$350 + $50 Pot Limit Omaha H/L
Tommy Blank (Stamford, CT) 101k
Allyn Marshall (Long Branch, NJ) 92k
Larry Gold (Medford, NY) 80k
Eddie Espino (Piscataway, NJ) 69k
Brian Woods (Lutherville, MD) 58k
Woods is a Borgata regular took home nearly $100,000 in the 2010 Borgata Winter Poker Open by winning Event 1.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Event 15: Nosey Neighbors
$350 + $50 Pot Limit Omaha H/L
Jeff Duvall (London, England) and Larry Gold (Medford, NY) have gotten to know each other over the past year. In January they finished 1-2 in the Borgata Winter Poker Open HOSE event, with Duvall taking the title.
Now they're neighbors as the tournament creeps towards the bubble. Gold is one of the bigger stacks with 80k, while Gold is close behind with 65k.
Gold & Duvall
Jeff Duvall (London, England) and Larry Gold (Medford, NY) have gotten to know each other over the past year. In January they finished 1-2 in the Borgata Winter Poker Open HOSE event, with Duvall taking the title.
Now they're neighbors as the tournament creeps towards the bubble. Gold is one of the bigger stacks with 80k, while Gold is close behind with 65k.
Event 14: B.R.E.A.K
$200 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
Remaining 57 players are on a break. When they return blinds balloon to 20,000 / 40,000 with 4,000 antes.
Darlene "Action" Jackson (Staten Island, NY) is short stack with five bigs left. She'll need a miracle comeback to outlast May Siu for the Last Woman Standing Title.
Darlene has some railbirds cheering her on...sister Barbara and Staten Island poker pal Marguerite Spagnuolo (who will be playing in tomorrow's tournament).
Remaining 57 players are on a break. When they return blinds balloon to 20,000 / 40,000 with 4,000 antes.
Darlene "Action" Jackson (Staten Island, NY) is short stack with five bigs left. She'll need a miracle comeback to outlast May Siu for the Last Woman Standing Title.
Darlene has some railbirds cheering her on...sister Barbara and Staten Island poker pal Marguerite Spagnuolo (who will be playing in tomorrow's tournament).
Event 12: Harder Takes Game One
$3000 + $200 Heads Up NLH (Best 2 of 3)
Christian Harder defeats Travis Greenawalt to win the first game of the championship match.
Another win for Harder gives him the title and $61,690, while Greenawalt needs to win game two to force a third and championship decider.
All A-Board, One Match From Crowning a Champ
Christian Harder defeats Travis Greenawalt to win the first game of the championship match.
Another win for Harder gives him the title and $61,690, while Greenawalt needs to win game two to force a third and championship decider.
Event 14: May Flowering
$200 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
May Siu - 1,300,000
Borgata regular May Siu is smiling after patiently building her stack up to 1.3 million. Then again, she always seems to be smiling.
May told me she dropped from 800,000 to 500,000 after a tiny misstep. UTG shoved with KK, next player called with AA, and May called drawing dead to a straight with A-K.
Easy to laugh about now since she has since double that amount through normal grinding of a pot here and a pot there.
Her infamous shirt will remain censored by this blogger but had the guys at the table laughing as they showed their support.
67 players remain.
May Siu - 1,300,000Borgata regular May Siu is smiling after patiently building her stack up to 1.3 million. Then again, she always seems to be smiling.
May told me she dropped from 800,000 to 500,000 after a tiny misstep. UTG shoved with KK, next player called with AA, and May called drawing dead to a straight with A-K.
Easy to laugh about now since she has since double that amount through normal grinding of a pot here and a pot there.
Her infamous shirt will remain censored by this blogger but had the guys at the table laughing as they showed their support.
67 players remain.
Event 15: Just the Facts
$350 + $50 Pot Limit Omaha H/L
Number of Entrants: 120
Players Remaining: 41
Chips In Play: 1.44 million
Average Stack: 35k (29 BB)
Blinds: 600/1,200
Total Buy-In: $42,000
First Prize: $12,222
Places Paid: 18
Number of Entrants: 120
Players Remaining: 41
Chips In Play: 1.44 million
Average Stack: 35k (29 BB)
Blinds: 600/1,200
Total Buy-In: $42,000
First Prize: $12,222
Places Paid: 18
Event 14: The Dustbuster
$200 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
Matthew Piccolo - Million Dollar Man
Matthew Piccolo - Million Dollar ManNew chip-leader Matthew Piccolo is up to 1.1 million after receiving a half-a-million re-ship gift from a player holding only wired fives on the flop. Piccolo hit a set of tens, called the all in, busted a player, and now is stacked-up.
Couple guys at the table are calling Matthew "The Dustbuster".
When I look around the room, it appears that table 6 is having the most fun. A lot of jokes and jabs to go around.
Amongst the jesters quietly sits Earl King (Colts Neck, NJ) who won a three-way all in with Aces then doubled up with Aces a few orbits later. Earl had 900,000 which means table 6 is the table to watch and has a ton of chips in play.
Couple guys at the table are calling Matthew "The Dustbuster".
When I look around the room, it appears that table 6 is having the most fun. A lot of jokes and jabs to go around.
Amongst the jesters quietly sits Earl King (Colts Neck, NJ) who won a three-way all in with Aces then doubled up with Aces a few orbits later. Earl had 900,000 which means table 6 is the table to watch and has a ton of chips in play.
RIP - Tom Noyes
“Tom Mark 'Em Down” Noyes
1928-2011
Poker lost an ambassador with the passing of Tom Noyes, 83, earlier this summer. His family, led by his poker playing brother Dr. Will Noyes, held a memorial in his hometown of Clarks Summit, PA last weekend.
"I'm relieved and happy that he no longer has to suffer and that he's with the Lord," says Noyes, who's back at Borgata for the first time since his brother's death of cancer complications from multiple myeloma. "I've gotten a lot of cards, emails and phone calls," adding, "it's nice to hear from so many people."
It was one year ago this week that Tom recorded the last win of his career in the Seniors Event of the Borgata Poker Open. It was a banner 2010 Open for Noyes as just two days earlier he finished second in PLO for a combined total of more than $31,000.
"He was a tough old bird," says James Boyd, a poker veteran who has played often with the Noyes brothers. "He was tough to play against and he wasn't afraid to put his chips in the pot."
Tom was known in the poker world as "Mark 'Em Down," for his days in the auto industry when he gave his customers a mark down on used cars. After retiring from several different careers, Noyes was most comfortable at the poker table, especially with his brother which the blog featured during the 2010 Spring Borgata Poker Open.
"I loved him," says Bill Seymour, another old school player, who joined Dr. Will and Boyd in the PLO tournament where they traded laughs and stories about Tom. "He used to torture me," Seymour explains, "and it seemed like he drew out on me every time."
Tom, who was five years older than his brother, taught Dr. Will to play cards when the doc was only seven years old. "We were a card playing family," says Dr. Will who notes that his mother Anita was an international bridge champion. "we were always playing bridge or pinocle."
On this card playing day Dr. Will didn't get any help from his brother as he wasn't catching cards or hitting flops and was eliminated just before the dinner break.
"I will always miss my brother," he says, "but time marches on."
Dr. Will's First Tournament Back
Brothers at Borgata
(file photo)
Event 14: Dugan Doing Good
$200 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
William Dugan - Chip Leader - 800,000
83 players remain.
We started with 1218.
1st place gets $51,974.
William Dugan - Chip Leader - 800,000William Dugan (Ventnor, NJ) looking down at 800,000 and practically doubled after his aces held against an A-J Donk shove. What was A-J thinking? There's still so much tournament left and he tangles with the only guy at the table who has him covered?
One player had a million in chips but dropped down to 600,000 - that makes William Dugan the chip leader. Of course several other players are in the 700,000 range so things can change quickly.
One player had a million in chips but dropped down to 600,000 - that makes William Dugan the chip leader. Of course several other players are in the 700,000 range so things can change quickly.
83 players remain.
We started with 1218.
1st place gets $51,974.
Event 14: Play Continues
$200 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
Michael Watters & Ian White
Michael Watters (Queens, NY) & Ian White (Winchester, VA) coming back from the break and telling fish stories. Ian and Michael have been next to each other all day. Ian complimented Michael on making more than one excellent lay-down.
Michael had a "Why not" moment calling off all his chips at risk holding only K-Q. Turned out both players shoving in front of him had 7-8. K-Q was good.
Ian White called Borgata the best casino on the East Coast and wishes he wasn't a four hour drive away.
We're playing this tournament down to one winner tonight, or this morning.
30,450,000 total chips in play.
$243,60 Toal Buy-in.
Michael Watters & Ian WhiteMichael Watters (Queens, NY) & Ian White (Winchester, VA) coming back from the break and telling fish stories. Ian and Michael have been next to each other all day. Ian complimented Michael on making more than one excellent lay-down.
Michael had a "Why not" moment calling off all his chips at risk holding only K-Q. Turned out both players shoving in front of him had 7-8. K-Q was good.
Ian White called Borgata the best casino on the East Coast and wishes he wasn't a four hour drive away.
We're playing this tournament down to one winner tonight, or this morning.
30,450,000 total chips in play.
$243,60 Toal Buy-in.
Event 14: Sick Bubble
$200 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
Ted Kaplun (Philadelphia, PA) was just announced as the bubble which lead the remaining 100 players to applaud and celebrate and head out for a break.
I tracked Ted down in the lobby. He was shook-up a bit but was nice enough to provide details.
A players he's had a read on all day opened for 40,000.
Ted 3-beat to 100,000 and Opponent jammed. He had Ted covered by only a couple thousand chips.
Ted calls and tables A-K offsuit. Opponent shows A-K of spades.
Turn and river comes runner, runner spade-spade for the unlikely flush and the bubble bursting busto.
100th place gets $473.
101st gets a pat on the back.
Ted Kaplun (Philadelphia, PA) was just announced as the bubble which lead the remaining 100 players to applaud and celebrate and head out for a break.
I tracked Ted down in the lobby. He was shook-up a bit but was nice enough to provide details.
A players he's had a read on all day opened for 40,000.
Ted 3-beat to 100,000 and Opponent jammed. He had Ted covered by only a couple thousand chips.
Ted calls and tables A-K offsuit. Opponent shows A-K of spades.
Turn and river comes runner, runner spade-spade for the unlikely flush and the bubble bursting busto.
100th place gets $473.
101st gets a pat on the back.
Event 12: Heads Up for Heads Up Title
$3000 + $200 Heads Up NLH (Best 2 of 3)
Christian Harder and Travis Greenawalt are underway in their heads up title match. The winner takes home $61,690 while the runner-up gets $30,846.
Harder vs Greenawalt
Christian Harder and Travis Greenawalt are underway in their heads up title match. The winner takes home $61,690 while the runner-up gets $30,846.
Event 14: Girl Power
$200 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
Geraldine Rodriquez & Renata Colache
Geraldine Rodriquez & Renata ColacheGeraldine Rodriquez just got a new address and find herself seated next to another female poker player. "She's the first lady I've seen all day and now I'm next to her" said Rodriquz, a construction engineer from Woodbridge, NJ.
Renata Colache (Clayton, NJ) is feeling good after making a move with 7-8 up against A-K and hitting a straight. "I only had 7 bigs left" explained Renata, a business development officer.
Still a few woman left as we near the bubble. We'll see if Geraldine or Renata will be the Last Woman Standing or if they'll take down Event 14.
Good luck Girls!
Renata Colache (Clayton, NJ) is feeling good after making a move with 7-8 up against A-K and hitting a straight. "I only had 7 bigs left" explained Renata, a business development officer.
Still a few woman left as we near the bubble. We'll see if Geraldine or Renata will be the Last Woman Standing or if they'll take down Event 14.
Good luck Girls!
Event 12: 3rd/4th Place Finishers
$3000 + $200 Heads Up NLH (Best 2 of 3)
Ryan Hall and Matt Maccaroni both lose in the semifinals and take home $15,423.
Ryan Hall and Matt Maccaroni both lose in the semifinals and take home $15,423.
Matt Maccaroni (Hamilton Square, NJ)
$15,423
$15,423
Ryan Hall (Hockessin, DE)
$15,423
$15,423
Event 12: Greenawalt Grinds to Victory
$3000 + $200 Heads Up NLH (Best 2 of 3)
Travis Greenawalt is into the finals after defeating Matt Maccaroni 2 games to 1.
Greenawalt dropped the first game, but rallies to take the next two. He's now playing Christian Harder for the championship and the $61,690 first prize.
Maccaroni collects $15,423 for losing in the semis.
Travis Greenawalt is into the finals after defeating Matt Maccaroni 2 games to 1.
Greenawalt dropped the first game, but rallies to take the next two. He's now playing Christian Harder for the championship and the $61,690 first prize.
Maccaroni collects $15,423 for losing in the semis.
Event 14: Running Down Sharks
$200 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
Emmanuel Kouhaiz Hits Runner Runner
Emmanuel Kouhaiz Hits Runner RunnerThere are a lot of sharks and fish in every poker tournament and Emmanuel Kouhaiz is hunting the sharks. He literally swims with sharks as he is in the scuba business. Check out his very heavy, specially crafted watch - it can go down 5000 feet.
Emmanuel opens for 55,000. Player to his right ships all in for another 85,000. Another player also jams holding less chips. Emmanuel senses he's behind but figures he has everyone covered and he's priced in to call.
Emmanuel shows QJ vs KQ vs AQ. So basically he's dead to a Jack.
Flop comes 2-9-A. Now he's dead to two Jacks.
Turn J.
Emmanuel stands and says "Another Jack".
Opponent with A-Q is standing and biting the collar of his t-shirt.
River Jack falls.
Opponent grits teeth and tears apart his shirt (really happened).
Emmanuel says - "This is how you survive when you play with sharks. I love America. I love this casino."
So two players are knocked out and the shark hunter stacks up to 580,000.
Funny sidenote: Emmanuel played so much at Borgata he earned enough for a Black Card in two days.
Emmanuel opens for 55,000. Player to his right ships all in for another 85,000. Another player also jams holding less chips. Emmanuel senses he's behind but figures he has everyone covered and he's priced in to call.
Emmanuel shows QJ vs KQ vs AQ. So basically he's dead to a Jack.
Flop comes 2-9-A. Now he's dead to two Jacks.
Turn J.
Emmanuel stands and says "Another Jack".
Opponent with A-Q is standing and biting the collar of his t-shirt.
River Jack falls.
Opponent grits teeth and tears apart his shirt (really happened).
Emmanuel says - "This is how you survive when you play with sharks. I love America. I love this casino."
So two players are knocked out and the shark hunter stacks up to 580,000.
Funny sidenote: Emmanuel played so much at Borgata he earned enough for a Black Card in two days.
Event 12: Rubber Match
$3000 + $200 Heads Up NLH (Best 2 of 3)
Travis Greenawalt rallies to take game 2 of his semifinal match with Matt Maccaroni. The rubber game is underway. The winner takes on Christian Harder for the $61,690 first prize.
Travis Greenawalt rallies to take game 2 of his semifinal match with Matt Maccaroni. The rubber game is underway. The winner takes on Christian Harder for the $61,690 first prize.
Level 14: Seeing Forrest Thru The Woods
$200 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
Woods & Forrest Saying Their Prayers
Woods & Forrest Saying Their PrayersMichale Woods (Madison, CT) getting support from his girlfriend Melody Forrest. You heard me Woods and Forrest - I can't make this stuff up.
Michale is up to 280,000 after his cowboys held up against A-Q. He showed me his "Stick with Jesus" t-shirt and is praying he can take this tournament down.
Michale is a Borgata Weekend regular and loves playing in the big open events.
Players are dropping like flies. At dinner there were 180 and now we're down to 150.
Andrew from the floor said they just closed three tables in a half-hour.
Woods & Forrest are hoping to see some green.
Michale is up to 280,000 after his cowboys held up against A-Q. He showed me his "Stick with Jesus" t-shirt and is praying he can take this tournament down.
Michale is a Borgata Weekend regular and loves playing in the big open events.
Players are dropping like flies. At dinner there were 180 and now we're down to 150.
Andrew from the floor said they just closed three tables in a half-hour.
Woods & Forrest are hoping to see some green.
Event 15: Payouts
$350 + $50 Pot Limit Omaha H/L
Entries: 120
Total Buy-In: $42,000
Place - Amount
1st $12,222
2nd $6,722
3rd $3,870
4th $3,259
5th $2,444
6th $2,037
7th $1,630
8th $1,222
9th $917
10-12 $815
13-15 $713
16-18 $611
Entries: 120
Total Buy-In: $42,000
Place - Amount
1st $12,222
2nd $6,722
3rd $3,870
4th $3,259
5th $2,444
6th $2,037
7th $1,630
8th $1,222
9th $917
10-12 $815
13-15 $713
16-18 $611
Event 14: Payouts
$200 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
Entries: 1,218
Total Buy-In: $243,600
Place - Amount
1st $51,974
2nd $31,238
3rd $18,903
4th $15,832
5th $12,996
6th $10,515
7th $8,388
8th $6,380
9th $4,371
10-12 $2,836
13-15 $2,008
16-18 $1,300
19-27 $1,063
28-36 $922
37-45 $827
46-54 $733
55-63 $662
64-72 $591
73-81 $543
82-90 $496
91-100 $473
Entries: 1,218
Total Buy-In: $243,600
Place - Amount
1st $51,974
2nd $31,238
3rd $18,903
4th $15,832
5th $12,996
6th $10,515
7th $8,388
8th $6,380
9th $4,371
10-12 $2,836
13-15 $2,008
16-18 $1,300
19-27 $1,063
28-36 $922
37-45 $827
46-54 $733
55-63 $662
64-72 $591
73-81 $543
82-90 $496
91-100 $473
Event 15: Chowing Down
$350 + $50 Pot Limit Omaha H/L
Players are on a one hour dinner break and play resumes at 8:20 pm
Number of Entrants: 120
Players Remaining: 74
Chips In Play: 1.44 million
Average Stack: 19k
Total Buy-In: $42,000
First Prize: $12,222
Places Paid: 18
Players are on a one hour dinner break and play resumes at 8:20 pm
Number of Entrants: 120
Players Remaining: 74
Chips In Play: 1.44 million
Average Stack: 19k
Total Buy-In: $42,000
First Prize: $12,222
Places Paid: 18
Event 14: Dinner Break
$200 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
With a starting field of 1,218 the fast structure has reduced the number to less than 190 players, meaning only 15% of the field remains.
Players are on a one hour dinner break as play resumes at 8:15 pm
Number of Entrants: 1,218
Players Remaining: 185 (18.5 BB)
Chips In Play: 30.45 million
Average Stack: 165k
Blinds: 5k/10k/1k ante
Total Buy-In: $243,600
First Prize: $51,974
Places Paid: 100
With a starting field of 1,218 the fast structure has reduced the number to less than 190 players, meaning only 15% of the field remains.
Players are on a one hour dinner break as play resumes at 8:15 pm
Number of Entrants: 1,218
Players Remaining: 185 (18.5 BB)
Chips In Play: 30.45 million
Average Stack: 165k
Blinds: 5k/10k/1k ante
Total Buy-In: $243,600
First Prize: $51,974
Places Paid: 100
Event 12: Harder into Finals
$3000 + $200 Heads Up NLH (Best 2 of 3)
Christian Harder def Ryan Hall (2-0) to advance to the finals to play for the $61,690 first prize
He awaits the winner of Matt Maccaroni vs Travis Greenawalt, which Maccaroni leads one game to none.
Hall takes home $15,423 for his semifinal loss.
Christian Harder def Ryan Hall (2-0) to advance to the finals to play for the $61,690 first prize
He awaits the winner of Matt Maccaroni vs Travis Greenawalt, which Maccaroni leads one game to none.
Hall takes home $15,423 for his semifinal loss.
Event 15: Potting Along
$350 + $50 Pot Limit Omaha H/L
Bo Toft (Yardley, PA) needs chips (2k) while Jason Staalesen (Albany, NY) is healthy with 45k.
90 players remain.
Toft & Staalesen
Bo Toft (Yardley, PA) needs chips (2k) while Jason Staalesen (Albany, NY) is healthy with 45k.
90 players remain.
Event 12: CHarder Takes First
$3000 + $200 Heads Up NLH (Best 2 of 3)
Christian "charder 30" Harder wins the first game vs Ryan Hall, as game two is underway.
The other semifinal, Matt Maccaroni vs Travis Greenawalt, is also on the felt
Christian "charder 30" Harder wins the first game vs Ryan Hall, as game two is underway.
The other semifinal, Matt Maccaroni vs Travis Greenawalt, is also on the felt
Event 14: New Chip Leader
$200 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
Play resumed after the break with blinds of 3k/6k and 500 antes.
As of the break, Gail Calabrese (Chalfont, PA) is the chip leader with ~405k.
They just broke table 28, so 270 players remain in the hunt for the top prize of ~$52k.
The final 100 players will get paid.
Average stack is ~113k.
Play resumed after the break with blinds of 3k/6k and 500 antes.
Gail Calabrese
As of the break, Gail Calabrese (Chalfont, PA) is the chip leader with ~405k.
They just broke table 28, so 270 players remain in the hunt for the top prize of ~$52k.
The final 100 players will get paid.
Average stack is ~113k.
Event 15: How Tweet it is
$350 + $50 Pot Limit Omaha H/L
We've seen a lot of tweets from the NL event, but not many from PLO because of the field size and demographics. A couple of young guns are playing with the veteran, more experienced players and are bringing technology to the event.
Recent PLO Tweets
bwoodspoker Brian Woods
Just folded 2nd nut-nut in a 3 way river spot & was right. later I value bet river with nut low and AK high & got called by worse #plo8
OnAFoldDraw Travis T Williams
#Out of @BorgataPoker $400 #PLo8, tried to bluff the wrong guy, his emergency low notched mine, and I had no shot at beating his 2nd nut hi
We've seen a lot of tweets from the NL event, but not many from PLO because of the field size and demographics. A couple of young guns are playing with the veteran, more experienced players and are bringing technology to the event.
Recent PLO Tweets
bwoodspoker Brian Woods
Just folded 2nd nut-nut in a 3 way river spot & was right. later I value bet river with nut low and AK high & got called by worse #plo8
OnAFoldDraw Travis T Williams
#Out of @BorgataPoker $400 #PLo8, tried to bluff the wrong guy, his emergency low notched mine, and I had no shot at beating his 2nd nut hi
Event 14: Break! Color-Up
$200 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
28 tables (280 players) are now in the process of coloring up the black 100 chips.
Players get to enjoy 15 minutes away from the felt while this process is completed.
28 tables (280 players) are now in the process of coloring up the black 100 chips.
Players get to enjoy 15 minutes away from the felt while this process is completed.
Event 12: Maccaroni Grills Feder
$3000 + $200 Heads Up NLH (Best 2 of 3)
It takes nearly 5 1/2 hours of heads up play over three games before Matthew Maccaroni finally defeats Randy Feder in the quarterfinals.
"Way too many times," says Maccaroni, "I had him all in seven times before I finally got him."
The final hand was K♠ 10♦ vs 10♣ 9♦ with a ten on the flop, and when Maccaroni's better kicker holds he advances to the semifinals to take on Travis Greenawalt.
"I'm never playing this game again," says Feder who loses the match two games to one, but walks away with $7,712 as a quarterfinal loser.
Maccaroni needs to catch his breath while Greenawalt's been waiting for three hours after sweeping Austen Johnson in the quarterfinals.
Maccaroni Celebrates the Win
It takes nearly 5 1/2 hours of heads up play over three games before Matthew Maccaroni finally defeats Randy Feder in the quarterfinals.
"Way too many times," says Maccaroni, "I had him all in seven times before I finally got him."
The final hand was K♠ 10♦ vs 10♣ 9♦ with a ten on the flop, and when Maccaroni's better kicker holds he advances to the semifinals to take on Travis Greenawalt.
"I'm never playing this game again," says Feder who loses the match two games to one, but walks away with $7,712 as a quarterfinal loser.
Maccaroni needs to catch his breath while Greenawalt's been waiting for three hours after sweeping Austen Johnson in the quarterfinals.
Event 14: 330 Players Remain
$200 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
Stephen Gallant is still accumulating chips. He's up to about 400k and appears to be the chip leader, although it is hard to be certain at this point.
Breaking tables is a constant chore as players are departing at a hectic pace. The relentlessly increasing blinds are now at 2k/4k with 400 antes.
Down to 33 tables (330 players) making the chip average ~92k. That's about 23 big blinds for an average stack.
Stephen Gallant is still accumulating chips. He's up to about 400k and appears to be the chip leader, although it is hard to be certain at this point.
Breaking tables is a constant chore as players are departing at a hectic pace. The relentlessly increasing blinds are now at 2k/4k with 400 antes.
Down to 33 tables (330 players) making the chip average ~92k. That's about 23 big blinds for an average stack.
Event 15: Duvall Looking for Double
$350 + $50 Pot Limit Omaha H/L
Jeffrey Duvall (London, England) was the September Borgata Poker Open's first ever HORSE champion ($14,319), adding to he already impressive Borgata resume. Duvall won the HOSE title in the Winter Poker Open ($10,525) to take his career earnings to more than $1.2 million
Duvall is a former London pub owner who's been a professional card player for 30 years.
HORSE Champion Duvall Playing PLO
Jeffrey Duvall (London, England) was the September Borgata Poker Open's first ever HORSE champion ($14,319), adding to he already impressive Borgata resume. Duvall won the HOSE title in the Winter Poker Open ($10,525) to take his career earnings to more than $1.2 million
Duvall is a former London pub owner who's been a professional card player for 30 years.
Event 14: North & South
$200 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
Local boy Matthew J. Piccolo (Dumont, NJ) is in the house representing the home team while Wayne Temples (N. Myrtle Beach, SC) is trying to bring some southern charm to the New Jersey felt.
Matthew is up to ~110k while Wayne, on his left, has about 80k.
Despite living on opposite sides of the Mason-Dixon line, these two seem to be getting along OK.
Local boy Matthew J. Piccolo (Dumont, NJ) is in the house representing the home team while Wayne Temples (N. Myrtle Beach, SC) is trying to bring some southern charm to the New Jersey felt.
Matthew J. Piccolo & Wayne Temples
Matthew is up to ~110k while Wayne, on his left, has about 80k.
Despite living on opposite sides of the Mason-Dixon line, these two seem to be getting along OK.
Event 12: Heads Up Head Start
$3000 + $200 Heads Up NLH (Best 2 of 3)
The first of two semifinal matches is underway as Christian Harder takes on Ryan Hall.
The winner moves on to the championship with a shot at $61,690, while the loser takes home $15,423.
Harder vs Hall
The first of two semifinal matches is underway as Christian Harder takes on Ryan Hall.
The winner moves on to the championship with a shot at $61,690, while the loser takes home $15,423.
Event 14: Out, In, & Down
$200 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
John Racener and Keith Crowder have both busted out.
Paul Snead has appeared in the field -- not sure how I missed him earlier.
Table 42 has just broken, so 41 tables remain.
John Racener and Keith Crowder have both busted out.
Paul Snead has appeared in the field -- not sure how I missed him earlier.
Table 42 has just broken, so 41 tables remain.
Event 15: Phil-in Up
$350 + $50 Pot Limit Omaha H/L
There are a dozen tables running in PLO and at last one is a Phillies Fan. Neal Levin (East Norriton, PA) is relieved that his Fighten's are in the playoffs after today's win over the Astros.
The Phillies are first the team to clinch at least a Wild Card and they still have 16 games left on the schedule.
Registration is still open as nearly 120 players are in the field.
Levin Glad the Phils are "Rollins" Along
There are a dozen tables running in PLO and at last one is a Phillies Fan. Neal Levin (East Norriton, PA) is relieved that his Fighten's are in the playoffs after today's win over the Astros.
The Phillies are first the team to clinch at least a Wild Card and they still have 16 games left on the schedule.
Registration is still open as nearly 120 players are in the field.
Event 14: Hamming It Up
$200 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
Kevin 'the Duke' Allen (Middletown, NJ) is hamming it up across the room. He's riding a short stack with about 14k.
Thomas Watson (Long Beach, NY) is on right right and doing a little better with about 30k.
46 tables (460 players) are still alive.
Kevin 'the Duke' Allen (Middletown, NJ) is hamming it up across the room. He's riding a short stack with about 14k.
Thomas Watson and Kevin Allen
Thomas Watson (Long Beach, NY) is on right right and doing a little better with about 30k.
46 tables (460 players) are still alive.
Event 14: Time for Tweets
$200 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
Here are some tweets from the break:
Here are some tweets from the break:
Was up to 110k, down to 40k and back up to 80,500 now going into 1200/2400 #fb
50k going into 12/2400, nothing much happened last levels
Busted, ran it up to 60k, lost 3way allin for 20bbs each AQ vs AJ vs 88, then got in AJ vs AQ on A94dd for my last 25 bbs or so
51k after 2nd break, 1200/2400/300. Structure moving quickly
Event 14: Whew! Break Two
$200 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
Players who made it to the of level 12 have been rewarded with a 20-minute break while the green 25 chips are colored up and removed from play.
49 tables remain and that number will continue to drop quickly when play resumes.
Following the break, blinds will be 1,200/2,400 with 300 antes.
Players who made it to the of level 12 have been rewarded with a 20-minute break while the green 25 chips are colored up and removed from play.
49 tables remain and that number will continue to drop quickly when play resumes.
Following the break, blinds will be 1,200/2,400 with 300 antes.
Event 14: Boyer Busted
$200 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
WSOP bracelet holder Andre Boyer has busted out, for the second time, and this time its for keeps. Also out the door are
Keith Crowder
David Zeitlin
51 tables are still in action.
WSOP bracelet holder Andre Boyer has busted out, for the second time, and this time its for keeps. Also out the door are
Keith Crowder
David Zeitlin
51 tables are still in action.
Event 12: Crackin' Aces to Stay Alive
$3000 + $200 Heads Up NLH (Best 2 of 3)
Down one game to none, Matthew Maccaroni is on the ropes and at risk with pocket threes against Randy Ferder's pocket aces. Maccaroni spikes a set of 3s to double-up and eventually wins game 2 to force the rubber match.
Maccaroni Hits a Set to Stay Alive
Down one game to none, Matthew Maccaroni is on the ropes and at risk with pocket threes against Randy Ferder's pocket aces. Maccaroni spikes a set of 3s to double-up and eventually wins game 2 to force the rubber match.
Event 12: 5th-8th Place Money
$3000 + $200 Heads Up NLH (Best 2 of 3)
Quarterfinal losers who are in the money.
Quarterfinal losers who are in the money.
Keith Block (Pomona, NY)
$7,712
$7,712
Trevor Savage (Thorofare, NJ)
$7,712
$7,712
Austen Johnson (Woodsboro, MD)
$7,712
Randy Feder (Plainview, NJ)
$7,712
$7,712
$7,712
Event 14: Gallant Gains
$200 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
Thanks to a flopped set and a dark-check, Stephen Gallant has grown his stack up to ~229k.
Lee Childs has been located also. He's got about 85k.
Early estimate on total entries is 1,219. It will be a while before we have officially confirmed numbers.
Tables are breaking fast now that the influx of players has ceased. Down to 62 active tables already.
Thanks to a flopped set and a dark-check, Stephen Gallant has grown his stack up to ~229k.
Lee Childs has been located also. He's got about 85k.
Early estimate on total entries is 1,219. It will be a while before we have officially confirmed numbers.
Tables are breaking fast now that the influx of players has ceased. Down to 62 active tables already.
Event 12: Moving On
$3000 + $200 Heads Up NLH (Best 2 of 3)
Three of the four quarterfinal matches are over as Christian Harder, Ryan, and Travis Greenawalt are into the semifinals.
Christian Harder def Keith Block
Ryan Hall def Trevor Savage
Travis Greenawalt def Austen Johnson
The Randy Ferder vs Matthew Maccaroni match continues
Three of the four quarterfinal matches are over as Christian Harder, Ryan, and Travis Greenawalt are into the semifinals.
Christian Harder def Keith Block
Ryan Hall def Trevor Savage
Travis Greenawalt def Austen Johnson
The Randy Ferder vs Matthew Maccaroni match continues
Event 14: In & Out
$200 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
I've found John Racener at table 48, seat 10. He entered just as the registration period was winding up.
In addition to Gavin Smith, these players have busted out and are gone for good (at least from this event):
Cornell Cimpan
Gordon Eng
I've found John Racener at table 48, seat 10. He entered just as the registration period was winding up.
John Racener
In addition to Gavin Smith, these players have busted out and are gone for good (at least from this event):
Cornell Cimpan
Gordon Eng
Event 15: Underway
$350 + $50 Pot Limit Omaha H/L
The Omaha specialists are in the house and the usual suspects are in the field including, Chris Reslock, Dr. Will Noyes, Bo Toft, James Boyd and Event 9 winner Jeffrey Duvall.
This is a two day event that features 12k in starting chips and 40 minute levels with blinds. Blinds start at 25/50, shuffle up and dea!
The Omaha specialists are in the house and the usual suspects are in the field including, Chris Reslock, Dr. Will Noyes, Bo Toft, James Boyd and Event 9 winner Jeffrey Duvall.
This is a two day event that features 12k in starting chips and 40 minute levels with blinds. Blinds start at 25/50, shuffle up and dea!
Event 14: In The Field
$200 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
I'm finding players that I didn't see previously...either they arrived late, or my eyesight is going.
Adam Lippert (definitely a late entry)
Daniel Chan
Athanasios Diakos
Mike Holm
Robert Chung-Shui
May Siu
Sean Lango
John Koliner
Pierre Deissler
I'm told that 2010 WSOP Main Event runner-up John Racener is in the field, but I'm yet to lay eyes on him.
I'm finding players that I didn't see previously...either they arrived late, or my eyesight is going.
Adam Lippert (definitely a late entry)
Daniel Chan
Athanasios Diakos
Mike Holm
Robert Chung-Shui
May Siu
Sean Lango
John Koliner
Pierre Deissler
I'm told that 2010 WSOP Main Event runner-up John Racener is in the field, but I'm yet to lay eyes on him.
Event 14: Smith Sacked by Sica
$200 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
Shortly after play resumed, Gavin Smith put his last chips in holding 53 suited on a Q 6 4 flop. Mike 'Little Man' Sica had him covered and bet with AQ.
Gavin missed his draw and hit the rail. He can't even re-enter, since the re-entry period is over.
Little Man then proceeded to hand Gavin's chips over to a re-entering Chris Valence, who landed in Gavin's empty seat. Little Man's got about 40k. Chris has about 45k.
Shortly after play resumed, Gavin Smith put his last chips in holding 53 suited on a Q 6 4 flop. Mike 'Little Man' Sica had him covered and bet with AQ.
Gavin missed his draw and hit the rail. He can't even re-enter, since the re-entry period is over.
Little Man then proceeded to hand Gavin's chips over to a re-entering Chris Valence, who landed in Gavin's empty seat. Little Man's got about 40k. Chris has about 45k.
Event 14: Break-Time Tweets
$200 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
SugDpoker
David Zeitlin
Lost an 80k all in on the last hand of the re entry period, will now decide whether to re enter or not.
SugDpoker
David Zeitlin
Field's too big and too soft not to re enter, waiting on a long line to do so. I'll have around 20 bigs when I sit back down. #cramville
leechilds
Lee Childs
30K at break. 500/1000/100 next level.
kickyourace
Scott Neuman
PompYouUp
Tom Pomponio
DahJinerat
Josh Mancuso
Borgata $230, huuuuge field, turbo structure, up to 37k from 25 after 1st 8 levels, but going to 500-1k next
In case you don't read twitter-speak, they're saying that blinds are now 500/1,000 with 100 antes.
Registration is closed, but if players were already standing in line, they will still get to enter/re-enter.
Event 14: Possible Chip Leader
$200 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
Just yesterday, Stephen Gallant (Raleigh, NC) took second in event 10, the $350 Big Stack Bounty NLH tournament. He collected over $16,000 for that accomplishment.
Stephen is making another strong run today. He's already up to 110k, thanks to a bigger kicker and a flush over flush situation.
Just yesterday, Stephen Gallant (Raleigh, NC) took second in event 10, the $350 Big Stack Bounty NLH tournament. He collected over $16,000 for that accomplishment.
Stephen Gallant
Stephen is making another strong run today. He's already up to 110k, thanks to a bigger kicker and a flush over flush situation.
Event 14: Whew! Break Time
$200 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
Eric Miller busted out and two-time WPT champion Cornell Cimpan arrived to fill his empty seat. Not sure if Eric picked up a re-entry ticket or not.
Omar Ghanim has also been felted. He's headed for the door.
Mickey Woll has a re-entry ticket in had as he head for the lobby.
Some additional faces in the crowd:
Anthony Maio
Marguerite Spagnuolo
Players are now on break, their first of the day, while they finish up registrations and re-entries.
Eric Miller busted out and two-time WPT champion Cornell Cimpan arrived to fill his empty seat. Not sure if Eric picked up a re-entry ticket or not.
Omar Ghanim has also been felted. He's headed for the door.
Mickey Woll has a re-entry ticket in had as he head for the lobby.
Some additional faces in the crowd:
Anthony Maio
Marguerite Spagnuolo
Players are now on break, their first of the day, while they finish up registrations and re-entries.
Event 14: Boyer's Boat Sinks
$200 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
On a flop of A J 2, Anthony Pedatella (Bellport, NY) got his chips in the middle against WSOP bracelet holder Andre Boyer.
Andre held pocket 2s and was ahead of Anthony's AJ (top two pair). It looked like Anthony was headed for the re-entry line when the last two peeled off 7 J and Anthony made a bigger boat on the river to sink Andre's.
Anthony doubled up to ~65k. Andre was left with about 5k.
On a flop of A J 2, Anthony Pedatella (Bellport, NY) got his chips in the middle against WSOP bracelet holder Andre Boyer.
Anthony Pedatella (far left) and Andre Boyer (far right) look on as the dealer counts out their chips
Andre held pocket 2s and was ahead of Anthony's AJ (top two pair). It looked like Anthony was headed for the re-entry line when the last two peeled off 7 J and Anthony made a bigger boat on the river to sink Andre's.
Anthony doubled up to ~65k. Andre was left with about 5k.
Event 14: Last Action Level
$200 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
They're currently in level 8 with 400/800 blinds and 75 antes. This is the last 'action' level where players can still re-enter if they bust out, so many of the short stacks are looking for a spot to get their chips in the middle.
Todd Rebello got his chips in the middle holding KQ on a Q 6 x flop. Unfortunately for Todd, his opponent held pocket 6s. Todd picked up a re-entry ticket and headed for the lobby.
Others who have already re-entered:
Greg Merritt
Eric Doerr
Players have until the end of the break that will follow this level to bust (or surrender their stack) and re-enter.
They're currently in level 8 with 400/800 blinds and 75 antes. This is the last 'action' level where players can still re-enter if they bust out, so many of the short stacks are looking for a spot to get their chips in the middle.
Todd Rebello got his chips in the middle holding KQ on a Q 6 x flop. Unfortunately for Todd, his opponent held pocket 6s. Todd picked up a re-entry ticket and headed for the lobby.
Others who have already re-entered:
Greg Merritt
Eric Doerr
Players have until the end of the break that will follow this level to bust (or surrender their stack) and re-enter.
Event 14: Interesting Pairs
$200 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
Steve Dannenmann has arrived and taken a seat at the table with Fritz Stoner.
A couple of very experienced tournament players, Lisa Pickell and Odette Tremblay are shaing their own patch of green.
James Boyle and Eric Miller find themselves at the same table.
Paul Spitzberg and Allan Lubin are also battling for chips.
The player count has hit the 1,000 mark. Registration and re-entry is still available until about 2pm.
Steve Dannenmann has arrived and taken a seat at the table with Fritz Stoner.
A couple of very experienced tournament players, Lisa Pickell and Odette Tremblay are shaing their own patch of green.
James Boyle and Eric Miller find themselves at the same table.
Paul Spitzberg and Allan Lubin are also battling for chips.
The player count has hit the 1,000 mark. Registration and re-entry is still available until about 2pm.
Event 14: Little Up Big
$200 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
Jonathan Little was involved in a three-way all-in. His two opponents held AK and A8 while Jonathan held pocket Aces.
With his opponents drawing thin, Jonathan's Aces held up and he took the pot. He's up to ~59k, more than double the starting stack.
Jonathan has over $4.6 million in reported live tournament earnings including two WPT titles (2007 & 2008).
Jonathan Little was involved in a three-way all-in. His two opponents held AK and A8 while Jonathan held pocket Aces.
Jonathan Little
With his opponents drawing thin, Jonathan's Aces held up and he took the pot. He's up to ~59k, more than double the starting stack.
Jonathan has over $4.6 million in reported live tournament earnings including two WPT titles (2007 & 2008).
Event 14: Smith v. Sica
$200 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
Table 18 has been blessed with quite a pair. Both Mike 'Little Man' Sica and Gavin Smith are sharing that piece of felt.
These two gregarious poker pros will keep the table entertained, that's for sure.
Table 18 has been blessed with quite a pair. Both Mike 'Little Man' Sica and Gavin Smith are sharing that piece of felt.
Gavin Smith (far left) and Mike Sica (far right)
These two gregarious poker pros will keep the table entertained, that's for sure.
Event 14: More Names
$200 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
They're up to 86 tables now in the event center and alternates are lining up at the front of the room, waiting for seats to open up.
More faces in the field:
Howard Wolper
Keith Crowder
Nimer Ltaif
Jim Pechac
George Cicak
Omar Ghanim
Julian Miranda
Joe Wertz
They're up to 86 tables now in the event center and alternates are lining up at the front of the room, waiting for seats to open up.
Alternates Waiting in Line
More faces in the field:
Howard Wolper
Keith Crowder
Nimer Ltaif
Jim Pechac
George Cicak
Omar Ghanim
Julian Miranda
Joe Wertz
Event 14: Name Dropping
$200 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
The players just keep coming. Reports say there is still a long line at registration ans a separate line for re-entries.
More faces in the crowd:
Donald Brown
Paul Spitzberg
Allan Lubin
Chris Valence
Eric Miller
James Boyle
Odette Tremblay
Lisa Pickell
Fritz Stoner
Wazir Baksh
Jesse Cohen
Eric 'clownfish' Doerr
Gordon Eng
Denver Toth
Kate Elliott
Andre Boyer
Greg Merritt
Dean Schultz
The players just keep coming. Reports say there is still a long line at registration ans a separate line for re-entries.
More faces in the crowd:
Donald Brown
Paul Spitzberg
Allan Lubin
Chris Valence
Eric Miller
James Boyle
Odette Tremblay
Lisa Pickell
Fritz Stoner
Wazir Baksh
Jesse Cohen
Eric 'clownfish' Doerr
Gordon Eng
Denver Toth
Kate Elliott
Andre Boyer
Greg Merritt
Dean Schultz
Event 12: Money Matches
$3000 + $200 Heads Up NLH (Best 2 of 3)
The eight remaining players are taking their seats and are set to start their quarterfinal matches. The players are in the money and guaranteed $7,712, while the losers miss the chance to play for the $61,690 first place prize.
Elite 8 Matches
Keith Block vs Christian Harder
Ryan Hall vs Trevor Savage
Randy Feder vs Matthew Maccaroni
Travis Greenawalt vs Austen Johnson
Entries: 53
Total Buy-In: $159,000
Place - Amount
1st $61,690
2nd $30,3846
3rd/4th $15,423
5th-8th $7,712
CHarder an Elite Player
The eight remaining players are taking their seats and are set to start their quarterfinal matches. The players are in the money and guaranteed $7,712, while the losers miss the chance to play for the $61,690 first place prize.
Elite 8 Matches
Keith Block vs Christian Harder
Ryan Hall vs Trevor Savage
Randy Feder vs Matthew Maccaroni
Travis Greenawalt vs Austen Johnson
Entries: 53
Total Buy-In: $159,000
Place - Amount
1st $61,690
2nd $30,3846
3rd/4th $15,423
5th-8th $7,712
Event 14: Friendly Table
$200 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
A couple of Borgata tournament regulars are sharing the felt today.
Mickey Woll and James 'Smiley' Chin are elbow to elbow.
Lots of familiar faces in today's crowd. Here are just a few:
Mike Summers
Steve Ryan
Niko Markatos
Justin Finberg
Ryan Eriquezzo
A couple of Borgata tournament regulars are sharing the felt today.
Mickey Woll and Smiley Chin
Mickey Woll and James 'Smiley' Chin are elbow to elbow.
Lots of familiar faces in today's crowd. Here are just a few:
Mike Summers
Steve Ryan
Niko Markatos
Justin Finberg
Ryan Eriquezzo
Event 14: 80 Tables, So Far
$200 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
80 Tables of players full of potential are packed into the event center already. As usual with re-entry events, the 10 seat at each table is held open for re-entering players. Those seats are filling up rapidly also.
Some surprise entries in today's field, pros Gavin Smith and Jonathan Little, who busted out of the $3k Heads-Up event yesterday, are playing.
Couple more interesting tweets:
80 Tables of players full of potential are packed into the event center already. As usual with re-entry events, the 10 seat at each table is held open for re-entering players. Those seats are filling up rapidly also.
Some surprise entries in today's field, pros Gavin Smith and Jonathan Little, who busted out of the $3k Heads-Up event yesterday, are playing.
Couple more interesting tweets:
Hanging out in line with 400 of my closest friends to register for today's @BorgataPoker $230 deep stack re-entry tourney.
Line is superlong for this @BorgataPoker $230 re-entry. 25k starting stack let's run it up
Event 14: Cards Fly
$200 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
Cards are in the air as players continue to arrive. Still a hefty line at registration, too.
No tables are being used in the poker room today, so all players will be here in the Event Center.
Caught a couple of interesting tweets this morning:
Cards are in the air as players continue to arrive. Still a hefty line at registration, too.
No tables are being used in the poker room today, so all players will be here in the Event Center.
Caught a couple of interesting tweets this morning:
JonathanLittle
Jonathan Little
Playing the $200 reentry event at borgata. This will prob be the smallest buyin event I play all year. Should be a real treat.
SugDpoker
David Zeitlin
Borgata Open $230 100k guarantee today. Expecting a big mess of a field.
Event 14: Coming Up
$200 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
The Event Center is going to be bursting at the seams again today as the main event carries a $100,000 guarantee and an affordable $200 + $30 price tag.
Players will begin with 25,000 chips and if they manage to lose all of those (or wish to surrender them) they can re-enter and get a fresh 25k stack any time during the first 8 levels.
Those levels are 20 minutes long, so it will be about 2pm when re-entry period ends and registration closes (at the end of the break after level 8).
Beginning with level 9, they will expand to 30 minutes for the remainder of the tournament.
The Event Center is going to be bursting at the seams again today as the main event carries a $100,000 guarantee and an affordable $200 + $30 price tag.
Players will begin with 25,000 chips and if they manage to lose all of those (or wish to surrender them) they can re-enter and get a fresh 25k stack any time during the first 8 levels.
Those levels are 20 minutes long, so it will be about 2pm when re-entry period ends and registration closes (at the end of the break after level 8).
Beginning with level 9, they will expand to 30 minutes for the remainder of the tournament.
Wednesday, September 14
Today's Events (Event Center)
11AM: Event 14 - $200 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
3PM: Event 15 - $400 + $50 Pot Limit Omaha 8B
5PM: Event 39 - $500 + $50 Survivor No Limit Hold'em
7PM: Event 40 - $200 + $30 + $100 Black Chip Bounty Turbo NLH
11AM: Event 14 - $200 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (Re-Entry)
- $100,000 Guaranteed Prize Pool
- Players start with 25,000 in tournament chips
- Players that are eliminated within the first 8 Levels may Re-Enter (unlimited Re-Entries)
- Levels 1-8: will last 20 minutes each | Levels 9+: will last 30 minutes
- 1-Day event
3PM: Event 15 - $400 + $50 Pot Limit Omaha 8B
- Players start with 12,000 in tournament chips
- Levels will last 40 minutes each
- 2-Day event
5PM: Event 39 - $500 + $50 Survivor No Limit Hold'em
- Players start with 15,000 in tournament chips
- Levels will last 30 minutes each
- Approximately 1 in 10 will win $5,000 CASH
- 1-Day event
7PM: Event 40 - $200 + $30 + $100 Black Chip Bounty Turbo NLH
- Players start with 15,000 in tournament chips
- this is a Bounty tournament. Players must have their Bounty Chip clearly displayed on the table in order to remain in the tournament.
- Levels will last 15 minutes each
- 1-Day event
Event 13 Recap
$350 + $50 NLH
What a great day of Borgata poker with a full field of good, entertaining players. After 16 hours of play, Event 13 ends with tournament poker veteran Mike Holm (Chicago, IL) as your first place winner outlasting 374 other youngsters winning 7.48 million chips and taking home $34,284.
A ton of familiar faces found the felt including Fritz Stoner, Al Riccobono, Kelly Armentrout, Eric Miller, Denver Toth, Odette Tremblay, Andre Boyer, James 'Smiley' Chin, Gordon Eng, 'Hollywood' Dave Stann, David Zeitlin, Paul Spitzberg,, Allan Lubin, Sean Lango, Adam Lippert, Ryan Eriquezzo, and May Siu.
No real surprises in today's tournament. No re-entries, no bounties, nothing but straight-up No Limit Hold'em.
Russell Crane (Howell, NJ) doubled thrice with aces early on then rode a huge stack most of the day building up to 500,000. The 2011 Spring Poker Open Champion finished in 26th place for $952. In addition to winning $277,000 in the spring, Crane also won the Borgata Deep Stack Double Play in August for another $149,000.
Top 36 got paid. Jason Ginex and Justin Friedman gave the bubble a one-two pop.
Deal or No Deal contestant winner Mary Beth Salmieri (Los Angeles, CA) found $952 in her case for a 21st place finish. She ousted Nancy Martin who was the second to last woman standing.
Then there was Alek Givotovsky (New York, NY) who was the chip leader throughout my entire shift. From dinner on it was Alek’s tournament to lose.
The final table took forever to form but once it did, heads started rolling. Your final ten included: Trevor Deeter, Frank Gangemi, Ryan Meyers, John Campbell, Mike Holm, Jim Welsh, Ari Buchman, Jim Morton, James English, and Alek Givotovsky. Everyone wanted and received a slice of the $130,900 Borgata Pie.
3rd place of $11,808 went to James English whose aces were cracked by Mike Holm’s ace rag of clubs turning a flush.
Alek just couldn’t survive Mike’s lucky day where in the final heads-up hand Mike’s 3-4 off-suit finds a straight for the win. Alek Givotovsky (New York, NY) earned $19,046 for 2nd place.
But it was Chicago High Tech AV store-owner Mike Holm who turned his first trip to Borgata into a $34,284 payday. Everyone liked Mike’s poker persona and we’ll look for him to make a run during Borgata Poker Open WPT Championship. Congratulations again!
Event 13: Mike Holm - 1st Place
$350 + $50 Big Stack NLH
Mike Holm - 1st Place - $34,284
Mike Holm - 1st Place - $34,284Mike Holm (Chicago, IL) is your Event #13 winner. Tonight experience and a little luck at the right time was the right combination for the sound victory. And Mike is no stranger to sound as he owns his own High End "Holm Audio" store back home in Chicago.
"Good to win and have fun at the same time" exclaimed Mike. He complimented Borgata dealers and said he really had a blast.
Mike spent three hours card dead before hitting a heater at the final table. The key hand that started the ball rolling was when he cracked James English's pocket aces after hitting a club flush.
Holm is a tournament poker veteran of 53 years. Everyone liked Mike at the table and he developed a somewhat tight image that paid off handsomely.
Mike wanted to say hi to all his friends and family reading the blog back in Chi-town - His wife Jill, son Steven, and daughters Katie & Ally. Wait wasn't that a TV series on NBC way back.
Apparently Ally's soon to have a spin-off series as Mike is gonna be a Grandpop in a few months.
I asked Mike what he's gonna do with his $34,284 and without hesitation he said he's gonna enter the WPT Borgata Poker Open Championship Event.
Not bad for his first trip to Borgata.
"Good to win and have fun at the same time" exclaimed Mike. He complimented Borgata dealers and said he really had a blast.
Mike spent three hours card dead before hitting a heater at the final table. The key hand that started the ball rolling was when he cracked James English's pocket aces after hitting a club flush.
Holm is a tournament poker veteran of 53 years. Everyone liked Mike at the table and he developed a somewhat tight image that paid off handsomely.
Mike wanted to say hi to all his friends and family reading the blog back in Chi-town - His wife Jill, son Steven, and daughters Katie & Ally. Wait wasn't that a TV series on NBC way back.
Apparently Ally's soon to have a spin-off series as Mike is gonna be a Grandpop in a few months.
I asked Mike what he's gonna do with his $34,284 and without hesitation he said he's gonna enter the WPT Borgata Poker Open Championship Event.
Not bad for his first trip to Borgata.
Event 13: Justin Nguyen - 11th Place
$350 + $50 Big Stack NLH
Justin Nguyen - 11th Place - $1,651
Justin Nguyen - 11th Place - $1,651Justin Nguyen was card dead for three straight hours. About to be blinded out, looking for a hand, he looked at the first card, saw an ace, and shipped.
Small blind Ryan Meyers snaps off and shows A-Q. Justin's kicker was only a 3.
Both see a club heavy flop of A-10-9. Justin improves on the turn, hitting his three for two pair.
Except it's a club so now he has a sweat as Meyers is sitting on the Queen of clubs.
Sure enough a club falls and Nguyen is four flushed out of Event 13.
Justin admitted he's been playing 48 hours straight of poker. This is his second cash as he took 3rd in the $1000 NL event last week.
He also accused a couple players at his table for playing soft as he claims they kept checking their blinds down to each other, even with two pair. Nobody wanted to be the final table bubble but it popped on Justin's watch.
Congrats on your second 2011 Borgata Poker Open cash - this one for $1,651.
Now go get some sleep!
Small blind Ryan Meyers snaps off and shows A-Q. Justin's kicker was only a 3.
Both see a club heavy flop of A-10-9. Justin improves on the turn, hitting his three for two pair.
Except it's a club so now he has a sweat as Meyers is sitting on the Queen of clubs.
Sure enough a club falls and Nguyen is four flushed out of Event 13.
Justin admitted he's been playing 48 hours straight of poker. This is his second cash as he took 3rd in the $1000 NL event last week.
He also accused a couple players at his table for playing soft as he claims they kept checking their blinds down to each other, even with two pair. Nobody wanted to be the final table bubble but it popped on Justin's watch.
Congrats on your second 2011 Borgata Poker Open cash - this one for $1,651.
Now go get some sleep!
Event 13: Final Table Time
$350 + $50 Big Stack NLH
Brew some coffee!
Seat.......Player.......Chip Stack
1. Trevor Deeter - 390,000
2. Frank Gangemi - 600,000
3. Ryan Meyers 395,000
4. John Campbell - 450,000
5. Mike Holm - 630,000
6. Jim Welsh - 750,000
7. Ari Buchman - 645,000
8. Jim Morton - 730,000
9. James English - 400,000
10. Alek Givotovsky - 2,000,000
Underway at 4am.
James English took a hit against Mike Holm. Mike shoved all in with A♣ 7♣ .
After the jam, before English looked at his cards he said to himself, "I'm gonna have a big hand and get sucked out on". Sure enough he sees pocket aces and calls.
Mike was gathering his stuff until the miracle board of 5♣ 5x 3♣ 8♣ 8x hit.
"That's how they do it in Chicago" joked English who was left with only 400,000.
"I don't know how you call me with that" Holm replied.
Brew some coffee!Seat.......Player.......Chip Stack
1. Trevor Deeter - 390,000
2. Frank Gangemi - 600,000
3. Ryan Meyers 395,000
4. John Campbell - 450,000
5. Mike Holm - 630,000
6. Jim Welsh - 750,000
7. Ari Buchman - 645,000
8. Jim Morton - 730,000
9. James English - 400,000
10. Alek Givotovsky - 2,000,000
Underway at 4am.
James English took a hit against Mike Holm. Mike shoved all in with A♣ 7♣ .
After the jam, before English looked at his cards he said to himself, "I'm gonna have a big hand and get sucked out on". Sure enough he sees pocket aces and calls.
Mike was gathering his stuff until the miracle board of 5♣ 5x 3♣ 8♣ 8x hit.
"That's how they do it in Chicago" joked English who was left with only 400,000.
"I don't know how you call me with that" Holm replied.
Event 13: The Dirty Dozen
$350 + $50 Big Stack NLH
Table 1:
1. Frank Gangemi - 975,000
2. Ari Buchman - 660,000
3. James English - 800,000
4. John Campbell - 475,000
5. Jim Morton - 400,000
6. Trevor Deeter - 700,000
Table 2:
1. Alek Givotovsky - 1,800,000
2. Nathan Sipple - 233,000
3. Justin Nguyen - 553,000
4. Ryan Meyers - 302,000
5. Jim Welsh - 438,000
6. Mike Holm - 262,000
Everybody just returned from a fifteen minute break.
The red bulls are flowing as last call was announced.
Right before the break David Tran (Annandale, VA) busted in 13th place for $1,270.
Table 1:
1. Frank Gangemi - 975,000
2. Ari Buchman - 660,000
3. James English - 800,000
4. John Campbell - 475,000
5. Jim Morton - 400,000
6. Trevor Deeter - 700,000
Table 2:
1. Alek Givotovsky - 1,800,000
2. Nathan Sipple - 233,000
3. Justin Nguyen - 553,000
4. Ryan Meyers - 302,000
5. Jim Welsh - 438,000
6. Mike Holm - 262,000
Everybody just returned from a fifteen minute break.
The red bulls are flowing as last call was announced.
Right before the break David Tran (Annandale, VA) busted in 13th place for $1,270.
Event 13: Checkmate for Chess Ricci - 14th Place
$350 + $50 Big Stack NLH
Chess Ricci & Wife/Masseuse Jody
Chess Ricci & Wife/Masseuse JodyChess Ricci (Montreal, Canada) was short stacked and his A-8 ran into KK of Ari Buchman.
Look for Chess in the upcoming PLO tournament. Also look for his wife Jody to keep him loose and ready to play.
"If you have to lose, that's the way to go" said Chess who just received what looked to me like a professional massage from his wife Jody.
Chess takes home $1,270 for his 14th Place finish.
Look for Chess in the upcoming PLO tournament. Also look for his wife Jody to keep him loose and ready to play.
"If you have to lose, that's the way to go" said Chess who just received what looked to me like a professional massage from his wife Jody.
Chess takes home $1,270 for his 14th Place finish.
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