WSOP - should I play, and which event?

I'd really like to play a wsop event this summer, but I'm having a hard time talking myself into it (and an equally hard time letting the idea go).

The Main Event is out of the question -- not an option unless I satellite in. So I've narrowed the choices down to these:

• #22, June 11, Ladies NLHE ($1,000 3-day event)
• #31, June 16, HORSE ($1,500 3-day event)
• #45, June 25, NLHE ($1,500 3-day event)
• #47, June 26, NLHE ($1,000 4-day event)

#45 or #47 could be wrapped into the existing trip I have planned, so no extra airfare cost. For #47, though, if I went past Day 2 I'd need to bag out on one or more of the OFC Live events my trip has been planned around, which would be a bummer.

For #22, the Ladies Event, the lower buy-in is appealing but I'd feel kind of lame playing in it rather than an open event. That would not be the case if I were playing multiple events... just not sure I want to pick it as my "one and only."

#31 HORSE could easily be the most fun since I love HORSE and would be comfortable playing it. It's also mid-week so rates at the Rio would be lower and I could justify staying there rather than at another hotel. However, I'm better and far more experienced at NLHE. It's also one of the higher buy-ins on my list.

Now, I'm still not convinced I should play at all. Strictly from a bankroll management point of view, I'd be throwing BRM out the window. But I have a job and don't depend on poker winnings for income. It wouldn't break me to play. I've paid more than that for stuff like vet bills recently. Failing to cash, however, which I realize is very likely, would torpedo my poker spreadsheet into the red, which would cause a little psychic pain. Also, I think of all the things I could really use like a new computer, new toilet, portable A/C, etc. But it's not like I'm going to run out and buy any of those things if I don't play.

So, do I take a shot? And if I do, what should I aim at?

I'd definately play. More things, be they necessary or not, can always wait for the next pay check. How often can you play in the World Series? (My answer here would be next to never)
As for which game, depends if you want to win, challenge yourself or play your favorite. Personally I'd enter the tournament where I had the best chance to win, but... it's a lot of money, having a good time playing HORSE could be the way to go.
Is it once in a lifetime or a once every couple of years sort of thing? Could affect the decision.

Thanks tookie! I've about 95% decided to play the HORSE event. The others just aren't getting me excited to play. I do want to be there and hope to play more events in future years, so am considering this to be a start.

tookie21 said:

I'd definately play. More things, be they necessary or not, can always wait for the next pay check. How often can you play in the World Series? (My answer here would be next to never)
As for which game, depends if you want to win, challenge yourself or play your favorite. Personally I'd enter the tournament where I had the best chance to win, but... it's a lot of money, having a good time playing HORSE could be the way to go.
Is it once in a lifetime or a once every couple of years sort of thing? Could affect the decision.

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Are you saying that HORSE or the Ladies tournment would mean an extra R/T airfare? Or is this a long drive, where you'd still need to stay at a hotel? I'd really need that info to answer. But I'll try...

Assuming no extra expenses.... Personally, I'd think it's a little silly to feel the Ladies event is lame. If I thought I had an edge, I'd take it. Also, you have a few weeks to brush up on limit. I personally would do the HORSE, as I enjoy it it, but am far more comfortable and adept with it than NLHE. YMMV.

You also really don't say whether or not you are registered in events that conflict with the 2 NLHEs. If so, is this something you cannot get out of? There is absolutely no point in registering in something you don't have the time to go deep in - unless you're Phil Ivey or Bill Gates. And Event #47 would be completely out of the question.

If you're comfortable with HORSE, do it up. I'd make sure you hit those cash games while you're out there too, because there's lots of bad play

My first inclination would always be to play the NLHE. However like you I really enjoy a good game of HORSE. While limit poker can be very frustrating at times it also a lot more forgiving when you get a read wrong especially in the early stages of the game when the blinds are small. I could easily be swayed towards the HORSE.

Good luck whatever you decide.

Divebitch said:

unless you're Phil Ivey or Bill Gates

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Unfortunately no!

Thanks to everyone for the input and I've decided on the HORSE. It is an extra trip (flying) since I'm also going to Vegas at the end of the month, but the midweek hotel rates help to make up for that.

If I have extra time I'll be sure to hit up the cash games as well! My plan is to go deep and barely have enough time to get in adequate sleep, but the poker gods may have other plans.

I'd play #45 & #47

GL to you!

Personally - I would have thought event #22 was the most +EV for you. Use it as a springboard for the other events.

If you're comfy with HORSE, I'd vote for that over the others, just because I'd expect the chances of doing well (ie. the quantity and level of competition) is going to be higher in any NLHE game.

I said that kinda backwards; but I think for anyone that plays NLHE and something else, they have a better chance with the something else than competing with the higher skill and sheer number of interested players in NLHE.

I say play in the one that is closest to the time that you plan on landing in Vegas. Like, if you plan on getting into Vegas on June 24.. then play in the June 25 tournament.. that way, if you cash, you will have some more money to play with for a longer time that you are there.

Play whichever you most want to play. Chances of cashing are tough in any tournament, so pick the one you'd enjoy the most.

Listen to the caveman

Sean Pilgrim said:

Listen to the caveman

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Done. I listened to him before he even spoke to me and booked my trip this morning around the HORSE dates.

I can play a NLHE tournament any day of the week at a local casino (granted, not any events of WSOP caliber) but have only played one live HORSE tournament before and really enjoyed it.

arahel_jazz said:

Personally - I would have thought event #22 was the most +EV for you. Use it as a springboard for the other events.

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That's certainly possible, and I considered it. If I had decided to play two events, which was a possibility, that would have been one of the two. It would have also meant ten days in Vegas and two large buy-ins, though... so maybe next year.

Good Luck RC, TID!!!