I’m excited. For the first time since 2006, I thought I was not going to be a part of the World Series of Poker, but now it looks like I will get to go out after all, and likely go twice for the two tournaments I am most interested in. While I would like to play almost all of the No Limit events, Pot Limit events, and a few of the Limit Draw events, my schedule and responsibilities around home don’t allow for it, so I had to pick and choose what I really wanted to play.

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PLO8 has become my favorite game and the one I feel the most comfortable in and have the largest edge in. I play as much PLO8 as almost anyone, and although cash games are different from tournaments, I still think the volume I put in gives me a level of familiarity that few have. So, I am going to go out and play the $3,000 buy-in PLO8 event and then try to get back out for what is by far the most fun and best value poker tournament of the year, the WSOP Main Event.

For a while, I had myself convinced that I wasn’t going and was okay with that, but as the series got underway and the reports started rolling in from my close friends and colleagues out in Vegas, the bug to find a way to get out there hit me. Some of the conflicts that had initially caused me to plan not to go cleared up enough to where I was able to juggle things around and make the trip.

It is amazing to me how much excitement can build around the WSOP, even for those of us who have been around for a while and have been there and done that time and again. The allure is still there and is a big part of what makes the WSOP so great. I am blessed and privileged to yet again be in a situation to be part of it, even if it is a much smaller part than in the past.

My plan is to play the PLO8 event and then head back home soon after I bust out. It’ll be a packed couple of days, but other than playing poker and visiting friends, I have nothing planned. If the tournament doesn’t go well, I’ll almost surely end up playing cash games or satellites in any downtime I have. From what I have heard, the Rio is jammed with a variety of games and stakes to suit almost any player.

There isn’t any overarching theme to this article, but it is just what is on my mind. Something about getting a trip planned and knowing I am going has gotten me into a different mindset, so now I’m going to gear up for tournament play and wrap up as much as I can around home so I can have as clear of a mind as possible when I get to Vegas.

Next week, I’ll have a trip report with some interesting stories or get back to some of the other topics I have on tap to write about, including the success of the Senior’s Event.

Are you headed to the WSOP this year? If so, tell us your plans by commenting here!

Court Harrington has worked on the business side of the poker industry in roles including tournament reporting for PocketFives, radio hosting for PokerRoad Radio, coaching for the WSOP Academy and privately, and a variety of behind-the-scenes responsibilities for poker media businesses. He also plays in cash games and tournaments. Harrington is currently doing consulting work and exploring business opportunities outside of the poker industry. You can contact him at Court@CourtHarrington.com.

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