7-Card Stud ($300 + $50)
The starting field of 47 is closing in on the half way point as 29 players remain.
Diana Seidman (New York) is the leader with 34k, while Kenny Merighi (Vineland, NJ) is right behind with 32k.
Seidman takes a nice pot with rolled up nines for a full house, nines full of twos. Will "Bumpereno" Munley (Throop, PA) is thrilled he missed his open ended straight and flush draws as he saved at least one, possibly two river bets. Munley is at healthy 18k as the short stacks are starting to dwindle.
The current level is winding down and players will be on a dinner break at 6:45 pm.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Event 1: Final Table Update
$350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
Another level has expired with no further fireworks. Here are the final 9 players with some rough chip counts:
Seat - Player - Chips
1 - David Heck - 2.45 million
2 - Jim Hayduk - 2.355 million
3 - Andrew Klein - 1.885 million
4 - AJ Moriello - 1.24 million
5 - Mario Perez - 4.27 million
6 - Mike Dentale - 1.6 million
7 - John Zoldak - 2.85 million
8 - Demetrios Georgous - 315k
9 - Krzysztof Perka - 1.225 million
Play continued into the next level with blinds of 50k/100k and 10k antes. With nine players remaining, the average stack is now just over 2 million.
Another level has expired with no further fireworks. Here are the final 9 players with some rough chip counts:
Seat - Player - Chips
1 - David Heck - 2.45 million
2 - Jim Hayduk - 2.355 million
3 - Andrew Klein - 1.885 million
4 - AJ Moriello - 1.24 million
5 - Mario Perez - 4.27 million
6 - Mike Dentale - 1.6 million
7 - John Zoldak - 2.85 million
8 - Demetrios Georgous - 315k
9 - Krzysztof Perka - 1.225 million
Play continued into the next level with blinds of 50k/100k and 10k antes. With nine players remaining, the average stack is now just over 2 million.
Event 1: 10th Place - Mich
$350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
Dylan Mich made his stand with QJ, only to find that David Heck held pocket Aces. The flop came T 5 3 and was no help to Dylan.
The turn was a 9 and gave him some hope with an open-ended straight-draw, needing a King or 8 to double up. River was a 3, however, and Dylan's hopes were dashed.
Dylan Mich finished in 10th place, earning $3,085.
Dylan Mich made his stand with QJ, only to find that David Heck held pocket Aces. The flop came T 5 3 and was no help to Dylan.
Dylan Mich
The turn was a 9 and gave him some hope with an open-ended straight-draw, needing a King or 8 to double up. River was a 3, however, and Dylan's hopes were dashed.
Dylan Mich finished in 10th place, earning $3,085.
Event 1: 11th Place - Kleckner
$350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
AJ 'Chef' Moriello got all-in pre-flop with pocket deuces (a hand known as 'Little Joe' after his late brother Joe). He was racing against the AQ of Dylan Mich.
The board came J 8 5 5 6 and 'Little Joe' held up. AJ doubled up to ~1.8 million.
Matt Kleckner was all-in with pocket 4s against Mario Perez' pocket 8s. The board changed nothing and Mario took the pot. The stacks were very close and had to be counted down, but Mario had Matt covered.
Matt Kleckner busted out in 11th place, earning $3,085.
The final ten players drew for seats and moved to a single table. Play has resumed.
AJ 'Chef' Moriello got all-in pre-flop with pocket deuces (a hand known as 'Little Joe' after his late brother Joe). He was racing against the AQ of Dylan Mich.
The board came J 8 5 5 6 and 'Little Joe' held up. AJ doubled up to ~1.8 million.
Matt Kleckner
Matt Kleckner was all-in with pocket 4s against Mario Perez' pocket 8s. The board changed nothing and Mario took the pot. The stacks were very close and had to be counted down, but Mario had Matt covered.
Matt Kleckner busted out in 11th place, earning $3,085.
The final ten players drew for seats and moved to a single table. Play has resumed.
Event 1: 12th Place - Urie
$350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
Blinds are up to 40k/80k with 10k antes.
Krzysztof Perka open-shoved for ~700k, then Andrew Klein shoved for over 2 million. Action folded around to David Heck in the small blind, who seemed agonized over his decision. He opted out and it was heads-up.
Perka held AQ and dominated Klein's AJ. The board came K T 7 A 9 and Perka doubled up to over 1.4 million.
David Urie got his short-stack all-in with KQ with action from Mike Dentale, who held AT. The board was nothing but bricks and Mike took the pot with Ace-high.
David Urie finished in 12th place, earning $3,085.
Blinds are up to 40k/80k with 10k antes.
Krzysztof Perka open-shoved for ~700k, then Andrew Klein shoved for over 2 million. Action folded around to David Heck in the small blind, who seemed agonized over his decision. He opted out and it was heads-up.
Perka held AQ and dominated Klein's AJ. The board came K T 7 A 9 and Perka doubled up to over 1.4 million.
David Urie
David Urie got his short-stack all-in with KQ with action from Mike Dentale, who held AT. The board was nothing but bricks and Mike took the pot with Ace-high.
David Urie finished in 12th place, earning $3,085.
Event 3: Payouts
7-Card Stud ($300 + $50)
Entries: 47
Total Buy-In: $14,100
Place - Amount
1 $6,154
2 $3,419
3 $2,052
4 $1,368
5 $684
Entries: 47
Total Buy-In: $14,100
Place - Amount
1 $6,154
2 $3,419
3 $2,052
4 $1,368
5 $684
Event 1: 13th Place - Buttacavoli
$350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
Mario Perez (utg+1) squared off against Michael Buttacavoli (bb). Mario's pocket 7s were racing agaist Michael's T8.
The flop came 7 6 4, giving Michael more outs with a gutshot, but the last two came J Q and Mario took the pot.
Michael Buttacavoli took 13th place and $2,221.
Mario Perez (utg+1) squared off against Michael Buttacavoli (bb). Mario's pocket 7s were racing agaist Michael's T8.
Michael Buttacavoli
The flop came 7 6 4, giving Michael more outs with a gutshot, but the last two came J Q and Mario took the pot.
Michael Buttacavoli took 13th place and $2,221.
Event 1: 14th Place - Olarnick
$350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
Daniel Olarnick got his chips in with AJ and was dominated by Thomas Balla's AQ. The best hand held up and Daniel was done in 14th place ($2,221).
Mario Perez (cutoff) got all-in with AJ of hearts against the pocket 8s of Krzysztof Perka. They were a virtual dead-heat. The flop came K 6 2 with two hearts, giving Perez more outs with a flush draw. The turn was the King of hearts, completing the flush for Perez.
Perka needed a King or 8 on the river to win, but it was another 6, sending the double-up to Perez. He's now over 1.4 million. Perka was left with ~750k.
Daniel Olarnick got his chips in with AJ and was dominated by Thomas Balla's AQ. The best hand held up and Daniel was done in 14th place ($2,221).
Daniel Olarnick
Mario Perez (cutoff) got all-in with AJ of hearts against the pocket 8s of Krzysztof Perka. They were a virtual dead-heat. The flop came K 6 2 with two hearts, giving Perez more outs with a flush draw. The turn was the King of hearts, completing the flush for Perez.
Perka needed a King or 8 on the river to win, but it was another 6, sending the double-up to Perez. He's now over 1.4 million. Perka was left with ~750k.
Event 2: Payouts
$300 + $50 NL
Entries: 263
Total Buy-In: $78,900
Place - Amount
1 $21,429
2 $12,628
3 $7,270
4 $5,892
5 $4,592
6 $3,827
7 $3,061
8 $2,296
9 $1,531
10-12 $995
13-15 $842
16-18 $765
19-27 $689
Entries: 263
Total Buy-In: $78,900
Place - Amount
1 $21,429
2 $12,628
3 $7,270
4 $5,892
5 $4,592
6 $3,827
7 $3,061
8 $2,296
9 $1,531
10-12 $995
13-15 $842
16-18 $765
19-27 $689
Event 1: 17th - 15th Places
$350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
The Last-Woman-Sitting, Chii Ching Sun busted out in 17th place, earning $1.530. With her departure, it is all testosterone from here on.
Thomas Balla was dispatched in 16th place, earning $1,530.
Kian Kiarash exited in 15th place, earning $2,221.
Chii Ching Sun
The Last-Woman-Sitting, Chii Ching Sun busted out in 17th place, earning $1.530. With her departure, it is all testosterone from here on.
Thomas Balla was dispatched in 16th place, earning $1,530.
Kian Kiarash exited in 15th place, earning $2,221.
Event 1: New Chip Leader
$350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
Jim Hayduk's luck has apparently turned. David Heck was all-in with AK against Jim's pocket Jacks. A King on the flop gave David the lead and the double-up. He took the chip lead with over 2.8 million.
Jim Hayduk was left with ~1.25 million.
Jim Hayduk's luck has apparently turned. David Heck was all-in with AK against Jim's pocket Jacks. A King on the flop gave David the lead and the double-up. He took the chip lead with over 2.8 million.
Jim Hayduk was left with ~1.25 million.
Event 1: 18th Place - Clark
$350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
After John Zoldak (button) raised, Wil Clark shoved his short-stack from the small blind. John looked him up with pocket 4s. Wil held Q6 and would need help. The flop delivered when it came Q 2 2, giving Wil the lead with Queens-up. The 3 on the turn meant nothing, but then a 4 fell on the river, giving John fours-full and the pot.
Wilton Clark finished in 18th place, earning $1,530.
After John Zoldak (button) raised, Wil Clark shoved his short-stack from the small blind. John looked him up with pocket 4s. Wil held Q6 and would need help. The flop delivered when it came Q 2 2, giving Wil the lead with Queens-up. The 3 on the turn meant nothing, but then a 4 fell on the river, giving John fours-full and the pot.
Wilton Clark finished in 18th place, earning $1,530.
Event 2: Chip Leaders
$300 + $50 NL
Sesso Sailing Along
Players are just back from a color-up break and playing Level 10 (600/1,200/200 ante).
The clear big stack is David Sesso (Chicago, IL) who's at 128k. Sesso is a poker pro who made a last minute decision to tag along with his buddies who were making the trip to Borgata. All three players in the group are still in the tournament.
Sesso says he was down to 5k in the early going, but back to back triple-ups gave him some breathing room. He then knocked out another big stack to crack the 100k mark.
Other big stacks include:
Dennis Zollo (Middletown, NY) 85k
John Harvilla (Minersville, PA) 84k
Gil Sacks (Bala Cynwyd, PA) 81k
This is the last 30 minute level. Starting with Level 11 (800/1,600/200 ante) time will be increased to 40 minutes.
Sesso Sailing AlongPlayers are just back from a color-up break and playing Level 10 (600/1,200/200 ante).
The clear big stack is David Sesso (Chicago, IL) who's at 128k. Sesso is a poker pro who made a last minute decision to tag along with his buddies who were making the trip to Borgata. All three players in the group are still in the tournament.
Sesso says he was down to 5k in the early going, but back to back triple-ups gave him some breathing room. He then knocked out another big stack to crack the 100k mark.
Other big stacks include:
Dennis Zollo (Middletown, NY) 85k
John Harvilla (Minersville, PA) 84k
Gil Sacks (Bala Cynwyd, PA) 81k
This is the last 30 minute level. Starting with Level 11 (800/1,600/200 ante) time will be increased to 40 minutes.
Event 1: Redraw at 18
$350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
Eldar Markovich busted out in 19th place, earning $1,308.
With his departure, 18 players remain. They drew for seats and moved to the final two tables.
Play continues with blinds of 25k/50k with 5k antes.
Eldar Markovich busted out in 19th place, earning $1,308.
With his departure, 18 players remain. They drew for seats and moved to the final two tables.
Play continues with blinds of 25k/50k with 5k antes.
Event 1: So So Sick, Sica!
$350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
A sick, sick hand just took place on table one.
John Zoldak (utg) is the big stack and opens for 150k.
Action folded to Mike 'Little Man' Sica in the cutoff and he moved in for ~260k.
Ed Hwang (button) shoved for ~290k.
Andrew Klein (bb) gives it some thought, then moves all-in for 730k.
John Zoldak asks for the count and gives it some thought but then opts to fold his pocket deuces.
Both Mike Sica and Ed Hwang hold AK. Klein was in the lead with pocket 9s.
The flop came A 4 3, giving Mike and Ed the lead with pairs of Aces.
Everything changed when a 9 hit the turn, giving Klein a set and the lead and leaving Ed and Mike drawing dead.
Interesting post-script to the hand is that a 5 came on the river, which would have given John Zoldak a wheel with his deuces and busted three players. As it stood, however, Klein collected the pot.
Mike 'Little Man' Sica finished in 21st place. Edward Hwang finished in 20th place. Both players earned $1,308 for their efforts.
A sick, sick hand just took place on table one.
John Zoldak (utg) is the big stack and opens for 150k.
Action folded to Mike 'Little Man' Sica in the cutoff and he moved in for ~260k.
Ed Hwang (button) shoved for ~290k.
Andrew Klein (bb) gives it some thought, then moves all-in for 730k.
John Zoldak asks for the count and gives it some thought but then opts to fold his pocket deuces.
Both Mike Sica and Ed Hwang hold AK. Klein was in the lead with pocket 9s.
The flop came A 4 3, giving Mike and Ed the lead with pairs of Aces.
Everything changed when a 9 hit the turn, giving Klein a set and the lead and leaving Ed and Mike drawing dead.
Interesting post-script to the hand is that a 5 came on the river, which would have given John Zoldak a wheel with his deuces and busted three players. As it stood, however, Klein collected the pot.
Mike 'Little Man' Sica finished in 21st place. Edward Hwang finished in 20th place. Both players earned $1,308 for their efforts.
Event 1: Updated Leaderboard
$350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
End of level, time to color up the orange 1k chips.
21 players remain. Average stack is over 865k.
Current leaders:
Jim Hayduk - 2.3 million
Mike Dentale - 2.145 million
Matt Kleckner - 1.7 million
David Heck - 1.5 million
John Zoldak - 1.4 million
These five players are the only ones over 1 million in chips.
Chii Ching Sun is the last woman sitting. She's got ~600k.
Play resumed with blinds of 25k/50k and 5k antes.
End of level, time to color up the orange 1k chips.
21 players remain. Average stack is over 865k.
Current leaders:
Jim Hayduk - 2.3 million
Mike Dentale - 2.145 million
Matt Kleckner - 1.7 million
David Heck - 1.5 million
John Zoldak - 1.4 million
These five players are the only ones over 1 million in chips.
Chii Ching Sun is the last woman sitting. She's got ~600k.
Play resumed with blinds of 25k/50k and 5k antes.
Event 1: Dentale Dusts DiChiaro
$350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
Michael DiChiaro got moved to table three with Mike Dentale and was dispatched soon after. DiChiaro got all-in with pocket 9s, only to discover that Dentale held pocket Kings. The board changed nothing and DiChiaro was dusted in 23rd place ($1,308).
Mike Dentale chipped up to ~2.15 million, but is still second behind Jim Hayduk, who has ~2.4 million.
Elliott Zaydman got all-in with pocket 3s, running smack into Matt Kleckner's pocket 8s. The better pair held up and Elliott was sent to the payout desk to collect $1,308 for 22nd place.
Michael DiChiaro got moved to table three with Mike Dentale and was dispatched soon after. DiChiaro got all-in with pocket 9s, only to discover that Dentale held pocket Kings. The board changed nothing and DiChiaro was dusted in 23rd place ($1,308).
Mike Dentale chipped up to ~2.15 million, but is still second behind Jim Hayduk, who has ~2.4 million.
Elliott Zaydman got all-in with pocket 3s, running smack into Matt Kleckner's pocket 8s. The better pair held up and Elliott was sent to the payout desk to collect $1,308 for 22nd place.
Event 1: Mayday for Maier
$350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
On the turn with a board of 4 4 2 7, John Zoldak (bb) got all-in and called by Andrew Klein (button). John's Q4 (trip 4s) had Andrew's A2 (two pair) drawing dead. The Queen on the river was overkill, giving John the full house and the double-up. He's now up to ~1.5 million.
Andrew Klein dropped down below 200k.
Lana Maier got all-in pre-flop against Matt Kleckner, who held pocket Queens. Lana's A6 suited would need help for her to survive, but the board brought none. The community cards ran out K 5 5 2 2 and Matt took the pot.
Lana Maier finished in 25th place ($1,308).
Tim Dougherty busted out in 24th place ($1,308).
On the turn with a board of 4 4 2 7, John Zoldak (bb) got all-in and called by Andrew Klein (button). John's Q4 (trip 4s) had Andrew's A2 (two pair) drawing dead. The Queen on the river was overkill, giving John the full house and the double-up. He's now up to ~1.5 million.
Andrew Klein dropped down below 200k.
Lana Maier
Lana Maier got all-in pre-flop against Matt Kleckner, who held pocket Queens. Lana's A6 suited would need help for her to survive, but the board brought none. The community cards ran out K 5 5 2 2 and Matt took the pot.
Lana Maier finished in 25th place ($1,308).
Tim Dougherty busted out in 24th place ($1,308).
Event 3: Unofficial Numbers
7-Card Stud ($300 + $50)
Registration is closed and 47 studs are in the field. That will put first place at more than $6,000 with five places paid. Once the cage verifies the numbers we will post the full payouts.
Registration is closed and 47 studs are in the field. That will put first place at more than $6,000 with five places paid. Once the cage verifies the numbers we will post the full payouts.
Event 1: Hold the Maio
$350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
Anthony Maio got it in with AQ and was racing against Michael Buttacavoli's pocket Jacks. The board came T 7 7 3 5 and no help for Maio, who was squelched in 26th place ($1,308).
David Urie got his chips in with A9 and was a small favorite against Michael Dichiario's KQ. Michael took the lead when the flop came Q 9 4. Turn was a Ten and changed nothing. Then the ubiquitous Ace on the river saved David's tournament life. He doubled up.
Mike Dentale has chipped up to ~1.4 million and claimed second place on the leaderboard.
Anthony Maio got it in with AQ and was racing against Michael Buttacavoli's pocket Jacks. The board came T 7 7 3 5 and no help for Maio, who was squelched in 26th place ($1,308).
David Urie got his chips in with A9 and was a small favorite against Michael Dichiario's KQ. Michael took the lead when the flop came Q 9 4. Turn was a Ten and changed nothing. Then the ubiquitous Ace on the river saved David's tournament life. He doubled up.
Mike Dentale has chipped up to ~1.4 million and claimed second place on the leaderboard.
Event 3: Friendly Foes
7-Card Stud ($300 + $50)
Townsend & Reslock
Compared to the break neck speed of No Limit Texas Hold'em, 7 Card-Stud is a relaxing stroll on a Sunday afternoon. And two of the area best stud players, Chris Reslock & Charlie Townsend, are taking the walk side-by-side in Event 3.
"Only friends in this game," says Townsend (Dagsboro, DE), who's sitting to the right of Reslock. "No, definitely not a rivalry."
This after Townsend and Reslock played stud poker heads-up for nearly three hours until Townsend finally won a 2008 title. The nature of the game and capped betting limits dictates that two evenly matched players can't force the action like they can in no-limit poker.
Reslock (Atlantic City, NJ) is a talented poker player in all games, evidence by his $1.7 million in career earnings. But Stud is one of his favorites, along with Pot Limit Omaha (PLO),
and earned him a coveted WSOP bracelet in 2007.
"Stud is geometrically more complicated than hold'em," says Reslock, who has 21 career wins, including two at Borgata, both in PLO. "There's more hidden information that can be deduced and more available information that can be integrated," he says about the thinking aspects of playing stud.
Townsend, like Reslock, cashes regularly at Borgata to go along with his eight career poker titles, three in stud. But if he's going to add another, he'll have to get past Reslock to do it.
Townsend & ReslockCompared to the break neck speed of No Limit Texas Hold'em, 7 Card-Stud is a relaxing stroll on a Sunday afternoon. And two of the area best stud players, Chris Reslock & Charlie Townsend, are taking the walk side-by-side in Event 3.
"Only friends in this game," says Townsend (Dagsboro, DE), who's sitting to the right of Reslock. "No, definitely not a rivalry."
This after Townsend and Reslock played stud poker heads-up for nearly three hours until Townsend finally won a 2008 title. The nature of the game and capped betting limits dictates that two evenly matched players can't force the action like they can in no-limit poker.
Reslock (Atlantic City, NJ) is a talented poker player in all games, evidence by his $1.7 million in career earnings. But Stud is one of his favorites, along with Pot Limit Omaha (PLO),
and earned him a coveted WSOP bracelet in 2007.
"Stud is geometrically more complicated than hold'em," says Reslock, who has 21 career wins, including two at Borgata, both in PLO. "There's more hidden information that can be deduced and more available information that can be integrated," he says about the thinking aspects of playing stud.
Townsend, like Reslock, cashes regularly at Borgata to go along with his eight career poker titles, three in stud. But if he's going to add another, he'll have to get past Reslock to do it.
Event 1: Miranda Not Right
$350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
Julian Miranda got his chips in with AK and was racing against pocket 8s. The board came J T 2 6 9 and brought no help for Julian. He finished in 27th place, earning $1,308.
The pace of departures has slowed somewhat, despite the fact that the all-ins keep coming.
Mike Sica was all-in with AT and dominated by AK, but the board double-paired, resulting in a chopped pot.
Tim Dougherty was all-in with pocket 8s and racing against Andrew Klein's J9. The board came Q Q T 4 5 and Tim doubled up to ~400k.
Julian Miranda got his chips in with AK and was racing against pocket 8s. The board came J T 2 6 9 and brought no help for Julian. He finished in 27th place, earning $1,308.
The pace of departures has slowed somewhat, despite the fact that the all-ins keep coming.
Mike Sica was all-in with AT and dominated by AK, but the board double-paired, resulting in a chopped pot.
Tim Dougherty was all-in with pocket 8s and racing against Andrew Klein's J9. The board came Q Q T 4 5 and Tim doubled up to ~400k.
Event 1: Hayduk On a Heater
$350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
Alexy Penyevskiy finished in 30th place.
After a raise from Joe Udine utg, Jim Hayduk came over the top from the big blind. They got all the chips in the middle and Joe was racing his A9 against Jim's pocket 4s. Joe took the lead when he flopped a pair, but Jim four-flushed on the turn to claim the pot. He's now up to almost 2 million chips.
Joe Udine finished in 29th place.
John Zoldak got his chips in with pocket Jacks, getting action from Ralph Deangelus, who held pocket Tens. The Jacks held and John doubled up. Ralph was left short-stacked and busted out soon after.
Ralph Deangelus finished in 28th place.
All three of these players took home $1,160.
With 27 players remaining, they are now seated at three 9-handed tables. They've also reached the next money bump. The next nine players who bust out will each earn $1,308.
Alexy Penyevskiy finished in 30th place.
After a raise from Joe Udine utg, Jim Hayduk came over the top from the big blind. They got all the chips in the middle and Joe was racing his A9 against Jim's pocket 4s. Joe took the lead when he flopped a pair, but Jim four-flushed on the turn to claim the pot. He's now up to almost 2 million chips.
Joe Udine finished in 29th place.
John Zoldak got his chips in with pocket Jacks, getting action from Ralph Deangelus, who held pocket Tens. The Jacks held and John doubled up. Ralph was left short-stacked and busted out soon after.
Ralph Deangelus finished in 28th place.
All three of these players took home $1,160.
With 27 players remaining, they are now seated at three 9-handed tables. They've also reached the next money bump. The next nine players who bust out will each earn $1,308.
Event 2: Unofficial Numbers
$300 + $50 NL
Registration is closed and the unofficial number is 263 players. That will put first place at more than $21,000 with 27 places paid. Once the cage verifies the numbers we will post the full payouts.
Registration is closed and the unofficial number is 263 players. That will put first place at more than $21,000 with 27 places paid. Once the cage verifies the numbers we will post the full payouts.
Event 1: No Shortage of Action
$350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
Dylan Mich got all-in with JT suited with action from big stack Michael DiChiaro, who held A5. The board came K T 5 Q 4 and Dylan doubled up. He's up to ~945k while Michael dropped back to ~840k.
Todd Throckmorton busted out in 31st place.
30 players remain. Average stack is over 605k.
Blinds are up to 15k/30k with 4k antes.
Jim Haduk has taken the chip lead with ~1.47 million. Andrew Klein has fallen back into the pack.
Dylan Mich got all-in with JT suited with action from big stack Michael DiChiaro, who held A5. The board came K T 5 Q 4 and Dylan doubled up. He's up to ~945k while Michael dropped back to ~840k.
Todd Throckmorton busted out in 31st place.
30 players remain. Average stack is over 605k.
Blinds are up to 15k/30k with 4k antes.
Jim Haduk has taken the chip lead with ~1.47 million. Andrew Klein has fallen back into the pack.
Event 1: 36th - 32nd Places
$350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
The money bump at 26th place seems to have opened the floodgates. Five players have already busted out since play resumed from the break -- all earning $1,160.
Nashaat Antonious got his chips in good with AT, but big-stack Krzystof Perka called the all-in with a dominated T9. Nevertheless, the board came K 9 7 J 6 and Perka took the pot with a pair of 9s. Nashaat took 36th place.
Larry Gold open-shoved with pocket Tens, only to run into Michael DiChiaro's pocket Jacks. The flop came Q J 9, giving Larry lots of outs, but the last two bricked off 7 2, and Larry was dispatched in 35th place.
Ed McCarthy couldn't survive another all-in and his chips were collected by AJ Moriello. Ed collected 34th place.
Eugene Morgovsky busted out in 33rd place.
Thomas Macari took 32nd place.
31 players remain.
The money bump at 26th place seems to have opened the floodgates. Five players have already busted out since play resumed from the break -- all earning $1,160.
Nashaat Antonious got his chips in good with AT, but big-stack Krzystof Perka called the all-in with a dominated T9. Nevertheless, the board came K 9 7 J 6 and Perka took the pot with a pair of 9s. Nashaat took 36th place.
Larry Gold open-shoved with pocket Tens, only to run into Michael DiChiaro's pocket Jacks. The flop came Q J 9, giving Larry lots of outs, but the last two bricked off 7 2, and Larry was dispatched in 35th place.
Ed McCarthy couldn't survive another all-in and his chips were collected by AJ Moriello. Ed collected 34th place.
Eugene Morgovsky busted out in 33rd place.
Thomas Macari took 32nd place.
31 players remain.
Events 2 and 3 Head Count
Registration is coming to a close for both of today's one day tournaments.
Event 2, NL, currently has 263 players, while Event 3, 7-Card Stud, has 45.
The Poker Room is packed with action with three tournaments in full swing, plus a ton of cash tables up and running. You can always keep track of the action by following Borgata's live game report.
Event 2, NL, currently has 263 players, while Event 3, 7-Card Stud, has 45.
The Poker Room is packed with action with three tournaments in full swing, plus a ton of cash tables up and running. You can always keep track of the action by following Borgata's live game report.
Event 1: Break Time Leaderboard
$350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
36 players remain in the hunt for this title and it is break time so they are breaking table five.
Andrew Klein looks to be the chip leader with ~1.2 million.
Jim Hayduk is a close second with ~1.17 million.
Lana Maier is holding onto third with 1 million.
Just before the break, Mike Dentale doubled up when his pocket Jacks held up against AJ "The Chef" Moriello.
Ed McCarthy's T9 suited overcame a dominating K9 suited when the board came Q T 9 9 x. Ed doubled up.
36 players remain in the hunt for this title and it is break time so they are breaking table five.
Andrew Klein looks to be the chip leader with ~1.2 million.
Jim Hayduk is a close second with ~1.17 million.
Lana Maier is holding onto third with 1 million.
Just before the break, Mike Dentale doubled up when his pocket Jacks held up against AJ "The Chef" Moriello.
Ed McCarthy's T9 suited overcame a dominating K9 suited when the board came Q T 9 9 x. Ed doubled up.
Event 1: Fireworks
$350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
Dentale Ready to Explode
Mike Dentale (Brooklyn, NY) is one of the more passionate and emotional players in the room and today is no different. He's all-in with K♠ K♣ and has Chii Ching Sun (Merrick, NY) covered (250k), who's in bad shape with pocket 7s.
A seven in the window takes all the drama out of the hand and the wind out of Dentale's sails, as Sun wins the hand with a set of 7s. "If you hit a two outer, that's fine," says Dentale, "but don't keep talking about. It's bad poker etiquette."
Dentale is not only annoyed at the bad beat, but at what he perceives as excessive celebration. To Sun's credit, she's not backing down and defending herself as she doesn't think she's out of line.
Dentale drops to less than 500k, while Sun doubles to more than that. We're keeping an eye on this developing situation.
Blinds are up to 10k/20k/3k ante.
Dentale Ready to ExplodeMike Dentale (Brooklyn, NY) is one of the more passionate and emotional players in the room and today is no different. He's all-in with K♠ K♣ and has Chii Ching Sun (Merrick, NY) covered (250k), who's in bad shape with pocket 7s.
A seven in the window takes all the drama out of the hand and the wind out of Dentale's sails, as Sun wins the hand with a set of 7s. "If you hit a two outer, that's fine," says Dentale, "but don't keep talking about. It's bad poker etiquette."
Dentale is not only annoyed at the bad beat, but at what he perceives as excessive celebration. To Sun's credit, she's not backing down and defending herself as she doesn't think she's out of line.
Dentale drops to less than 500k, while Sun doubles to more than that. We're keeping an eye on this developing situation.
Blinds are up to 10k/20k/3k ante.
Black Coffee....
....And a Hard Roll
Stacy & Kim
No, James Brown is not performing this weekend at The Music Box, but the friendly associates are ready to serve you. From the Borgata Babes to dynamite dealers, players say Borgata poker is a top notch experience.
And while you won't find any hard rolls in Poker Room, you can always find hot buns at any of the hotel's fine dining experiences. Click here to see the menus at restaurants like Bobby Flay, Fornelletto and Sea Blue.
After a nice meal, check out The Music Box schedule, as Larry King is performing May 14th. Tickets are still available.
Stacy & KimNo, James Brown is not performing this weekend at The Music Box, but the friendly associates are ready to serve you. From the Borgata Babes to dynamite dealers, players say Borgata poker is a top notch experience.
And while you won't find any hard rolls in Poker Room, you can always find hot buns at any of the hotel's fine dining experiences. Click here to see the menus at restaurants like Bobby Flay, Fornelletto and Sea Blue.
After a nice meal, check out The Music Box schedule, as Larry King is performing May 14th. Tickets are still available.
Event 3: Stud Action
7-Card Stud ($300 + $50)
The third Main Event of the day with a change of pace with the more leisurely 7-card stud.
Chris Reslock (Atlantic City, NJ), a WSOP bracelet holder (2007 - Stud) is in the field. Reslock is a Borgata regular with nearly $1.8 million in careeer earnings.
Players start with 10,000 chips and levels are 30 minutes long.
The third Main Event of the day with a change of pace with the more leisurely 7-card stud.
Chris Reslock (Atlantic City, NJ), a WSOP bracelet holder (2007 - Stud) is in the field. Reslock is a Borgata regular with nearly $1.8 million in careeer earnings.
Players start with 10,000 chips and levels are 30 minutes long.
Event 1: Back in Action
$350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
Hayduk Flooding the Field
The 43 remaining players are in the tournament area of the Poker Room and geared up for their shot at the $57,267 first prize. James Hayduk (Johnstown, PA) is the chip leader with 972k.
Other players of note include Mike Dentale (Brooklyn, NY), who begins the day 8th in chips (600k) and Mike "Little Man" Sica (28th - 326k).
Play resumes with the blind at 8k/16k/2k ante and there's 23 minutes left on the 40 minute level.
The average stack is 422k as the cards are in the air.
Hayduk Flooding the FieldThe 43 remaining players are in the tournament area of the Poker Room and geared up for their shot at the $57,267 first prize. James Hayduk (Johnstown, PA) is the chip leader with 972k.
Other players of note include Mike Dentale (Brooklyn, NY), who begins the day 8th in chips (600k) and Mike "Little Man" Sica (28th - 326k).
Play resumes with the blind at 8k/16k/2k ante and there's 23 minutes left on the 40 minute level.
The average stack is 422k as the cards are in the air.
Event 2: Unofficial Chip Leader
$300 + $50 NL
Unlike Wednesday's re-entry tournament there are no second chances in Event 2. Steve Ryan (New York, NY) has already shown two people the door and has tripled his starting 10k stack
It's early, but it's safe to say that 30k is definitely one of the big stacks 45 minutes into the tournament.
Unlike Wednesday's re-entry tournament there are no second chances in Event 2. Steve Ryan (New York, NY) has already shown two people the door and has tripled his starting 10k stack
It's early, but it's safe to say that 30k is definitely one of the big stacks 45 minutes into the tournament.
Event 2: Second Chances
$300 + $50 NL
Dao Surviving Borgata
After a disappointing bust in Event 1, Dao Bui (Sterling, VA) took advantage of Wed. 3 pm Survivor tournament. She was one of six players who took home $2,000 for her $230 entry fee.
"My dream is to cash in every tournament," says Bui while settling in for Event 2.
There are tons of Super Satellite and Cash tournaments during the Borgata Spring Poker Open. The next Survivor is today at 3 pm. Bui is hoping to make a deep run in Event 2, but if not the Survivor is always a nice option.
Dao Surviving BorgataAfter a disappointing bust in Event 1, Dao Bui (Sterling, VA) took advantage of Wed. 3 pm Survivor tournament. She was one of six players who took home $2,000 for her $230 entry fee.
"My dream is to cash in every tournament," says Bui while settling in for Event 2.
There are tons of Super Satellite and Cash tournaments during the Borgata Spring Poker Open. The next Survivor is today at 3 pm. Bui is hoping to make a deep run in Event 2, but if not the Survivor is always a nice option.
Event 2: All Stacks Out
$300 + $50 NL
Salters Preparing to Enter Borgata's Poker Pantheon
Players are in the Poker Room for today's action as familiar faces Gordon Eng, Howard Wolper, James "Suits" Salters & Al Riccobono are in their seats.
This is the second Main Event of the series and later today (AKA early Friday morning), the first three champions (Events 1, 2 & 3) will be crowned.
Event 2 players are starting with 10,000 chips and levels are 30 minutes long. All stacks have been passed out, table signs are down, the button starts in the 10 seat and cards are in the air!
Salters Preparing to Enter Borgata's Poker PantheonPlayers are in the Poker Room for today's action as familiar faces Gordon Eng, Howard Wolper, James "Suits" Salters & Al Riccobono are in their seats.
This is the second Main Event of the series and later today (AKA early Friday morning), the first three champions (Events 1, 2 & 3) will be crowned.
Event 2 players are starting with 10,000 chips and levels are 30 minutes long. All stacks have been passed out, table signs are down, the button starts in the 10 seat and cards are in the air!
Thursday, April 14
Today's Events in the Poker Room
11AM: Event 2 - $300 + $50 No Limit Hold'em
- Players start with 10,000 in tournament chips
- Levels 1-10 will last 30 minutes each | Levels 11+ will last 40 minutes each
- 1-Day event
12PM: Event 3 - $300 + $50 Seven Card Stud
- Players start with 10,000 in tournament chips
- Levels last 30 minutes
- 1-Day event
3PM: Event 26 - $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 27 - $150 + $30 No Limit Hold'em
- Players start with 10,000 in tournament chips
- Levels last 20 minutes each
- 1-Day event
Register for all events in the poker room.
Event 1 Chip Leaders (Start of Day 2)
Borgata Spring Poker Open
Event 1 - $350 + $50 Deep Stack No Limit Hold'em
April 13-14, 2011
Entries: 727
Total Buy-In: $254,450
END OF DAY 1 CHIP LEADERS
1. JAMES HAYDUK (JOHNSTOWN, PA): 972,000
2. DYLAN MICH (TUCKERTON, NJ): 828,000
3. LANA MAIER (BOUND BROOK, NJ): 772,000
4. KIAN KIARASH (NEW YORK, NY): 712,000
5. KRZYSZTOF PERKA (RIDGEWOOD, NY): 692,000
6. WILTON CLARK (MORRISTOWN, NJ): 691,000
7. ALBERTINO MORIELLO (SPRINGFIELD, NJ): 664,000
8. MICHAEL DENTALE (BROOKLYN, NY): 600,000
9. THOMAS BALLA (BELLEROSE, NY): 534,000
10. ANDREW KLEIN (OCEAN, NJ): 525,000
11. DAVID HECK (COLTS NECK, NJ): 511,000
12. JOSEPH UDINE (VOORHEES, NJ): 484,000
13. EUGENE MORGOVSKY (BROOKLYN, NY): 484,000
14. ANTHONY MAIO (JAMISON, PA): 478,000
15. EDMOND MCCARTHY (SOUDERTON, PA): 473,000
16. THOMAS MACARI (CENTEREACH, NY): 454,000
17. MICHAEL BUTTACAVOLI (VENTNOR, NJ): 438,000
18. DEMETRIOS GEORGOUS (LITTLE FALLS, NJ): 436,000
19. ILYA DYMENT (BROOKLYN, NY): 422,000
20. EDWARD HWANG (MAYS LANDING, NJ): 418,000
21. NASHAAT ANTONIOUS (REDINGTON SHORES, FL): 415,000
22. ALEXEY PENYEVSKIY (BROOKLYN, NY): 411,000
23. DAVID URIE (BETHLEHEM, PA): 378,000
24. RALPH DEANGELUS (BERLIN, MD): 366,000
25. LAURENCE GOLDSTEIN (MEDFORD, NY): 365,000
26. ERIC RONDON (BAYSHORE, NY): 345,000
27. ADAM AGAEV (BROOKLYN, NY): 331,000
28. MICHAEL SICA JR (N BRUNSWICK, NJ): 326,000
29. DANIEL OLARNICK (NEW YORK, NY): 324,000
30. MARIANO PEREZ (HILLSBOROUGH, NJ): 319,000
31. CHII CHING SUN (MERRICK, NY): 308,000
32. MATTHEW KLECKNER (COPLAY, PA): 291,000
33. MYLES GLYNN (ASTORIA QUEEN, NY): 286,000
34. TIMOTHY DOUGHERTY (FRESH MEADOWS, NY): 286,000
35. ALEX LUKATSKY (BROOKLYN, NY): 284,000
36. JOHN ZOLDAK (STATEN ISLAND, NY): 255,000
37. BERNARD CASANOVA (FARMINGVILLE, NY): 250,000
38. ELDAR MARKOVICH (FAIR LAWN, NJ): 236,000
39. MICHAEL DICHIARO: 213,000
40. ELLIOTT ZAYDMAN (GLEN ROCK, NJ): 192,000
41. TODD THROCKMORTON (BARBOURSVILLE, VA): 172,000
42. JOSEPH CRAMER (CARLISLE, PA): 170,000
43. JULIAN MIRANDA (UNION CITY, NJ): 94,000
Event 1 Day 1 Recap
Event 1: $350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
Event 1 of the 2011 Borgata Spring Poker Open recorded a total of 727 entries and re-entries, generating total buy-ins of $254,450, and crushing the $100,000 guarantee.
The Signature Room overflowed into the Poker Room with many familiar and unfamiliar faces. When the dust settled at the end of day one, only 43 players remained in the hunt for the top prize of $57,267. Most notable among those is Mike 'Little Man' Sica, (North Brunswick, NJ) who owns a WSOP bracelet he won in 2004. Mike will return on day two with a slightly below average stack.
Jim Hayduk of Johnstown, PA, will lead the charge into day two with 972k in chips. Dylan Mich (Brigantine, NJ) is second with 828k and Lana Maier (East Brunswick, NJ) is third with 772k.
Day Two action gets underway at noon Thursday in the Poker Room.
Event 1 of the 2011 Borgata Spring Poker Open recorded a total of 727 entries and re-entries, generating total buy-ins of $254,450, and crushing the $100,000 guarantee.
The Signature Room overflowed into the Poker Room with many familiar and unfamiliar faces. When the dust settled at the end of day one, only 43 players remained in the hunt for the top prize of $57,267. Most notable among those is Mike 'Little Man' Sica, (North Brunswick, NJ) who owns a WSOP bracelet he won in 2004. Mike will return on day two with a slightly below average stack.
Jim Hayduk of Johnstown, PA, will lead the charge into day two with 972k in chips. Dylan Mich (Brigantine, NJ) is second with 828k and Lana Maier (East Brunswick, NJ) is third with 772k.
Day Two action gets underway at noon Thursday in the Poker Room.
Day One Done
Event 1: $350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
Play wrapped for the day at 2am and players have bagged & tagged their chips. A complete listing of chip counts for the remaining 43 players will be posted in the blog around 9am today.
Day 2 begins at 12 noon in the back of the poker room.
Here are the top six in chips going into day two:
Jim Hayduk - 972k
Dylan Mich - 828k
Lana Maier - 772k
Kian Kiarash - 712k
Krzystof Perka - 692k
Wil Clark - 691k
Play wrapped for the day at 2am and players have bagged & tagged their chips. A complete listing of chip counts for the remaining 43 players will be posted in the blog around 9am today.
Day 2 begins at 12 noon in the back of the poker room.
Here are the top six in chips going into day two:
Jim Hayduk - 972k
Dylan Mich - 828k
Lana Maier - 772k
Kian Kiarash - 712k
Krzystof Perka - 692k
Wil Clark - 691k
Clark Wil Cash
Event 1: $350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
Wilton 'Wil' Clark (Houston, TX) started selling off 60% his action in this event a couple of weeks ago. He finished 26th in the $170 DeepStack event here last April ($631).
Norman 'slystyle12' Michalek picked up 5% of him and is still here sweating Wil, after busting out himself in 75th place (bubble plus 2).
Wil is doing well for his investors now, since he is guaranteed to finish higher than 48th place.
Wilton 'Wil' Clark (Houston, TX) started selling off 60% his action in this event a couple of weeks ago. He finished 26th in the $170 DeepStack event here last April ($631).
Wil Clark
Norman 'slystyle12' Michalek picked up 5% of him and is still here sweating Wil, after busting out himself in 75th place (bubble plus 2).
Wil is doing well for his investors now, since he is guaranteed to finish higher than 48th place.
Another Race Situation
Event 1: $350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
There's just no way for a short-stack to fold a hand as strong as AQ, AK, or a pair, at this point in the tournament, so a lot of players end up racing for their tournament lives.
This just happened over at table two. Hugh Bartlett (Bohemia, NY) had to commit all his chips with AQ and was racing against the pocket 8s of Matt Kleckner (Coplay, PA).
The door card of the flop was a Queen, but there was an 8 right behind it giving Matt a set. The last two brought no salvation for Hugh and he was busted in 51st place ($813).
Matt chipped up to ~750k.
There's just no way for a short-stack to fold a hand as strong as AQ, AK, or a pair, at this point in the tournament, so a lot of players end up racing for their tournament lives.
This just happened over at table two. Hugh Bartlett (Bohemia, NY) had to commit all his chips with AQ and was racing against the pocket 8s of Matt Kleckner (Coplay, PA).
Matt Kleckner
The door card of the flop was a Queen, but there was an 8 right behind it giving Matt a set. The last two brought no salvation for Hugh and he was busted in 51st place ($813).
Matt chipped up to ~750k.
56th Place - Moborrod
Event 1: $350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
Abul Moborrod shipped the last of his chips over to Krzystof Perka (Maspeth, NY). Abul collected $814 for his 56th place finish. Perka is up to ~690k.
Perka is at table six with other big stacks Lana Maier, Mike Dentale, and Dylan Mich. Needless to say, this is now the loudest table in the room.
Dylan Mich just sent another player packing in 54th place. He's up to ~875k and may have taken over the chip lead.
52 players remain.
Abul Moborrod shipped the last of his chips over to Krzystof Perka (Maspeth, NY). Abul collected $814 for his 56th place finish. Perka is up to ~690k.
Abul Moborrod
Perka is at table six with other big stacks Lana Maier, Mike Dentale, and Dylan Mich. Needless to say, this is now the loudest table in the room.
Dylan Mich just sent another player packing in 54th place. He's up to ~875k and may have taken over the chip lead.
52 players remain.
Leaderboard
Event 1: $350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
Jim Hayduk is in the lead with ~800k.
Dylan Mich (Brigantine, NJ) is second with ~700k.
Michael Buttacavoli is third with 695k.
Mike Dentale is fourth in chips with 620k.
Lana Maier is fifth with ~570k.
They're back from break and playing with blinds of 6k/12k and 2k antes.
58 players remain. Average stack is ~313k.
Jim Hayduk is in the lead with ~800k.
Dylan Mich (Brigantine, NJ) is second with ~700k.
Michael Buttacavoli is third with 695k.
Mike Dentale is fourth in chips with 620k.
Lana Maier is fifth with ~570k.
They're back from break and playing with blinds of 6k/12k and 2k antes.
58 players remain. Average stack is ~313k.
60th Place - Zeitlin
Event 1: $350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
David Zeitlin flopped a pair of Tens and got all-in, only to discover his opponent held pocket Aces. David was dispatched in 60th place, earning $814.
59 players remain as the clock ran out on level 19. Players were sent on a ten minute break.
David Zeitlin flopped a pair of Tens and got all-in, only to discover his opponent held pocket Aces. David was dispatched in 60th place, earning $814.
59 players remain as the clock ran out on level 19. Players were sent on a ten minute break.
Event 3: Bill "Bumpereno" Munley - 1st Place
7-Card Stud ($300 + $50)
Bill "Bumpereno" Munley - 1st Place - $6,154
Bill "Bumpereno" Munley - 1st Place - $6,154And we have a winner!
Bill "Bumpereno" Munley has just won Event 3 and $6,154. Move over Charlie Cheen as Bill's two girlfriends from Villanova, Cathy and Rene, were in his corner cheering him on during the final hand.
Bill has enjoyed many second place finishes but credits finally getting over the top and hoisting the Spring Poker Open trophy to support from Cathy and Rene.
Bumpereno has over a dozen stud cash finishes and will be back to play in the HOSE tournament.
Cathy Bill Rene
Bill "Bumpereno" Munley has just won Event 3 and $6,154. Move over Charlie Cheen as Bill's two girlfriends from Villanova, Cathy and Rene, were in his corner cheering him on during the final hand.
Bill has enjoyed many second place finishes but credits finally getting over the top and hoisting the Spring Poker Open trophy to support from Cathy and Rene.
Bumpereno has over a dozen stud cash finishes and will be back to play in the HOSE tournament.
Cathy Bill Rene65th Place - Rosenblatt
Event 1: $350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
After Thomas Balla opened for 23k utg, Leanne Rosenblatt (Brigantine, NJ) moved all-in over the top. Then Tim Dougherty shoved all-in, having Leanne covered. Thomas opted out and Leanne's AK was heads-up against Tim's pocket Tens. The board came Q J 2 6 6 and Jim took the pot.
Leanne took 65th place and $716.
Another player has busted and they're down to 63 players at seven tables.
After Thomas Balla opened for 23k utg, Leanne Rosenblatt (Brigantine, NJ) moved all-in over the top. Then Tim Dougherty shoved all-in, having Leanne covered. Thomas opted out and Leanne's AK was heads-up against Tim's pocket Tens. The board came Q J 2 6 6 and Jim took the pot.
Leanne took 65th place and $716.
Another player has busted and they're down to 63 players at seven tables.
Bubble Burst!
Event 1: $350 + $50 DS NL (2 re-entry)
With 73 players remaining, it was bubble-time and play went hand-for hand. On the third hand, a player at table one ran his AK into pocket Kings and busted, earning 73rd place and the honor of being this event's bubble-boy.
Across the room at table 7, another short-stack got it in with pocket Tens, only to discover he was up against pocket Queens. The Queens held up and another player busted, earning $716 for 72nd place.
The next eight players out will also collect $716.
As expected, once the bubble burst the all-ins ramped up. Three more players have departed, leaving 68 still in the hunt for the $57k top prize.
With 73 players remaining, it was bubble-time and play went hand-for hand. On the third hand, a player at table one ran his AK into pocket Kings and busted, earning 73rd place and the honor of being this event's bubble-boy.
Across the room at table 7, another short-stack got it in with pocket Tens, only to discover he was up against pocket Queens. The Queens held up and another player busted, earning $716 for 72nd place.
The next eight players out will also collect $716.
As expected, once the bubble burst the all-ins ramped up. Three more players have departed, leaving 68 still in the hunt for the $57k top prize.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Suits Sacked
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.
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.
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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