Poker News

Tony Kendall

The European Poker Circuit, such as it is, continues to grow apace. Last weekend it was Dublin, for the EPT. Sadly, despite Dublin being home from home to many Americans, there was only a very small American interest, with one US of A guy, a Mr Jared Javis, earning a minor cash in 21st place. Late season EPT’s in Copenhagen, Deauville and Monte Carlo are well worth you guys plundering, they have good clocks and structures, in excellent venues, measured even by your standards.

A week later and we are in Amsterdam, Holland, for the Master Classics which is probably Europe’s biggest annual Festival. This one includes a $5,000 buy-in event, and with an expected 300 runners, produces, by European standards, a hefty prize pool in the region of $1,000,000. Last year’s renewal was won by a certain Robert Mizrachi. I am sure you know plenty about this gentleman, certainly more than I do, so I’ll spare you the details. But he took home nearly $400,000 last year, so it would be good to see him return this year and defend his title.

And sandwiched between Dublin and Amsterdam, I managed a quick trip to Moscow, and that certainly WAS an eye-opener. 4 of us went across, and, as luck would have it, we secured 1st and 2nd places, netting a very useful $90,000. Understandably, Russian Tournament Poker uses the American dollar as currency, while the hotels accept Euros, and the shopkeepers insist on roubles. I am unable to advise you what currency the stunning looking hookers use though…

All went well until we reached Moscow Airport homeward bound, armed with our winnings, and in good heart.

But all 4 of us got apprehended at the Security Gate, and we were soon marched into a back room. There the pile of dollars were eyed with increduility by the Police, and it soon became clear we were in deep trouble. Forms were filled in, statements made, and that was that, a weekend in Police Cells beckoned, followed by a court appearance in Moscow, and the threat of 1 to 5 years in a Soviet jail. Not nice, not nice at all. But suddenly, the suggstion was made that a $19,000 fine could be paid, upon receipt of which, the whole matter would be dropped.

Money makes the world go round, as Liza Minnelli cheerily sung. It’s sure true in Moscow!

Following Amsterdam, there is a one week break before the Monte Carlo Millions is upon us. With an entry price of $25,000, and winners purse of over $1,000,000, this Matt Savage Tourney is sure to attract a good few travelling Americans. I shall be there running a webcast for my website, so I do hope a few of you will make yourself known to me, it’s so nice to put faces to names.

The final piece of news this edition is about Brian Wilson, who won the 2005 WSOP $5,000 PL Hold ‘Em Bracelet. Brian, a resident of Fort Meyers, has plenty of friends this side of the pond, and took part in the madefor European TV Pacific Poker Open last week. Second place and $150,000 was his reward, very handy. Brian has his own way of playing the game, and insists on playing 7- 4 off at every opportunity.

He’s tremendouly popular in the UK, and if you have any more at home like him, send ‘em across. On second thoughts, strike that - we need to keep the money at home, and you guys are just a little too hot for us. Take care now, see you soon…

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