#837 – I’m in the Future!

It’s time for me to get back to work. Or time to think about getting back to work. Or time to think about thinking about getting back to work.

It’s taken me twelve days to return to work after the World Series of Poker. If pressed, I’d blame my car’s navigation system, but the better thing is probably to start filling up this space. We have plenty to catch up on, and many interesting things coming up.

1. I’m not fired

My employment with Full Tilt has always been vague and open ended. Our most recent discussion about my employment was last March, when Uncle Tilty asked, “Do you want to blog for us at the World Series?”

I don’t have any reason to believe that Full Tilt was dissatisfied with my work during the Series, but in this economy, especially with my work habits, I’m lucky to have any job at all. I don’t want to take anything for granted so after the Series ended, I waited to hear from Uncle Tilty about my future with the blog.

And waited … and waited.

Finally, I sent Uncle Tilty an e-mail, pointing out all the upcoming poker events I might be expected to cover: Legends of Poker WPT in LA, the Million Euro Challenge in Germany, WPT Cyprus, WSOP-Europe in London, the next installment of the Million Dollar Cash Game, and all the hoopla surrounding the November Nine, four of which are Full Tilters.

I received only a partial answer. I know it’s been busy on Full Tilt: lots of new promotions, software updates, the fifth birthday celebration, FTOPS XIII, etc. It was no surprise, therefore, when Uncle Tilty told me he would have to get back to me about the specifics of my upcoming responsibilities. He did say, however, “You are definitely in the future!”

Barring some inflammatory meaning – like, “If you don’t shut up I’m gonna smack you into next Tuesday” – I consider that a ringing endorsement. At least I’ll keep sending invoices with the expectation that they’ll be paid. I’ll let you know my future plans as I learn them. September could be very busy for me.

2. FTOPS XIII

FTOPS XIII begins on Wednesday, August 5. From August 5-16, Full Tilt will be running twenty-five events with a guaranteed prize pool of at least $16 million. As usual, it will be a great mixture of limit, pot-limit, and no-limit events. This Series will also include the $2,500 + $120 NLHE 2-day event (with a guarantee of $2 million) and conclude with a $500 + $35 NLHE Main Event (guaranteeing $2.5 million).

In addition to all the big tournaments, Full Tilt is bringing back and expanding a pair of FTOPS-related features. First, there are six FTOPS “challenges.” There are freerolls based on winning FTOPS satellite entries, performing certain tasks in NLHE events, making it to level 10 in several events, and doubling up. In addition, there is the Zero to Hero Challenge, which rewards you for superior performance following super-satellite and satellite entries. Finally, there is the Million Dollar Challenge that pays you $1 million if you cash in 17 FTOPS events. You need to check Full Tilt’s FTOPS Challenge page for details, especially because you have to “opt in” to be eligible.  

Second, MiniFTOPS is returning. The incredibly popular miniFTOPS series will mirror FTOPS XIII but, unlike with FTOPS XII, it will not run concurrent with FTOPS.  MiniFTOPS starts on September 9 and runs through September 20. (My own theory is that miniFTOPS was so overwhelmingly popular that it stole some of the thunder – and participation – from FTOPS XII.

On Saturday, August 15, Full Tilt’s newest Friend, Don Cheadle, will host a special FTOPS Ante Up for Africa Tournament. From the $100 + $20 buy-in, all proceeds from the tournament fees will go directly to Ante Up for Africa, a charity to raise money for relief efforts in Darfur. With 6-max tables, early antes, and a $100,000 guarantee, it should be a great tournament. It’s also an important cause and I urge you to welcome Don Cheatle and Ante Up for Africa to Full Tilt by participating.

I sometimes wonder if Unlcle Tilty even knows that I play poker. It was therefore with some relief that my runner up-finish in Razz was noted by an invitation to host the FTOPS Razz event. Therefore, I will be hosting FTOPS Event #21, $300 + $22 Razz, on August 14 at 21:00 and will also be conducting a Pro Chat at the same time.

3. Upcoming Blogs

After my twelve-day absence from the blog you can expect a lot of entries in the immediate future. I still have much to share about the World Series, including a profile on Jon Turner (who I either had dinner with or hallucinated in a mirage while walking through the desert without water), my observations on Jeffrey Lisandro making WSOP history at the other side of the final table from me in Razz, my interview during the Main Event with Commissioner Jeffrey Pollack, my time with Jason Alexander and Hershel Walker at the TV table during Ante up for Africa, and lots more.

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