Where Are They Now: Poker Author, Mathematician & Bracelet Winner Jerrod Ankenman
Back in the late 2000’s, long before solvers were a thing, a group of math-focused individuals changed the face of poker. Players like Matt Hawrilenko, Bill Chen, and Jerrod Ankenman introduced a more math-based approach to poker; in fact, Chen and Ankenman even wrote a book titled The Mathematics of Poker.
Between 2006-09, the triumvirate won five World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets between them and seemingly set the wheels in motion for the game to evolve into today’s “solver era.” Like many others before them, all three moved away from the game over the next decade, with Hawrilenko temporarily coming out of “retirement” back in the 2015 WSOP.
Similarly, Ankenman made a rare appearance at the Rio when he was spotted in Event #44: $3,000 6-Handed Limit Hold’em. The 2009 WSOP Event #42: $2,500 8-Game Mix bracelet winner has an impressive limit hold’em résumé that includes a pair of runner-up finishes in WSOP event. Back in 2006, he took second to Ian Johns in Event #23: $3,000 Limit Hold’em for $150,586 and two years later finished runner-up to Rob Hollink in Event #30: $10,000 Limit Hold’em Championship.
and the small blind led for 3,500 and Calvin Park made the call.
fell on the turn and the small blind continued to fire, this time for 11,000 and Park called once again.
river after it checked to Park he tanked for a while and counted his chips and looked tempted to bet. Eventually, he decided to check back and both players showed. The small blind tabled 
for six-high and Park took down the pot when he tabled 
for nine-high.
flop, but the seven followed giving Moshe a set. The board completed with the 
on the turn and the 
turn and Wilkie led out for 5,000. Astedt raised to 15,000 and Wilkie called to see the 
complete the board on the river. 
for trip tens but he was out-kicked by Astedt who held 
to win the pot.
on the turn and the 
on the river, eliminating the opponent.
and called. 
runout to eliminate his opponent.
and called when Strelitz bet 12,000. The player checked once more on the 
turn and snap-called when Strelitz moved all-in for around 30,000. 
