Leonor “Leo” Margets, poker marketing manager for 888.com and semi professional poker player, was the last woman leaving the 2009 World Series of Poker Main Event in Las Vegas, joining in this way the restricted club of ladies high performing in poker like Barbara Enright, Marsha Waggoner, Susie Isaacs, Annie Duke and Sandra Naujoks, winner this year of EPT Dortmund. Eventually she reached the 27th place and took home a staggering $352,832.

“I returned from playing in the WSOP women’s event in Vegas a few weeks ago and just had a feeling that if I could go back for the main event I would do well. It was just a hunch, but it’s proved right! I approached 888.com who had sponsored me in the women’s event, and asked if they would sponsor me through the main WSOP tournament. Very kindly, they agreed and I’m glad I’ve repaid their trust by getting this far!” – Leo explained.

“Playing poker is a bit like running a marathon – you have to make the right moves, increase the pace, and go with the leaders at the right time. This WSOP event is just the same. I’m just tucked in behind the leaders, but there are still plenty of others in contention – if the pace increases now I can’t be left behind otherwise I won’t make the final table. But I’m proud to be the final woman left in the competition!” – she said.

Unfortunately she didn’t reach the final table, but her performance still remains a great achievement for her and an example for all the women approaching poker in general, and texas hold’em in particular.

“… although I’ve won a few minor tournaments this is really a big break through for me! If there’s one tip I can give for anyone thinking of playing poker for the first time it’s to use … free tutorials and free poker games … ”
Texas Hold’em is the most popular game of poker played online or in casinos today. Playing online provides an excellent opportunity for new players to learn without being intimidated by the live poker room environment. For someone who has never played before, sitting at a live poker table can be a little bit daunting. But, above all, online poker rooms offer play money tables and big online poker tournaments that provide ample learning opportunities.