Event 1: $350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
Lana Meier's AQ failed to out-draw an all-in's AK. She shipped the double-up across the felt and surrendered the chip lead.
James 'Suits' Salters got his last chips in with AJ, only to run into a bigger stack holding AQ. The board blanked and Suits went to the cleaners in 77th place.
74 players remain.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Vu Vanquished
Event 1: $350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
With 9 tables remaining, they went from 10-handed play down to 9-handed play as players busted out.
Playing 4k/8k blinds with 500 antes:
After Jim Hayduk (Johnstown, PA) limped in the middle, Thai Vu raised to 65k from the small blind. Jim called the raise and the flop came 7 5 4. All the chips went in the middle and Jim showed pocket 4s for the set. Thai held K6 suited and had flopped an open-ended straight-draw. The last two cards came Q J and changed nothing.
The stacks were close and had to be counted down. Jim doubled up and Thai was left with only 10k (two gray chips). He busted out soon after.
77 players remain and the bubble looms.
With 9 tables remaining, they went from 10-handed play down to 9-handed play as players busted out.
Playing 4k/8k blinds with 500 antes:
After Jim Hayduk (Johnstown, PA) limped in the middle, Thai Vu raised to 65k from the small blind. Jim called the raise and the flop came 7 5 4. All the chips went in the middle and Jim showed pocket 4s for the set. Thai held K6 suited and had flopped an open-ended straight-draw. The last two cards came Q J and changed nothing.
The stacks were close and had to be counted down. Jim doubled up and Thai was left with only 10k (two gray chips). He busted out soon after.
77 players remain and the bubble looms.
Vu vs. Buttacavoli
Event 1: $350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
As predicted, Thai Vu (hijack) and Michael Buttacavoli (button) tangled in a big pot. On the turn, the board read J 8 2 5 with three hearts and Thai bet. Michael flatted and the river was an offsuit 6. Both players checked and Michael showed AJ offsuit (with the Ace of hearts). Thai mucked his hand.
With that pot, Michael chipped up to ~820k and the chip lead.
Round one of Vu vs. Buttacavoli goes to Michael Buttacavoli.
As predicted, Thai Vu (hijack) and Michael Buttacavoli (button) tangled in a big pot. On the turn, the board read J 8 2 5 with three hearts and Thai bet. Michael flatted and the river was an offsuit 6. Both players checked and Michael showed AJ offsuit (with the Ace of hearts). Thai mucked his hand.
With that pot, Michael chipped up to ~820k and the chip lead.
Round one of Vu vs. Buttacavoli goes to Michael Buttacavoli.
High School Reunion
Event 1: $350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
At the end of level 17 players took a break while the purple 500 chips were colored up. I took the opportunity to eyeball the stacks in the room and Lana Maier is still the leader with ~720k.
Larry Gold is up to ~444k.
There are a couple of big stacks over on table one. Thomas Balla (Bellerose, NY) has 525k and Tim Dougherty (Queens, NY) has 425k. Thomas just figured out that they went to high school together, so they had some catching up to do.
At the end of level 17 players took a break while the purple 500 chips were colored up. I took the opportunity to eyeball the stacks in the room and Lana Maier is still the leader with ~720k.
Larry Gold is up to ~444k.
Thomas Balla and Tim Dougherty
There are a couple of big stacks over on table one. Thomas Balla (Bellerose, NY) has 525k and Tim Dougherty (Queens, NY) has 425k. Thomas just figured out that they went to high school together, so they had some catching up to do.
Thai Vu Throws Down The Gauntlet
Event 1: $350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
After his table was broken, Michael Buttacavoli (Ventnor, NJ) landed at table 4 with his big ~600k stack, two seats left of Thai Vu.
Thai Vu (Manhattan, NY) has his avaricious eyes on Michael's stack. Thai is currently sitting behind about 450k and he thinks Michael's chips will be coming his way soon.
Michael, on the other hand, has his Bose noise-cancelling headphones on and is apparently cancelling out the noise coming from Thai Vu.
After his table was broken, Michael Buttacavoli (Ventnor, NJ) landed at table 4 with his big ~600k stack, two seats left of Thai Vu.
Thai Vu (far left) and Michael Buttacavoli (far right)
Thai Vu (Manhattan, NY) has his avaricious eyes on Michael's stack. Thai is currently sitting behind about 450k and he thinks Michael's chips will be coming his way soon.
Michael, on the other hand, has his Bose noise-cancelling headphones on and is apparently cancelling out the noise coming from Thai Vu.
Down to Double Digits!
Event 1: $350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
Ten tables remain now with one empty seat, leaving 99 players still in the hunt. (Average stack is over 180k.)
Only 72 of these players will get paid. 27 more will leave with nothing.
They're currently playing level 17 with blinds of 3k/6k and 500 antes.
Ten tables remain now with one empty seat, leaving 99 players still in the hunt. (Average stack is over 180k.)
Only 72 of these players will get paid. 27 more will leave with nothing.
They're currently playing level 17 with blinds of 3k/6k and 500 antes.
Dentale Doubles
Event 1: $350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
A bit of controversy occurred on table 9 and not surprisingly, Mike Dentale was smack in the middle of it.
They were at the river with a board of K 4 3 9 4 (no flush possible) and Mike's opponent in seat 9 moved all in. Mike was put to the test for his tournament life since his opponent had him covered.
This is when the controversy arose, as his opponent called for the clock. Apparently Mike didn't feel he had been given enough time to consider his options and called form a second opinion.
Regardless of that, Mike eventually decided to call and what a call it was. He held A9 suited for nines-up. His opponent held A6 suited (missed a flush draw). Mike collected the pot, doubling up to over 430k.
A bit of controversy occurred on table 9 and not surprisingly, Mike Dentale was smack in the middle of it.
They were at the river with a board of K 4 3 9 4 (no flush possible) and Mike's opponent in seat 9 moved all in. Mike was put to the test for his tournament life since his opponent had him covered.
Mike 'Unbelievable' Dentale
This is when the controversy arose, as his opponent called for the clock. Apparently Mike didn't feel he had been given enough time to consider his options and called form a second opinion.
Regardless of that, Mike eventually decided to call and what a call it was. He held A9 suited for nines-up. His opponent held A6 suited (missed a flush draw). Mike collected the pot, doubling up to over 430k.
Don't Mess With Little Man
Event 1: $350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
Abul Moborrod was up to ~575k, good for second in chips behind Lana Maier.
Then this hand took place:
Mike 'Little Man' Sica opened for 12,500 from the middle and Abul called from the small blind. The flop came 8 4 3 with two spades. Abul led out for 30k. Mike gave it some thought, then min-raised to 60k. Abul called to see an offsuit 9 on the turn.
Abul announced he was all-in and Little Man snap-called all-in for 141,500, showing pocket 8s for the set. Abul held T7 of spades for the flush draw with open-ender and a lot of outs. Mike faded them all when the river bricked. He doubled up to ~435k to join the leaders. Not bad considering he was down to 11k just a couple of hours ago. Abul dropped below 400k.
Abul Moborrod was up to ~575k, good for second in chips behind Lana Maier.
Then this hand took place:
Mike 'Little Man' Sica opened for 12,500 from the middle and Abul called from the small blind. The flop came 8 4 3 with two spades. Abul led out for 30k. Mike gave it some thought, then min-raised to 60k. Abul called to see an offsuit 9 on the turn.
Abul announced he was all-in and Little Man snap-called all-in for 141,500, showing pocket 8s for the set. Abul held T7 of spades for the flush draw with open-ender and a lot of outs. Mike faded them all when the river bricked. He doubled up to ~435k to join the leaders. Not bad considering he was down to 11k just a couple of hours ago. Abul dropped below 400k.
Blinds Climb
Event 1: $350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
Play resumed after the color-up with blinds of 2,500/5,000 and 500 antes.
More all-ins and more short-stacks hitting the rail.
Pocket 8s fall prey to pocket Aces (as they should four out of every five times) and another short-stack is dispatched.
Steve Ryan got his last chips in and surrendered them to his opponent.
12 tables remain now with about 115 players.
Play resumed after the color-up with blinds of 2,500/5,000 and 500 antes.
More all-ins and more short-stacks hitting the rail.
Pocket 8s fall prey to pocket Aces (as they should four out of every five times) and another short-stack is dispatched.
Steve Ryan got his last chips in and surrendered them to his opponent.
12 tables remain now with about 115 players.
Color Up Break
Event 1: $350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
Mike Sica got his last chips in with AT against JT on a Ten-high board. Top/top held up and Mike doubled up to ~135k.
End of level 15 and players are taking a 15 minute break while the staff color up the black 100 chips.
13 tables remain. Average is about 130k.
Lana Maier is approaching 700k and way out in front.
Mike Sica got his last chips in with AT against JT on a Ten-high board. Top/top held up and Mike doubled up to ~135k.
End of level 15 and players are taking a 15 minute break while the staff color up the black 100 chips.
13 tables remain. Average is about 130k.
Lana Maier is approaching 700k and way out in front.
Chips & Cards Flying
Event 1: $350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
Cards and chips are flying furiously now:
Larry Gold took out a player and chipped up to ~420k, good for second right now.
AT out-flopped pocket 9s to double-up a short-stack.
Gregory Bock got his last chips in with pocket 7s, only to run into pocket 8s. The better pair held up and Gregory reported to the rail.
Cards and chips are flying furiously now:
Larry Gold took out a player and chipped up to ~420k, good for second right now.
AT out-flopped pocket 9s to double-up a short-stack.
Gregory Bock got his last chips in with pocket 7s, only to run into pocket 8s. The better pair held up and Gregory reported to the rail.
Leading Lady
Event 1: $350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
Lana Maier (East Brunswick, NJ) has loudly staked her claim to the chip lead, much to the dismay of her table-mates. She's up to about 470k and looks to be leading the field. She's not playing with nobodies, either. She shares the felt on table 6 with Steve Ryan, David Zeitlin, and James 'Suits' Salters, all to her left. David is the next largest stack at her table with ~290k.
Lana has a couple of WSOP cashes on her poker resume, the largest of which was her 10th place finish in the $1,500 HORSE in the summer of 2009. She claimed over $19k in that event.
14 tables remain. They're currently half-way through level 15 with blinds of 2k/4k and 400 antes. Average is ~130k.
Lana Maier (East Brunswick, NJ) has loudly staked her claim to the chip lead, much to the dismay of her table-mates. She's up to about 470k and looks to be leading the field. She's not playing with nobodies, either. She shares the felt on table 6 with Steve Ryan, David Zeitlin, and James 'Suits' Salters, all to her left. David is the next largest stack at her table with ~290k.
Lana Maier
Lana has a couple of WSOP cashes on her poker resume, the largest of which was her 10th place finish in the $1,500 HORSE in the summer of 2009. She claimed over $19k in that event.
14 tables remain. They're currently half-way through level 15 with blinds of 2k/4k and 400 antes. Average is ~130k.
Dropping Like...Rain?
Event 1: $350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
The departures are coming faster and faster as the short-stacks make their desperation moves. Level 14 (blinds 1,500/3,000 with 400 antes) expires in about 10 minutes and they're down to 15 tables (150 or fewer players).
Abul Moborrod (Ventor City, NJ) may have crept into the lead with about 350k. He shares the same piece of green felt with Julian Miranda and WSOP bracelet holder Mike 'Little Man' Sica, who is hanging on with a below-average stack.
The departures are coming faster and faster as the short-stacks make their desperation moves. Level 14 (blinds 1,500/3,000 with 400 antes) expires in about 10 minutes and they're down to 15 tables (150 or fewer players).
Abul Moborrod (Ventor City, NJ) may have crept into the lead with about 350k. He shares the same piece of green felt with Julian Miranda and WSOP bracelet holder Mike 'Little Man' Sica, who is hanging on with a below-average stack.
Miranda Doing It Right
Event 1: $350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
Julian Miranda (Union City, NJ) has chipped up to ~318k and could be our chip leader. (There are several players flirting with the 300k mark.)
Julian's wife Alesy is here sweating him, despite being 8 months pregnant with their first child. Their baby girl has already been named Zoe, which means 'life'. Julian would like to start her life off properly with a nice win here today. First place prize of over $57k would make a nice start to her college fund.
Down to 18 tables now. Average stack is ~100k.
Julian Miranda (Union City, NJ) has chipped up to ~318k and could be our chip leader. (There are several players flirting with the 300k mark.)
Alesy & proud father-to-be Julian Miranda
Julian's wife Alesy is here sweating him, despite being 8 months pregnant with their first child. Their baby girl has already been named Zoe, which means 'life'. Julian would like to start her life off properly with a nice win here today. First place prize of over $57k would make a nice start to her college fund.
Down to 18 tables now. Average stack is ~100k.
It's a Marathon, Not a Sprint
Event 1: $350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
Play resumed after dinner with 13 minutes remaining in level 13.
Surviving through dinner has given these players some newfound hope. The all-ins are coming rapidly again now as players have been reminded that about 200 remain, but only 72 get paid.
They will play until 2am or to the final table, whichever comes first....that means they'll play until 2am.
'VIP' Nguyen got his chips in good holding A7 against QT. It appeared he was headed for a double-up when an Ace flopped, but the last two came Queen, Ten, giving his opponent two pair and the pot. VIP headed for the door.
Matt 'muffins' Mazzeo accomplished the same feat when he had a shorter-stack all-in with pocket 9s. Matt held T8. Matt caught an 8, then a Ten, to make two pair and claim the pot, sending another player home.
19 tables remain.
Play resumed after dinner with 13 minutes remaining in level 13.
Surviving through dinner has given these players some newfound hope. The all-ins are coming rapidly again now as players have been reminded that about 200 remain, but only 72 get paid.
They will play until 2am or to the final table, whichever comes first....that means they'll play until 2am.
'VIP' Nguyen got his chips in good holding A7 against QT. It appeared he was headed for a double-up when an Ace flopped, but the last two came Queen, Ten, giving his opponent two pair and the pot. VIP headed for the door.
Matt 'muffins' Mazzeo accomplished the same feat when he had a shorter-stack all-in with pocket 9s. Matt held T8. Matt caught an 8, then a Ten, to make two pair and claim the pot, sending another player home.
19 tables remain.
Dinner Time Has Arrived
Event 1: $350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
With 20 tables remaining, the dinner bell was rung at 7pm and players were dispatched on a 50 minute dinner break.
Play will resume at 7:50pm.
With 20 tables remaining, the dinner bell was rung at 7pm and players were dispatched on a 50 minute dinner break.
Play will resume at 7:50pm.
All You Can Eat
Event 1: $350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
Chan (left) Watches as his Opponent "Paks" it in
On the last hand before dinner break Chan Pak (Woodbridge, VA) opens the pot in early position and the player on his left moves all-in. It folds back to Pak who makes the call with pocket 5s.
Pak is against AK and when the board run cleans he takes down the pot while taking his stack up to 175k.
"This time so far, so good," says Pak, who's making a return trip to Borgata after a short stay during the Winter Open. In Pak's first tournament he says he only lasted one hour, today he made it to the dinner break.
Chan (left) Watches as his Opponent "Paks" it inOn the last hand before dinner break Chan Pak (Woodbridge, VA) opens the pot in early position and the player on his left moves all-in. It folds back to Pak who makes the call with pocket 5s.
Pak is against AK and when the board run cleans he takes down the pot while taking his stack up to 175k.
"This time so far, so good," says Pak, who's making a return trip to Borgata after a short stay during the Winter Open. In Pak's first tournament he says he only lasted one hour, today he made it to the dinner break.
Not Your Typical "Coin Flip Situation"
Event 1: $350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
A total of 22 tables are still in action here today, leaving fewer than 220 players in the hunt.
Blinds 1,200/2,400 with 300 antes.
Back in the back of the room, Chris Richardson (Dix Hills, NY) opened for 7k and the player in seat 6 came over the top to the tune of ~45k. When the action folded back to Chris, he had some trouble deciding what to do. He pulled out a quarter and said "Heads I play, tails I fold".
He flipped the coin onto the table and it came tails. Being a man of his word, he showed his pocket 5s before folding them. His opponent showed an Ace, but only one, mucking his other card unseen.
A total of 22 tables are still in action here today, leaving fewer than 220 players in the hunt.
Blinds 1,200/2,400 with 300 antes.
Back in the back of the room, Chris Richardson (Dix Hills, NY) opened for 7k and the player in seat 6 came over the top to the tune of ~45k. When the action folded back to Chris, he had some trouble deciding what to do. He pulled out a quarter and said "Heads I play, tails I fold".
He flipped the coin onto the table and it came tails. Being a man of his word, he showed his pocket 5s before folding them. His opponent showed an Ace, but only one, mucking his other card unseen.
Counting Down to Dinner Time
Event 1: $350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
It was announced that the dinner break will be at 7pm. That seems to have set a goal for many of the remaining players ("If I can just hold on until the dinner break...") so a lull has settled over the room.
While the players seem to be showing some wear after playing for seven hours, a fresh batch of dealers have just arrived and pushed in with fresh faces and revving with energy.
They're currently in level 12 with blinds of 1k/2k, 300 antes. At the end of this level they will take a break and move the remaining tables over from the Poker Room (a total of 24 tables remain, leaving fewer than 240 players. Average is about 80k.
It was announced that the dinner break will be at 7pm. That seems to have set a goal for many of the remaining players ("If I can just hold on until the dinner break...") so a lull has settled over the room.
While the players seem to be showing some wear after playing for seven hours, a fresh batch of dealers have just arrived and pushed in with fresh faces and revving with energy.
They're currently in level 12 with blinds of 1k/2k, 300 antes. At the end of this level they will take a break and move the remaining tables over from the Poker Room (a total of 24 tables remain, leaving fewer than 240 players. Average is about 80k.
Dentale & Siegel Each Claim a Victim
Event 1: $350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
On a flop of A♣Q♥T♣, Mikey 'Unbelievable' Dentale calls the short-stack's all-in. Mike's J♣8♣ (flush draw with double-gutshot) was about even-money against his opponent's AQ (top/top). The turn was the useless 5♦, but the river delivered the 9♠ to complete Mike's straight and ship him the pot. He's now up to ~150k.
Across the room, Eric 'Pools' Siegel called an all-in on a flop of 8 4 2 with one spade. His opponent's overpair was ahead of Eric's 5♠3♠ (open-ender), but not for long. The last two came running spades (King, Ace) to give Eric the back-door flush and the pot. He's up to ~200k.
Two more players reported to the rail. The cries of "Seat Open" are coming rapidly
Down to 11 tables here in the Signature Room. More than that remain over in the poker room.
On a flop of A♣Q♥T♣, Mikey 'Unbelievable' Dentale calls the short-stack's all-in. Mike's J♣8♣ (flush draw with double-gutshot) was about even-money against his opponent's AQ (top/top). The turn was the useless 5♦, but the river delivered the 9♠ to complete Mike's straight and ship him the pot. He's now up to ~150k.
Across the room, Eric 'Pools' Siegel called an all-in on a flop of 8 4 2 with one spade. His opponent's overpair was ahead of Eric's 5♠3♠ (open-ender), but not for long. The last two came running spades (King, Ace) to give Eric the back-door flush and the pot. He's up to ~200k.
Two more players reported to the rail. The cries of "Seat Open" are coming rapidly
Down to 11 tables here in the Signature Room. More than that remain over in the poker room.
3 All-in, Plus the Side Pot
Event 1: $350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
No Joshing with Jacks
Josh Lawson (Quarryville, PA) is starting to love the opening events of Borgata. After a second place finish in January's Winter Open kick off tournament ($94,236), he's putting himself in position to make a deep run in Event 1.
Lawson is in a huge pot with three players all-in and action in a side pot. On a jack high flop, the remaining active player leads out for 22k and Lawson comes over the top all-in. The initial bettor folds and Lawson takes the side pot.
Lawson flips over pocket jacks for a set of jacks and easily eliminates the three remaining players, who are holding AK, AK & A 10. Jennifer Sostak (Long Island, NY) has the A 10 of hearts and picks up a flush draw on the turn, but when the river bricks she's on the rail.
Lawson now has 180k and is easily one of the biggest stacks in the tournament.
No Joshing with JacksJosh Lawson (Quarryville, PA) is starting to love the opening events of Borgata. After a second place finish in January's Winter Open kick off tournament ($94,236), he's putting himself in position to make a deep run in Event 1.
Lawson is in a huge pot with three players all-in and action in a side pot. On a jack high flop, the remaining active player leads out for 22k and Lawson comes over the top all-in. The initial bettor folds and Lawson takes the side pot.
Lawson flips over pocket jacks for a set of jacks and easily eliminates the three remaining players, who are holding AK, AK & A 10. Jennifer Sostak (Long Island, NY) has the A 10 of hearts and picks up a flush draw on the turn, but when the river bricks she's on the rail.
Lawson now has 180k and is easily one of the biggest stacks in the tournament.
New Chip Leader
Event 1: $350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
Now that the re-entry period is over, there is no safety-net for those players who bust out. And the bust-outs are coming quickly. Down to ~320 players now, making the average stack about 68k.
Eric Rondon (Bronx, NY) has just made a mockery of that average. On a flop of T 7 5, three players got all their chips in the middle. Eric had the other two covered in chips and crushed with his pocket Kings. He was up against pocket Jacks and pocket Queens.
Then last two cards bricked off and Eric chipped up to ~330k while sending two players to the rail. Needless to say, this puts Eric well out in front of the field and solidly in the chip lead.
Now that the re-entry period is over, there is no safety-net for those players who bust out. And the bust-outs are coming quickly. Down to ~320 players now, making the average stack about 68k.
Eric Rondon (Bronx, NY) has just made a mockery of that average. On a flop of T 7 5, three players got all their chips in the middle. Eric had the other two covered in chips and crushed with his pocket Kings. He was up against pocket Jacks and pocket Queens.
Eric Rondon
Then last two cards bricked off and Eric chipped up to ~330k while sending two players to the rail. Needless to say, this puts Eric well out in front of the field and solidly in the chip lead.
Hiders in the House
Event 1: $350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
Because the field is divided between the Signature Room and the Poker Room, a few more recognizable faces have surfaced in the Poker Room.
Dave Zeitlin (Brooklyn, NY), who has nearly $1.2 million in career earnings, is in a three way all-in with QQ vs 99 vs 44. Zeitlen's queens hold, taking his stack to 94k.
Also in the house is Keith Crowder (Elkins Park, PA), who has several Borgata cashes, including a first place finish in the 2010 Spring Open $700 tournament ($37,079), his second largest cash to date.
Crowder's biggest pay day came at the final table of the 2009 Borgata Poker Open, WPT televised final table when he took home $188,126 with a 5th place finish.
Because the field is divided between the Signature Room and the Poker Room, a few more recognizable faces have surfaced in the Poker Room.
Dave Zeitlin (Brooklyn, NY), who has nearly $1.2 million in career earnings, is in a three way all-in with QQ vs 99 vs 44. Zeitlen's queens hold, taking his stack to 94k.
Also in the house is Keith Crowder (Elkins Park, PA), who has several Borgata cashes, including a first place finish in the 2010 Spring Open $700 tournament ($37,079), his second largest cash to date.
Crowder's biggest pay day came at the final table of the 2009 Borgata Poker Open, WPT televised final table when he took home $188,126 with a 5th place finish.
Payouts!
Event 1: $350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
Entries: 727
Total Buy-In: $254,450
Place-Amount
1 $57,267
2 $33,320
3 $20,362
4 $16,784
5 $13,575
6 $11,107
7 $8,885
8 $6,787
9 $4,690
10-12 $3,085
13-15 $2,221
16-18 $1,530
19-27 $1,308
28-36 $1,106
37-45 $1,1037
46-54 $913
55-63 $814
64-72 $716
Entries: 727
Total Buy-In: $254,450
Place-Amount
1 $57,267
2 $33,320
3 $20,362
4 $16,784
5 $13,575
6 $11,107
7 $8,885
8 $6,787
9 $4,690
10-12 $3,085
13-15 $2,221
16-18 $1,530
19-27 $1,308
28-36 $1,106
37-45 $1,1037
46-54 $913
55-63 $814
64-72 $716
"Spielberg" Producing Drama
Event 1: $350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
Speilberg's "Jaws" Devouring Fish
Bryan "Speilberg" Lustig (Long Beach, NY) has been in some hands as thrilling as his namesake's movies. The most pivotal one coming when he's all-in with KK vs QQ.
Lustig is in big trouble when his opponent flops a set of queens, but uses an Indiana Jones-like escape when a king hits the turn for the higher three of a kind to win a 75k pot.
Lustig says he got the nickname from his card playing buddies back home when he produced a tv show on one of New York's public access channels. "I had glasses like Spielberg and the name stuck," he says, even though he's since gotten contacts.
Lustig now has 170k and is one of the bigger stacks near the top of this Borgata box office.
Speilberg's "Jaws" Devouring FishBryan "Speilberg" Lustig (Long Beach, NY) has been in some hands as thrilling as his namesake's movies. The most pivotal one coming when he's all-in with KK vs QQ.
Lustig is in big trouble when his opponent flops a set of queens, but uses an Indiana Jones-like escape when a king hits the turn for the higher three of a kind to win a 75k pot.
Lustig says he got the nickname from his card playing buddies back home when he produced a tv show on one of New York's public access channels. "I had glasses like Spielberg and the name stuck," he says, even though he's since gotten contacts.
Lustig now has 170k and is one of the bigger stacks near the top of this Borgata box office.
Color Me Up
Event 1: $350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
Minh Going Green
Play has settled down and the two day tournament grind is now in full poker mode.
Now that Level 9 is complete the green (25) chips are being removed from play as players are on a 15 minute color-up break.
When play resumes blinds will be 600/1,200/200 ante.
Minh Going GreenPlay has settled down and the two day tournament grind is now in full poker mode.
Now that Level 9 is complete the green (25) chips are being removed from play as players are on a 15 minute color-up break.
When play resumes blinds will be 600/1,200/200 ante.
Fahrenheit 451
Event 1: $350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
The 700+ starting field is now down to 451 players, the average stack is 48k. No word if Ray Bradbury, the 90 year old author, plans on playing any of the Borgata Main Events.
Level 9 is winding down.
The 700+ starting field is now down to 451 players, the average stack is 48k. No word if Ray Bradbury, the 90 year old author, plans on playing any of the Borgata Main Events.
Level 9 is winding down.
Big Stacks
Event 1: $350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
A couple of players have cracked the 100k chip mark.
Kian Kiarash (New York, NY) is at 130k after hitting a couple of sets.
Gregory Bock (New York, NY) says he's at 110k with a slow and steady climb after the second break.
Other big stacks include Matt "Muffins" Mazzeo (E. Williston, NY), 95k, who needed running cards to hit a straight with pocket queens against pocket aces. Eric Siegel (Melville, NY), has 75k, but has, "no idea how I got them."
Level 9 (500/1k/100 ante) is undeway.
A couple of players have cracked the 100k chip mark.
Kian Kiarash (New York, NY) is at 130k after hitting a couple of sets.
Gregory Bock (New York, NY) says he's at 110k with a slow and steady climb after the second break.
Other big stacks include Matt "Muffins" Mazzeo (E. Williston, NY), 95k, who needed running cards to hit a straight with pocket queens against pocket aces. Eric Siegel (Melville, NY), has 75k, but has, "no idea how I got them."
Level 9 (500/1k/100 ante) is undeway.
Pizza Man
Event 1: $350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
The Chef, Both On and Off the Felt
AJ "The Chef" Moriello (Springfield, NJ) is a Borgata regular, but his full time job is running a pizza restaurant in North Jersey. That's why he uses a salt shaker, in the shape of a chef, as his card protector.
"I throw a dash over my shoulder when I'm ahead," says Moriello when he's facing an all-in. "It helps stop the river card from hurting me."
Moriello also carries a picture of his brother-in-law "Joe Pizza" who passed away two years ago. He too owned a pizza shop and is always with Moriello who's looking to take home his piece of the pie.
Level 8 (400/800/75 ante) is underway.
In Memory of "Joe Pizza"
The Chef, Both On and Off the FeltAJ "The Chef" Moriello (Springfield, NJ) is a Borgata regular, but his full time job is running a pizza restaurant in North Jersey. That's why he uses a salt shaker, in the shape of a chef, as his card protector.
"I throw a dash over my shoulder when I'm ahead," says Moriello when he's facing an all-in. "It helps stop the river card from hurting me."
Moriello also carries a picture of his brother-in-law "Joe Pizza" who passed away two years ago. He too owned a pizza shop and is always with Moriello who's looking to take home his piece of the pie.
Level 8 (400/800/75 ante) is underway.
In Memory of "Joe Pizza"On Your Own
Event 1: $350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
Registration and re-entry for Event 1 of the Borgata Spring Poker Open is now closed.
The unofficial number is 726 entries, which means the $100k guarantee has been reached. First prize will be more than $57,000 with 72 places being paid a minimum of approximately $700.
With the start of Level 7 (300/600/75 ante) Tournament Director Tab Duchateau says, "you're on your own the rest of the way." We're looking for play to tighten up as the safety net of re-entry is gone.
Registration and re-entry for Event 1 of the Borgata Spring Poker Open is now closed.
The unofficial number is 726 entries, which means the $100k guarantee has been reached. First prize will be more than $57,000 with 72 places being paid a minimum of approximately $700.
With the start of Level 7 (300/600/75 ante) Tournament Director Tab Duchateau says, "you're on your own the rest of the way." We're looking for play to tighten up as the safety net of re-entry is gone.
Making a Move
Event 1: $350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
With just a few minutes left in the re-entry period, John Lakatosh (Red Lion, PA) is on a mission to either double-up or start fresh. And there's no better to make a move than 5 6 off suit.
There's a three-way all-in preflop and Lakatosh is dominated, but clearly his cards are "live."
Rob Nguyen (Brooklyn, NY) has pocket kings while a third player has Q 10 off suit.
The flop is 10 9 8 giving Lakatosh a gut shot straight draw, which he completes with a 7 on the turn.
"I was running out of time and needed to make a move," says Lakatosh who takes his stack from 13k to more than 50k with the triple up.
Nguyen is frustrated saying, "they set me up perfectly, raise with five, six and snap off my kings. What are you going to do?" Nguyen is now down to 12k and stuck having to grind the rest of the way.
Level 6 is complete, no more re-entries, and players are heading on a 15 minute break.
With just a few minutes left in the re-entry period, John Lakatosh (Red Lion, PA) is on a mission to either double-up or start fresh. And there's no better to make a move than 5 6 off suit.
There's a three-way all-in preflop and Lakatosh is dominated, but clearly his cards are "live."
Rob Nguyen (Brooklyn, NY) has pocket kings while a third player has Q 10 off suit.
The flop is 10 9 8 giving Lakatosh a gut shot straight draw, which he completes with a 7 on the turn.
"I was running out of time and needed to make a move," says Lakatosh who takes his stack from 13k to more than 50k with the triple up.
Nguyen is frustrated saying, "they set me up perfectly, raise with five, six and snap off my kings. What are you going to do?" Nguyen is now down to 12k and stuck having to grind the rest of the way.
Level 6 is complete, no more re-entries, and players are heading on a 15 minute break.
Time Management
Event 1: $350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
More than 650 entries are in the field and players are now starting to watch the clock. Matt "Muffins" Mazzeo (East Williston, NY), who doesn't like to play the early levels of a tournament, just arrived with some of his delicious baked goods.
His first question, "how long is the re-buy?" Players have until the completion of Level 6 (2:25 pm) to re-enter the tournament.
Mike Dentale (Brooklyn, NY) is back for more punishment, this is his third entry into the tournament. "I know they're bluffing," says the Borgata regular, "the problem is they're bluffing with the best hand."
Dentale says he'll make the most of his last chance and guarantees he won't play on tilt for the rest of the day.
Level 6 (200/400/50 ante) is underway and we're looking for mad rush of all-ins before the re-entry ends.
More than 650 entries are in the field and players are now starting to watch the clock. Matt "Muffins" Mazzeo (East Williston, NY), who doesn't like to play the early levels of a tournament, just arrived with some of his delicious baked goods.
His first question, "how long is the re-buy?" Players have until the completion of Level 6 (2:25 pm) to re-enter the tournament.
Mike Dentale (Brooklyn, NY) is back for more punishment, this is his third entry into the tournament. "I know they're bluffing," says the Borgata regular, "the problem is they're bluffing with the best hand."
Dentale says he'll make the most of his last chance and guarantees he won't play on tilt for the rest of the day.
Level 6 (200/400/50 ante) is underway and we're looking for mad rush of all-ins before the re-entry ends.
Tough Table
Event 1: $350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
Altomonte all Business
Steve Ryan, the 7th place finisher from the Winter Open Championship Event, has a tough table draw as it features two other Borgata regulars.
Joseph "Junior Blogger" Altomonte (West Paterson, NJ) and James "Suits" Salters are grinding along with Ryan on table 6.
Altomonte, took home more than $32,000 at last year's Summer Poker Open with first and fourth place finishes, while Salters has more than $180,000 in career earnings, including a 5th place ($20,872) at Borgata's November Deep Stack Event.
Altomonte has a healthy stack, while Ryan's taken a hit and is down to 15k. "Suits" has less than 10k and says, "you know I'm getting it in." Salters looking for the double up or chance to re-enter.
Level 5 (150/300/25 ante) is underway.
Altomonte all BusinessSteve Ryan, the 7th place finisher from the Winter Open Championship Event, has a tough table draw as it features two other Borgata regulars.
Joseph "Junior Blogger" Altomonte (West Paterson, NJ) and James "Suits" Salters are grinding along with Ryan on table 6.
Altomonte, took home more than $32,000 at last year's Summer Poker Open with first and fourth place finishes, while Salters has more than $180,000 in career earnings, including a 5th place ($20,872) at Borgata's November Deep Stack Event.
Altomonte has a healthy stack, while Ryan's taken a hit and is down to 15k. "Suits" has less than 10k and says, "you know I'm getting it in." Salters looking for the double up or chance to re-enter.
Level 5 (150/300/25 ante) is underway.
Back for More
Event 1: $350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
Ryan Running Well
Two players from January's final table of the Borgata Winter Open Championship Event are in the field.
Steve Ryan (New York, NY), who finished 7th ($82,740) and Gil Sacks (Bala Cynywd), 5th ($125,407), are looking to continue their momentum after picking up the largest live cashes of their careers.
It didn't take long for Ryan to shake off the sting of Sacks eliminating him at the final table as Ryan continues to play well both live and on-line.
"I'm on a heater right now," says Ryan, the 27 year old pro, "I'm here to play in as many tournaments as I can until I cool off."
Ryan is just above his starting stack of 25k, while Sacks is down to 3k looking for a double up.
Level 4 (100/200) is underway.
Ryan Running WellTwo players from January's final table of the Borgata Winter Open Championship Event are in the field.
Steve Ryan (New York, NY), who finished 7th ($82,740) and Gil Sacks (Bala Cynywd), 5th ($125,407), are looking to continue their momentum after picking up the largest live cashes of their careers.
It didn't take long for Ryan to shake off the sting of Sacks eliminating him at the final table as Ryan continues to play well both live and on-line.
"I'm on a heater right now," says Ryan, the 27 year old pro, "I'm here to play in as many tournaments as I can until I cool off."
Ryan is just above his starting stack of 25k, while Sacks is down to 3k looking for a double up.
Level 4 (100/200) is underway.
Deja Vu
Event 1: $350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
Just as "Little Man" Sica finishes his stories of back to back aces, at the same table "Action" Bob Hwang (Barnegat, NJ) is in a hand with Ron "Schifty" Schiffman (Cherry Hill, NJ).
Schiffman bets 3,500 on the river and Hwang goes in the tank. After taking his time to think it over, Hwang reluctantly makes the call and is disappointed to see, "Schifty's" pocket aces.
Hwang flashes pocket queens, says "I figured," and Schiffman scoops the pot.
Players are now on a 10 minute break.
Just as "Little Man" Sica finishes his stories of back to back aces, at the same table "Action" Bob Hwang (Barnegat, NJ) is in a hand with Ron "Schifty" Schiffman (Cherry Hill, NJ).
Schiffman bets 3,500 on the river and Hwang goes in the tank. After taking his time to think it over, Hwang reluctantly makes the call and is disappointed to see, "Schifty's" pocket aces.
Hwang flashes pocket queens, says "I figured," and Schiffman scoops the pot.
Players are now on a 10 minute break.
Little Man, Big Cards
Event 1: $350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
Not "Sica" of Aces
Mike "Little Man" Sica, is a fixture at Borgata with his big smile and trade mark tooth picks. After today, the former WSOP Bracelet Winner (2004, NL), is looking to make bullets a staple of his game.
Sica had pocket aces on back to back hands and turned those bullets into a war chest of 65k, as he knocked out one player and crippled another.
"It's not like I haven't been here before," says the North Brunswick, NJ resident. "Come back in an hour and I might only have one of these left," he adds while flashing one gray, 5k chip.
So far, so good for "Little Man," as players are starting to get comfortable for the Day 1 grind, which wraps tonight at 2 am.
Level 3 is winding down.
Not "Sica" of AcesMike "Little Man" Sica, is a fixture at Borgata with his big smile and trade mark tooth picks. After today, the former WSOP Bracelet Winner (2004, NL), is looking to make bullets a staple of his game.
Sica had pocket aces on back to back hands and turned those bullets into a war chest of 65k, as he knocked out one player and crippled another.
"It's not like I haven't been here before," says the North Brunswick, NJ resident. "Come back in an hour and I might only have one of these left," he adds while flashing one gray, 5k chip.
So far, so good for "Little Man," as players are starting to get comfortable for the Day 1 grind, which wraps tonight at 2 am.
Level 3 is winding down.
Familiar Faces
Event 1: $350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
The Borgata regulars and usual suspects (AKA Cast of Characters) are in the house, including but limited to:
Joseph Altomonte
Dao Bui
Mikey "Unbelievable" Dentale
Eric "Clown Fish" Doerr
Gordon Eng
"Action" Bob Hwang
Joanna Leban
Rob Nguyen
Eric Miller
Al Riccobono
Leanne Rosenblatt
Steve Ryan
James "Suits" Salters
Bill Stradley
Mike "Little Man" Sica
Eric "Pools" Siegel
Howard Wolper
Level 3 (75/150) underway.
The Borgata regulars and usual suspects (AKA Cast of Characters) are in the house, including but limited to:
Joseph Altomonte
Dao Bui
Mikey "Unbelievable" Dentale
Eric "Clown Fish" Doerr
Gordon Eng
"Action" Bob Hwang
Joanna Leban
Rob Nguyen
Eric Miller
Al Riccobono
Leanne Rosenblatt
Steve Ryan
James "Suits" Salters
Bill Stradley
Mike "Little Man" Sica
Eric "Pools" Siegel
Howard Wolper
Level 3 (75/150) underway.
The 10 Seat
Event 1: $350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
Demaree not Done yet
To start the tournament the seat to the right of the dealer is reserved for those re-entering the tournament. As play continues more and more of those seats (10 seat) are filling-up.
"I should've let it go," says Allan Demaree (Scarsdale, NY), who admits he should have folded the hand he was eliminated on. Demaree, who's upbeat despite the bust, is now settling back in and taking advantage of his re-entry into the tournament.
Level 2 (50/100) is underway.
Demaree not Done yetTo start the tournament the seat to the right of the dealer is reserved for those re-entering the tournament. As play continues more and more of those seats (10 seat) are filling-up.
"I should've let it go," says Allan Demaree (Scarsdale, NY), who admits he should have folded the hand he was eliminated on. Demaree, who's upbeat despite the bust, is now settling back in and taking advantage of his re-entry into the tournament.
Level 2 (50/100) is underway.
Seat Open!
Event 1: $350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
Double up for Dan
Even with 25,000 starting chips, players aren't making it through the first level without hearing the periodic, "seat open," indicating another elimination. That's the bad news.
The good news, those players can re-enter to make up for bad play or bad luck.
On table 7, Daniel Amsalem (Brooklyn, NY) sees a flop of Q 8 10 and leads out for 3,500. His opponent moves all-in, and Amsalem snap calls.
Amsalem: A Q (top pair, top kicker)
Opponent: JJ
The board runs clean for Amsalem who eliminates the player. "He said that he thought I had pocket kings," says Amsalem, who's smiling like the butcher's dog while doubling his stack to 50k.
Everyone at the table points out that pocket kings is an even better hand than the winner, leaving the players perplexed on how one loses all their chips on the hand.
Level 1 is winding down.
Double up for DanEven with 25,000 starting chips, players aren't making it through the first level without hearing the periodic, "seat open," indicating another elimination. That's the bad news.
The good news, those players can re-enter to make up for bad play or bad luck.
On table 7, Daniel Amsalem (Brooklyn, NY) sees a flop of Q 8 10 and leads out for 3,500. His opponent moves all-in, and Amsalem snap calls.
Amsalem: A Q (top pair, top kicker)
Opponent: JJ
The board runs clean for Amsalem who eliminates the player. "He said that he thought I had pocket kings," says Amsalem, who's smiling like the butcher's dog while doubling his stack to 50k.
Everyone at the table points out that pocket kings is an even better hand than the winner, leaving the players perplexed on how one loses all their chips on the hand.
Level 1 is winding down.
Cards are in the Air
Event 1: $350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
The morning buzz of players saying their "hellos" have been replaced by the shuffling of chips.
Tables 1-25 are in the Signature Room, the rest are in the Poker Room. Players start with 25,000 chips, levels are 30 minutes long and players can enter (and re-enter) through Level 6.
Blinds are 25/50, the button starts in the one seat and Tournament Director Tab Duchateau announces the magic words, "shuffle up and deal!"
The morning buzz of players saying their "hellos" have been replaced by the shuffling of chips.
Tables 1-25 are in the Signature Room, the rest are in the Poker Room. Players start with 25,000 chips, levels are 30 minutes long and players can enter (and re-enter) through Level 6.
Blinds are 25/50, the button starts in the one seat and Tournament Director Tab Duchateau announces the magic words, "shuffle up and deal!"
Welcome Back!
Event 1: $350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
Signature Room
Calm Before the Storm
Players are filing into the Signature Room and filling additional tables in the Poker Room.
The first of 23 Main Events (53 total events) during the next 17 days kicks of another Borgata Spring Poker Open.
As the players find their seats, the registration line is full and one player quips, "where's the re-entry window, I'm going to need it."
This is a $100,000 guarantee tournament and players have a chance to re-enter twice, for a maximum of three chances to take home their piece of the prize pool.
Stacks Standing by
Signature Room Calm Before the Storm
Players are filing into the Signature Room and filling additional tables in the Poker Room.
The first of 23 Main Events (53 total events) during the next 17 days kicks of another Borgata Spring Poker Open.
As the players find their seats, the registration line is full and one player quips, "where's the re-entry window, I'm going to need it."
This is a $100,000 guarantee tournament and players have a chance to re-enter twice, for a maximum of three chances to take home their piece of the prize pool.
Stacks Standing byWednesday, April 13
Today's Events
11AM: Event 1 - $350 + $50 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
(2 Re-Entry)
(2 Re-Entry)
- Players start with 25,000 in tournament chips
- Levels 1-10 will last 30 minutes each | Levels 11+ will last 40 minutes each
- Players that are eliminated within the first 6 Levels may Re-Enter up to two additional times
- 2-Day event | Day 2 starts at 12P on Thursday
3PM: Event 24 - $200 + $30 SURVIVOR No Limit Hold'em
- Players start with 10,000 in tournament chips
- Levels last 20 minutes each
- Approximately 1 in 10 will win $2,000 Cash
- 1-Day event
7PM: Event 25 - $150 + $30 No Limit Hold'em
- Players start with 10,000 in tournament chips
- Levels last 20 minutes each
- 1-Day event
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