Big Easy XIV

June 15, 2013

The fourteenth in a continuing series of fun, mayhem, and camaraderie. And it didn't matter if it ended in defeat or victory, since everyone was able to walk home with a mason jar mug with a coveted convenient handle.

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. 25 dreams, all shattered, and for one skillful player, a champion made.

"You don't need no teeth to eat our meat!" That loveable slogan once again pleasantly rang out and filled our stomachs. The BBQ man smoked some excellent 'fall off the bone' ribs, brisket, chicken, and more sides than you could shake a cleaver at. And the sandwiches, stuffed artichoke, Workd Famous Lance's Chili, and snacks galore; it makes for a very enjoyable day... and mix that with beer, liquor, and 'Frank Shots' and you have an exceptional evening.

And on top of that, we played poker. The same 5 games of the past were allowed. Billy was the first person to win money, dominating the pack by winning the prestigious first out award. We have made the re-buys as a regular part of the tournament play.

With the exception of 2 people out, the game started back with 24 people following the dinner break. After dinner, the game started to heat up... The final table formed around 10:30.

The final Table: We had some new and some familiar faces at the Final Table this year. Glen, Mike C, John M, Red, Thomas B, Greg, and Mr. Johnny as the 'chosen 7' at the final table. Chip lead starts off as Glen, a Sunday night regular. Both stoic and bewildered, Glen continued to rake in some small pots.

Red is the first of the final table to go out after an all-in with $30. He had a pair of Aces, but Glen's 2 Pair of Kings and Eights knock him out. In a post-game interview, Red commented, "It Happens." Sagely words from a sagely individual.

6 Left as the game continues to rumble. John M goes all in with K's and 4's, Greg beats him with a flush.

In a post-game interview, John M exclaims, "I was strugglin' the whole time, made a move and got sucked out on. Then I was just blinded out." When asked how he ranked it for the fun-ness of the game, John M said, "Dude, I drove 13 hours, and had to ride 9 of it with (EXPLETIVE DELETED) Mike C. You know it's worth it."

Number 5 spot, Thomas B, goes all-in on Texas Hold'em with a Q, 3. Mr. Johnny calls with pocket 9's. The flop, turn, and river doesn't help, and Tommy is beat by Mr. Johnny. During the post-game interview, Thomas B is quoted as stating, "I loved the tournament but hated my last (Expletive Deleted) play." Although out, Thomas walks away with some 'money.'

Mr Johnny goes all in with 2 pair in 7 card stud. Mike C calls with a straight flush. Mr. Johnny makes the money spot with #4. Asked on what he thought of that last hand, Mr. Johnny said, "Huh?" When asked again, he said, "I had two pairs, and was going for a full house. But it wouldn't have mattered!"

And now a poker trio is happily playing, Mike C is clearly the chip lead at this point. The Chairman wonders why the other players are not insisting that Mike C drink more. Another interesting phenomenon is that Mike C is conspicuously polite and relatively quiet during this tenure.

Almost blinded out, Glen goes all in on a 7 card stud hand. Has a possibility of a straight, but doesn't make it as Mike C ends up with a straight to the 9. When asked what he thought of the BET XIV, Glen gave a grin and said, "Oh, it was great. I got as far as I ever have. It was fun as always. I had plenty of chips but then started chasing hands but didn't catch the cards." But at third place, Glen is able to buy his way in to the next few poker tourneys, and it also provides hope for other players that must rely on luck alone.

12:45 AM, Ante is at $75, heads up with Mike C and Greg. Greg K goes all in on Omaha with 7's and 5's. Mike wins with a set of 4's. Greg commented, "That's the best I've done since I started playing."

Mike stated, "After all these years, of no respect, I am able to come to terms that I will never get respect from these guys. However, I was able to call my wife, and she said that I did well. My strategy was to distract my opponents with my gaseous playing."

The tournament committee has offered to buy John M some earmuffs so that he doesn't have to hear the noise that will inevitably escape Mike C's mouth on the way home.

All in all, another successful year, as evident by the ceremonious kiss by Frank and Kevin to mark the end of the Big Easy Tournament XIV Championship.