Setting the 2010 Tourney Calendar

Since I've gotten a whole host of announcements and press releases over the last few days about 2010 events, I've decided to compile them as best as I can for easy viewing.

Of course, it is too bad I don't have the vacation time needed to enjoy all of these fine events. However, I'm sure I can find a nice sample.

January 6-27, Southern Poker Championship, Beau Rivage, Biloxi, MS. This is a WPT-affiliated series, and with room rates of $69/$99, it might be a good quick trip from Georgia. I am actually thinking that the $340 Pot-Limit Omaha Hi/Lo event on Sunday, January 17 or the $220 Bounty NLHE event on January 23 might be what I target if we are able to head down there. Besides, it would probably be much easier to drive a couple hours, than hop on a plane to the Aussie Millions or to Atlantis.

January 20-February 11, WSOP Circuit, Harrah's, Tunica, MS. I thought this was cancelled, which is probably not a very good sign.

January 29 - February 25, Deep Stack Extravaganza, Venetian, Las Vegas, NV. Offered every three-months, this is a fun tournament series when someone isn't flipping over chips and tables.

January 21 - March 4, L.A. Poker Classic, Commerce Casino, Commerce, CA. This is one card room that I've always wanted to go see, as I've heard the place is absolutely gargantuan. Many options available, with 50 events to choose from, and I could always try to visit family while there too. Too bad it doesn't overlap with the Texas-Alabama game for the BCS.

March 13-14: WSOP Academy, Caesar's Palace, Las Vegas, NV. I normally would not include this, but since there is a slight chance I may actually be in Las Vegas for this weekend (hooray for fellow fantasy football fanatics), I'm linking to it. This weekend may be much, much more about basketball, what with those conference championships and setting the brackets for March Madness the following weekend.

March 30 - April 24, WPT Five-Star World Classic, Bellagio, Las Vegas, NV. Only listing because it is one of my top-two poker rooms (the Venetian being the other) but the entry fees for this are a bit out of my range.

May 7-19, WSOP Circuit, Harrah's, New Orleans, LA. I missed the 2008 edition after going in 2006 and 2007. A 2010 trip is possible, but with it being a bit earlier this year it might be difficult as it had been closer to Memorial Day, making it easier to leave work. The detailed schedule hasn't been defined yet, but it's earlier than previous years because of...

May 27 - July 17, World Series of Poker, Rio Las Vegas, NV. The schedule has just been released, with FIFTY-SEVEN events over seven weeks, now starting BEFORE Memorial Day. Yowzah. No idea what I might possibly be interested in yet, or if I would even be out there this year. Besides, even when I did go, I was shut out of the final $1500 donkament, which led me over to the Venetian for their Summer edition of the Deep-Stack Extravaganza. Though there are initial claims more space will be available, I think most players would believe it when they see it.

That ought to be enough live poker to manage over a few months for most folks - and if not, then you're either doing this full time or need to call a certain 800 number for addictive tendencies :)