Andrew Feldman

  (4:00 PM)

Hey everyone! Welcome to today's poker chat. Ivey's going for another one tonight...think he takes it down?

Roland (London (UK))

Searching the poker world for a decent explanation for the cap on one drop. Haven't found anything, let alone anything convincing. Any idea on the reasoning behind it?

Andrew Feldman

  (4:02 PM)

There really is no good reason behind it, especially because so much money is being donated to charity for each player that participates. The only thing I can think of is that they wanted an exclusive event and by setting a cap, they did their best to make it happen. If its for a bracelet, it should be open to everyone, plain and simple.

jason (new york)

Were you dissapointed in the turnouts this past weekend? You had predicted between 3600 and 4400 and the fields only reach 2400-2800. Many would consider that a success though!

Andrew Feldman

  (4:05 PM)

Two tournaments in the 24-2800 range could be considered a success, but not at the WSOP in their lowest buy-ins of the summer. Given the poker economy, I think it was a solid turnout, but nothing to write home about. Attendance is going to be down for the most part and these two tournaments are a prime example that the player base in general has been reduced over the past year.

seth (staten island)

Is there an reason given why ESPN is not covering the main event like it did last year with no live coverage at all until the final table in october

Andrew Feldman

  (4:07 PM)

I can't speak on behalf of my TV counterparts, but I am thrilled that the final table will still be live. Plus I've heard of a few changes to the coverage this year that will be great.

Jobin (Andrew's Basement in CT)

Nard Dog, what's up? Event #21 ($1K NLHE) summarized what I love and hate about the WSOP each year. One of my favorite players beats the odds and makes a deep run for a bracelet, only to lose a 70-30 all-in. I understand the appeal of "anyone can win" but I always enjoy WSOPs when bigger names (like Hellmuth and Bloch this year, for starters) take down the gold.

Andrew Feldman

  (4:08 PM)

You've summed up professional poker in a few sentences. If Baldy wins that 70:30, he probably wins the event, but on any given day someone can catch a few aces and run hot. I think we'll continue to see more names than "anyone can win" for the rest of the series. After all, the number of "anyones" this year has been greatly reduced.

Jamie (Newark, DE)

How much of a distraction/potential bankroll leak is the Euro 2012 competition for European players? Who is the biggest football fan?

Andrew Feldman

  (4:11 PM)

Tons of football fans at the WSOP, Sam Trickett probably being one of the biggest. I would imagine that many players are a little bit distracted by the games, but following sports while playing is nothing new for most of these guys...

Matt R (NJ)

Will the One Drop FT be held in the Penn and Teller Theater? I am planning on flying out for the event to rail the final table if there will be seats available to watch. I sweated the ME FT when Duhamel won a couple years ago and enjoyed the experience.

Andrew Feldman

  (4:11 PM)

I believe it will be held in the ESPN arena in the Amazon Room. Plenty of seats available and will definitely be amazing to see someone win $18 million in person. If a pro wins, think they actually smile?

Donald Key (Florida)

I will be a rube playing the Seniors event Friday and have never played in the WSOP. Besides its size and the ages of its players, how is it different than other tourneys? Also, and I know this may sound silly, how should I dress? I've heard it's a chilly room.

Andrew Feldman

  (4:13 PM)

First of all, good luck! There shouldn't be anything different at the WSOP than any other tournament that you've played. Sure, the stage is a bit bigger and the prize money at the end is probably much larger than anything you're used to, but you need to play it one table at a time, just like any other event. Definitely bring something warmer to wear, it can get cold.

Angel Q (Phoenix,AZ)

What do you think of JRB playing the one drop. I really wanna meet his backer, pick his brain on his investments.

Andrew Feldman

  (4:14 PM)

I spoke to the WSOP after he announced that he was playing on Twitter and they couldn't confirm that he was in. When he takes his seat, or I get a press release about it, I'll believe it.

Bob (Seattle)

Most surprising name actually in the One Drop tournament?

Andrew Feldman

  (4:18 PM)

I was honestly surprised to see Mike Sexton join up. Not saying that he can't handle this field, but with so many of the younger NL stars of the game playing, I didn't expect him to be part of it. That said, he's always working for charities and it would be great to see him at the final table.

Reggie B (Orlando, FL)

What do you think of the Poker Players Championship event this year? Do you feel that the 100 top players that were selected accurate? I'm rooting for my buddy Tristan Wade who was just selected since I have seen him so close in alot of deep runs.

Andrew Feldman

  (4:19 PM)

I'm assuming you mean the National Championship. Yes, the top 100 players were selected based on their WSOP performances, so there's no questioning that at all. I think anyone who qualified for the event should definitely play. It's a +EV opportunity with the first 100 players coming from the WSOP Circuit.

ryan (madison)

who is JRB?

Andrew Feldman

  (4:19 PM)

Jean-Robert Bellande

eric (california)

If Ivey with the PLO 8 will he pretty much be a lock for player of the year awards?

Andrew Feldman

  (4:20 PM)

Definitely not a lock, but he'll take the lead with a win. He has bracelet bets and he's going to do everything possible to win them as they're worth a ton more than the prize money in any event (except maybe the main and one drop)

Harrison (New York)

What are Andrew Frankenberger's POY chances?

Andrew Feldman

  (4:21 PM)

Pretty good. Three cashes so far and two top-eight finishes. Many people are giving him no credit for his victories, at all, but let's be serious, he's won on the WSOP felt twice and on the WPT...it might be time for people to stop asking how lucky he's getting and start realizing that he can really play.

Derek (Michigan)

I know they are at 27 players in the event that Ivey is leading. How long do you think it will take to get down to a final table?

Andrew Feldman

  (4:22 PM)

It's an 08 event meaning a ton of split pots. They'll start again shortly and I'd assume that they'll get to a FT after the dinner break. I strongly doubt the event actually ends tonight unless the remaining few players decide to play it out.

Shawn (CT)

Has Ryan Eriquezzo made any sort of waves so far this year?

Andrew Feldman

  (4:23 PM)

He won a WSOP Circuit event in March, but no real significant cashes since then. He'll be in the National Championship...

Bob (Seattle)

Do you think Howard Lederer or Chris Ferguson will ever play the WSOP again?

Andrew Feldman

  (4:24 PM)

Not for many, many years...and only if everyone gets paid back.

Jobin (Quicy)

Should we read into the fact that you changed your Twitter name? Coverage has been drastically scaled back...

Andrew Feldman

  (4:26 PM)

I wouldn't read into it too much...

Ryan (Vegas)

Has Ivey signed up for the million dollar event yet? last i heard/read he had not. Whats the hold up?

Andrew Feldman

  (4:27 PM)

The joke is that Ivey probably doesn't want to give $111K to charity...kidding! No, as of now, he's not playing. Maybe a year ago, pre-black friday, he'd be the first person to sign up. We're at a time where even the best in the game need to be responsible with their bankrolls...that said, if he's at the felt on June 1, would anyone really be surprised?

Angel Q (Phoenix,AZ)

are you guys not doing the video updates on ESPN like last year. Really enjoyed those with you and Barnard Lee

Andrew Feldman

  (4:28 PM)

Unfortunately not. No ESPN Inside Deal for the near future...hoping to bring it back eventually.

Steve (PA)

Hi Andrew. How do you think Andy Beal will do in the One Drop tourney?

Andrew Feldman

  (4:30 PM)

IF he plays, I expect him to be at the final table. I'm assuming two businessmen make it there and that he'd be one of them...

Jake Stone (Raleigh)

Wouldn't a 48 man field give Phil Ivey a good shoot at a bracelet?

Andrew Feldman

  (4:35 PM)

Of course...but it also might not count for his bets...

Angel Q (Phoenix,AZ)

If Tom Dawn wins the One Drop.. wouldnt the poker community go broke?

Andrew Feldman

  (4:36 PM)

I could make the joke and say "too late", but not really. Dwan hasn't been at the WSOP yet, which makes the idea that he has open bracelet bets very doubtful...

Phil Ivey (Las Vegas)

Do you think that I am the favorite to win this bracelet and who is remaining player that I should be concerned with?

Andrew Feldman

  (4:38 PM)

The field that remains is absolutely awesome. Dan Kelly, Mike Matusow, Brian Hastings, Scotty Nguyen, Joe Cassidy and Bart Hanson all have chips...it won't be an easy path to the final table.

BEn (Charlotte)

i haven't followed the Full Tilt stuff in a while, but didn't realize it would impact Lederer/Ferg to the point of not playing in the WSOP. are they barred or is more of a pr decision?

Andrew Feldman

  (4:41 PM)

Considering they were named members of the board of FTP, and thus, directly responsible for the operations of the company on all fronts, I don't think people to whom they owe more than $300 million would enjoy seeing them at the felt..

Nick (Boston)

Dwan already said on twitter he bought out of his two remaining bracelet bets for this year and that all his others one expired already.

Andrew Feldman

  (4:41 PM)

Thanks, Nick!

Ryan (Vegas)

Anybody not signed up for the One Drop(besides Ivey) that reallly surprises you? Or I guess anybody that is on the list that your stunned to see?

Andrew Feldman

  (4:43 PM)

Vivek Rajkumar slightly surprised me, but then again, this is what he does. He doesn't want any spotlight, but he wants to play in the biggest games in the world.

Scooter (Rockwall)

When are you headed to Vegas and when do the daily podcasts start?

Andrew Feldman

  (4:46 PM)

Headed out for the main and I'll start the daily podcasts then. Wish I could be out there for more, but not an option this year.

Harrison (New York)

Any guess on Pius Heinz's ME chances?

Andrew Feldman

  (4:47 PM)

The odds are against him...

Shawn (CT)

Best power couple in poker?

Andrew Feldman

  (4:47 PM)

I don't think there are many left... Maybe Liv Boeree and Kevin MacPhee?

Nick (Boston)

Hope your lack of presence at the WSOP has more to do with you being a good father/husband and less to do with ESPN tightening their poker bootstraps! Congrats on your new child, Andrew.

Andrew Feldman

  (4:49 PM)

Thanks, Nick. My usual early week to two week WSOP trip was definitely cancelled as a result of my new daughter. Not a real life bad beat at all.

Andrew Feldman

  (4:50 PM)

Thanks for all the questions today! I'll be back on Friday at 3 for more. Talk to you all then.