Bluff Issue 20 - July/Aug 2009 (Australia)

In this edition of Bluff Australasia:

• When the latest edition of Bluff Australasia hit the press, Australian poker Hall of Famer Jeff Lisandro had already re-written the record books after winning two bracelets at the 2009 WSOP, becoming the first Aussie to win more than two WSOP titles. Since then, Lisandro has captured a third bracelet, underlining his status as one of the greats of all-time. As part of our massive WSOP coverage, we look at how Lisandro started his road to poker immortality at the 2009 WSOP.

• The spotlight now shifts to the 2009 WSOP Main Event, where scores of Aussies are preparing to emulate the feats of our 2005 WSOP champion Joe Hachem. As part of our WSOP coverage, celebrated writer Gary Wise looks back at 40 years of the Main Event – from Johnny Moss’ success in 1970 right through to Peter Eastgate’s stunning triumph in 2008. We also detail all the winners of this year’s bracelet tournaments up to event 38, and look at the biggest stories of the 2009 WSOP so far.

• The focus may be on Vegas at the moment, but poker has never been stronger on the local stage. Our coverage in this edition includes reviews of the PokerStars.net ANZPT events in Sydney and Melbourne, plus all the news and results from the 2009 Melbourne Poker Championships. We also preview the Sydney Poker Championships, Wild Turkey Grand Slam, Victorian Poker Championships, including the return of the highly popular State of Origin event, plus upcoming ANZPT events in Queenstown and Queensland – the first major poker event ever held in the Sunshine State.

• Millions of dollars may be on the line at the WSOP, but there’s big money up for grabs every week in the so-called Sunday Majors. We asked Joey Del to set the alarm and record a typical Monday morning playing along side the biggest names in online poker for a revealing look at what it takes to join the ranks of the virtual felts biggest stars. Our online poker coverage also includes a regular update from the guys at Pocket Fives and their Australasian top 10 rankings.

• We’re thrilled to announce the 2009-2010 Bluff Australasia Player of the Year Awards presented by Pocket Aces over Kings. These awards will honour the top Australian and New Zealand live tournament players. There’s $15,000 in prizes up for grabs, including a $12,000 custom-designed Poker Table thanks to Ean Stewart and the team at Pocket Aces Over Kings. Keep an eye on www.bluffasutralasia.com for all the latest on this exciting innovation for Australasian poker.

• Other features of our July-August issue include coverage of celebrity events hosted by Shane Warne and entertainer Martin Short; a profile on former go-karting champ turned poker player Ben Savage and a preview of the major events coming up in Macau, plus all the dates form season three of the PokerStars.net Asia Pacific Poker Tour.

• Don’t forget our regulars – Jamie Glazier discusses his new mental conditioning program developed in conjunction with Joe Hachem; the latest news in Poker Skinny; a complete schedule of upcoming local and international events; which pros you’ll find on Twitter; plus columns from “The Mad Genius” Mike Caro, Phil Laak, Andrew Scott, Grant Levy, Landon Blackhall, Joe Del Duca and the team at Poker VT.

Includes postage and handling to Australian addresses.