I scheduled this tournament for the end of September so it would be nice and cool and we could get back into the garage. So naturally it was 95°. The good news was, I made the extra effort to put poker out on the patio again, and this time around it was absolutely delightful from 5 PM on through 10:30 PM when the last hand was played.
It was a fantastic afternoon and evening, with lots of great things happening including a fun time with the world famous tiki king chips and plaques, a very special visit from the recently moved away Eric L. and even more special…
This incredible bounty prize, an autographed picture of last year’s defending Crazy Pineapple champion, that would be me, offered to whoever would knock me out! Amazing! Behold!
OK, OK, maybe that wasn’t the most incredible thing. Maybe it was kind of obnoxious. No, in all seriousness, I think you might be able to guess what the best thing about yesterday was, you can see in the picture of all of us playing together. It’s the one and only Barbara, not just back for a visit, but back to stay for now in Los Angeles!
Jason told me he was bringing a guest, I inquired about the guests name, he said it was “Bob” who was really nice and would not slow the game down and was really looking forward to playing. Yes, I am so naïve that I didn’t even suspect shenanigans. Thus, it was a wonderful surprise when Barbara walked into the yard and even more exciting when I learned that she was back to stay.
So everything else that would happen in the tournament for me at that point was gravy, which is probably why I played a bit nutty, especially before the break. I busted and re-entered as did two other players.
At break time I had screwed up and we only got cheese pizza, thankfully Stephen had brought some of the worlds best chocolate, at the exceedingly bargain price of a dollar a bar for his daughters school, so that offset the disappointment of lack of pork parts on the pizza. We carried on and the sun went down.
Unfortunately we lost our good friend who is now living in San Francisco early, as Eric was the second bust after triple tournament winner Jeff G had departed.
The delightful newcomer in 2022, and quickly becoming a beloved regular, Mike C was out next, followed by Colin and yours truly.
Yes, I was defeated, the champ was out. And the luckiest of all lucky players who got to collect the gorgeous souvenir autographed Limited Edition bad ass photo of me was…
I also made sure to personalize it on the back, knowing just the right thing to say to make the moment special.
Next out was Jeff S, and a rapid fire knockout of Lea Anne and Jason. Final table time!
First to bust from the FT was Mr. Allen, followed by Ian and Jerry and then Laura. It was bubble time!
Unfortunately the only crummy thing to happen all afternoon and evening happened next, Ms. Barbara marked her triumphant return with the ultimate sucky thing in tournaments, she was the bubbler! Boo! So the rest were all in the money…
Yes, your gracious host dealt the final table. I enjoyed it!
The first to cash was Mr. Stephen, who collected $80 in fourth place. Upon his departure there was a flurry of last minute worlds finest chocolate purchases. It’s not called the worlds finest for nothing after all.
Next out was the venerable Mr. Dan L, who always seems to run deep in the pineapple events. He took home $120 and a hearty fist bump. As a working actor he still has to do the N95 thing which is totally understandable. Great to see you as always Dan and looking forward to the day when we can look at your lovely face again.
And then there were two…
The battle was relatively brief but intense. Kyle, who had been a one-man wrecking ball throughout the tournament unfortunately once again was unable to close the deal. He has come so close so many times, and I know he will get there as he is an excellent, sticky and dangerous player. He had to settle for second place and $180 plus another $25 in bounties.
And so for the second time this year and it was this guy who took it down…
With this finish it Joe leaps into contention in the player of the year standings. I am still precariously perched on top, though I am not eligible for the award. Ian still maintains his lead, but not by much. The top four players are all very close to each other, really it’s anyone’s trophy to win. Very exciting race! Be sure to click
here to see how close it really is.
Are our next poker is a Friday night cash game, October 7. Right now it is full, respond as an alternate and if we get four or more of you I will open a second table. The next tournament event will be Saturday, October 22 at 5 PM. We are back to regular old no limit hold ‘em, a.k.a. the Cadillac of poker a.k.a. you know the dealio.
Very much looking forward to seeing you all again, hopefully we will back in the garage. Don’t know that I could take a 95° day in October ha ha.
Until then, peace and we out!
