Big Easy XVII

June 18, 2016

The seventeenth in a continuing series of fun, mayhem, and camaraderie. And does it matter if you lose? No!... Since everyone was able to take home a big glass mug, capable of holding the tastiest of beverages. Affixed with the Big Easy Tournament Logo, a drink from it within a crowd of people shows that you are a man of class!

After consulting with a Tarot Reader, a psychic, and a voodoo priestess, it was clear that the celestial bodies were aligned for Kevin D to win it this year. But, unfortunately, we did not consult with his wife, therefore, he was unable to prove his prowess once and for all. As Kevin headed to Italy, blowing his chance to win, Frank becomes the only player to play in all 17 tournaments.

The day started with 26 people vying for the title of the Big Easy Tournament Champion. 26 people dedicated to serious poker playing, serious food eating, and serious drinking. Yet, it also included 25 dreams shattered, with a side of friendly abuse, barbs, and personal affronts. But for one skillful player, a championship of no equal.

A summer shower started as folks were arriving, cooling the house, but drenching the players. Special thanks to Lance C for

And on top of that, we played poker.

Ralph was the true winner... of the "First Out" envelope. A whopping $1.00 to spend in any way, shape, or fashion as he wished.

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 2^nd^ time of the uptown venue, it was a real treat for Mr. James to not battle the road construction, courtesy of S&WB, and the Corp of Engineers. World Famous Lance's Chili was also represented, and with snacks galore; it makes for a very enjoyable day... and mix that with beer, liquor, and 'Frank Shots' and you have an exceptional evening.

For the side pots:

4 of a kind or greater, Red wins Big.

Mike C for the 2-4

And as "Loudmouth MF" decided to be quieter this year, no bounties seemed to occur.

With the exception of 3 people out, the game started back with 23 people following the dinner break, which included 6 re-buys. After dinner, the antes escalated, and the game started to heat up... The final table formed at 11:00.

The final Table: 5 previous winners are at the final table. Frank, Mike C, John B, David S, Lance C, Mitch, and Tommy B.

Lance C is the first to go out at the Final Table on Texas Hold'em. All in on at the flop with A-9, but the board did not help.

Mitch C goes out next, leaving 5 left for the money round.

Tommy B gets the first (not counting the coveted "First-Out" award, of course) paying spot at 5^th^ place.

4 left and 'in the money' as the game continues. David S goes all in, and the cards don't work out in his favor. But he makes the number 4 money spot.

3 Left, and Frank P is on the ropes, and turns into a Crafty Fox and doubles a few times. Mike C goes all-in, and John B calls. Mike C wins, forcing John B out. John B wins 3^rd^ this year.

Heads up at 12:30AM between Frank P and that 'loud-mouthed %^@#*#,' Mike C.

At 2:22 AM, Mike C causes Frank to go all-in on Omaha. Mike C calls, with pocket 4's in his Omaha hand. Knowing that 2-4 was supposed to win as discussed above... it works! Trip-4's wins the big game! (Not unlike Year 10...)

All in all, another successful year, and Frank promises to kiss Kevin D next time he sees him.