PSP 2022.10 H.O.R.S.E.

 The air was crisp and cool on a lovely November Saturday night in beautiful Burbank - and that meant that once again it was time for our annual foray into the Mix Games and Fixed Limit madness of H.O.R.S.E.!

There were just enough players to have 3 tables - a whopping 17 hearty souls showed up to play REAL poker.  8 of them had enough stones to also participate in our entirely optional $20 last longer, which meant 160 smackers would go to whoever was still around at the end.

I will say the main thing first - that it was a GREAT night with lots of fun and nary a negative nilly anywhere to be found, yours truly included.  I never got mad, nor did anyone else (and yes there is a "but" coming)...  BUT - I had quite a bit of trouble with the blind structure which seemed to have a mind of it's own and at one point quadrupled for no apparent reason.

Well, it was not the blind structure having a mind of it's own - it was operator error entirely.  And I was flustered and flummoxed by my own seeming inability to quickly and smoothly correct my previous errors.

I do apologize for my verbalized frustrations, if they caused any discomfort or concern.  Rest assured, any ire that was on display by me was entirely anger at myself.

But I learned two valuable things -   1, I will never TD a mix game event AND be a designated dealer.  Too much going on, and my blinds kerfuffle was no doubt caused in large part because I was also doing the full time dealing thing.  TDs in card rooms don't deal and neither should I in my garage.

2. - I've got the structure completely figured out this morning, in the light of day there is much clarity.  All I have to focus on is the blinds in the board games (Hold-Em and O8) - and not think about the Antes and Bring-In.  The Ante is half (or less) of the small blind, and the bring in is the same as the small blind.  That's it.  The End.   Going forward I know this and will not have an issue.

Anyways - there was much fun and yammering as we got underway.  Earlier I had pre-lit the Spew Time sign, and Spew I (and others) certainly did!

Three time tournament winner in 2022 - the affable (in demeanor) and ferocious (in his play) - Joe, was first to exit.  This was well after the chaotic break - (chaotic because I forgot to order Pizza, and then Dominoes was a bit late, so we were up in the air as to what to do).

I immediately broke the kiddy table and then we blasted off as 9pm approached.  It was a good hour later when the final table formed and it was bubble time.

Mike C. actually made the final table of 8, but he busted at the green table right after a double knock-out at the red table, so while he didn't get to sit - he officially made the FT!

Laura busted in 7th, then Tony (who at one time had ALL the chips) finished in 6th.

And then it was bubble time -

Jason and Rich were on the nub - so Jason had the thoughtfulness and foresight to propose a bubble deal contingent on one of them busting; they would split the $80 payout.   Rich readily agreed, and indeed Richard then busted and then Jason did, so they each got their buy-ins back.

Neither was eligible for the Last Longer purse of $160.   At the final table only Mike C., Tony and Dan L. were qualified - and as mentioned Mike and Tony had already busted, so that's right - there was only one left and he got ALL that dollah dollah bill y'all!

Can't win if you don't play Y'ALL!  Allen expresses his regurts.

And then there were three...

Faces frozen, fingers numb.

Allen R. busted next, collecting $120 for his troubles in 3rd place.

I mentioned to Dan and Josh that they had the option to switching to Hold-Em only, OR to single pots only games (Hold-Em, Stud High and Razz) for heads-up.  They politely and calmly told me to F RIGHT OFF - as they wanted the full H.O.R.S.E. experience!   Very well gentlemen!  Let's do it!

And do it they did.  The battle lasted for a good long while.   And thanks to my blind structure screw ups, we found ourselves just barely on the good side of midnight when the dust cleared and we had our winner!

His calm demeanor is betrayed by his not so subtle grip of the rockets.

After a long fight, with the chip lead changing back and forth multiple times - Dan L. scooped up a tasty $180 in 2nd place - PLUS another $160 for the Last Longer, giving him a gi-normous $340 total!

Josh had to settle for a mere $280 for 1st place, because he passed on the easy money.  But the good news for him was, he locked up a TOC seat that he really needed, as Josh has been largely absent from the garage this year.   Way to go Josh, get after those 1K free-roll monies in January!

If you're wondering if you are qualified for the TOC, even if you haven't won a seat - you may be!  Be sure to check HERE on the spreadsheet.  If your name is in grey, you are currently eligible to qualify via points..  As you can see, there's quite a few who are on the bubble to gain a seat, or lose one, depending on how the next tournament goes.

Yes, it's looking like there will only be one tournament remaining in 2022.   The date is Saturday, Dec 3 at 5pm.  The Evite will go out right after this post, so keep your eyes peeled!   There is a TINY chance that I might be able to squeeze in a 12th tournament for 2022 - it would be on Sat the 17th if it happens.  We will see.

Once again, I have to say a special thanks to everyone who came out and was brave to playing games that we don't play that often.  I am often surprised and delighted by who takes a chance.  Sadly, I'm not that surprised that those who bark loudest about wanting Mix games, typically don't show.  Alas, some things never change.

Also, a massive thanks to Jason who dealt table 2 like a champ for quite literally hours on end.  Your service, skills and attitude are VERY much appreciated by this host and your fellow players.

So until the 3rd, I wish you all the a very happy and safe Thanksgiving!   I for one have a TON to be grateful for, and not a small item on that very large list is our amazing home poker game and the outstanding people that play in it.   Ok, gotta go - got something in my eye!

Peace and we out!