Gray-haired poker TRs: Living the WSOP dream

Dang! 13 parts in one go. Didn’t know I was going to read half a novel when I opened the thread this morning, but I couldn’t stop as it was a great read and a great ride.

Glad to see you made it to one of my hunting grounds and congrats on the chop. That tournament for sure will stand you in good stead for the WSOP.

And as an Englishman and a soccer fan I have to agree. A 0-0 game does suck.

Congratulations! 😀 It's always a thrill making a final table and a big score, even though I am sure that the money involved here won't make a single difference to your life.

I would not have folded the AK-hand, but I can see your point in regard to the player profile you describe, and how it can feel like an uncomfortable spot. I played against a similar profile at South Point in my last Vegas-trip, and until I had seen some hands my strategy was to default-range this player to a super tight range.

If I may suggest one small tweak for when you play shallow Final Tables like this - stop making it a full 3x pre. When you only have 900k or something and have to raise/fold for 180k (by making it a full 3x at 30k-60k-60k), I think you are burning too many chips. A raise to 120k (or maybe 130k if you are uncomfortable with a pure 2x) should still get the job done in most cases, and saves you valuable chips for the spots where you actually have to raise/fold.

I would definitely have chopped as well given these blinds, even if I am pretty sure I would have had an advantage in that structure and those shallow stacks. But ultimately it just becomes a card-catching contest for relatively big pay-jumps, which can be frustrating if you suddenly go card-dead.

I 100% agree

Congrats! Glad to see you picked up the selective aggression. I definitely was not advocating for a wholesale change in your style but picking up the aggression/reducing the passivity. Glad to see it paid off for you!

Regarding the A-K hand I folded that has generated LVL analysis:

Had it been a coin flip for my tournament life versus the chip lead it would have meant the following: 1) If I lose I get something like $800 versus 2) if I win I am tournament chip leader and when we chopped that was worth $3,500. I ended up winning $2,920 in the actual chop, which is significantly more than the average of ($800 + $3,500)/2 = $2,150. (I suppose the math might change if I won this hand and at the time of the chop I had more than the actual chip leader had at the time)

I do not claim that I ran this math in my head at the time of the decision. But I did essentially run that concept (minus the actual math) in my head when deciding. And rightly or wrongly, I felt I had a much better chance of making a top 3 finish if I folded than I would have had if I called and let the very real possibility of a coin flip decide my fate.

The other thought I had in real time (when I felt there would be no chop) is I wanted to give myself a chance to win a live tournament. I did not like the idea of flipping a coin to stay alive in this pursuit. Of course you can saying calling the all in bet and winning would have greatly enhanced my chances of a spot at the very top of the podium, and you would be right. But I was hoping I'd win by playing well as opposed to flipping well.

Plus, my read of villainess as the time was super, super tight (which might have meant I was way less than 50-50 equity), which turned out to be terribly, terribly wrong (although I do not know what she actually had).

I suspect LVL will still disagree with my decision, which is fine. I'm not trying to justify my decision. I'm not trying to turn the tide in the debate (unless Phil Hellmuth wants to jump into the thread and argue the benefit of tournament life preservation). I am simply sharing my thought process at the time.

I do like the fact that the LVL community is sharing its disagreement with my decision (which I expected when I wrote up the TR) as it gives me something to think about if I'm ever in this situation again in the future.

Just thought I'd share some interesting WSOP Las Vegas video content.

Pokernews podcast just ran an episode with Jeff Platt to discuss his new role with the WSOP and some of the changes that can be expected at the 2026 event:

https://www.pokernews.com/video/the-2026-wsop-will-be-the-most-viewed-ever-pokernews-podcast-13426.htm

pokernews

The 2026 WSOP Will Be The Most Viewed EVER!? | PokerNews Podcast #942

I know a number of LVL members are big fans of Inside the Mind of a Pro. They have justed started dropping episodes of a Davidi Kitai WSOP 2025 event. So far there are four episodes with more to come (I haven't started watching it yet since I just finished watching the four-part Alexane Najchaus 2024 EPT Cyprus series on the site). In the past I have found Kitai's thought processes to be interesting and creative. I think he is one of the best and most insightful content providers on the Inside The Mind of a Pro site topped only by Adrian Mateos.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuf_yjeun6pIpgdqCFHmnS7d1bsbBRQGn

YouTube

Inside the Mind of a Pro - EVERY EPISODE

Great score! I am always impressed at the detailed notes you take.

I will also strongly advocate min raising when you get shorter and later in tournaments. As Big Whale laid out, you are risking far too much to 3x off of 10-15bbs, and it leads to awkward spots where you have no raise/folds like the KQ hand. Pick a blind size (say 20bbs, though I'd propose 30bbs), and when the effective stack dips below you switch to 2x, so that you're consistent and not giving away sizing tells.

It's an easy fix to stop leaking ev (and chips!).

A few thoughts on my note taking:

1) First a funny comment. At the final table the player to my left who was the one pushing for a chop because he had a plane to catch, when he saw me taking notes beneath the table after a hand (he had been at my tables for a little more than half of the tournament) said, "When you come out with your book, I'd like to read it." It was said in a friendly manner, not as a needle.

2) While I take a lot of notes, I do not consider myself great at writing down ALL of the details. I write down enough to tell my story. If the suits of the cards are important, I may remember to say there is a flush draw, but I usually forget what the exact suits were after the hand when I write down what happened. I also may say I bet on the flop, turn and river, but I often don't remember the exact amounts when it's time to take notes. I'm not able to remember all those tiny, precise details like TJ or BigWhale do in their trip reports.

3) It amazes me how much detail other players can recall on a hand they weren't even involved in. On a Final Table break, I was talking to ChattyGuyOnMyRight about a hand Hollywood misplayed against another player. ChattyGuy described the preflop betting amounts, what the flop was, what was bet after the flop, the turn card, the turn betting, and finally what happened on the river. All in precise detail. Then ChattyGuy talked about a hand I played against Hollywood in way more exacting detail than I remembered off the top of my head. And it's not like these hands took place in the previous level. They were hands from several levels earlier. I have general recall of old hands, but I don't have total recall. I've noticed a lot of players I am seated next to at tournaments have this same total recall. It's not a gift I possess. I think I am good at watching every hand of a tournament intently at my table and putting other players on ranges and styles of play, but an eidetic memory (or even something in the vague neighborhoood) is beyond my grasp.

Actually I used this advice as well playing the WSOP circuit today. If they are gonna call they will call either way so late game I was raising in the 2-2.5 range rather than 3x.

When it gets late in tournaments, I tend to make it (the smallest chip in play) over a minraise for my opens.

That is, to 3.5k at 1k/1.5k once the 100’s are off. Or 125k at 30k/60k. Etc.

For inexperienced players, it’s a psychological block when they see more chips in the raise than just the minraise. By sizing down (compared to a 3x open), you can raise more frequently, and keep your range wide.

When it’s a pure value play, e.g. TT from UTG+1, I’ll go a full 2.5x or 3x open. But in late position/blind steal situations, I’ll usually opt for the smaller sizing, and aim for a 30-40% PFR frequency, first in from late position.

As has been discussed, I don’t think I’d have folded the AK to CrazyAsianGrandma. But if you wanted to pass that spot up, I don’t think it’s a glaring mistake.

Have watched the 4 episodes with Kitai so far (from WSOP Main 2025), and I think you will enjoy those 😀

Was not a huge fan of the episodes with Alexane Najcahus; it felt like she didn't really bother to explain her thoughts in too much detail.

I'm in total agreement with your analysis of Najchaus. Her thinking and decisions seem very basic. Not up to the standards of most of the Winamax Inside The Mind of a Pro videos. She got hit by the deck in this tournament, which is no crime, but I didn't see much creativity or deep thinking when she didn't have the goods.

I love videos by Mateos and Kitai, both of whom are elite, thinking, creative players. After that, I really like videos by Kanit and Lewis. Next up, I think Sitbon is fine but not amazing, and I am meh on but still willling to watch Calamusa. And bringing up the rear is Najchaus, who I now have in the ignore category. I'm hoping Leo Margets has videos from her 2025 WSOP Main Event run to the final table since she is Team Winamax, but I don't recall seeing videos from her in the past.

From what I heard last year, they will eventually switch the focus over to her and follow her all the way to the Final Table. So that should be interesting.

rppoker is mad as hell

I have a new Public Enemy #1 ... Owners of Video Gaming Terminals in my home state of Illinois.

I used Artificial Intelligence tonight to research my question regarding the efforts to legalize online poker in Illinois. A.I. began by writing, "The outlook for legalized online poker in Illinois in 2026 is optimistic but remains in a "wait-and-see" phase. While there is significant legislative momentum and a clear appetite for the tax revenue it would generate, political hurdles—specifically opposition from the video gaming terminal (VGT) industry—continue to stall progress."

Well that just pisses me off. I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore! It really rankles me that I can't play regulated online poker because the people with a gaming monopoly want to stifle competition.

I'm not taking this sitting down! I am officially boycotting all Video Gaming Terminals in bars and restaurants in Illinois. That'll show 'em!!

Unfortunately, I have never once put a single dollar in a Video Gaming Terminal, so I'm guessing my boycott will not move the needle. The media is not beating down my door for an interview. Politicians are not asking for my help in drafting a bill to legalize online poker. Well ... I tried.

According to A.I. the factors favoring legalization in Illinois are as follows:

Budget Needs: Governor J.B. Pritzker has eyed iGaming as a consistent revenue stream to fund state projects.

Neighbor Success: Illinois is watching neighboring Michigan rake in massive tax revenue from its regulated online poker and casino market.

Existing Infrastructure: Illinois already has a robust regulatory framework through the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) for sports betting.

According to A.I., the obstacles to passage are as follows:

VGT Opposition: Owners of Video Gaming Terminals (found in bars/restaurants) fear online gaming will "cannibalize" their walk-in business.

Casino Saturation: With new physical casinos (like Bally’s Chicago) still under construction or recently opened, some argue the market needs time to stabilize first.

So let me get this straight. A potentially massive tax revenue stream for the state is being being ignored because the for profit gaming entities in place don't want competition?

Whatever happened to the concept that competition is a pillar of capitalism?

More importantly (and by more importantly I mean this is the entirety of why I care), how am I supposed to get better as a poker player and prepare for the WSOP if online poker is illegal in my state? I was really hoping my boycott would make a difference.

Wait a second ... let me check my e-mail ... nope, still no e-mails from Illinois congressmen/congresswomen or senators or the Governor or the media about my Video Gaming Terminal boycott.

On a positive note, I am three months away from landing in Las Vegas for the 2026 WSOP. Finally, the WSOP feels a tiny bit close. I can sort of see it in the distance (although it still requires a sizable telescope to see it in focus).

As a fellow Illinoisan let me translate this part. The "for profit gaming entities" are in the pocket of the politians with any power in this matter. And in Illinois a massive tax stream will always take a back seat to what their crooked politians can garner under the table. Vote early, vote often! The state that has sent 4 former governors to prison during my lifetime (so far!) never really seems all that interested in what might considered riight or fair in the best interest of its residents unless the guys behind the wheel are getting a piece of the action.

Online poker needs to at least match "donations" that the for profit entities are providing.

I've got bad news for you...Illinois seems to be one of the states that's joining the (growing) list who are banning/have banned Global Poker and other sweepstakes sites:

https://pokerindustrypro.com/news/article/222958-global-poker-stake-us-among-sweepstakes-operators

pokerindustrypro

Global Poker, Stake Among Sweepstakes Operators Ordered to Exit Illinois

I'm in the same boat in NY: political opposition to legal sites and a crackdown on the sweeps sites.

by pucks32 m

I've got bad news for you...Illinois seems to be one of the states that's joining the (growing) list who are banning/have banned Global Poker and other sweepstakes sites:

https://pokerindustrypro.com/news/article/222958-global-poker-stake-us-among-sweepstakes-operators

pokerindustrypro

Global Poker, Stake Among Sweepstakes Operators Ordered to Exit Illinois

I'm in the same boat in NY: political opposition to legal sites and a crackdown on the sweeps sites.

I stopped playing on the site when the government in Illinois sent a cease and desist letter somewhat recently to Global Poker.

by rppoker m

by pucks32 m

I've got bad news for you...Illinois seems to be one of the states that's joining the (growing) list who are banning/have banned Global Poker and other sweepstakes sites:

https://pokerindustrypro.com/news/article/222958-global-poker-stake-us-among-sweepstakes-operators

pokerindustrypro

Global Poker, Stake Among Sweepstakes Operators Ordered to Exit Illinois

I'm in the same boat in NY: political opposition to legal sites and a crackdown on the sweeps sites.

I stopped playing on the site when the government in Illinois sent a cease and desist letter somewhat recently... See full post

Did you cash out as well? Any issues?

I didn't try. If the state is going to get aggressive and dig in its heels when it comes to online poker, I don't want the aggravation that could accompany them going after players. I know it's highly, highly unlikely they would go after players, but it's not that much money. I never loaded a single penny into the site, so I'm content to just walk away. I don't need to be the guy they decide to make an example out of.

Prep work for WSOP 2026

As I work on my game with an eye on WSOP 2026, I am ramping up my observation of poker tournaments. It's not as good as playing in a casino, but it's keeping my poker mind active until I next find myself at a live table.

Inside The Mind Of A Pro is in the process of releasing videos of its players at the 2025 WSOP, which is good poker brain food right now with Davidi Kitai getting the star treatment.

I also have a ton of content still to watch of the 2025 WSOP Paradise Super Main. The videos are lengthy and show every hand of a single table, which I find to be much more useful than carefully produced content that only shows key hands at a table.

But tonight I did something different that I found interesting. I watched a GG Millions $10K online event final table. What I found especially interesting was that during EVERY hand you saw the preflop holdings of EVERY player. Especially interesting is you saw every players cards at exactly the same time. What I would do each hand was start my eyes on the UTG player and then look at hand after hand around the table in order. Instantly I would identify the player hands worth focusing on. Now, you might say you can't learn anything when you know what everyone at the table has, and that any analysis is results oriented.

That's true, but it's not the point. I wasn't thinking what I would do with a certain hand in a certain position, knowing full well what everyone else at the table had. What I was thinking was there were certain spots that may or may not have been worth taking, and I wanted to see what the players actually did. Furthermore, I wanted to see what different styles of players did in various spots. I wasn't watching to identify GTO perfect poker. I was watching to see how different players played.

A lot of times you might face a very aggressive player, but you don't actually see what they have. Obviously, they don't always have IT. But just how wide are they pushing the envelope? You can put them on ranges, but you can't know exactly what they are doing. Watching this video gave me an opportunity to see the exact cards that different styles of players had, in different positions, in different levels, and observe exactly what lines they were taking. As well as what lines were they not taking.

Yes, there was a little bit of me observing certain lines taken and me asking myself if I could, if I should, take those lines. But mostly this was an exercise in observing the lines being taken by different styles of players in different spots. That's it. What lines were they taking, and how wide or tight were they taking them? It was me wrapping my head around how different players play. It has been suggested to me that I have a tendency to assume other players have the top end of their range post flop more often than they actually do. Taking that constructive criticism into consideration, I viewed tonight's exercise as an opportunity to see what they actually have when they act as though they have IT.

If anyone is interested, the video can be found at ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hNIgAFe...

I like the Inside the Mind series too.

I do think though for wsop prep you are better off finding livestream 1k and 1500s though. They’ll be far more indicative of the type of players and play for the tournies you buy into. 10k players and play styles will be different

Eg I found a full 7 hour stream of last year’s wsop Senior’s. Incredibly different to the Main Event final table

While Mateos personality in his videos may not exciting, some of the lines he takes and bet sizing he uses are make-you-jump-up-in-your-seat attention getting.

Do you have a link to the seven-hour stream of last year's WSOP Senior's that you referenced? I'd be interested in watching it.

I found the seven-hour link to the 2025 WSOP seniors final table feel wrath referenced above.

For anyone interested, it can be found at ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFlgyn4v...

Also on my very soon to watch list of poker videos is the WSOP 2025 Super Main. For anyone interested ...

WSOP Paradise Day 1C
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSoyiu3I...

WSOP Paradise Day 1D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgXonbyz...

WSOP Paradise Day 2B
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a70wsg2h...

WSOP Paradise Day 3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJPKO9QA...

WSOP Paradise Day 4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOxo5wXc...

WSOP Paradise Final Table
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0n6KICVW...

I especially like watching Day 1 videos since the level of play is very, very different Day 1s versus Day 2s.

Agree. Final table streams are good for, well, for when you get to the final table and playing with short stacks and ICM considerations, but not much else. Live streams from early in the tournament are far more useful.

March Madness is about hoops, not poker

Poker is going to take a backseat to college basketball for me the next few weeks given that my Michigan Wolverines are a serious threat to win the national championship. Michigan ran away with the Big Ten regular season title. Tomorrow they will play in the Big Ten tournament final after winning their semifinal game on the buzzer beater shown below:

I figure it's time to get my butt off the couch, so I'm going with my younger (age 27) daughter to the championship game tomorrow in Chicago (Michigan versus Purdue).

There is the temptation to not get overly excited about the conference title game given a national title is the goal, but in a day and age when there are 18 teams in the Big Ten, I figure championship opportunities don't grow on trees and should be celebrated. It's not every day that you have a shot at winning a game and have confetti rain down from the sky.

Plus, it couldn't be easier to go to this game. When the clock turned 0:00 in Michigan's semifinal game today, I immediately clicked a button on my laptop and I had two tickets to the conference Final. I clicked a few more buttons, and I had a parking spot reserved. The game itself is only 20 minutes from my daughter's apartment. So I'll pick her up and make the quick drive to the game. The only thing requiring less effort would be taking a nap instead.

Watch for me on TV at the game tomorrow. I'll be the Michigan fan with gray hair.