Strange. Just listened to the latest episode of Beyond the Table, the first of the new year. If you haven’t queued up “ . . . Who Needs Enemies?” yet, let me forewarn you. The guys talk about poker. That’s right. Poker. I mean like all the way through.

What the hell?

After a brief rundown of the several January tourneys presently ongoing, Tom offers some winning wisdom regarding tourney selection. Then, prompted by a question from Karridy, there follows a smart, insightful discussion about differences between cash game players and tourney players. Yeah, I know. “Smart” and “insightful” usually ain’t what us BTT fans are looking for. But there it is.

Next the trio turn their attention to Dan’s first poker session after moving to Vegas, as well as the rambling, gambling fortunes of Dan’s friend, Bob. The show concludes with a stunner of sorts regarding CardPlayer’s recent 12-page, comprehensive overview of “Poker’s 2007 Odyssey: A Review of the Year’s Historic Events.” (Hint: The article ain’t as comprehensive as one might have hoped.)

Oh, there were opportunities for the hosts to get away from the pokery content. Other topics arise, such as Dan’s sex life, Barack Obama, and froteurism. (Not at the same time. Ahem.) But somehow none of these offered enough turbulence to divert Beyond the Table from its poker-specific flightpath.

Do let the BTT hosts know how you feel about this strange new development by calling the listener line at (888) 820-8091 or emailing theshow(at)beyondthetable(dot)com.

Posted By: Short-Stacked Shamus

The Oxford English Dictionary defines “diagnosis” as the “determination of the nature of a diseased condition; identification of a disease by careful investigation of its symptoms and history; also, the opinion (formally stated) resulting from such investigation.” Such is the theme of “Card Sick,” this week’s year-ending installment of Beyond the Table.

Co-hosts Karridy, Dan, and Tom collectively look ahead to 2008 by taking turns diagnosing one another’s poker games (and/or lives). In so doing, the trio take turns enacting each of the roles typically occurring in yr basic health care scenario — patient, physician, and insurance provider.

For example: Dan spends most of the episode as patient, sharing relevant details about his history and identifying his goals moving forward. Tom acts as Dan’s physician, offering tips for how Dan can improve the health of his bankroll in the coming year. Meanwhile, Karridy explains to Dan the limits of his coverage. Thus when Dan says he’d like to make a final table of a “major event,” Tom assesses the likelihood of such an occurrence (given the patient’s current vital signs), while Karridy reminds Dan he can’t afford to enter that many “major events.” And so forth.

A quiet time of year poker-wise, so not a lot of hard-hitting news in this week’s episode. There is some discussion of the 2008 WSOP schedule, details of which were largely gleaned from Craig Cunningham's blog. Head over to C.C.’s site for more such info. And perhaps a Christmas carol, too.

And remember you can always send your own diagnoses of BTT (including how new producer Ryan is doing) to theshow(at)beyondthetable(dot)com and/or call ’em in to the Listener Line at: (888) 820-8091.

Posted By: Short-Stacked Shamus

Following a pattern established by arena faves Frampton, Kiss, and Cheap Trick, this episode of Beyond the Table captures the group in a rare live performance. With no edits, overdubs, or other studio gimmickry, “Live and Otherwise” finds BTT returning to its off-the-cuff, improvisational roots.

The set gets going with a raucous medley of blues-based numbers, including soon-to-be-classics “Queens Done Done Me In (Again)” -- featuring a solo from Little Tommy Schneider -- and the Askenasy-penned “I Think My Hair Has a Mind of Its Own.” The group then transitions into a surprisingly peppy version of “House Hoppin’ Blues” chronicling Dan’s recent move Vegas-ward.

From there the boys turn topical, with rockers “Flight of the Dragon” (noting David Pham’s having locked up Player of the Year), “Enjoying the Game” (an homage to Chip Reese), and “Guilt Trip” (regarding the Vaughn-Mizzi account-purchasing affair). As an encore, the group surprises the audience with a new title, “Fortune’s Steward,” a brief romp recognizing Falstaff, author of PokerStage and tireless organizer of the recent WPBT Winter Gathering.

Be sure to catch this important live document of the power trio’s development, circa late-2007. And be sure to email yr feedback to theshow(at)beyondthetable(dot)com and/or call the listener line @ (888) 820-8091.

Posted By: Short-Stacked Shamus

I recall a short while back reading Tom Schneider opine at length over on Pokerati about tourney blind structures. In a memorable post, Tom suggested an innovative arrangement wherein the blinds would go up in proportion to the number of players remaining (or average chip stack — same diff.), as opposed to having timed levels. For those who missed it, here’s the post, modestly titled "The Blind Structure Solution."

Whether you think Tom is full of applesauce or not, his idea clearly demonstrates how the hosts of Beyond the Table are willing — indeed, eager — to think outside the box, to push the envelope, to destroy old paradigms . . . .

You know. Screw with us.

Which is why we get not one but two new shows almost simultaneously. Though one isn’t a “real” show. That’s right. The one on which Tom, Karridy, and Dan all appear — titled “BTS: The Cheating Beating” — should not be mistaken for a regular installment. (BTS = “Beyond the Show.”) Listen to hear the trio’s sober debate on ethics and online poker. (For a summary, click here.)

Meanwhile, we are to understand the one featuring Dan and guest co-host Robert Goldfarb — “Booty Call” — to be a “real” episode. What makes one “real” and one not? Hard to say, although it appears we’ve got ourselves an indisputably authentic BTT show whenever Dan gets drinky and starts talking about strippers, Scotty Nguyen bobblehead dolls, yard sales, religion, Tom’s POY chances, and/or hits his mute button.

Don’t trust me, though. Go listen to both and decide for yourself. And tell ’em what you think — about blind structures, strippers, “reality,” etc. — by emailing theshow@beyondthetable.com and/or calling the Listener Line.

Beyond The Table listener line: (888) 820-8091

Posted By: Short-Stacked Shamus

In "Family Pot," our intrepid trio (sans SitNGo Steve, who for this episode stood up and went) carefully interweave a number of anecdotes and observations thematically linked by the subject of family. Recorded Thanksgiving eve, discussion begins with a detailed cataloguing of various family traditions, most of which seem to involve tableware. While the phrase "somebody gets stabbed and there is rolling on the floor" is uttered, the overall tone here is in fact light-hearted. Jovial, even.

The conversational tête-à-tête-à-tête then turns to consider non-traditional "families." Such as the one comprised of all of those poker bloggers presently assembling in Vegas for the big WPBT Winter Gathering. Concerning which, do head over to Tao of Poker and check out Dr. Pauly’s instructional post "Bloggers Invading Vegas Tips 5.0" (from 11/19/07). Add to list "never call a ‘post’ a ‘blog’ when speaking to Dan." Not that any self-respecting poker blogger would. The tone during this middle section? Vaguely combative.

Finally, looking ahead to Christmas and the new year, the group collectively resolves to make some resolutions. And perhaps write them down somewhere. Here the tone becomes sentimental -- even maudlin -- as Tom, Dan, and Karridy demonstrate they, too, form a kind of "family."

Maybe they should consider sending out cards this year.

Beyond The Table listener line: (888) 820-8091

Posted By: Short-Stacked Shamus

Have had a significant increase in email messages turning up in the ol’ inbox here lately. To what should I attribute my sudden surge in popularity? I think the answer is obvious. My occasional postings over here at Beyond the Table have no doubt spread my fame to places I had never even imagined possible.

I mean I am getting email messages from people I don’t even know, if you can believe that. Just this week I’ve gotten several offers to “find ways to save on [my] meds,” to “eat want [I] want and still lose those terrible pounds,” to “cure premature ejaculation (not just stop it!),” to “give [my] partner the loving she deserves,” to “experience for [my]self the excitement of winning real money online,” and to “become completely happy with the way [my] breasts look.”

Somewhere in there I also received a note from Karridy saying something about a new show, titled “The Fall of Danang.” No special offers, though. Which is fine, as I have plenty of those to deal with at the moment . . . .

Check out this week’s show. And ride the BTT hosts’ coattails along with me by emailing them at theshow@beyondthetable.com and/or calling the listener line: (888) 820-8091.

Beyond The Table listener line: (888) 820-8091

Posted By: Short-Stacked Shamus

As a friend of Beyond the Table, I sometimes get asked questions about the show, the hosts, etc. Some of these queries remain what we might call "surface level" (e.g., is that Karridy's real voice?) Others are more penetrating, although that's a word I generally try not to use whenever I’m around those guys.

Recently I was asked by such an inquiring mind how, exactly, the group goes about scripting, performing, and producing their inimitable brand of audio vérité?

A difficult question to answer. Take the fearsome foursome's most recent episode, self-reflexively titled "The Lost Episode." The sheer scope of material covered in a mere thirty-four minutes is mind-boggling, to say the least. Thanks to careful planning and exhaustive post-production work, our intrepid hosts manage to cover a dazzling panoply of subjects, including (but not limited to) Genghis Khan, Hee Haw Holy Wars, banana surprises in the front yard, the wrong Anna, the Noid, volume sliders, Snoop Dan, "two men caught in a village where sex was strange," Sheiky and Iran (Iran so far away), the Michalski love formula (divide by 2 & add 7), hepatitis, Summer’s Eve, pH balance, Coca-Cola, Unruly Julie's happiness formula ($1K per day makes the angry go away), digit-kicking (Sit-N-Go Steve style), and horseradouche (ouch!).

Are they "lost"? Give a listen and decide for yourselves.

Beyond The Table listener line: (888) 820-8091

Posted By: Short-Stacked Shamus

The rambling gambling hosts of Beyond the Table asked me to let everyone know a new episode is up. Every now and then I'll get word from Karridy that a new show is "in the can." Listen to the beginning of "Manner Matters" and you'll understand what that phrase really means.

While I'm at it, allow me to leak another story...

If you're a CardPlayer subscriber, the October 16, 2007 issue (Vol. 20, No. 20) probably already landed in your mailbox sometime this week. If you are one who waits to pick up the sucker at the bookstore -- or if you save your pesos and just read it online -- you might not know that one of the co-hosts of Beyond the Table is this week's handsome coverboy. I’ll give you a hint: He ain’t wearing a pink shirt or novelty sunglasses (i.e., not Dan).

You guessed it. CardPlayer decided it was finally time to do a cover story on Tom. A couple of WSOP braclets will tend to attract that sort of attention. Justin Marchand's interview with Tom is well done, with lots of questions concerning Tom's business background and how lessons learned there relate to poker. There are a couple of mistakes here and there -- including one regarding the title of Tom's book that gets repeated (oops!) -- although they did manage to spell Askeskananskedy correctly.

Beyond The Table listener line: (888) 820-8091

Posted By: Short-Stacked Shamus

A commenter, Gambit, over at the Ante Up! podcasts' blog unknowingly created quite a stir around the BeyondTheTable studios this week when he highlighted the recent gaps in our production schedule. Okay, so we don't have any "studios". And to use the term "schedule" in the same breath as BeyondTheTable is just crazy talk. Regardless, we took it to heart are making some changes around this beotch! So tune in for next week's show to see if you like the new 30 minute bite-size format. We think that should do it.

Speaking of bite-sized, Tom cheated on us today with guys over at Ante Up!, giving an interview during their latest episode. I'll admit it, those guys are pretty smooth, and I enjoyed the listen. But if they read this, I want them to know that it doesn't hurt to make a gay joke occaisionally. I mean, if you can't do it with Tom on the show, really!?...

Our latest episode, Legends Schmegends, is now in the player. You can also grab it over at iTunes. Enjoy our last 60 minute show listening to us talk about Karridy vs. the WPT staff, Dan Harrington's drunk boyfriend, Dan ramble on about something semi-poker related, and quite possibly the worst interview Mike Sexton has ever given. Now that's a major market teaser.

Posted By: Karridy

Tom easily went above and beyond his goal of making 3 final tables at the 2007 WSOP when he won his 2nd bracelet in the $1,000 7 Card Stud Hi/Low Event #46! Tom becomes the first person to win 2 bracelets at this years WSOP and he vaulted into 1st place in the 2007 WSOP Player of the Year standings. Tom takes home a cool $147,713 for his 1st place finish, raising his 2007 WSOP earnings to $416,829.

Is a 3rd bracelet for Tom in the works? Check out the latest edition of Beyond the Table to find out what events he is hitting next.

Posted By: SitNGoSteve

With a lofty goal of three final tables for the 2007 WSOP, Tom already finds himself two-thirds of the way there as he takes 4th in the $2,500 HORSE event for $54,913! That's an '07 WSOP total of over 270k for the Donkey Bomber. Not to mention a pretty nice gold bracelet from event #5. Tom could be seen at the final table sporting the new Pokerati jersey and his (trademark?) "Oops, I won too much money!" hat.

In a field of thoroughbreds, sometimes it pays to bet on a Donkey. (™?)

Posted By: Karridy

Get it? Catchy name, huh? - Well if it?s lost on you, use our streaming player (top of page) to listen to the last latest episode of Beyond The Table to hear Tom talk about his hatred of the game he would soon win a bracelet in. Also included: Losing your nickname in poker? - Tom vs. the WPT - Players going broke at the WSOP.

Have comments, questions, rants/raves? Leave us a message and be on the next show!

Beyond The Table listener line: (888) 820-8091

Posted By: Karridy

Three days of nail-biting are over and our very own Tom "Donkey Bomber" Schneider reigns supreme in the $2500 Omaha/7 Card Stud Hi/Low event. Tom lead in chips from Day 1 and never looked back. Many are calling this the toughest event so far, with an equally impressive final table, featuring Annie Duke, Chris "Jesus" Ferguson, David Benyamine, and John "The Razor" Phan. But in the end all would fall to our friend and Beyond The Table co-host, Tom. Stuck in Dallas, due to overbooked flights, I can't wait to see the ESPN final table coverage of this event as split games and mixed events make first waves in prime WSOP coverage.

In recent news, Tom has been added as color commentator for today's episode of WSOP Live Streaming Coverage, featured at WorldSeriesOfPoker.com. As always, you can also hear him as the voice of reason on Beyond The Table by clicking our streaming player (above), or downloading us on iTunes.

Read more about the final moments of his victory at Poker News and CardPlayer. For EXCLUSIVE Blog posts from Tom, visit Pokerati.com.

Posted By: Karridy