Another Final Table for Hoyt

Hoyt goes into the final table in 4th chip position with 1,030,000. The final table is set to begin at 5pm Pacific, but interviews are much earlier than tha (1pm). With such a long day of play just completed and such little time for sleep, some players have protested giving pre-show interviews. This could affect the start time for the filming of the finals if the WPT is playing catch up.

Here's hoping everything goes smoothly and Hoyt makes a top finish at his 4th WPT final table appearance and his chance to become the 10th 2-time WPT Champion.

The Legends of Poker in 2003 was the very first WPT event that Hoyt and I ever went to, so it has stood as an anniversary of sorts. Now on the 3rd anniversary of the start of our poker life together, a win here has more significance than the money.

Hold'em With Hoyt

Poker Parlor and Legends of Poker

Originally, we were scheduled to travel to Memphis and then down to the farm right after the WSOP in order to spend some time with the family. We made it as far as Memphis when we got a telephone call from International Poker Tournaments... wanting us to fly to L.A. to film a show called the "Poker Parlor." So, we hopped on a plane back to the west coast and did 4 episodes of the show, which is modeled similarly to the "Learn from the Pros" show that aired on Fox Sports.

Since we were in the neighborhood, I decided to play in the Legends of Poker WPT event.
Natalie will be on hand to give updates.

END OF DAY 1A - Hoyt finished the day with 72,000 in chips. Each player started with 20,000.

Feature Article from WPT Magazine

Source: The Official World Poker Tour Magazine

HOYT CORKINS
Alex Outhred profiles the mild-mannered man they call ‘The Nightmare’.

When you think of an American cowboy, you picture a gruff, stubbly character chewing tobacco. Add the knowledge that this person is a poker player, and the image does not change very much. But in reality, most American ‘cowboys’ are businessmen. Men that own ranches, or have businesses that have to do with the farming or livestock industries. Men who are simple in need, and wise to a bluff. This is starting to sound a bit more like Hoyt Corkins.

Hoyt owns 60 head of cattle in his native Alabama, and when he is not out and about playing in the top tournaments in the States, he is happy to be at home on the ranch, living the peaceful life, so to speak. The advent of online poker allows a bit of a twist in this cowboy’s daily routine. With a love for the outdoors and for playing poker, online gaming has afforded Hoyt the opportunity to enjoy both in the same location.

Most people are familiar with Hoyt from his first major TV appearance, at Foxwoods Casino during WPT’s second season. Hoyt was the proverbial thorn in the side of Phil Hellmuth, and quickly became a fan favorite as he beat Phil in pot after pot, maintaining a demure table image, whether he won a monster pot or lost to a bad beat.

Although this was the first many had seen of Hoyt, he had already won a bracelet at the World Series of Poker 11 years earlier in Pot Limit Omaha.

MAN WHO CAN BLUFF

For many people who watched the Foxwoods episode, Hoyt’s physical presence at the table redefined the meaning of ‘poker face’, because he offers no physical tells at the table. With his mirror shades, perfectly fitted black cowboy hat, black shirt, jeans and cowboy boots, Hoyt certainly is an image to behold, and if you didn’t know any better, you would be inclined to believe every bet that he made.

That’s what hard-working cowboys do, isn’t it? Tell it like it is? Perhaps in an interview, but at the poker table, not so fast. Hoyt has made a brilliant poker career blossom out of knowing how and when to mix up his game.

“Bluffing well just comes naturally to me,” Hoyt says. “There’s a time and a place to do it, and perhaps I pick the wrong moment every now and then, but more often than not, I read weakness properly, and can take advantage of that”.

That’s bluffing in a nutshell – bluffs do not succeed when your opponents are strong. And Hoyt also adds the semi-bluff to his repertoire. “When you bluff, it’s always good to have outs, just in case they catch your hand in the cookie jar”.

If you watch through Hoyt’s final tables, you’ll start to see how his sense of timing is perfectly honed. His opponents either have hands that are too weak to call a bet with, despite being better hands than Hoyt’s, or Hoyt has a healthy amount of outs with which he can make the best hand.

…AND DOUBLE-BLUFF

Hoyt’s true talent at the table is not simply a skill at bluffing, though. It is knowing how to adjust his game accordingly when he has established himself to certain opponents as a willing bluffer. Time and time again, Hoyt will continue his aggressive betting even when he has a monster hand, because his opponents are most likely to not believe him, and pay him off.

It’s important to be able to read your opponents, but a deeper aspect of that is to know how your opponents are reading you. Once you know how your opponents are going to react to your behavior, you are the puppeteer, and they are the marionettes. This is a skill that has helped propel Hoyt into being one of the most respected players in tournament poker.

IN THE LIMELIGHT

Hoyt’s lovely fiancée Natalie is well-known and well-regarded by other pros and fans on the tour. While the couple take every chance they have to relax at home, living the lifestyle of a top professional brings sponsorships and opportunities that only add to Hoyt’s chances for a big tournament payday.

His popularity has earned him invitations to numerous free-rolls. He took second at WSOP’s Tournament of Champions free-roll, one spot away from earning two million dollars. While he took the loss to Mike Matusow graciously, Hoyt was inches away from a hike in his bankroll that would have made every media appearance well worth the time.

Staying in the limelight offers more opportunities than it prevents, and Hoyt is very quick to thank Natalie for making this possible.

PERFECT MATCH

Natalie embraces Hoyt’s lifestyle, and does everything she can to make sure that when the tournament director announces, “Shuffle-Up and Deal!”, Hoyt’s mind is clear of everything except the cards and the players at his table. This is an invaluable asset, as many players bring the rest of their worldly issues to the table with them, which has them playing cards at a less than optimal level.

Natalie has also seen her own share of success playing online cash games, and could soon be a force to reckon with at the tables. The point is that life does not have to be a solo sport, and when two people find a way to live it together fully, it can be that much sweeter.

As Hoyt has committed his time to the WPT tournament circuit in the United States, he has gathered fans across the country, but look out for him closer to the UK, too. Hoyt has grown accustomed to the styles of play by some of Europe’s best, and is now looking forward to playing in European events as the game continues to go global.

EASY TO SPOT

While his stern poker face and cowboy hat might be the easiest way to recognize Hoyt, the next thing to look for would be a smiling redhead sitting close by who answers to the name of Natalie.

If that’s not specific enough, double check his chip-stack. If it’s plentiful and he’s surrounded by baffled opponents murmuring to themselves as they wonder where their chips went, that is most certainly Hoyt Corkins.

http://www.worldpokertour.com/magazine/?x=detail&aID=156

In Memoriam

On August 3rd, a friend of ours passed away from complications of an appendectomy. His name was Paul Hannum, and he was one of the videographers working with the WPT. Paul had been beaming for months with the news of his impending fatherhood. His unborn daughter is now left to be raised without a father. A fund has been set up to aid in the expenses of raising the child. We have made our donation through www.babyhannum.com and hope that you will too.

Hoyt out in 364th place

The button raised and Hoyt re-raised all-in from the big blind.

Hoyt showed A K

button showed 9 9

with no help on the board, Hoyt is eliminated and collects $34, 636 for his efforts.

423 Left

That means anyone who busts out in the near future will receive $30,512.

Last count, Hoyt had about 105,000. Of course, that is subject to change at any time. ESPN is filming at his table now - which means no one else can lurk around.

Ted has 210,000.

End of Day 3

Play has just finished for the day.
Hoyt has 163,000.
Ted has 135,000.
There are 481 players left, will a current payout of $26,389.
At 441, the payout will move to $30,512

Applause All Around

The room burst into shouts of hoorahs and applause upon the announcement that play will end after this level and then color up before going home.

Hoyt is still around 125,000. Ted has about 140,000.

We have hit yet another payout level with 503 players left. Now the knocked-out players will receive $26,389.

Hoyt Doubles Up

Hoyt raised from middle position for 10,000. Dustin Holmes reraised to 35,000. Hoyt moved all-in for 65,200 and Holmes called.

The board reads 94279

Hoyt shows Q Q
Dustin shows J J

He is now up to 127,500. Ted has about 120,000.

There are currently 553 players remaining.

Hoyt Down to 70K in chips

I'm not sure what the details were. I will post as soon as I know.
Ted has 120K.

In regards to the payout structure, we are now at 580 players, which puts us in the $20,617 bracket.
At 568 players, we will move into the $22,266 bracket.

Ted won a hand

We're not sure what happened, but he's raking in some chips.... further update to follow later.

Chants in the room

Many players got up from thier chairs shouting, "600 players, 600 players, etc." An obvious protest to the recent decision to deviate from the published tournament structure. They were quickly quieted by tournament staff. I believe the 2am decision will stand.

New Payout Level

According to the board here in the Amazon Room, we have reached the next payout level of $19,050 with 648 players remaining.

Hoyt has 138,000. Ted has just over 90,000

Lost a pot

Derek Feldman pushed all-in and Hoyt called. Hoyt shows pocket 7s, Feldman shows A J.
THe board came 6 5 3 A 2. Hoyt's stack is now at 133, 000.

Playing until 2am

It has just been announced that a decision has been made to deviate from the published structure. Instead of playing down to 600, as originally slated; play will continue until 2am.

Hoyt won a pot against Marius Hogseth. On a flop of 9 4 3, Hoyt shoved all-in for his remaining 65,800 and Hogseth folded. After the hand, Hoyt had about 155,000.


Ted Lawson has 130,000.

Update

After the "in the money announcement", 14o players took thier walking papers.

Hoyt currently has approximately 102,000. We will go on dinner break in 12 minutes so, I will give everyone an update once play resumes.

I have had a request to follow Ted Lawson, so here is his chip count : about 150,000

We are at 763 players, which is in the $16,493 bracket. The next payout bubble is at 720 players ( $17,730).
-Natalie

We're in the Money

865 players are left in the the event right now. The current payout is $14,597. At 819 players, the payout will move to $15,504.

Last count on Hoyt's chips was approximately 90K.

- Natalie

Days off

Today I'm going to chill down with some friends. We are going to go hiking at Mt. Charleston. Then everyone is coming back to the house for some of Natalie's good cooking. Tomorrow I have booked my appointment with my masseuse - aka: Natalie and will just spend time collecting my thoughts and strategizing.

Here are some photos from the Red Carpet at Doyle's Roast and from the press conference with Pamela Anderson.

Yesterday's Play

I had a hard time geting out on the floor yesterday. There were a lot of spectators and the guards don't know me like the floorpeople do... I couldn't even get in the room at one point. I had to sneak over to the service entrance and run over to the bluff booth like I was playing a game of freeze tag. Once I got over there, I was safe.... But I couldn't see the action at Hoyt's table because it was too far away.

I have put in a request with Nolan Dalla directly for a press pass or a VIP pass. I should know on Friday if I get one. Ok , enough about that.

Hoyt's "table of death" quickly broke, but not before sending 10 unwilling victims to the rail. He later knocked out Shirley Williams, mother of 2004 second place finisher, David Williams, and a close friend of mine. She seemed to take the bust out pretty well.

Hoyt finished the day with about 72,000 in chips and about 550 players left in his flight. Flights C&D have merged together to play today and the remaining players will come back on Friday to play against the rest of the field. At 873, we will be in the money ($14,597). First place is slated to pay an even $12 million dollars.

Bad News on the Table Draw

Here is Hoyt's table assigment:

40 1 Michael Erstling $94,075
40 2 Ken Jacobs $119,106
40 3 Fzdwin Spencer $29,050
40 4 Francis Cipriano $123,200
40 5 Jim Boyd $32,375
40 6 Bill Gustafik $36,675
40 7 Darryl Dare $37,975
40 8 Hoyt Corkins $29,725
40 9 Terry Rossi $27,450
40 10 Noah Boeken $16,850

Here is a sample of everyone else's table assigment:

42 1 Loi Tran $10,300
42 2 David clayton $37,050
42 3 Chi Bui $29,175
42 4 Mark Simmons $30,800
42 5 Janne Juutilainen $5,625
42 6 David Atrubin $1,125
42 7 Quan Tran $49,575
42 8 Arthur Flangas $32,775
42 9 Yaron Wasserman $40,000
42 10 Kido Phan $35,100

Hoyt will have a lot of bullet dodging to do today. Hopefully, he can pull it through and amass some chips.

I will try to give some updates of the action as it happens.