Tom Bostic

A year ago I would have never imagined that I would be this close to the poker world. After graduating from college just over a year ago my interest in poker brought me to Atlantic City to play at a brick and mortar casino for the first time. In late January 2006, I found out that the World Poker Tour was making a stop in my stomping grounds, the Borgata in Atlantic City. After an 18 hour session in which I was up $8 at 6am I decided I might as well wait a few hours to watch some of the tournament and maybe even spot a few pros. That day I got to meet Daniel Negreanu and got his autograph while I sweated the Grinder from a few feet away as I stood on the rail.

That was almost exactly 1 year ago. In that time I have gone from a railbird to a professional poker writer, player and tournament reporter. This year I didn’t have to watch from the rail – I got to work for Gary and WPT while I walked on the floor amongst the players. I had a chance to meet some of the players on a more personal level, and no, this time I didn’t ask for their autographs. I was treated like I belonged, like I was a peer, and at times a friend.

Anyway, enough sappy stuff. The tournament was amazing. 571 players entered creating a prize pool of something like $5.6 million. Players love the Borgata tournaments and plenty of high profile names were in attendance. There is way too much to mention in just one blog, and I hope everyone is keeping up with the live coverage on www.worldpokertour.com, but just incase you missed it here are some of the highlights:

John Gale went from T2,000 after making a very questionable play on Day 2 and still went on to make the final table. Go John! I got to meet him and he is truly one of the kindest guys in poker.

2006 WSOP Main Event Champion Jamie Gold was sitting on the big stack for most of day 1 and early in day 2. Wielding a big stack should have been second nature to Gold after running over the field at the ME, but couldn’t hold onto it this time and busted late on day 2.

After chartering a private flight to get to the Borgata after finishing in 2nd at Tunica the night before, Daniel Negranue failed to cash in his 5th straight WPT Event. I know Danny wanted to maintain his stellar pace, but after being at a final table 1 day prior and then flying throughout the night does not give anyone a mental edge against the competition. In my mind, he still gets an A for effort and I love his commitment to poker and the tournament circuit.

John “Johnny World” Hennigan took down the title in the end. I love Hennigan for a few reasons. 1…He’s a fellow Philly native 2…Johnny World is hands down the coolest nickname in all of poker and 3…He couldn’t care less about fame; he approached this poker tournament like he was just sitting at his desk working, not like he was campaigning for an endorsement deal. Congratulations to Johnny World who played flawlessly in every hand I observed.

Last but not least is Chuck Kelley. What can I say about Chuck? Well...I guess its hard to argue with results, and he did finish in 2nd place. However, at best it was the most unorthodox finish in final table history; at worst it was the worst heads-up play ever. On a board of 3-3-7-A Kelley bet T800,000. Hennigan called and Kelley flipped over his hand of Q-7 - but wait – it’s only 4th street. The tournament director had to give Kelley a warning but the hand was still live. The river was another 3 giving Kelley 3’s full of 7's. Kelley checks, Hennigan moves all-in and Kelley calls relatively quickly. Hennigan shows A-5 and takes down the tournament with a better full house. Did Kelley really think he was getting bluffed??? I guess so, but I don’t think I’m making that insta-call for my tournament life.

Kelley seemed like he would have rather been playing blackjack most of the tournament. Not only did I see him make other questionable plays, but he did the same thing on day 4 against David Matthew. He made a bet on the turn, Matthew called, and Kelley showed his hand. Message to Chuck Kelley: You are playing for $1.6 million dollars. PAY ATTENTION. Kelley is independently wealthy already, but give the poker world a break and play like you take this seriously.

Anyway…Plenty more to come about my week at the Borgata including the discovery of my “A game” again.

Thanks for listening…Keep reading…Keep playing smart.