The record-breaking 2024 World Series of Poker has come to an end, and the decompression period in the poker world is well underway. There's little time for rest and recovery, though, with ACR Poker delivering two new variations in its big-money online Venom series.
Starting in August are the first-ever Mystery Bounty and Pot-Limit Omaha variations of its flagship Venom, with a huge $10 million guaranteed between the two tournaments. Day 1 flights of the Mystery Bounty and PLO Venom events start on August 4 and pick up again for Day 2 on August 19.
We reached out to ACR pros Chris Moneymaker and Chris Moorman to find out how their respective WSOPs were and for some tips and tricks on playing the new Venoms.
What were your main highlights from the WSOP this year?
Moorman: Unfortunately, there weren't as many highlights as I’d have liked. I had plenty of big stacks in the money both online and live, but the key hands didn’t go my way. Overall, I feel okay about my performance. Of course, I could have played certain hands slightly differently in big situations that may have worked out better, but it’s important to not be results-oriented in those spots. I managed 20 cashes, so I put myself in a good position many times, and I was okay with how I played the majority of my bustout hands. The end game for me just wasn’t meant to be this year.
Moneymaker: This summer was not a success for me. After falling asleep a lot at the table on Day 2, I went and tested positive for Covid. Kind of how the summer was. They can’t all be great ones.
What’s next on your poker schedule?
Moorman: A few days/weeks off, and then it’s time for the Venom on ACR, which I’m hoping to make a run at. Also, I’m intending on playing the Seminole Hard Rock Series in early August in Florida.
Moneymaker: As for upcoming events, the schedule is PACKED. I've got Uruguay and Venom Mystery Bounty next week. Follow that up with Moneymaker Tour stops in Daytona, Cincinnati, Aruba and West Palm Beach. Mix in a Triton and the Venom PLO and you have a pretty intense fall. ACR will also be launching the first Sunday Moneymaker tournament this Sunday with a $500K guarantee.
This is the first-ever Venom Mystery Bounty. Have you got any tips for playing it?
Moorman: I think it’s important to try and build a big stack coming into Day 2 when the bounties come into play. I will be aiming to bag a stack significantly above the average so that I cover the majority of my Day 2 table, which will put their bounties in play for me right away.
Big Mystery Bounty tournaments are always a lot of fun when you make it to the bounty stage. You can’t really beat the adrenaline rush of potentially being able to win $500k in the next few seconds if you win one simple all-in to knock someone out.
Moneymaker: For the Mystery Bounty Venom, my strategy will be to push edges and try to accumulate a stack. There is a huge advantage to having a big stack as the bounties become available. Similar to having the chip lead at the final table, you want to accumulate the big stack and use it to your advantage when you can get the opportunity for a bounty.
How about the PLO Venom?
Moorman: Watch a lot of PLO in the days before you play. There is plenty of material out there with training sites, Twitch streams, and even old PokerGO PLO final tables. PLO is not my best game, but I love the challenge of playing something that I’m not an expert in but can compete at. Also, it’s really interesting to me because I really have to concentrate when playing because a lot fewer spots come up that are standard to me in comparison to Texas Hold’em.
Moneymaker: For the PLO event, I would sit back and be patient and selective with your opening hands. Play in position and just wait for the multiple gamblers that will be looking to push action. It’s atypical of the way I normally play, but for this event, I think it is the proper strategy.
Have you got any tips for winning a seat via a satellite?
Moorman: Look for the satellites that are overlaying and max late register them for added value. In a satellite, I’m a firm believer that you want to be in for the minimum to win the max. I don’t really like getting in early and trying to build a stack, but potentially ending up being in for 3 or 4 bullets. I prefer to get in later when a large percentage of the field has busted and if I win my first all-in I’m right in the mix to win a seat.
Both the PLO ($2M guaranteed) and Mystery Bounty ($8M guaranteed) Venom tournaments start on ACR on August 4, with five Day 1 flights and $2,650 buy-ins. The minimum bounty in the Mystery Bounty is $5K and the highest is $500K. Get more info and find the full schedule and satellite information on the ACR site.
