Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Las Vegas, NV--Darvin Moon is the new chip leader after six days of play. He lives in the small eastern Maryland town of Oakland. Moon owns and operates a small logging company with other family members.  Most of his days are spent in pine forests scattered throughout the Maryland panhandle. He is married and was cheered on by his wife, who was sitting in the crowd. This is Moon's first time to play in the WSOP. It was also his first time to visit Las Vegas.

Moon was interviewed by the WSOP:

Question:  How did you get to the WSOP?

Moon:  I won my seat at the casino in Wheeling (WV).  We started going out there last year.  I came in ninth one time last year.  This time, I played three times (trying to qualify for a seat to play in the Main Event).  I finished third the first time, and then busted out the next time.  The third time, I won my seat.

Question:  How long have you been playing poker?

Moon:  About three years.  I watch poker on TV a lot.  And I pay attention to it.

Question:  What is your usual poker game?

Moon:  There are about 70 of us around who play around.  We do benefits at places like the Elks Club, American Legion, and the fire departments.  I also play in Wheeling (WV).

Question:  You really came out of nowhere to seize the chip lead.  How did you do it?

Moon:  It's easy to play when you get hands like I was getting.  It's just unbelievable.  It's like a dream.  I got pocket aces and flopped trips, and someone was betting into me.  But I had pocket kings one time and the other guy pushed all in over the top of me.  I just mucked my hand pre-flop.  I mean, he has to have aces.  What else can he have?  That's just my style.  I play tight.  When I get them I bet and when I don't, I fold.

Question:  You must feel like a kid in a candy store here at the WSOP.

Moon:  Oh yeah.  I'm nervous.  I mean, this is my first time in Las Vegas.  It was my first time on a big plane.   

Question:  How did it feel to play on the main ESPN stage under the spotlight of television cameras?

Moon:  It didn't bother me at all.  I mean, I am nervous.  But I am more nervous out there than I am here.  I focus on the cards and I am comfortable playing.  I walk down that hall and everybody that's won and everybody is big time and a name.  And they walk right by you and you say, "Wow, here I am playing with these guys."  It's a dream come true.

Question:  Why are you wearing a New Orleans Saints (NFL) cap?   

Moon:  I like cheering for the underdog.  They were underdogs for a long time.  But now they are doing good and I am sticking with them.  We are located right between Pittsburgh and Baltimore.  It is mostly Steeler fans where I live.  And I wear this hat to mess with them. 

Question:  Let's say you get offered ninth place right now.  You can make a deal and you will get $1 million for ninth, plus you get to be part of the November Nine.  Would you take the imaginary deal?

Moon:  No.  No.  Ninth place?  I got my goals set.  It's not first.  But it's not ninth, either.  I'll be happy.  I don't care if I go out the first hand tomorrow.  I've had fun.  It's been worth every minute of it.  I just like to play and it's unreal.  It's something I can't even dream of doing, and here I am.

-WSOP-