The World Series of Poker November Nine: Joe Cada
Joe Cada , 21 years old, has a chance to make World Series of Poker history if he can find his way to the winner's circle on Nov. 9. By winning the WSOP's big dance, Cada would set a new record for the youngest player to win the Main Event title, surpassing last year's winner Peter Eastgate. Having scored several impressive online wins including the Full Tilt $750,000 guarantee tournament in January 2008, Cada has proven he can mix up his game at the right times and he may prove to be a big obstacle for his fellow November Niners.
The Path to the November Nine
Cada made his way to the final table by staying aggressive throughout the tournament by capitalizing on cards when he got them and by using some of his online aggressiveness to intimidate opponents. In a hand that exemplifies Cada's aggressive play, the young gun opened for 620,000. Uber-poker genius Phil Ivey made the call from the hijack seat.The flop came 4♠2♣2♥. Ivey bet out 800,000 but was instantly raised by Cada who made it 2.1 million to go. The visibly frustrated Ivey tanked for several minutes before folding to Cada's aggressive move.
Cada showed he was unafraid to push some of his drawing hands as well; he made it 500,000 to go with A♥7♥ and Nick Maimone called with a pocket nines. Cada led out for 850,000 on the K♣Q♥6♥ flop putting the pressure on Maimone who just called. The turn came the 8♥ and Cada, having made his flush, slowed down and checked to Maimone, who bet 1.2 million. Cada coyly called and they went to the river, which fell the 5♦. Cada checked again hoping to induce a big river bluff but was sorely disappointed by Maimone's check behind.
What to Watch For
Although he may be a short-stack at the table with 13,215,000, Cada's aggressive nature makes him a threat to his fellow shorties. Considering how aggressive he was throughout the Main Event, expect him to try to double through his opponents right from jump street. Since he has already scored his biggest cash to date by making the final table, don't expect Cada to be concerned with finishing in a lower-paying spot, which could make him a dangerous opponent for those looking to move up on the payout sheet.
Although he may not be a big-name player, don't expect Cada to shy away from testing the likes of Phil Ivey or Jeff Shulman; he had no problem battling more experienced pros before making the final table. If he can double early, Cada could prove a serious threat to win the gold bracelet and the monster first-place payout.
PokerNews will be in Las Vegas this weekend bringing you the play-by-play as we find out who the next World Series of Poker Champion is.
