Posted by Andrew Feldman
5:35 p.m. ET: Really quick update: It was a great first level for two of the November Nine. Dennis Phillips won a major pot during the last hand before the break, and he is most definitely among the top 10 percent of chip leaders. Peter Eastgate also had a great first level. He made a great read and folded to his opponent's flopped set, after Eastgate had led out with a bet postflop. Jason Alexander managed to double up with pocket aces against his opponent's pocket queens and is keeping the dream alive for the "Summer of George."
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Jason Alexander doubled up during the first level of play today.
While nearly 400 players were eliminated during the first level of play today, only a few notables hit the rail. Erik Seidel, Billy Gazes, Roland de Wolfe, Bryan Micon, Jason Young and Farzad Rouhani were among the casualties.
At least 20 tables have already moved from the Brasilia Room here to the Amazon Room as we get closer to having the entire field in one place. Currently, I have a great view of Dennis Phillips and Liz Lieu at Orange 65, Dan Harrington at Orange 67, Cliff Josephy at Orange 88 and Jesper Hougaard at Orange 89.
In terms of stories, I've still got my eyes on Bertrand Grospellier, the celebrities (Jordan Farmar, Lou Diamond Phillips, Jason Alexander) and the champions (Joe Hachem and Greg Raymer).
Small blinds: In case you missed it, here's a link to today's poker chat. … More celebrations in the Amazon Room today than in the past six days. Hitting hands actually matters at this point. … Only a couple Dennis Phillips lookalikes on the rail today. And no truck horn. … A lot of non-logoed players still here. I'm not sure if they just didn't want to wear the gear provided for them or if they really do not have any affiliation. … Number of players wearing bandanas in view: one. … I also see a Full Tilt hockey jersey, which, I believe, is against WSOP guidelines. The logo is too big.
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