Thursday, January 26, 2012

Event 18: Stuck on 37

$500 + $60 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)

The bubble record is two and a half hours. Could Event 18 make a run?

Josh Brikis says he's bored. Players want to get back to playing poker but are STUCK on the bubble.

Only a couple shorties in the room and there ain't no showdowns.

A lot of great folds. A lot of right folds.

Hand for hand continues.

Bubble in 37th place.

36th gets a min cash of $834.

Event 18: The Deets are in the Tweets

$500 + $60 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)  

Somewhere in here we lost Will 'the Thrill' Failla and Alex Haris.

The Tweeters remaining in the field are counting down to the money for us:

Christian Harder @realcharder30
Went ahead and committed Icm suicide 4 from the money to bust in a flip @BorgataPoker

John Allan Hinds @JABistro
New tbl = no good. 319k ---->190k. 1200/2400 lvl w/ 39 left

Daniel Buzgon @WiLDmAn_75
2 from $. Need my daily cash.


Literally bubbled akss to qq. What a fun day

Ryan must have been bubble plus one, because with his departure, they were down to 37. 

Then they were one from the money and it was bubble-time.  They are now playing hand-for-hand until one more player is eliminated.

Event 19: Set-mining For Gold

$400 + $50 H.O.R.S.E.

Larry Gold (Farmingville, NY) - 35,000

Familiar Borgata face, Larry Gold, grinding away at what he called, "an interesting table".

Al Goldsmith (Long Island, NY) had an quote for the blog - "Event the bad players can win".

13 tables remain - blinds are 600 / 1200

Everyone is playing for the $48,400 Total-Buy in.

This is a two-day event that will finish up tomorrow at high-noon.


Event 18: 42 Remain

$500 + $60 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)  

David Inselberg flopped a set of 9s and it held up to bust a player.  David chipped up to ~160k.

44 players remain.

A short-stack was all-in against Andrew Klein.  Andrew's pocket 7s had his 65 suited crushed.  Then Andrew flopped a set and rivered a boat.

43 players remain.

Jacobo Fernandez took out another short stack.

42 players remain.  Time to break table 8.

Event 18: So Long, Saul

$500 + $60 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)  

Kevin Saul got his last chips in with pocket 4s, getting called by a player holding A8.

The small pair did not hold up and Kevin was busted.

45 players remain.  36 get paid.

Blinds are up to 1,200/2,400 with 300 antes.

Event 19: Roth & Running

$400 + $50 H.O.R.S.E.

Jason Roth (Allentown, PA) - 40,000

Jason Roth is sitting to the right of Chris Reslock, to the left of Jake Deutsch and across from Allen Kessler and Matt Matros. So how did he manage to gather so many of the clay betting discs amongst such heavy hitters? Roth is amongst the chipleaders with 40,000.

"The deck smashed me in the face...I can't outplay these guys" admitted Roth. That comment caused Chris Reslock to quip back, "Yeah, you ever see the scene from Alice In Wonderland where all the cards are flying around?" Despite these serious game face poses, everybody at the table laughed.

Chris Reslock - Borgata Poker Legend

Event 18: Everybody Does Not Love Raymond

$500 + $60 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry) 

'Action' Bob Hwang raised on the button, only to get re-raised by Derek Raymond (Portland, ME) in the big blind.

Bob announced he was all-in and got the snap-call from Derek.

 Derek Raymond

Bob cringed when he saw that his pocket Kings were up against Derek's pocket Aces.

The board ran out J 9 8 3 9 and Bob was busted.

Derek chipped up to ~160k with that pot.

46 players remain.  Ten more to go to reach the money.

Event 19: Hobby H.O.R.S.E.

$400 + $50 H.O.R.S.E.

There are six women in the field and Katie Baxter is one of them.

Katie said she recently retired from playing poker professionally and enjoys the game more as a hobby. Without the stress she's having a ton more fun and loves playing against the men, especially Stud.

RAZZ is her favorite game in this selection because "people play it really bad". Without poker as a career, Katie is studying for her Foreign Service Exam.

Event 18: Last Woman Sitting

$500 + $60 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry) 

Play resumed after the break with blinds of 1k/2k with 300 antes.

48 players remain.  Average stack is 107k (54 big blinds).

Cherish Andrews

Cherish Andrews (Brigantine, NJ) is, and has been for a while, the last woman remaining in this event.  She's sharing the felt on table 3 with Orson Young, Brian Ali, and Scott Baumstein.

She's doing quite well for herself, currently sitting behind about 200k.

Event 19: Leaving On A Jet Plane

$400 + $50 H.O.R.S.E.

Ron "Schifty" Schiffman

Ron Schiffman (Cherry Hill, NJ) finished 2nd in this tournament during September 2011's Borgata Poker Open.

"I'm looking to repeat" said Schifty who owns a private jet charter company and says hi to Gosia and his entire team at Worldwide Jet.

Moments ago at Table 14 Ron sent his Opponent, (Lou) up, up and away after hitting a straight with only K-6 off.

Lou was in for his last 1000 in this Holdem hand and Ron called from the blind without looking.

Event 18: 54 Remain

$500 + $60 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry) 

At the end of the level, players were sent on a 15 minute break just as table 10 was breaking.

Ryan Eriquezzo moved to table 6 with Andrew Klein and Will Failla.

Brian Ali moved to table 3 with Orson Young and Scott Baumstein.

54 remain at 9 tables.

 John Hinds

John Hinds has claimed the chip lead.  He's up to almost 320k.

Andrew Klein is also chipping up.  He's climbed to 230k.

Event 19: Update

$400 + $50 H.O.R.S.E.

Players started the day at 4:00 PM with 15,000 chips.

According to Barry Levy the tournament really begins at the 500 / 1000 level which is next.

"That's when you start winning pots" said the Borgata Champ.

Started with 121 players and we're down to 116 across 15 tables.

Keep reading this blog as we'll be covering the H.O.R.S.E. event until they reach the money (or 2am).

Event 19: Payouts

$400 + $50 H.O.R.S.E.

Entries:  121
Total Buy-In: $48,400

PAYOUTS:
1: $14,085
2: $7,746
3: $4,460
4: $3,756
5: $2,817
6: $2,347
7: $1,878
8: $1,408
9: $1,056
10 - 12: $939
13 - 15: $822
16 - 18: $704

Event 19: Reslock Gets "Snaked"

$400 + $50 H.O.R.S.E.

Jake "Team Snake" Deutch

Jake Deutch is the founder of TEAM SNAKE, a group of a half-dozen or so middle aged guys who travel the country playing poker tournaments. Everyone in the club has a jacket with their name on it.

Jake of course is the only member uses his trademark coiled snake card protector, ready to attack. "This snake has been everywhere" said Jake.

Jake aimed up poker pro Chris Reslock as his next prey in a juicy Omaha hi-lo pot.

Board ran K-Q-J-Q-J.

Reslock had a Queen but Deutch tabled A-J-K-5 for Jacks full of Kings and the scoop.

Also at this tough table 6 is Allen Kessler, Glenn Englebert, and Matt Matros.

Hmmm...Looks Like Allen Might Be Starting His Own Club too

Event 18: Interesting Match-Ups

$500 + $60 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)

Down to ten tables with 60 players.

Interesting Tables

2: Michael DiChiaro, Jacobo Fernandez, Bob Hwang, Dan Buzgon
3:  Orson Young, Scott Baumstein
5: Josh Brikis, Kevin Saul
6:  Andrew Klein, Will Failla
7: Javier Fernandez, David Inselberg
8: Thomas Balla, Alex Bolotin
9:  Ben Geller, Chris Leong, John Hinds

Others still in the mix:  Matt 'Muffins' Mazzeo, Christian Harder, Ryan Eriquezzo, & Brian Ali.

Event 18: Chip Leaders

$500 + $60 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)

Blinds are up to 800/1,600 with 200 antes.

Scott Baumstein

There are currently only three stacks bigger than 200k:

Scott Baumstein - 270k
John Hinds - 240k
Michael DiChiaro - 220k

63 players remain, making the average about 82k.

Event 19: Stevesdropping

$400 + $50 H.O.R.S.E.

Steve Toll - (Philadelphia)

Steve Toll is a predatory lender from Philadelphia whose favorite H.O.R.S.E. game is stud hi-lo. "When you're low on chips that's your best chance to double up" explained Toll.

Steve was mixing it up with another Steve at the table joking, "It's bad luck to get your ante in last".

The other Steve is Steve Boyle, nicknamed "3-Pair Steve". Boyle wears a cowboy hat, is from New Mexico and used to ride bulls until an injury. "Poker is a lot easier, believe me" - said Boyle before tossing in his ante chip last.

Sure, with all that bull riding experience, riding a H.O.R.S.E must be a piece of cake.

Both Steve's met today and have been at the same table since the start.

40 minute levels - 300 / 600 limits.

Event 19: HORSE-Play Resumed

$400 + $50 H.O.R.S.E.

Players have returned to their seats for more HORSE-ing around.

Play resumed following dinner with Limits of 300/600 (level 6).

Event 18: Back to Business

$500 + $60 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry) 

Play resumed after dinner with blinds of 600/1,200 with 200 antes.

They've wasted no time in whittling the field down to 11 tables -- 66 players.

36 get paid -- so 30 more will leave empty-handed.

Among thos still alive:
Ryan Eriquezzo
Bob Hwang
Alex Bolotin
John Hinds
Dan Buzgon
Javier Fernandez
David Inselberg
Will Failla
Scott Baumstein

November Niner Back at Borgata

Borgata Winter Poker Open

 Collins Performing at Borgata
 
Before Phil Collins the poker player became known as Phil Collins the November Niner, he spent plenty of days at Borgata.  Collins, who won $2.3 million dollars with a 5th place finish in the 2011 WSOP Main Event, is back here playing in the Borgata Winter Poker Open.

"I love poker and have fun playing where the best events are," says the 26 year old who's now a Las Vegas resident.  "Borgata gets big fields, big prize pools and has great structures. It's good value."

Collins, whose shared name with musician Phil Collins has been well documented, began playing poker in his freshman year at the University of South Carolina.  While learning the game, Collins made trips to Atlantic City and played his poker at Borgata

"I used to come up here and stay for a week or two," says Collins, who's played in two events in preparation for the $2 million guaranteed Championship event.  "It's a great hotel with good food and poker. There was no reason to leave."

While playing the six-max tournament Collins has been catching up with friends and Borgata regulars like Matt Brady and Christian Harder.  "He's always been a good player," says Brady, "he's made the transition from on-line to live and has done really well. He's one of the good guys with his head on straight."

On his run through the WSOP Main Event, Collins got a huge following from loyal supporters who belted out lyrics to the other Phil Collins' hit song, In the Air Tonight. The television broadcasts showed a raucous crowd supporting the likeable young pro. 

While the November Nine noise has died, Collins' success and exposure follows him where ever he plays.  "In the past I was a nobody. Now players have a different perspective of me," he says, "I have to adjust my game, just like everyone does. Sometimes it works, sometimes it backfires."

In addition to the tournaments Collins is playing the $10/$25 NL cash games, but his main reason for making the trip with fellow pro Brent Hanks is to play in the Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship.

"The structure is really deep and will attract another great field. It's just like a $10k event, I'm looking forward to it."

Event 18: Dinner Time Tweets

$500 + $60 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)  

Thanks to these players to took the time out of their dinner break to update us on their progress:

Aaron Steury @NDGrinder
41.8k on dinner, lost a 35k pot A8<KQ aipf and was super card dead #BWO2012 #timetorunitup

Orson Young @YoungOrson
3 for 3 in getting to dinner break with 6 figs. Let's not make it 0 for 4 in cashing. 110k #BWO2012

Robert Hwang @ActionBobNJ
78k at dinner break. Going to 600-1200 next level.

John Allan Hinds @JABistro
79/344 left in today's 6max, avg is 65k. I have 170k at dinner. Running/playing/smelling good today. Ready to eat #teammurdermystomach

Jerry Payne @sandler1860
at least i got a dinner voucher? :(

Ryan Eriquezzo @RyanEriquezzo
13k---->46k at dinner. Literally have never played better in my life. #letsgoplz

Jerry Payne @sandler1860
big pot, but cant rly complain when i won 88 to kk aipf like an hour ago for all my chips.

Kevin Saul @KevinSauLivePro
Dinner break, just went from 95k to 25.9k in 2 hands before the break. Blinds will be 600-1200 200a when we get back

Josh Brikis @JBrikis
105k at dinner break.come back to 600/1200

Daniel Buzgon @WiLDmAn_75
108k on dinner break. Coming back to 600/1200 200

Glenn McCaffrey @GlennMcCaffrey
39k after dinner break in 500rebuy

Event 19: Dinner Time

$400 + $50 H.O.R.S.E.

End of level and time for the HORSEs to tie on the feed bag.

They will return from dinner at about 8:35 to continue play.  

According to their structure sheet, they will play until 2am or to the money, whichever comes last.

From the couple of Tweeters in this field:

larry goldstein @tworedducks
18k at horse dinner break..2nd in chips at tbl. Absolute dead money clown has 22k. #couldntaskforabettertbl

christopher tryba @christryba
19k at dinnah, up frm 15k.

Event 18: Payouts

$500 + $60 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)

Entries:  344
Total Buy-In: $172,000

PAYOUTS:
1: $40,873
2: $25,026
3: $19,020
4: $15,433
5: $11,929
6: $8,592
7: $6,257
8: $4,171
9: $2,503
10 - 12: $2,002
13 - 18: $1,585
19 - 24: $1,168
25 - 30: $918
31 - 36: $834

Event 18: Dinner Break

$500 + $60 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry) 

At the end of the level, players were rewarded with a one hour dinner break.

Play will resume at about 8pm.

79 players remain.  36 will get paid.

They will play until 2am or until they reach the money, whichever comes last.

Event 19: Thoroughbreds on Table Six

$400 + $50 H.O.R.S.E. 

Table 6 is heavily loaded with some serious poker experience.  Currently seated there are:

Allen Kessler
Jake 'Team Snake' Deutsch
Chris Reslock
Glenn Engelbert
Matt Matros

Event 18: Early Chip Leader

$500 + $60 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)

Sixteen tables remain (144 players) in action and table 16 is where the current chip leader resides.

Michael DiChiaro is up to almost 200k and leading the field.

 Michael DiChiaro

Also on table 16 are Mark Baatz and Jerry Payne -- a couple of players on our Tweeters to watch list.

They're probably hoping their table breaks soon so they can get away from the big stack.  Their table will be the next to break, but not until six seats open up elsewhere in the room.

Event 18: Aces Good for Jacobo

$500 + $60 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)

Blinds are up to 500/1,000 with 100 antes.

 Jacobo Fernandez

Aces are good for Jacobo Fernandez. 

This time the victim was Jay Nair, who held AQ.  Jay caught a Queen on the flop, but needed more to survive.  He didn't get it and was busted.

Jacobo chipped up to about 100k.

Event 18: Brikis Busts Brady

$500 + $60 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry) 

Matt Brady got his last chips in good with pocket Aces. 

He was up against the bigger stack and pocket Kings of Josh Brikis.

Josh sucked out and claimed the pot while Matt headed for the rail.

He'll be back tomorrow for the Purple Chip Bounty event.

Event 19: More Familiar HORSEs

$400 + $50 H.O.R.S.E.

More familiar faces in the HORSE-race:

Joe Loguidice
Sharad Mehta
Jinglen Chen
David Laufer
Chris Tryba
Frank Rasile
Bo Toft
Luigi Grilla

Event 19: Back From Break

$400 + $50 H.O.R.S.E.

The HORSE-players have returned from their first break to Limits of 100/200.

16 tables are currently active.  HORSE is played eight-handed, so they've got about 120 players.

Late registration is open through four levels.

There are a few tweeters among the HORSEs, so here's what they had to say:

larry goldstein @tworedducks
Absolute dream table for the Horse...slightly above starting goin to 100/200. #back2backbwohorse

christopher tryba @christryba
Rippin the BWO H.O.R.S.E. event....not a great turnout. But always the most fun.

Event 18: Tweet-Time


$500 + $60 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)

Players have just returned from a break to blinds of 400/800 with 75 antes.

Here are some of their latest tweets:

Russell crane @Rcrane082985
70k blinds going to 400-800

Ryan Eriquezzo @RyanEriquezzo
13kish at break after a few horrendous showdowns and ridic spots. #2012hasbeenajerkoffsofar. #weregonnaturnitaroundrightnow #teammurder

Aaron Steury @NDGrinder
52,750 3rd break playing 400/800/75a

John Allan Hinds @JABistro
94k at break coming back to 400/800. Haven't been put in too many tough spots today #easygame #whenisdinner #teammurder

Mark Baatz @markbeenyc
#BPO2012...WPO #18 up to 70.5k..not to fun with tough table and now @sandler1860 joins... Lets run it up!

1 Jerry Payne @sandler1860
22.8k going to 400 800 75. kinda card dead.

Kevin Saul @KevinSauLivePro
3rd break, very swingy 2 levels but stabilized my stack, 56.5k after level 8 going to 400-800 75a

Daniel Buzgon @WiLDmAn_75
85k going to 400/800 75. 126 left. 334 started.

Event 18: Musumeci Beat on the Turn

$500 + $60 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)

Table 9 was filled with tough players, including Amanda Musumeci, John Buglion, John Hinds, and Gene Castro.

Then on the river with a board of K T 9 9 4, Amanda Musumeci was all-in with AK (Kings-up).  Her opponent held A9 (trip 9s) to take the pot, sending Amanda to the rail.

The re-entry period is over, so she will not be returning to this event. 

They're nearing the end of level nine, and then will be taking a break.

Event 18: Tough Table Two

$500 + $60 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)

Table two is one tough piece of real estate.

WSOP bracelet winner Jason Young was seated there, along with 'Action' Bob Hwang and Al Riccobono.

Al and Jason have both departed.  Aaron Massey is now in Jason's seat.

On the last hand before table 25 broke, a short-stack was all-in against Jacobo Fernandez.  The short-stack held KJ and facing A6.  The board came A A 5 Q Q  and the pot went to Jacobo.  He chipped up to about 80k.

And then Jacobo got moved -- to table two!

Event 19: HORSE-players

$400 + $50 H.O.R.S.E.

A few familiar faces are in today's HORSE-race, including a few former champions.

Barry Levy won the second-ever HORSE tournament during a Borgata Open series in November 2011.  He's back today to take another run at the title.

The first-ever HORSE tournament was played during the Borgata Poker Open in September 2011 and that was won by Jeff Duvall.   Haven't seen Jeff today, but he might turn up later.

Razz was only approved for play in New Jersey during 2011.  Before that, they played HOSE.

Glenn Engelbert won the HOSE tournament during the 2011 Borgata Summer Poker Open and he's back today for HORSE.

Vincent Basilicata won the HOSE tournament during the 2010 Borgata Summer Poker Open and he's back today for HORSE.

Also recognized in the field are
Allen Kessler
Helen Ellis
Larry Gold
Chris Reslock
Miami John Cernuto
Tim D'Alessandro
Steve 'wrecking-ball' Fiorentini
Jake 'Team Snake' Deutsch
Ron 'Schifty' Schiffman

Event 19: And They're Off!

$400 + $50 H.O.R.S.E.

The HORSE event is underway in the back of the event center.

Players began with 15,000 chips.

Levels are 40 minutes until the final table, when they go to 50 minutes.

All games are played in limit format, starting with 50/100 limits.

Games are played in rotation, 8 hands of each:
Hold'em
Omaha Hi/Lo
Razz
Stud
Eight-or-better (Stud Hi/Lo)

Event 18: Accidental Raise

$500 + $60 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)

The Borgata Leaderboard Contest is always a topic of conversation especially for those in the running for prizes including entry into the Borgata Spring Poker Open Championship event for the winner.

Mike Linster (Island Park, NY), who's currently 4th in the standings, is always checking for leaderboard updates and keeping an eye on points leader Will Failla (Smithtown, NY) who's sitting one table over.

As play resumes with re-entry now closed, Linster is in a hand where he "accidentally" 3-bet min raises.

On a 10 3 2 flop Linster reraises all in for 17k. The initial bettor tanks and Linster says, "fold, your three is no good here."  After a few moments the opponent calls and tables pocket 9s.

Linster quickly shows pocket 2s for a set of ducks which hold and gives Linster the double-up.  His opponent simply shakes his head as he's left with 2k.

"It was completely an accident, the chips stuck together," says Linster who only wanted to call, adding,  "I'm never raising with deuces there."

Level 7 (250/500/50 ante) continues.

Event 18: Tweet, Tweet

$500 + $60 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)

Ryan Eriquezzo
 
Into this thing for three barrells. Not a very good day so far. .

Robert Hwang

2nd break borgata $500 six max event. Nothing going at all today but doubled to 13k just before break to save me $560 re-entry.

Lee Childs

Laggy kid who thinks he's the best calls the 6bet shove w/ 88 v my AKdd. "Knew he's ahead of my range" he holds. My range BTW (QQ+/AKs). Out

Aaron Steury

37,825 2nd break, in for one bullet playing 250/500/50a

Kevin Saul

2nd hand @ new table I 5b a guy w 9 hi and get a fold, 30 minutes later he 4bet shovd me w AT and my AQ held, 60k after level 6

Mark Baatz

25.6k 2nd break..moved to much tougher tbl.. WPO #18..

Jerry Payne

26.3k going to 250 500 with 50. re entries over, in for min.

Austen Johnson

Busted again. AK<<KQ<<57 aipf.

Event 18: Busto

$500 + $60 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)

Bruce Springsteen's hit song Glory Days, featured the line, "I was walking in, he was walking out."  That's appropriate at the Event Center as the "he" is tv personality Montel Williams, who busts from the tournament.

He says he's not re-entering, but may be back for the 7 pm tournament.  Those who are "walking in" with their re-entry tickers include Ryan Eriquezzo, Austen Johnson and Adam Cook.

Just a few more minutes before re-entry is closed.

Event 18: Collins Joins Dannenmann

$500 + $60 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)

Dannenmann Does In Antonious

Two players who have final tabled the WSOP Main Event are now at the same table.  Phil Collins, 5th in 2011, has re-entered and joined Steve Dannenmann, 2nd in 2005, where the two combine for $6.6 million in final table earnings.

Collins won $2.3 million last November where he finished behind winner Pius Heinz, while Dannenmann was runner-up to Joe Hachem for $4.3 million.

On a board of 6 Q 7,  Dannenmann bets 2,500 from the button, Tony Antonious (Redington Shores, FL) moves all in for 6k more and Dannenmann calls.

Dannenmann: KQ
Antonious: A 6

The turn and river miss Antonious and Dannenmann takes his stack to 45k.

"Good, I wanted to re-enter anyway," Antonious says with a hardy laugh. Antonious is looking to repeat his final table appearance when he finished 4th in this event during the 2011 Borgata Winter Poker Open.

Level 6 (the last for re-entry) is underway as blinds are 200/400/50 ante.

Event 18: Collins Caught by Aces

$500 + $60 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)

Phil Collins (Las Vegas, NV), the 5th place finisher in the 2011 WSOP Main Event, has re-entered after losing a chunck of his stack to the pocket aces of Farhan Madhani (Miami, FL).  Madhani moves all in for a 15k double-up on a jack high board with Collins holding J 10.

Madahani doubles up while Collins is out a few hands later.

Level 5 (150/300/25) continues.

Event 18: Late Registration

$500 + $60 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)

Nair (right) Shows Linster (left) a Fold

Lots of full tables means that registering players are opening new tables.  One tough group is Matt "Muffins" Mazzeo, Jay Nair, Gordon Eng and Mike Linster.

Also joining the field is Borgata hard core regular John Lakatosh (Red Lion, PA).

Antes are now in play as level 5 (150/300/25 ante) continues.

Lakatosh Likes Late Registration

Event 18: Second Chance Tournament

$500 + $60 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)

Childs & Failla

Many players are firing multiple bullets as re-entry is open through level 6.  Just before the break Will "The Thrill" Failla is in line getting a fresh 15k stack, while Lee Childs busts the first hand after the break with pocket 10s against a player who hits a river flush.

Failla has three cashes this series including a win in Event 1 for ~$165,000.

Also taking advantage of a second chance is Mukul Pahuja as level 4 (100/200) is underway.

Event 18: Break Time Tweets

$500 + $60 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)

  Lee Childs

7500 at break. 100/200 Will at least double this level. Hopefully with the cards. If not, the re-entry.

Daniel Buzgon

First break over 45k from 15k lol. Flopped top set with aces in 3 bet pot and got 3 streets.
Austen Johnson

11k/15k going to 100/200.
Mark Baatz

WPO #18 13.6k from 15k.. KK twice already...they didnt get me..
Jerry Payne

17,875 1st break up from 15k start. very aggro table, makes decisions a little easier.
Kevin Saul

Playing borgata 560 6-max nl re-entry. 18.6k from 15k start at 1st break after level 3
fills Muk's seat. Raise QQ UTG Josh flats SB, BB calls. T44hh. Josh ch/c. T 2s. Ch/ch. River X. I call Josh's 2k bet and lose to AA
Daniel Buzgon

Borgata $500 6max re-entry today. Just late regged and doubled in 5 mins. 3 bet AK and flopped a straight if that's even possible.

Event 18: Big Winners Return

$500 + $60 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)

At least three of the $10,000 Super Survivor winners are back at the tables playing the six-max.  Grace Sun, Austen Johnson and Harry Korotki got a few hours of sleep before returning to the Event Center.

But the biggest winner with the fewest amount of sleep is Joe Mosca. After winning 16 at 7 am, he not only beat a field of 852 entries, but he also is getting the best of Mr. Sandman.  Mosca is back in action just hours after winning $51,323.

Players are gearing up for a their first break of the day.

Borgata Leaderboard Update (1/26)

Borgata Winter Poker Open Leaderboard
By participating in any Borgata Winter Poker Open event (January 18 - February 3, 2012), players earn points based upon the Borgata Poker Tournament Leaderboard Formula.

Below are the top scores for the 2012 Borgata Winter Poker Open Leaderboard*
(Final Results from events 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41)


472.718 PTS:  EMANUEL FAILLA (SMITHTOWN, NY)
374.805 PTS:  THOMAS HOGLUND (NEW BEDFORD, MA)
364.293 PTS:  JOSEPH OPIE (FAIR HAVEN, NJ)
335.368 PTS:  MICHAEL LINSTER (ISLAND PARK, NY)
307.250 PTS:  BEN GELLER (FAR ROCKAWAY, NY)
303.000 PTS:  DARYL BOATWRIGHT (SICKLERVILLE, NJ)
299.413 PTS:  KEVIN SAUL (OAK PARK, IL)
291.625 PTS:  JONATHAN SORSCHER (LYNBROOK, NY)
290.350 PTS:  HARRY KOROTKI (OWINGS MILLS, MD)
289.275 PTS:  SCOTT SCHWALICH (MIAMISBURG, OH)
276.588 PTS:  JOSEPH MOSCA (BRONX, NY)
273.918 PTS:  MATTHEW MAZZEO (EAST WILLISTON, NY)
269.055 PTS:  WADE WOELFEL (MANKATO, MN)
267.070 PTS:  ALEXANDER PETERSON (RIVERSIDE, CT)
266.100 PTS:  SRIDHAR CHEBROLU (ELLICOTT CITY, MD)
257.338 PTS:  ADAM FAHERTY (LOWELL, MA)
256.888 PTS:  MICHAEL FORCA (BABYLON, NY)
236.760 PTS:  ALEX NEPOMNYASCHIY (STATEN ISLAND, NY)
233.500 PTS:  LEONID VIZIROV (CHALFONT, PA)
231.200 PTS:  MARK SYKES (HAMDEN, CT)
223.038 PTS:  LARRY STJEAN (SALISBURY BCH, MA)
219.800 PTS:  JAMES GETTINGER (NEW YORK, NY)
217.000 PTS:  STEPHEN SCALES (RED BANK, NJ)
216.000 PTS:  THOMAS EVERS (E NORTHPORT, NY)
213.048 PTS:  AUSTEN JOHNSON (GREENSBORO, NC)
212.275 PTS:  MICHAEL SCARBOROUGH (LAWRENCEBURG, IN)
209.800 PTS:  JACOB FAFARD (NEW IPSWICH, NH)
209.760 PTS:  REAL VILLENEUVE (MONTREAL, CAN)
201.613 PTS:  LAURENCE GOLDSTEIN (MEDFORD, NY)
200.925 PTS:  JOHN V IV COMEAU (RUTLAND, MA)
200.163 PTS:  ILYA VASSERMAN (HUNTINGDON VY, PA)
200.000 PTS:  PETER MAVRO (LAS VEGAS, NV)

Event 18: More Tough Tables

$500 + $60 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)

In addition to the Brikis, Pahuja and Brady table here are some other tough draws:

Austen Johnson, Eric Siegel & Daniel Chan
Harry Korotki & Dave Inselberg
Joe Brooks & Joe Mosca
Will Failla & Joe Wertz
Amanda Musumeci & Peter Ippolito
Bob Hwang & Al Riccobono

Level 3 (75/150) underway

Event 18: Tough Table, Easy Game

$500 + $60 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)

Brikis Sits to the Left of Geller's Empty Chair

The six-max brings out a quality field so even though play is short handed the table draws can be ridiculously tough.  Table 5 features, Matt Brady ($2.5 million/career earnings), Josh Brikis ($1.3 million) and Vinny Pahuja ($1 million).

Also at the table, or was at the table is Ben Geller (Far Rockaway, NY). On a board of J♠ 3♠ 3 5♠ 7♣
Brikis bets 4,500 and is reraised all in by Geller for 8,500 more.

Birkis calls with A♠ 10♠ for the nut flush, Geller mucks and is headed to the re-entry line. Brikis is happy with the double-up, but Pahuja cringes a bit.  "That was supposed to be my brother," he laughs.

Vinny and Mukul Pahuja were both assigned table 5 to start the day, but to be fair to everyone Mukul was moved.  His replacement is Brikis who's now loving the table draw.

Geller finished 11th in in Event 8 to take his career earnings to more than $10,000, just a few zeroes away from the joining the millionaire club.

Level 2 (50/100) is underway.


Event 18: Name Game

$500 + $60 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)

After scanning the room here's a look at the familiar faces in the field:

Eric Siegel
Peter Ippolito
Will Failla
Kevin Saul
Phil Collins
Jamie Kerstetter
Bob Hwang
Al Riccobono
Austen Johnson
Ryan Eriquezzo
Josh Brikis
Matt Brady
Ben Geller
Jerry Payne
Russel Crane
Joe Mosca
Steve Dannenmann

Event 18: Sixy Poker

$500 + $60 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)

The crazy intensity of yesterday's five tournament day has been replaced with a more relaxed atmosphere at the start of the six-max tournament.  This is a sexy, glamor event that's a prelude to the fireworks that we'll see the rest of the weekend.

Players love short handed play and the structure of 15k in chips and 40 minute levels to start (7+ levels/50 min.).  Throw in unlimited re-entries and we'll see a lot of action despite the laid back start to the day.

After Day 1 of the six max and the HORSE tournament later today, players are looking forward to Friday's purple chip ($500) bounty, Saturday's $1k six-max ($200k guarantee) and Sunday's Day 1A of the $2 million Championship Event.

Cards are in the air!

Thursday, January 26

Today's Events (Event Center)

11AM: Event 18 - $500 + $60 Six-Max No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)
  • Players start with 15,000 in tournament chips 
  • Levels 1-6: will last 40 minutes each  | Levels 7+: will last 50 minutes each
  • Players that "bust" within first 6 Levels may Re-Enter (unlimited re-entries)
  • 2-Day event
4PM:  Event 19 - $400 + $50 H.O.R.S.E.

  • Players start with 15,000 in tournament chips
  • Levels will last 40 minutes  |  Final Table Levels will last 50 minutes
  • 2-Day event

7PM: Event 42 - $100 + $20 + $100 Black Chip Bounty NLH 
  • Players start with 12,000 in tournament chips 
  • Levels will last 20 minutes each
  • This is a Bounty tournament.  Players must have their Bounty Chip clearly displayed on the table in order to remain active in the tournament.
  • 1-Day event

        Event 17 Recap

        $500 + $60 Super Survivor No Limit Hold'em

        Eight players each took home a cool $10,000 as Super Survivor winners at the Borgata Winter Poker Open. Austen Johnson, Grace Sun, Harry Korotki and Daryl Boatwright are just some of the Borgata regulars who chopped up the prize pool.

        "It's good value," said Johnson, who picked up his second cash of the series, "because most people don't understand how to play correctly."

        178 players entered the tournament for a total buy-in of $99,680 as ~1 in 20 took home the big money, 9th place finisher Daniel Miller won $6,330.

        In standard no limit tournaments, accumulating all the chips is the goal to reach the big money, but in this format simply surviving is the key.  "Players are too aggressive when they don't have to be, especially late in the tournament," said Johnson, who added that he had to adjust his game and fold more often than he usually would.

        When the bubble broke and players were in the money, Johnson, who won the Borgata Summer Poker Open Leaderboard contest, was the chip leader and first in line at the cage to collect his $10k in cash.

        Final Results

        Place-Name-Amount
         
        Austen Johnson (Greensboro, NC):  $10,000
        Francis Dougherty (Philadelphia, PA):  $10,000
        Chii Ching Sun (Merrick, NY):  $10,000
        Richard Luckasavage (Yonkers, NY):  $10,000
        Harry Korotki (Owings Mills, MD):  $10,000
        Joseph Stuckey (Hicksville, NY):  $10,000
        Daryl Boatwright (Sicklerville, NJ):  $10,000
        Kerry Armentrout (Harrisonburg, VA):  $10,000
        Daniel Miller (Philadelphia, PA):  $6,330

        Event 16 Recap

        $270 + $30 Big Stack No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)

        In a large field of young guns, it was seasoned veteran Joe Mosca (The Bronx) who won a 2012 Borgata Winter Poker Open event for his wife who has lung cancer. Joe outlasted Michael Forca (Long Island, NY) for the top prize of $51,323. Wade Woelfel just missed and settled for third place.

        "I feel great and am so happy right now, I'm happy for my wife" exclaimed Mosca. Wife Rosemary woke up from her Borgata hotel room at 5 am and came down to the Event Center to be with her hubby of 35 years side for the last hour of the tournament. Her inspiration willed him to the gold.

        The key hand for Mosca came at the final table when his A-10 cracked Erick But's pocket queens. That knock-out propelled Mosca to chip leader status and believe-you-me, he was determined to hold on. With seven tables remaining, Mosca proclaimed he was gonna win it all for his sick wife to pay for the best health care available and darn if he didn't follow through.

        Mind you that was no easy task in a field of 852 Borgata grinders all hungry for a piece of the $230,040 total buy-in. Mosca had to dodge big-named players such as two time WPT winner Cornel Andrew Cimpan (who finished 7th in this event)and Event 1 winner and WPT title holder Will "The Thrill" Failla who final tabled in 10th place.

        All were surprised that Kevin Saul (18th/$1,317) missed the final table, as he held the chip lead after dinner for a lengthy stretch trying to capture his second victory in the 2012 Borgata Winer Poker Open series.

        Daniel Buzgon, fresh off his 3rd Place finish at the 2012 Borgata Poker Open Championship in September, continued to run well with a respectful 6th place effort today pocketing a cool $10,042.

        With 20,000 starting chips and a re-entry option you knew you were in for a long day and a long grind. "I'm tired after playing so long so I'm gonna sleep for four hours and come back again tomorrow," explained our winner Joe Mosca after hoisting the Event 16 trophy and posing for a picture with his lovely wife.


        Final Table Results

        Place-Name-Amount 
         
        1. Joe Mosca (Bronx, NY) - $51,323
        2. Michael Forca (Long Island, NY) - $29,901
        3. Wade Woelfel (Mankato MN) - $18,298
        4. Erick But (Brooklyn, NY) - $15,062
        5. Daniel Smethurst (El Paso, TX) - $12,273
        6. Daniel Buzgon (Marlton, NJ) - $10,042
        7. Cornel Andrew Cimpan (- $8,034
        8. Gene Santora (Long Island, NY) - $6,025
        9. Mark Tarazhi (The Bronx, NY) - $4,240
        10. Will Failla (Commack, NY) - $2,789

        Event 16: Joe Mosca - 1st Place

        $270 + $30 Big Stack No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)

        Joe Mosca (The Bronx, NY)

        Congratulations to Joe Mosca who won this tournament for his wife Rosemary who has lung cancer. The couple has been married for 35 years with four children (Joseph, Philip, Anita, Robert) and four grandchildren (Frankie, Philip, Carmine, Ella).

        Joe took time off from poker to help and comfort his wife. He returned to Borgata to give her some recreation (she likes slots) and to win money to get her the best health care possible.

        Joe plans on getting some rest and in four hours will play again. You go Joe!

        You might remember that Joe Mosca won the 6-max in a previous Poker Open.

        The Happy Couple - Rosemary & Joe

        Joe Mosca finished in 1st Place earning $51,323.

        Event 16: Michael Forca - 2nd Place

        $270 + $30 Big Stack No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)

        Michael Forca (Long Island, NY)

        Michael had a knack for hanging in there. He was third in chips for what felt like an eternity but he kept making the right decisions.

        A King high shove proved very profitable three-handed against Joe Mosca's Q-J off as Forca doubled up large thru Joe.

        Heads up was a different story as Joe took the lead and finished Michael off with pocket Aces.

        Michael Forca finished in 2nd Place earning $29,901.

        Event 16: Wade Woelfel - 3rd Place

        $270 + $30 Big Stack No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)

        Wade Woelfel (Mankato, MN)

        Look for Wade Woelfel in the 2012 Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship.

        Wade wanted to thank his friends on the rail, Ryan E., Jamie K., and JA Biestro.

        Key hand that stopped Wade's progression came with two tables left when Opponent hit a three-outter holding A-8. Wade regrouped and rebuilt to the final three with the help from a backrub from Jaimie.

        After a long three-hand grind - it was as if all came to a grinding halt.

        Wade Woelfel finished in 3rd Place earning $18,298.

        Event 16: Erick But - 4th Place

        $270 + $30 Big Stack No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)

        Erick But (Brooklyn, NY)

        Erick looked down at pocket queens four-handed. He shoved and got called by Joe Mosca's A-10. Ace hit the flop without any straight or flush sweats.

        After dinner break the kid from Brooklyn was the chipleader for a good amount of the time.

        Mosca has a monster stack, looking to ride the wave of luck to the finish line.

        Erick But finishes in 4th Place earning $15,062.

        Event 16: Daniel Smethurst - 5th Place

        $270 + $30 Big Stack No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)


        Daniel Smethurst (El Paso, TX)

        As the floor was mopping up after Daniel's two drink mishaps, Daniel was mopping up the field.

        He played fast and furious but made good laydowns when it counted.

        Got it in good with a pre-flop shove of A-K vs Wade's A-Q. Wade spiked a queen, had Daniel covered and send him packing.

        Last Daniel Standing

        Daniel Smethurst finished in 5th Place earning $12,273.

        Event 16: Daniel Buzgon - 6th Place

        $270 + $30 Big Stack No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)

        Daniel Buzgon (Marlton, NJ)

        End of the road for Daniel Buzgon who got it in with A-4 suited but ran into wired tens from Joe Mosca. Tens held on a board of 4-J-2-8-Q.

        Daniel looking forward to watching his third place finish on the WPT broadcast of the 2011 Borgata Poker Open. He thinks it's set to air early March.

        He also finished 16th in last years Borgata Winter Poker Open Championship and looking to improve this go-round.

        Daniel seems well liked and respected at the tables.

        Daniel Buzgon finished in 6th Place earning $10,042.

        Event 16: Cornel Cimpan - 7th Place

        $270 + $30 Big Stack No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)

        Cornel Andrew Cimpan (League City, TX)

        Cornel "Evil Hurricane Andrew" Cimpan adds to his impressive $3,65,799 career tournament winnings with a 7th place finish at Borgata.

        Cimpan was short stacked and called the pre-flop shove of Daniel Smethurst.

        Off to the races as Cimpan held 10-J vs. Smethurst's 5-5.

        Board ran: 5-Q-7-7-3 giving Daniel the scoop.

        Look for this seasoned poker pro to splash around in the Championship Event next week.

        Two-time WPT winner Cornel Andrew Cimpan finished in 7th Place earning $8,034.

        Event 16: Gene Santora - 8th Place

        $270 + $30 Big Stack No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)

        Gene Santora (Long Island, NY)

        Gene Santora had two jade good luck charms that brought him to the final table finishing 8th out of 852 entries.

        Luck ran out on his final hand when his A-8 ran into A-J of Wade Woelfel. Both guys flopped an ace but Gene failed to improve.

        "Got my buy in for the Championship" exclaimed Gene. He implemented a similar strategy in past Opens.

        Jerman sweated his friend from the rail (and helped me with a couple hand reports).

        Gene Santora finished in 8th Place earning $6,025.

        Event 16: Mark Tarazhi - 9th Place

        $270 + $30 Big Stack No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)

        Mark Tarazhi (Bronx, NY)

        A good run for Mark Tarazhi who shipped his short stack with K-9 of spades got called by Q-8 and lost.

        Mark was upset to see an eight hit the flop, picked up some hope after turning a flush draw, but in the end missed and was felted 9th.

        Tarazhi was disappointed as he wanted to go deeper. Some friends on the rail were offering support and congratulations.

        Mark's parting words were, "I tried, Pizza".

        Mark Tarazhi finished in 9th Place earning $4,240.

        Event 16: Will Failla - 10th Place

        $270 + $30 Big Stack No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)

        Will Failla (Commack, NY)

        Will Failla held Q-10 suited, flopped an open ended broadway draw then turned a diamond flush re-draw. Despite flopping the world, he missed both streets and fell to Erick But.

        But tabled A-6, flopped a six then rivered another six for the knock-out.

        Will "The Thrill" Failla finished in 10th Place earning $2,789.

        Event 17: $10,000 Winners

        $500 + $60 Super Survivor No Limit Hold'em

        $10,000 Winners!

        From right to left here are five of your winners:

        1. Daryl Boatwright
        2. Austin Johnston
        3. Kerry Armentrout
        4. Richard Luckasavage
        5. Daniel Miller

        1 in 20 won $10,000 cold hard Borgata cash.

        This popular event ended at 3:30 AM with a stampede of happy winners headed towards the cage.

        Poker Pro Austin Johnston tweeted:

        Austen Johnson
        Shipped the super survivor for 10k.

        Event 16: FINAL TABLE

        $270 + $30 Big Stack No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)

        Final Table of Ten

        Seat Pos.......Player's Name.......Chip Count
        1....................Wade Woelfel.........................2,800,000
        2....................Will Failla..................................940,000
        3....................Erick But.................................2,100,000
        4.....................Cornel Andrew Cimpan........1,000,000
        5......................Michael Forca.......................2,400,000
        6......................Joe Mosca.............................1,900,000
        7......................Daniel Smethurst.................2,000,000
        8.......................Gene Santora.......................1,600,000
        9........................Mark Tarazhi......................1,900,000
        10......................Daniel Buzgon......................2,300,000

        Event 16: Dave Johnston - 11th Place

        $270 + $30 Big Stack No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)

        Dave Johnston (Brigantine, NJ)

        Local rounder Dave Johnston from Brigantine bubbles the final table.

        The hand that handicapped Johnston was when his 99 ran into QQ for a 1.7 million blow.

        Daniel Buzgon finished Dave off scoring the knock-out.

        Dave Johnston finished in 11th Place earning $2,789.

        Congrats to our final ten players.

        Event 16: Robert Levy - 12th Place

        $270 + $30 Big Stack No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)

        Robert Levy (WLG Branch, NJ)

        Robert Levy finished in 12 Place earning $2,789.

        Event 16: Andres Castillo - 13th Place

        $270 + $30 Big Stack No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)

        Andres Castillo (Floral Park, Queens NY)

        Good run for Andres Castillo who went deep but fell short of the final table.

        "I got it in with 10, 8 of diamonds, picked up a diamond draw on the flop and got my last 180,000 in" explained Castillo who missed his flush.

        His Opponent has J-4 and found a Jack on the flop. Andres was bleeding chips and struggling to find good cards towards the end.

        Andres Castillo finished in 13th Place earning $2,008.

        Event 16: Abraham Grace - 14th Place

        $270 + $30 Big Stack No Limit Hold'em (Re-Entry)

        Abraham Grace (Fairfax, VA)

        Abraham Grace is a Professor back in Fairfax, VA. He was schooled on his crippling hand once his Opponent rivered trips.

        Grace said his prayers with pocket tens up against A-6. Six on the flop and a six on the river spelled the end for Abraham.

        Look for Abraham next week as he's scheduled to play a full slate of Borgata Winter Poker Open Events.

        Abraham Grace finished in 14th Place earning $2,008.