WSOP Day 1b Noticable Moments

During day one of the main event in the WSOP there were a number of noticeable moments that got people talking. The first bust out of the day was a clash of Aces and Ace King, with the second getting a flush. Jeff Madsen, loser in a three way prop bet with Gavin Smith and Joe Sebok, showed up to play as a court jester in full costume.

Attendance was only 1,300, making it appear the main event will be smaller than last year. Also Josh Arieh ran afoul of a "donkey call" busting him on day one.

Was it a donkey call? He would certainly tell you it was, as would, many others who are pros or semi pros. In view of the circumstances, maybe it was the best thing to do.

In any major tournament folding coin flip or worse situations is advisable if you want to go deep. Could you call and get lucky? Sure, but there is at least a fifty-fifty chance that you will be busted from the game. Why wouldn't this call be a bad idea?

First the player was not a pro. Second, he held a nut flush draw when Josh pushed him all in. Third, Josh wanted to see him call, as he had a huge lead at this point with a set of sixes. It was also likely was aware his opponent benefited from the ace on the turn. The third point by itself should be enough to keep Josh from being upset.

But the big reason is this: in a field this huge against pros that could play you under the table, you must take the best possible gambles to win. The player had top pair on a weak board, a decent kicker, and the nut flush draw. The best reason for him to call was that it would be one of the best opportunities for him to survive against a pro, and hopefully go deep in the tournament.

How many more plays like that will we see? Expect many.