Born 30 something years ago into a card-playing clan in the North of England: the low-roller's poker odyssey has taken him from the school common-room via down-trodden Midlands' casinos, smoky Cotswolds pubs, celebrity Soho drinking spots and of course the ubiquitous world of cyberspace to the home of poker itself, Las Vegas. Join his search for juicy take-downs, great pot odds and the occasional back-door straight as he goes for glory.
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Monday, July 31, 2006
BINION'S HORSESHOE - GALLERY OF CHAMPIONS
It is now July 31st. I have a feeling my diary automatically archives at the start of each month, so there will be a blank sheet next time I write. It is looking like we will play 15 hours tomorrow, finishing at 3 a.m. or a little after. I am as ready as I will ever be. On arriving this time in Vegas, after shuttling North from The Joshua Tree National Park (Thank you John Double-D for your excellent recommendation of The 29 Palms Inn - very special indeed), I came through London Bridge (not Charlie's place - no, the real McCoy - street lamps and all at Lake Havasu, Arizona). I overshot on the freeway and found myself downtown, which seemed appropriate, so took a quick visit to Binion's Horseshoe. This has always been the home of the WSOP, since it began in 1970, when Johnny Moss overcame Nick 'The Greek' Dandalos, up until last year, when numbers meant it had to move. Last year they played only the Final Table at the Horseshoe, but this year it all goes on at the circus that is The Rio. So I went to check out the poker room at Binion's to find myself standing in front of The Gallery of Champions and thirty different faces. Two players, Johnny Moss and Stu Ungar have won it three times. Two players have won it twice, Johnny Chan and Doyle Brunson, back to back in fact. Who is going to be the 31st face? Could it be me? I was trying to find a price online, as I fancied a little flutter (at least 1000-1). This is the 37th year, so I feel like I am ahead in the numbers game - the omens of late have been good (like dumping my roll last night, it's a great sign - yeah right). Thank you to all for your messages of support, and to those who have helped along the way - they mean a lot. I'll try and do you proud - but whatever else I intend to have fun doing it. Til tomorrow.
8:44 AM | Permalink
Good Luck SS!