Unless it is a celebrity invitational all players must pay the entry fee either out of pocket,thru a satillite, or their sponsor, and even in invitationalls the entry fee for the invitees is paid by the promoter.
You're right, BJFan, there is a difference between the poker & blackjack communities. Poker is a much more organized and professional sport than blackjack. As we grow our community, we need to embrace much of what has worked for poker. already we are seeing this with the advent of televised productions, international tours, and sponsored teams of players. Again, i don't know (or think its my place to know) the details of the UBT's financial planning. I assume, like any good company, they expect to see a profit result from the work they are doing. Yet you keep pointing to random sources of revenue -- entry fees, TV contracts, etc -- along with random expenses in some attempt to link the two into some form of conspiracy theory. None of us has -- or will have -- the UBT's complete financial portfolio laid out for us. Of course I believe there should be no restriction on public discussion, but part of that freedom is my right to say its absolutely ridiculous to go on this kind of a witch hunt. Look, to be fair, i do understand the need to provide less expensive ways to satellite in to these costly events. Again, taking a cue from the poker community, they are being developed and will most certainly be a major part of how the UBT structure will work. So instead of tearing ourselves apart online here, taking every little scrap of information as it comes out & working ourselves up in a frenzy about it, why don't we all take one big collective chill pill and realize that everything is being set up, everything will fall into place, and at the end of the day, our community will be a lot better for it. -hd.
h.d. is right. I know it is frustrating having this whole picture revealed to us one tiny pixel at a time. With respect to most of this stuff, I'm just as much in the dark as the rest of you. However, I have seen enough of the 'man behind the curtain' to know that big things are still afoot. It's been said far too often already, for many months now, but I'll say it once more... Be patient. I do know for sure that the patience we've all shown (most of the time!) is getter ever closer to being rewarded.
In poker we are used to entry fees, it is just part of the expense of playing. If you do not have a sponsor you don't have to wait for a satellite to earn the entry fee, any tourney with high enough payouts will do or we just set down at a table and go fishing to earn the entry fee.
sponsorship The one problem I see with the Team UBT concept and sponsorship is that it is getting the cart before the horse. In the poker analogy (which has been widely cited in the previous posts), the top pros were sponsored after several years of high-caliber performances. Players like Johnny Chan and Phil Hellmuth earned their way to the top and clearly won the respect of their peers as the best in the world. Now I don't know who exactly will make up Team UBT, but I assume there will be some players picked primarily for their visual appeal rather than their stellar track record. My guess is that some of the "stars" will actually be net losers over their blackjack careers, which is dramatically different than the poker model. Having said that, I still think it is important for the BJ community to support the UBT. These events might be the best thing that has ever happened for the game and even if there are some negatives, the positives and long-term benefits will far outweight the downside.
Wow, that's a pretty pessimistic statement there, Kevin. Especially since you yourself admit not having any idea who's on Team UBT. Certainly a funny way to show your support. -hd.
time will tell Well Dave, I did say I was guessing, so time will tell if I am right, but I hope that I am wrong and that Team UBT includes long-term winners (such as Ken Smith and Anthony Curtis) rather than eye candy. But even if that is not the case, I understand that some things need to be changed to make Blackjack successful on TV. My only point was that this model is markedly different than in poker.
Sign me up I'm an untalented, sexy ass mo-fo. UBT can sign me after my first round Aruba bust out. :joker:
I don't even know why you have this negative preconceived notion in the first place. Every single member of Team UBT is a bona fide gambling pro, making their living doing it, and profiting in excess of 6- (and in most cases, 7-) figures. The fact that many of us also look good on camera is besides the point... Grumpy, grumpy! Book sales not doing so well, Kev? -hd.
I've been out of town Joep several questions I have asked were for other players benifit who have played on TV or in last year UBT, but most of them have been for me. The when and where questions are for all of us.
Different questions... Lets see, first of all you asked and I answered all of them within hours after you asked. Next the questions you asked where about corporate structure. The questions I've asked concerns location of the event, any sponsor fees for logos, dates and times, all things that players need to know to be able to not only play but attend the event.
Cry Babies Congrats to all the players that were selected to be members of Team UBT . Your entry fee money will be in the prize pool just like every other players money is.Your selection should not be diminished here or for that matter anywhere else. Does anyone tell GSN who to invite on the World Series Of Blackjack. There were players invited in year 1 & 2 who had no tournament experience before.Yet there were playing for the world blackjack tournament title. While proven tournament winners were left home to watch it on TV. So lets not go down that road of who should be on the team and who shouldn't be. So if UBT deems that certain players are good for UBT and it's brand who is anyone here to say they are wrong.Its there show, their idea, and their money that is at risk,not yours. This post was started by me to provide whatever information was currently available in regards to Aruba and St Kitts. If its not mentioned here then then these details are not available now.Case Closed What this has turned into is really sad . This is a great opportunity for all but because of some jealous people and their self serving personalities it has become a circus. Do the Tournament world a favor leave your sorry jealous asses home and let the rest of this community enjoy a new frontier that the UBT is offering to all. Starting In Aruba on Sept 23 and continuing all over the world for all to see and play in Have you ever seen any casinos in the past or present offering us a chance like this 3 major tournaments in one week at the same location? Play for huge amounts of money with TV coverage on a Major Network before. Never and all that is said here is petty nonsense.If you don't like what you see just stay home but don't try to poison everyone mind with your jealous and self serving needs. If you think its all wrong put your money where your mouth is and start your own tournament program and you can name your self captain of the team . Team JSA (aka) Team Jealous Sorry Asses Joep
Simple questions I've gotta admit this has been one of the most "entertaining" threads since I joined up a little over 3 months ago. :laugh: Joep, I've got a couple of questions because, well I just don't know the answers. They are very simple and I hope you would be able to let me know. Here goes: 1. I'm thinking of going to Aruba and have the 2500 entry fee (and a lot more than that for the other tourney's, entry fees, etc..) Can I just fly down and register once there or is there a cutoff date? 2. Is there a limit to the number of spaces in the Aruba UBT tourney? 3. The other 2 (two) tourney's during the week - do I have to register in advance or can I just walk up and plunk down my $? 4. Team UBT - Why have a "team"? Is there any advantage to the "team members" If I get seated on a table with 4 UBT members will they do something different as a "team" vs. playing against BJ players like what happens at Global? As far as entry fees - my $.02 is this - that's the cost of doing business. I'm just glad to have the opportunity to compete against the "big dogs". I'm not experienced/or maybe smart enough to ask "technical" questions about sponsorship etc.. That's why I'm asking these basic and simple questions. Thanks in advance
Is it possible to agree to disagree? I don't wish to get caught in any crossfire and whilst reading this thread is akin to rubber-necking a nasty car crash on the motorway satisfying my morbid curiosity, I wish it would just stop!!!!! I don't know the history/politics between the various personalities involved in this TBJ RTA but for the sake of the other members of the forum can people keep it between themselves. That's what PMs are for. I take no sides in this matter and I don't care who started it. I just want it to cease. All I want is information! Nothing else. My information requirements may be greater than others because I'm starting from a lower point but I'm sure you appreciate that. I enjoy the banter on this site but this is too far. Group hug anybody? :gaga: Cheers Reachy {Having re-read this post I want to ensure that you all understand that my tone is meant to be conciliatory! It's amazing how different things sound when written out)
wow Dave, if you are making 6 to 7 figures a year gambling in open events (not counting freerolls and your tips as a celebrity blackjack dealer), then my hat is off to you. My post had nothing to do with being grumpy and I have zero interest in getting into online arguments, so let me clarify my post one last time, then I am done. My point was that blackjack is using a different model for creating stars than poker did (which was the example you cited). But if the WSOBJ and the UBT put some people into the limelight because of acting ability or looks (rather than their skill level), that is their perogative. They are investing a ton of time and money into this project and the important thing is that this venture succeeds as ultimately this will be great for the game of blackjack. That is why I feel we should all support the UBT in any way we can. I have plugged them several times in magazine articles and in my upcoming book. I also plan to to play as many UBT events as possible, even if they have negative EV (which they may, given the time and expense involved to get to some of the sites). Russ Hamilton was a visionary in poker as he was one of the first to recognize the importance of using an established star like Phil Hellmuth to endorse a site (Ultimate Bet). I believe Russ will also find the right formula to make the UBT a hit both for players and TV viewers and we need to help him in any way possible to achieve that goal.
Enough Reachy- I couldn't agree with you more. Knowing some of the history/politics between various personalities involved, it really should be discussed privately, not hashed out in a public forum. Various personalities should really start thinking about the value of their personal friendships, vs. grandstanding publicly for the sake of their own egos. -Elysse
Joep, I've got a couple of questions because, well I just don't know the answers. They are very simple and I hope you would be able to let me know. Here goes: 1. I'm thinking of going to Aruba and have the 2500 entry fee (and a lot more than that for the other tourney's, entry fees, etc..) Can I just fly down and register once there or is there a cutoff date? 2. Is there a limit to the number of spaces in the Aruba UBT tourney? 3. The other 2 (two) tourney's during the week - do I have to register in advance or can I just walk up and plunk down my $? 4. Team UBT - Why have a "team"? Is there any advantage to the "team members" If I get seated on a table with 4 UBT members will they do something different as a "team" vs. playing against BJ players like what happens at Global? As far as entry fees - my $.02 is this - that's the cost of doing business. I'm just glad to have the opportunity to compete against the "big dogs". I'm not experienced/or maybe smart enough to ask "technical" questions about sponsorship etc.. That's why I'm asking these basic and simple questions. Thanks in advance[/quote] To answer your question as best I can You can go to Aruba and pay for your entry fee's for all 3 tournaments upon arrival. The limit that you are concerned about does not seem like that will be a problem they have enough dealers and tables to accommodate well over 400 players If you are seated with any UBT Team member or members you will be at the same disadvantage as you would be playing against any other player.You have to beat them to advance.Team UBT members will not be receiving any special treatment or "Coconut Power Chips" or different cards than you will.So your UBT results are in your own hands Team UBT members were chosen based upon name recognition and prior accomplishments in Poker and Blackjack.Their job is to promote UBT to the general public and in return for there work,just like you are paid for you work their sponsors will pay their entry fees for the tournaments that they will play in.Their money will enter the prize pool just like yours will. What we have here is a great opportunity to play against the likes of Phil Hellmuth, Annie Duke,Devil Fish,The Una-Bomber ,Johnny Chan just to name a few and have it shown on TV. In addition to this there are blackjack tournaments 3 in one week, I might add that are open to all with no gambling required to keep the casino suits happy. If Aruba is to far from you to get to, just hold on there will be a UBT tournament coming close to your gaming location before you know it. My goal is to send Phil Hellmuth to the floor crying about my Max Bet Blackjack on the last hand to send him packing.And it will all be on CBS TV for all to see,how could you not want to be part of this .I cant wait Joep
Joep Ubt Answer Now, so far, that has to be the BEST answer to UBT format and expectations. See--Those involved in the formation and promotion of this event were(are) working so hard and are so close to their hard work, that any question became an affront to how hard they were working and what they were trying to do. Kind of like a little league baseball "board" doing all the work while the other parents just sit around and complain about the lack of sun on game day. But, because of the "hard workers" closeness and desire for promotion, they didn't see the majority's legitimate questions. One of which still remains how one may qualify on line or at Satelittes. (Yeah, I know it's coming and little details(some big) need to be worked out.) Promoting and hyping an event is one thing. But tournament players being what they are want as much info as they can get going in. Everyone,(I think) realizes the work involved by some of the games most respected. But those never exposed to preliminary UBT Tests, with promised satelittes of one kind or another wanted, want, more than high expectations. Less than 100 players know the format or rules, or have ever been exposed to this format. How do they get a chance without being a Natalie Hollaway? The Hilton Million at a Grand entry per month was a big step for a lot of players and contributed to the slow start. But once "all" the info and gaurantees were out, it picked up the big MO Each UBT promised "big announcement" was anticipated. But not satisfying. As a PLAYA, to play one wants to know what one has to do. Where it's held, who got picked for a "team" what the color scheme and prom theme are..are meaningless. Hold a gauranteed $2 Mil tourney in Silverfish or Forrest City, IA and people will come. Joep is to be commended for being the front man and flack catcher on all this, on this site. For as much as I DO respect the namesakes on two other sites, supposedly more closely aligned with the event, their updates and info have been sorely lacking. If you wanted to know...AsK JOE. So all yous guys involved in the project, kudos on the hard work. But, the devil is in the details. The people on this site aspire to be the best AP they can, so it's more a fault of the site for educating players on how to be an AP than bitching or moaning, or rocking the boat.
new catchphrase? "If you want to know... ASK JOE" looks like you're gonna have to squeeze that one under your "House of Pain" signature now, too... -hd.
Hey Joep, Thanks for the answers to my questions. I would also like to thank you for giving out the information that the playubt.com site promised - but didn't (IMHO) put out there. Noman that's for putting out a well thought out and nicely written response. You summed it all up for me - ditto. So Joep, instead of coming to Vegas can I take you up on that drink on the beach in Aruba?
