After a balmy November day, almost 85 in Burbank, it looked like it was going to be a perfect night out on the patio for poker. And if it got a little chilly, we had a brand new fire pit that people could warm themselves by - but either way, it surely wasn't going to drop 15 degrees or something ridiculous like that, right?
Try almost 20 degrees colder!
It was a chilly evening that saw 18 excited players sit down, eager to hit the felt after over a month since the last game.
Joining us were two new players - the formidable Dave S. who quickly accumulated a mountain of chips, and the delightful Jeannie N. who also had game and no problem four betting yours truly off a hand early on.
Tight was right for the first almost two hours, as all players made it past the break. The first victim fell, and inexplicably it was Pepper Street Poker titan Mike P., for the second week in a row! This time he got it all in with his opponent crushed, a 96% favorite who binked a two outer on the river. Cest' le' poke'r.
Speaking of unlikely outcomes (or is it very likely?) yours truly was next to fall, over playing marginal holdings and underestimating opponents both to my left and right.
The third table broke around the second break and we were headed to a final table less than an hour later.
Clad in only short sleeves, Dave S. was finally succumbing to the cold and also succumbed to the bubble. As a man who is in possession of nearly every DVD known to man, he passed on the pitiful bubble prize selection of DVD's. But he seemed to enjoy his evening, and I really hope he'll come back soon! Sorry it was so chilly man!
With the money reached, it was only a few hands before the next players were paid - two at the same time!
Jeannie N. had slightly more chips than Tony G., so she collected $61 while Tony got a refund of $40.
As an aside, starting with this tournament, Pepper Street Poker will now pay an extra player. The chart at the bottom of the page here remains the same, but $40 will be taken from first place and awarded to an extra spot. It was great having 6 players cash last night, and I think more payouts will help more people feel enthusiastic about returning.
The lucky beneficiary of this double bust out was Dan G., who smartly worked his short stack into position, climbing the ladder for a hundred dollar third place payout!
And then there were two. And it was deja' vu'! The same two players heads-up, Jason H. and Marc F., as last month! This time, it was the same results, though much quicker. Both players ran into premium pairs and Marc's queens held up. Jason collected $170 for second while Marc took home $232 and the trophy! Must be getting crowded on that mantle Marc!
A big huge thanks to a whole gang of people who stayed a bit late and helped me clean up so I could sleep in on Sunday. Your assistance is GREATLY appreciated! I also very much appreciate people chipping in for snacks in the house fund, even just a dollar or two makes a huge difference.
Next month, December 4th @ 7pm, is our last hurrah for 2010 - the year end traditional Omaha/8 and Hold-Em mix tournament! Also known as the HO, HO, HO, tournament for all you yuletide folks.
We will be inside the garage, which should be quite a bit warmer than out in the elements - but it's still wise to bring a sweater or two or three! See you there!
