WSOP Sucker Punch

It's a long and lonely walk to the rail just after you get knocked out of a poker tournament. Over a thousand hands whip through your head in a matter of seconds, while at the same time you're trying to figure it out and make sense of what just happened.

"Why me?", "C'mon-now… not again!", and possible even "I wonder if Riverdance is taking on any new people.

"For goodness sake man, snap out of it. OK, your right, breathe just breathe. Where's a brown paper bag when I need one?"

Now imagine what the pain is like after you get knocked out of the main event at the World Series of Poker - that's pain for you.

Such pain is equal to that of an Irish man witnessing his beloved football team sent packing from the quarter finals in the World Cup by the Italians (Thanks a lot Schillaci!). It's the type of pain that only a Cork man must endure every time his great County has to face Kerry in the battle for supremacy in the Irish Gaelic football championships. (Gooch, are you sure you won't play for Cork as there's some great talent there?)

It's a pain which mirrors that of a groom, not long after he discovers that his short-sighted bride is soon to have laser surgery done on her eyes.

It's frustrating, I know. So many scenarios. Look but don't touch… touch but don't taste …OK, have a taste but don't swallow. It's enough to drive a man to drink (but if only it would drive him home) how cruel the great game of poker can be.

You know your name is on the list but they won't let you in. Here's an idea folks…knock louder.

You know in your heart of hearts that there's room enough for you to play in the big league. You know you belong with the elite, yet for some reason that big title seems to elude you.

Its little consolation my friends knowing that you played well and that you were able to get your money in with the best of it but once again have your tournament cut short by an inferior player who made a bad play but got lucky.

Boy that was good. Ahhh… how we poker players enjoy a good whine.

Lads and ladies, all jokes aside, I believe it's like this. There's only ever going to be a few people that are truly happy with the final out-come of a tournament, it's as simple as that.

The bad beats and often unbelievable stories that you may hear in and around the poker rooms and across the globe will always be a part of the game. Just remember this - you're not alone.

Keep in mind too though you're only ever a loser when you start making excuses.

I'll leave you with this, a final note.

I'm excited that the World Series of Poker is just around the corner. This is the year folks, I can feel it. Another bracelet sure would be great. Remember friends - knock louder!