the us poker bowl
The US Poker Bowl. Perhaps not as prestigious as a certain other televised Bowl but just as star-studded with respect to each field. The Poker Bowl is an attempt to bring a team format to poker. Instead of dog eat dog, now six players will be in it together, battling in squads of two.
I actually heard about the Poker Bowl around six months ago when Matt Atkins, the manager for the Denver High Rollers, contacted me. The more we talked about team poker, the more excited I got. At heart, I really love games of all kinds. A team format for poker means new learning curves, new strategies, new things to win. :) Also, it’s great to be entering a tournament knowing that someone else has your back. Unique and refreshing.
Which brings me to the players. As the first member of the Denver team, I quickly began looking for other players to fill the remaining five spots. Matt and I agreed that Vanessa Rousso and Chad Brown would make formidable roster additions and they agreed. Then, since we had a lot of time, things slowed down.
To make a long story short, the team ended up in a communication snafu. I invited William Lin to play as my partner. He and I have completely opposite playing styles and I really respect his game. At the same time that I asked William to be on the team, Vanessa recruited Doyle and Todd Brunson, and Hoyt Corkins. Our team was utterly stacked but unfortunately, we had seven players for six seats. Something had to give. I respect every single player on the team and would be happy doing battle alongside any of them but I had personally invited Will and I really wanted him as my partner.
It was a tough spot for everyone but after a few phone calls, we agreed that the best way to resolve the situation was for Will and I to join a different team so that’s what we did. I definitely don’t bear the Denver team any ill-will. All of us were trying to field the best team possible and we made one too many commitments. Hopefully, I’ll get to face those guys in the finals and when it’s over, we can all have share a beer or something.
Will and I joined the Oakland Razors, a team less well known but one that has more experience with team poker than almost any other, perhaps excluding the Seattle team. Our team plays on Monday at 5pm and you can catch updates on Cardplayer. My new team has been nothing short of great and I can’t wait to go to war. Let the games begin!
paul wasicka’s blog
Saturday, October 20, 2007
