It’s once again time for the World Series of Poker (WSOP) – the 40th edition.  For poker players, the WSOP is the ultimate in “thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.”  It’s where dreams come true and also where dreams are shattered.  Many of us dote about the bracelets, the history, and the tradition that set the WSOP apart from other tournaments, but the beauty is that most players really can win life-changing money. This year’s kickoff event was a $40,000 buy-in No Limit Hold’em tournament commemorating the 40th annual WSOP.  Personally, I think it’s a dumb idea to ever have a bigger buy-in for a No Limit Hold’em tournament than the Main Event, so I wasn’t for it.  I didn’t play in it because I missed the first week of the WSOP this year.  I took a vacation with my wife Karen and son Ty (nine months old) to Yellowstone National Park – and it was great!  It was a vacation for our second anniversary and Ty is the first child for either of us.  It’s official - my priorities have changed from poker to parenting! I do love the WSOP, though.  I’m guessing I will play in 10 to ...