2012.08

It was far too toasty in SoCal to cram 22 borderline heat-exhausted bodies into a stuffy garage, so for the second month in a row we all gathered outside under the patio for some serious poker action.

Also for the second month in a row, we tried a new structure - 20K in chips and a more gradual blind increase with no antes.  15 minute levels however, insured that the tournament length would be about the same.

I think for the most part the structure is great, but there was an abrupt doubling towards the end of the evening that I will rectify by eliminating a few of the flatter levels.  I very much appreciate that there's no antes, and it makes it much less of a hassle to play.  Though technically it is not the best idea, for our purposes - less than an average L.A. bar tab for an evening of entertainment - I think this is how it's going to be.

First to hit the rail, was that friendly fellow Jason H., who, like me last month, got his money in ahead but came up just short and was headed home just after the break.

We broke the third table almost three hours in, and the final table was set just after 11pm.

I thought Allen R. was our bubble, but I miscounted, and he left before he could learn that it was John S. who walked away with zero monies for his trouble - so close to getting his money back, but alas, it was not to be.  Sorry I gave you false hope John!  Well done nonetheless.

The actual bubble guy was Dan G. who was super tired but happy enough not to be stuck four saw bucks.

Next to cash in 5th place for $80 was the super friendly Jeff W., who walked away with double his money and the honor of finishing first among the three Jeff's in attendance.

Finishing in fourth place for $100 was one time monster chip leader Mike K., who was unable to bulldoze and pillage at the final table the way he had at his table of origin.

Out in third was last month's champion, Ark S., who snagged $150, plus a gang of bounty monies.

In the end Barbara N. had a massive chip lead over yours truly, and she graciously accepted my silly chop offer at 12:30am.  I got an extra $20 for $220 total and she got $280 plus some bounties and the trophy!  Well done Barb!  Believe it or not this is her first regular tournament take down among her many many cashes.

September is pretty busy for me, but look for a cash game on a Friday night in the first half of the month.  It's a single table and longtime regulars get priority.

As for September's tournament, it looks like it's going to be Saturday, September 22nd at 7pm.  Stay tuned for the evite!