£10,000 WSOPE Main Event Day 1a | 2009 World Series of Poker Europe

09-26-2009 13:53 UTC+2

Breaking Up

It would appear as though they expected more players - either that, or they were extra cautious - as many tables are already being broken up.

One table that has remained in tact, however, includes Sean Deeb, Men Nguyen and Jason Mercier. There table is just four-handed. I certainly don't envy that fourth chap.

09-26-2009 13:39 UTC+2

Big Slick Blues

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"I've already down some chips," reported Ben Grundy. "I raised with A-K, got reraised, I raised again, and so did he, so I folded. Glad I didn't have kings."

Tags: Ben Grundy

09-26-2009 13:36 UTC+2

"An Interesting Hand"

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Within just the few hands, a meaty hand reared its head on the Table of Death. I joined the action with Chris Moorman (small blind) leading out on a {8-Spades}

flop for 1,850. One player (hijack) called, only for Erik Seidel (button) to make it 5,200 to play.

Back round to Moorman, and with a deftly silence bestowing the table, he made the call. The sandwiched played folded and the dealer dealt out the {K-Spades}

. Check from Moorman, and Seidel spent no time in betting 6,500. A disgruntled Moorman made the fold.

"That was an interesting hand," commented Black with a mischevious grin plastered across his face. "What did you make of that, Dave [Pham]?" Pham remained silent.

Tags: Chris Moorman Erik Seidel

09-26-2009 13:33 UTC+2

Happy Days for Golser

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Markus Golser is already up to 40,000 after winning a big pot from an unhappy tablemate. Golser had aces, the tablemate mucked, and then spent ages saying, "Come on already, next hand," before realising he had to hand his mucked cards back to the dealer before that could be achieved.

Tags: Markus Golser

09-26-2009 13:31 UTC+2

Interesting Match-Ups

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There are several tables on the upper level, three of which are concealed in what is like a secret alcove. Passing through the curtain and being given the go-ahead by security, it's obvious why, as the first face I meet is Phil Ivey, who is currently sharing a table with James Sudworth, Ben Grundy and a talkative Erik Friberg.

Also in the room you have the aforementioned Table of Death, which also includes multiple EPT finalist Christian Harder, as well as another table consisting of Mike Matusow, Beth Shak, Nikolay Evdakov and Peter Gould.

"What happened to you in the Omaha tournament?" asked The Mouth as Gould took his seat. "You had a load of chips." "Chelsea were playing," replied Gould. I hope Chelsea aren't playing today.

09-26-2009 13:25 UTC+2

Table of Death

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As expected, this is an impressive field. But in the back room upstairs, where for some reason they're playing really loud samba music which various players are complaining about, lurks this terrifying table:

- Chris Moorman
- Andy Black
- Alex Kravchenko
- David Pham
- Erik Seidel

Level: 1

Blinds: 50/100

Ante: 0

09-26-2009 13:15 UTC+2

Those Immortal Words

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Empty seats may be scattered across the floor (Hellmuthitus is clearly catching), but that didn't stop Doyle Brunson kicking things off with those immortal words (with a little added extra), "Good luck to everybody, let's shuffle up and deal."

09-26-2009 13:03 UTC+2

Day 1 Starting Any Minute Now

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Good morning and welcome back to the Empire Casino in London, where we are just minutes away from kick-off in Event #4, better known as the Main Event.

A whole host of big name pros have either stumped up the £10,000 ($16,000 or so) required to play, or have talked their respective sponsors into paying it for them -- but however our runners made their way into this tournament, this is the place to be in the poker world right now.

Jack Effel is on the mic and urging players to take their seats. There's a real buzz in the air, like it's a £10,000 tournament and someone's going to win a bracelet at the end of it. Please stand by...