$500 + $60
Angelo Modica (Queens, NY) is pacing between tables as one of the short stacks with 50k. The average is 86k while one player is hovering in the 40-45k range.
"If I make the money it'll be a miracle," says Modica, who swore off tournaments a year ago. He says he's been strictly a cash player, but decided to reemerge in tourney play.
"One hand everbody, one hand," is the cry from floor manager Ray Morales who's looking to keep the game moving.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Event 22: On the Bubble
$500 + $60
Down to just 1100 chips Larry Gordon (Clarksville, MD) is on the button and moves all-in blind. The big blind and small blind check it down as Hamilton Dimaya (Saddle Brook, NJ) shows 10 high to win the side pot.
Gordon only needs one card higher than a 10 to win the pot. A slow roll reveals 8 4 and Dimaya scoops everything with 10 high, while Gordon is out in 20th place.
19 players remain and play is now hand for hand on the bubble. One more elimination and they hit the money.
Level 14 (1,500/3k/400 ante) is underway.
Down to just 1100 chips Larry Gordon (Clarksville, MD) is on the button and moves all-in blind. The big blind and small blind check it down as Hamilton Dimaya (Saddle Brook, NJ) shows 10 high to win the side pot.
Gordon only needs one card higher than a 10 to win the pot. A slow roll reveals 8 4 and Dimaya scoops everything with 10 high, while Gordon is out in 20th place.
19 players remain and play is now hand for hand on the bubble. One more elimination and they hit the money.
Level 14 (1,500/3k/400 ante) is underway.
Event 22: Grandieri Stays Alive
$500 + $60
Chip leader Pete Mavro loses 55k (1/6th of stack) to Dave Grandieri (Danbury, CT). All the chips are in preflop with Grandieri holding KK vs the AK of Mavro.
Mavro picks up a sweat on the turn, but the river bricks and Grandieri is up to 110k, while Mavro drops to 240k.
Grandieri, who's a telecommunications salesman, says he "loves the cash games" when a Borgata series is in full swing, but figured this $500 tournament was the perfect change of pace.
22 players remain (75k avg) as we're 3 bust outs from the bubble, 4 from the money.
Chip leader Pete Mavro loses 55k (1/6th of stack) to Dave Grandieri (Danbury, CT). All the chips are in preflop with Grandieri holding KK vs the AK of Mavro.
Mavro picks up a sweat on the turn, but the river bricks and Grandieri is up to 110k, while Mavro drops to 240k.
Grandieri, who's a telecommunications salesman, says he "loves the cash games" when a Borgata series is in full swing, but figured this $500 tournament was the perfect change of pace.
22 players remain (75k avg) as we're 3 bust outs from the bubble, 4 from the money.
Event 22: Poker Widows
$500 + $60
Nicole & Doreen Wait as the
Final Three Tables Play On
As the tournament creeps towards the money there are two lovely ladies who appear to be poker widows. It turns out it's the TJ Janotti (Broadheadsville, PA) fan club.
Doreen (mother) and Nicole (sister) are sweating TJ as we're less than 10 spots from the money.
Janotti has an average stack of 80k and the ladies are getting impatient, especially Nicole who has plans for Mur.Mur Monday.
Nicole & Doreen Wait as the Final Three Tables Play On
As the tournament creeps towards the money there are two lovely ladies who appear to be poker widows. It turns out it's the TJ Janotti (Broadheadsville, PA) fan club.
Doreen (mother) and Nicole (sister) are sweating TJ as we're less than 10 spots from the money.
Janotti has an average stack of 80k and the ladies are getting impatient, especially Nicole who has plans for Mur.Mur Monday.
Event 22: Hanging On
$500 + $60
Modica, Soul Survivor
When you get your initial table assignemtn it's always good to have a low number because tables always break high to low. So when you see table 1 you hope to stay there all day until the final table.
Meet Angelo Modica (Queens, NY), who's not only the last surviving member of table 1, but the best dressed player left in the tournament.
"If you can't play well, you might as well look good," says Modica who's nursing a short stack of 12k.
Modica's looking for a double up and a better story as to why he's actually wearing the shirt and tie.
Modica, Soul SurvivorWhen you get your initial table assignemtn it's always good to have a low number because tables always break high to low. So when you see table 1 you hope to stay there all day until the final table.
Meet Angelo Modica (Queens, NY), who's not only the last surviving member of table 1, but the best dressed player left in the tournament.
"If you can't play well, you might as well look good," says Modica who's nursing a short stack of 12k.
Modica's looking for a double up and a better story as to why he's actually wearing the shirt and tie.
Event 22: Dwyte Night is Over
$500 + $60
Dwyte Pilgrim's return from dinner break is a short one, thanks to Matt Selman (Brooklyn, NY), who says he's one of Pilgrim's "home boys."
Pilgrim, the 2010 Borgata Poker Open Champion, jams under the gun with AJ vs Selman's AQ in the small blind. The board runs clean and the former champion is out.
If things will be cool in the hood Selman says, "we'll see when I get upstairs," as Selman and Pilgrim are sharing a room here at Borgata.
Play is now on three tables as 29 players remain, the top 18 cash.
Dwyte Pilgrim's return from dinner break is a short one, thanks to Matt Selman (Brooklyn, NY), who says he's one of Pilgrim's "home boys."
Pilgrim, the 2010 Borgata Poker Open Champion, jams under the gun with AJ vs Selman's AQ in the small blind. The board runs clean and the former champion is out.
If things will be cool in the hood Selman says, "we'll see when I get upstairs," as Selman and Pilgrim are sharing a room here at Borgata.
Play is now on three tables as 29 players remain, the top 18 cash.
Event 22: Back From Break
$500 + $60
The 34 remaining players are back from dinner with an average stack of 48k.
Level 11 (600/1,200/200 ante) is underway as the cards are in the air!
The 34 remaining players are back from dinner with an average stack of 48k.
Level 11 (600/1,200/200 ante) is underway as the cards are in the air!
Event 21 Day 1B Recap
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
445 entries on day 1B swelled the total number of players for the Borgata Winter Open Championship to 718. Total buy-ins for this event are $2,369,400. The final 72 players will earn a piece with the eventual winner taking away $533,210.
The Day 1B field was sprinkled with a generous supply of World Series of Poker and World Poker Tour title holders. The most notable was Michael 'the Grinder' Mizrachi, who holds two WPT titles, one of which was won here in the Borgata Winter Poker Open/WPT Championship, January 2006. He also now has a WSOP bracelet, won in the $50,000 Player's Championship last summer. He did not survive the day, however, and will not be returning for day two.
Cornell Cimpan, who also has two WPT titles, didn't make it to the final bell on day two. Neither did WSOP Bracelet holders Robert Mizrachi, Jason Young, Dan Heimiller, nor James van Alstyne.
There were quite a few players with WSOP and/or WPT titles and it appears all the rest survived and will return for day two:
Eric Buchman
Jason DeWitt
Dan Heimiller
Ryan Hughes
Brian Lemke
Jeff Papola
Victor Ramdin
Vanessa Selbst
John Spadavecchia
Steve Sung
Yevgeniy Timoshenko
Robert Varkonyi
Overall chip leader going into day two is Joey Couden (Columbus, OH). He will return with 128,800.
Day two begins at 11am Tuesday here in the Event Center of the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa.
445 entries on day 1B swelled the total number of players for the Borgata Winter Open Championship to 718. Total buy-ins for this event are $2,369,400. The final 72 players will earn a piece with the eventual winner taking away $533,210.
The Day 1B field was sprinkled with a generous supply of World Series of Poker and World Poker Tour title holders. The most notable was Michael 'the Grinder' Mizrachi, who holds two WPT titles, one of which was won here in the Borgata Winter Poker Open/WPT Championship, January 2006. He also now has a WSOP bracelet, won in the $50,000 Player's Championship last summer. He did not survive the day, however, and will not be returning for day two.
Cornell Cimpan, who also has two WPT titles, didn't make it to the final bell on day two. Neither did WSOP Bracelet holders Robert Mizrachi, Jason Young, Dan Heimiller, nor James van Alstyne.
There were quite a few players with WSOP and/or WPT titles and it appears all the rest survived and will return for day two:
Eric Buchman
Jason DeWitt
Dan Heimiller
Ryan Hughes
Brian Lemke
Jeff Papola
Victor Ramdin
Vanessa Selbst
John Spadavecchia
Steve Sung
Yevgeniy Timoshenko
Robert Varkonyi
Overall chip leader going into day two is Joey Couden (Columbus, OH). He will return with 128,800.
Day two begins at 11am Tuesday here in the Event Center of the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa.
Event 22: Perfect 10s
$500 + $60
Mavro Makes Quads
On the second to last hand before the dinner break, Pete Mavro (Queens, NY) has pocket 10s and puts two players all-in.
Mavro: 10 10
Player 1: JJ
Player 2: AK
The flop is 10 10 5 and Mavro flops quads to take down an 80k pot.
Mavro has 265k and is the clear chip leader.
Mavro Makes QuadsOn the second to last hand before the dinner break, Pete Mavro (Queens, NY) has pocket 10s and puts two players all-in.
Mavro: 10 10
Player 1: JJ
Player 2: AK
The flop is 10 10 5 and Mavro flops quads to take down an 80k pot.
Mavro has 265k and is the clear chip leader.
Event 22: Pilgrim Hits the Nuts
$500 + $60
Just before the dinner break Dwyte Pilgrim is all-in for his last 7,200 and gets two callers, the biggest stack being Chris Lee (Rockville, MD).
Pilgrim: 2♠ 4♠ (at risk)
Lee: K♥ K♣
Player 3: 7♠ 5♥ (at risk)
As the dealer spreads the flop, Pilgrim says, "there's a start," as he sees a 5♦ and 3♣, but doesn't notice the 6♣ for a flopped straight. The table roars with surprise and laughter as the board runs clean and Pilgrim triples up.
"That's the second time I've doubled him up," says Lee as he watches Pilgrim stack the chips.
Players are on a one hour dinner break with play resuming at 8:40 pm
Just before the dinner break Dwyte Pilgrim is all-in for his last 7,200 and gets two callers, the biggest stack being Chris Lee (Rockville, MD).
Pilgrim: 2♠ 4♠ (at risk)
Lee: K♥ K♣
Player 3: 7♠ 5♥ (at risk)
As the dealer spreads the flop, Pilgrim says, "there's a start," as he sees a 5♦ and 3♣, but doesn't notice the 6♣ for a flopped straight. The table roars with surprise and laughter as the board runs clean and Pilgrim triples up.
"That's the second time I've doubled him up," says Lee as he watches Pilgrim stack the chips.
Players are on a one hour dinner break with play resuming at 8:40 pm
End of Day 1B Chip Leaders
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
At ten minutes before the end of the level, all players were instructed to play four more hands.
Most finished in a timely manner. However, over on table four, Jason DeWitt was in the tank. The board read A♠7♥2♥5♠T♥ and the player in seat one had bet 9,650. Jason thought for about 10 minutes. All the other players were done bagging and tagging and had left the room.
Jason continued to think, then finally called. His opponent showed A♥9♥ for the nut flush and the nutz to take the pot. (Jason mucked.) Then the last two players got to bag their chips.
About 353 players of the 445 who started day 1B made the cut and will return tomorrow at 11am for day 2.
Here are the top five stacks for day 1B:
Joey Couden - 128,800
Kyle Bowker - 100,950
Bill Stradley - 94,400
Steve Russell - 90,125
Will Heger - 89,975
At ten minutes before the end of the level, all players were instructed to play four more hands.
Most finished in a timely manner. However, over on table four, Jason DeWitt was in the tank. The board read A♠7♥2♥5♠T♥ and the player in seat one had bet 9,650. Jason thought for about 10 minutes. All the other players were done bagging and tagging and had left the room.
Jason DeWitt
Jason continued to think, then finally called. His opponent showed A♥9♥ for the nut flush and the nutz to take the pot. (Jason mucked.) Then the last two players got to bag their chips.
About 353 players of the 445 who started day 1B made the cut and will return tomorrow at 11am for day 2.
Here are the top five stacks for day 1B:
Joey Couden - 128,800
Kyle Bowker - 100,950
Bill Stradley - 94,400
Steve Russell - 90,125
Will Heger - 89,975
Event 22: 55 Players
$500 + $60 No Limit Hold'em
Only 55 players remain in the hunt for the top prize of $19,933. With only 18 getting paid, there is still a long way to go.
Blinds have gone up to 600/1,200 with 200 antes (level 10).
Only 55 players remain in the hunt for the top prize of $19,933. With only 18 getting paid, there is still a long way to go.
Blinds have gone up to 600/1,200 with 200 antes (level 10).
Grinding to a Halt
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
After Andy Lee (Ocean, NJ) opened, Michael 'the Grinder' Mizrachi shoved his last 11k from the big blind. Andy called, of course, since he held pocket Aces. Michael's pocket Queens were in bad shape. The board brought no help and Michael reported to the rail.
Just a few minutes remain before time to bag & tag for the night.
Michael Mizrachi
After Andy Lee (Ocean, NJ) opened, Michael 'the Grinder' Mizrachi shoved his last 11k from the big blind. Andy called, of course, since he held pocket Aces. Michael's pocket Queens were in bad shape. The board brought no help and Michael reported to the rail.
Just a few minutes remain before time to bag & tag for the night.
Victor Ramdin Napping
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Victor Ramdin
Victor Ramdin loves the Borgata structure and buy-in.
"You could squeeze three of these into the normal 10K buy-in and the payouts are decent." said Ramdin.
"Because I was playing Poker Stars so much last night, I was really tired. I set up at my table this morning, then left to take a three hour nap, then came back."
Ramdin is having a tough time at his recent table.
"I'm just hoping to make it through the next 20 minutes. Things aren't looking too good."
Ramdin made the right fold when I was there as his Opponent voluntarily showed him the nut full-house. "Just played a hand I shouldn't have against a tight player...not getting any information from the other players" said Victor.
Next up for Victor is an NAPT event next month.
"They should have more poker tournaments like these" complimented Victor.
Born in Georgetown Guyana, raised in the Bronx, Victor contributes a lot of time and money to his charity www.guyanawatch.org
Victor RamdinVictor Ramdin loves the Borgata structure and buy-in.
"You could squeeze three of these into the normal 10K buy-in and the payouts are decent." said Ramdin.
"Because I was playing Poker Stars so much last night, I was really tired. I set up at my table this morning, then left to take a three hour nap, then came back."
Ramdin is having a tough time at his recent table.
"I'm just hoping to make it through the next 20 minutes. Things aren't looking too good."
Ramdin made the right fold when I was there as his Opponent voluntarily showed him the nut full-house. "Just played a hand I shouldn't have against a tight player...not getting any information from the other players" said Victor.
Next up for Victor is an NAPT event next month.
"They should have more poker tournaments like these" complimented Victor.
Born in Georgetown Guyana, raised in the Bronx, Victor contributes a lot of time and money to his charity www.guyanawatch.org
Gonzo
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
These folks have already departed for parts unknown:
Ray Shackelford
James Romoser
Alexander Queen
36 tables remain, making 360 or fewer players still in action today. About 20 minutes to go before the end of the level and the day.
These folks have already departed for parts unknown:
Ray Shackelford
James Romoser
Alexander Queen
36 tables remain, making 360 or fewer players still in action today. About 20 minutes to go before the end of the level and the day.
Payouts
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
So for everyone who keeps asking how many entries we have, the official number is 718.
With this much prize money at stake we're in for a thrilling next few days.
Entries: 718
Total Buy-In: $2,369,400
Place-Amount
1 $533,210
2 $310,273
3 $189,611
4 $156,286
5 $126,407
6 $103,425
7 $ 82,740
8 $ 63,204
9 $ 43,669
10-12 $ 28,729
13-15 $ 20,685
16-18 $ 14,250
19-27 $ 12,181
28-36 $ 10,802
37-45 $ 9,653
46-54 $ 8,504
55-63 $ 7,584
64-72 $ 6,665
So for everyone who keeps asking how many entries we have, the official number is 718.
With this much prize money at stake we're in for a thrilling next few days.
Entries: 718
Total Buy-In: $2,369,400
Place-Amount
1 $533,210
2 $310,273
3 $189,611
4 $156,286
5 $126,407
6 $103,425
7 $ 82,740
8 $ 63,204
9 $ 43,669
10-12 $ 28,729
13-15 $ 20,685
16-18 $ 14,250
19-27 $ 12,181
28-36 $ 10,802
37-45 $ 9,653
46-54 $ 8,504
55-63 $ 7,584
64-72 $ 6,665
Patrick Lynch Mob
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Patrick Lynch (Brooklyn, NY)
Table 38 is the only table on the floor physically turned 90 degrees more than all the others. And its positioned front and center like a feature table would be.
It's playing different than the other tables in that there's been no monster starting hands. No Aces, No Kings, No Queen... Not too much is going on.
The only player on center stage according to Jerry Maher (Warren, NJ) is Patrick Lynch (Brooklyn, NY).
"Thin hands are good at 38" said Lynch, a stage actor in NY.
Jerry - "This guy's been getting it in with three-gappers and hitting rivers. Unbelievable."
Patrick rivered a set over set during Level 1 and has built his stack to 60,000.
Perhaps the source of his lucky hits is coming from his tiny elephant-holding-a-basketball card protector. Who knows?
If Lynch continues to catch flushes on rivers and turning poor starting hands into tournament gold, there will be no exit stage right for this thespian.
Lynch is keeping an eye on Paul Volpe and Lee Childs. Looks like if he can't win, he's rooting for them.
Patrick Lynch (Brooklyn, NY)Table 38 is the only table on the floor physically turned 90 degrees more than all the others. And its positioned front and center like a feature table would be.
It's playing different than the other tables in that there's been no monster starting hands. No Aces, No Kings, No Queen... Not too much is going on.
The only player on center stage according to Jerry Maher (Warren, NJ) is Patrick Lynch (Brooklyn, NY).
"Thin hands are good at 38" said Lynch, a stage actor in NY.
Jerry - "This guy's been getting it in with three-gappers and hitting rivers. Unbelievable."
Patrick rivered a set over set during Level 1 and has built his stack to 60,000.
Perhaps the source of his lucky hits is coming from his tiny elephant-holding-a-basketball card protector. Who knows?
If Lynch continues to catch flushes on rivers and turning poor starting hands into tournament gold, there will be no exit stage right for this thespian.
Lynch is keeping an eye on Paul Volpe and Lee Childs. Looks like if he can't win, he's rooting for them.
Bling Lurkers & WPT Titles
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
I found two more WSOP bracelet holders lurking in the field under baseball hats.
Eric Buchman just won his bracelet last summer ($2k Limit Hold'em).
Ryan Hughes has two bracelets, won in 2007 and 2008, both for Stud Hi/Lo.
Both happen to currently reside on table 17, which they are sharing with Borgata tournament regular Joanne Monteavarro.
Now on to the subject of WPT titles-holders playing today.
Victor Ramdin has one, Cornell Cimpan has two, Michael Mizrachi has two, Yevgeniy Timoshenko has one. That's all I know about in today's field.
I found two more WSOP bracelet holders lurking in the field under baseball hats.
Eric Buchman just won his bracelet last summer ($2k Limit Hold'em).
Ryan Hughes has two bracelets, won in 2007 and 2008, both for Stud Hi/Lo.
Ryan Hughes and Eric Buchman
Both happen to currently reside on table 17, which they are sharing with Borgata tournament regular Joanne Monteavarro.
Now on to the subject of WPT titles-holders playing today.
Victor Ramdin has one, Cornell Cimpan has two, Michael Mizrachi has two, Yevgeniy Timoshenko has one. That's all I know about in today's field.
Stress Release
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Farzad "Fred" Rouhani enjoys massage from Joanne
Tension building as the blinds slowly creep up and players begin to bust-out.
Level 6: Blinds 150 / 300
38 tables remain with average stack at 35,131
Farzad "Fred" Rouhani enjoys massage from JoanneTension building as the blinds slowly creep up and players begin to bust-out.
Level 6: Blinds 150 / 300
38 tables remain with average stack at 35,131
Krasner's Stock Going Up
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Told You He'd Be Back!
I warned Steve Krasner not to get mixed up between Mizrachi and Harder but did he listen?
Fortunately he only ended up taking a small hit over at table 45 before it was broken up.
The Terminator has been moved to a new table.
"Now I have to deal with Yeugeniy Timoshenko" said Krasner.
Yup, Yeugeniy is only a WPT Champ and has 3.5 million in tournament earnings, that's all.
Steve is a stock broker from Long Island. I guess buying and selling is a lot like calling and folding - you gotta use everything in your arsenal be it skill, or a hunch or a read.
Steve told me he wasn't intimidated to play against The Grinder, but did have a ton of fun. "Those guys were 3 and 4-betting like every hand" said Krasner.
Steve currently sits in good shape with 48,000 after his 6-4 of spades saw a diamond heavy flop of 6-6-J. Opponent turned a flush with the 7 of diamonds and "The Terminator" rivered a full-house when the 7 of clubs fell.
I'm starting to figure out that in the Borgata Winter Poker Open, every table is a difficult draw.
Steve got the nickname "The Terminator" when he knocked out virtually every player at his table making a deep day 1 run in last years Spring Poker Open.
Told You He'd Be Back!I warned Steve Krasner not to get mixed up between Mizrachi and Harder but did he listen?
Fortunately he only ended up taking a small hit over at table 45 before it was broken up.
The Terminator has been moved to a new table.
"Now I have to deal with Yeugeniy Timoshenko" said Krasner.
Yup, Yeugeniy is only a WPT Champ and has 3.5 million in tournament earnings, that's all.
Steve is a stock broker from Long Island. I guess buying and selling is a lot like calling and folding - you gotta use everything in your arsenal be it skill, or a hunch or a read.
Steve told me he wasn't intimidated to play against The Grinder, but did have a ton of fun. "Those guys were 3 and 4-betting like every hand" said Krasner.
Steve currently sits in good shape with 48,000 after his 6-4 of spades saw a diamond heavy flop of 6-6-J. Opponent turned a flush with the 7 of diamonds and "The Terminator" rivered a full-house when the 7 of clubs fell.
I'm starting to figure out that in the Borgata Winter Poker Open, every table is a difficult draw.
Steve got the nickname "The Terminator" when he knocked out virtually every player at his table making a deep day 1 run in last years Spring Poker Open.
Event 22: Payouts
$500 + $60 No Limit Hold'em
Number of Entries: 137
Total Buy-In: $68,500
Place Payout
1 $19,933
2 $10,963
3 $6,312
4 $5,315
5 $3,987
6 $3,322
7 $2,658
8 $1,993
9 $1,495
10-12 $1,329
13-15 $1,163
16-18 $997
Number of Entries: 137
Total Buy-In: $68,500
Place Payout
1 $19,933
2 $10,963
3 $6,312
4 $5,315
5 $3,987
6 $3,322
7 $2,658
8 $1,993
9 $1,495
10-12 $1,329
13-15 $1,163
16-18 $997
Possible Chip Leader?
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Nashaat Antonious has departed, courtesy of Michael Walsh (Port Washington, NY). Apparently Nashaat called off all his chips holding pocket Queens on the river with a board showing a pair of Tens, with straight and flush possibilities. Michael held pocket Tens for Quadzilla and gobbled up all of Nashaat's chips.
"Worst call I've ever seen" one of the players said, regarding Nashaat's river call. I don't know about that. In the five years I've been doing this, I've seen some real stinkers.
Michael is now up to ~103k and possibly the chip leader. To give some perspective, the end of day 1A chip leader, Louis Russo, finished up with 124,275 after six full levels.
Nashaat Antonious has departed, courtesy of Michael Walsh (Port Washington, NY). Apparently Nashaat called off all his chips holding pocket Queens on the river with a board showing a pair of Tens, with straight and flush possibilities. Michael held pocket Tens for Quadzilla and gobbled up all of Nashaat's chips.
Michael Walsh
"Worst call I've ever seen" one of the players said, regarding Nashaat's river call. I don't know about that. In the five years I've been doing this, I've seen some real stinkers.
Michael is now up to ~103k and possibly the chip leader. To give some perspective, the end of day 1A chip leader, Louis Russo, finished up with 124,275 after six full levels.
Quadballs
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Jack Kashishian
Two quads at the same table by two different gentlemen.
The first at the hand of Jack Kashishian (Edgewater, NJ).
Flop came 8-7-3 rainbow. Jack raised 4200 causing Opponent to jam.
Of course Kashishian called tabling 8-7 off suit. Jack needed help, up against pocket Aces of Opponent.
Then the miracle runner, runner, fell 7 - 7 - giving Jack Quads for the knock-out blow.
"And you can quote me...I'm gonna win this tournament" said Kashishian.
The second round of quads were gifted to Steve Russell (Coolville, OH) who saw pocket Queens improve to four Queens on the flop.
Steve slowed down and let an Opponent catch a flush on the river.
Wow, there really is a town called Coolville - I'd love to live there.
Level 5: Blinds 100/200 with 25 antes.
Jack KashishianTwo quads at the same table by two different gentlemen.
The first at the hand of Jack Kashishian (Edgewater, NJ).
Flop came 8-7-3 rainbow. Jack raised 4200 causing Opponent to jam.
Of course Kashishian called tabling 8-7 off suit. Jack needed help, up against pocket Aces of Opponent.
Then the miracle runner, runner, fell 7 - 7 - giving Jack Quads for the knock-out blow.
"And you can quote me...I'm gonna win this tournament" said Kashishian.
The second round of quads were gifted to Steve Russell (Coolville, OH) who saw pocket Queens improve to four Queens on the flop.
Steve slowed down and let an Opponent catch a flush on the river.
Wow, there really is a town called Coolville - I'd love to live there.
Level 5: Blinds 100/200 with 25 antes.
Break Time Updates
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Level 4 is done and players are taking their second and last break of the day. When they return, they will play two more levels, then call it a night.
Here are some random chip counts provided by players:
James Boyle - 42k
Jeremy McLaughlin - 65k
Jason Young - 12k
Josh Brikis - 49k
Mike Summers - 38k
James van Alstyne - 18k (lost a pot with AK vs. Aces just before break)
Level 4 is done and players are taking their second and last break of the day. When they return, they will play two more levels, then call it a night.
Here are some random chip counts provided by players:
James Boyle - 42k
Jeremy McLaughlin - 65k
Jason Young - 12k
Josh Brikis - 49k
Mike Summers - 38k
James van Alstyne - 18k (lost a pot with AK vs. Aces just before break)
Tied Up With Townsend
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Charlie "Bow-Tie" Townsend
Charlie did not lose a prop bet. He told fellow PPI guys, Gene Castro and Eric Siegel he was going to wear a bow-tie today and sure enough, here it is.
Charlie has 35,000 in chips. "It's been a tough table" admitted Townsend who has opened a lot of pots and taken most down on the river.
Four knockouts overall at the table so far - one guy had three sets already.
How do you tie one of these things anyway?
I'm suddenly in the mood for some Orville Redenbacher popcorn.
Charlie "Bow-Tie" TownsendCharlie did not lose a prop bet. He told fellow PPI guys, Gene Castro and Eric Siegel he was going to wear a bow-tie today and sure enough, here it is.
Charlie has 35,000 in chips. "It's been a tough table" admitted Townsend who has opened a lot of pots and taken most down on the river.
Four knockouts overall at the table so far - one guy had three sets already.
How do you tie one of these things anyway?
I'm suddenly in the mood for some Orville Redenbacher popcorn.
Event 22: 90 Players Remain
$500 + $60 No Limit Hold'em
137 players entered today and 90 of them still have a shot at winning it.
Approaching the end of level 6 now and then they'll get a break.
Play will resume after the break with Level 7, blinds of 300/600 and 75 antes.
137 players entered today and 90 of them still have a shot at winning it.
Approaching the end of level 6 now and then they'll get a break.
Play will resume after the break with Level 7, blinds of 300/600 and 75 antes.
"The Grinder" Is In The House
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Grinder vs. Harder
Table 45 was the last table to set up before the 4:00 registration close-out deadline.
Michael "The Grinder" Mizrachi came in late because as he told me, "he was tired".
Grinder's brother Robert is also playing in the Championship Event.
Borgata is excited to have Michael back as he is defending his 2006 Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship Title.
Mizrachi took a hit early but plenty of time and chips to recover.
Within the first ten hands, Christian Harder on the button woke up to pocket kings and took down a healthy pot against The Grinder who was holding nines.
How about 7 bets pre-flop between these heavy weights.
Raise, re-raise, re-re-raise, re-re-re-raise, re-re-re-re-raise.
"They're already taking all my money" joked Grinder.
Christian has 54,000 and Grinder's got 13,500.
Another familiar face at the table sitting between Harder and Mizrachi is Steve "The Terminator" Krasner.
Careful Steve, the bullets are flying at 45 and you don't want to get caught in the crossfire.
Grinder vs. HarderMichael "The Grinder" Mizrachi came in late because as he told me, "he was tired".
Grinder's brother Robert is also playing in the Championship Event.
Borgata is excited to have Michael back as he is defending his 2006 Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship Title.
Mizrachi took a hit early but plenty of time and chips to recover.
Within the first ten hands, Christian Harder on the button woke up to pocket kings and took down a healthy pot against The Grinder who was holding nines.
How about 7 bets pre-flop between these heavy weights.
Raise, re-raise, re-re-raise, re-re-re-raise, re-re-re-re-raise.
"They're already taking all my money" joked Grinder.
Christian has 54,000 and Grinder's got 13,500.
Another familiar face at the table sitting between Harder and Mizrachi is Steve "The Terminator" Krasner.
Careful Steve, the bullets are flying at 45 and you don't want to get caught in the crossfire.
Little Women
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Ginger Little (Charlotte, NC)
Mary Ann or Ginger? I'm betting on Ginger.
Although Ginger's having a tough time with her table nemesis, NAZ, who is sitting to her left.
"It's as if he can see through my cards. He calls everything" complained Ginger.
Naz was apologetic as you could tell the two were just having fun with each other.
Otherwise, Ginger says she feels confident and is hanging in there.
Ginger Little (Charlotte, NC)Mary Ann or Ginger? I'm betting on Ginger.
Although Ginger's having a tough time with her table nemesis, NAZ, who is sitting to her left.
"It's as if he can see through my cards. He calls everything" complained Ginger.
Naz was apologetic as you could tell the two were just having fun with each other.
Otherwise, Ginger says she feels confident and is hanging in there.
Event 22: Teutonico Talks Trash
$500 + $60 No Limit Hold'em
Level 6: Blinds are up to 200/400 with 50 antes now.
Another player in this event today is Vincent Teutonico (Staten Island, NY). When I asked why he decided to play this event, he said "Because I tried twice to satellite in to the [$3,300] main event, but didn't win a seat, so I'm playing the $500." Then he joked "my wife changed the locks, so I couldn't go home".
Vincent has a couple of cashes here at Borgata and likes to play the tournaments here. He played in event 2, the $300 No Limit event, (which was eventually won by Steve Dannenmann) and finished 38th for $681.
Level 6: Blinds are up to 200/400 with 50 antes now.
Another player in this event today is Vincent Teutonico (Staten Island, NY). When I asked why he decided to play this event, he said "Because I tried twice to satellite in to the [$3,300] main event, but didn't win a seat, so I'm playing the $500." Then he joked "my wife changed the locks, so I couldn't go home".
Vincent Teutonico
Victor Looking For Victory
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Ali Eslami (Los Angeles)
Ali Eslami (Los Angeles)Vanessa Selbst is sitting between two live wires at table ten.
One is Ali Eslami from Los Angeles and the other is Victor Ilyukhin.
Victor is originally from Moscow but now lives and plays poker in London. He's battled with Ali Eslami before, over in the UK.
Victor Ilyukhin
One is Ali Eslami from Los Angeles and the other is Victor Ilyukhin.
Victor is originally from Moscow but now lives and plays poker in London. He's battled with Ali Eslami before, over in the UK.
Victor IlyukhinVictor sporting a V neck shirt - sort of.
"Good players at this table. What a great structure" said Victor.
Oh yeah, by the way, Ali Eslami is going to win the tournament. At least that's according to someone at table and hint, hint, it wasn't Victor or Vanessa.
"Good players at this table. What a great structure" said Victor.
Oh yeah, by the way, Ali Eslami is going to win the tournament. At least that's according to someone at table and hint, hint, it wasn't Victor or Vanessa.
Table From Hell
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
You register late, you take your chances.
Late entering players risk getting placed at the same table if a new table has to be created to accommodate them. Looks like that's what happened back on table 42, which is currently the last table in action.
"Table from Hell" is how Taemee Feuer described it. She's in seat one, facing these opponents:
3 - Chris Klodnicki (1 WSOPC Ring, 1 Borgata Deepstack Win, over $1.8 million lifetime)
4 - Steve Sung (1 WSOP Bracelet, over $3 million lifetime)
5 - Alexander Queen (won Borgata Spring Open Championship 2010)
8 - Yevgeniy Timoshenko (1 WPT Title, 1 APT Title, over $3.4 million lifetime)
Taemee is no slouch herself. She's got one Borgata Deepstack win on her resume, but I can see how someone would be intimidated facing these guys at the table.
You register late, you take your chances.
Late entering players risk getting placed at the same table if a new table has to be created to accommodate them. Looks like that's what happened back on table 42, which is currently the last table in action.
Taemee Feuer, James Vanneman, Chris Klodnicki, Steve Sung, Alexander Queen
"Table from Hell" is how Taemee Feuer described it. She's in seat one, facing these opponents:
3 - Chris Klodnicki (1 WSOPC Ring, 1 Borgata Deepstack Win, over $1.8 million lifetime)
4 - Steve Sung (1 WSOP Bracelet, over $3 million lifetime)
5 - Alexander Queen (won Borgata Spring Open Championship 2010)
8 - Yevgeniy Timoshenko (1 WPT Title, 1 APT Title, over $3.4 million lifetime)
Yevgeniy Timoshenko
Taemee is no slouch herself. She's got one Borgata Deepstack win on her resume, but I can see how someone would be intimidated facing these guys at the table.
Campagna Cracks Up Table
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Anthony Campagna
Anthony CampagnaAnthony Campagna currently at 41,000 answered all my interview questions as a dead-on Arnold Schwarzenegger. He had the entire table in stitches.
Other than Campagna's impersonations, it's been a quiet table except for a couple of early knock-outs.
I asked Campagna how this tournament compared to the WSOP where he finished 38th at the main event in 2008?
"I play everywhere and this is the best place to play in the country. Venetian is a close second but the quality of play with a smaller field is much better here."
Anthony plays at Borgata 25 weeks a year. He also pointed out that yesterday was tournament players and today are internet junkies.
He's now calling Maria Shriver to tell her Kal-i-forn-ia isn't as good for poker as New Jersey.
Believe me now and hear me later...
Other than Campagna's impersonations, it's been a quiet table except for a couple of early knock-outs.
I asked Campagna how this tournament compared to the WSOP where he finished 38th at the main event in 2008?
"I play everywhere and this is the best place to play in the country. Venetian is a close second but the quality of play with a smaller field is much better here."
Anthony plays at Borgata 25 weeks a year. He also pointed out that yesterday was tournament players and today are internet junkies.
He's now calling Maria Shriver to tell her Kal-i-forn-ia isn't as good for poker as New Jersey.
Believe me now and hear me later...
Tweets Don't Fail Me Now
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Twitter has taken over the world as far as social networking goes...and poker is nothing if not a social game. Several players here today are tweeting updates as they play. Here's a sampling of some recent tweets.
Twitter has taken over the world as far as social networking goes...and poker is nothing if not a social game. Several players here today are tweeting updates as they play. Here's a sampling of some recent tweets.
Good day of value betting the worst hand so far.. Down to 25k after getting up to 39k really quick
29k after two levels. 75/150 only playing 6 levels today ending at 150/300 25
@SLOPPYKLOD showing his gangster side getting me to fold aces n shows 3 high
32k @BorgataPoker 1st break.
Down to 35k from 45k. Knew kid was going to squeeze and he did so I 4bet and cold caller had aces and I lost some chips :(
James Boyle Kills Em With Kindness
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
PPI Championship Seat Winner
Nobody is having more fun at Borgata Winter Poker Open than James Boyle who accumulated the most PPI points in all of the BWO and is playing for free today.
He's having a ball and looking at a stack of 42,000.
Funny thing is Boyle won a satellite seat in yesterday's 3pm, which he took cash for instead.
Since he already had a seat he was able to stay calm and have a good time playing. Although one Opponent was picking on James so he told him "I'm so confident you won't win this thing that I'll lay you 5 to 1 odds and I'll make another bet that I do win it." He wouldn't bet but on the very next hand same Opponent shoved all in with A-Q and Boyle snap called with A-J.
With complete confidence Boyle tells him, "Don't get excited. You're going home. There's not a chance you win this pot." Right on cue, a Jack in the window, gave Boyle the win.
"That guy stormed out and almost blew a gasket" laughed Boyle who credited all of it to karma.
Today as he was telling the table about his lucky hand, he looked down and got it - K-8.
Ended up catching a flush with it.
People guessed Aces or Kings.
One player said, "it must be some sort of funky hand".
Boyle tabled the winning K-8 and now everyone knows what his favorite two cards are.
PPI Championship Seat WinnerJames Boyle
Nobody is having more fun at Borgata Winter Poker Open than James Boyle who accumulated the most PPI points in all of the BWO and is playing for free today.
He's having a ball and looking at a stack of 42,000.
Funny thing is Boyle won a satellite seat in yesterday's 3pm, which he took cash for instead.
Since he already had a seat he was able to stay calm and have a good time playing. Although one Opponent was picking on James so he told him "I'm so confident you won't win this thing that I'll lay you 5 to 1 odds and I'll make another bet that I do win it." He wouldn't bet but on the very next hand same Opponent shoved all in with A-Q and Boyle snap called with A-J.
With complete confidence Boyle tells him, "Don't get excited. You're going home. There's not a chance you win this pot." Right on cue, a Jack in the window, gave Boyle the win.
"That guy stormed out and almost blew a gasket" laughed Boyle who credited all of it to karma.
Today as he was telling the table about his lucky hand, he looked down and got it - K-8.
Ended up catching a flush with it.
People guessed Aces or Kings.
One player said, "it must be some sort of funky hand".
Boyle tabled the winning K-8 and now everyone knows what his favorite two cards are.
Event 22: Castillo Looking for Another Cash
$500 + $60 No Limit Hold'em
Currently playing in Level 4 with blinds of 100/200.
Bonnie Castillo is here from West Friendship, Maryland. She loves coming to Bogata and was here last week when she played two events, including the Pot Limit Omaha event. She came close in both, but failed to make the money.
Bonnie is no stranger to the payout window. She has cashed in several events here at Borgata over the last few years. She's also cashed in a few Ladies events, including the 2010 WSOP Ladies event, where she finished 83rd for $2,166.
Back home in Maryland, Bonnie owns a coffee shop, which is currently up for sale. She would like to retire and become a poker pro.
When she's not at the tournament tables, she's down in the poker room playing $1/2 or $2/5 No Limit.
Currently playing in Level 4 with blinds of 100/200.
Bonnie Castillo is here from West Friendship, Maryland. She loves coming to Bogata and was here last week when she played two events, including the Pot Limit Omaha event. She came close in both, but failed to make the money.
Bonnie Castillo
Bonnie is no stranger to the payout window. She has cashed in several events here at Borgata over the last few years. She's also cashed in a few Ladies events, including the 2010 WSOP Ladies event, where she finished 83rd for $2,166.
Back home in Maryland, Bonnie owns a coffee shop, which is currently up for sale. She would like to retire and become a poker pro.
When she's not at the tournament tables, she's down in the poker room playing $1/2 or $2/5 No Limit.
What? Me Worry?
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Grant Lang...not Alfred E. Newman
Grant Lang...not Alfred E. NewmanIn between hands I noticed Grand Lang from Connecticut continue to handle a string of brown beads. Don't think he was saying a rosary so I asked him about them.
Turns out they are Greek and were given to him by a Greek poker player who would manipulate them to stay calm. They're called kobboloi worry beeds - and used to alleviate stress.
"I'm a fidgety guy so this gives me something to play with...they're pretty cool," said Lang who has just a couple thousand over the starting 30,000 stacks.
Worry not Grant, plenty of time to pick up some hands and make some moves.
Turns out they are Greek and were given to him by a Greek poker player who would manipulate them to stay calm. They're called kobboloi worry beeds - and used to alleviate stress.
"I'm a fidgety guy so this gives me something to play with...they're pretty cool," said Lang who has just a couple thousand over the starting 30,000 stacks.
Worry not Grant, plenty of time to pick up some hands and make some moves.
Vannicola Vanished
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Kevin Vannicola (Toronto) who tore it up in the Bahamas during the PokerStars Carribean Adventure, making three final tables and over $168,000, has blanked here during the Borgata Winter Open.
Today he got his chips in good holding pocket Kings on a King-high flop against a player who held AQ for top/top. Another Queen hit the turn and Vannicola reported to the rail. "How does someone put their tournament life on this line this early with top pair?" he wondered. That's a question for poker minds greater than mine.
Kevin Vannicola (Toronto) who tore it up in the Bahamas during the PokerStars Carribean Adventure, making three final tables and over $168,000, has blanked here during the Borgata Winter Open.
Kevin Vannicola
Today he got his chips in good holding pocket Kings on a King-high flop against a player who held AQ for top/top. Another Queen hit the turn and Vannicola reported to the rail. "How does someone put their tournament life on this line this early with top pair?" he wondered. That's a question for poker minds greater than mine.
Three Outs & Hits Two
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Brad Kavanagh Busts Player Outta Here!
Brad Kavanagh Busts Player Outta Here!Really haven't been too many significant bustouts to report since we started with 30,000 and players seem to be playing somewhat carefully.
Having said that, Brad Kavanagh (Berlin, NY) just crushes Opponents pocket Kings and dreams when his A-Q finds gold. Queen on the flop, Queen on the turn gets the job done.
"A little dirty, not proud of it" said Kavanagh as he scooped.
Brad is up to 57,000.
Having said that, Brad Kavanagh (Berlin, NY) just crushes Opponents pocket Kings and dreams when his A-Q finds gold. Queen on the flop, Queen on the turn gets the job done.
"A little dirty, not proud of it" said Kavanagh as he scooped.
Brad is up to 57,000.
Who's Got Bling?
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Players are still arriving and late registration will be allowed for a while, but on my early passes through the crowd, I have spotted nine WSOP bracelet holders in attendance today (in no particular order):
James van Alstyne
John Spadavecchia
Dan Heimiller
Jason Young
Jeff Papola
Robert Mizrachi
Vanessa Selbst
(Click > to view the slideshow.)
* Late arrivals or folks I missed earlier:
Michael Mizrachi
Steve Sung
Brian Lemke
My apologies if I missed anyone -- please let me know!
Players are still arriving and late registration will be allowed for a while, but on my early passes through the crowd, I have spotted nine WSOP bracelet holders in attendance today (in no particular order):
Jason deWitt
Robert VarkonyiJames van Alstyne
John Spadavecchia
Dan Heimiller
Jason Young
Jeff Papola
Robert Mizrachi
Vanessa Selbst
(Click > to view the slideshow.)
* Late arrivals or folks I missed earlier:
Michael Mizrachi
Steve Sung
Brian Lemke
My apologies if I missed anyone -- please let me know!
Full House For Level 3
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Who Wants To Win This Thing?
Who Wants To Win This Thing?Players have returned from break ready to tackle Level 3.
I know it's level 3 because our Beautiful Borgata Hosts, Dominique & Holly just walked past holding up giant "3" boards.
Hang on 'cause we still got a lot of exciting poker to play today.
Level 3: Blinds 75 /150
I know it's level 3 because our Beautiful Borgata Hosts, Dominique & Holly just walked past holding up giant "3" boards.
Hang on 'cause we still got a lot of exciting poker to play today.
Level 3: Blinds 75 /150
Second Guessing
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Some action hands before the break:
In a 15,000 pot, Hoven Nguyn (MD) tables Queens full of eights on a board of A-Q-7-8-8 to beat up on an Ace-Jacker. Nice 5,215 value bet earns Hoven the victory.
At another table, I see a board of:
9♦ 10♣ 8♣ J♣ Q♣ and Tony Antonious in the tank. Opponent says, "You know how to make a good fold right?" And right after that comment, Antonious folds.
Immediately he second guesses himself as Opponent seems much too eager and happy to get away from the table grinning. "You had the king of clubs, right" asked Opponent.
Tony did have the club king and still folded. "Now I don't think he even had a club...oh well, I'm still ahead for the day" said Tony.
We'll never know...that's poker.
Some action hands before the break:
In a 15,000 pot, Hoven Nguyn (MD) tables Queens full of eights on a board of A-Q-7-8-8 to beat up on an Ace-Jacker. Nice 5,215 value bet earns Hoven the victory.
At another table, I see a board of:
9♦ 10♣ 8♣ J♣ Q♣ and Tony Antonious in the tank. Opponent says, "You know how to make a good fold right?" And right after that comment, Antonious folds.
Immediately he second guesses himself as Opponent seems much too eager and happy to get away from the table grinning. "You had the king of clubs, right" asked Opponent.
Tony did have the club king and still folded. "Now I don't think he even had a club...oh well, I'm still ahead for the day" said Tony.
We'll never know...that's poker.
Break Time for Main Event
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
End of level two and players are rewarded with a 15 minute break. They're filing out of the event center to enjoy some time away from the stress and chip riffling on the felt.
End of level two and players are rewarded with a 15 minute break. They're filing out of the event center to enjoy some time away from the stress and chip riffling on the felt.
Vanessa Goes to (Value) Town
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
On the river on a King-high board, Vanessa Selbst makes a value bet. After a little thought, her opponent calls to see Vanessa's AK (top pair/top kicker). He mucks his hand and Vanessa collects another pot.
Vanessa's table is mostly full of folks that I don't recognize, but on her immediate right is Walter Harris, who went deep in the $2k No Limit event just a couple of days ago. He finished 18th for $4,056.
'Lucky Lee' Kirsch already got lucky once today...sort of...by not going broke with a full house. On a board of K 9 5 x K, Lee had a full house with his K5, but Nashaat Antonious on his right had K9 for the bigger boat. "I've still got chips" he said, which sure makes him Lucky Lee today.
On the river on a King-high board, Vanessa Selbst makes a value bet. After a little thought, her opponent calls to see Vanessa's AK (top pair/top kicker). He mucks his hand and Vanessa collects another pot.
Vanessa's table is mostly full of folks that I don't recognize, but on her immediate right is Walter Harris, who went deep in the $2k No Limit event just a couple of days ago. He finished 18th for $4,056.
'Lucky Lee' Kirsch already got lucky once today...sort of...by not going broke with a full house. On a board of K 9 5 x K, Lee had a full house with his K5, but Nashaat Antonious on his right had K9 for the bigger boat. "I've still got chips" he said, which sure makes him Lucky Lee today.
Victor Ramdin Scaring Players
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Steve Fiorentini & Jessica Desantis
Steve Fiorentini & Jessica DesantisSteve Fiorentini is playing a few seats over from 2006 Foxwoods WPT champ Victor Ramdin.
"You know who's in our four seat? That's Victor Ramdin. He scares the hell out of me" said Fiorentini who realizes he's playing with some of the best of the best.
Jessica Desantis also should be feared as she just scooped a nice pot flopping top pair and a strong flush draw.
"Yeah, Victor is very aggressive" said Jessica.
"You know who's in our four seat? That's Victor Ramdin. He scares the hell out of me" said Fiorentini who realizes he's playing with some of the best of the best.
Jessica Desantis also should be feared as she just scooped a nice pot flopping top pair and a strong flush draw.
"Yeah, Victor is very aggressive" said Jessica.
Event 22: Bajek's Back at Borgata
$500 + $60 No Limit Hold'em
Joseph Bajek (Yardville, NJ) is a retiree who is here at Borgata to play tournaments quite often. In April of 2010 during the Spring Poker Open, he made the final table of the $260 Seniors No Limit tournament, finishing 9th for $1,226.
Last week he was here with his wife and played the $500 No Limit event finishing 36th and cashing for $998. He tried the 7pm tournament last week, but didn't cash, so he figured he would try to repeat his success by playing this $500 event.
Just a few minutes remain in level two, then players will be rewarded with a ten minute break.
Joseph Bajek (Yardville, NJ) is a retiree who is here at Borgata to play tournaments quite often. In April of 2010 during the Spring Poker Open, he made the final table of the $260 Seniors No Limit tournament, finishing 9th for $1,226.
Joseph Bajek
Last week he was here with his wife and played the $500 No Limit event finishing 36th and cashing for $998. He tried the 7pm tournament last week, but didn't cash, so he figured he would try to repeat his success by playing this $500 event.
Just a few minutes remain in level two, then players will be rewarded with a ten minute break.
Seat Change, I Mean Seat Filler
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
David Henderson - 'Karate Mike' Santoros - Chris Lovett
David Henderson - 'Karate Mike' Santoros - Chris LovettYou know how at award shows like the Oscars or Emmys, when audience members go to the bathroom, somebody is paid to sit in their seat so the TV coverage shows a full house? Did they start doing that at Borgata? Not exactly...
David Henderson (Long Island, NY) stepped out to catch a smoke and somebody a little shorter and heavier sat in his seat. He proceeded to look at David's cards and actually made a call without anyone noticing.
Just then 'Karate' Mike Santoros realized and asked, "Wait a second, who are you? What happened to the other guy?" Guess the table crasher somehow got table 8 confused with table 20 where he was supposed to sit at.
When Henderson returned and found out what happened he said, "must have been a good hand if he called...probably the best I had all day".
Chris Lovett loved the entire episode and is still laughing about it.
David Henderson (Long Island, NY) stepped out to catch a smoke and somebody a little shorter and heavier sat in his seat. He proceeded to look at David's cards and actually made a call without anyone noticing.
Just then 'Karate' Mike Santoros realized and asked, "Wait a second, who are you? What happened to the other guy?" Guess the table crasher somehow got table 8 confused with table 20 where he was supposed to sit at.
When Henderson returned and found out what happened he said, "must have been a good hand if he called...probably the best I had all day".
Chris Lovett loved the entire episode and is still laughing about it.
Event 22: Pilgrim In the House
$500 + $60 No Limit Hold'em
Dwyte Pilgrim won the Borgata Poker Open WPT event here last September, good for over $733k. But when the returning champion arrived late yesterday to play the main event, he didn't last long. "They ganged up on me" he said "it wasn't a good day".
Nevertheless, he's back today to play in this event.
Blinds are now up to 50/100 for level 2.
Dwyte Pilgrim
Dwyte Pilgrim won the Borgata Poker Open WPT event here last September, good for over $733k. But when the returning champion arrived late yesterday to play the main event, he didn't last long. "They ganged up on me" he said "it wasn't a good day".
Nevertheless, he's back today to play in this event.
Blinds are now up to 50/100 for level 2.
Irish Poker Posse
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Railing For Margaret Keegan (NY)
Railing For Margaret Keegan (NY)Margaret Keegan has her poker face on while she plays in the Championship Event.
At the same time, behind her, six of her friends and family (Joan, Nuala, Geri, Joel, Marie, & John), are cheering and supporting her every play.
I asked Margaret if it felt good knowing so many people were rooting her on - "Definitely so" said Keegan.
The happy bunch is originally from Ireland but currently reside in NY.
At the same time, behind her, six of her friends and family (Joan, Nuala, Geri, Joel, Marie, & John), are cheering and supporting her every play.
I asked Margaret if it felt good knowing so many people were rooting her on - "Definitely so" said Keegan.
The happy bunch is originally from Ireland but currently reside in NY.
Breaking Up Is Easy To Do
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Fresh off his 2nd place finish in Event 20: 6 max, Borgata regular John Lakatosh is seated at a far away table, one of the first few for sure to be broken up.
John's hitting sets and broadway somehow is still down in chips.
"Guess I'll have to stop playing every hand" quipped Lakatosh.
"I'd rather play at one table where I know I'll be for the rest of the day" explained John.
After still recovering from the 22.5 hour marathon tournament, John has to be careful not to play the Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship like a sprint.
Fresh off his 2nd place finish in Event 20: 6 max, Borgata regular John Lakatosh is seated at a far away table, one of the first few for sure to be broken up.
John's hitting sets and broadway somehow is still down in chips.
"Guess I'll have to stop playing every hand" quipped Lakatosh.
"I'd rather play at one table where I know I'll be for the rest of the day" explained John.
After still recovering from the 22.5 hour marathon tournament, John has to be careful not to play the Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship like a sprint.
Early Double Up
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Early double up for Andy Pada (NJ) who caught lucky on the river, hitting a set.
Losing Opponent had Andy covered but still seemed pretty steamed about it.
Level 2: Blinds 50 / 100
Still got a ton of poker to play here so be patient people.
Early double up for Andy Pada (NJ) who caught lucky on the river, hitting a set.
Losing Opponent had Andy covered but still seemed pretty steamed about it.
Level 2: Blinds 50 / 100
Still got a ton of poker to play here so be patient people.
Home Field Advantage
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Wooyang J. Lin
Wooyang J. LinWooyang Lin outfitted in his Borgata Poker uniform.
He's played in every Poker Open since its inception, even bragging that his Borgata account number is one of the lowests on record.
Wooyang has his trademark boxing glove card protector and is ready to defend punches and blows coming from the table.
With all that Borgata garb on, Wooyang has given himself the home field advantage.
He's played in every Poker Open since its inception, even bragging that his Borgata account number is one of the lowests on record.
Wooyang has his trademark boxing glove card protector and is ready to defend punches and blows coming from the table.
With all that Borgata garb on, Wooyang has given himself the home field advantage.
Ryan's Hope
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Steve Ryan (New York, NY)
Steve Ryan (New York, NY)Steve was jealous that he wasn't around to celebrate with his friend Ryan Eriquezzo who won Event 20: 6-max Sunday morning. I was there and it definitely was a great time after the 22.5 hour tournament ended.
"Got back this morning and missed it all. Good to seem Ryan smiling again" said Steve an avid music lover and singer.
See if Steve can win some Dough Re Mi money this week.
"Got back this morning and missed it all. Good to seem Ryan smiling again" said Steve an avid music lover and singer.
See if Steve can win some Dough Re Mi money this week.
Event 22: Cards in the Air
$500 + $60 No Limit Hold'em
Cards are in the air in the back of the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa Event Center where players are still taking their seats for today's other event.
Day 1B of the main event is going on up front, but for those who aren't rolled for that pricey event, or didn't win their way in via satellite, or can't commit to a 5-day event, this tournament is just right.
It's a one-day tournament, starting with 12,000 chips and 40 minute levels. Play will continue until one player has all the chips.
Level 1 blinds are 25/50.
Cards are in the air in the back of the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa Event Center where players are still taking their seats for today's other event.
Day 1B of the main event is going on up front, but for those who aren't rolled for that pricey event, or didn't win their way in via satellite, or can't commit to a 5-day event, this tournament is just right.
It's a one-day tournament, starting with 12,000 chips and 40 minute levels. Play will continue until one player has all the chips.
Level 1 blinds are 25/50.
Heimiller Juiced Up
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Dan Heimiller - Pair of O-J Suited
Dan Heimiller - Pair of O-J SuitedDan Heimiller (Las Vegas, NV) had a light breakfast and is ready to rock and roll towards the 2 million dollar prize-pool.
"This is the best tournament in the world this week" stated Dan who left the LA Classic to fly in and play today.
Dan should know as he made the final WPT - television table and finished 3rd for $387,000 right here in the September 2008 Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship.
"This is the best tournament in the world this week" stated Dan who left the LA Classic to fly in and play today.
Dan should know as he made the final WPT - television table and finished 3rd for $387,000 right here in the September 2008 Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship.
Vanessa Selbst - Bursting With Excitement
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Vanessa Selbst
Vanessa SelbstArguably the best female poker player in the world has begun her Borgata Championship run.
At age 26, with over 4 million in live tournament poker winnings and a ton more on-line, Vanessa isn't just the best woman player, but one of the best overall players.
The Brooklyn girl has 6 first place finishes and a WSOP bracelet in Pot Limit Omaha.
Fresh off a sixth place 53,000 PokerStars Sunday Million score last night, Vanessa is back at the felt this morning, feeling excited about the Championship Event, and ready to go deep.
"Should be a good field...this is a really good structure" said Selbst.
Her strategy at least for the first few levels, "slow and steady".
At age 26, with over 4 million in live tournament poker winnings and a ton more on-line, Vanessa isn't just the best woman player, but one of the best overall players.
The Brooklyn girl has 6 first place finishes and a WSOP bracelet in Pot Limit Omaha.
Fresh off a sixth place 53,000 PokerStars Sunday Million score last night, Vanessa is back at the felt this morning, feeling excited about the Championship Event, and ready to go deep.
"Should be a good field...this is a really good structure" said Selbst.
Her strategy at least for the first few levels, "slow and steady".
Larry Gold In Pittsburgh Black & Gold
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Payback Time
Larry Gold pays up prop bet he lost with Josh Brikis.
Gold, a huge Jets fan is forced today at the Championship Event to wear a Mendenham Steelers jersey.
"Feels a lot more uncomfortable than I thought. Couldn't get out of the elevator without people giving me a hard time" said Gold.
Payback TimeLarry Gold pays up prop bet he lost with Josh Brikis.
Gold, a huge Jets fan is forced today at the Championship Event to wear a Mendenham Steelers jersey.
"Feels a lot more uncomfortable than I thought. Couldn't get out of the elevator without people giving me a hard time" said Gold.
Yesterday's Chips
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Gavin Smith ended with 73,075
Adam "Lippy" Lippert - 69,100
Dean Shultz - 33,150
David Inselberg - 33,050
Eric Siegel 30,000
Sheree Bykofsky 24,050
Steven Dannenmann 20,625
Mike Sica Jr - 14,650
Gordon Eng 14,300
John Dagostino 12,625
Matt Affleck 11,700
Chip leader from yesterday is Louis Russo with 124,275
Gavin Smith ended with 73,075
Adam "Lippy" Lippert - 69,100
Dean Shultz - 33,150
David Inselberg - 33,050
Eric Siegel 30,000
Sheree Bykofsky 24,050
Steven Dannenmann 20,625
Mike Sica Jr - 14,650
Gordon Eng 14,300
John Dagostino 12,625
Matt Affleck 11,700
Chip leader from yesterday is Louis Russo with 124,275
Away We Go
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Dominique launches Level 1
Day1 B in the No Limit Holde-em Championship Event is underway.
Borgata Event Center is packed and buzzing with excitement.
Spot lights are flashing and moving against every wall as players shuffle in and arrive at their seats.
Spokesmodels Dominique and Holly are looking beautiful and ready to host Borgata's main event.
This is what it's all about.
Players start with 30,000 chips and each level lasts 75 minutes.
Button in seat 7.
Shuffle up and Deal!
Dominique launches Level 1Day1 B in the No Limit Holde-em Championship Event is underway.
Borgata Event Center is packed and buzzing with excitement.
Spot lights are flashing and moving against every wall as players shuffle in and arrive at their seats.
Spokesmodels Dominique and Holly are looking beautiful and ready to host Borgata's main event.
This is what it's all about.
Players start with 30,000 chips and each level lasts 75 minutes.
Button in seat 7.
Shuffle up and Deal!
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Event 22: No Action
$500 + $60
After a full level of hand-for-hand play there hasn't been one called all-in. There are still a couple of short stacks as the blinds are now 2k/4k/500 ante.
After a full level of hand-for-hand play there hasn't been one called all-in. There are still a couple of short stacks as the blinds are now 2k/4k/500 ante.
Event 21 Day 1A Recap
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
The 2011 Borgata Winter Poker Open got off to a great start today with 273 players opting for day 1A action. They played six levels and about 205 of those players survived and will enjoy Monday off, then return on Tuesday at 11am for day two.
There are some notable day 1A players who will NOT be returning for day 2. Dwyte Pilgrim, who won the Borgata Poker Open WPT Championship in September 2010 arrived late and left early. Dan Spirer won the $1,000 buy-in 6-Max event in September, but he could not overcome his table of ten today and left early. Also gone is Matt Glantz, who has one small cash during this series to add to his more than $3.2 million lifetime tournament earnings.
There were six WSOP bracelet holder in the field today: Miami John Cernuto, Mike 'Little Man' Sica, Mike Gracz, Chris Reslock, Matt Matros, and Gavin Smith. All six survived and will return for day two.
Borgata online contest winner Fritz Stoner also made the cut. He will return for day two with 44,900 chips.
Day 1B begins at 11am Monday with a fresh batch of players.
The 2011 Borgata Winter Poker Open got off to a great start today with 273 players opting for day 1A action. They played six levels and about 205 of those players survived and will enjoy Monday off, then return on Tuesday at 11am for day two.
There are some notable day 1A players who will NOT be returning for day 2. Dwyte Pilgrim, who won the Borgata Poker Open WPT Championship in September 2010 arrived late and left early. Dan Spirer won the $1,000 buy-in 6-Max event in September, but he could not overcome his table of ten today and left early. Also gone is Matt Glantz, who has one small cash during this series to add to his more than $3.2 million lifetime tournament earnings.
There were six WSOP bracelet holder in the field today: Miami John Cernuto, Mike 'Little Man' Sica, Mike Gracz, Chris Reslock, Matt Matros, and Gavin Smith. All six survived and will return for day two.
Borgata online contest winner Fritz Stoner also made the cut. He will return for day two with 44,900 chips.
Day 1B begins at 11am Monday with a fresh batch of players.
End of Day 1A Chip Leaders
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
With ten minutes remaining in level 6, Tab Duchateau instructed all tables to play four more hands, then bag & tag.
198 players survived day 1A and will return Tuesday. A full list with chip counts will be posted when available.
For now, the top seven stacks are:
Louis Russo - 124,275
Tom Hu - 116,975
Eric 'clown fish' Doerr - 107,750
David Poulterer - 107,200
David Parades - 103,500
Trevor Savage - 99,950
Andrew (Keyyong) Song - 96,200
With ten minutes remaining in level 6, Tab Duchateau instructed all tables to play four more hands, then bag & tag.
198 players survived day 1A and will return Tuesday. A full list with chip counts will be posted when available.
For now, the top seven stacks are:
Louis Russo - 124,275
Tom Hu - 116,975
Eric 'clown fish' Doerr - 107,750
David Poulterer - 107,200
David Parades - 103,500
Trevor Savage - 99,950
Andrew (Keyyong) Song - 96,200
Chan Can Fold
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Over on table sixteen, Feming Chan (bb) and Roland Israelashvilli (hijack) had made it to the river. The board read A♥K♦9♥7♠Q♥. Roland had bet 10,100 and action was to Feming, who was in the tank. "Show if I fold?" Feming asked.
Like the consummate professional that he is, Roland didn't say a word or make a move. Feming mucked. Roland passed his cards to the dealer and as the dealer was washing the deck for the next hand, he says "Show him the nut flush" knowing that his cards are already in the mix. The table got a chuckle out of it.
Over on table sixteen, Feming Chan (bb) and Roland Israelashvilli (hijack) had made it to the river. The board read A♥K♦9♥7♠Q♥. Roland had bet 10,100 and action was to Feming, who was in the tank. "Show if I fold?" Feming asked.
Feming Chan (far left) and Roland Israelashvilli (far right)
Like the consummate professional that he is, Roland didn't say a word or make a move. Feming mucked. Roland passed his cards to the dealer and as the dealer was washing the deck for the next hand, he says "Show him the nut flush" knowing that his cards are already in the mix. The table got a chuckle out of it.
Witchita Tornado
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Adam Wessley isn't in Kansas anymore, but he's playing like a tornado. After building his stack to 80k he's all-in and his opponent hits a two outer for a 160k pot.
Wessley is tilted as he drops to 3k, but puts together a rally. He flops two pairs, is all-in for 10k and gets two callers. Wessley's hand holds up against 99 and 10 10 and he now has 37k.
One player at the table says he should feel fortunate to which Wessley quips, "there's no way I hold on to these chips for rest of the night."
Adam Wessley isn't in Kansas anymore, but he's playing like a tornado. After building his stack to 80k he's all-in and his opponent hits a two outer for a 160k pot.
Wessley is tilted as he drops to 3k, but puts together a rally. He flops two pairs, is all-in for 10k and gets two callers. Wessley's hand holds up against 99 and 10 10 and he now has 37k.
One player at the table says he should feel fortunate to which Wessley quips, "there's no way I hold on to these chips for rest of the night."
Goners
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
These folks are missing from the floor and have apparently been eliminated:
Jeremy Schwartz
Chris Bell
Dan Spirer
Abe Korotki
Christopher Edwards
Joe Degeorge
23 tables are still in action. The ambient sound level in the room has increased. You can tell players are getting restless as they know the end is in sight.
These folks are missing from the floor and have apparently been eliminated:
Jeremy Schwartz
Chris Bell
Dan Spirer
Abe Korotki
Christopher Edwards
Joe Degeorge
23 tables are still in action. The ambient sound level in the room has increased. You can tell players are getting restless as they know the end is in sight.
Last Level of the Night
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
As play starts to wind down, play is getting a little more aggressive. On a board of 5♥ K♦ 9♣ K♥ 10♥, Josh Lazzinnaro bets 15k and gets a crying call from his opponent.
Lazzinnaro shows A♣ K♣ for trip kings; his opponent mucks. Lazzinnaro is looking for another deep run after an 8th place finish ($9,615) in Event 6
The action is switching to the blue deck for the last 75 minutes of play as Level 6 (150/300/50 ante) is underway.
As play starts to wind down, play is getting a little more aggressive. On a board of 5♥ K♦ 9♣ K♥ 10♥, Josh Lazzinnaro bets 15k and gets a crying call from his opponent.
Lazzinnaro shows A♣ K♣ for trip kings; his opponent mucks. Lazzinnaro is looking for another deep run after an 8th place finish ($9,615) in Event 6
The action is switching to the blue deck for the last 75 minutes of play as Level 6 (150/300/50 ante) is underway.
MIA
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
A couple of players are missing in action. 2010 Borgata Poker Open Champion is on the rail as is
Matt Glantz. All-ins are becoming more frequent as Level 5 continues.
They'll play one more level before Day 1A shuts down. All remaining players are off Monday, as Day 1B takes center stage. The field merges Tuesday for Day 2.
A couple of players are missing in action. 2010 Borgata Poker Open Champion is on the rail as is
Matt Glantz. All-ins are becoming more frequent as Level 5 continues.
They'll play one more level before Day 1A shuts down. All remaining players are off Monday, as Day 1B takes center stage. The field merges Tuesday for Day 2.
Lerner's Lucky Elephant
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Leonid Lerner is originally from Russia, but now lives in New York. Although he claims not to speak English well, he certainly speaks poker.
He has several cashes here at Borgata and won the $1,000 buy-in $250,000 Guaranteed Double-Play tournament here last October. That win was good for over $101,000.
Perhaps it is his lucky elephant card protector.
Leonid Lerner is originally from Russia, but now lives in New York. Although he claims not to speak English well, he certainly speaks poker.
Leonid Lerner
He has several cashes here at Borgata and won the $1,000 buy-in $250,000 Guaranteed Double-Play tournament here last October. That win was good for over $101,000.
Perhaps it is his lucky elephant card protector.
273 Players for Day 1A
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Players have returned from break and begun level 5 with blinds of 100/200 and 25 antes.
Final player count for today was 273 (last year was 275). 24 tables are still in action, meaning 240 or fewer players remain for day 1A.
Players have returned from break and begun level 5 with blinds of 100/200 and 25 antes.
Final player count for today was 273 (last year was 275). 24 tables are still in action, meaning 240 or fewer players remain for day 1A.
Bianco Shows the Bluff
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
On the river, the board read K 9 5 5 6 and Benny Bianco (utg+1) fired 10k. Gavin Smith (bb) let out what could only be called a growl, and said "I don't know what to do".
He tanked for a moment, counted out the chips, checked out what he would have left, then opted for the fold. Benny showed him QJ offsuit for squa-doosh. "I knew it!" Gavin said.
Level 4 has ended and players are enjoying their second and last break of the day. They will play two more levels and call it a night.
On the river, the board read K 9 5 5 6 and Benny Bianco (utg+1) fired 10k. Gavin Smith (bb) let out what could only be called a growl, and said "I don't know what to do".
Gavin Smith (far left) and Benny Bianco (far right)
He tanked for a moment, counted out the chips, checked out what he would have left, then opted for the fold. Benny showed him QJ offsuit for squa-doosh. "I knew it!" Gavin said.
Level 4 has ended and players are enjoying their second and last break of the day. They will play two more levels and call it a night.
Mystery Chip Leader
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Over on table seven, the player in seat nine has taken an early chip lead with about 135k. The players at his table are calling him the "Mystery Man" because they can't figure him out.
He remains a mystery to us, too. When I asked for his name to go in the blog, he said "Do I have to? I'd rather not."
Over on table seven, the player in seat nine has taken an early chip lead with about 135k. The players at his table are calling him the "Mystery Man" because they can't figure him out.
Mystery Man
He remains a mystery to us, too. When I asked for his name to go in the blog, he said "Do I have to? I'd rather not."
Palermo Plugging Along
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Leonardo Looking Good
Every Borgata Open one player emerges as a fresh new face. In September 2010 it was Giussepe Pantaleo, who had two final tables and three cashes.
Now meet Leonardo Palermo who's made several deep runs with 3rd and 4th place finishes, to go along with one additional cash. Palermo has taken down nearly $55,000 in the Borgata Winter Open. His career earnings before the series: $6,000.
In today's Day 1A Palermo has been holding steady, but says he just dusted off 12k with a river bluff on a board of K K 5 5 2. Palermo is holding counterfeited pocket 4s, while his opponent calls with pocket 6s.
"It was a good call," as Palermo shows respect with a 25k stack, just 5k below the starting count.
Leonardo Looking Good Every Borgata Open one player emerges as a fresh new face. In September 2010 it was Giussepe Pantaleo, who had two final tables and three cashes.
Now meet Leonardo Palermo who's made several deep runs with 3rd and 4th place finishes, to go along with one additional cash. Palermo has taken down nearly $55,000 in the Borgata Winter Open. His career earnings before the series: $6,000.
In today's Day 1A Palermo has been holding steady, but says he just dusted off 12k with a river bluff on a board of K K 5 5 2. Palermo is holding counterfeited pocket 4s, while his opponent calls with pocket 6s.
"It was a good call," as Palermo shows respect with a 25k stack, just 5k below the starting count.
Degeorge Getting It Done
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Currently in level 4, blinds 100/200.
Joe Degeorge is here from upstate New York to play today. He comes about once a month to play tournaments here at Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa. He owns four businesses, which his sons are running, which is what gives him the freedom to come play whenever he wants.
Although Joe hasn't booked any big wins here yet, he made his mark at the WSOP last summer with three cashes. In the main event, he finished in 428th place, earning $31,647.
Currently in level 4, blinds 100/200.
Joe Degeorge is here from upstate New York to play today. He comes about once a month to play tournaments here at Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa. He owns four businesses, which his sons are running, which is what gives him the freedom to come play whenever he wants.
Joe Degeorge
Although Joe hasn't booked any big wins here yet, he made his mark at the WSOP last summer with three cashes. In the main event, he finished in 428th place, earning $31,647.
No Clowning Around
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Eric Hits Doerr Card
When Eric "Clown Fish" Doerr walks into the Event Center he's hard to miss and his self deprecating humor is infectious. Unfortunately for Tom Savitsky, Doerr's double belly buster straight draw was nearly invisible.
Doerr is holding Q♦ 10♦ on a flop of J♦ 8♥ 2♣ giving him a gutter ball straight draw and a backdoor flush draw. The turn is the A♦ and opens up a ton of outs as Doerr picks up the
double belly buster and flush draws.
The river is the 9♣ for the nut straight and Savitsky has no idea he's in trouble. Doerr leads for 6k, Savitsky moves all-in for 22k and Doerr snap calls.
Savitsky turns over A♣ A♥ for a turned set of aces and is stunned that he's just been knocked out of the tournament.
"It was impossible to see," says Doerr who has 81k, nearly three times the starting stack while playing level 3.
Eric Hits Doerr CardWhen Eric "Clown Fish" Doerr walks into the Event Center he's hard to miss and his self deprecating humor is infectious. Unfortunately for Tom Savitsky, Doerr's double belly buster straight draw was nearly invisible.
Doerr is holding Q♦ 10♦ on a flop of J♦ 8♥ 2♣ giving him a gutter ball straight draw and a backdoor flush draw. The turn is the A♦ and opens up a ton of outs as Doerr picks up the
double belly buster and flush draws.
The river is the 9♣ for the nut straight and Savitsky has no idea he's in trouble. Doerr leads for 6k, Savitsky moves all-in for 22k and Doerr snap calls.
Savitsky turns over A♣ A♥ for a turned set of aces and is stunned that he's just been knocked out of the tournament.
"It was impossible to see," says Doerr who has 81k, nearly three times the starting stack while playing level 3.
Volper Vetoes Query
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Nikolay Volper is playing day 1A today and hoping to go deep. He has played some other events during this series, but has yet to cash. He won big in the 2010 Borgata Summer Open where he finished 2nd in a Deepstack, earning over $45k.
He's originally from Bulgaria, but now lives in New York. When I asked if he would answer some questions, he said "Too early for questions...maybe later".
Nikolay Volper is playing day 1A today and hoping to go deep. He has played some other events during this series, but has yet to cash. He won big in the 2010 Borgata Summer Open where he finished 2nd in a Deepstack, earning over $45k.
Nikolay Volper
He's originally from Bulgaria, but now lives in New York. When I asked if he would answer some questions, he said "Too early for questions...maybe later".
Acting Out
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Fiske Finds Way to Main Event
Brian Fiske is making his first trip to Borgata, thanks to a Sunday in September when he won a charity poker tournament in New York City. As one of the event sponsors supporting the LAByrinth Theatre Company, Borgata put up an all expense paid trip, including an entry into the Main Event, as the top prize.
"You can't beat a free trip," says the hedge fund manager. "This is great."
Fiske says he plays on-line poker, and is excited to participate in the Championship Event. After today's play he plans on relaxing at the spa and retiring to his luxurious suite.
Fiske Finds Way to Main EventBrian Fiske is making his first trip to Borgata, thanks to a Sunday in September when he won a charity poker tournament in New York City. As one of the event sponsors supporting the LAByrinth Theatre Company, Borgata put up an all expense paid trip, including an entry into the Main Event, as the top prize.
"You can't beat a free trip," says the hedge fund manager. "This is great."
Fiske says he plays on-line poker, and is excited to participate in the Championship Event. After today's play he plans on relaxing at the spa and retiring to his luxurious suite.
Basketball vs. Tennis
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Twenty-six tables (ten-handed) are in action here in the event center. With 30,000 starting chips, it should take a while for players to go broke. Nevertheless, several have managed to do so already. The rest are working their stacks, playing their hands, and catching a little sports on the big screens. In the front of the room, their choices are college basketball or Australian Open Tennis.
College Basketball vs. Australian Open Tennis
Twenty-six tables (ten-handed) are in action here in the event center. With 30,000 starting chips, it should take a while for players to go broke. Nevertheless, several have managed to do so already. The rest are working their stacks, playing their hands, and catching a little sports on the big screens. In the front of the room, their choices are college basketball or Australian Open Tennis.
Passing Time
Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship
Long Day for Rohan
Starting with 600 big blinds and levels lasting 75 minutes means players need a distraction from the endless string of 9-3, 7-2 and 8-5. Rohan Long is reading "The Book of Five Rings," while Bo Toft focuses on a crossword puzzle.
5 Down, 4 Letters - New Poker Player, Slang
Long Day for RohanStarting with 600 big blinds and levels lasting 75 minutes means players need a distraction from the endless string of 9-3, 7-2 and 8-5. Rohan Long is reading "The Book of Five Rings," while Bo Toft focuses on a crossword puzzle.
5 Down, 4 Letters - New Poker Player, Slang
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