Tournament XVIII Summary

Big Easy XVIII

June 17, 2017

Year eighteen of fun, mayhem, and camaraderie and, finally, the story of a 'bridesmaid no more!' Of course, when anyone thinks of a tournament, images of winners and losers come to mind. But that is where the BET is different! Everyone Wins! This year especially, as all participants were able to purchase a bottle opener. Imagine the thrill of their friends and family when they pop open their favorite beverage with the BET XVIII Bottle opener. As in all items available for purchase, it is functional and sophisticated.

It started out as what can be only described as the most memorable day of the year for 27 people. All vying for the coveted title of the Big Easy Tournament Champion. These magnificent 27, did not get here by luck, only the ones with the most unnerving skill, dedicated to serious poker playing, serious food eating, and serious drinking get to make it to the BET. With this sense of competitiveness, it is almost a tragedy to see 26 dreams shattered. But for one skillful (and this year in particular, smart, witty, and handsome) player, a champion would emerge of no equal.

The pre-game started with some World-Famous Lance's Homemade Chili, and although not always mentioned in these annals of BET history, we also enjoyed Frank's Fantastic Homemade Tamales, and Red's Renowned store-bought boudin.

After seeing old friends and catching up with new ones, and a quick bout of 'Frank Shots,' we arranged seats with the almost-patented seat randomizer. And the Game Began!

Although the game is geared to produce only one champion, it also boasts of having a true winner... and that is the winner of the "First Out" award! A whopping $1.00 was awarded to Mitch H. for being 1^st^ out! The envy in the tournament room was almost overbearing.

This year's side pots were increased under the guidance of Kevin D, who found it difficult to add or subtract anything other than multiples of 5.

4 of a kind or greater: Kelly D gets it!

2-4 : Al G wins it big!

Another treat for the Tourney, Michael "Loudmouth MF" C. decided to be super-extra-really-quiet this year. (He didn't even show up!) And once again, no bounties seemed to occur.

During the game, we had a volunteer celebrity chef, Matt, that kept a generous, continuous supply of snacks and hors d'oeuvres ready. Under his direction and skill, we were even able to enjoy fried fish and shrimp this year. And the service, by none other than Nick^3^ was superb. Dinner this year was a Taco Bar, courtesy of La Felipes.

Except for 3 people out, the game started back with 24 people following the dinner break, which included 15 re-buys. Note the BET XVIII re-buy rule changed this year, allowing more people a chance to re-buy. As usual, after dinner the antes escalate, but not nearly as much as the adrenaline!

The field narrowed to 3 tables at 7:45 PM, and within 45 minutes of that, at 8:30 only 2 tables were left. Those 14 people played until the tables were at 4 people each. And at 10:05PM, two-time BET winner, John M, goes out to form the Final Table.

The Final Table starts with Al S, John Mar, Johnny R, Mitch C, Ralph H, Robert C, and Red. At the onset of the Final Table, Mitch C and John Mar are sitting comfortably, followed by the rest of the table, except for Robert C, short stacked with about $200.

Red would only be remembered for his Boudin this year, as he is the first out, leaving 6 players at 10:51PM.

Ralph H goes out next, leaving 5 left at 11:10PM.

- In the money -

The BET committee payed the top 5 spots (Besides the coveted first-out award)

John Mar gets put out at 12:30 AM for 5^th^ place.

Mitch C gets put out at 1:30 AM for 4^th^ place.

Johnny R gets put out at 1:45 AM for 3^rd^ place.

Heads up between Robert C and Al S. Play continues back and forth, and at this point, Robert C is the chip lead, having heroically fought his way from practically nothing at the beginning of the Final Table formation. John B offers to deal, and the game goes back and forth. The predominant game of choice narrows to Omaha. Typically, the winner is just taking antes, with both players becoming very conservative.

At 2:10,

Al S holds: