New Year’s is always a time of renewal, and resolution. People often take that as a cue to resolve to do something, fix something, or stop something in their lives. And while most of the poker world is jetting off to the Caribbean for some poker, I thought I would take the time to make some resolutions for some of the rest of the poker industry and players out there, just in case they are looking for something to resolve upon. So here are a few suggested vows to make, take, or break for 2010.
Phil Hellmuth: ‘Shut up and play poker’. This may sound strange, since Phil is a frequent guest on my radio show, and has provided us with headline coverage around the world with some of his comments, but Phil also had one of his worst year’s ever with a measly 100K in tournament earnings. Simply put, Phil is better than that, and if he stops name dropping and ego popping for a bit and focuses on poker, he will get back on track.
Tom ‘durrrr’ Dwan: ‘Stop tilting at Swedish windmills and focus on continuing your brilliant career’. Dwan is a poker prodigy, but a 7 million dollar downswing in November at the hands of Swedish mystery player ‘Isildur1’ left Dwan reeling. He has been patiently rebuilding his bankroll, and hopefully we will see more of Dwan both on TV and at tournaments. It’s fun to watch the aggressive youngster work his mojo.
Russ Hamilton: ‘Tell the truth in twenty ten’. I have never believed that Hamilton alone was the culprit in the Ultimate Bet scandals. Here’s hoping someone or something forces this slimeball to spill the beans.
WSOP: ‘Keep on keeping on’. The WSOP, Harrah’s, Jeffrey Pollock, et al, have done an amazing job of growing the WSOP in adverse economic conditions. With the resignation of Pollock, here’s hoping the the Series will continue to advance. The release of the 2010 WSOP schedule was a great sign that they will do exactly that.
Phil Ivey: ‘Don’t be the Tiger Woods of Poker’. Ivey had an absolutely unbelievable year in 2009, cementing his reputation as absolutely the best poker player in the world, in any venue, at any amount. With the announcement of Ivey’s divorce this week, let’s hope he will continue to be the mystery man who is simply the best, and not slip into a media circus sideshow like his golfing namesake.
Daniel Negreanu: ‘Take a breath’. After a whirlwind 2009 that included a ton of play at the WSOP, and the tragic loss of his mother, not to mention signing a new mega deal with his sponsor, Daniel deserves to take a little ‘me’ time in 2010. Enjoy life, play some golf for fun, and maybe take a vacation. And then mow down the opposition at the WSOP.
The Canadian Poker Industry: ‘Time to Shine!’ With deregulation in the US on the horizon, Canada is now the diving board for a poker industry ready to jump in. With all the focus on the Canadian poker scene, people are slowly realizing that Canada is poker rich, both in players and talent. Greg Mueller wins two bracelets at the WSOP and goes almost unnoticed. It’s time to step into the spotlight, Canada.
‘That Poker Dude’: ‘Make it happen!’ With all that’s going on in the poker world, I vow to bring you the latest inside scoop on the industry, players, and events that make it all tick. I will be playing more in 2010, both in my swank new basement poker room and in big tournaments, and I hope that there will be lots of exciting news on every front.....
Happy New Year, and may 2010 be full of big pots, huge draws, and the occasional suckout on the river....
Chris Tessaro is the co-host of The Hardcore Poker Show, Tuesday nights at 7 PM on Hardcore Sports Radio, Sirius Channel 98. He can be reached at gruven72@hotmail.com