Yeah, I know, long time between posts. This was not my plan, but after the last one, I got sick, resisted going to the hospital for a while (always listen to your wife, or my wife, or something), went, stayed two weeks with pneumonia, was released but too weak to do anything, and am now finally mostly recovered.

I have not played a hand of poker since the last post, and missed the last five weeks of the WSOP, and the Bellagio tournament as well. Not that I play tournaments, I don’t, but the cash games were very pleasant for the first few weeks, and I had high hopes for the rest.

Next public appearance (meaning appearing in public) will be BARGE, where I will defend my championship in the Tournament of Champions format tournament (yes, I know that contradicts the last paragraph, but I do play BARGE tournaments - too much fun not to). I usually play up to eight events, but this year I am signed up for two: THE TOC and of course the NLHE big event. It is too late to sign up, so I will not put in my annual pitch for how great BARGE is.

I also missed a column during that time, so there will be a Card Player without my column in it. I know you all look for me first :), so I’m sorry in advance for the disappointment.

Speaking of Card Player, congratulations to Jeff Shulman for making the “November 9.” Last year I had no rooting interest in the outcome, and this year I do. I prefer it this way.