Top 10 Reasons for Playing in the 2009 WSOP

1. Bigger chip stacks. The 2009 WSOP will be giving players three times the buy-in amount as a starting stack. Last year the stacks were two times the buy-in. There will also be extra blind levels added to many of the events. These changes will allow players to go deeper into the tournament, therefore getting more from their buy-in.

2. Huge prize pools. This year is expected to have the biggest prize pools ever seen. Even the main event prize pool could be the biggest yet, exceeding the one in 2006 before online legislation slowed the growth of the tournament.

3. The special anniversary $40,000 No Limit Holdem event to celebrate the number of years the event has been held. It’s a one-time event, with a hefty buy-in for the big names in the game. It will take place early in the schedule, and should attract lots of high rollers.

4. The Stimulus Special tournament. This event has been added for the players who may be feeling the pinch of the recent economic situation. This event is $500 cheaper than any other event ($1000), and should attract massive numbers of players, possibly becoming the biggest poker tournament ever that’s not a WSOP main event.

5. Tougher player conduct rules. The WSOP is cracking down on foul language, making it against the rules for anyone on the floor to use it. The rules have been generalized enough that the staff can penalize anyone who acts in a manner that is not in the best interest of the tournament.

6. All re-buy events have been removed. Some events will have a different structure where players start with a portion of their chips and can request more of them as the tournament progresses, with all chips entering play after the add-on period is over.

7. Vegas is cheap right now. Gambling numbers are down, and Las Vegas is offering more freebies and deals than ever before. Hotels, shows, and meals are all at a discount if you take the time to find them, giving you more cash to play with at the tables.

8. There will be 57 bracelets up for grabs. That’s up two from last year, and the organizers have raised the number of $10,000 buy-in events from eight to 10 in 2009, with the addition of a $10,000 2-7 Draw Lowball event and a Seven-Card Stud Hi-Lo Split-8 or Better tournament.

9. The WSOP Lifestyles Show promises to be better than ever. Now that online poker rooms and the WSOP have their legalities all worked out, the show should be the best yet. Everything that is new in poker is on display, and all the poker stars are there to meet and greet.

10. You could win enough money to be set for life. Let’s not forget why we all play in these tournaments. Someone has to win the bracelets and giant pay outs; it could be you who changes their life forever. You can’t win if you don’t play, and you’re not a real poker player until you’ve played in the WSOP.

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