By Saxevest
After such an epic performance, combined with Canuckos obvious diversions since this monster achievement, I took it upon myself to approach Dan, with a few questions regarding the WCOOP in an attempt to get some insight as to what went on.
Sax: How much did qualification cost to enter this tournament?
Dan: It started with a step 1.. so 7.50 I guess
Sax: Did you make any preperations toward playing the tournament or was it just a spur of the moment decision to play?
Dan: I woke up that morning and decided to play 2 step 1’s and see how far that would get me with the intent on playing the WCOOP if I made it to step 4.. I got in the previous week the same way so did it to see if I could again.
Sax: What is your usual Buy-In (Prior to making this cash)?
Dan: Buy-ins are pretty random, but small.. usually around 11$ for mtt’s.
Sax: What is your biggest Cash leading up to this event?
Dan: My biggest cash before was my SCOOP final table last year for $4200
Sax: What were your thoughts as the Money Bubble approached?
Dan: My goal was just to get as far as I could and I blocked everything else pretty well much. In the first hour or 2 I got knocked down to 2700 chips. On the FT bubble I made at the time for me was a loose call with A8 in the hopes of knocking this guy out that I didnt like and it worked (usually it does not)
Sax: When did you first realise you might be in for a deep run?
Dan: Well the previous week I lasted 5.5 hours about 1000 from the money. This year had not been a good year with my play and I sat back and thought about why. I kind of had an aha moment and was confident if I played smart and focused that I could do well.
Sax: Were there any key hands prior to getting to the Final table that gave you any lasting memories?
Dan: Yes! the one that sticks out was a hand in the final 36-50 I think. I had Q9 in the big blind and the small blind was taking down blinds alot… I decided to make a stand and called. Flop came 932 and I bet out and then called his all shove to see him flip over K9! we had essentially the same chip stack so I thought I was a goner then, but I luckily spiked my Queen to keep me in.
Sax: You made the Final table after 18 hours of play, what were your thoughts at 9 handed?
Dan: I was the Chip leader when we started the final table, so my thoughts were to not take any big risks or chances and play the cards because if i maintained my stack I was a good shot for top 3.
Sax: Were there any Key hands on the Final table you remember?
Dan: To be honest, not really anthing in particular. I noticed I folded JJ on a A22 flop 3 or 4 handed and he was bluffing… so that was a key miss.
Sax: Were you happy with how the deal was made? Can I ask what influenced your desicion to make a deal?
Dan: When we were 4 handed I didnt really like the attitude of a couple of the players, saying that they would only accept more than the numbers without even seeing the numbers, but I knew this was an attempt to play mindgames and it didnt work. When we got 3 handed I saw I was getting close to 3rd places stack so thought it would be best to lock it in. I had an idea if it was 180k or more than id say yes, but otherwise not. It turned out it was 180k so thats why the deal was made. Some people said it was a bad deal because I was the one who ended getting less than the prize money (and in fact 1st ended up with 800$ more! after the deal).. but there was no guarantees.
Sax: What are your plans now you have $180,000 in the bank?
Dan: I have lots and lots of student loans to pay off so a good chunk of it already dissapears for that! After that gets taken care of, we will see!
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