The action at the biggest online PLO games the last couple months has been furious. Pots exceeding $500,000 are the norm, with opponents battling over multiple tables. Traditional bankroll management theory (something I have struggled with in the past) would dictate having at least $30-50 million to play safely at these stakes. I can think of only one person who plays these games who would be “properly rolled”. The games are just soooo sikkkk ☺

Being that there are a dozen or so regulars, most are playing above their bankroll. Why would they risk going broke this way? Are they just taking a shot at the big game? Do they feel they have a significant edge? Is it an ego thing? Do they have complete disregard for money?

For most players, I believe it’s a combination of all the factors above. Unfortunately, one or many will go broke or near broke if they continue to play this high. Tom ‘durrrr’ Dwan experienced this in November while playing Swede ‘Isildur1′. Tom had built up a formidable bankroll by crushing the medium to large games, but lost more than half of his online winnings to Isildur1 (who then dumped it and more to the other regulars). Tom has recently been seen playing lower stakes working to rebuild his online roll. I think it may be harder for him to do so this time as he is now very well known and he won’t be able to get away with some of the plays that used to work for him. It will be interesting to watch and I wish him the best in any case.

Brian Hastings just received a suspension from his sponsor for his involvement in hand history collaboration and analysis with a couple other pros who had played Isildur1. It’s a small price to pay considering the millions Brian won with this information. I’m not sure how I feel about this ruling by his sponsor; players routinely talk about hands played with various people, and it’s not classic collusion as there was no sharing of information in the current hand. However, me who has been on the receiving end of blatant fraud, I encourage poker sites become more vigilant about violations of their terms of service.

I was watching Poker After Dark -The Cash Game recently and had a little chuckle watching Phil Ivey pull a nice bluff holding 24 of spades. I wonder if he was recalling folding pocket Kings to me holding that same hand a couple years back on HSP. If he keeps up that caliber of play, he just might become a good player. ☺ jussssst kidddin’

Speaking of Poker After Dark, I was recently on a week’s session entitled “Eligible Bachelors” along with Antonio, David Williams, Erick Lindgren, James Aikenhead, Mike Matusow, which should air sometime in February if I recall correctly. Can’t reveal anything from the show, but I wish they would lose the footage…lol, I had a few drinks… said a few stupid things and played like a total moron…

About “Yukon” Brad Booth
Brad’s unique playing style started in his teen years when instead of attending school he spent his time playing poker in smoky underground cardrooms. Despite his young age and limited experience, Brad quickly developed an acute instinct for reading his opponents. His swift and assertive playing style, carefree approach and effervescent personality were a few of the many attributes to catch Doyle Brunson’s eye. After playing with Brad at the 2005 World Series of Poker, the poker legend snapped him up as a Doylesroom.com Poker Pro. Brad also appeared on multiple seasons of NBC’s Poker After Dark, and broke previous heads-up records on the show. Brad’s most recent move was from Full Tilt Poker to GR88.com where he is the official spokesman and Head of Poker Development.

Come to GR88.com to play Brad Booth.