The Champ's Perspective
The National Heads-Up Championship
By Jerry Yang

IThe 2010 NBC National Heads-Up Poker Championship was particularly exciting for me this year because I did fairly well. It is a title that I would love to have under my belt because there is no doubt that it is almost as important as the WSOP Main Event title.

For those of you who haven’t watched it, I made it to the elite eight (quarter final round) and earned $75,000. At the night of the drawing party, I was a little nervous because there were some new, but very dangerous and talented players, such as Tom “Durrrr” Dwan, Jason Mercier, and Annette Obrestad. I was hoping to be matched with someone from the old school of poker, not because I felt I would beat them, but at least we would think alike and play a similar style.

I drew Mike “The Mouth” Matusow for the first match and I felt relieved because I have watched Mike play on TV many times and have an idea of how he plays. Don’t get me wrong: Mike is a very tough opponent and a world class player whom I have the utmost respect for.

During our match, I picked up K-K and limped in. He raised me and I smooth called. The flop was a king and two undercards. He bet out and I raised him with top set which he called. On the turn, he checked, I bet, and he called. On the river, he bet and I raised. He thought for a moment and then called. I showed a set of kings and he mucked, but gave me the finger at the same time.

I laughed and the dealer laughed. I was not shocked, but amused. I know that Mike will be Mike sometimes, so I still love the guy. Shortly after that, I picked up 6d-4d and Mike picked up K-K. He raised and I called. He tried to trap me, but I got very lucky and made two pair on the turn and busted him out and moved on to the next round.

This one would not be any easier as I played against Jennifer Harman. She definitely is a world-class player and, in my opinion, the greatest woman poker player. She has the patience, right reads on her opponents and stamina. I was fortunate to beat her and move on to the round of 16.

As if the first two weren’t tough enough, this time I was up against Barry Greenstein. As many of you know, he is an incredible player and also a poker idol of mine. Not only he is a philanthropist, he is a gentleman, a good friend, and a great ambassador for poker. It was a privilege and honor to have played against Barry. I had to make a few bluffs and took down a few big pots and eventually won the match.

At the end of our match, Barry came to me and said that he wasn’t catching any cards that night and I believed him, because that’s exactly what happened to me when I played against Annie Duke in the quarter finals. In a heads-up match, we poker players know that you often have to get lucky and catch cards in order to beat your opponent. On any given day, an amateur who catches cards will beat an opponent who is a world class player. Annie Duke was a very worthy opponent and a great poker player. I give her all the credit in the world for winning the 2010 NBC-NHUPC title. Con­gratulations, Annie!

I’m looking forward to going back again in 2011. Now that I have made the quarter final round, I have the momentum, motivation and confidence needed to do even better next time.

In the meantime, I’m focusing on the 2010 WSOP. I have played in six events so far and cashed in three. As I walked into the Pavilion and Amazon rooms this year, I sensed strong energy in the air. Every player came not just to play but to win and they sure are enthusiastic about it. Listening to the various national anthems played at the Rio Casino sends a chill through my spine. I, too, would love to hear our national anthem played, but this time, with me standing up there holding the newly designed bracelet. What a feeling that would be! My wife and six children and countrymen would be very proud of me too. Best wishes to everyone this year as you strive to achieve your dreams and goals. Until then, play well and always play to win!