$250 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (1 Re-Entry)
Position - Name - Amount
15 Daniel Chan (New York, NY) $739
16 Aldo Antonacci (New York, NY via Abruzzi, Italy)$629
17 Chris Lyons (Audubon, NJ) $629
18 Demetrios Georgous (Little Falls, NJ) $629
Friday, April 29, 2011
Event 23: Final 2 Tables
$250 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (1 Re-Entry)
With the elimination of Jeremy Schoenberger (Glasboro, NJ), the 2008 Borgata Summer Open third place finisher ($143,000), in 20th place and Anthony Gelfen (Reisterstown, MD) in 19th, the remaining 18 players are drawing for new seats at the final two tables.
Blinds are 12k/24k/3k ante as the average stack is 424k.
With the elimination of Jeremy Schoenberger (Glasboro, NJ), the 2008 Borgata Summer Open third place finisher ($143,000), in 20th place and Anthony Gelfen (Reisterstown, MD) in 19th, the remaining 18 players are drawing for new seats at the final two tables.
Blinds are 12k/24k/3k ante as the average stack is 424k.
Event 23: Payouts 19-24
$250 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (1 Re-Entry)
Position - Name - Amount
19 Anthony Gelfen (Reisterstown, MD) $555
20 Jeremy Schoenberger (Glasboro, NJ) $555
21 Andrew Liang (Staten Island, NY) $555
22 Ljubanovic Lulzim (Ridgewood, NJ) $555
23 Giovanni Loduca (Manalapan, NJ) $555
24 Carl Restifo (Waretown, NJ) $555
Position - Name - Amount
19 Anthony Gelfen (Reisterstown, MD) $555
20 Jeremy Schoenberger (Glasboro, NJ) $555
21 Andrew Liang (Staten Island, NY) $555
22 Ljubanovic Lulzim (Ridgewood, NJ) $555
23 Giovanni Loduca (Manalapan, NJ) $555
24 Carl Restifo (Waretown, NJ) $555
Event 23: Break Time
$250 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (1 Re-Entry)
Players are on a 10 minute break and Dave Grandieri (Danbury, CT) continues to punish the field. He just knocked out another big stack and has 1.3 million of the 7.6 million in play. Grandieri has 3 times more than the next closest stack and the other 23 remaining players have an average of 274k.
When play resumes blinds will be 10k/20k/3k ante.
Big Stacks
Dave Grandieri (Danbury, CT) 1.3 million
Don Matusow (Ventnor, NJ) 470k
Eliano Mesquita (Toms River, NJ) 460k
Kerry Small (Ventnor, NJ) 450k
Allan Lubin (Watchung, NJ) 410k
Players are on a 10 minute break and Dave Grandieri (Danbury, CT) continues to punish the field. He just knocked out another big stack and has 1.3 million of the 7.6 million in play. Grandieri has 3 times more than the next closest stack and the other 23 remaining players have an average of 274k.
When play resumes blinds will be 10k/20k/3k ante.
Big Stacks
Dave Grandieri (Danbury, CT) 1.3 million
Don Matusow (Ventnor, NJ) 470k
Eliano Mesquita (Toms River, NJ) 460k
Kerry Small (Ventnor, NJ) 450k
Allan Lubin (Watchung, NJ) 410k
Event 23: Payouts 25-30
$250 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (1 Re-Entry)
Position - Name - Amount
25 Daniel Bohnett (Las Vegas, NV) $555
26 David Gali (Fair Lawn, NJ) $555
27 David Black (Robbinsville, NJ) $555
28 John Froehlich (Bellmore, NY) $444
29 Gaelen McCotter (New York, NY) $444
30 Shayek Hussain (Patterson, NJ) $444
Position - Name - Amount
25 Daniel Bohnett (Las Vegas, NV) $555
26 David Gali (Fair Lawn, NJ) $555
27 David Black (Robbinsville, NJ) $555
28 John Froehlich (Bellmore, NY) $444
29 Gaelen McCotter (New York, NY) $444
30 Shayek Hussain (Patterson, NJ) $444
Event 23: Falling Fast
$250 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (1 Re-Entry)
Since breaking the bubble, there's been a steady line to the cage. A look at the early payouts.
Position - Name - Amount
31 Ryan Chapman (Germantown, MD) $444
32 John Venezio (Bayville, NJ) $444
33 Allen Chang (Brooklyn, NY) $444
34 Bernard Grizzafi (Sewell, NJ) $444
35 Anthony Colombo (Staten Island) $444
36 Chris Sorrentino (Staten Island) $444
Since breaking the bubble, there's been a steady line to the cage. A look at the early payouts.
Position - Name - Amount
31 Ryan Chapman (Germantown, MD) $444
32 John Venezio (Bayville, NJ) $444
33 Allen Chang (Brooklyn, NY) $444
34 Bernard Grizzafi (Sewell, NJ) $444
35 Anthony Colombo (Staten Island) $444
36 Chris Sorrentino (Staten Island) $444
Event 23: Lesson Learned
$250 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (1 Re-Entry)
As the money bubble approached Dave Grandieri (Danbury, CT) didn't appreciate the player two seats to his right raising the button while Grandieri was the big blind. The table says Grandieri issued a warning that the player should stop "raising with junk," especially against the big stack.
On the next orbit, play is hand-for-hand, as 37 players remain (one off the money), when the anonymous player raises again. This time it's all in for 176k.
After a short speech, Grandieri tells the player, "I'm going to teach you a lesson," and calls.
Grandieri tables Q♣ 9♣ and is a slight underdog against A 2. The flop brings the A♣ to give the
button a pair of aces.
Turn: K♣
River 4♣
Grandieri goes runner-runner club to hit the nut flush to bust the button and break the bubble. "Here's the lesson," says Grandieri while stacking a mountain of chips. "When you're on the bubble don't push the big stack."
Grandieri adds that if he called and lost he's still have 400k, instead he's now the clear big stack with more than 800k.
As the money bubble approached Dave Grandieri (Danbury, CT) didn't appreciate the player two seats to his right raising the button while Grandieri was the big blind. The table says Grandieri issued a warning that the player should stop "raising with junk," especially against the big stack.
On the next orbit, play is hand-for-hand, as 37 players remain (one off the money), when the anonymous player raises again. This time it's all in for 176k.
After a short speech, Grandieri tells the player, "I'm going to teach you a lesson," and calls.
Grandieri tables Q♣ 9♣ and is a slight underdog against A 2. The flop brings the A♣ to give the
button a pair of aces.
Turn: K♣
River 4♣
Grandieri goes runner-runner club to hit the nut flush to bust the button and break the bubble. "Here's the lesson," says Grandieri while stacking a mountain of chips. "When you're on the bubble don't push the big stack."
Grandieri adds that if he called and lost he's still have 400k, instead he's now the clear big stack with more than 800k.
Event 23: Italian Invasion
$250 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (1 Re-Entry)
Aldo Adds Flair
One of the more colorful characters we've seen at the Borgata Spring Poker Open is Aldo Antonacci who resides in New York City, but is originally from Abruzzi, Italy. He's a businessman who's come to the U.S. to play against the world's "best players," after posting decent European results.
"I came here to play in the country were poker was invented," says Antonacci, who just flopped a straight while holding ace-king to double-up to 100k (this while his opponent held JJ and flopped a set). "There are a lot of young players here and I know I can learn a lot."
Antonacci lists fellow Italian Filippo Candio, who was a November Nine finalist at the 2010 WSOP Main Event, as a friend or at least someone he's friendly with at the European tables. Candio finished 4th for $3 million and Abruzzi says he's learned a thing or two by watching the 26 year-old play.
Antonacci started his Spring Open by playing Event 1 and has played in seven Main Events, but has yet to cash. "I have a couple of bubbles, but haven't hit the money."
With 40 players left he's four eliminations away from getting paid, but he's now a short stack as he's dropped to 50k since the double up.
Aldo Adds FlairOne of the more colorful characters we've seen at the Borgata Spring Poker Open is Aldo Antonacci who resides in New York City, but is originally from Abruzzi, Italy. He's a businessman who's come to the U.S. to play against the world's "best players," after posting decent European results.
"I came here to play in the country were poker was invented," says Antonacci, who just flopped a straight while holding ace-king to double-up to 100k (this while his opponent held JJ and flopped a set). "There are a lot of young players here and I know I can learn a lot."
Antonacci lists fellow Italian Filippo Candio, who was a November Nine finalist at the 2010 WSOP Main Event, as a friend or at least someone he's friendly with at the European tables. Candio finished 4th for $3 million and Abruzzi says he's learned a thing or two by watching the 26 year-old play.
Antonacci started his Spring Open by playing Event 1 and has played in seven Main Events, but has yet to cash. "I have a couple of bubbles, but haven't hit the money."
With 40 players left he's four eliminations away from getting paid, but he's now a short stack as he's dropped to 50k since the double up.
Event 23: Color Up Break
$250 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (1 Re-Entry)
Players are on a 15 minute break as the purple (500) chips are being removed from play. The bubble is looming as 44 players remain on 5 tables, as the top 36 cash.
Level 19 (5k/10k/1k ante) is underway.
Players are on a 15 minute break as the purple (500) chips are being removed from play. The bubble is looming as 44 players remain on 5 tables, as the top 36 cash.
Level 19 (5k/10k/1k ante) is underway.
Event 23: Pain Relief
$250 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (1 Re-Entry)
Grandieri Giving it Another Go
Dave Grandieri (Danbury, CT) is back for more poker after blowing an 8 to 1 chip lead heads up in Event 21 Wednesday to finish runner-up ($13,423). At the time, he said he was the most "tilted" player to ever win $13,000 and that he would have rather busted in the first hour, than suffer the let down of finishing in second place.
After taking Thursday off because he "had a headache," Grandieri wouldn't admit that he actually ran his "head through a wall" like he threatened to do. But he's showing resiliency as he has 550k after knocking out two players with a straight.
Grandieri's table just broke and he's been moved to table one as five tables remain.
Grandieri Giving it Another GoDave Grandieri (Danbury, CT) is back for more poker after blowing an 8 to 1 chip lead heads up in Event 21 Wednesday to finish runner-up ($13,423). At the time, he said he was the most "tilted" player to ever win $13,000 and that he would have rather busted in the first hour, than suffer the let down of finishing in second place.
After taking Thursday off because he "had a headache," Grandieri wouldn't admit that he actually ran his "head through a wall" like he threatened to do. But he's showing resiliency as he has 550k after knocking out two players with a straight.
Grandieri's table just broke and he's been moved to table one as five tables remain.
Event 23: Helloooo Mr. McCotter
$250 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (1 Re-Entry)
McCotter Flops the McNuts
Gaelen McCotter (New York, NY) nails the flop while holding A♠ K♠ in a four way raised pot.
Flop: 4♠ 6♠ 9♠
McCotter bets 20k and one player reraises all in with A♣ 9♥ and sees he's in bad shape against the nut flush. McCotter wins the hand, taking his stack to 406k and is clearly one of the big stacks in the room.
Blinds and antes are starting to get serious as Level 18 (4k/8k/1k ante) is underway.
McCotter Flops the McNutsGaelen McCotter (New York, NY) nails the flop while holding A♠ K♠ in a four way raised pot.
Flop: 4♠ 6♠ 9♠
McCotter bets 20k and one player reraises all in with A♣ 9♥ and sees he's in bad shape against the nut flush. McCotter wins the hand, taking his stack to 406k and is clearly one of the big stacks in the room.
Blinds and antes are starting to get serious as Level 18 (4k/8k/1k ante) is underway.
Event 23: AA = Triple Up
$250 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (1 Re-Entry)
Aces Come Through for Colwell
Paul Colwell (Mountain Lakes, NJ) is all in for 96,500 with AA and is against two players, one holding KK, the other 99. The board runs clean and Colwell takes his stack to more than 300k with a true triple up.
The player with pocket kings wins the side pot and once they complete the math, both of Colwell's victims are left with roughly 6k each.
Level 17 (3k/6k/500 ante) is underway.
Aces Come Through for ColwellPaul Colwell (Mountain Lakes, NJ) is all in for 96,500 with AA and is against two players, one holding KK, the other 99. The board runs clean and Colwell takes his stack to more than 300k with a true triple up.
The player with pocket kings wins the side pot and once they complete the math, both of Colwell's victims are left with roughly 6k each.
Level 17 (3k/6k/500 ante) is underway.
Event 23: Wolper & Dentale Gone
$250 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (1 Re-Entry)
Since returning from dinner break Howard Wolper (Atlantic City, NJ) and Mike Dentale (Brooklyn, NY) are both on the rail.
Wolper says he shoved with A 2, was called by K 9 and his opponent hit a king. Dentale, who became a short stack just before dinner, is out just a few hands into play. The table says he busted with 8 9, his opponent had two pairs aces and tens.
63 players remain (121k avg. stack) as Level 16 (2.5k/5k/500 ante is underway).
Since returning from dinner break Howard Wolper (Atlantic City, NJ) and Mike Dentale (Brooklyn, NY) are both on the rail.
Wolper says he shoved with A 2, was called by K 9 and his opponent hit a king. Dentale, who became a short stack just before dinner, is out just a few hands into play. The table says he busted with 8 9, his opponent had two pairs aces and tens.
63 players remain (121k avg. stack) as Level 16 (2.5k/5k/500 ante is underway).
Event 23: Dinner Time
$250 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (1 Re-Entry)
On the last hand of the level, a player moved all-in as the other players were scattering for dinner. Mike Dentale called him down, showing QT. His opponent was ahead with A3. The board came J 7 3 8 6 and Mike was left with only 21k.
At the end of level 15, players took off for a 40-minute dinner break.
Play will resume at about 7:50 pm.
70 players remain.
Jeremy Schoenberger is in the lead with ~350k.
Ryan Chapman is second with ~298k.
On the last hand of the level, a player moved all-in as the other players were scattering for dinner. Mike Dentale called him down, showing QT. His opponent was ahead with A3. The board came J 7 3 8 6 and Mike was left with only 21k.
At the end of level 15, players took off for a 40-minute dinner break.
Play will resume at about 7:50 pm.
70 players remain.
Jeremy Schoenberger is in the lead with ~350k.
Ryan Chapman is second with ~298k.
Event 23: Dead Heat Atop Leaderboard
$250 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (1 Re-Entry)
Alek Givotovsky is up to ~315k and has taken the chip lead from Ryan Chapman, but Ryan is right on his heels with about 300k.
Jane Gold has busted out.
Down to 75 players now. Average stack is over 101k.
Alek Givotovsky is up to ~315k and has taken the chip lead from Ryan Chapman, but Ryan is right on his heels with about 300k.
Jane Gold has busted out.
Down to 75 players now. Average stack is over 101k.
Event 23: 85 Players Remain
$250 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (1 Re-Entry)
Down to 9 tables now, all in the tournament area in the back of the Poker Room. 85 players remain in the fight for the top prize of more than $19,000.
Big Stack Jeremy Schoenberger has landed at table 3 with Jay Johnson, Jane Gold, Mike Dentale, and Alex Torres.
The ever-increasing blinds are now up to 1,500/3,000 with 400 antes for level 14.
Down to 9 tables now, all in the tournament area in the back of the Poker Room. 85 players remain in the fight for the top prize of more than $19,000.
Big Stack Jeremy Schoenberger has landed at table 3 with Jay Johnson, Jane Gold, Mike Dentale, and Alex Torres.
The ever-increasing blinds are now up to 1,500/3,000 with 400 antes for level 14.
Event 23: Devinsky Done
$250 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (1 Re-Entry)
Play resumed after the break with level 13, blinds 1,200/2,400 with 300 antes.
Just ten tables remain with 91 players still in action. Average stack is nearly 84k.
Mike Devinsky busted out before the break. He got all his chips in holding pocket Kings on a flop of 8 4 3. Unfortunately for Mike, his opponent had pocket Aces.
Play resumed after the break with level 13, blinds 1,200/2,400 with 300 antes.
Just ten tables remain with 91 players still in action. Average stack is nearly 84k.
Mike Devinsky busted out before the break. He got all his chips in holding pocket Kings on a flop of 8 4 3. Unfortunately for Mike, his opponent had pocket Aces.
Event 23: Updated Leaderboard
$250 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (1 Re-Entry)
Another three levels have ticked away and players have scattered for another break.
11 Tables remain with 110 or fewer players. Average stack is approaching 70k.
Ryan Chapman (Gaithersburg, MD) is the chip leader with ~235k. Ryan finished 3rd in event 13 for over $5,000.
Alek Givotovsky is second with ~220k.
Jeremy Schoenberger (Glassboro, NJ) is third with ~210k. Jeremy finished 3rd in the 2008 Borgata Summer Poker Open Main Event for over $143,000.
Another three levels have ticked away and players have scattered for another break.
11 Tables remain with 110 or fewer players. Average stack is approaching 70k.
Ryan Chapman
Ryan Chapman (Gaithersburg, MD) is the chip leader with ~235k. Ryan finished 3rd in event 13 for over $5,000.
Alek Givotovsky is second with ~220k.
Jeremy Schoenberger (Glassboro, NJ) is third with ~210k. Jeremy finished 3rd in the 2008 Borgata Summer Poker Open Main Event for over $143,000.
Event 23: One Tough Table
$250 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (1 Re-Entry)
"Table change!" cried Pete Antenucci from the back of the tournament room. I went to see what was up and discovered that table 1 has turned into a tough one:
Daniel Chan (3 cashes, one final table, during this series)
Pete 'Tucci007' Antenucci (5th in event 22)
Alek Givotovsky (won event 8)
Carl Restifo (one cash during series; over $400k lifetime)
Pete has already busted out before I got this posted.
"Table change!" cried Pete Antenucci from the back of the tournament room. I went to see what was up and discovered that table 1 has turned into a tough one:
Pete Antenucci and Alek Givotovsky
Daniel Chan (3 cashes, one final table, during this series)
Pete 'Tucci007' Antenucci (5th in event 22)
Alek Givotovsky (won event 8)
Carl Restifo (one cash during series; over $400k lifetime)
Pete has already busted out before I got this posted.
Event 23: Payouts
$250 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (1 Re-Entry)
Entries: 305
Total Buy-In: $76,250
Place Payout
1 $19,969
2 $11,094
3 $6,878
4 $5,547
5 $4,290
6 $3,624
7 $2,922
8 $2,182
9 $1,479
10-12 $961
13-15 $739
16-18 $629
19-27 $555
28-36 $444
Entries: 305
Total Buy-In: $76,250
Place Payout
1 $19,969
2 $11,094
3 $6,878
4 $5,547
5 $4,290
6 $3,624
7 $2,922
8 $2,182
9 $1,479
10-12 $961
13-15 $739
16-18 $629
19-27 $555
28-36 $444
Event 23: Rosengarten Rousted
$250 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (1 Re-Entry)
Jason Rosengarten (Long Island, NY) showed me his 6,500 chips and said "I'm gonna win this tournament".
And then he was busted before I even got his picture loaded. Frank Reina has also busted out.
Meanwhile, one table over, Gali Davidi (Rutgers) is up to ~120k.
Jason Rosengarten (Long Island, NY) showed me his 6,500 chips and said "I'm gonna win this tournament".
Jason Rosengarten
And then he was busted before I even got his picture loaded. Frank Reina has also busted out.
Meanwhile, one table over, Gali Davidi (Rutgers) is up to ~120k.
Event 23: Updated Leaderboard
$250 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (1 Re-Entry)
Following the color-up, play resumed with level 10, blinds 600/1,200 with 200 antes.
George Gillis (Baltimore, MD) has edged out Mike Dentale for the chip lead. George is up to ~115k.
Mike is very close behind with ~113k.
17 tables remain.
Following the color-up, play resumed with level 10, blinds 600/1,200 with 200 antes.
George Gillis
George Gillis (Baltimore, MD) has edged out Mike Dentale for the chip lead. George is up to ~115k.
Mike is very close behind with ~113k.
17 tables remain.
Event 23: 305 Entries
$250 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (1 Re-Entry)
Official number of entries is 305, making total buy-ins $76,250. 36 players will get a piece of the prize pool, which will be posted when available.
Down to 18 tables now with 180 or fewer players remaining.
Sheree Bykofsky got her chips in with pocket 9s, running into pocket Aces. That was the end of her tournament.
Abe Korotki was all-in with pocket Jacks against a player holding JT. The flop came 9 7 5, giving his opponent additional outs with a gushot, but the last two came Q Q and Abe doubled up to ~40k.
End of level 9 and time to color up the green 25 chips. Players were rewarded with a 15 minute break.
Official number of entries is 305, making total buy-ins $76,250. 36 players will get a piece of the prize pool, which will be posted when available.
Down to 18 tables now with 180 or fewer players remaining.
Sheree Bykofsky got her chips in with pocket 9s, running into pocket Aces. That was the end of her tournament.
Abe Korotki was all-in with pocket Jacks against a player holding JT. The flop came 9 7 5, giving his opponent additional outs with a gushot, but the last two came Q Q and Abe doubled up to ~40k.
End of level 9 and time to color up the green 25 chips. Players were rewarded with a 15 minute break.
Event 23: Reina's Creations
$250 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (1 Re-Entry)
Some have described tournament poker as "hours of boredom interrupted by moments of sheer terror".
Players develop coping mechanisms for dealing with the boredom and one common way to pass the time is building things with their chips.
Frank Reina created a tower with his chips and here he's using it to display his card protector, which he also built. The little smiling guy says "Thank you very much!" when pressed and Frank uses it to thank his opponents when he collects a pot.
They're currently playing in level 9 with blinds of 500/1,000 with 100 antes.
Some have described tournament poker as "hours of boredom interrupted by moments of sheer terror".
Players develop coping mechanisms for dealing with the boredom and one common way to pass the time is building things with their chips.
Frank Reina and his Creations
Frank Reina created a tower with his chips and here he's using it to display his card protector, which he also built. The little smiling guy says "Thank you very much!" when pressed and Frank uses it to thank his opponents when he collects a pot.
They're currently playing in level 9 with blinds of 500/1,000 with 100 antes.
Event 23: Don't Answer Your Phone At The Table!
$250 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (1 Re-Entry)
No using your phone at the table means just that -- don't answer your phone when you are at the table. Step away before answering.
One player is learning that lesson the hard way. He was given a one-orbit penalty for using his phone at the table. His blinds and antes will be posted and his hands will be mucked.
No warnings are given. An announcement was made before the tournament started and that's the only warning players get.
Blinds are up to 400/800 with 75 antes for level 8.
No using your phone at the table means just that -- don't answer your phone when you are at the table. Step away before answering.
One player is learning that lesson the hard way. He was given a one-orbit penalty for using his phone at the table. His blinds and antes will be posted and his hands will be mucked.
No warnings are given. An announcement was made before the tournament started and that's the only warning players get.
Blinds are up to 400/800 with 75 antes for level 8.
Event 23: Straight-Flush for Torres
$250 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (1 Re-Entry)
On a flop of Q♥5♦ 4♦ , seat 10 was all-in against Alex Torres. They both had flush draws.
Seat 10 had A♦ T♦ for the nut-flush-draw, while Alex had 8♦ 6♦ for an inferior flush draw, but with a gutshot straight and straight-flush draw.
Neither player had a pair, so seat 10 was ahead with Ace-high, but all cards were live for pairs.
Then on the turn the 7♦ fell, giving Alex the straight-flush and the stone-cold-nuts. His opponent was drawing dead and headed for the door.
Alex chipped up to ~70k.
On a flop of Q♥5♦ 4♦ , seat 10 was all-in against Alex Torres. They both had flush draws.
Seat 10 had A♦ T♦ for the nut-flush-draw, while Alex had 8♦ 6♦ for an inferior flush draw, but with a gutshot straight and straight-flush draw.
Neither player had a pair, so seat 10 was ahead with Ace-high, but all cards were live for pairs.
Alex Torres
Then on the turn the 7♦ fell, giving Alex the straight-flush and the stone-cold-nuts. His opponent was drawing dead and headed for the door.
Alex chipped up to ~70k.
Event 23: End of Re-Entry Period
$250 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (1 Re-Entry)
At the end of six levels of play, it was time for another break. Players got away from the felt and I got a chance to scope out the stacks.
Believe it or not, Mike 'unbelievable' Dentale is the chip leader with ~106k.
Jimmy Purcell (Flushing, NY) is second in chips with ~98k.
Registration will officially close at the end of the break, then play will resume with level 7 and blinds of 300/600 with 75 antes.
25 tables are still open, but once the re-entry period is over, they will start to break down quickly as players are eliminated.
At the end of six levels of play, it was time for another break. Players got away from the felt and I got a chance to scope out the stacks.
Believe it or not, Mike 'unbelievable' Dentale is the chip leader with ~106k.
Jimmy Purcell
Jimmy Purcell (Flushing, NY) is second in chips with ~98k.
Registration will officially close at the end of the break, then play will resume with level 7 and blinds of 300/600 with 75 antes.
25 tables are still open, but once the re-entry period is over, they will start to break down quickly as players are eliminated.
Event 23: Last Level For Re-Entry
$250 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (1 Re-Entry)
On the river with a board of K T 2 8 7, Alek Givotovksy (winner of event 8 and over $47k) tanked when his opponent bet ~8k. The clock was eventually called. Before his time expired, Alek called. His opponent showed pocket 2s for the flopped set. Alek mucked his hand.
Blinds are up to 200/400 with 50 antes for level 6.
This will be the last level for entries, so this will be the time for short-stacks to decide if they want to ship it light, trying to double-up or bust out so they can start over with a fresh 25k stack.
Several regulars have already busted out and re-entered, including Sheree Bykofsky and Tony Sinishtaj.
On the river with a board of K T 2 8 7, Alek Givotovksy (winner of event 8 and over $47k) tanked when his opponent bet ~8k. The clock was eventually called. Before his time expired, Alek called. His opponent showed pocket 2s for the flopped set. Alek mucked his hand.
Blinds are up to 200/400 with 50 antes for level 6.
This will be the last level for entries, so this will be the time for short-stacks to decide if they want to ship it light, trying to double-up or bust out so they can start over with a fresh 25k stack.
Several regulars have already busted out and re-entered, including Sheree Bykofsky and Tony Sinishtaj.
Event 23: Late Arrivals
$250 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (1 Re-Entry)
These frequent players have appeared in the crowd, either as late arrivals or faces I missed on earlier passes:
Mirsad Kovaci
Elliott Zaydman
Daniel Chan
Jane Gold busted out and picked up a re-entry ticket so she can buy back in.
Larry Gold (no relation) shipped a double-up across the felt when his AK of spades failed to outrun pocket Kings on a flop of 7 6 3 with two spades. He missed all 12 of his outs on the turn and river.
These frequent players have appeared in the crowd, either as late arrivals or faces I missed on earlier passes:
Mirsad Kovaci
Elliott Zaydman
Daniel Chan
Jane Gold busted out and picked up a re-entry ticket so she can buy back in.
Larry Gold (no relation) shipped a double-up across the felt when his AK of spades failed to outrun pocket Kings on a flop of 7 6 3 with two spades. He missed all 12 of his outs on the turn and river.
Event 23: Antes Up
$250 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (1 Re-Entry)
Level 5: blinds 150/300 with 25 antes.
Many players consider the start of antes the start of the tournament. At this point, players will have to commit chips to every pot. The pots are bigger and worth trying to steal, plus if you don't pick up some pots, your stack will shrink until it disappears.
Mike Dentale (winner of event 1 and over $57k) has arrived and taken his seat at table 3 to the right of Alex Torres (2nd in event 6 for over $16k).
Level 5: blinds 150/300 with 25 antes.
Many players consider the start of antes the start of the tournament. At this point, players will have to commit chips to every pot. The pots are bigger and worth trying to steal, plus if you don't pick up some pots, your stack will shrink until it disappears.
Mike Dentale (winner of event 1 and over $57k) has arrived and taken his seat at table 3 to the right of Alex Torres (2nd in event 6 for over $16k).
Event 23: 26 Tables Active
$250 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (1 Re-Entry)
After the break, play resumed with level 4, blinds 100/200.
There are currently 26 tables in action, but with entry and re-entry possible through level 6, it will be a while before we get a final player count.
After the break, play resumed with level 4, blinds 100/200.
There are currently 26 tables in action, but with entry and re-entry possible through level 6, it will be a while before we get a final player count.
Event 23: Name Dropping
$250 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (1 Re-Entry)
More familiar faces have appeared in today's field:
Gil Sacks
Abe Korotki
Alex Torres
John Zoldak
Nancy Martin
Mike Devinsky
Frank Reina
Mario Perez (3rd in event 1 for $20k)
Jane Gold (mother of 2006 WSOP main event winner Jamie Gold)
Level 3 came to an end and players are enjoying a ten minute break.
Smoke 'em if you got 'em (but only in designated smoking areas due to the New Jersey Clean Air act).
More familiar faces have appeared in today's field:
Gil Sacks
Abe Korotki
Alex Torres
John Zoldak
Nancy Martin
Mike Devinsky
Frank Reina
Mario Perez (3rd in event 1 for $20k)
Jane Gold (mother of 2006 WSOP main event winner Jamie Gold)
Level 3 came to an end and players are enjoying a ten minute break.
Smoke 'em if you got 'em (but only in designated smoking areas due to the New Jersey Clean Air act).
Event 23: Johnson Doubles
$250 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (1 Re-Entry)
Blinds are up to 75/150 in level 3.
On the river with a board of A♠4♥3♥5♥Q♥, Jay Johnson showed down A♥8♥ to beat his opponent's J♥T♥ with flush over flush.
Jay has doubled his starting stack to about 50k.
Jay finished 6th in yesterday's $200 NL DeepStack Semi-Turbo ($2,239).
Blinds are up to 75/150 in level 3.
On the river with a board of A♠4♥3♥5♥Q♥, Jay Johnson showed down A♥8♥ to beat his opponent's J♥T♥ with flush over flush.
Jay has doubled his starting stack to about 50k.
Jay finished 6th in yesterday's $200 NL DeepStack Semi-Turbo ($2,239).
Event 23: Supportive Spouse
$250 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (1 Re-Entry)
Blinds are up to 50/100 for level 2.
Pierre J. Noel II (Westchester, NY) is playing today and his self-proclaimed 'manager' and wife Jasmine is here. He's hoping for a deep run and she's determined to stand by her man (or sit behind, in this case) in a show of support.
Blinds are up to 50/100 for level 2.
Pierre Noel and Jasmine
Pierre J. Noel II (Westchester, NY) is playing today and his self-proclaimed 'manager' and wife Jasmine is here. He's hoping for a deep run and she's determined to stand by her man (or sit behind, in this case) in a show of support.
Event 23: Familiar Poker Faces
$250 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (1 Re-Entry)
24 tables are in action today with many familiar faces. Here are the ones I spotted on an early pass:
Larry Gold
John Sorscher
Robert Depasquale
Michael Buttacavoli
Alek Givotovsky
Demetrios Georgous
Bob Santilli
Howard Wolper
Jay Johnson
Tony Sinishtaj
Sheree Bykofsky
24 tables are in action today with many familiar faces. Here are the ones I spotted on an early pass:
Larry Gold
John Sorscher
Robert Depasquale
Michael Buttacavoli
Alek Givotovsky
Demetrios Georgous
Bob Santilli
Howard Wolper
Jay Johnson
Tony Sinishtaj
Sheree Bykofsky
Event 23: Finale Underway
$250 + $30 Deep Stack NLH (1 Re-Entry)
The Main Event Finale of the Borgata Spring Poker Open is underway!
Cards are in the air for the final main event of this series.
Players began with 25,000 chips (Deep Stack) and blinds of 25/50.
Levels last 25 minutes and players who bust out during the first six levels (not four as printed on the structure sheet) may re-enter once.
Late registrations will also be accepted during the first six levels, rather than four.
The Main Event Finale of the Borgata Spring Poker Open is underway!
Cards are in the air for the final main event of this series.
Players began with 25,000 chips (Deep Stack) and blinds of 25/50.
Levels last 25 minutes and players who bust out during the first six levels (not four as printed on the structure sheet) may re-enter once.
Late registrations will also be accepted during the first six levels, rather than four.
Friday, April 29
Today's Events in the Poker Room
12PM: Event 23 - $250 + $30 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em (1 Re-Entry)
- Players start with 25,000 in tournament chips
- Levels last 25 minutes each
- Players that are eliminated within the first four Levels may Re-Enter one more time
- 1-Day event
6PM: Event 53 - $150 + $30 No Limit Hold'em
- Players start with 10,000 in tournament chips
- Levels last 20 minutes each
- 1-Day event
Event 22 Recap
$200 + $30 Deep Stack Semi-Turbo NLH (2 Re-Entry)
After a crazy final table that saw the chip lead shift back and forth between players numerous times, Brian Correro (Silver Spring, MD) and Neil Dever (Breezy Point, NY) finished 1-2 respectively in Event 22 of the Borgata Spring Poker Open.
Correro was the last man standing in a field of 236 entries and takes home $12,820 for first place. "This is surreal," he says, "when you get knocked out of a tournament you have that buzz kill, but to stay up on this high feels pretty good."
Correro, who took some time off work and reinvested his recently received tax return into his poker game, was on a roller coaster that saw him suffer a couple of final table bad beats before he took control and knocked out the players in 2nd-5th places.
Dever, who took home $7,554 as runner-up, is the last victim, but was relieved that the 14 hour marathon was over. "I'm tired and disappointed," he said, "I pushed with good cards and had some luck along the way."
Two players at the final table improved on their finishes from Event 21, including Alan Cohen (Brooklyn, NY), who finished 3rd/$4,340 after a 20th place finish, on his 20th anniversary, the night before. Pete Antenucci (Clifton Park, NY) also moved up the pay sheet by finishing 5th/$2,747, better than his Event 21, 10th place finish.
Rounding out the final table were Nick Guinto (Brigantine, NJ) 4th/$3,525, Jay Johnson (Philadelphia, PA) 6th/$2,289, Jordan McMahon (Montclair, NJ) 7th/$1,831, John Harvilla (Minersville, PA) 8th/$1,374, Nick Berglund (Stockholm, Sweden) 9th/$916 and Glenn Wilkins (Freehold, NJ) 10th/$595.
The day began with notables Larry Gold, James 'Suits' Salters, Mike Dentale and Steve Ryan making a run at the $47,200 total buy-in as 27 players cashed. Of the group, only Ryan, who finished 7th ($82,740) in the January Borgata Winter Poker Open, cashed as he finished 24th/$412.
Correro, who eventually grabbed all the 5.9 million chips in play, summed up his tournament like this. "My philosophy is to run good, play better," which is exactly why he took home the trophy.
After a crazy final table that saw the chip lead shift back and forth between players numerous times, Brian Correro (Silver Spring, MD) and Neil Dever (Breezy Point, NY) finished 1-2 respectively in Event 22 of the Borgata Spring Poker Open.
Correro was the last man standing in a field of 236 entries and takes home $12,820 for first place. "This is surreal," he says, "when you get knocked out of a tournament you have that buzz kill, but to stay up on this high feels pretty good."
Correro, who took some time off work and reinvested his recently received tax return into his poker game, was on a roller coaster that saw him suffer a couple of final table bad beats before he took control and knocked out the players in 2nd-5th places.
Dever, who took home $7,554 as runner-up, is the last victim, but was relieved that the 14 hour marathon was over. "I'm tired and disappointed," he said, "I pushed with good cards and had some luck along the way."
Two players at the final table improved on their finishes from Event 21, including Alan Cohen (Brooklyn, NY), who finished 3rd/$4,340 after a 20th place finish, on his 20th anniversary, the night before. Pete Antenucci (Clifton Park, NY) also moved up the pay sheet by finishing 5th/$2,747, better than his Event 21, 10th place finish.
Rounding out the final table were Nick Guinto (Brigantine, NJ) 4th/$3,525, Jay Johnson (Philadelphia, PA) 6th/$2,289, Jordan McMahon (Montclair, NJ) 7th/$1,831, John Harvilla (Minersville, PA) 8th/$1,374, Nick Berglund (Stockholm, Sweden) 9th/$916 and Glenn Wilkins (Freehold, NJ) 10th/$595.
The day began with notables Larry Gold, James 'Suits' Salters, Mike Dentale and Steve Ryan making a run at the $47,200 total buy-in as 27 players cashed. Of the group, only Ryan, who finished 7th ($82,740) in the January Borgata Winter Poker Open, cashed as he finished 24th/$412.
Correro, who eventually grabbed all the 5.9 million chips in play, summed up his tournament like this. "My philosophy is to run good, play better," which is exactly why he took home the trophy.
Event 22 Champion - Correro
$200 + $30 Deep Stack Semi-Turbo NLH (2 Re-Entry)
Brian Correro (Silver Spring, MD)
$12,820
Brian Correro (Silver Spring, MD)$12,820
Event 22: 2nd Place - Dever
$200 + $30 Deep Stack Semi-Turbo NLH (2 Re-Entry)
Neil Dever (Breezy Point, NY)
$7,554
Neil Dever (Breezy Point, NY) $7,554
Event 22: 3rd Place - Cohen
$200 + $30 Deep Stack Semi-Turbo NLH (2 Re-Entry)
Alan Cohen (Brooklyn, NY)
$4,349
Alan Cohen (Brooklyn, NY)$4,349
The man with 9 lives runs out of luck in third place, but it caps off a profitable 20th anniversary spent away from his wife. "She knew I was coming here," he says, "but we just got back from a great vacation."
Cohen's third place finish in this tournament, which began the day of his anniversary, April 28th, his followed by his 20th place finish ($547) in Event 21, which concluded on the same date. "I'm going to go and buy her a nice gift," he says.
Cohen was walking to the rail twice at the final table, but was saved by the river both times. The first time came 8-handed when he was dominated AK vs AJ, but the board double paired for a chopped pot. The second near elimination came 5 handed when he held A♦ K♦ against the 5♥ 5♠ of Neil Dever. Cohen hits the A♣ on the river to win the coin flip and eventually moves up two spots on the pay scale.
Cohen's tournament ends with 8 9 against Brian Correro who has 9 10 and turns a straight when a jack hits the board.
Cohen's third place finish in this tournament, which began the day of his anniversary, April 28th, his followed by his 20th place finish ($547) in Event 21, which concluded on the same date. "I'm going to go and buy her a nice gift," he says.
Cohen was walking to the rail twice at the final table, but was saved by the river both times. The first time came 8-handed when he was dominated AK vs AJ, but the board double paired for a chopped pot. The second near elimination came 5 handed when he held A♦ K♦ against the 5♥ 5♠ of Neil Dever. Cohen hits the A♣ on the river to win the coin flip and eventually moves up two spots on the pay scale.
Cohen's tournament ends with 8 9 against Brian Correro who has 9 10 and turns a straight when a jack hits the board.
Event 22: 4th Place - Guinto
$200 + $30 Deep Stack Semi-Turbo NLH (2 Re-Entry)
Nick Guinto (Brigantine, NJ)
Nick Guinto (Brigantine, NJ)$3,525
Nick Guinto is crippled and eventually knocked out in 4th place by Brian Correro who continues to add to his chip lead.
On a board of 6♠ 7♥ 5♥ 8♣, Guinto checks, Correro bets 475k and Guinto calls.
River: 2♠
Guinto checks, Correro bets 700k and Guinto calls.
Correro: 9♣ A♦ (9 high straight)
Guinto: 10♠ 4♣ (8 high straight)
Correro wins the hand with the higher straight and leaves Guinto with only 70k in chips. Guinto manages to double-up twice and is eventually knocked out by Correro.
On a board of 6♠ 7♥ 5♥ 8♣, Guinto checks, Correro bets 475k and Guinto calls.
River: 2♠
Guinto checks, Correro bets 700k and Guinto calls.
Correro: 9♣ A♦ (9 high straight)
Guinto: 10♠ 4♣ (8 high straight)
Correro wins the hand with the higher straight and leaves Guinto with only 70k in chips. Guinto manages to double-up twice and is eventually knocked out by Correro.
Event 22: 5th Place - Antenucci
$200 + $30 Deep Stack Semi-Turbo NLH (2 Re-Entry)
Pete 'Tucci007' Antenucci (Clifton Park, NY)
Pete 'Tucci007' Antenucci (Clifton Park, NY)$2,747
Pete Antenucci, who at one point had the chip lead with 1.8 million, is out in 5th place after bleeding chips. A pivotal hand comes when he raised from the button and is called by Brian Correro in the big blind.
Both players check the flop of 3♠ Q♦ Q♥.
Turn: 9♥
Antenucci bets 150k, Correro calls
River: 4♥
Both players check
Correro: A♣ 9♥
Antenucci: 7♠ 7♣
Correro wins the hand with a pair of 9s, leaving Antenucci short stacked.
On the first hand of the new level 40k/80k/10k ante, Correro knocks out Antenucci, who improved on his 10th place finish ($1,292) from the night before in Event 21.
Both players check the flop of 3♠ Q♦ Q♥.
Turn: 9♥
Antenucci bets 150k, Correro calls
River: 4♥
Both players check
Correro: A♣ 9♥
Antenucci: 7♠ 7♣
Correro wins the hand with a pair of 9s, leaving Antenucci short stacked.
On the first hand of the new level 40k/80k/10k ante, Correro knocks out Antenucci, who improved on his 10th place finish ($1,292) from the night before in Event 21.
Event 22: 6th Place - Johnson
$200 + $30 Deep Stack Semi-Turbo NLH (2 Re-Entry)
Jay Johnson (Philadelphia, PA)
Jay Johnson (Philadelphia, PA)$2,289
Jay Johnson is crippled on a big hand and eventually knocked out in 6th place. Johnson, Alan Cohen and Brian Correro are three to a flop of J♥ 9♦ 3♣.
Cohen bets 150k, Correro calls and Johnson moves all in. Cohen goes in the tank and eventually folds.
Correro calls holding 3♥ 3♦ for a set of 3s. Johnson has K♥ K♦ and is drawing to a two outer. When Johnson misses the turn and river, he only has 95k and is out a few hands later.
Correro takes his stack to 1.7 million, while Cohen says he folded pocket 10s.
Cohen bets 150k, Correro calls and Johnson moves all in. Cohen goes in the tank and eventually folds.
Correro calls holding 3♥ 3♦ for a set of 3s. Johnson has K♥ K♦ and is drawing to a two outer. When Johnson misses the turn and river, he only has 95k and is out a few hands later.
Correro takes his stack to 1.7 million, while Cohen says he folded pocket 10s.
Event 22: Chip Counts
$200 + $30 Deep Stack Semi-Turbo NLH (2 Re-Entry)
The orange (1k) chips are now out of play as blinds are up to 25k/50k/5k ante.
Seat-Name-Chip Count
2 Nick Guinto (Brigantine, NJ) 695k
3 Neil Dever (Breezy Point, NY) 675k
4 Pete Antenucci (Clifton Park, NY) 2 million
6 Alan Cohen (Brooklyn, NY) 500k
7 Brian Correro (Silver Spring, MD) 770k
10 Jay Johnson (Philadelphia, PA) 1.1 million
The orange (1k) chips are now out of play as blinds are up to 25k/50k/5k ante.
Seat-Name-Chip Count
2 Nick Guinto (Brigantine, NJ) 695k
3 Neil Dever (Breezy Point, NY) 675k
4 Pete Antenucci (Clifton Park, NY) 2 million
6 Alan Cohen (Brooklyn, NY) 500k
7 Brian Correro (Silver Spring, MD) 770k
10 Jay Johnson (Philadelphia, PA) 1.1 million
Event 22: 7th Place - McMahon
$200 + $30 Deep Stack Semi-Turbo NLH (2 Re-Entry)
Jordan McMahon (Montclair, NJ)
$1,831
Jordan McMahon (Montclair, NJ)$1,831
Jordan McMahon is all in for 300k with A 10 against the QQ of Jay Johnson. Johns rivers a set of queens and McMahon is out in 7th place.
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