If you are a poker player and you didn’t make it to the Rio to be part of or even witness the 2010 World Series of Poker (WSOP), you definitely missed out! As one friend of mine said, the WSOP has definitely matured. Kudos to Jack Effel and his entire staff for the many, many hours of planning they put in to make it run so smoothly.
When it comes to details, they seem to have thought of everything. The food problems of the past were settled by the creation of the Poker Kitchen, where players could grab food during dinner breaks without having to walk all the way into the casino. By the way, the fresh, custom, “more than you could eat” salads they served this year were incredible and the $10 food comp players got when they entered an event was sufficient to pay for a meal there. They had extra “executive” bathrooms outside the Amazon Room that were actually so deluxe that one would never know they were there temporarily.
They had plenty of stages for final tables. The bracelet ceremony was held each afternoon at a large center stage in the Pavilion, providing the bracelet winners an opportunity to be honored by their peers. I had the incredible opportunity to deliver the “Shuffle Up and Deal” speech from the center stage to kick off the Ladies Event. Here is a copy of the speech I wrote:
“I’m honored to be part of the opening ceremonies for the 2010 WSOP Ladies Event. 2010 is my 30-year anniversary of playing in the WSOP.
When I entered my first Ladies Event in 1980, I had no idea that it would be life-changing. I had decided that if I did well in that event, I would quit my job and become a poker pro. That year – 1980 – I came in fifth place. I went home to California and gave notice at work. Two weeks later, I moved to Las Vegas and began my new life as professional poker player.
I’ve never regretted that decision. The past 30 years in poker have been incredible. Many things have changed in poker over the past 30 years.
Instead of starting with $400 in tournament chips, today we’re starting with $3,000 in chips. Instead of 65 entries, today there are more than 1,000 participants. Instead of paying three places, more than 100 will be paid. Instead of Seven Card Stud, the game has changed to No Limit Hold’em. Instead of playing downstairs in the Mexican restaurant at Binion’s that was converted to the World Series poker room for two weeks a year, we are here at the Rio in the biggest poker room in the world. Isn’t this setting spectacular? Instead of it being rare to see women in poker rooms, women have become an integral part of poker.
Women are accomplished players! There are now 15 women with gold bracelets in open events. You can’t open a poker magazine these days without seeing the picture of a woman who just won a big poker tournament.
Despite the changes in poker from 1980 to 2010, one thing has remained the same: the excitement that we, as poker players, feel every year at the WSOP.
As I look out today, I see excitement on your faces. I hope the 2010 Ladies Event changes many of your lives like it changed mine! I remember it like it was yesterday – the thrill I felt 30 years ago as I heard the tournament director say… Shuffle up and deal!”
At the time I gave the speech, I wasn’t aware that approximately 12 men had entered the Ladies Event. Of course had I known, I could have added the line, “Instead of only women playing in the Ladies Event, today we have men and women playing.”
There have been many articles and blogs written about whether or not men should be allowed to play in the Ladies Event and even whether or not there should be a Ladies Event. Here’s the bottom line as far as I am concerned: There is no reason to have a Ladies Event because women can’t compete with the men… they can! The reason to have a Ladies Event is because of the atmosphere at the event, which is different from an open event. It is pleasant and provides a great opportunity for women poker players to play with their peers. More than 1,000 women showed up to play, so they obviously support Ladies tournaments.
In the five open events I played in, I was almost always the only woman at the tables. Therefore, the conversation was mostly about sports, the cocktail waitress, and things that didn’t interest me. I witnessed at least two very vocal arguments between players in each of the open events I played in.
It really was a treat to get to play with ladies in a congenial atmosphere and to have conversations that interested me. In fact, the two penalties I saw given during the Ladies Event were given to men.
I would never dream of crashing a man’s bachelor party, hunting trip, or fishing trip, so why should they play in a Ladies Event? However, that doesn’t make it right for the women to cheer when the men get knocked out. They should just be ignored, in my opinion.
I hate to see the 2010 WSOP come to an end. It was a great Series for me, with three cashes in the five tournaments I entered and success in live games as well. Could we make it last a little longer next year?
I love Linda Johnson’s atricle. She is one of the reasons I still play today. I actually joined a poker leauge this year and was the only woman out of 32 players. I sometimes feel I have crashed a party but the people I play with have welcomed me with open arms. I actually came in second in the leauge so was pretty pround of myself. I do hope more and more woman play. Linda seems to have had an amazing 30 years and have set the path for us to continue. I hope someday to play in a big tournament and make my dreams come true. Way to go Linda on your success and thank you for all you do.
Great article. The Cat especially liked your take on the Women’s Event.
As usual another great article by Linda. The mention of the old mexican resturant brought back memories.
Gerry K
Thanks for sharing. It’s fun to reminisce about the poker world through your “articulate” eyes.
As someone who came to poker on a route that included seriously competitive contract bridge, I predict that the evolution of poker will not be complete until the tables are full of, or at least more than 50%, women.
I get all of those free-in-the-poker room poker mags. Apart from a bi-weekly newspaper on poker, most of the articles are written by men. With the exception of a few articles by Todd Brunson and Phil Laak, the great majority of these articles are on poker strategy. Few speak to the ‘poker experience’ or ‘poker lifestyle’. I liked this article and all of Linda’s articles because it really personalizes the poker experience. It is, in my opinion, the exact thing that makes people who read Linda’s articles and/or who are taught by Lindaat the WPT BootCamps, feel that she is accessible and approachable. Her warmth toward people comes shining through in all of her articles on your site. To me, this is a great deal of Linda’s appeal to poker players and fans. Keep up the great writing Linda; I always enjoy hearing your take on the poker expereince!
Jane Goldberg
Thanks so much to all of you who have taken the time to comment on my
article(s). I appreciate the feedback very much. You’ve made my day!
Linda Johnson
I loved this article! I participated in the Ladies Event this year and it was very exciting experience. I was very moved when I heard Linda’s Speech in person at the Ladies Event, she is very inspiring. She has made such a difference in the world of Poker.
As usual, Linda’s comments are right on the mark. I really enjoy reading her articles. They do humanize (if that is a real word) the game. I enjoy playing the Ladies Events, but I also like the mixed events. However, if it wasn’t for getting my feet wet at the Ladies Event, I probably wouldn’t be playing.
I had the incredible opportunity to play in the Ladies WSOP and sit next to Linda Johnson for several hours. Not everyone gets to be so lucky! It made my day when she called me a “bully”! Of course, I replied “You taught me that play at 2009 WPT Bootcamp!” Linda, you are so right concerning the positive changes at the Rio. The lines, food and bathroom headaches have all gone away, thanks to the WSOP staff and planners. As for the men playing in the event, bring them on. I would love to be able to say “Linda Johnson taught me that one, boys!”
Great article, DON’T forget the last woman standing in the WSOP Breeze Zuckerman!!!!
Linda has done more for poker that almost anyone alive. She gave my my start in this game almost 20 years ago. She has helped countless others in our game get ahead — whether they be players, writers, staff, or whatever. One thing that I have always admired deeply about Linda is her tremendous passion and her unwavering sense of fairness. While we do not always agree with Linda on every issue, those issues we do debate and her position often makes me rethink my own, and causes me to ask serious questions which need to be raised. I am particularly pleased to know Linda stands in favor of the great tradition that is the WSOP Ladies Championship. Anyone who was there to see her remarks or is able to read them here should take note that this is an important event, not just for women, but for everyone who wants to see poker flourish and appeal to a wider audience. Many thanks Linda, for your article and your ceaseless commitment to the game.
Linda, another great article, and a great reflection of this year’s WSOP. The written copy of your “shuffle up and deal” speech is great–of course–but nothing will ever match its leart-felt live presentation…and the tears which came with it!
>I wasn’t aware that approximately 12 men had entered the Ladies Event.
Maybe 12 very insecure men who needed the attention?
As always, good article Linda!
Wow, don’t you guys already have jobs? :)
Another great article, well done, Linda.
Linda, Thank you for the nice comments regarding the 2010 WSOP.Your contributions to poker and the WSOP are remarkable. You’re a great ambassador to the game.Additionally, your suggestions and ideas for improvement are always spot on, I use most of them.And you’re always available for support to discuss anthing poker related that comes up. The WSOP and poker in general is fortunate to have you. Thanks for all you do for the game we all love. Jack Effel
Linda, as always, a well written account of the WSOP. You truly are the First Lady of Poker and thank you for continuing to promote women in poker.
Linda, I know that a life long effort to bring new players to the tables is a very deliberate commitment, no one has ever done it better. Thanks for your leadership and continued support of our industry!
As always, another GREAT article
I agree with all the things you say here. You are spot on. This was the best WSOP I have attended! I love the atmosphere of the women’s event..so much fun! Now how do we get a “women only” event at the WSOP for next year?
I’ve had the honor to be encouraged & mentored by Linda, who speaks before the ladies event to our group of women that have entered the WSOP. By the luck of the draw I played at the same table as Linda Johnson in the Ladies WSOP this year. Her commitment to encouraging females to play poker is what leads us to this annual event. If there not a Ladies Only Event to play in, these women would not attend the WSOP. We want to keep our event by gender just as the seniors want it by age or the pros want it for champions only. It’s just a preference, not because we can’t play against men, we just enjoy the company of other females. Linda said it best “it’s the atmosphere” we enjoy. Thanks for supporting women in poker! This year’s WSOP was much more organized than in past years. Kudos to Jack Effel & the WSOP Organizers!
Linda, I agree 100%. I hope all the good you do for the poker community continues to come back to you in spades.
Couldn’t have said it better myself (of course) Thank you Linda for posting another good article with your speech to remember…it was hard to concentrate when the thrill of the event was bearing down seconds away.
Your analogy that you wouldn’t have dreamed of crashing a bachelor party seems right on. Seriously, the one event set aside for women should be respected in my humble opinion.
I loved the changes made this year to the WSOP too and hope it remains next year. Thanks for speaking up and yet another great read.