Event #53: $1,500 No-Limit Hold'em Dia 3 | 2013 World Series of Poker

2013-07-01 21:14 UTC-7

Final Table Interview: Loni Harwood

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Nível 28 : 30,000/60,000, 10,000 ante

Entering this event, seven women had reached final tables in open events during the 2013 World Series of Poker. That number included Loni Harwood, who was among the final nine players in Event No. 31: $1,500 Pot-Limit Omaha.

Now, Harwood is the first woman to make two final tables this summer, and is attempting to become the first woman other than Vanessa Selbst to win an open WSOP event since 2007.

With a great summer track record that includes four cashes, we wanted to talk to Harwood about her place in a male-dominant industry, get her opinion on other top females, and the future of women in poker.

As a WSOP Circuit grinder, how do you compare those events to the WSOP?

This is like nothing I’ve ever experienced. It’s really cool because to make one final table is so awesome, but to make two is just unbelievable. Of course the fields are larger so you have to consider your every move before you actually follow through. One mistake could cost you a money finish so being more aware at these WSOP events are critical.

How would you compare yourself to other female pros like Vanessa Selbst, Liv Boeree, etc.?

I wouldn’t at all compare myself to any of them. Vanessa Selbst is a beast. I’m just a grinder trying to be a beast one day. You know, I look up to them. They’re all established and confident in their games. I still have a lot to learn and think it will take a few more years before I ever reach their status, if that ever happens. I think right now I’m a small-time beast.

Do you see yourself becoming recognized as one of the best female players in the future?

Hopefully one day. I think it’s very possible. If I continue to work hard, play every day, and improve my skills then it’s very possible. I won’t say it’s a guaranteed thing to happen but I’m confident in my abilities.

What have you done to improve your game over the years?

I’ve never had any kind of coaching for no-limit hold’em but I have had coaching in Omaha. I put in a high volume of playing and talk hands with other guys. Other than that I just try to play my best in any event and try to win.

You also final tabled the $1,500 PLO. What’s your background with mixed games?

I have no background what so ever. I had never played, decided to have some coaching and I think I just got really lucky.

What do you hope to see for females in poker in the future?

Great success. There are a lot of great women out there but there’s not enough. For myself, I hope to win the Main Event. That would not only be a great thing for me but it would be great for the industry to see a woman finally make the final table and then go on to win.

How do you think the acceptance of women on the tables has changed since you started playing in 2008?

I love that no one thinks women are good because it helps my image as the only female on the table. I think people are definitely more accepting to the idea of women in poker but I don’t think people will actually begin to believe that we are as competitive or as strong as men until a woman actually wins a major event.

In regards to the final five at the final table, is there any player you’re most concerned with?

Not really. They’re all good players but they’re no different than me. We’re all trying to play our best and win.

Is there anything about yourself that you want the poker community to know?

I’m your average 23-year old girl just trying to make it big.

Tags: Final Table Loni Harwood Vanessa Selbst WSOP

Nível: 28

Blinds: 30,000/60,000

Ante: 10,000

2013-07-01 20:52 UTC-7

Final Table Interview: Mike Watson

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Nível 27 : 25,000/50,000, 5,000 ante

Mike Watson is having an exceptional World Series of Poker this summer. So far, he’s cashed in four events, including a final table in Event #36: $1,500 No-Limit Hold’em. He's now reached his second final table of the summer and is in excellent shape to win his first WSOP bracelet.

Unfortunately, the last two years of the WSOP were not nearly as rewarding. Watson holds the record for most consecutive tournaments played in WSOP Las Vegas without finishing in the money (54). His long drought finally came to an end this June when he took 87th in the $3,000 No-Limit Hold’em Six-Handed event, cashing for $5,023. A few days later, he continued his run by taking 10th in the $3,000 No-Limit Hold’em Mixed Max event, adding $18,657 to his bankroll. A week later, he landed his first final table of the summer bagging $50,774 for sixth place in the $1,500 No-Limit Hold’em Shootout. Less than a week later, he made a run at another final table, but ultimately finished eighth in the $2,500 Limit Hold’em Six-Handed tournament for $19,430.

During the break, we chatted with Watson about his cashing drought, his run this summer, and his strategy to come out on top in this tournament.

Was there any point where you felt discouraged to continue playing poker professionally?

The series was definitely not fun for me the last two years. There was a time where I felt like I was a bit lazier and didn’t keep my game as sharp as I should have. At the same time, there was never a point where I seriously considered doing anything else. It was often frustrating but I won’t say that I ever once considered quitting the game.

How did you overcome that drought?

I studied quite a bit. Over the last couple of years I think I’ve adjusted some of my leaks and sharpened my game. I guess more than all I’ve been running pretty well this summer. Even for a really bad player it’s hard to not cash in that many tournaments in a row. So not getting completely killed by the deck has helped.

When you made your first cash this summer, what do you think turned it around for you?

I don’t think there’s been any one thing. I’ve been playing well these past couple of years but just not at the WSOP. Coming into the summer I did think I would do well and it’s holding up to be true. I have cashed in various tournaments across the world; it’s just been the WSOP where I’ve struggled most. I’m happy to see it be over.

Now you’re sitting at five WSOP cashes this summer and two final tables. Where is your confidence level at now?

I feel good. Getting the monkey off my back has been great. I’ve been doing well everywhere else so I wouldn’t quite say it’s been a huge change for me. I’m still very confident in myself and am happy with how I’ve been playing all summer. I’m not saying that because I’ve actually cashed but because I truly believe that.

Do you think you could ever fall into that dead streak again?

It’s always possible. You can make every good judgment call, make the right folds, and play your best and still not run deep in a tournament. There’s nothing you can really do about it, unfortunately. I wouldn’t say another long streak is entirely impossible but very, very unlikely.

How is it seeing a female on the final table?

I think it’s great. It doesn’t make a difference to me. I see her as another player. Obviously it’s great for the game and I hope to see more women not only enter more events, but make deep runs. If having her on the final table helps with this regard, then I support it entirely.

What future goals do you have for yourself with poker?

I honestly can say I don’t think I have an answer for that. I’m pretty happy with what I am doing and take things one day at a time. If I end up with a big score then that would be great. Or maybe earning player of the year would also be an achievement. I don’t know how it’s calculated but I’m keeping my eye on it to see where I stand. As long as I keep playing well, continue to make money, and being happy with myself, then that’s what matters.

With seven players remaining, what’s your plan to finish out on top?

I’ll just continue to play good poker and hope the cards fall my way.

Tags: Final Table Mike Watson WSOP

2013-07-01 20:10 UTC-7

Chip Counts at Dinner Break

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Nível 27 : 25,000/50,000, 5,000 ante

The players are on a 60-minute dinner break. Play will resume at about 9:05 p.m.

Jogador	Fichas	Oscilação
Mike Watson	3,485,000 -115,000	-115,000
David Vamplew	2,975,000 -475,000	-475,000
Brett Shaffer	2,750,000 -150,000	-150,000

Arttu Raekorpi	1,990,000 290,000	290,000
Loni Harwood	1,485,000 -415,000	-415,000

2013-07-01 20:07 UTC-7

Harwood Pushes on Vamplew

[user80015]

Nível 27 : 25,000/50,000, 5,000 ante

Hand #59: Arttu Raekorpi raised to 100,000 and picked up the blinds and antes.

Hand #60: Loni Harwood opened to 100,000 from under the gun and David Vamplew made the call to see a flop fall. Harwood continued for 100,000 and Vamplew called as the landed on the turn.

Harwood tapped the table and Vamplew bet out 225,000. Harwood pushed all in and Vamplew quickly released his hand.

Hand #61: From the small blind Arttu Raekorpi made it 100,000 only to have Loni Harwood make it 330,000. Raekorpi pushed all in and Harwood released her hand.

Tags: Arttu Raekorpi David Vamplew Loni Harwood

2013-07-01 20:01 UTC-7

Vamplew Takes Big Pot Against Raekorpi

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Nível 27 : 25,000/50,000, 5,000 ante

Hand #53: Arttu Raekorpi raised to 100,000 from the cutoff and Loni Harwood three-bet to 235,000 from the button. A call from Raekorpi landed a flop of . Raekorpi checked to Harwood who bet 185,000, but Raekorpi came back with a check-raise that forced Harwood off of her hand.

Hand #54: Brett Shaffer min-raised to 100,000 on the button and Mike Watson called from the big blind. The flop came down and Watson led out for 100,000. Shaffer called, leading to both players checking the turn. The river completed the board and Watson bet 300,000. Shaffer folded, giving the pot to Watson.

Hand #55: Loni Harwood raised to 100,000 from under the gun and Brett Shaffer three-bet to 200,000 from the cutoff. Action folded back around to Harwood who folded.

Hand #56: David Vamplew raised to 100,000 in the cutoff. Mike Watson called on the button, Loni Harwood called from the big blind, and the flop came down . Harwood checked to Vamplew who bet 170,000. Only Watson called to see the turn. Vamplew checked, as did Watson, landing the river. Vamplew bet 375,000, sending Watson into the tank for about 90 seconds before he folded.

Hand #57: Arttu Raekorpi raised to 100,000 on the button, Brett Shaffer defended his big blind, and the flop came down . Shaffer led out for 125,000, Raekorpi folded, and Shaffer took down the pot.

Hand #58: Arttu Raekorpi raised to 100,000 in the cutoff and David Vamplew defended his big blind. The flop came down and both checked to see the turn. Vamplew check-called 125,000 from Raekorpi, delivering the river. A check from Vamplew led to a bet of 325,000 from Raekorpi. After a little while in the tank, Vamplew check-raised to 975,000. Raekorpi sat back in his chair and after about 60 seconds opted to call. Vamplew tabled for the nut straight, besting Raekorpi's to win the pot.

2013-07-01 19:38 UTC-7

Harwood Bluff-Shoves on Raekorpi

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Nível 27 : 25,000/50,000, 5,000 ante

Hand #47: Arttu Raekorpi raised to 100,000 from the button before Loni Harwood raised to 255,000 from the small blind. Raekorpi called and the flop fell with Harwood leading out 225,000.

Raekorpi called as the dealer dropped the on the turn and Harwood moved all in. Raekorpi sat back in his chair and went into the tank for close to two minutes before calling.

Raekorpi:
Harwood:

The river landed the and Raekorpi doubled through to roughly 2.7 million.

Hand #48: David Vamplew receives a walk in the big blind.

Hand #49: Brett Shaffer opened the button to 100,000 and won the blinds and antes.

Hand #50: Brett Shaffer opened to 100,000 from the cutoff only to have David Vamplew three-bet to 235,000 from the button. Shaffer folded and Vamplew won the pot.

Hand #51: Brett Shaffer made it 125,000 first to act and collected the blinds and antes.

Hand #52: Mike Watson raised to 100,000 and he won the blinds and antes.

2013-07-01 19:32 UTC-7

The Final Five

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2013-07-01 19:28 UTC-7

Approximate Chip Counts

[user139916]

Nível 27 : 25,000/50,000, 5,000 ante

Jogador	Fichas	Oscilação
Mike Watson	3,760,000 60,000	60,000
Loni Harwood	3,250,000 400,000	400,000

Brett Shaffer	2,700,000 -210,000	-210,000

David Vamplew	1,750,000 490,000	490,000
Arttu Raekorpi	1,300,000 -385,000	-385,000

2013-07-01 19:24 UTC-7

Wheel For Watson

[user139916]

Nível 27 : 25,000/50,000, 5,000 ante

Hand #42: Mike Watson raised to 100,000 in the cutoff Arttu Raekorpi called on the button. They took to a flop of and Watson checked to Raekorpi who bet 100,000. A call from Watson landed the turn, which he checked again. Raekorpi 175,000 this time. Watson called again and the river completed the board. Watson check, Raekorpi checked behind, and Watson tabled for second pair. Raekorpi showed for pair, though, to win the pot.

Hand #43: David Vamplew received a walk in the big blind.

Hand #44: Arttu Raekorpi opened to 100,000 under the gun and the rest of the table folded.

Hand #45: Mike Watson raised from the small blind, Arttu Raekorpi defended his big blind, and the flop fell . Watson bet 125,000, Raekorpi called, and the fell on the turn. Both checked to see the river. Watson checked to Raekorpi again and this time the Fin fired 175,000. Watson, though, check-raised to 525,000. Raekorpi called, but mucked when Watson tabled for a wheel.

Hand #46: David Vamplew raised to 100,000 in the cutoff and collected the pot.