You’d have thought after yesterday’s excitement around the start of the 2024 WSOP Main Event, and the ensuing discussion about not one but TWO first-hand exits, that players would have exercised more caution on Day 1b.
But after Jack Effel welcomed players and Greg Raymer issued the traditional “shuffle up and deal”, it didn’t take long before a player hit the rail.
Read Official WSOP Main Event Updates
Action Underway with Greg Raymer
Just like yesterday, WSOP Vice President Jack Effel wished all players seated on Day 1b a Happy 4th July and the very best of luck in what, for some, will be a long and arduous Main Event.
“Over the next couple of weeks you’ll get into some tense situations and have to make decisions that decide whether you win or lose the Main Event,” said Effel.
“And maybe someone in [today’s] field will come away with a lot of money and the world champion bracelet and get their banner up here on the wall.”
“Everyone can be friends at the poker table […] It’s a completely fair and even playing field for everyone.”
He was joined by 2004 WSOP Main Event champion Greg Raymer, who had some words of encouragement for the field.
“I’m sitting here staring at my banner, and it’s overwhelming to think about,” said Raymer. “I love poker so much, and it’s been such a wonderful thing for me. I’ve made so many great friends at the poker table.
“Everyone can be friends at the poker table — it doesn’t matter what differences we have: age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion — It’s a completely fair and even playing field for everyone.”
Read Our Interview with 2004 WSOP Champ Greg Raymer
Raymer said that in poker, people are free to play tough, try to beat each other and still be friends.
“Remember all that as you play this, just make sure you’re having fun. Play smart, and shuffle up and deal!”
Shoving on the First Hand
It was only a short time after cards were in the air that there was the first elimination. PokerNews reporter Tim Baker was informed by John Gutierrez that he had sent a player to the rail on the very first hand.
According to Gutierrez (pictured), he and Tony Guglietti had both put 1,200 in pre-flop, with the blinds at 100/200.
Guglietti bet the 7♣6♠5♠ flop and Gutierrez called. The turn was the 10♠ and Guglietti checked. Gutierrez bet 3,000, and Guglietti called.
The river was an 8x, and Guglietti shoved. The exact shove was unknown, but according to the previous action, it must have been more than 55,000.
Gutierrez called with A♠K♠ for the nut flush and took down the pot, as Guglietti showed 9x9x for a rivered straight and was eliminated.
Managing Editor
He graduated from the University of Kent in 2017 with a B.A. in German. He also holds an NCTJ Diploma in Sports Journalism.
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