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!