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June 24, 2005
action dan
Dan Harrington won the WSOP in 1995, and made back-to-back final tables in 2003 and 2004. His two books are the best guides to tournament play I've ever read, and by studying them, my game has improved tremendously. I've learned so much from him, I've got a lot of excitement to go along with the terror about playing in the WSOP.
I listened to the Lord Admiral podcast this afternoon while I mowed the backyard, and found out that Barry Greenstein has a website, where he ranks several of the top players, as well as some celebrities who he's played with. At the end of each player ranking, he shares an anecdote about the player.
They're all great, but I absolutely loved this anecdote about "Action Dan":
When Dan made it to the final table of the 1995 World Series of Poker, he proposed a nine-way settlement to the other players. He explained how they would each get enough money that they could invest it and be rich. Chuck Thompson, one of the players and a friend of mine, rejected the idea and told the other players that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a million dollars. One by one, as each player got knocked out, Dan tried to sell the idea, even offering investment counseling. There were no takers and eventually Dan came away with the full million.
Wow, bummer for all those who didn't take Dan up on his offer! I'm going to check that Barry Greenstein site out. Thanks for sharing Wil!
Posted by: Katie![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.wilwheaton.net/nav-commenters.gif)
at June 24, 2005 08:19 PM
I suggested in a post last September that Dan Harrington is the best poker player in the world. I love the way he plays and can only hope to one day be 1/100th the player he is.
Posted by: CJ at June 24, 2005 09:10 PM
The ones you don't expect end up kickin' you in the tush. That's what I got out of that.
Posted by: VeronicaKnight at June 24, 2005 09:50 PM
Nice site!
Posted by: Lasher at June 25, 2005 03:52 AM
I have Volume One of Harrington on Hold 'Em and love it, and I plan to get Volume Two soon. I really enjoy the easy-to-read-and-understand writing style in Volume One, and I know it will help my play.
I'll be checking out Barry Greenstein's site, sounds like fun.
at June 25, 2005 05:46 AM
I just came across the MIT Blog Survey and was wondering if you've done it yet, because I don't remember reading anything about it here.
http://blogsurvey.media.mit.edu/request
As of this morning, 42.2% or respondents were male and 57.8% were female.
Top 3 reasons for keeping a blog:
1) To journal life - 10153
2) Keep in touch - 9515
3) Editorials - 7344
at June 25, 2005 07:44 AM
The above Harrington story + Enron = great urban myth.
Posted by: fred at June 25, 2005 12:33 PM
Just bear in mind, Wil...you may be going up against Harrington himself as you go through the Main Event, and he may have a few tricks he didn't put in his books. Something to keep in mind...
Posted by: Erbo at June 25, 2005 03:33 PM
The thing about No Limit Holdem multi-table tournament play is that, because the game has such a high luck factor, even the professionals have a very hard time even getting into the money. According to projections, the WSOP main event this year will consist of about 600 tables, paying out 60. A liberal estimate would give Wil a 5:1 shot of even making the money, and a 400:1 shot of making the final table.
This is from someone who called down Greg Raymer whe he pushed all in on a 10-outer in the semifinal round of the British Poker Open two months ago:
I wish you luck, Wil, but you can play the best poker in the world and still get outdrawn. With a field that big the odds of it are high. If it happens, don't let it get to you.
Posted by: Vex at June 25, 2005 05:06 PM
This is Fucking Classic!!! Those who are often to arrogant to take the advice, as I am sure you are well aware... often pay the price... If the assholes had listened... and taken the advice, they would have been set.. at least till the next tournament. Though, I have to hand it to him... Fucking Brillant strategy, really... someone must have been distraced enough to give up the game... WHY OH WHY do those people even play????
>>There were no takers and eventually Dan came away with the full million.
Served them right!! I would love to shake the hand of that man!! Brillant, cleaver, and yet dumb enough to outwit his opponents... Wil, I think you and he would have a great strategic battle of wits, one, I would personally love to see!!!
Chill~ Urban Chaos
Posted by: UrbanChaos at June 25, 2005 06:47 PM
This is Fucking Classic!!! Those who are often to arrogant to take the advice, as I am sure you are well aware... often pay the price... If the assholes had listened... and taken the advice, they would have been set.. at least till the next tournament. Though, I have to hand it to him... Fucking Brillant strategy, really... someone must have been distraced enough to give up the game... WHY OH WHY do those people even play????
>>There were no takers and eventually Dan came away with the full million.
Served them right!! I would love to shake the hand of that man!! Brillant, cleaver, and yet dumb enough to outwit his opponents... Wil, I think you and he would have a great strategic battle of wits, one, I would personally love to see!!!
Chill~ Urban Chaos
Posted by: UrbanChaos at June 25, 2005 06:48 PM
I just did a Google image search for the Cure's "Just Like Heaven" and a picture of your book cover came up.
I thought it was great. And weird.
Posted by: skeezer at June 25, 2005 09:03 PM
Wil,
Great game. It seems like you are still having fun and learning more about the game. I'll never play you.
FG
Posted by: FABIAN at June 25, 2005 09:09 PM
Wil,
This is just a general comment to present you with a general "thank you." I've been browsing your blog every so often since I saw Just a Geek at a local bookstore and snagged it. I love how you put links in your blog entries, and I have tell you that they've helped me immensely. I'm a 36-year-old business-software developer I have to admit that some of your links have really helped me at my job (I love igrep). Thanks for sharing. Really.
- Dave
Posted by: Dave Davidson at June 26, 2005 09:04 PM
Just as an FYI - that link to Greenstein's website - it ain't very Firefox-friendly, at least on the Windows version (hey, it's all I got). I opened it up and every audio file on the page (one for each celebrity) started playing at once! Otherwise, good luck in the WSOP!
Posted by: critter42 at June 26, 2005 09:38 PM
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