The countdown to the 2024 World Series of Poker is on. Each day until the start of the series on May 28, we'll bring you tips and insider info from some of the biggest names in the game.
Chris Moneymaker won the 2003 WSOP Main Event and ignited a renewed interest in poker, which will forever be called the Moneymaker Effect. Chris is an ambassador for ACR Poker, and founder of the Moneymaker Poker Tour, where buy-ins range from $86.00 to $1500, offering a price point for every player. You can follow Chris on X.
You're a WSOP veteran – what's your advice for players this summer?
My advice for the summer grind is to set a schedule for the summer and try to stick to it. Set time aside for things outside of poker. If you bust early, take the day off. It will pay dividends when you make deep runs.
You recently final-tabled ACR's Venom [for $382,007]. How do you navigate huge online fields compared to large WSOP fields?
Navigating large fields online and live is pretty similar. The larger fields have more weaker players, which is good but also bad. Weaker players are often harder to put on ranges. To counter this, I generally do not three-bet as much in larger fields, but instead I will call in position and play post-flop. I generally try to keep pots smaller if at all possible.
Chris Moneymaker will be looking for another memorable WSOP Main Event run this summerHow does the Main Event play differently from other events?
The Main Event is different because not only do you have weaker players, you have many players that are there for a bucket list experience. Players in this event value their tournament life more than in any other tournament. That can be exploited and you are able to get away with so many bluffs against these players. The hard part is identifying who is scared money vs. just bag players.
What is your favorite memory from your big Main Event win?
My favorite memory is bluffing Sammy [Farha] heads up. He was so confident he was going to win that it felt really great to pull off that bluff.
Check out the full schedule for the 2024 WSOP and plan which events you're going to target this summer. If you're looking at the lower end of the buy-ins, check out The Rec's guide to the WSOP. If you're looking for action with a bigger budget, follow what Jennifer Tilly is doing.
