Is it that time already? The 2009 National Heads Up Championship takes place this weekend and Phil Ivey is one of the early favorites.

On Sportsbook.com, Phil Ivey currently has the best odds of winning at 20/1. He is followed by names such as Chris "Jesus" Ferguson, Daniel Negreanu and Andy Bloch, who are all listed at 22/1 to win.

On Bodoglife.com, Chris "Jesus" Ferguson is listed at 22/1. He is followed by Phil Ivey (25/1), Tom "durrrr" Dwan (25/1), Daniel Negreanu (25/1) and Vanessa Selbst (25/1).

I've never really understood the appeal of betting on a poker tournament, but if I was of course I'd be betting on Phil Ivey. The way I look at it is when you bet on poker the person you're betting on should be the one you are most afraid to play and that person is without a doubt Phil. What I would LOVE to bet on is Phil Ivey's first round match up. His opponent? Jennifer Tilly.

Posted under Tournaments

Saw this story online about Tow Dwan issuing a challenge to any poker player in the world in his attempt to prove he is the best. He's not there yet, but apparently Phil thinks he could be close.

Poker legend Phil Ivey, often considered the best player of all time, has stated that Dwan (who plays as ‘durrrr’ on Full Tilt Poker) is one player likely to succeed him. Now Dwan is apparently sharing those sentiments as he has issued a challenge to all comers.

“I’m making this heads-up challenge to the world. Anyone can accept. Four tables, minimum of $200/$400, and I’ll put up $1.5 million to their $500,000,” the young poker expert said in an interview with Bluff magazine. “We play 50,000 hands minimum and if they end up a dollar after rake they keep the side money or whatever. So basically, if you and I played and you won a dollar, you would get my $1.5 million and if I won a dollar I would win your $500,000.”

It'll be interesting to see if Phil Ivey takes him up on this challenge. On the one hand he's getting 3/1 on his money, on the other a loss to Dwan could mean a serious hit in his popularity. Not that something like that matters to Phil, but it could mean a hit on his bankroll. Which is serious business.

Posted under Full Tilt

I found this blog at pokerlistings very enjoyable. It's the breakdown of a hand between Phil Ivey and Tom "durrrr" Dwan at Full Tilt Poker. Of course Phil wins.

Ivey now only has to call $60,996 to win $217,993. With his open-ender alone he would be priced in to make this call, but knowing the two players' history Ivey may even believe there is a small chance his sixes are good.

Of course when the cards are turned over he finds out that they aren't. Luckily he has 10 outs to improve against durrrr's kings.

It's really well written so be sure to check it out. Also, if you ever want to watch hands like these all you need is a Full Tilt Poker account. Signing up is easy and they offer a great sign up bonus of 100% match up to $600.

Posted under Full Tilt