Hellmuth says he’ll face, not avoid, aggressive opponents at World Series of Poker

Hellmuth changing his game at poker world series

LAS VEGAS — The player with the most wins at the World Series of Poker says he’s no longer avoiding aggressive opponents this year who threaten to knock him out of the main event.

Phil Hellmuth told The Associated Press on Wednesday that he’s calling players in situations where he might have folded in previous years.

The 11-time gold bracelet winner is known to avoid plays for all his chips because he believes he can outplay others without giving them a chance to get lucky.

But Hellmuth says he is adjusting against those who simply shove all-in in response.

Hellmuth bet all his chips with his first hand on Wednesday when he flopped straight and flush draws. His opponent was ahead when he called, but Hellmuth made his flush on the next card.