shouts out
Poker crews are nebulous things and there’s lots of good and bad about em. The good? You’re hanging out with guys who, for the most part, pull for you and want you to do well. You don’t feel like you’re in it alone. Most importantly, you can talk strategy anytime anywhere. You can review hands and make sure your view of the world somewhat matches reality. Also, if a tournament develops some kind of wrinkle (nine seats instead of 10, sudden change in starting time etc.), you’ll know about it.
The bad? As you might imagine, when you’re around a bunch of poker players, it’s all poker all the time. Sometimes it’s nice to have a few hours that don’t include poker. Another tough part about a crew is that usually some people do well and others don’t, and that can be tough for all involved.
Last year I shared a house with a bunch of guys and it was great to hang out and talk strategy but the pile of coke cans, beer bottles, and empty cups of noodles grew to epic heights. We all fell into a culture where no one wanted to take out the trash or do the dishes. Not that I’m Mr. Clean, mind you. We lived in a complete stye and I was definitely one of the little pigs. It was a good time though and I have some really good memories from last year’s rental house.
This year I’m in my own house and while it’s still a bit messy, it’s much quieter. That said, I still pull for a lot of guys and so far at least, day 01 has been good to them. I’m hosting Doug Kim (one of the guys at last year’s final table) and Chris Viox, a friend who’s a great railbird and no slouch of a player. :) I also always pull for Mandy Baker and Thomas Fuller, the guy who I’ve probably spent the most time on the circuit with. All four of them advanced to day 02. More of the old crew are playing today. To Toph, Master J, and TheGambler, good luck.
This year I’m in my own house and while it’s still a bit messy, it’s much quieter. That said, I still pull for a lot of guys and so far at least, day 01 has been good to them. I’m hosting Doug Kim (one of the guys at last year’s final table) and Chris Viox, a friend who’s a great railbird and no slouch of a player. :) I also always pull for Mandy Baker and Thomas Fuller, the guy who I’ve probably spent the most time on the circuit with. All four of them advanced to day 02. More of the old crew are playing today. To Toph, Master J, and TheGambler, good luck.
By the way, I pull for a lot more people than this, so if I left ya off, don’t worry. I still love you. Till you’re at my table. :)
paul wasicka’s blog
Monday, July 9, 2007
