Day Two - The Contenders Start to Emerge | 2009 World Series of Poker

In the short history of the $50,000 H.O.R.S.E., Day 2 has already set a precedent as being mover’s day. It’s the stage of the tournament where the majority of the field will be eliminated and where the contenders for the title will start to emerge.

In 2007, John Hanson ended Day 2 as the chip leader as the 127 Day 1 survivors were reduced to just 52 by the end of the second day of play. Hanson carried his chips through to the final table where he eventually finished third. Kenny Tran, Phil Ivey and Mike Matusow all ended the day in the top ten chip counts and would go on to reach the money.

Last year, the 140 Day 1 survivors were reduced to just 67 by the end of Day 2. Lyle Berman ended the day with the chip lead and would go on to finish in fifth place, while other final tablists Pat Bueno and Barry Greenstein ended Day 2 close behind in second and third chip position.

Interestingly, neither of the two eventual winners from these years had peaked by the time the chips were bagged at the end of Day 2. Freddy Deeb was well positioned in 16th, while Scotty Nguyen incredibly was towards the bottom of the field after Day 2 in 55th.

So, while we may not be able to spot our winner just yet, by the end of the day, whoever is in the chip lead is likely to play a big role in the result of this tournament.