Wednesday, January 25, 2006

That Darn Cyclist!

Sorry I haven’t gotten round to it earlier (Ive been watching the Victoria Secret Parade and the Sharapova v Hantuchova tennis match....oooh yeah!) but hear is a brief recollection of Round 4 of the Eastern Suburbs Poker Tour.

The stage was set for a big one and all players settled down for a long night ahead, pumped and eager to continue the Tour into 2006. After early rumours of a Phatty T scratching, the favourite made an appearance, a benefit to the game and fans alike. Wariness surrounded Jason and his last Tour appearance victory but all eyes were on newcomer Rob making his much anticipated debet.

There was once again a joyous atmosphere pre-match, with Emil once more bringing a much loved after dinner snack prepared by his mum. The game didn’t start till late, however, with Rob deciding to BBQ half a cow in preparation for the night.

The night got off to a steady start with Thearley dominating early, a sight uncommon so far on the Tour. With Thearley winning every second hand, the early highlight was Robs attempt to form a straight using K-A-2. This unfortunate error let the debutant very lightly stacked and it looked like he was headed for an early exit. However, he was able to hang on for a few hands and watch Phatty T succumb to his Samadoochi table blues, the first to bow out. Hoogster was quick to follow, losing with what he and others thought was a winning hand only to rapidly spiral downward into a depressive state when someone piped up that he, with his 2 pair, was actually a loser against Emils flush (who had no idea he had it). Robs attempts to just hang in there soon failed and he was left stranded, and not long after Jason followed, unable to match his previous rounds efforts.

3 that left, yes it did, Thearley, Samadoochi and Emil. As Dirty Sanchez played in the background, the 3 buckled down determined - Emil determined to beat his previous 2nd at this table, Thearley determined to take out the event after his previous unfortunate runs, Samadoochi determined to finally go that one step further. Dirty Sanchez must have got to Emil, throwing his chips and bowing out, leaving Samadoochi with a chip lead over Thearley. A brave battle followed, both pokies sweating under the immense pressure each was applying to the other. But in the end Samadoochi reigned supreme, finally breaking through for his first win on the Tour but recognising and respecting Thealey, who finally has come to the party.

Post-match antics again followed. Thearley fell off a moving car but the highlight of the night had to be that darn cyclist. That’s right, once again as the Tour ran onto the street in a becoming traditional undie-run, a cyclist rode past. And waved! Good times, good times.

Anyways, the honour roll is as follows:

Round 1 winner: Phatty T
Round 2 winner: Jason
Round 3 winner: Phatty T
Round 4 winner: Samadoochi


And the overall standings is as follows:

Samadoochi 27
Thearley 21
Phatty T 20.5
Hoogster 18.5
Emil 17
Jason 13
Edgy 5
Rob 4


We have so far raised about 1/4 of the funds we are hoping to get. If we have a tournament every 3 or 4 weeks we should reach our target by the end of the year. So whenever someone is up for hosting one just let everyone else know.

Friday, January 13, 2006

2006: Year Of The Sam

The 15th night of the year 2006 brings the Eastern Suburbs Poker Tour back to life! After a successful previous 3 rounds, the Tour returns to the land of Samadoochi in a much anticipated 4th round. Who is in? Who is out? Who are the form players?

HOOGSTER
Played a very aggressive and successful first round of the Tour but since has been a little conservative. His third placing in the 3rd round gives him 2 top 3 finishes and has lifted him to third in the overall standings, just 4 points shy of second. However, unless the lucky Dutchman partakes in the traditional after match undie run, Hoogster could soon find himself disqualified from the Tour. But, with a poker face only a mother could love, one feels that a poker night will soon be flopping his way.

EMIL
Mixed fortunes so far for the ‘Crazy Croat’. After missing the first round, he pulled off an unexpected second place before a lackluster fifth at the most recent event. Sitting towards the rear of the overall standings, a win would be very useful. Familiar with the Samadoochi table, confidence will be high. Whatever happens though, it is certain he will come away with a smile on his face and will lead the troops in the post match entertainment.

JASON
Only participated in one of the three tournaments so far but pulled off a very powerful victory. Funnily enough, it was at the same table as the one that will be played on Sunday night. In round 2, others came away feeling the wrath of what they described as “beginners luck” but if underestimated come match time, Jason will again come away with victory. His commanding play, including the direct knock outs of 5 fellow combatants, says he is one to be reckoned with.

THEARLEY
The ex-Englishman but now Aussie barracker has so far yet to make his mark on the Tour. Has faced early exits in all three rounds, suggesting he may lack the killer instinct all good poker players possess. Or it may just be that Thearley enjoys the plentiful beverages available on such nights. Whatever the reason, one can be rest assured that an abundance of laughs will be provided, some at but most with the colourful character.

SAMADOOCHI
The most consistent player so far with two thirds and a second to his name, enabling for a very slight lead (half a point) at the top of the table. However, one has to question wether his game has what it takes to actually win an event. And with home table advantage yet to prove its worth on the Tour, it seems likely victory will again slip away from the blonde star and all round nice guy. Top three is best bet for willing punters.

ROB
So far unseen on the Tour but by all reports very keen to make his debut. Little is known about his poker skills but a slight murmur has done the rounds in the Tour circles about keeping a watchful eye on the man hailing from the Vista. And with beginners luck on his side, it’s very likely to see him still there at the end.

PHATTY T
The form player of the Tour and the one girls come to see. Has won 2 of the 3 tournaments so far and sits just half a point behind in second overall. His last trip to the Samadoochi table didn’t last long, his full house losing to 4 of a kind. But apart from that one hand of bad luck, Phatty has taken the Tour by storm. However, it seems as though Phatty will miss the 4th round, a blow to organisers and fans alike. Fellow players, on the other hand, are rejoicing after hearing the news as it means victory is up for grabs. A definite chance for others to peform.


Who knows what’s in store for the big night. Maybe another cyclist? Maybe a surprise victory? Whatever it is, start preparing your poker faces, the Eastern Suburbs Poker Tour is back!