Event 1: Boyko and Liu Chipping Up

Event 1: $500 + $60 Deep Stack NL (2 Re-entry)

After seat 8 opened for 24k, Robert Boyko flats in the big blind.  The flop came K Q J with two diamonds and Robert checked.  His opponent fired 25k and Robert called. Turn was another King.  Robert checked, seat 8 bet 45k, and again Robert called.

Robert Boyko

River was an 8 and the third diamond on board.  Robert checked, seat 8 shoved for 110k, and Robert snap-called.  Seat 8 showed KJ for Kings full of Jacks.  Robert rolled over KQ for Kings full of Queens to take the pot, sending his opponent to the rail.  Robert chipped up to ~500k.

Over on table 8, a little excitement ensued.  Ken Silberstein (Edson, NJ) had moved all-in for 95k, but the player in the small blind didn't notice and put in 35k to raise the big blind.  The floor was called and ruled that the 30k he put in on top of the small blind had to stay.  He could then call the remaining 60k all-in, or fold.  He opted to fold.

 Jia Liu

Jia Liu (Brooklyn, NY) was in the big blind and after looking at his cards, took a couple of seconds, then called.  Ken held J7 suited and was domninated by Jia's A7 offsuit.  The board came K K 6 2 2 and Jia took the pot.  Ken headed for the payout desk.

Barbara Rogers (Lock Haven, PA) is one of the few ladies who made it to day two.  She finished in 104th place, earning $1,071.  She did re-enter once, so almost broke-even.

 Barbara Rogers

Play continued into level 20 with blinds of 6k/12k and 2k antes.

Down to 11 tables now, meaning 99 players remain.  91st to 100th places each earn $1,142.

Event 2: This Is Poker

$300 + $50 NL (1 Re-Entry)

Aaron Wright

On a board of 7-2-8-A-7, Aaron Wright (Baltimore, MD) is using every trick in his book to get Thomas Renault (Boston, MA) to call off the rest of his stack.

Line after line. "When you didn't call right away, I was felling pretty good." "If you fold I'll show you." "Take your time man, play your game."

With his tournament life at stake and a ton invested in the 50,000 pot, Thomas went in the tank. He took so long, an opponent not in the hand called a clock.

With seconds ticking down, finally the Frenchman folded.

Neither player showed but Aaron represented two red aces for top Full House while Renault claims having a seven. "So much for showing me" mumbled Renault.

A lot of drama, excitement, leveling, and table talk in this hand.

The very next deal, perhaps steaming, Thomas shoved with 99 against A-J suited.

His hand held and he doubled up.

Event 3: The Blind Leading the Blind

$300 + $50 Limit Hold'em

Koval & Kim

Limit poker isn't the flashiest card game around, so a couple of players are trying to spice things-up. Howard Koval (Brick, NJ) is raising without looking at his cards. Marty Kim (New York, NY) re-raises "blind" to get extra chips in the pot.

Another player that likes to gamble is Jason Young (Suffern, NY), who takes a peek at his hole cards, and caps the betting at 800 (100/200 ante). After two more rounds of capped betting, Young and Koval go to the river on a board: A♥ 2♦ 6♠ 9♣ A♠.

Young bets "the most" and Koval says, "I have to see it." Young tables the winner A♣ K♦, for trip aces.

"That's how you play limit poker boys," says Young who takes his stack to 22k, while Koval is down to 1,100.

Young is Trippin'

Event 1: First to Collect

$500 + $60 Deep Stack NL (2 Re-entry)

Corbett, Glantz & Greenwood

Once the money bubble broke, the flood gates opened and the min. cash players swamp Borgata's Deb Daly at the payout podium. Accomplished player Matt Glantz (Lafayette Hill, PA) adds $1,071 to his career earnings of $3.25 million.

Here's a look at the first three players heading to the cage at the Borgata Winter Poker Open.

120 Brian Corbett (Jamesburg, NJ) $1,071
119 Matt Glantz (Lafayette Hill, PA) $1,071
118 Eric Greenwood (Virginia Beach, VA) $1,071

Event 1: In The Money!

 Event 1: $500 + $60 Deep Stack NL (2 Re-entry)

Level 18 ended and during the break, the black (100) and purple (500) chips were colored up and removed from play.  When action resumed, they were in level 19 with blinds of 5k/10k and 1k antes.

134 players remained.  Only 120 will get paid.  The short stacks were looking for a hand to get their chips in good.

Olga Varkonyi

Olga Varkonyi (Great Neck, NY) made her moved with QT offsuit when action folded to her on the button.  The small blind looked her up with AJ.  The flop came 8 8 2 and changed nothing.  Olga took the lead on the turn when a Ten fell, but the river delivered a Jack for her opponent, giving him the pot and sending Olga to the rail in 132nd place.

131...130...129...

Pocket 4s fell to T8 when an 8 hit the river.  Another one gone.

Joanne Monteavarro (Bronx, NY) mucks pocket 7s in the blind after a raise.  Her opponent shows pocket Aces.  Joanne gives herself a pat on the back for the good laydown.

128...127...

Mike 'Little Man' Sica

Mike 'Little Man' Sica (N Brunswick, NJ) was looking for his spot and moved in from middle position.  Play folded around to Robert Boyko (Bronx, NY) in the small blind, who made the call.  His pocket Jacks were crushed by Mike's pocket Queens.  The flop came Q T 6, giving Mike a set and extending his lead.  The Jack on the turn was too little, too late, for Robert.  His set was no good.  A 6 on the river completed Little Man's full house and he doubled up to ~200k.

126 players...table 15 broken.  Now 14 tables (9-handed)...125...124...123...122...

Things got a little crazy, so they stopped the clock to get a head count.  After three passes through the tables, they confirmed that only 120 players remained, so the bubble had already burst.  A round of applause went up when it was announced that they were in the money!!

The next 20 players to bust will earn $1,071 for their efforts.

Event 2: Southern Invasion

$300 + $50 NL (1 Re-Entry)

Dao "Miss Virginia" Bui

Dao Bui (Sterling, VA) is a sweet Southern Belle ready to take your chips. Ironically, she's sitting between two Southern gentlemen, one from Virgina and one from North Carolina.

The accents (drawls, not draws) are flying at this table as one of the guy's chirped out, "We came up here to get all youins Yankee money." No embellishment from this reporter, he really did say it like that.

Dao with under 20,000 just impressively laid down A-K to her opponent's All In Jam Session.

She politely tossed the cards his way showing the "hopefully correct" fold.

Event 2: Among The Chip Leaders

$300 + $50 NL (1 Re-Entry)

I went around and eye-balled everyone's chips and three stacks, all in the mid-seventies, stood out.

Joanne Dorin (New York City)
John Lakatosh (Red Lion, PA)
Big Tom Hancock (Long Island, NY)

Big Tom got most of his chips when his wired Jacks held up.

When asked how he grew his stack to one of the largest on the floor, Big Tom grinned and exclaimed, "I've been grinding and grinding and grinding all day".

Level 8 - Blinds 400/800 with 75 antes

Event 2: Back From Break

$300 + $50 NL (1 Re-Entry) is back from a quick ten minute break.

Just starting Level 7: 300/600 blinds with 75 antes.

Event 2: Broadway Run

$300 + $50 NL (1 Re-Entry)

David "The Assassin" Danlag (Abington, MD)

A big and and a long hand as three players get it all in holding AA, QQ, and 10-10.

Flop of Q-K-A gives two players a set.

Danlag's with pocket tens needs a Jack and spikes it on the turn.

He sweats the river, knocks out a player, and scoops a 20,000 pot with Broadway.

A disappointed Michael Forca (Long Island, NY) had the Queens and named David "The Assassin".

I don't know, this could be the happiest, non-threatening-looking Assassin ever.

Event 1: Dash for the Cash

$500 + $60 Deep Stack NL (2 Re-entry)

Veliu Very Close to the Money

After 2+ hours of poker, players are on their first break of the day and approximately 15 players from the money.

The floor personnel is coloring-up the black (100) chips and the purple (500) chips as they gear up for the first payouts of the Borgata Winter Open.

John Supsak (New York, NY) used pocket kings as one of his key hands to go from 250k (dropping as low as 100k) to 700k.

While Alida Veliu (Wyckoff, NJ) has gone from 250k to 420k, saying "I'm having a good day."

Level 19 (5k/10k/1k ante)

Event 2: Swapping Stories

$300 + $50 NL (1 Re-Entry)

It's a fun, friendly atmosphere out there as players are going from table to table to see how their buds are doing.

I got to eavesdrop a little as Gordon Eng and Steve Dannenmann were swapping stories.

Gordon sent his PPI pal Carl Restifo to the rail after his A-K hit a three-outter against Carl's K-K. In the same hand a short stack had the discipline to fold A-Q suited pre-flop correctly.

Steve arrived at the tournament 90 minutes late then tripled up on the second hand he played.

He's currently sitting on approximately 21,000 and Gordon has 60,000.

Dannenmann wants everyone to know that he's playing for American dollars not Euros are Yens.
Ha-ha, these guys are funny!

Event 3: Limit is Set

$300 + $50 Limit Hold'em

68 players are in the field as registration is closed.

For the uninitiated, the limit format sets the amount each play can bet at any given time. The betting is capped on the third raise, which means stacks last a lot long than in a no-limit tournament.

Level 4 is complete and players are on a 10 minute break.

Event 2: NL - 517 Total Players

$300 + $50 NL (1 Re-Entry)

517 Total Players

Event 2: $300 + $50 NL (1 Re-Entry) has 517 total players in the Borgata Event Center.

Last I looked there were 39 tables remaining.

We'll post payouts when we get them.

Event 1: Head Count

$500 + $60 Deep Stack NL (2 Re-entry)

As the money bubble approaches, the big question is, "how many left?"

The floor person just broke another table and 154 players remain, as 120 get paid.

Level 18 (4k/8k/500 ante) is underway.

Event 2: A+A+A+A = QUADS

$300 + $50 NL (1 Re-Entry)

Mike Defrancesco hits aaaa monster!

Mike Defrancesco (Wilkes Barre, PA) tripled up during Level 4 from 8,000 to 27,000 when his pocket aces setted up on an all club flop.

The flop hit everyone as Opponent 1 thought his set of threes was good and Opponent two jammed his remaining 5,000 with the second nut flush draw.

Ace on the turn gets a rousing reaction from the table as Quadzilla strikes again at Borgata.

It's one thing to get quads, but it's oh so much sweeter when two other players are coming along for the ride.

Mike busted out of yesterday's Deepstack, his favorite event, but is excited to hit some more events this week.

In his day-job, Mike gives MRI's to animals.
Wonder if that makes him good at scanning the table for Donkeys?

Event 2: Fifteen Minute Break

Event 2: $300 + $50 NL (1 Re-Entry)

We're on a fifteen minute break.

When we return...
Level 5 150-300 blinds with 25 ante.

You may notice we usually include where our players are from. Players come from all over to play in Borgata Winter Poker Open. I met a man last night named Phil who drove 9 hours from Tennessee.

He told me he loves this atmosphere and feels he gets the most bang for his poker buck.

Our Blog is enjoyed all over the world and Borgata players drive in from all over the Eastern United States.

Event 1: Storms are Brewing

$500 + $60 Deep Stack NL (2 Re-entry)

Cheng Chalks up a Win

Tim Latouch (Hatboro, PA), who started the day 8th in chips (448k) and Yat Cheng (Charlotte, NC), who finished 2nd in Borgata's November Deep Stack Double Play, butt heads on Table 2.

Latouch opens from the high jack position to 14k (3k/6k blinds)
Cheng 3-bets to 4ok total from the big blind
Latouch re-popped to 93k total
Cheng 5-bets to 193k, leaving himself with 100k and making the pot nearly 4ook.

Latouch puts up the white flag and folds saying, "six, seven of hearts?"
Cheng's response, "a little better than that."

Cheng started the the hand with 300k and is now up to 50ok, while Latouch drops to 390k.

Level 17 continues.

Latouch Lays it Down

Event 2: Happily Dever After

$300 + $50 NL (1 Re-Entry)

Knock Out in Seat 7 Helps Knock Out 7

Three players at Table 17 (seats 2, 7, & 8) have collectively sent seven players to the rail.

"I had a full house and a nut flush that held-up" said Cathy Dever (Ephrata, PA) who is happy to stay put in seat #7.

Cathy, sitting on 36,000 chips, is thinking positive thoughts as she's looking forward to playing this tournament for TWO days so we can blog her at the final table.

Event 3: Limited Field

$300 + $50 Limit Hold'em

Riccobono Ready for Redemption

A lot of regular No Limit players are taking a crack at the Limit tournament.

"This is great," says Al Riccobono (Ossining, NY), who finished 2nd in the 2009 Borgata Poker Open Limit Event. "I haven't had a chance to play this in awhile."

His nemesis, Norman Whitely (Newark, DE), who beat Riccobono heads up, is also in the tournament. Also in the field are Borgata regulars Jason Young (Suffern, NY) and Howard Wolper (Atlantic City, NJ).

Players start with 10,000 chips and Levels 1-4 each last 30 minutes (Levels 5+ are 40 min.).

Event 2: Re-Buy Odds?

$300 + $50 NL (1 Re-Entry)

Rich Forte Enjoys Massage

Implied Odds...Pot Odds...how about Re-Buy Odds?

Rich Forte leads out, and two Opponents shove. The basketball coach of 10-12 year olds contemplates calling with A-J only because one opponent was short stacked and the other, for a half-hour, was just itching to re-buy. And Forte would still have 7,500 chips remaining.

Forte's A-J up against Paul Faynegersh's (Brooklyn, NY) A-Q and John Lee's (Westwood, NJ) K-Q.

Lee shouts out "King-Ball" again and again as the flop falls J-K-4.

The board bricks out.

Lee celebrates and scoops the pot as Faynegersh hurries off to re-buy.

Lee pulled out the "Blogger's Curse" claiming the last time we took his picture he busted out soon after. So we'll let him slide this time.

"No re-buy for me" said John who, as he neatly stacks the 15,000 pot, admitted he was very lucky.

We're now into Level 4 with 100-200 blinds.
Last chance to re-buy!

Event 1: Movers & Shakers

$500 + $60 Deep Stack NL (2 Re-entry)

Dominici on the Move

The top 5 big stacks are all sitting tight. "Slow right now," says Antoine White (Middle River, MD), who began the day 5th in chips with 501k.

But chip leader Jason Dominici (Bowie, MD) is on the move, literally. He began the day at Table 1 with 810k, but was moved to table 18.

"I busted him," joked one short stack who's still at what will eventually become the final table.

Level 17 (3k/6k/500 ante) is underway.

Event 3: Limit Underway

$300 + $50 Limit Hold-em

Event 3 underway in Event Center

We have a full house (pun intended) as every table is occupied with three tournaments running simultaneously.

• 10,000 in starting chips
• Levels 1-4: 30 minutes Levels 5+: 40 minutes
• 2-day event (Day 2 starts at 1P)

PPI UPDATE

PPI (Poker Players International ) is honored to be part of another Borgata Winter Poker Open. Both our staff and players consider Borgata to be the premier destination of any poker event series. Across the board Borgata has every poker players best interest in mind. Everything from tournament structures, staff, dealers ,variety of events, dining, spa, and an energy filled event center room ..... Borgata has it covered!

PPI represents hundreds of World Class Poker Players that always include the Borgata Winter Poker Open on their tournament schedules - including, 2011 WSOP runner-up John Racener , WSOP Player of the Year Frank Kasella, WPT 2nd place finisher David Inselberg, Joseph Cheong , Mike Beasely, Josh Brikis, Jason Young , Lee Childs , David Fox, and Vinny Pahuja .

At this years BWO we are pleased to introduce the PPI "Play for the Main" which will award the PPI player with the most points accumulated through participation , cashes, and final table appearances a seat into the Borgata Winter Open Main Event. We will provide you with daily leaderboard updates here on the Live Updates Blog, along with PPI player news. You can check out our roster of players and bios, news, charity organizations we support, and see the trailer for the PPI produced documentary film On The Line: John Racener at PPIPOKER .

The 1st event at the 2011 BWO got off to an amazing start attracting 1,472 entrants (and setting a record first-day BWO prize pool of $736k). PPI players Carlos Delafuenta 165k, Robert Hwang 148k, James Boyle 141k, Mike Sica 125k , Joe Culter 120k and Dave Inselberg 109k all survived day 1 of the Deep Stack Event. They will return at 12pm today as they make a run for the title.

We will provide the PPI "Play for the Main " Leaderboard after Event 1 has ended.

Event 1: First Pay Day

$500 + $60 Deep Stack NL (2 Re-entry)

The chips are unpacked, the tables signs are down and Event 1 players are ready to hit the money for the first time at the Borgata Winter Poker Open.

209 players return, with 120 collecting the minimum cash of $1,071. Five players begin the day with more than 500k in chips, as Jason Dominici (Bowie, MD) leads the way with 810,300.

Button starts in the 4 seat and play resumes with 25 minutes left on Level 16 (2,500/5,000/400 ante).

Cards are in the air!

Event 2: Hand Made For TV

$300 + $50 NL (1 Re-Entry)

Steve Topchev (Hillside, NJ) Doubles Up

Rich Hall (Wilkes Barre, PA) - Watching TV

With three players in and the chips flying onto the felt, Steve Topchev (Hillside, NJ) bets every street and catches his man on the river, hitting a full house.

Steve's pocket's 7-7 filled out in the nick of time.

On a board of 9s 9h Ac 8s 7h Rich Hall (Wilkes Barre, PA) turns a straight, looks away from his NCIS television episode he's watching at the table, and prays he's good.

Third opponent calls with top-top but neither is good enough as Topchev rakes a monster pot.

Blinds are up 75 - 150 as Level 3 begins.

Event 2: Notables

$300 + $50 NL (1 Re-Entry)

Some truly great players signed up this morning to play in Event 2.

James Boyd
Josh Brikis
Michael Castaldo
Keith Crowder
Steve Dannenmann
Michael Dentale
Gordon Eng
David Inselberg
Barry Leventhal
James "Suits" Salters
Eric Siegel
James Stenella

Keep watching to see which notables make it to the end...

Event 2: Payman Looking For Payday

$300 + $50 NL (1 Re-Entry)

Coffee and Big Hole Cards Wake Up Azizoghli

Johnny Promo, a Borgata regular, sized up his table (4) and immediately pegs Payman Azizoghli (Freehold, NJ) as an early threat, "He's good man, he's got it going on".

Promo playing for his kids EJ and Sabrina who follow the blog at home.

Payman is a small business owner (import/export) and has his eye on the Main Event - "Winning that is my major goal".

Borgata is Payman's favorite place to play. "This is the biggest game in town. I like how organized everything is."

Payman is looking to continue importing more chips than he exports.

Heard the floor shout out, "seat open" so there's already one early bust out.

Don't forget you can re-buy...

Event 2: Shuffle Up And Away We Go

$300 + $50 NL (1 Re-Entry)

Cool Borgata Logo Sees All

Are you ready for another exciting day of Borgata Winter Poker Open action?

I'm looking forward to meeting as many players on the floor (new and old) as I report on the most insane bad beats, suck-outs, and lay-downs I can find.

We have a full slate today starting with Event 2 $300 + $50 which is underway.

Players start with 10,000 chips, blinds are 25 - 50 with 1 re-entry (through first four levels).
Event 2 a two day tournament with Day 1 ending at 2am or 18 players, whichever comes first.

So if you can't make it down to Borgata, follow us on the blog.

And if you're here, introduce yourself and give me a great poker story to share with the world.

Thursday, January 20

TODAY'S EVENTS (EVENT CENTER)

11AM (Event 2): $300 + $50 No Limit Hold'em

• 1 Re-Entry
• 10,000 in starting chips
• Levels 1-4: 30 minutes Levels 5+: 40 minutes
• 2-day event (Day 2 starts at 1P)

12PM (Event 3): $300 + $50 Limit Hold'em

• 10,000 in starting chips
• Levels 1-4: 30 minutes Levels 5+: 40 minutes
• 2-day event (Day 2 starts at 1P)

3PM (Event 29): $200 + $30 No Limit Hold'em

• 10,000 in starting chips
• Levels last 25 minutes
• 1-day event

7PM (Event 30): $150 + $30 No Limit Hold'em

• 10,000 in starting chips
• Levels last 20 minutes
• 1-day event

Event 1 Chip Leaders

Borgata Winter Poker Open
Event 1: $500 + $60 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
January 19-20, 2011

Entries: 1,472
Total Buy-In: $736,000

END OF DAY 1 CHIP LEADERS:
1. JASON DOMINICI (BOWLE, MD): 810,300
2. YEVGENY GANS (SYKESVILLE, MD): 607,700
3. VITTORIO FARICELLI (MASPETH, NY): 547,100
4. JEFFREY KROSCHE (WHITE PLAINS, NY): 511,000
5. ANTOINE WHITE (MIDDLE RIVER, MD): 501,200
6. SAKIP SHEHU (BROOKLYN, NY): 473,000
7. BRETT BRUCALERI (ST JAMES, NY): 458,400
8. TIMOTHY LATOUCH (HATBORO, PA): 447,600
9. RHODA ROSENKOWITZ (FLUSHING, NY): 423,900
10. MICHAEL BONNEY (MAYS LANDING, NJ): 402,500
11. CHRISTOPHER RUSSELL (MASSAPEQUA, NY): 401,500
12. GINA CANNONE (STATEN ISLAND, NY): 400,700
13. STEVEN MACCHIA (WOOD RIDGE, NJ): 396,300
14. SEAN WALLACE (HORSHAM, PA): 375,600
15. KEVIN JOHNSON (BRIDGEWATER, NJ): 372,300
16. ALEXANDER ROCHA (S SETAUKET, NY): 368,300
17. NEAL LIPTAK (YORK, PA): 359,100
18. RICKY SUN (JACKSON HGTS, NY): 358,000
19. ALFIE NATALE (PHILA, PA): 349,800
20. MICHAEL SHASHO (RAMSEY, NJ): 346,600
21. RANDY BARCINAS (CLIFTON, NJ): 334,300
22. MICHAEL SCIBETTA (TOMS RIVER, NJ): 330,200
23. KARL COOPER (TELFORD, PA): 314,800
24. ROBERT PAUL HANLEY (FOREST HILLS, NY): 314,700
25. MARK LLORENTE (LONG ISLAND CITY, NY): 314,000
26. PAUL SPITZBERG (TENAFLY, NJ): 309,400
27. SEUNGHWAN LEE (ALBERTSON, NY): 306,500
28. PHONG THAN NGUYEN (BRISTOW, VA): 304,000
29. GREGORY KOLO (ROCKY RIVER, OH): 300,200
30. RONALD DURANTE (HAINESPORT, NJ): 293,200
31. DOUGLAS BARAHONA (DERWOOD, MD): 291,900
32. DAVID SOLOMON (PLAINVIEW, NY): 284,700
33. JOHN RUSSO (COMMACK, NY): 278,900
34. WALTER HARRIS (ST PETERSBURG, FL): 274,100
35. LEONARD J 3RD SANDE (NEW HAVEN, CT): 264,600
36. JULIAN PARK (STATEN ISLAND, NY): 263,700
37. VITALY KOVYAZIN (BROOKLYN, NY): 260,200
38. ALLAN VROOMAN (GREENVILLE, NC): 259,200
39. BRYAN BINDERT (WENONAH, NJ): 259,000
40. STEVEN RUSSELL (COOLVILLE, OH): 258,500
41. BERNARD CASANOVA (FARMINGVILLE, NY): 257,900
42. ERIC DOERR (NEWARK, DE): 257,400
43. CARLO FRANCISCO (JERSEY CITY, NJ): 253,200
44. ALIDA VELIU (WYCKOFF, NJ): 251,500
45. ROBERT PAVENTI (BROOKLYN, NY): 250,000
46. MARCELLO DELMONACO (NEW HAVEN, CT): 249,200
47. JOSHUA SUPSAK (LINWOOD, NJ): 248,700
48. YAT CHENG (CHARLOTTE, NC): 247,200
49. MARK FALOW (TOTOWA, NJ): 238,100
50. ROBERT BOYKO (YONKERS, NY): 238,000
51. PHILIP PROCKER (BRONX, NY): 237,800
52. AARON STEURY (FT WAYNE, IN): 237,200
53. ARTYEM PERLOV (FORT LEE, NJ): 228,400
54. RYAN WOOD (CROWNSVILLE, MD): 225,200
55. TOBY KASSER (NANUET, NY): 224,600
56. DANIEL DIZENZO (SUSSEX, NJ): 222,300
57. DIMITRIOS BERGOS (BALTIMORE, MD): 221,300
58. WOOYANG LIN (MORRISTOWN, NJ): 218,600
59. DEMETRIOS GEORGOUS (LITTLE FALLS, NJ): 215,200
60. FRANK PUGLIESE (TENAFLY, NJ): 213,000
61. AYUB SAYED (INDIA): 212,500
62. ERIC HALL (STATEN ISLAND, NY): 211,900
63. MICKAEL MORGOUSKY (BROOKLYN, NY): 210,000
64. CHARLES INGRAM (SHARPSBURG WA, MD): 209,900
65. NENAD SIMIC (EDISON, NJ): 208,400
66. RONALD MNIECKOWSKI (REXFORD, NY): 206,600
67. THOMAS DIANTONIO (PHILADELPHIA, PA): 206,000
68. SATISH SURAPANENI (NEW YORK, NY): 196,700
69. MICHEAL MALANDRO (WAVERLY, VA): 195,400
70. ONOFRIO REINA (ELIZABETH, NJ): 194,900
71. KENNETH WALDROP (ASHLAND, VA): 194,200
72. ROBERT MELO (HOWARD BEACH, NY): 193,700
73. KERRY SMALL (VENTNOR CITY, NJ): 193,000
74. TOMMY POPE (RALEIGH, NC): 192,900
75. ERIC GREENWOOD (VIRGINIA BEACH, VA): 189,900
76. JOAKIM BROCHARD (WANTAGH, NY): 188,900
77. FRANK RASILE (STATEN ISLAND, NY): 184,800
78. TAYLOR SHPUR (WITHERBEE, NY): 183,400
79. ZACKERY SPICER (GEORGETOWN, DE): 182,300
80. MATTHEW GLANTZ (LAFAYETTE HILL, PA): 181,200
81. GINO GENARI (LINDEN, VA): 180,500
82. JOHN BUGLION (COMMACK, NY): 180,100
83. MARIO BAGO (ASTORIA, NY): 175,000
84. ALAN HADDY (OAKLAND, NJ): 174,000
85. SUNGWOO TAE (PALISADES PK, NJ): 173,300
86. LAN HOANG LE (GLEN MILLS DR, PA): 172,600
87. NICHOLAS HOJNOSKI (CORNING, NY): 170,000
88. STEVEN COSENZA (NEW YORK, NY): 169,000
89. ANTHONY COLOMBO (STATEN ISLAND, NY): 166,700
90. JIA LIU (BROOKLYN, NY): 165,400
91. CARLOS DELAFUENTE (SYOSSET, NY): 165,000
92. RICHARD SMITH (EDGE WATER, MD): 160,000
93. JOSEPH HANRAHAN (AMHERST, NH): 159,800
94. HENRY DOIBAN (STATEN ISLAND, NY): 157,400
95. WILLIAM GURBISZ (CRANFORD, NJ): 156,600
96. BRIAN CORBETT (MONROE TWP, NJ): 155,500
97. YONISANDER RAMIREZ (MIAMI, FL): 155,100
98. ALPHONSE TELYMONDE (BRIGANTINE, NJ): 153,300
99. ERIC RAPPAPORT (LANSDALE, PA): 152,900
100. DANIEL CARPENTER II (NEWPORT NEWS, VA): 151,600
101. CLAUDIUS FERRIS (HOLLIS, NY): 151,000
102. MATTHEW GALLUZZO (MARLBORO, NJ): 150,500
103. DAVID VUOLO (TOMS RIVER, NJ): 149,400
104. ROBERT HWANG (BARNEGAT, NJ): 148,800
105. ROHAN LONG (WINDSOR, CT): 148,000
106. JEFFREY GOTTESMAN (HUNTINGDON VALLEY, PA): 145,850
107. DIMITRIOS MOUTAFIS (ASTORIA, NY): 145,700
108. STEVE CHA (BROOKLYN, NY): 144,200
109. HANOCH GUTTMAN (BROOKLYN, NY): 143,500
110. VINCENT BASILICATA (LITTLE NECK, NY): 143,400
111. DAVID POULTERER (PHILADELPHIA, PA): 141,500
112. MICHAEL GLICK (BALA CYNWYD, PA): 141,500
113. JAMES BOYLE (HAVRE DE GRACE, MD): 141,500
114. VINCENT PALMERI (STATEN ISLAND, NY): 141,000
115. WILLIAM WOOD (CROWNSVILLE, MD): 139,900
116. MICHAEL MALETTA (HICKSVILLE, NY): 137,700
117. JONATHAN SONDEJ (CHESAPEAKE, VA): 136,100
118. DAVID BIVINS (BROWN MILLS, NJ): 135,000
119. SHAWN JAMES (VIRGINIA BCH, VA): 133,900
120. ERIK WINIARSKI (POUGHKEEPSIE, NY): 133,800
121. THOMAS MCMACKIN (PHILADELPHIA, PA): 131,300
122. ZOHAIB BUTT (BABYLON, NY): 130,600
123. JOANNE MONTEAVARO (BRONX, NY): 130,100
124. LEONARDO PALERMO (ORTLEY BEACH, NJ): 128,600
125. KONSTANTINO DIMITROULAKOS (TINTON FALLS, NJ): 127,000
126. DAVID HICKMAN (HAYMARKET, VA): 125,700
127. MICHAEL SICA JR (N BRUNSWICK, NJ): 125,600
128. PAUL RELYEA (BRKLYN, NY): 122,500
129. THOMAS MCGARRY (HAZLET, NJ): 122,400
130. DAVE ELLIOTT (TINTON FALLS, NJ): 122,300
131. OLGA VARKONYI (GREAT NECK, NY): 121,800
132. AARON SMITH (NEW BEDFORD, MA): 121,000
133. JOSEPH CUTLER (BAY SHORE, NY): 120,900
134. KONSTANTI EHLERT (EDISON, NJ): 120,000
135. MICHAEL SHELDON (DRESHER, PA): 117,000
136. ETHAN DOLAN (HAZLETON, PA): 116,700
137. MATTHEW GAMBINO (WEST BABYLON, NY): 115,300
138. TANIOS ABI-YAGHI (TOMS RIVER, NJ): 114,700
139. RICHARD LEACH (WASHINGTON, DC): 113,900
140. ERIC ROCKWELL (PORT MOUTH, VA): 113,500
141. ALEKSEY GODUNOV (RICHBORO, PA): 112,500
142. BRIAN MOONEY (MIDDLE VILLAGE, NY): 111,000
143. TOM PETER ABBAS (ENOLA, PA): 110,800
144. RICHARD RICE (HAYMARKET, VA): 110,000
145. BRIAN ADRAGNA (E MEADOW, NY): 109,500
146. DAVID INSELBERG (NEW YORK, NY): 109,500
147. DAVID BLACK (ROBBINSVILLE, NJ): 109,000
148. DONALD BOIVIN (ANNAPOLIS, MD): 105,900
149. KEN SILBERSTEIN (EDISON, NJ): 105,500
150. ALLISON SCHULTZ (NEW YORK, NY): 105,000
151. WILLIAM SEYMOUR (GREENVILLE, NC): 104,400
152. PAUL PHILLIPS (ANGELICA, NY): 103,700
153. MIKE GOGLIORMELLA (YONKERS, NY): 103,100
154. JOSHUA LAWSON (QUARRYVILLE, PA): 98,400
155. URI NIR (SILVER SPRING, MD): 98,300
156. JOSEPH POCHEDLY (ROYAL OAK, MI): 96,900
157. PATRICK ALAN WHITMORE (MARTINSBURG, WV): 96,700
158. TARIEL AMINOV (JAMAICA ESTATE, NY): 94,900
159. ALEKSANDR BOLTON (BROOKLYN, NY): 94,400
160. BRIAN WAGNER (ASHLAND, PA): 93,100
161. VINCENT CAESAR (GLEN MILLS, PA): 91,500
162. JOHN RABEL (VIRGINIA BCH, VA): 89,700
163. KONSTANTINE BASIOS (MINEOLA, NY): 89,000
164. SPIROS MARKATOS (DIX HILLS, NY): 88,800
165. DANNY RISTICK (TURNERSVILLE, NJ): 88,500
166. ALEXANDRI CONKLIN (TOMS RIVER, NJ): 88,200
167. MARC GENDLEMAN (ANNAPOLIS AA, MD): 87,400
168. MATTHEW SILBERZWEIG (ELMONT, NY): 86,000
169. SEAN OHALLERAN (RONKONKOMA, NY): 81,100
170. PAUL GOMBERG (PHILADELPHIA, PA): 80,200
171. FRANK BELASIC (CEDAR GROVE, NJ): 80,100
172. CHRISTOPHER BRANSCOMB (MECHANICSVLLE, VA): 79,500
173. ANDREW DIFALCO (NESCONSET, NY): 77,500
174. EDMOND MCCARTHY (SOUDERTON, PA): 76,600
175. BARBARA ROGERS (LOCK HAVEN, PA): 75,700
176. BENJAMIN MODO (ROSEDALE, MD): 74,600
177. RICHARD SEMANDER (PEMBROKE, FL): 74,500
178. DANIEL LOBEL (KATONAH, NY): 73,500
179. NUA VUKEL (BRONX, NY): 69,500
180. IGOR FISHKOP (BROOKLYN, NY): 68,300
181. STEPHEN ESPOSITO (ORLANDO, FL): 65,100
182. DARRELL LADOW (LITITZ, PA): 65,100
183. ANTHONY RAIMONE (BARDONIA, NY): 65,000
184. HAROLD VASQUEZ (PHILADELPHIA, PA): 63,600
185. TERRELL CHEATHAM (KENT, OH): 63,200
186. GARY STEINBERG (ELLICOTT CITY, MD): 63,200
187. LYDIA WALTONBAUGH (NEW KENSINGTON, PA): 62,600
188. LENNY SPINA (ASTORIA, NY): 62,500
189. ANDREW ROSEN (NY, NY): 59,500
190. JOHN HANNA (NEW YORK, NY): 58,700
191. NEAL GAY (BROOKLYN, NY): 53,000
192. CHARLES BURKS (FAIROAKS, PA): 48,300
193. JOHN FITZPATRICK (HICKSVILLE, NY): 47,600
194. JOANNA LEBAN (NEW YORK, NY): 46,000
195. CHRISTOPHER DEQUATRO (WEST HEMPSTEAD, NY): 43,900
196. TIMOTHY ROSA (EASTON, PA): 43,700
197. RONNIE PLYLER (WAXHAW, NC): 38,800
198. WILLIAM REILLY (OAKDALE, PA): 35,900
199. DEAN SCHULTZ (STOW, OH): 34,100
200. MONTY DENNIS (TUCKER, GA): 33,200
201. KEITH FARLEY (RIDGEFIELD, NJ): 33,100
202. ERIC LISICA (GLEN BURNIE, MD): 31,500
203. MATTHEW FORREST (E WILLISTON, NY): 30,500
204. TODD GARDNER (WATERFORD WKSKS, NJ): 30,000
205. JAMES BUTLER JR (VIRGINIA BCH H, VA): 24,100
206. RICHARD NORMAN (BOHEMIA, NY): 24,000
207. ANTHONY REED (PHILADELPHIA, PA): 21,700
208. JOSEPH PITTI (E MEADOW, NY): 19,500
209. MINH TAM NGUYEN (LANCASTER, PA): 14,200

Event 28 Results

Borgata Winter Poker Open
Event 28: $150 + $30 No Limit Hold'em
January 19, 2011

Entries: 159
Total Buy-In: $23,850

FINAL RESULTS
1. KIRKOR TEKNECI (WHITESTONE, NY): $6,940
2. HOWARD BROWN (BRIGANTINE, NJ): $3,817
3. MATTHEW PICCOLO (DUMONT, NJ): $2,197
4. ABUL MOBORROD (VENTNOR CITY, NJ): $1,851
5. BRIAN LUCY (KEYPORT, NJ): $1,388
6. DAVID BARNOW (TUCHAHOE, NJ): $1,157
7. SAMUEL ABRAMS (FRANKLIN LAKES, NJ): $925
8. KEVIN MECHALAS (NORTH WALES, PA): $694
9. LOUIS DEMARCO (BROOKLYN, NY): $521
10. ANDREW KLEIN (OCEAN, NJ): $463
11. FRED ALESI (ISLIP, NY): $463
12. JIM KAISER (ELWOOD, NJ): $463
13. MICHAEL FAVOR (TOMS RIVER, NJ): $405
14. THOMAS STALBA (WILLIAMSTOWN, NJ): $405
15. OSCAR ARANDA (STATEN ISLAND, NY): $405
16. REGINALDO TEIXEIRA (CARLE PLACE, NY): $347
17. HENRY PORCARO (WARWICK, NY): $347
18. MICHAEL MAGLIETTA (PARLIN, NJ): $347


*Total prize pool reduced by 3% for dealer tip pursuant to a new law enacted by the State of New Jersey

Event 1 Day 1 Recap

Event 1: $500 + $60 Deep Stack NL (2 Re-entry)    

The premiere event of the 2011 Borgata Winter Poker Open was a record-setting one.  The 1,472 entries generated total buy-ins of $736,000, topping the previous record set in 2007 of $685,000.

The final 120 players will earn a piece of the prize pool and the winner will take home $150,850.

Four WSOP bracelet holders were in the field, the most notable of which was Robert Varkonyi, (Great Neck, NY) who won the main event in 2002.  Mike 'Little Man' Sica, (North Brunswick, NJ) Chris Reslock, (Atlantic City, NJ) and Jason Young (Suffern, NY) were the other three.  When the dust settled at 2am, only Little Man was still alive.  He will return for day two with 125,600.  (While Robert did not make it to day two, his wife, Olga Varkonyi, did.)

Other notables who did not make it through the grueling 15 hours of day one are:  Steve Dannenmann, (2005 WSOP main event runner-up) Josh Brikis, (Pittsburgh, PA) James Boyd, (Martinsburg, WV) Lisa Pickell,  (Brick, NJ) Matt 'muffins' Mazzeo, (E Williston, NY) Vinny Pahuja, (Hicksville, NY) Nick Frangos,  (NY) Mike Dentale, (Brooklyn, NY) Sirous Jamshidi, (Broomall, PA) and Torpekay Habashzada (Broomall, PA).

About 210 players will return for day two.  Notable players and regular locals who survived and will return, in no particular order:
Alex Bolotin - 94,400
Joanne Monteavarro  130,100
Matt Glantz - 181,200
Paul Spitzberg - 309,400
Eric Doerr - 257,400
'Action' Bob Hwang - 148,800
James Boyle - 109,500
Dean Schultz - 34,100

Day two begins at noon Thursday here in the event center!

End of Day 1 Chip Leaders

Event 1: $500 + $60 Deep Stack NL (2 Re-entry)   

Jason Dominici

Ryan Wood made the mistake of getting tangled up in a pot with his neighbor, Jason Dominici of Bowie, MD (they play in the same home-game).  On the river, Ryan bet 130k and Jason shoved.  Ryan let it go and no hands were shown, but Jason collected a huge pot, boosting his chip count to 690k and taking the chip lead.

As the clock struck 2am, the tournament clock was paused with 25 minutes remaining in level 16 and players began bagging and tagging their chips.  A complete list will be posted when available but I scanned the bags for any over half a million, and here they are:

Jason Dominici    810,300
Yevgeny Gans     607,700
Vittorio Faricelli  547,100
Jeff Krosche        511,000
Antoine White    501,200

A couple of other stacks of note:  Rhoda Rosenkowitz ended the day with 423,900.  Phong 'VIP' Nguyen finished up with 304,000.  Matt Glantz had 181,000.

Between 210 and 220 players survived and they will return at noon to continue play.

Last Level Has Begun

Event 1: $500 + $60 Deep Stack NL (2 Re-entry)   

At the end of level 15, players took a ten minute break, then got back to business with level 16, blinds of 2,500/5,000 with 400 antes.  They will play about half of this level until 2am, then stop the clock and call it a night. 

24 tables remain.  240 or fewer players.  Average is about 153k.

Rosenkowitz Rakes a Big One

Event 1: $500 + $60 Deep Stack NL (2 Re-entry)  

On the river, the board read Q 8 5 7 4 (no flush possible).  The player in the small blind checked it over to Rhoda Rosenkowitz (Queens, NY) who moved all in.  After a few minutes in the tank, the small blind called all-in, putting his tournament life on the line with AQ (top pair, top kicker).  Rhoda showed A6 suited for the straight to take the pot, busting her opponent.

Rhoda Rosenkowitz

It took Rhoda quite a while to stack all those chips, but it came up to about 420k, making her the first woman with over 400k in chips.

Ryan Wood is up to ~500k, becoming the second player to reach that milestone.

Down to 25 tables (250 players).  Average stack is 147,200.

Krosche Crosses Half-Million Mark

Event 1: $500 + $60 Deep Stack NL (2 Re-entry)  

The unidentified player at table 30, seat 5, has now been identified as Ryan Wood of Crownsville, MD.  He lost a small pot while I was watching when his pocket 7s were out-flopped by KQ.  He's still over 400k, however.

 Ryan Wood

Jeff Krosche has extended his chip lead to 519k and become the first player to cross the half-million chip mark. 

After action folded to him in the small blind, Mike Dentale looked to his left and said "Think you can fold one time?" as he tossed his last 27k into the pot.  The big blind did let it go and Mike picked up some desperately needed chips, showing JT offsuit.

29 tables remain with 20 players still in the hunt.  Average is ~137k.

Brikis Busted

 Event 1: $500 + $60 Deep Stack NL (2 Re-entry)  

Another level done.  340 players remain.  Average stack is ~108k.

During the previous level, Josh Brikis made his desperation shove with A9, only to run into pocket Queens held by Zohaib Butt (Babylon, NY).  To add salt to his wound, Zohaib caught another Queen on the board for a set to take the pot, sending Josh to the rail.

Yevgeny Gans

I've spotted another couple of big stacks in the room.  Yevgeny Gans (Sykesville, MD) has ~460k.  The player at table 30, seat 5, has 457k.  I don't know who that is, because he left early for the break.  I guess you can do that when you're 3rd in chips and over 4 times the average stack.

Matt Glantz is up to 300k.  'Action' Bob Hwang has ~110k.

Erik Winiarski (Yonkers, NY) has about 205k.  Erik won this same event two years ago (January 2009).  There were 857 entries that year and 1st was good for $103,911.  Erik is hoping he can accomplish the same feat this year.

Play resumed after the break with level 14: blinds 1,500/3,000 and 400 antes.

 Event 1: $500 + $60 Deep Stack NL (2 Re-entry)  

Found a new big stack in the room -- and a new chip leader.  Jeff Krosche (White Plains, NY) is stacking about 490k.

 Jeff Krosche

Josh Brikis is struggling.  He's down to only 28k.  Blinds are currently 1,200/2,400 with 300 antes. 

Players continue to depart rapidly.  Down to 37 tables (fewer than 370 players).  Average stack is ~100k.

Only the final 120 players (12 tables) will get paid.  Still three more hours to play tonight, then the remaining players will return Thursday at noon.

Poker Room Relocations

Event 1: $500 + $60 Deep Stack NL (2 Re-entry)  

Eleven tables moved up from the Poker Room and there were quite a few well known regulars in the bunch:

Matt Glantz, Keith Crowder, Joanne Monteavarro, Ian Palomo,  Mike Dentale, Mike Castaldo, and Miguel Borrero.

Vittorio Faricelli

As I suspected, there was also a big stack among the poker room crowd.  Vittorio Faricelli (Maspeth, NY) has about 400k and is now officially the chip leader.

These newly relocated tables are breaking first and fast.  As of this update, only 5 remain, making 43 tables still in action (430 or fewer players).

Average stack is about 85,500.

A-Paul-ing Situation

Event 1: $500 + $60 Deep Stack NL (2 Re-entry)

Spitzberg Straightens Out the Bully

Paul Spitzberg (Tenafly, NJ) is no stranger to success at Borgata, so he'll tell you that a little luck goes a long way. Spitzberg, who won $20,000 for a second place finish in the 2010 Borgata Poker Open (Event 13), is hoping a 225k pot is the springboard he needs to make another deep run.

Spitzberg limps in from early position with KQ, and the big blind continues a trend of opening posts to 30k (blinds 1k/2k). Spitzberg reraises to 80k, and his opponent shoves all-in for 25k more.

Spitzberg makes the call and is in a world of hurt as the big blind tables KK.

"You have to understand, he did this 15 hands in a row," says Spitzberg. "The one time I try and make a move he has the worst possible hand for me."

Spitzberg, who was hoping to be at worst against two under cards, gets help when the flop comes A J 3, and is really lucky when a 10 on the river completes his straight.

"I couldn't see the cards because everyone stood in my way. Then I heard 'Oh my God.' That's when I thought I might have won."

Spitzberg barely has his opponent covered and is now the big stack at the table.

Level 12 (1k/2k/300 ante) is winding down.

All Together, Finally

Event 1: $500 + $60 Deep Stack NL (2 Re-entry) 

Level 11 has ended with 38 tables remaining in the event center.  They are taking a ten minute break while the remaining tables are moved up from the poker room.

VIP is still holding steady with about 300k.  Isok Aronov reports he's still got about 250k.  David Inselberg is up to ~210k.

 David Inselberg

Alex Bolotin (Brooklyn, NY) has about 120k.  Eric Siegel (Melville, NY) has about 75k. Dean Schultz (Stow, OH) has ~70k.

With all the players finally in the event center, play has resumed with level 12:  blinds 1k/2k with 300 antes.

VIP Disarms Torpedo

Event 1: $500 + $60 Deep Stack NL (2 Re-entry)

Play resumed after dinner and they completed level 10.  Now playing in level 11 with blinds of 800/1,600 and 200 antes.

45 tables remain in the event center.  At the end of level 11, they will take a break and move the last few tables up from the poker room.

A big hand was underway on table 32 as I walked up.  The flop was Q♣7♣4♣.  Mike Caruso (Flowertown, NJ) was short-stacked and all-in.  Torpekay 'Torpedo' Habashzada was also all-in, and the player known locally as 'VIP' was in the tank.  He had Torpekay well covered and eventually decided to call. 

Mike held A♣2♣ and the current nuts.  Torpekay held K♣9♠ for the second-nut flush-draw.  VIP held 74 offsuit for two pair.  Torpekay needed a club or runner-runner to survive.

 "VIP"

The last two cards came 8♠Q♥ and were no help to Torpekay, who was busted.  Mike took the main pot, tripling up.  VIP took the rest of Torpekay's chips.  He's now up to almost 300k and possibly the chip leader.

Payouts for Event 1

Event 1: $500 + $60 Deep Stack NL (2 Re-entry)

The official entry count is 1,472, generating total buy-ins of $736,000 - which is a first-day Borgata Winter Poker Open record (surpasing 2007's $685k prize pool).

The final 120 players will get paid as follows:

Place Payout
1 $150,850
2 $94,236
3 $57,113
4 $47,832
5 $39,265
6 $31,768
7 $25,343
8 $19,275
9 $13,207
10 - 12 $8,566
13 - 15 $6,067
16 - 18 $3,927
19 - 27 $3,213
28 - 36 $2,713
37 - 45 $2,285
46 - 54 $1,999
55 - 63 $1,785
64 - 72 $1,571
73 - 81 $1,428
82 - 90 $1,285
91 - 100 $1,142
101 - 120 $1,071

Dinner Time! and Chip Leader?

Event 1: $500 + $60 Deep Stack NL (2 Re-entry) 

About 48 tables remain in the Event Center and about 13 tables remain in the poker room, meaning fewer than 610 players are still in the hunt.  Those players have been sent on a one hour dinner break.  Play will resume at 8:30pm.

 Isok Aronov

Before the break, I did an entirely un-scientific survey of the tournament floor and believe that Isok Aronov (Brooklyn, NY) is the chip leader.  He's sitting behind about 250k.  Matt 'muffins' Mazzeo (E Williston, NY) is close behind with ~240k.

No idea what the stacks look like down in the poker room, so no way to be certain about the chip lead.

Over 600 Players Remain

Event 1: $500 + $60 Deep Stack NL (2 Re-entry)

They're down to about 60 tables here in the Event Center and there are still a few tables down in the poker room.  That means somewhere between 600 and 700 players remain, which is about half the starting field.  Still way to many players to try to pick out a chip leader.

Mike 'Little Man' Sica

Still alive in the field is WSOP bracelet holder Mike "Little Man" Sica (North Brunswick, NJ).  He's holding his own in this field of much younger players.

To Nicki in southwest Philly:  Big Reed will NOT be coming home tonight.  He says "Goodnight!"

Eric "clown fish" Doerr (Newark, DE) is still alive.  He says his strategy is to "re-enter his way to the money".  We'll see if that strategy pays off for him.

Carless 'Joe' Boatright (Woodbridge, VA) is breathing a sigh of relief.  He just got all-in and tripled-up.

They're now playing in level 10 with blinds of 600/1,200 and 200 antes.

There will be a hard-stop at 7:30pm for dinner break.

Borgata Babes

Event 1: $500 + $60 Deep Stack NL (2 Re-entry)

Julie Works the Room....

...while Jenny Works the Dealers

Green Chips Gone

Event 1: $500 + $60 Deep Stack NL (2 Re-entry)

Vincent Palmeri (Staten Island, NY) Stays for the Color-up

With the completion of Level 8 the green (25) chips are being removed from play.

When play resumes the blinds are 500/1000/100 ante, making them irrelevant.

Players are on a 15 minute break and starting to get antsy with their eye on the 7:30 dinner break.

Bluff Gone Good

Event 1: $500 + $60 Deep Stack NL (2 Re-entry)

Siegel Runnin' Good

Eric Siegel (Melville, NY), one of the top lieutenants of PPI, is running good at Event 1 after his failed bluff turns into a big pot.

Siegel and his opponent get all the money in preflop and Siegel's 10 J is dominated by A J. A flop of Q Q 9 gives Siegel an open ended straight draw with two cards to go.

The turn is a brick, but Siegel's good fortune is capped with a 10 on the river for the winning hand.

"I knew the re-buy was over," says Siegel who goes from 38k to 80k with one card, "what can I say, it was bluff gone good."

Level 8 (400/800/75 ante) continues.

$150k Pay Day

Event 1: $500 + $60 Deep Stack NL (2 Re-entry)

The early numbers have a total of 1,472 entries in Event 1 of the Borgata Poker Winter Open. That puts the first place prize at more than $150,000 and the top 120 players will cash.

Level 7 (300/600/75 ante) continues.

Madness Settling Down

Event 1: $500 + $60 Deep Stack NL (2 Re-entry)

Steve Dannenmann

As Level 6 winds down the short stacks are running out of time to re-enter. Steve Dannenmann, the 2005 WSOP runner-up to Joe Hachem, is sitting on 10k and looking to re-enter if he doesn't double-up.

"I shoved in blind earlier in the tournament and I talked the guy into calling blind," said Dannenmann who won the hand with 8 5 vs Q 6.

Dannenmann did not double-up and was seen at the registration desk re-entering the tournament.

Level 6 complete, re-entry period is over.

Familiar Face

Event 1: $500 + $60 Deep Stack NL (2 Re-entry)

Reslock, 0 for 3

Three strikes and your out has a whole new meaning for Borgata regular and Atlantic City resident Chris Reslock, who busted from Event 1 of the Borgata Winter Open the maximum of three times. But here's the catch, he was eliminated from the same table each time.

"I was surprised, but happy," said Reslock, the 2007 WSOP bracelet winner about returning to Table 15. "Usually you want to go back to your table, but then again, they knocked me out three times."

Reslock began the day at in seat 4, but was knocked out when he tried to bluff the big stack of Sean Miller (Long Island, NY). Round two has Reslock and Miller butting heads again with Miller holding the nut straight vs Reslock's two pairs.

"He's a good guy," said Miller, "but I think he was here more for the entertainment. He was all over the place."

After being eliminated from seat 10, Reslock's last chance comes from seat 8. On his final trip to the table (second re-entry), Reslock flops a straight, but by the river is rundown by a fullhouse.

"I had fun," says Reslock. "It was a good table."

Miller is certainly enjoying it as he's up to 97k.

Level 6 (200/400/50 ante) is winding down.

Miller's Time

Big Stack Hunting

Event 1: $500 + $60 Deep Stack NL (2 Re-entry)

Mardakhayev Triples-Up

With 900 players in the Event Center and hundreds more in the Poker Room, it's tough to figure out who might be a chip leader. But you can bet anyone with 3 to 4 times the 25k starting stack is certainly near the top.

Emil Mardakhayev (Brooklyn, NY) tells us how he tripled up earlier in the day when he took out pocket aces and pocket kings with 5♥ 7♥.

Mardakhayev saw the flop relatively cheaply from the big blind and flopped a pair, a flush draw, a gut shot straight draw and a gut shot straight-flush draw.

Mardakhayev hit two pairs on the turn, shipped 23k all-in and both big pairs called.

"I figured take a shot," says Mardakhayev, "If you don't hit, you can always re-enter."

When the river bricked, Mardakhayev tripled his stack and is now sitting at 80k.

Level 5 is winding down.

1290 & Counting

The floor staff continues to juggle the throngs of poker players as the opening event of the Borgata Winter Open has 1290 entries and registration is open for two more levels.

Players assigned tables 128-134 are in the Poker Room, as nearly all 900 seats in the Event Center are filled.

The huge field has pushed the start of the 3 pm Survivor tournament back to 4 pm. The Survivor is $200 + $30 (~1 in 10 wins $2,000) and you can see a complete list of events here.

Level 5 (100/200/25 ante) is underway.

Making Moves

Event 1: $500 + $60 Deep Stack NL (2 Re-entry)

Santos Sucks Out

As chips stacks dwindle, players willing to re-enter aren't afraid to take shots with marginal hands.

On a board of J♠ 7♥ 3♦ K♠, Ross Santos (Plymouth, MA) moves all-in on a draw with A♠ Q♥. His opponent makes the call and tables J♣ 8♥ for top pair.

"I knew I had two overs and a straight draw," says the Northeast grinder, who figured he was against a pair of jacks.

When the 10♦ peels off on the river, Santos has the nut straight and doubles his stack to 33k, but he's far from done gambling. "I might have to fire it there again."

Santos' opponent shrugs, grabs a re-entry ticket and heads back to the registration desk.

Level 4 is winding down.

Killer Table

Event 1: $500 + $60 Deep Stack NL (2 Re-entry)

Eng & Boyd

Three accomplished players are all seated at table 17.

Gordon Eng (Cliffside Park, NJ) and James Boyd (Martinsburg, WV) are seated side-by-side, and are joined by Olga Varkonyi (Great Neck, NY).

One of Eng's biggest scores was his win in the 2010 Borgata Spring Open ($1,500 entry), good for more than $72,000. Eng has $700,000 in career earnings, while Boyd has tournament winnings of $235,000, including a win in the Borgata Spring Open Seniors Event.

Varkonyi has several career Borgata cashes and career earnings of $119,000.

This is certainly a table to keep an eye on, as Level 3 winds down

Olga Varkonyi

Hard to Believe

Event 1: $500 + $60 Deep Stack NL (2 Re-entry)

Park is all Business, While Young
Can't Help but Smile

We pick up the action between Julian Park (Staten Island, NY) and Jason Young (Suffern, NY) with the board showing: 10♠ 6♥ K♣ K♥ 6♠.

Park moves all in for 26k into a pot of 9k, "I know what's going on here," says Young, "this is hard to believe. What a cooler."

After a minute of self loathing on how he might be "the worst player in the room," Young folds and shows the K♠ for a full house, kings full of sixes.

Before the cards hit the muck, Young says to Park, "show me king-ten." After a little "persuasion," Park tables K♦ 10♥ for the higher full house.

"I'm not the worst player, I'm the best player!" laughs Young, who makes sure everyone knows he's having a good time after making a "great lay down."

Players are back from a 10 break, Level 3 (75/1150) is underway.

Overflow Crowd

Event 1: $500 + $60 Deep Stack NL (2 Re-entry)

As expected, the first of 59 total events (26 Main Events) is a smashing success. The 90 tables in the Event Center are packed and the staff has 25 more set up in the Poker Room.

The early number is more than 1,000 players are in the event, with more players still in line.

Level 2 is underway as blinds are 50/100.

Familiar Faces

Event 1: $500 + $60 Deep Stack NL (2 Re-entry)

There are a ton of Borgata regulars in the field and we'll highlight some of them throughout the day.

Those spotted in the crowd include:

2002 WSOP Main Event Champion Robert Varkonyi

Steve Dannenmann
Cathy Dever
Eric Doerr
Gordon Eng
Ted Geier
Manny Patel
Al Riccobono
Eric Siegel
Olga & Robert Varkonyi
Jason Young

There haven't been any obvious bad beats as play as been pretty quiet in the early going.

Cards are in the Air

Event 1: $500 + $60 Deep Stack NL (2 Re-entry)

Event Center

Table signs are down, players are in their seats, and Tournament Director Tab Duchateau has said the long awaited words, "shuffle-up and deal!"

Play begins 9-handed as the 10 seat is reserved for those who bust and take advantage of the option to re-enter the tournament. Players start with 25,000 chips and Levels 1-6 last 40 minutes (Levels 7+ are 50 min.). Blinds start at 25-50.

The Borgata Winter Open is the perfect way to shake off the the long, cold days of January. The BWO slogan: Snow in the Air, Ice in your Veins!

Sea of Players

Instant Buzz

Another Borgata Winter Open and it's another packed house at the Event Center. Players are filing in, the registration desk is working overtime and everyone is anxiously awaiting the magic words.

The first tournament of the series is a $500 + $60 Deep Stack No Limit (2 Re-entry) with players allowed to enter the field during the first six levels.

When play kicks off the button starts in the 4 seat.

Welcome back!

Wednesday, January 19

TODAY'S EVENTS (EVENT CENTER)

11AM (Event 1): $500 + $60 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em

• $300,000 Guaranteed Prize Pool
• 2 Re-Entry
• 25,000 in starting chips
• Levels 1-6: 40 minutes Levels 7+: 50 minutes
• 2-day event (Day 2 starts at 12P)

3PM (Event 27): $200 + $30 SURVIVOR No Limit Hold'em

• 10,000 in starting chips
• Levels last 25 minutes
• Approximately 1 in 10 wins $2,000 Cash
• 1-day event

7PM (Event 28): $150 + $30 No Limit Hold'em

• 10,000 in starting chips
• Levels last 20 minutes
• 1-day event

Exclusive Offers

Exclusive Offers for Tournament Participants

Present your Borgata Winter Poker Open Tournament Receipt and receive the following offers:

• 20% off beverages at Starbucks
• 15% off Wolfgang Puck, SeaBlue, Fornelletto and Izakaya - Sunday through Friday
  ( maximum party of four*)
• 15% off Roma, The Metropolitan, Bread + Butter and Borgata Buffet
  (maximum party of four*)
• 15% off Barber Shop services (reservations required call x7555)
• $30 Day Pass to Spa Toccare Men's spa (includes use of spa lounge, whirlpools, steam room, sauna and locker area in men's spa, and use of Pump Room)
• Special tournament hotel rates (based upon availability)
• Poker customers who are staying overnight in the hotel under a the Winter Poker Open tournament rate in his/her name will receive COMPLIMENTARY INTERNET ACCESS in their hotel room (Wednesday, January 19 through Friday, February 4).
  

Exclusions apply. Must present tournament receipt along with valid identification at time of purchase/service to receive offers. Management reserves the right to change or cancel without notice. Offers non-transferrable. Tax and gratuity not included. Food and beverage offers not valid in conjunction with any other promotions. Hotel room reservation must be made in advance to receive special rates. Hotel rates based on single occupancy. Must present tournament receipt at checkout to receive tournament rate quoted at time of reservation. Subject to availability, change or cancellation. Certain restrictions apply. Valid January 19 - February 4, 2011 at Borgata.

* Food offers - must present 2011 Borgata Winter Poker Open tournament receipt, MyBorgata Card and valid ID to receive offer.