World Series Of Poker: And Then There Were Nine

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JACKI LYDEN, host:

So, maybe beer is not your vice. What about big-stakes gambling? In Las Vegas, nine players sit down tomorrow at the final table of the World Series of Poker's main event. Now, if you still think poker players are cigar-chomping, gray-haired old men sporting 10-gallon hats and 20-gallon bellies, you're a bit behind the times.

About half the players of that final table are fresh-faced kids in their 20s, including a 27-year-old from Russia and a 22-year-old from Denmark. The table's elder statesman is Dennis Philips. He's no professional, though. He's actually a salesman at a trucking company in St. Louis. And with his scruffy beard, weathered Cardinals baseball cap and blue-collar humility, he's become the early fan favorite. He's also the chip leader going into the final table.

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LYDEN: And we saw quite a poker match play out earlier this week. The Chicago kid laid down a straight flush. His opponent folded with grace, ending a long, long round of Texas Hold 'em.

LYDEN: The new rounder in chief, coming up on All Things Considered from NPR News.

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