Associated Press - November 5, 2009 4:15 PM ET

LAS VEGAS (AP) - Darvin Moon's preparations for a run at the $8.55 million top prize at the World Series of Poker included an extended hunting trip last month in Wyoming.

While there, he slept in a two-room cabin without electricity and pretty much avoided any contact with the outside world.

The 46-year-old self-employed logger from Oakland, Md., will get plenty of attention this weekend as the chip leader heading into Saturday's final table of the richest tournament in poker.

Moon said he played some cards, but didn't hire a coach for the 115-day break because he didn't think he could learn enough to effectively sustain a change to his style.

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