My Phil Hellmuth Story

Picture the scene. Downtown Las Vegas, Binions Horseshoe Casino, It is, of course, the World Series of Poker. The year is 2002. It is just after lunch, and I am standing outside of the tournament area, waiting with the other players for the afternoon session to start. I have had a reasonable morning, caught some decent hole cards, and overall my stack is intact. Suprisingly so now looking back, as I'm playing like a rabbit caught in the headlights. I was what used to be called 'dead money' by the pro's. An amateur waiting to be polished off. That was in the 'pre moneymaker' era anyway. I glance across the room, and there, stood patiently waiting with the rest of us, was Phil Hellmuth.

So what was I, this amateur doing in the WSOP? I had been extremely lucky in an Ultimatebet.com tournament and won my seat. The more I think about it now, the more unbelievable it seems. But it happened and I was there, playing the 'Big dance' at the Mecca of poker.

There are many people I look up to in life. Authors, scientists, etc. Among my greatest heroes are professional poker players. Those who make a living playing cards. Those who treat money as mere poker tokens. Who will bet what is for most of us, maybe a years salary. And think nothing of it, if lady luck is unkind. Those who have no boss, and choose their hours of work. I see these people as the last great pioneers, rejecting the squareness of the world. Living by the fragile fate, of the turn of a card.

One of these heroes is a player called Phil Hellmuth. Here is some stuff about Phil www.philhellmuth.com/about.html

In short Phil is an extremely successful player. He has been called brash, arrogant and many other names.
I think this is what is known as 'goes with the territory'. Now, as I stand there across the room from Phil, I'm thinking 'Well, surely I cannot pass up this opportunity to talk to Phil....' but, it's the WSOP, he might be psyching himself up, or going over last minute strategy decisions. How will he react to me, the dead money, just introducing myself to him?

I gather my courage, it will be worth it, if I can just get Phil to give me some words of wisdom. On my side is the fact that Phil is part of the UB team. He will probably be aware of me winning the seat, as I am the only UB seat winner that year.

I walk over and look up. I stand about 5'10" and Phil is much taller. I introduce myself and explain who I am. Phil grins and congratulates me. He looks calm and relaxed. I thank him and ask him what his strategy will be for the next session. He takes a second or two to think, and then gives me some poker wisdom, I take with me every time I play.

he says

"Well, if they come fast that's good, and if they come slow, that's good too". And finishes with another big grin. I wish him good luck, and we part. I'm conscious of not out staying my welcome.

For any non poker players reading this, he means, that he will play whatever hand he is dealt, and whatever player he will face. Playing poker with the flow, rather than with a pre-conceived or false strategy.

unfortunately Phil did not go on to win that year. Even more unfortunately neither did I. I was busted by the British pro Julian Gardner. His pair of fives killing my Diamond flush draw.

But that is another story.