly said that early entries are up this year. The $40,000 event came in right about the number everyone was expecting. This weekend will be a big indicator with the $1,000 stimulus event. Fingers crossed.

dwhit110 (cinci, oh)

"Hellmuth on his best behavior this year" Uh, we're keeping in mind that we're only in event 2, right?

Noonan! Peoria, IL

Paul knows his man well that's for sure. I was surprised Negreanu busted out relatively early. And what is with supposedly top notch pros getting it all-in with an overpair or a flush draw with stacks that are 200 or 300 big blinds deep? Seems donkeyrific to a low stakes online player like myself.

Andrew Feldman

  (2:32 PM)

Agreed. I couldn't believe some of the early busts, but then again,it's their 40K.

Michael F. (Las Vegas, NV)

Who wins a bracelet this year, Nam Le or Tuan Le?

Chops Preiss

  (2:34 PM)

Not saying I think either is a lock by any means for a bracelet, but Nam would be my pick between the two.

Marty, Raleigh, NC

Was Daniel just whining on his blog/tweets or do you think his words towards Doug Lee were justified?

Chops Preiss

  (2:38 PM)

Daniel is an outspoken guy. So it's easy to read too much into what he says/writes/tweets (hate "tweets" wish they came up with something that sounded cooler). Everyone calls Doug Lee "Toolbox" too so he wasn't really ripping him in that way.

Cosmo (Anytown, USA)

What interesting prop bets are in play for this year's WSOP? What is the craziest prop you have ever heard of?

Andrew Feldman

  (2:39 PM)

I know Andy Bloch has a bracelet bet with Ivey...

Chops Preiss

  (2:40 PM)

Lots of money riding on the Lakers, just like last year.

Jeff Noblesville, IN

Who that is left in the $40k field, is likely to throw the best after party should they ship the bracelet?

Chops Preiss

  (2:41 PM)

(Going back to the previous question) Outside of the FTP guys and some other big names, not a lot of free cash flying around. Blame The Economy(TM).

Chops Preiss

  (2:41 PM)

GREAT QUESTION!

Chops Preiss

  (2:42 PM)

Gotta go with Antonio Esfandiari. Every day for that guy is pretty much a party. He lives the good life. Also, if Moneymaker were to win, I think Poker Stars would throw a big party. Lots of good feelings all around if that happens.

Tiffany M. Las Vegas, NV

Chops, who takes my title as the BOB (Break Out Babe) of 2009?

Chops Preiss

  (2:43 PM)

Like BOB, you should TM that.

Chops Preiss

  (2:44 PM)

Vanessa Rousso has kind of already broken out. She's had a HUGE year. 2nd at NBC Heads-Up. Won a EPT High Rollers event for over $1M. Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. GoDaddy.com commercial.

Wannabe's (Wearing sunglasses)

YO dudz. I'm the next greatest poka playa ever yo. I've been playing .01/.02 NO LIMIT for like 3 months online. I'm tha greatest.

Andrew Feldman

  (2:44 PM)

You the man

Patrick A, Helsinki, Finland

Will Durrrr ever let me take all his money or is the Durrr Challenge done now that the WSOP has started?

Chops Preiss

  (2:46 PM)

I think the durrrr challenge will grind to a halt and you'll see some sort of buy-out arrangement made on the bet. Just a feeling.

Dan (Waukegan, IL)

Any sight of Russ Hamilton?

Chops Preiss

  (2:47 PM)

Just a pic of his rather large framed body and mug over media row. You won't see him anywhere near the Rio this year and my hunch is even if he showed up, they wouldn't let him play.

Drew (Buffalo)

I've asked Doyle and Andy, would like to hear your input on sunglasses at the table. I've seen all no's so far. Your feelings?

Chops Preiss

  (2:49 PM)

Could care less. Don't really think it makes a difference or gives an edge.

Cheek, Atlanta

Chops there. Great coverage as usually, pal! If you were a betting man, not that I am saying you are or aren't, who would you say has a great chance at the final table?

Chops Preiss

  (2:51 PM)

What up Cheek! There are a few big name pros who consistently do well despite the large fields in the WSOP Main Event: Hellmuth, Matusow, Nguyen, Brenes. They all play a similarly and surprisingly risk-averse style that suits these large fields well. But from here on out, with the large fields, it's really anyone's game.

Joe S. Berkley, CA

Can we plug Poker Road Nation on here? The best way to follow the WSOP on twitter and/or find out my DMB song of the day.

Andrew Feldman

  (2:52 PM)

Done. Quite a cool way to follow the WSOP.

Scott Austin TX

Will someone put Andrew Feldman in the 1K stimulus? Is the Economy the problem?

Andrew Feldman

  (2:52 PM)

Seriously!

Mike Gone Fishin' (Ogallala, NE)

Hey guys...love the info on the chats and looking forward to more of it. Here's a question from the home of some AWESOME fishing (Lake McConaughy): What's most likely to happen at this year's WSOP: Johnny Chan and/or Doyle Brunson matches Phil's 11 bracelets, Phil adds to the lead or Erik Seidel goes on a run and joins the 10-bracelet club?

Chops Preiss

  (2:55 PM)

Real quick, good plug for Stapes and Pokerroad Nation. Good stuff to Sebok and all and keep it up. Now on to the question...I like Hellmuth winning his 12th. He just wants it more than anyone else. Doyle is getting old. Stamina is a problem. And Johnny Chan has seen his best poker.

Bill, Tampa, FL

How many people do you think have 100% of themselves in the 40k? I'm sure most of the big guns but not so sure about the other guys.

Chops Preiss

  (2:56 PM)

(back to the other question for a second) Seidel is a way underrated/under thought of player, and a run to 10 is not out of the question.

Chops Preiss

  (2:57 PM)

We were talking about this the other day, trying to figure that out. I wouldn't be surprised if even some of the big guys who have a budget for buy-ins from the online sites didn't sell a piece of themselves to save some of their buy-in money. I'd bet that number of owning 100% of themselves is pretty low.

Levi (Augusta, GA)

What would you say the odds are of Joe Sebok coming in 7th at one of this year's events? I'll take even money that Seebs lands a Seventhbok before Hellmuth, Brunson, or Chan lands another bracelet. Thoughts?

Chops Preiss

  (2:59 PM)

Do you mean Sebok coming in 10th and missing a TV final table?

Chops Preiss

  (3:00 PM)

If so, I think Seebs is due to break through, but problem is there are only 2 televised events for him to play in, and he already didn't play in one.

Andrew Feldman

  (3:00 PM)

However, there are 24 events being broadcast online on ESPN360.com and bluffmagazine.com.

Andrew Feldman

  (3:01 PM)

Thanks for all the questions today! We'll be back to answer more questions either tomorrow or Monday. I'm not sure what I've been signed up for!

Chops Preiss

  (3:02 PM)

Thanks for the questions guys. We'll be doing more of this over the next few weeks and will try to do a Simmons-esque marathon. Go to wicked chops or rawvegas.tv for more WSOP info.