Jerrod Ankenman

Jerrod Ankenman is an American poker player and mathematician from Avon, Connecticut. He is widely recognized for his deep theoretical approach to the game, having co-authored the influential book The Mathematics of Poker with Bill Chen. Ankenman is a longtime participant in the rec.gambling.poker newsgroup and its BARGE offshoot, a social poker group that meets annually in Las Vegas. He is also a member of Team PokerStars.

Ankenman has accumulated $825,063 in live tournament earnings across 37 recorded cashes, with his latest cash coming on June 19, 2012. His most notable achievement came at the 2009 World Series of Poker, where he won Event #42, a $2,500 buy-in Mixed Games tournament. The event attracted 412 entries, creating a total prize pool of $947,600, with the top 40 finishers getting paid. Ankenman entered the final table second in chips and ultimately took down the title, earning $241,654 and his first WSOP gold bracelet.

Before this victory, Ankenman had finished as the runner-up in two previous WSOP events, making his third attempt a charm. His earlier cashes include a 2006 WSOP Limit Hold'em event and a Short Handed No Limit Hold'em event, as well as a cash in the 2000 Legends of Poker No Limit Hold'em tournament. He also appeared on Poker After Dark (Season IV, Week 10, titled 'Brilliant Minds'), showcasing his reputation as a cerebral player.

Ankenman co-authored The Mathematics of Poker with Bill Chen, a book that serves as an introduction to quantitative techniques and game theory applied to poker. The book is considered a landmark in poker literature, bridging the gap between recreational play and advanced mathematical analysis. Chen, born in 1970 in Williamsburg, Virginia, is a quantitative analyst and holds a Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of California, Berkeley. Together, they aimed to provide players with a rigorous framework for decision-making, covering topics such as expected value, variance, and optimal play.

Ankenman's playing style is deeply rooted in mathematics and game theory. He is known for his analytical approach, often breaking down complex situations into quantifiable components. His background as a mathematician allows him to excel in mixed games, where a deep understanding of various disciplines is crucial. His WSOP victory in Mixed Games is a testament to his versatility and theoretical mastery.

Ankenman is a respected figure in the poker community, particularly among those interested in the theoretical side of the game. His collaboration with Bill Chen has been praised as a milestone in poker theory development. He is also a popular member of BARGE, which includes notable players such as Greg 'Fossilman' Raymer, Andy Bloch, and Phil Gordon. His contributions to poker literature and his tournament success have solidified his legacy as a pioneer of the mathematical approach to poker.