Daily Rewind: Heads-Up Result, PokerStars' Changes, Krieger Passes, Mike's Blog

In today's Daily Rewind we recap yesterday's Heads-Up Championship semi-final, see what improvements PokerStars are making, mourn the death of Lou Krieger and hear from Mike Sexton.

The Daily Rewind is your one-stop-shop for a sharp review of the day in poker. Join us here for a mix of the latest news and a more irreverent insight into the poker world. Today we discovered the following topics for you:

lnternet in the final

Internet advances

At the start of yesterday's Heads-Up Championship semi-final match, both oblioo and lnternet knew that a win would put them within touching distance of the inaugural title.

With just 90 minutes standing between them and success, the two players didn't waste any time trying to exploit weaknesses in their opponent.

A back-and-forth contest ensued with both looking as though they could claim a victory.

However, as the clocked ticked on and the 80-minute mark hit, lnternet seized the lead and didn't let go.

His win secured him a place in the final and a date with either imfromsweden or KTU who play tonight.

If you'd like to win a database analysis from some more of our expert coaches, then visit our forum thread for more details.

PokerStars adding value

Something extra for the winners

PokerStars is ringing in the New Year with some exciting additions to their VIP structure and the forthcoming PCA.
 
The first announcement made by PokerStars was the introduction of a new VIP level: Chrome.

Requiring just 100 points, this level will sit in-between Bronze and Silver and give players access to a weekly $5,000 freeroll, as well as the 100k Privilege Freerolls.

This news was released alongside a series of other loyalty programme changes, all of which you can read about here.

The other announcement from the site was that Slyde Watches will officially partner with them for the PCA, 2013.

The luxury Swiss watchmakers have offered up three timepieces for the winners of the $10K Main Event, $25K High Roller and $100K Super High Roller.

Each worth in excess of $6,500, the watches will add yet another layer of sparkle to the already glistening PCA package.

R.I.P. Lou Krieger

Lou was respected by many

Respected poker player and author Lou Krieger has died of cancer. The writer of multiple poker books, including The Poker Player's Bible and Poker for Dummies, lost his battle with the terminal illness yesterday.

The news came of his passing came via a post on his Facebook page, which read:

"It is my deepest regret to inform you that early this morning Lou’s fight against cancer ended. He fought courageously to the end with the same pride and dignity that carried him through his life. He wanted everyone to know that he did not go peacefully in his sleep but fighting like hell. He was surrounded by his family. We know he would want everyone to keep floppin’ aces. He will be missed by all that knew him. Poker has lost a star."

Condolences have been flooding in from all corners of the poker community over the last 24 hours and we're sure you'll join us in sending our well wishes to his family and friends.

Length matters according to Sexton

Mike contemplating structures

PartyPoker's Mike Sexton is tired of players bitching about structures and not adapting to them according to a recent blog post.

The veteran player and host of the World Poker Tour has been on the tournament trail longer than most, and wants people to know that longer structures won’t be good for poker.

Acknowledging his old school perspective, Mike draws on the sage words of a former associate who said: "Great players don’t bitch about structures, they adapt to them."

The quote sets the tone for his subsequent argument where he criticises those players who "can't see the forest for the trees".

Indeed, he goes on to say that increasing the length of tournaments will only serve to "eliminate recreational players from playing, make the field more ‘pro heavy’ and tougher to win".

Mike's views are in stark contrast to many pros', but he certainly raises some valid points in his article.

Click here to read his full post.

Daily Signoff

Lou Krieger was known for his sound bites of knowledge and today we finish by bringing you one of his nuggets of advice that every poker player can benefit from.