At the beginning of the month, I went to the WSOP Academy at Harrahs Atlantic City. Several players online have told me that it would be a waste of time. They also commented negatively on Greg Raymer being one of the instructors. I do not believe that gathering as much data as you can in order to make good financial decisions is a waste of time. It tells me that others believe they have all the information they need to make money. I’m good with that. You need resources available in order to extract maximum return.
I can tell you that the breakfasts and lunches, provided by Harrahs, were excellent. I appreciated the WSOP Academy sport bag with all the goodies inside. The hotel accommodations were excellent and the discounted rate was great for the weekend. But I was there for the info. I was searching for anything that would improve my game and I couldn’t wait for it to begin. The instructors would be Greg Raymer, Alex Outhred, Brad “Yukon” Booth, and Joe Navarro. If you aren’t familiar with any of these names, Google them.
Alex took the lead throughout the sessions with Greg and Brad at the “panel table” adding comments through out. Considering the fact that Alex had seen thousands of hands played on the WPT, he was most generous in sharing his knowledge. Greg was very active and took the lead during various sections including “winning a bracelet,” and presenting a checklist for the WSOP marathon. He also presented a composite for a great player as well as proper betting techniques. The approach was to get you ready for the WSOP but it also applied to all tournament action and ring games. Brad, being the high stakes player that he is, gave more insight on cash games. Joe gave the highly regarded session on tells. THAT was $$$$. We proved his observations at the tables every night in the poker room.
Each of the two days there was time for live demos. Half of the 100 students went to lunch, the other sat at tables with the “four” dealers and played out hands. All hands played and mucked were questioned for play and commented on by the four instructors. Many of us decided to grab a quick bite and came back to watch and listen to the experts speak. Then there was the tournament on Saturday night. The winner would get a seat in the main event of the Harrahs WSOP Circuit the following week. I can tell you it was not the time to be dry at the well. I couldn’t get any two cards to play or attempt to work for the entire first session. After the break, it was up to the poker gods. My QQ was drawn out by AK to bust me out at 37th out of a field of 95. All things considered, I made good decisions but you have to embrace luck as well. This time it didn’t happen. That night I raped, pillage, and plundered at the tables in the poker room. It helped mend the wound, and confirmed that I was learning from the Academy.
I also had breakfast and lunch with someone I had only heard about on the net. John Wenzel is a high stakes Hold'em player, author, dealer, and magazine editor for Poker Pro magazine and its associated publications. He is also a great guy and I enjoyed our time talking and playing at a live table together. I had heard of him by another name… Johnny Quads! He got his name by catching lightning in a bottle; fifteen years ago he got four-of-a-kind on four consecutive Hold'em hands, the last being four fours!
Throughout the two days, all instructors were down-to-earth, energetic and fun. Brad and Greg were great at teasing and playing each other with perfect timing that kept the flow moving. Alex provided the glue and unique insight. Joe was the goods on tells and provided a valuable look at other players. I truly appreciated the time I spent with them and look forward to joining the WSOP Academy Advanced Sessions in Las Vegas during the spring.
Bottom Line? From my perspective, it was worth it! I reviewed my courseware today and will keep it with my poker references. I got good data! I have a new respect for all four instructors and appreciated their time.
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