I have been at the WSOP in Las Vegas for the last decade and I know how important these events are. For some fortuned ones it’s even more important but this year I went to the WSOP with a different approach than I was used to. This year I have played only a few events because I didn’t want to tilt-play all events. I didn’t want to get lost again in the zombie-zone. Besides that it cost a fortune to just play every single event and I think it’s unhealthy to go that route.

When I walked trough the Rio hallways I saw so many faces and I recognized those expressions from the time that I played every day without much sleep. At that time I didn’t even want to look in the mirror.

This year I am realistic. I stop playing when I am to busy because I know there is a game at every corner as well as online. So I rather take a break and so I can start fresh again. And yes, you can take this as a free advice.

So this year I promised myself that I didn’t want to force it. I will enjoy my time here in Las
vegas and I will not be manipulated by others. I decided that I will only play the $10.000 Main Event and other games if I feel like playing. And only the games I like.

Texas Hold’Em becomes a basic game that is now played by millions worldwide and even the new players are decent. They understand handselection, position, pott odds, agression and semi bluffing. I didn’t play that much Hold’Em myself. I have played the Shootout and lost heads-up (Grrrrrrr), but I liked the event. I have played the $2.500 Omaha/7 Card Stud Hi/Lo and couldn’t get the cards to get there, but again, I enjoyed playing the event. I even played a $500 satellite and had a very good time. Obviously, I have the desire to play more and I want get deep in an event but my experience and common sense are stronger than my love for the game. My brain says to just take it easy and enjoy it instead of just go and play. The song on my album called ‘Let’s live it up’ reminds me of that devil on my shoulder.

 Lately. We are busy to create a supporting poker network and my company (Global Poker Support International) is working on that with strategic partners. We will help and support the poker industry to make poker a very enjoyable hobby again. After the WSOP we will have some press release going out about the developments of many sites and these are a variation of fun and support.

At your service
Being at the Bellagio, coming back from the gym, I was standing in the

elevator and people walk in. They announced to me which floor they want to go to so I push that button. On the next floor, someone walks in and tells me as well to what floor he wanted to go and I push the buttons again… hmmm… I’ll guess the FIDPA logo on my cap did make them think that I am at their service. They did get right that part but I guess they were Dutch because they never tipped me :-).

At this moment I think I am halfway with reaching my goals and we are growing strong. The poker, the business and the fun is nothing new but the big exception is that we get things done. So it might be a good opportunity to let you know that we are working on some serious and official stuff that will bring more fun and credibility to poker worldwide. We will start with the Master Classics of Poker in Amsterdam (November 2011), a new family game show about poker and a game to play at the dining table. So keep your eyes open and be alert for more info. It will come pretty soon.

Besides al this. I hope you all have a great WSOP and I hope you will
enjoy all what is coming next in the poker scene. All in great health of course.

Play and enjoy the journey to get to a win, small or big… Good Luck!