World Series of Poker

Saturday, July 29, 2006 | 7 a.m.

A glance at the World Series of Poker main event, which began Friday:

What: 37th annual World Series of Poker main event.

Where: Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas.

Who: More than 8,000 players, including defending champion Joseph Hachem.

Prize Money: Not determined until all entries are final, but first prize is expected to range from $10 million to $12 million. Top 10 percent of most fields usually cash in at poker tournaments.

Format: Because of the huge size, the field is split into four sections of about 2,000 each - one each starting Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Play on each day continues until 800 players remain. Fields A and B are combined on Aug. 1 (C and D play Aug. 2) and they play until 700 players remain. The 1,400 players left are combined and play each day from Aug. 4 until the end.

Final table: Nine players begin at noon on Aug. 10 and play until a winner is determined.

Coverage: Cardplayer.com provides live coverage. ESPN coverage begins Aug. 22 and continues each Tuesday through Sept. 26.

Live chat: Tuesday, noon PST; Chat with Krista Creelman; Problem Gambling Center executive director Krista Creelman will answer questions about gambling addiction from Las Vegas Sun readers from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. ... Submit question