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WSOP SCHEDULE FOR 2011

The 2011 World Series of Poker Schedule

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As I try to sift through the massive 2011 WSOP schedule, it's clear that Harrah's is running the Series like a well-oiled corporate machine. While the sponsor-heavy, camera-filled, classless-internet-kid-infested spectacle may not have much in common with the disorganized event Johnny Moss "won" by vote over 40 years ago it's fair to argue that the WSOP is bigger and better than ever.

The WSOP has traded the outrageous pre-UIGEA Main Event numbers of 2006 (when almost 9,000 players entered) for slightly smaller fields but it has also taken those 5 years to mature itself into the smooth operation we're now comfortable with. Harrah's has had time to become prepared, adjust to the crowds, and listen to what the players want. The latter has especially become evident in the 2011 WSOP schedule. The days of sweltering Las Vegas heat beating down on temporary poker tents necessitated by crowd overflow have become a distant memory. For 2011, nearly 100,000 square feet and 400 poker tables reserved in 2011 for WSOP events, satellites, and cash games.

The 2011 WSOP schedule is essentially last year's schedule with some scheduling refinements and rule changes for player comfort. This year's schedule features 58 total events, one-upping the 57 offered for the last two years. Nearly half of the events have a buy-in of $1,500 or less, which have been immensely popular and a great way for everyday players to get in on the WSOP experience. I also like that Harrah's is sticking with the "Championship" events for the 2011 WSOP schedule, which has 12 of them. The $10,000+ buy-ins build massive prize pools and feel like miniature Main Events sprinkled throughout the WSOP.

In addition, I feel that Harrah's has made a number of other key improvements for the 2011 WSOP schedule:

1. Hard-stop times and a 10-level rule. For years, Doyle Brunson has said that older players were at a disadvantage in WSOP events because of the grueling hours and lack of consideration for adequate player rest. Harrah's has finally addressed this for the 2011 WSOP schedule by instituting a 10-level play limit and hard-stop times of 12:45AM and 2AM for early and late events, respectively. Players will then be given almost 12 hours to rest up prior to restarting play. I can't see any downside to this.

2. Giving the $50,000 event the prominent place it deserves. This 8-game mixed event that is now called "The Poker Player's Championship" truly feels like the real Main Event. Mostly limited to well-rounded cash game professionals this event is a throwback to what dominated the WSOP for so many years: smaller fields, respectful play, and a dominance of skill over luck. The 5-day contest is now slated for event 55 on the 2011 WSOP schedule, finishing up just before the $10,000 Main Event begins.

3. Offering lower buy-in events every weekend. While there are other sub-$1,500 events littered throughout the 2011 WSOP schedule players can also find a $1,500 and $1,000 just about every Saturday and Sunday. This allows for an easy way to keep track of when the low-cost tournaments occur as well as offering an easy excuse for weekday workers to make the trip to the WSOP. Of course, the hope is to survive long enough to have to miss work for a few days.

Overall, the 2011 WSOP schedule is another solid safe offering from Harrah's, keeping what works and listening to players to refine the rough edges. Judging by the past 3 years, the Main Event will likely draw about 7,000 players and a top prize of about $9 million. There is no word yet on whether or not the November Nine gimmick will return but here's hoping for a return to the traditional format. Poker players, enjoy another year filled with diamond-studded cash-mountain filled dreams.

The 2011 WSOP schedule has been finalized and is available in complete form below. Preregistration is available for all WSOP events. If you'd like to be notified when future WSOP schedules are released as well as receive private freeroll entries and exclusive members-only strategy content please subscribe to our newsletter. We value your privacy and only send out issues a few times per year for major events.

Related Sections: US Online Poker, Past Bracelet Winners, Professional Player Profiles.

Single-table and multi-table satellites for events on the 2011 WSOP schedule begin on May 30 and run through the final day to enter the Main Event, July 10. Both the Amazon Room and the Pavilion Room will be reserved for poker. The main satellite schedule will be as follows:

• $330 Multi-Table Satellites: May 31 - July 4 at 4PM

• $550 Multi-Table Satellites: May 31 - July 4 at 8PM

• $550 Multi-Table Satellites: July 5 - July 9 at 10AM and 4PM

• $1,060 Multi-Table Satellites: July 5 - July 9 at 1PM

• $2,080 Multi-Table Satellites: July 5 - July 9 at 8PM

• $1,060 Multi-Table Satellite: July 10 at 8AM

In addition to satellites, the Rio will host daily non-WSOP No-Limit Hold'em tournaments to accommodate those with smaller bankrolls or recent bustouts looking to get right back into non-cash game action. Here's the daily schedule for daily tournaments between May 30 and July 16:

• $135 No-Limit Hold'em tournaments at 10PM

• $185 No-Limit Hold'em tournaments at 6PM

• $235 No-Limit Hold'em tournaments at 2PM

Top Choices for Qualifying Online

All sites listed are available to US players.

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WSOP satellite events typically start in March at PokerStars and we'll update this page once the full slate of events is revealed. With PokerStars holding the crown as the largest online poker room for almost 5 years there's little doubt that they'll have another massive showing on the 2011 WSOP schedule. PokerStars usually sends about 25% of the total Main Event field and scoops up many of the rest via sponsorship deals by the end of the event. PokerStars typically offers step tournaments, single-table satellites, low-priced shootouts, and multi-table direct entry satellites in addition to more exotic qualifying methods like invite-only freerolls. PokerStars remains one of our top-rated poker rooms due to the number of games offered, acceptance of US players, easy checking account deposits, and a 100% bonus for our players.

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While Full Tilt Poker may suffer from the same painfully tight games found at its main competitor, this #2 poker room is one of the perennial big players at the WSOP. Sporting an extremely wide range of satellites from special-entry freerolls to multi-entry tourneys to massive $500+ direct-entry multi-table events it's extremely easy for regular Full Tilt Poker players to find WSOP events running around the clock. This entry will also be updated when the full Full Tilt Poker satellite schedule is released in the spring. Full Tilt Poker also allows all US players and accepts direct checking account deposits.

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Our favorite alternative to the big two for WSOP satellites is Sportsbook Poker. Besides accepting US players and offering the highest credit card acceptance rates the main draw over bigger poker rooms is the massive divide in player skill level. That loose play is carried over to tournaments and satellites, allowing experienced players to have a much better shot at actually earning a seat over the shark-infested waters of the larger rooms. The full satellite offerings for the 2011 WSOP schedule will be released soon.

World Series of Poker - 2011 Tournament Schedule

World Series of Poker Circuit - 2010/2011 Tournament Schedule

If you enjoyed this, you might also like:

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