Kellie Costa   July 21st, 2010 at 10:11 am

I love Linda Johnson’s atricle. She is one of the reasons I still play today. I actually joined a poker leauge this year and was the only woman out of 32 players. I sometimes feel I have crashed a party but the people I play with have welcomed me with open arms. I actually came in second in the leauge so was pretty pround of myself. I do hope more and more woman play. Linda seems to have had an amazing 30 years and have set the path for us to continue. I hope someday to play in a big tournament and make my dreams come true. Way to go Linda on your success and thank you for all you do.

Spike The Cat   July 21st, 2010 at 10:26 am

Great article. The Cat especially liked your take on the Women’s Event.

Gerry Klawitter   July 21st, 2010 at 10:28 am

As usual another great article by Linda. The mention of the old mexican resturant brought back memories.
Gerry K

Grayce-Fayce   July 21st, 2010 at 11:14 am

Thanks for sharing. It’s fun to reminisce about the poker world through your “articulate” eyes.

JackSimpson   July 21st, 2010 at 12:12 pm

As someone who came to poker on a route that included seriously competitive contract bridge, I predict that the evolution of poker will not be complete until the tables are full of, or at least more than 50%, women.

pkrplr4116   July 21st, 2010 at 1:01 pm

I get all of those free-in-the-poker room poker mags. Apart from a bi-weekly newspaper on poker, most of the articles are written by men. With the exception of a few articles by Todd Brunson and Phil Laak, the great majority of these articles are on poker strategy. Few speak to the ‘poker experience’ or ‘poker lifestyle’. I liked this article and all of Linda’s articles because it really personalizes the poker experience. It is, in my opinion, the exact thing that makes people who read Linda’s articles and/or who are taught by Lindaat the WPT BootCamps, feel that she is accessible and approachable. Her warmth toward people comes shining through in all of her articles on your site. To me, this is a great deal of Linda’s appeal to poker players and fans. Keep up the great writing Linda; I always enjoy hearing your take on the poker expereince!
Jane Goldberg

Linda Johnson   July 21st, 2010 at 2:16 pm

Thanks so much to all of you who have taken the time to comment on my
article(s). I appreciate the feedback very much. You’ve made my day!
Linda Johnson

Weelz   July 21st, 2010 at 4:53 pm

I loved this article! I participated in the Ladies Event this year and it was very exciting experience. I was very moved when I heard Linda’s Speech in person at the Ladies Event, she is very inspiring. She has made such a difference in the world of Poker.

Juli Sobka   July 21st, 2010 at 7:07 pm

As usual, Linda’s comments are right on the mark. I really enjoy reading her articles. They do humanize (if that is a real word) the game. I enjoy playing the Ladies Events, but I also like the mixed events. However, if it wasn’t for getting my feet wet at the Ladies Event, I probably wouldn’t be playing.

2good2   July 21st, 2010 at 7:07 pm

I had the incredible opportunity to play in the Ladies WSOP and sit next to Linda Johnson for several hours. Not everyone gets to be so lucky! It made my day when she called me a “bully”! Of course, I replied “You taught me that play at 2009 WPT Bootcamp!” Linda, you are so right concerning the positive changes at the Rio. The lines, food and bathroom headaches have all gone away, thanks to the WSOP staff and planners. As for the men playing in the event, bring them on. I would love to be able to say “Linda Johnson taught me that one, boys!”

Nancy   July 21st, 2010 at 10:51 pm

Great article, DON’T forget the last woman standing in the WSOP Breeze Zuckerman!!!!

Nolan Dalla   July 21st, 2010 at 11:12 pm

Linda has done more for poker that almost anyone alive. She gave my my start in this game almost 20 years ago. She has helped countless others in our game get ahead — whether they be players, writers, staff, or whatever. One thing that I have always admired deeply about Linda is her tremendous passion and her unwavering sense of fairness. While we do not always agree with Linda on every issue, those issues we do debate and her position often makes me rethink my own, and causes me to ask serious questions which need to be raised. I am particularly pleased to know Linda stands in favor of the great tradition that is the WSOP Ladies Championship. Anyone who was there to see her remarks or is able to read them here should take note that this is an important event, not just for women, but for everyone who wants to see poker flourish and appeal to a wider audience. Many thanks Linda, for your article and your ceaseless commitment to the game.

Susan Rhodes   July 21st, 2010 at 11:56 pm

Linda, another great article, and a great reflection of this year’s WSOP. The written copy of your “shuffle up and deal” speech is great–of course–but nothing will ever match its leart-felt live presentation…and the tears which came with it!

Al   July 22nd, 2010 at 1:06 am

>I wasn’t aware that approximately 12 men had entered the Ladies Event.

Maybe 12 very insecure men who needed the attention?
As always, good article Linda!

Jan Fisher   July 22nd, 2010 at 2:27 am

Wow, don’t you guys already have jobs? :)
Another great article, well done, Linda.

Jack Effel   July 22nd, 2010 at 1:02 pm

Linda, Thank you for the nice comments regarding the 2010 WSOP.Your contributions to poker and the WSOP are remarkable. You’re a great ambassador to the game.Additionally, your suggestions and ideas for improvement are always spot on, I use most of them.And you’re always available for support to discuss anthing poker related that comes up. The WSOP and poker in general is fortunate to have you. Thanks for all you do for the game we all love. Jack Effel

RI RED   July 22nd, 2010 at 3:09 pm

Linda, as always, a well written account of the WSOP. You truly are the First Lady of Poker and thank you for continuing to promote women in poker.

David Lamb   July 22nd, 2010 at 11:19 pm

Linda, I know that a life long effort to bring new players to the tables is a very deliberate commitment, no one has ever done it better. Thanks for your leadership and continued support of our industry!

PokerMama   July 24th, 2010 at 5:10 pm

As always, another GREAT article

Lisa Adams   July 26th, 2010 at 5:57 am

I agree with all the things you say here. You are spot on. This was the best WSOP I have attended! I love the atmosphere of the women’s event..so much fun! Now how do we get a “women only” event at the WSOP for next year?

Ruth Hall   July 26th, 2010 at 5:57 pm

I’ve had the honor to be encouraged & mentored by Linda, who speaks before the ladies event to our group of women that have entered the WSOP. By the luck of the draw I played at the same table as Linda Johnson in the Ladies WSOP this year. Her commitment to encouraging females to play poker is what leads us to this annual event. If there not a Ladies Only Event to play in, these women would not attend the WSOP. We want to keep our event by gender just as the seniors want it by age or the pros want it for champions only. It’s just a preference, not because we can’t play against men, we just enjoy the company of other females. Linda said it best “it’s the atmosphere” we enjoy. Thanks for supporting women in poker! This year’s WSOP was much more organized than in past years. Kudos to Jack Effel & the WSOP Organizers!

Hilary Klein   July 28th, 2010 at 4:01 am

Linda, I agree 100%. I hope all the good you do for the poker community continues to come back to you in spades.

sdjen   July 29th, 2010 at 1:51 pm

Couldn’t have said it better myself (of course) Thank you Linda for posting another good article with your speech to remember…it was hard to concentrate when the thrill of the event was bearing down seconds away.

Your analogy that you wouldn’t have dreamed of crashing a bachelor party seems right on. Seriously, the one event set aside for women should be respected in my humble opinion.

I loved the changes made this year to the WSOP too and hope it remains next year. Thanks for speaking up and yet another great read.