Big Easy XVI

June 20, 2015

The sixteenth in a continuing series of fun, mayhem, and camaraderie. And does it matter if you lose? No!... Since everyone was able to walk home, in safety, knowing their keys were safely affixed to the Big Easy Tournament Logo'd keychain. Not only can it keep your keys, it shows you're a man of style.

The day started with 23 people vying for the title of the Big Easy Tournament Champion. 23 people dedicated to serious poker playing, serious food eating, and serious drinking. Yet, it also included 22 dreams shattered, with a side of friendly abuse, barbs, and personal affronts. But for one skillful player, a championship of no equal.

Mr. James "You don't need no teeth to eat our meat!" BBQ man smoked some excellent 'fall off the bone' ribs, brisket, chicken, and more sides than you could shake a cleaver at. At the new uptown venue, it was a real treat for the people living in the vicinity to see that a BBQ trailer was parked and blocking the sidewalk. And with snacks from the butcher block, World 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. A new player, Eddie M, was the first person to win money, climbing above the pack by winning the prestigious first out award.

For the side pots:

4 of a kind or greater, Glen L seals it.

Greg K for the 2-4

And for the bounties:

First, for the casual reader not familiar, a bounty is a 'hit' put out on obnoxious, loud-mouthed, vile players. And the bounty for Mike C, who embodies all of the above attributes, quickly reached over $120. Glen L wins it as well!

With the exception of 3 people out, the game started back with 20 people following the dinner break, which included 11 re-buys. After dinner, the antes escalated, and the game started to heat up... The final table formed at 10:03.

The final Table: We had some new and some familiar faces at the Final Table this year. Glen L, Frank P, Geoff P, John M, Al G, Mitch C, and Thomas B. These are the 'chosen 7' at the final table.

Glen L is the first of the final table to go out, mumbling about his little stack and not being able to get some play.

AL G is second out after going all-in with 2 pair, and John "Big Worm" M catching trips.

5 left and 'in the money' as the game continues to rumble. Tommy B goes all in with A,2,J,8 in his hand, and a flop of 3,4,5. Mitch C had 6,7 in his hole cards, and takes out Tommy B.

4 people left. Antes are up to $75, Frank p goes all in in Omaha with 2 pair. Mitch C knocks out Frank with a slightly higher two pair. Asked on what he thought of the remaining players, Frank P says, "Awww shoot..."

And now a poker trio is happily playing, Geoff P goes all in with an 8,K suited. John M stays in with an A,8 and wins with a high card.

Heads-up with Mitch C and John M.

At 1:10 AM, Mitch goes all in with a K, 5. Jon M calls with an A,6 in hold'em. Board goes 2,A,A,J,5. John M becomes the fourth 'two-pete.'

Mitch stated, "I was card-dead. The K,5 was the best thing I saw. I even thought John M looked better than my cards."

When asked for a statement, John said, "Uhhh, yeah, uhh, some tasty waves, and a good buzz, and I'm good."

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 XVI Championship.