It was a surprisingly warm January evening that saw a whopping 23 players pile in for some good ol' fashioned gambooling!
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| First nothing, and then... |
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| BOOM. |
It looked like it was going to be 19 players, and then Andrew R. brought in FOUR, count them, FOUR new players! And I'm very happy to say they were all very chill and friendly, just like Andrew! We were joined by Brian, Lalane, Kramer and Chris. Yes, the only other Chris to step foot into the garage in 8 years of poker at Pepper Street. Glad to have all of you along, hope you had fun and hope you will come back.
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| The comfy table. |
Action was hot and heavy, with some spectacular collisions - like this one, ace high flush runs into a straight flush. Good times and by the way - up yours poker.
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| Yeah, this happened. |
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| Jeff G. feeling the icy breeze of a cold deck. Tommy stacks the chippies. |
Poker was not through with Jeff G., as shortly after this pic was taken he ran his kings into aces and was the first to hit the rail. More players inevitably followed and it was approaching 10 when the red table of rage broke. The final table formed just after 11.
Thankfully, two of the four new players made it to the final dance. Unfortunately one of them, Brian, busted before the money. We hate that. Julie A. went out next and the bubble was burst. Along the way to that - this happened...
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| Don't get your money in good, whatever you do. |
As we are wont to do at Pepper Street we pay way more than 10% of the field, in this case - 6 out of 23 players. Kramer was the first to pick up some cash, winning his buy in back, plus a bounty chip to insure that he didn't lose one dime at his first foray into PSP. Not too shabby new guy!
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| The money gang. |
Next to exit in fifth place, winning double his buy in, was PSP vet Dog, whose good humor and dance skills are always appreciated at the table. Seriously, watch the video.
Finishing in fourth, also for double his buy in, after weathering more than one bad beat was the always shy and soft spoken Allen Q. Two cashes in one month, not bad!
And then there were three. I have to take a moment to give a special shout out and a HUGE thank you to Allen the Q for sticking around to shuffle. It makes a huge difference and lets us get in a ton of hands. It is very very much appreciated.
Finishing in third place and scooping up $100 plus another $30 in bounties was the guy named Chris who wasn't me. Well done other new guy!
And then there were two - Andrew and I battled a bit, but in the end, this happened...
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| Take my word for it - it's ANOTHER straight flush! |
Luckily the recipient of the straight flush belonged to none other than yours truly, in what will likely stand forever as the highest hand ever to finish out a tournament. This hand was indicative of my entire night - I was truly smacked in the face by the deck. Better lucky than good I always say.
Andrew pocketed $200 for second and I picked up $300 for first plus a crazy amount of bounties for me - I'm not that guy who knocks people out a lot. For reals.
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| Anyone can win - here's proof! |
I have to say it was a truly great night, and not just because the poker Gods smiled on me - I am truly humbled and blessed to have such a great game filled with great people. Again, Andrew I can't thank you enough for bringing your friendly homies along. As I said, I hope they had fun and I hope they come back.
Our next monthly tournament will happen on Feb. 21, stay tuned for the evite. There likely won't be any poker before that, with the possible exception of a cash game if I find I have the time. We will see.
Until then, peace and we out!
