Big Easy XII

The Twelfth in a continuing series of fun, mayhem, and camaraderie. And it didn't matter if it ended in defeat or victory, because once again, upon purchase of a coffee mug, you were given the guarantee of a good time! (We are so confident, we don't even need to honor refunds!)

The day started with 26 people vying for the title of the Big Easy Tournament Champion. 26 people dedicated to the cause of serious poker playing, along with serious food eating, and serious drinking. 26 dreams. All shattered except for one skillful player.

Did the food get mentioned? Once again, melt in your mouth BBQ cooked by Mr. Pete. Pulled pork, Brisket, Pork Tenderloin, Sausage, Potato Salad. Combined that with Lance's 'Best in Class' Chili... makes for a very enjoyable day... and mix that with beer, liquor, and 'Frank Shots' and you have an exceptional evening. We do not warranty the mornings!

And on top of that, we played poker. The same 5 games of the past were allowed. The prestigious first out award went to John B, the only winner of two Big Easy Championship Titles prior to Jun 18th, 2011. We did allow a first this year, allowing re-buys if done prior to the dinner break. A few folks used the strategy, if they felt low, of purposely losing their first box so they could re-buy. Sadly, the chairman TRIED following this strategy, and only managed to get down to $25 prior to the dinner break. (Big Easy Tip: Starting with $25 at the dinner break is not a good plan!)

With the exception of 4 people out who chose not to re-buy, the game started back with 22 people following the dinner break. After dinner, the game started to heat up... With folks losing worse than a 401K plan struggling through the USA's "Don't worry, we'll just print more money" policy. The final table was formed around 9:00PM!

The final Table: We had some new and some familiar faces at the Final Table this year. Johnny, Frank, Kevin, John M, Duff, Mike C, and Red started off playing at the final table. Chip lead was Kevin, who incessantly reminded everyone that he was the chip lead.

Johnny gets pushed out, Mike C follows next. Red makes it to the Number 5 spot. John M, a previous BET champ makes it to the number 4 spot. Duff, a regular to the final table, makes it to the money by coming in 3rd, relinquishing his chips to Frank. Frank as if transformed by Charles Atlas himself, is ready to meet Kevin heads up! Kevin reminds Frank of his chip count, but Frank doesn't even wince. (We did mention that Frank was passing out shots to all the players earlier, right?) And the playing ensues. Each player cautiously going back and forth. The antes and the adrenaline kept rising... 12:30AM, Kevin makes a move. Pair of J's in the hole during a Hold'em game. ALL IN. Frank Calls. Frank turns over a pair of Q's. The room crowds around the table to see how the cards roll out!

Flop of 9, 3, K and no help for Kevin. Turn card of 6. Still no help. A river of 10 and Kevin has to bow down as Frank becomes the Big Easy Tournament Champion once again. (Beating none other than the chairman himself during the BET II championship.) Frank gave Kevin a conciliatory kiss and will bask the rest of the year in the eminence as the Big Easy Tournament XII Champion. (Frank has requested, however, to keep it on the down-low!)