Andy Black - Live Updates

Level 9 Hour 1 Update: Carlos Mortensen Doubles

Jul 07, '09

Blinds: 500-100 with a 100 ante

Players Remaining: 720 out of 1476

Chip Counts:

1. Samer Rahman – 325,000
2. Greg Mueller – 305,000
3. Andy Black – 225,000
4. Mike Sexton – 170,000
5. Chris Ferguson – 155,000
6. Tom Schneider – 141,000
7. Juha Helppi – 140,000
8. Jani Sointula – 135,000
9. Vitaly Lunkin – 132,000
10. Greg Raymer – 118,000

CardPlayer Chip Counts:

Ciaran O’Leary – 31,400
Andrew Brokos – 78,000

Average Chip Count Day 2A: 80,635

Notable Eliminations:

Amarillo Slim
Amanda Baker
Berry Johnston

Big Hands:

Carlos Mortensen Doubles Up

With the JJ the 2001 main event champion was put all in by an opponent on a board of K109Q2. Mortensen made the quick call and exposed his hand. His opponent mucked and Mortensen won the large pot and is back up to 71,000 chips.

Sam Farha Doubles Up

On a board of K869, the 2003 main event runner up got all his chips into the pot with the 75 against the KQ of his opponent. The meaningless Q fell on the river and Farha doubled to 72,000.

Andrew Brokos Wins a Pot

On a flop of KJ10, Andrew Brokos bet 3,400 from the big blind and a player in middle position called. The 4 fell on the turn and Brokos bet 10,000, which was quickly called by his opponent. The 4 hit the river and Brokos threw out 20,000. His opponent looked disgruntled and finally mucked the J10 face up. Brokos is now up to about 78,000.

Amarillo Slim Eliminated

Amarillo Slim was short when he went all in with 9-8 and was unfortunately called by the pocket nines of his opponent. The board offered no help to Slim, as he was eliminated late on day 2.

Eli Elezra Doubles Up

In the small blind Eli Elezra was faced with a 2,600 bet from the cutoff. Elezra elected to ship his stack of 7,000 into the pot preflop and his opponent made the quick call. Elezra tabled the AJ and was dominating the KJ of the cutoff. The board ran out A8735, giving Elezra the pot and a still short stack of 15,100.

Andrew Black Eliminates Opponent

All the chips went into the middle with Andrew Black holding the AK against the QQ of an opponent. The board ran out A10872, as Black paired his ace to win the pot. Black is now at 225,000.

Left in the Deck

Here is one of the toughest tables assembled so far during this year’s main event (Table 29):

Seat 1: Shane Warne
Seat 3: Ludovic Lacay
Seat 6: Luca Pagano
Seat 7: Isaac Baron
Seat 8: Grant Levy
Seat 9: Tom Schneider

Player Tags: Carlos Mortensen,   Eli Elezra,   Sam Farha,   Andy Black,   Andrew Brokos,   Amarillo Slim

Level 5 Hour 1 Update: Gus Hansen Busts

Jul 07, '09

Blinds: 200-400 with a 50 ante

Players Remaining: 1,476 out of 1,476

Chip Counts:

1. Nick Maimone – 135,000
2. Craig Hopkins – 118,150
3. Jesse Rios – 117,150
4. Lehoussine Karim – 104,975
5. Daniel Makowsky – 100,200
6. Fabrice Soulier – 97,725
7. Jason Riesenberg – 93,650
8. Jason Alexander – 89,575
9. Shane Warne – 87,625
10. Jeremy Ausmus – 85,300

Notable Eliminations:

Gus Hansen
Sandra Naujoks

Big Hands:

Gus Hansen Eliminated

Gus Hansen entered the day with over 38,000 in chips but he was sent to the rail early in day 2a.

After the flop came down KQ3, Hansen called a bet from Norman Gautron. The turn brought the 10 and Gautron bet again. Hansen raised and was promptly reraised all in. Hansen called and showed AJ for a Broadway straight. Gautron tabled pocket threes for a set. Hansen was in good shape but the K on the river filled up Gautron and Hansen was out.

Billy Argyros Doubles Up

The man known as “the croc,” Billy Argyros moved all in with AK and was called by a player holding A9.

The board failed to crack Argyros’ big slick and he doubled up to about 17,000.

The Legend Takes Some Off Boatman

“Amarillo” Slim Preston raised to 1,500 preflop and Barny Boatman made the call. The flop fell 974 and Preston checked.Boatman did the same and the turn was the J.

Boatman bet 2,500 after Preston checked. The bet was called and the river was the 5. Both players checked again and Preston showed 96 for top pair on the flop. Boatman showed AK, missing everything and Preston took the pot. Preston was at 55,000 while Boatman was at 35,000.

Andy Black Gets There

On a flop of 422 the player under the gun led out for 1,500 and Andy Black called from the button. The turn was the 6 and the under the gun player bet 3,000. Black raised to 8,000 and was called. The river was the A. Action was checked to Black, who bet 14,000. The bet was called and Black showed A8 for top pair on the river and it was good for the pot. Black was at 74,000.

Naujoks Goes Bust

Sandra Naujoks was down to her last 13,000 and moved it all in with AK. She was called by a player with QQ.

The flop came Q86, giving her opponent a set. The turn left her drawing dead when she could not connect and she was gone early in day 2a.

Player Tags: Gus Hansen,   Amarillo Slim Preston,   Andy Black,   Billy Argyros,   Sandra Naujoks

Level 4 Hour 2 Update: Last Hour of the Day

Jul 03, '09

Blinds: 150-300 with a 25 ante

Players Remaining: 921 out of 1116

Chip Counts:

1. Redmond Lee – 130,000
2. James Navlanic – 100,000
3. Bryan Colin – 98,000
4. Jason Riesenberg – 92,000
5. Domen Pinteric – 90,000
6. Dragan Gelic – 88,000
7. Jason Alexander – 84,500
8. Eli Elezra – 84,300
9. Chris Demaci – 80,000
10. David Sands – 80,000

Notable Eliminations:

Jerry Yang, Perry Friedman, Darryl Dicken, Orel Hershiser, David Grey, Isaac Haxton, Andy Bloch

Big Hands:

Tilly Can’t Win A Flip

The player in seat 4 raised to 800 and Jennifer Tilly made the call. The player in seat 9 then moved all in for 13,000 and seat 4 mucked. Tilly then took a session in the tank and decided to make the call.

Seat 9: 33
Tilly: A9

Board: Q62J4

Tilly was in a race situation with two overcards but could not connect and she was down to 12,000 in chips.

Hansen Picks Up Aces, Takes Pot

Gus Hansen was in the big blind and was battling with the small blind. On the river the board read 62KJ7 and there was already over 10,000 in the pot.

The small blind checked over to Hansen, who bet 4450. The small blind tanked for a minute or so before begrudgingly tossing in the call. Hansen showed the AA and his opponent in the small blind just shook his head and mucked his hand.

Johnny Chan Doubles Up, Cripples Steve Paul-Ambrose

Johnny Chan got all of his chips in the middle preflop against Steve Paul-Ambrose. With his tournament life on the line, Chan tabled AK and was way ahead of the AQ of Ambrose.

The board ran out J223A, which was not good enough for Steve Paul-Ambrose, and gave Chan the pot. Chan doubled to 14,000, but Ambrose was left with just 6000

Andy Black Takes A Pot

On a flop of 953, Andy Black bet 1,200 and his opponent in seat 2 made the call. The turn was the 7 and Black fired another 3,000. Seat 2 decided to muck his hand and Black took the pot, improving his stack to 66,000.

Naujoks Lives To Fight Again

Picking up the action on the river, the board read Q9946, Sandra Naujoks fired 8,100 into the pot. The player in seat 3 then raised to 63,000, having Naujoks well covered.

Naujoks then took a long tank session to decide whether to commit her remaining 18,750 into the pot. After a couple of minutes, she finally decided to release her hand.

David Grey Busts

David Grey was all in against his opponent. Grey was holding 85 and flopped two pair as it fell J85. However, his opponent made a flush and Grey was ousted from the main event.

Straight Flushed

With over 12,000 in the pot preflop, the flop came down 532. Mike Sexton moved all in and his opponent made the call. Sexton tabled 54 for top pair and a straight flush draw while his opponent tabled 33 for a set. The turn made Sexton his flush as the 8 fell. The river then brought the 6, making Sexton a straight flush to add insult to injury as his opponent was eliminated and Sexton was up to 40,000.

Andy Bloch Loses Race and Ends Main Event Run

After a middle position limper, a short stacked Andy Bloch moved all in for his remaining chips. The limper ended up calling Bloch’s all in and showed 44 and was racing against Bloch’s AJ.

The flop was 8KQ, giving Bloch a straight draw to go along his overcards. The turn gave Bloch more outs as it was the Q. Bloch was unable to catch a K, 8, 10, J, or A on the river as the 7 fell and eliminated him from the tournament.

Player Tags: Gus Hansen,   Johnny Chan,   Mike Sexton,   Jennifer Tilly,   Andy Black,   Steve Paul Ambrose,   Sandra Naujoks

Level 2 Update: Nelly Doubles Up

Jul 03, '09

Blinds: 100-200

Chip Counts:

1. Bryan Colin — 96,000
2. Keven Stammen — 76,000
3. Jonas Klausen — 68,000
4. Radeck Stockner — 67,500
5. Jerry Yang — 55,000
6. Robert McGlaughlin — 55,000
7. Tony G — 53,000
8. Phil Laak – 46,000
9. Allyn Jaffrey Shulman — 40,000
10. Barry Shulman — 35,000

Notable Eliminations:

Cody Slaubaugh
Jon Von Halle
Mike Sowers

Big Hands:

Jerry Yang Doubles Up With Quads

2007 Main Event Champion Jerry Yang raises to 800 from early position and it gets reraised 2,600 behind him. Yang calls and the flop comes 1076. Yang checks, his opponent bets 2,625 and Yang calls. The turn is the 4, Yang checks, his opponent bets 12,000 and Yang calls all in for 11,325.

Yang: 1010
Opponent: KK

Yang is ahead on the turn with top set against his opponent’s pair of kings. The river is the 10, giving Yang quads and putting back in the black this hand with 34,000 in chips.

Cody Slaubaugh Eliminated by Eli Elezra

Over on the featured table, Cody Slaubaugh got it all in on the river against Eli Elezra on a board of KQ326. Slaubaugh was covered and turned over K5 for top pair and a busted flush draw, but Elezra showed K6 for two pair. Elezra rakes the pot this hand while Slaubaugh hits the rail.

Matt Vengrin Capitalizes on Opponent’s Mistake

Matt Vengrin raises before the flop from middle position and gets one caller from the player in seat 9. The flop comes 662, and Vengrin bets 550. Seat 9 throws 1,050 into the middle, failing to verbalize a call. The floorman comes over and rules that his bet is in fact a raise and forces the action to 1,100. Vengrin immediately reraise to 4,025 and his opponent folds.

Michael Tureniec Runs Into Set Over Set

Michael Tureniec just doubled up his opponent with the 44 after a flop of J74. His opponent held the 77 and won the hand. Tureniec is just under the starting amount with 28,000.

Nelly Doubles Up

Nelly had a smaller stack of 12,000 when he moved all in over the preflop bet of an opponent. The initial raiser went into the tank before finally making the call. Nelly exposed the A10 and was up against the 66 of his opponent. The board ran out 97310J, as Nelly nailed his ten on the turn and eventually win the hand. He is back up to 24,000 in chips.

Phil Laak Puts Opponent All In

After calling a preflop raise from his opponent, Phil Laak saw a flop of 962. Laak’s opponent bet out and Laak made the call. The 5 hit the turn and Laak once again called a bet. On the river of the Q, action was checked to Laak who threw out a bet of 11,300, enough to put his opponent all in. The player mucked and Laak took down the pot. Laak is at 46,000.

Jennifer Tilly Puts Most of Stack at Risk

On a board of 653, Jennifer Tilly checked raised a bet of 2,200 by her opponent. She made it 6,000 which was almost half of her remaining chip stack. Her opponent went into the tank and eventually mucked. Tilly is at 18,000 in chips.

Andrew Black Adds to Stack

On a board of A42Q, a player checked to Andrew Black. The 2005 main event final table member bet 2,000 and his opponent quickly called. The 8 fell on the river and the player once again checked to Black, who bet the same 2,000. He was quickly called. Black exposed A-Q for top two pair to take the pot. Black is up to 35,000.

Player Tags: Phil Laak,   Eli Elezra,   Jennifer Tilly,   Andy Black,   Jerry Yang,   Matthew Vengrin,   Cody Slaubaugh

Level 1 Update: John Phan Eliminated; Gets Aces Cracked

Jul 03, '09

Blinds: 50-100

Chip Counts:

1. Kenny Hallaert — 80,000
2. Jonas Klausen — 70,000
3. Craig Gray — 47,000
4. Steven van Zadelhoff — 44,000
5. C.K. Hua — 43,000
6. John Magill — 43,000
7. Allyn Jaffrey Shulman — 41,000
8. Erik Cajelais — 40,000
9. Ted Lawson — 38,000
10. Barry Shulman — 31,000

Notable Eliminations:

John Phan

Big Hands:

Mark Gregorich Off To Healthy Start

After a flop of A32, Mark Gregorich threw in a check raise against his opponent. Gregorich was called and bet the turn of the 7. His opponent called and both players saw a K fall on the river. Gregorich threw in a bet of 4,300 and was called by his opponent. Gregorich exposed the J9 for a flopped flush. His opponent mucked and Gregorich is now up to 45,000.

Phil Laak Gets Picked Off

The player in seat 2 raises to 325 from late position, Phil Laak calls from the cutoff as does the player on the button. The flop comes 762, seat 2 bets 625, Laak calls and the button folds. The turn is the 3, and this time seat 2 checks to Laak. Laak bets 1,050 and seat 2 calls. The river is the 9, and once again seat 2 checks. Laak bets 3,650 and seat 2 calls. Laak turns over 109 for a pair of nines on the river but seat 2 shows KK for a better pair. Seat 2 rakes the pot and Laak drops down to 27,000 in chips.

John Phan Eliminated

After being knocked down to just 4,000 the hand before after running his pocket queens into the turned nut straight of his opponent, John Phan raises this pot to 300 before the flop and gets two callers. The flop comes 987, and Phan bets 700. One opponent folds from late position and his other opponent in the small blind raised to 5,000. Phan called all in.

Phan: AA
Small Blind: K9

The turn is the 10, but the river is the K, giving Phan’s opponent two pair and the win. John Phan is eliminated from the tournament just halfway through the first level.

Jennifer Tilly Off to a Slow Start

On a flop of A42, Jennifer Tilly bets 300 and the player in seat 3 calls. The turn is the J, and this time Tilly bets 600, seat 3 calls. The river is the Q, and this time both players check. Seat 3 turns over A8 for top pair and Tilly mucks her hand. Seat 3 rakes the pot and Tilly is down to just 15,000 in chips after this hand.

Cory Carroll Doesn’t Get There

Cory Carroll raises to 300 from middle position and gets one caller from the cutoff. The flop comes A98, Carroll bets 525, the cutoff calls.The turn is the 8, Carroll checks, the cutoff bets 900 and Carroll calls. The river is the 7, Carroll checks, the cutoff bets 1,000 and Carroll folds. The cutoff rakes the pot while Carroll slips into the red 28,000 in chips after this hand.

Andy Black Bounces Back

Andy Black and a player saw a flop of KJ10. Black’s opponent checked to him and Black fired out a bet of 675. His opponent quickly called and the A hit the turn. Both players checked and the A fell on the river. Black’s opponent threw out a bet of 2,500 and Black reraised to 8,000. Black was called after brief deliberation. Black exposed the AK for a full boat. His opponent mucked a queen for the straight. Black is now up to about the starting stack of 30,000.

Left in the Deck

Players will take a twenty-minute break at the end of Level 1 and will return at approximately 2:30 pm PDT to begin Level 2.

Player Tags: John Phan,   Phil Laak,   Mark Gregorich,   Jennifer Tilly,   Andy Black,   Cory Carroll

Level 9 Hour 1 Update: Carlos Mortensen Doubles

Jul 07, '09

Blinds: 500-100 with a 100 ante

Players Remaining: 720 out of 1476

Chip Counts:

1. Samer Rahman – 325,000
2. Greg Mueller – 305,000
3. Andy Black – 225,000
4. Mike Sexton – 170,000
5. Chris Ferguson – 155,000
6. Tom Schneider – 141,000
7. Juha Helppi – 140,000
8. Jani Sointula – 135,000
9. Vitaly Lunkin – 132,000
10. Greg Raymer – 118,000

CardPlayer Chip Counts:

Ciaran O’Leary – 31,400
Andrew Brokos – 78,000

Average Chip Count Day 2A: 80,635

Notable Eliminations:

Amarillo Slim
Amanda Baker
Berry Johnston

Big Hands:

Carlos Mortensen Doubles Up

With the JJ the 2001 main event champion was put all in by an opponent on a board of K109Q2. Mortensen made the quick call and exposed his hand. His opponent mucked and Mortensen won the large pot and is back up to 71,000 chips.

Sam Farha Doubles Up

On a board of K869, the 2003 main event runner up got all his chips into the pot with the 75 against the KQ of his opponent. The meaningless Q fell on the river and Farha doubled to 72,000.

Andrew Brokos Wins a Pot

On a flop of KJ10, Andrew Brokos bet 3,400 from the big blind and a player in middle position called. The 4 fell on the turn and Brokos bet 10,000, which was quickly called by his opponent. The 4 hit the river and Brokos threw out 20,000. His opponent looked disgruntled and finally mucked the J10 face up. Brokos is now up to about 78,000.

Amarillo Slim Eliminated

Amarillo Slim was short when he went all in with 9-8 and was unfortunately called by the pocket nines of his opponent. The board offered no help to Slim, as he was eliminated late on day 2.

Eli Elezra Doubles Up

In the small blind Eli Elezra was faced with a 2,600 bet from the cutoff. Elezra elected to ship his stack of 7,000 into the pot preflop and his opponent made the quick call. Elezra tabled the AJ and was dominating the KJ of the cutoff. The board ran out A8735, giving Elezra the pot and a still short stack of 15,100.

Andrew Black Eliminates Opponent

All the chips went into the middle with Andrew Black holding the AK against the QQ of an opponent. The board ran out A10872, as Black paired his ace to win the pot. Black is now at 225,000.

Left in the Deck

Here is one of the toughest tables assembled so far during this year’s main event (Table 29):

Seat 1: Shane Warne
Seat 3: Ludovic Lacay
Seat 6: Luca Pagano
Seat 7: Isaac Baron
Seat 8: Grant Levy
Seat 9: Tom Schneider

Player Tags: Carlos Mortensen,   Eli Elezra,   Sam Farha,   Andy Black,   Andrew Brokos,   Amarillo Slim

Level 5 Hour 1 Update: Gus Hansen Busts

Jul 07, '09

Blinds: 200-400 with a 50 ante

Players Remaining: 1,476 out of 1,476

Chip Counts:

1. Nick Maimone – 135,000
2. Craig Hopkins – 118,150
3. Jesse Rios – 117,150
4. Lehoussine Karim – 104,975
5. Daniel Makowsky – 100,200
6. Fabrice Soulier – 97,725
7. Jason Riesenberg – 93,650
8. Jason Alexander – 89,575
9. Shane Warne – 87,625
10. Jeremy Ausmus – 85,300

Notable Eliminations:

Gus Hansen
Sandra Naujoks

Big Hands:

Gus Hansen Eliminated

Gus Hansen entered the day with over 38,000 in chips but he was sent to the rail early in day 2a.

After the flop came down KQ3, Hansen called a bet from Norman Gautron. The turn brought the 10 and Gautron bet again. Hansen raised and was promptly reraised all in. Hansen called and showed AJ for a Broadway straight. Gautron tabled pocket threes for a set. Hansen was in good shape but the K on the river filled up Gautron and Hansen was out.

Billy Argyros Doubles Up

The man known as “the croc,” Billy Argyros moved all in with AK and was called by a player holding A9.

The board failed to crack Argyros’ big slick and he doubled up to about 17,000.

The Legend Takes Some Off Boatman

“Amarillo” Slim Preston raised to 1,500 preflop and Barny Boatman made the call. The flop fell 974 and Preston checked.Boatman did the same and the turn was the J.

Boatman bet 2,500 after Preston checked. The bet was called and the river was the 5. Both players checked again and Preston showed 96 for top pair on the flop. Boatman showed AK, missing everything and Preston took the pot. Preston was at 55,000 while Boatman was at 35,000.

Andy Black Gets There

On a flop of 422 the player under the gun led out for 1,500 and Andy Black called from the button. The turn was the 6 and the under the gun player bet 3,000. Black raised to 8,000 and was called. The river was the A. Action was checked to Black, who bet 14,000. The bet was called and Black showed A8 for top pair on the river and it was good for the pot. Black was at 74,000.

Naujoks Goes Bust

Sandra Naujoks was down to her last 13,000 and moved it all in with AK. She was called by a player with QQ.

The flop came Q86, giving her opponent a set. The turn left her drawing dead when she could not connect and she was gone early in day 2a.

Player Tags: Gus Hansen,   Amarillo Slim Preston,   Andy Black,   Billy Argyros,   Sandra Naujoks

Level 4 Hour 2 Update: Last Hour of the Day

Jul 03, '09

Blinds: 150-300 with a 25 ante

Players Remaining: 921 out of 1116

Chip Counts:

1. Redmond Lee – 130,000
2. James Navlanic – 100,000
3. Bryan Colin – 98,000
4. Jason Riesenberg – 92,000
5. Domen Pinteric – 90,000
6. Dragan Gelic – 88,000
7. Jason Alexander – 84,500
8. Eli Elezra – 84,300
9. Chris Demaci – 80,000
10. David Sands – 80,000

Notable Eliminations:

Jerry Yang, Perry Friedman, Darryl Dicken, Orel Hershiser, David Grey, Isaac Haxton, Andy Bloch

Big Hands:

Tilly Can’t Win A Flip

The player in seat 4 raised to 800 and Jennifer Tilly made the call. The player in seat 9 then moved all in for 13,000 and seat 4 mucked. Tilly then took a session in the tank and decided to make the call.

Seat 9: 33
Tilly: A9

Board: Q62J4

Tilly was in a race situation with two overcards but could not connect and she was down to 12,000 in chips.

Hansen Picks Up Aces, Takes Pot

Gus Hansen was in the big blind and was battling with the small blind. On the river the board read 62KJ7 and there was already over 10,000 in the pot.

The small blind checked over to Hansen, who bet 4450. The small blind tanked for a minute or so before begrudgingly tossing in the call. Hansen showed the AA and his opponent in the small blind just shook his head and mucked his hand.

Johnny Chan Doubles Up, Cripples Steve Paul-Ambrose

Johnny Chan got all of his chips in the middle preflop against Steve Paul-Ambrose. With his tournament life on the line, Chan tabled AK and was way ahead of the AQ of Ambrose.

The board ran out J223A, which was not good enough for Steve Paul-Ambrose, and gave Chan the pot. Chan doubled to 14,000, but Ambrose was left with just 6000

Andy Black Takes A Pot

On a flop of 953, Andy Black bet 1,200 and his opponent in seat 2 made the call. The turn was the 7 and Black fired another 3,000. Seat 2 decided to muck his hand and Black took the pot, improving his stack to 66,000.

Naujoks Lives To Fight Again

Picking up the action on the river, the board read Q9946, Sandra Naujoks fired 8,100 into the pot. The player in seat 3 then raised to 63,000, having Naujoks well covered.

Naujoks then took a long tank session to decide whether to commit her remaining 18,750 into the pot. After a couple of minutes, she finally decided to release her hand.

David Grey Busts

David Grey was all in against his opponent. Grey was holding 85 and flopped two pair as it fell J85. However, his opponent made a flush and Grey was ousted from the main event.

Straight Flushed

With over 12,000 in the pot preflop, the flop came down 532. Mike Sexton moved all in and his opponent made the call. Sexton tabled 54 for top pair and a straight flush draw while his opponent tabled 33 for a set. The turn made Sexton his flush as the 8 fell. The river then brought the 6, making Sexton a straight flush to add insult to injury as his opponent was eliminated and Sexton was up to 40,000.

Andy Bloch Loses Race and Ends Main Event Run

After a middle position limper, a short stacked Andy Bloch moved all in for his remaining chips. The limper ended up calling Bloch’s all in and showed 44 and was racing against Bloch’s AJ.

The flop was 8KQ, giving Bloch a straight draw to go along his overcards. The turn gave Bloch more outs as it was the Q. Bloch was unable to catch a K, 8, 10, J, or A on the river as the 7 fell and eliminated him from the tournament.

Player Tags: Gus Hansen,   Johnny Chan,   Mike Sexton,   Jennifer Tilly,   Andy Black,   Steve Paul Ambrose,   Sandra Naujoks

Level 2 Update: Nelly Doubles Up

Jul 03, '09

Blinds: 100-200

Chip Counts:

1. Bryan Colin — 96,000
2. Keven Stammen — 76,000
3. Jonas Klausen — 68,000
4. Radeck Stockner — 67,500
5. Jerry Yang — 55,000
6. Robert McGlaughlin — 55,000
7. Tony G — 53,000
8. Phil Laak – 46,000
9. Allyn Jaffrey Shulman — 40,000
10. Barry Shulman — 35,000

Notable Eliminations:

Cody Slaubaugh
Jon Von Halle
Mike Sowers

Big Hands:

Jerry Yang Doubles Up With Quads

2007 Main Event Champion Jerry Yang raises to 800 from early position and it gets reraised 2,600 behind him. Yang calls and the flop comes 1076. Yang checks, his opponent bets 2,625 and Yang calls. The turn is the 4, Yang checks, his opponent bets 12,000 and Yang calls all in for 11,325.

Yang: 1010
Opponent: KK

Yang is ahead on the turn with top set against his opponent’s pair of kings. The river is the 10, giving Yang quads and putting back in the black this hand with 34,000 in chips.

Cody Slaubaugh Eliminated by Eli Elezra

Over on the featured table, Cody Slaubaugh got it all in on the river against Eli Elezra on a board of KQ326. Slaubaugh was covered and turned over K5 for top pair and a busted flush draw, but Elezra showed K6 for two pair. Elezra rakes the pot this hand while Slaubaugh hits the rail.

Matt Vengrin Capitalizes on Opponent’s Mistake

Matt Vengrin raises before the flop from middle position and gets one caller from the player in seat 9. The flop comes 662, and Vengrin bets 550. Seat 9 throws 1,050 into the middle, failing to verbalize a call. The floorman comes over and rules that his bet is in fact a raise and forces the action to 1,100. Vengrin immediately reraise to 4,025 and his opponent folds.

Michael Tureniec Runs Into Set Over Set

Michael Tureniec just doubled up his opponent with the 44 after a flop of J74. His opponent held the 77 and won the hand. Tureniec is just under the starting amount with 28,000.

Nelly Doubles Up

Nelly had a smaller stack of 12,000 when he moved all in over the preflop bet of an opponent. The initial raiser went into the tank before finally making the call. Nelly exposed the A10 and was up against the 66 of his opponent. The board ran out 97310J, as Nelly nailed his ten on the turn and eventually win the hand. He is back up to 24,000 in chips.

Phil Laak Puts Opponent All In

After calling a preflop raise from his opponent, Phil Laak saw a flop of 962. Laak’s opponent bet out and Laak made the call. The 5 hit the turn and Laak once again called a bet. On the river of the Q, action was checked to Laak who threw out a bet of 11,300, enough to put his opponent all in. The player mucked and Laak took down the pot. Laak is at 46,000.

Jennifer Tilly Puts Most of Stack at Risk

On a board of 653, Jennifer Tilly checked raised a bet of 2,200 by her opponent. She made it 6,000 which was almost half of her remaining chip stack. Her opponent went into the tank and eventually mucked. Tilly is at 18,000 in chips.

Andrew Black Adds to Stack

On a board of A42Q, a player checked to Andrew Black. The 2005 main event final table member bet 2,000 and his opponent quickly called. The 8 fell on the river and the player once again checked to Black, who bet the same 2,000. He was quickly called. Black exposed A-Q for top two pair to take the pot. Black is up to 35,000.

Player Tags: Phil Laak,   Eli Elezra,   Jennifer Tilly,   Andy Black,   Jerry Yang,   Matthew Vengrin,   Cody Slaubaugh

Level 1 Update: John Phan Eliminated; Gets Aces Cracked

Jul 03, '09

Blinds: 50-100

Chip Counts:

1. Kenny Hallaert — 80,000
2. Jonas Klausen — 70,000
3. Craig Gray — 47,000
4. Steven van Zadelhoff — 44,000
5. C.K. Hua — 43,000
6. John Magill — 43,000
7. Allyn Jaffrey Shulman — 41,000
8. Erik Cajelais — 40,000
9. Ted Lawson — 38,000
10. Barry Shulman — 31,000

Notable Eliminations:

John Phan

Big Hands:

Mark Gregorich Off To Healthy Start

After a flop of A32, Mark Gregorich threw in a check raise against his opponent. Gregorich was called and bet the turn of the 7. His opponent called and both players saw a K fall on the river. Gregorich threw in a bet of 4,300 and was called by his opponent. Gregorich exposed the J9 for a flopped flush. His opponent mucked and Gregorich is now up to 45,000.

Phil Laak Gets Picked Off

The player in seat 2 raises to 325 from late position, Phil Laak calls from the cutoff as does the player on the button. The flop comes 762, seat 2 bets 625, Laak calls and the button folds. The turn is the 3, and this time seat 2 checks to Laak. Laak bets 1,050 and seat 2 calls. The river is the 9, and once again seat 2 checks. Laak bets 3,650 and seat 2 calls. Laak turns over 109 for a pair of nines on the river but seat 2 shows KK for a better pair. Seat 2 rakes the pot and Laak drops down to 27,000 in chips.

John Phan Eliminated

After being knocked down to just 4,000 the hand before after running his pocket queens into the turned nut straight of his opponent, John Phan raises this pot to 300 before the flop and gets two callers. The flop comes 987, and Phan bets 700. One opponent folds from late position and his other opponent in the small blind raised to 5,000. Phan called all in.

Phan: AA
Small Blind: K9

The turn is the 10, but the river is the K, giving Phan’s opponent two pair and the win. John Phan is eliminated from the tournament just halfway through the first level.

Jennifer Tilly Off to a Slow Start

On a flop of A42, Jennifer Tilly bets 300 and the player in seat 3 calls. The turn is the J, and this time Tilly bets 600, seat 3 calls. The river is the Q, and this time both players check. Seat 3 turns over A8 for top pair and Tilly mucks her hand. Seat 3 rakes the pot and Tilly is down to just 15,000 in chips after this hand.

Cory Carroll Doesn’t Get There

Cory Carroll raises to 300 from middle position and gets one caller from the cutoff. The flop comes A98, Carroll bets 525, the cutoff calls.The turn is the 8, Carroll checks, the cutoff bets 900 and Carroll calls. The river is the 7, Carroll checks, the cutoff bets 1,000 and Carroll folds. The cutoff rakes the pot while Carroll slips into the red 28,000 in chips after this hand.

Andy Black Bounces Back

Andy Black and a player saw a flop of KJ10. Black’s opponent checked to him and Black fired out a bet of 675. His opponent quickly called and the A hit the turn. Both players checked and the A fell on the river. Black’s opponent threw out a bet of 2,500 and Black reraised to 8,000. Black was called after brief deliberation. Black exposed the AK for a full boat. His opponent mucked a queen for the straight. Black is now up to about the starting stack of 30,000.

Left in the Deck

Players will take a twenty-minute break at the end of Level 1 and will return at approximately 2:30 pm PDT to begin Level 2.

Player Tags: John Phan,   Phil Laak,   Mark Gregorich,   Jennifer Tilly,   Andy Black,   Cory Carroll

Level 8 Update: Black Drops Some Chips Then Goes Bust

Jun 17, '09

Blinds: 500-1,000

Players Remaining: 99 out of 362

Chip Counts:

1. Cliff Josephy – 166,000
2. Jeff Lisandro – 142,000
3. Isaac Baron – 120,000
4. David Ulliott – 109,000
5. Sorel Mizzi – 100,000
6. Ralph Perry – 91,000
7. Tex Barch – 90,000
8. Jesper Hougaard – 85,000
9. Andrew Chen – 81,500
10. Nam Le – 76,000

Average Chip Count: 50,417

Notable Eliminations:

Ted Lawson
Michael Binger
Isaac Haxton
Greg Raymer
Andy Black

Big Hands:

Black Muscled Off Hand, Loses Half Of His Chips

In a three way pot totaling 6,000 Andrew Black and his two opponents saw a flop of KK3. The player in seat 1 led out with 6,000 and Black raised to 18,000 total. Seat 4 mucked and the action was back on seat 1. He then reached for two stacks and raised 30,000 more. Black went in the tank for a bit and eventually decided to cut his losses and muck his hand. He was down to just 14,000. He would later lose the rest of those chips and make his exit from the tournament.

Big Names, Small Pot

Robert Williamson III, Hoyt Corkins and Nikolay Evdakov each called 1,000 preflop. The flop then came down J97 and everyone checked. The turn brought the 2 and Williamson decided to lead out, firing 2,500 into the 4,000 pot. Evdakov mucked and Corkins followed suit. Williamson took the pot but was still quite short with 13,000. Evdakov was at 22,000 and Corkins was at 65,000.

Perry Wins As Clock Is Called On Opponent

After a flop of AQ9 hit the felt, the player in seat 6 fired 10,500 into the pot. All other players in the hand folded except for Ralph Perry. After a few minutes of thought, he raised to 35,000 total. The action was back on his opponent and he took a massive tank session. After more the six minutes, the clock was finally called and he had one minute to decide what to do with his holding. Not long after the clock was called, he released his hand and Perry took the pot, improving to 90,000.

Ride With The Devil

On a flop of Q72, David Ulliott moved all in and was called by Jesper Hougaard.

Hougaard: AQ87
Ulliott: KK107

Ulliott was trailing Hougaard’s two pair but the 5 on the turn gave him a flush and the 3 on the river offered no help to Hougaard. Ulliott was at 110,000 after the double while Hougaard was at 88,000.

Player Tags: Hoyt Corkins,   David Ulliott,   Andy Black,   Robert Williamson III,   Ralph Perry,   Jesper Hougaard,   Nikolay Evdakov

Final Table Update: Ruiz 8th Place, Racener 7th, Black 6th

Jun 14, '09

Blinds: 10,000-20,000

Players Remaining: 5 out of 198

Chip Counts:

1. Scott Clements — 1,443,000
2. Brett Richey — 500,000
3. Roland de Wolfe — 490,000
4. Robert Campbell — 440,000
5. Alexander Kravchenko — 120,000

Average Chip Count: 594,000

Notable Eliminations:

8. Armando Ruiz III — $32,105
7. John Racener — $36,200
6. Andy Black — $42,993

Big Hands

Armando Ruiz III Eliminated in 8th Place ($32,105)

Armando Ruiz III raises to 56,000 before the flop and Brett Richey reraises enough to put Ruiz all in. Ruiz calls all in and both players turn over their cards.

Ruiz: AQ32
Richey: AA97

Board: KK88J

Richey scoops the pot with aces up, there is no qualifying low hand. Armando Ruiz III is eliminated in 8th place ($32,105).

John Racener Eliminated in 7th place ($36,200)

On a flop of 1042, John Racener bets 40,000 and Robert Campbell calls. The turn is the 9, Racener moves all in and Campbell calls.

Racener: A983
Campbell: A732

Both players had a pair on board and a nut-flush draw. Campbell spiked the 3 on the river for the nut-flush (high hand), also making an A-7 low to scoop the pot. John Racener is eliminated in 7th place ($36,200).

Andy Black Eliminated in 6th place ($42,993)

Andy Black raises the pot before the flop and Robert Campbell re-pots behind him, enough to put Black all in. Black calls all in and both players turn over their cards.

Black: AA43
Campbell: AA54

Board: QJ976

Both players get it all in with suited aces and Campbell makes a flush on the river, scooping the pot as there is no qualifying low hand. Andy Black is eliminated in 6th place ($42,993).

Player Tags: Brett Richey,   Scott Clements,   Andy Black,   John Racener

Level 10 Update: Appleman Breaks 100k

Jun 11, '09

Blinds: 600-1,200 with a 300 ante

Players Remaining: 35 out of 96

Chip Counts:

1. Roland de Wolfe – 200,000
2. John Juanda – 165,000
3. Vince Musso – 165,000
4. Eliyahu Levy – 105,000
5. Mickey Appleman – 105,000
6. Anton Allemann – 90,000
7. Bruno Fitoussi – 90,000
8. Doug Booth – 88,000
9. Farzad Bonyadi – 87,000
10. Mike Matusow – 81,000

Average Chip Count: 66,977

Notable Eliminations:

Daniel Alaei
Gus Hansen
Sam Grizzle
Andy Black
Eli Elezra
Shawn Buchanan
Shawn Sheikhan

Big Hands:

Buchanan Takes Some Off Juanda, Then Goes Bust

Shawn Buchanan raised to 3,400 before the draw and action folded to John Juanda in the big blind. He made the call and it was time to draw.

Draw: Juanda draws 1 card, Buchanan draws 1 card

Juanda checked after receiving his card and Buchanan fired another 3,400 into the pot. Juanda decided to call and Buchanan tabled 10-9-8-4-2. Juanda mucked and was down to 170,000 while Buchanan was at 56,000. Those chips would not last Buchanan long, however, as he would go bust later in the level.

Mueller Flexes The Muscle

The player in seat 4 raised to 3,800 and Jean-Robert Bellande made the call from the button. Greg Mueller was next to act in the small blind and he counted out some chips. He finally raised to 14,500 and everyone mucked. Mueller took the pot and he was around 80,000 while Bellande was at 124,000.

The Apple Falls On Elezra

Mickey Appleman raised to 3,600 before the draw and action folded around to Eli Elezra in the big blind. He elected to call and it was time to draw.

Draw: Elezra draws 1 card, Appleman draws 1 card

Elezra received his card and decided to check. Appleman quickly fired another 5,000 into the pot and Elezra mucked. He was down to 19,000 and would later be eliminated. Appleman was around 100,000.

Bueno Bests Pescatori

After the draw and with 10,000 already in the pot, Patrick Bueno fired 8,000 into the pot. Max Pescatori went into the tank but finally mucked. He was down to 48,000 while Bueno was up to 83,000.

Blackout

Andrew Black moved all in for his final 15,000 and Justin Smith was next to act. He repopped to 41,000 and everyone else folded. Smith took his change back and it was time to draw.

Draw: Black stands pat, Smith stands pat

Both players were happy with their holdings and Black showed an 8-7 low. Black’s happiness turned to sorrow, however, as Smith turned 8-6-5-3-2 for a better low and Black made his exit.

Player Tags: Mickey Appleman,   John Juanda,   Max Pescatori,   Greg Mueller,   Eli Elezra,   Shawn Buchanan,   Jean-Robert Bellande,   Andy Black,   Patrick Bueno,   Justin Smith

Level 20 Update: Andy Black and Matthew Glantz Eliminated

May 30, '09

Blinds: 15,000-30,000 with a 4,000 chip ante

Players Remaining: 17 out of 201

Chip Counts:

1. Justin Bonomo — 3,500,000
2. Lex Veldhuis — 3,000,000
3. Alec Torelli — 2,600,000
4. Greg Raymer — 2,000,000
5. David Baker — 1,900,000
6. Ted Forrest — 1,900,000
7. Isaac Haxton – 1,400,000
8. Dani Stern- 1,170,000
9. Brian Rast – 1,160,000
10. Brian Townsend – 500,000

Average Chip Count: 1,400,000

Notable Eliminations:

19. Andy Black ($71,858)
18. Matthew Glantz ($96,171)

Big Hands:

Andy Black Finds a Lucky Flop, Horrible Turn, Eliminated in 19th Place ($71,858)

With less than 10 big blinds, Andy Black moved all-in for just under 300,000. The action was folded to Dani Stern, who instantly called with AK. Black was disgruntled and turned over a dominated AJ. The flop was magic for Black as it came AJ6. The visibly excited Black had his emotions change when the devastating K hit on the turn, giving Stern a better two pair. The 5 fell on the river and and Black was eliminated in 19th place.

Tony G Doubles Up

Severely short stacked, Tony G moved all-in pre-flop with 33 and was called by the 22 of Isaac Haxton. The board ran out A5658 and Tony G doubled through Haxton to 400,000 in chips.

Alex Veldhuis Makes Big All-in Bet

Brian Townsend raised pre-flop to 75,000 and Alec Torelli re-raised from the cut off to 185,000. Action was folded to Alex Veldhuis in the big blind who moved all in for about 1,800,000 total. Torelli tanked for a few minutes before finally folding to the large bet from Veldhuis.

Matthew Glantz Eliminated in 18th Place ($96,171)

Alex Veldhuis and Matthew Glantz saw a flop of Q22. The two players got all the chips into the middle with Glantz holding Q9 against the superior AQ of Veldhuis. Glantz failed to hit his kicker as the board ran out and was sent to the rail right before the 20 minute break. Veldhuis is now up to 3,000,000 in chips.

Tony G Doubles Up Again

Isaac Haxton and Tony G were once again tangled up in a pot with Tony G holding the 1010 and Haxton with AQ. The flop was scary for Tony G, as it came 2105, giving him top set but Haxton the nut flush draw. The 4 hit the turn and Tony G was safe. The Q fell on the river and Tony G doubled up to 870,000.

Left In The Deck

Players are on a 20 minute break and will play 2 more levels before a dinner break.

Player Tags: Matthew Glantz,   Andy Black,   Brian Townsend,   Isaac Haxton,   Lex Veldhuis

Level 9 Update: Howard Lederer Out

May 28, '09

Blinds: 1,500-3,000 with 400 ante

Players Remaining: 106 out of 201

Chip Counts:

1. Michael DeMichele – 690,000
2. Lex Veldhuis – 625,000
3. Emil Patel 615,000
4. Justin Bonomo 570,000
5. Kyle Wilson 465,000
6. Chris Moneymaker 460,000
7. Alan Sass 440,000
8. Ted Forrest 380,000
9. Alex Jacob 370,000
10. Antonio Esfandiari 365,000

Average Chip Count: 227,000

Notable Eliminations:

Howard Lederer
Cory Zeidman
Dennis Phillips
Brett Richey
Philippe Rouas
Steve Sung
David Einhorn

Big Hands:

Table 70 Is Stacked

In case we haven’t made this clear yet, table 70 may be one of the toughest tournament tables ever assembled. Here is a look at the table:

1. Scott “mastrblastr” Seiver
2. Scotty Nguyen
3. Phil Ivey
4. Brett “get crunk” Richey (Eliminated During the Level)
5. David “The Dragon” Pham
6. Alan “The Usher” Sass
7. Phil Hellmuth
8. Bertrand “ElkY” Grospellier
9. Steve “MrSmokey1” Billirakis

Phil Ivey Takes 90,000 Pot From Bertrand Grospellier

Bertrand Grospellier raised to 7,200 from under the gun and Phil Ivey reraised to 22,000 from the hijack seat. Grospellier called and both players checked down a board of K5292 until Ivey fired out a 20,000 value bet. Grospellier reluctantly called and mucked his hand when Ivey showed pocket queens.

Ivey is now stacked with 358,000 while Grospellier finds himself with only 57,000. Grospellier picked up some chips later on against Steve Billirakis shortly after without a showdown.

School’s Out for the Professor

Dave Ulliott raised to 6,400 under the gun and the action folded around to Howard Lederer moved all in from the small blind for his last 30,000. Next to act was Jeff Lisandro from the big blind and he made the call. Ulliott got out of the way and Lisandro tabled AK while Lederer showed JJ. The flop was bad news for Lederer as it dropped A7K giving Lisandro top two pair. The 9 and 3 completed the board and Lederer was gone. Lisandro improved his stack to 270,000.

Philippe Rouas Out, Marco Johnson Gets Healthier

Philippe Rouas found himself all in and covered by Marco Johnson. Rouas showed pocket sevens and was racing against the QJ of Johnson. The flop brought a jack and Rouas failed to catch up, busting from the tournament.

Seif and Makhija Chop It Up

Amit Makhija raised to 8,000 preflop from middle position. The action came around to Mark Seif who pushed in most of his chips, election to only keep his black “100” chips in front of him. The bet totaled close to 225,000 and Makhija made the call with his last 118,000. He flipped over AQ while Seif showed AQ. “That was a bad call sir,” Seif joked with Makhija. The board ran out 1098K7 and both players chopped the pot. Seif was at 290,000 while Makhija was around 126,000.

Left in the Deck:

Mike Matusow just walked over to table 62 where Andy Black and Phil Laak are seated. Matusow commenced to poke a little fun at Laak. Black then playfully interrupted “The Mouth,” telling him that making fun of people is not allowed at the World Series of Poker. Matusow countered, saying that making fun of Laak is the exception. All the players laughed and Matusow went back to his table.

Later on, Matusow resumed roaming the room and chatted up Nam Le for a bit while Phil Laak began building an elaborate Stonehenge-like structure with his chips. Yes folks, things are starting to slow down here late in the night.

Player Tags: David Ulliott,   Howard Lederer,   Phil Laak,   Mike Matusow,   Jeffrey Lisandro,   Phil Ivey,   Andy Black,   Bertrand Grospellier,   Philippe Rouas,   Marco Johnson

Level 7 Update: Jason Mercier Busts Adam Geyer

May 28, '09

Blinds: 1,000-2,000 with 300 ante

Players Remaining: 141 out of 201

Chip Counts:

1. Lex Veldhuis — 530,000
2. Justin Bonomo — 470,000
3. Antonio Esfandiari — 470,000
4. Alan Sass — 450,000
5. Chris Moneymaker — 380,000
6. Bruno Fitoussi — 367,000
7. Andy Black — 343,000
8. Mark Seif — 330,000
9. Phil Galfond — 320,000
10. Frank Kassela — 310,000

Average Chip Count: 171,000

Notable Eliminations:

Adam “csimmsux” Geyer
Mikael Thuritz
Eli Elezra
Jennifer Harman
Gavin Smith
Jeff Garza

Big Hands:

Jason Mercier Takes Out Adam Geyer

Antonio Esfandiari raised to 6,400 from the cutoff and Adam Geyer reraised to 17,000 on the button. The action moved to Jason Mercier who reraised from the small blind. Esfandiari folded and Geyer reluctantly moved in for his last 30,000 or so. Mercier flipped up pocket aces and Geyer showed down pocket queens.

The board ran out K10542 giving no help to the three-time FTOPS champion and Geyer was eliminated. Mercier now has 255,000 in chips.

David Baker Chips Up

On a board reading 952A Isaac Haxton bet 15,000. David “WhooooKidd” Baker stared his opponent down and decided to make the call. The river was the J and Haxton went into the tank. After about three minutes of dead silence, he tapped the table and Baker followed suit. Haxton turned over 76 for a missed straight draw and Baker showed K9 to take the pot with third pair. Baker now has 247,000 in chips.

Andy Bloch Getting Picked on by Alec Torelli

After losing a big pot earlier to Torelli, Bloch checked a board showing J1047k. Torelli launched a bet of 25,000 and Bloch went into a massive tank session. After almost 10 minutes, Bloch made the call. Torelli flipped over KJ for top two pair. Bloch mucked and his stack dwindled to 17,000. Torelli was at 250,000.

A few hands later, Bloch doubled up with pocket kings against his opponent’s ace-queen.

Chris Moore Doubles Through Andy Black

Andy Black raised to 6,000 from the hijack. Chris Moore was next to act and move in for his last 30,000. Black talked to Moore for a bit before making the call and showing 55. More showed AJ and the board ran out J610Q4, giving Moore top pair and doubling him up to 60,000. Black took a slight hit, leaving his stack at 350,000.

“Action” Jeff Garza Sent Home By Phil Galfond

Jeff Garza was all in and called holding A-Q but was dominated by Phil Galfond’s superior A-K. The board rolled out nine high offering no help to the recently turned 21 Garza. Galfond now has a stack of 320,000.

Phil Hellmuth Crippled By Alan “The Usher” Sass

Alan Sass raised to 5,500 and Phil Hellmuth reraised to 15,000 directly behind him. Sass made the call and the flop came out 654. Sass led into Hellmuth for 19,400 and Hellmuth called.

The turn was the K and Sass checked. Hellmuth fired in a bet of 35,000 and Sass called. The river was the Q and Hellmuth moved all in for 183,000, which had Sass covered by about 37,000. Sass called showing K9 and Hellmuth mucked his hand.

After the hand, Hellmuth pulled one of our reporters aside to admit that he held A-7 for a busted open-ended straight draw. “I’d get penalized for saying this at the table, but I just wanted to let it be known that the most horrible players in the world usually beat me,” said Hellmuth.

The hand drew further attention when it was revealed that the dealer had miscounted the all-in stacks, giving Sass some more of Hellmuth chips. Hellmuth, clearly upset, responded with, “What are you trying to give it all to him?”

Not quite, as Hellmuth still has about 37,000 in chips.

Russell Rosenblum Doubles Up

Russell Rosenblum found himself and his stack of about 100,000 all in preflop holding pocket kings against the pocket jacks of Philippe Rouas. The kings held and Rosenblum safely doubled up to about 210,000.

Player Tags: Andy Bloch,   Antonio Esfandiari,   Phil Hellmuth,   Russell Rosenblum,   Andy Black,   Chris Moore,   Alan Sass,   Adam Geyer,   Alec Torelli,   Philippe Rouas,   David Baker,   Jason Mercier

Level 1 Update: Erik Cajelais Exits Early

May 28, '09

Blinds: 200-400 with a 50 ante

Players Remaining: 180 out of 184

Chip Counts:

1. Phil Laak — 270,000
2. Scott Seiver — 260,000
3. Phil Laak — 245,000
4. Tony G — 240,000
5. David Chiu — 240,000
6. Michael DeMichelle — 200,000
7. Andy Black — 185,000
8. Chad Batista — 175,000
9. Isaac Haxton — 175,000
10. Nenad Medic — 175,000

Average Chip Count: 125,000

Notable Eliminations:

Erik Cajelais
Jim Bechtel

Big Hands:

Erik Cajelais Is Crippled By Tony G

On a board reading 753, Tony G was all in holding pocket aces against the 86 of Erik Cajelais. Cajelais needed to hit his massive draw to bust Guoga, but the turn and river fell A8.

Guoga moved up to 248,000 after the hand and Cajelais was crippled down to just 4,000. He was eliminated by Chris Moneymaker shortly after.

Brandon Adams Gets Caught Lying

Isaac Haxton raises to 1,400 from the cutoff and Brandon Adams reraises to 4,200 from the small blind. The flop comes Q53, and this time Adams leads out for 4,200. Haxton calls and the turn is the J. Adams bets out once again, this time for 6,200. Haxton tanks for a few minutes before making the call. The river is the J and both players check around. Adams turns over A10 for ace-high while Haxton shows 44 for a small pair. Haxton rakes the pot and brings his chip count up to 145,000 while Adams fall to just about 75,000 this hand.

Andy Black Collects Big Pot With Set Over Set

Chris Moore and Andy Black were locked into a hand, each holding a big pocket pair. Moore turned a set of jacks but the river brought a king, and Andy Black bet out 50,000. Moore called and Black turned over a set of kings to collect a big pot.

Phil Laak Cripples Opponent

James Calderaro held pocket kings against Phil Laak’s flopped set of eights. Laak moved all in on the river and was called, collecting a 270,000 chip pot.

Eric Liu Wins Pot on the River

On a board of QQ847, Eric Liu bet 15,550 on the river against Mark Seif. Seif contemplated briefly before folding. Seif is down to around 81,000.

Player Tags: Mark Seif,   Antanas Guoga,   Phil Laak,   Andy Black,   Erik Cajelais,   Brandon Adams,   Chris Moore,   Isaac Haxton,   Eric Liu

Level 20 Update: Andy Black and Matthew Glantz Eliminated

May 30, '09

Blinds: 15,000-30,000 with a 4,000 chip ante

Players Remaining: 17 out of 201

Chip Counts:

1. Justin Bonomo — 3,500,000
2. Lex Veldhuis — 3,000,000
3. Alec Torelli — 2,600,000
4. Greg Raymer — 2,000,000
5. David Baker — 1,900,000
6. Ted Forrest — 1,900,000
7. Isaac Haxton – 1,400,000
8. Dani Stern- 1,170,000
9. Brian Rast – 1,160,000
10. Brian Townsend – 500,000

Average Chip Count: 1,400,000

Notable Eliminations:

19. Andy Black ($71,858)
18. Matthew Glantz ($96,171)

Big Hands:

Andy Black Finds a Lucky Flop, Horrible Turn, Eliminated in 19th Place ($71,858)

With less than 10 big blinds, Andy Black moved all-in for just under 300,000. The action was folded to Dani Stern, who instantly called with AK. Black was disgruntled and turned over a dominated AJ. The flop was magic for Black as it came AJ6. The visibly excited Black had his emotions change when the devastating K hit on the turn, giving Stern a better two pair. The 5 fell on the river and and Black was eliminated in 19th place.

Tony G Doubles Up

Severely short stacked, Tony G moved all-in pre-flop with 33 and was called by the 22 of Isaac Haxton. The board ran out A5658 and Tony G doubled through Haxton to 400,000 in chips.

Alex Veldhuis Makes Big All-in Bet

Brian Townsend raised pre-flop to 75,000 and Alec Torelli re-raised from the cut off to 185,000. Action was folded to Alex Veldhuis in the big blind who moved all in for about 1,800,000 total. Torelli tanked for a few minutes before finally folding to the large bet from Veldhuis.

Matthew Glantz Eliminated in 18th Place ($96,171)

Alex Veldhuis and Matthew Glantz saw a flop of Q22. The two players got all the chips into the middle with Glantz holding Q9 against the superior AQ of Veldhuis. Glantz failed to hit his kicker as the board ran out and was sent to the rail right before the 20 minute break. Veldhuis is now up to 3,000,000 in chips.

Tony G Doubles Up Again

Isaac Haxton and Tony G were once again tangled up in a pot with Tony G holding the 1010 and Haxton with AQ. The flop was scary for Tony G, as it came 2105, giving him top set but Haxton the nut flush draw. The 4 hit the turn and Tony G was safe. The Q fell on the river and Tony G doubled up to 870,000.

Left In The Deck

Players are on a 20 minute break and will play 2 more levels before a dinner break.

Player Tags: Matthew Glantz,   Andy Black,   Brian Townsend,   Isaac Haxton,   Lex Veldhuis

Level 9 Update: Howard Lederer Out

May 28, '09

Blinds: 1,500-3,000 with 400 ante

Players Remaining: 106 out of 201

Chip Counts:

1. Michael DeMichele – 690,000
2. Lex Veldhuis – 625,000
3. Emil Patel 615,000
4. Justin Bonomo 570,000
5. Kyle Wilson 465,000
6. Chris Moneymaker 460,000
7. Alan Sass 440,000
8. Ted Forrest 380,000
9. Alex Jacob 370,000
10. Antonio Esfandiari 365,000

Average Chip Count: 227,000

Notable Eliminations:

Howard Lederer
Cory Zeidman
Dennis Phillips
Brett Richey
Philippe Rouas
Steve Sung
David Einhorn

Big Hands:

Table 70 Is Stacked

In case we haven’t made this clear yet, table 70 may be one of the toughest tournament tables ever assembled. Here is a look at the table:

1. Scott “mastrblastr” Seiver
2. Scotty Nguyen
3. Phil Ivey
4. Brett “get crunk” Richey (Eliminated During the Level)
5. David “The Dragon” Pham
6. Alan “The Usher” Sass
7. Phil Hellmuth
8. Bertrand “ElkY” Grospellier
9. Steve “MrSmokey1” Billirakis

Phil Ivey Takes 90,000 Pot From Bertrand Grospellier

Bertrand Grospellier raised to 7,200 from under the gun and Phil Ivey reraised to 22,000 from the hijack seat. Grospellier called and both players checked down a board of K5292 until Ivey fired out a 20,000 value bet. Grospellier reluctantly called and mucked his hand when Ivey showed pocket queens.

Ivey is now stacked with 358,000 while Grospellier finds himself with only 57,000. Grospellier picked up some chips later on against Steve Billirakis shortly after without a showdown.

School’s Out for the Professor

Dave Ulliott raised to 6,400 under the gun and the action folded around to Howard Lederer moved all in from the small blind for his last 30,000. Next to act was Jeff Lisandro from the big blind and he made the call. Ulliott got out of the way and Lisandro tabled AK while Lederer showed JJ. The flop was bad news for Lederer as it dropped A7K giving Lisandro top two pair. The 9 and 3 completed the board and Lederer was gone. Lisandro improved his stack to 270,000.

Philippe Rouas Out, Marco Johnson Gets Healthier

Philippe Rouas found himself all in and covered by Marco Johnson. Rouas showed pocket sevens and was racing against the QJ of Johnson. The flop brought a jack and Rouas failed to catch up, busting from the tournament.

Seif and Makhija Chop It Up

Amit Makhija raised to 8,000 preflop from middle position. The action came around to Mark Seif who pushed in most of his chips, election to only keep his black “100” chips in front of him. The bet totaled close to 225,000 and Makhija made the call with his last 118,000. He flipped over AQ while Seif showed AQ. “That was a bad call sir,” Seif joked with Makhija. The board ran out 1098K7 and both players chopped the pot. Seif was at 290,000 while Makhija was around 126,000.

Left in the Deck:

Mike Matusow just walked over to table 62 where Andy Black and Phil Laak are seated. Matusow commenced to poke a little fun at Laak. Black then playfully interrupted “The Mouth,” telling him that making fun of people is not allowed at the World Series of Poker. Matusow countered, saying that making fun of Laak is the exception. All the players laughed and Matusow went back to his table.

Later on, Matusow resumed roaming the room and chatted up Nam Le for a bit while Phil Laak began building an elaborate Stonehenge-like structure with his chips. Yes folks, things are starting to slow down here late in the night.

Player Tags: David Ulliott,   Howard Lederer,   Phil Laak,   Mike Matusow,   Jeffrey Lisandro,   Phil Ivey,   Andy Black,   Bertrand Grospellier,   Philippe Rouas,   Marco Johnson

Level 7 Update: Jason Mercier Busts Adam Geyer

May 28, '09

Blinds: 1,000-2,000 with 300 ante

Players Remaining: 141 out of 201

Chip Counts:

1. Lex Veldhuis — 530,000
2. Justin Bonomo — 470,000
3. Antonio Esfandiari — 470,000
4. Alan Sass — 450,000
5. Chris Moneymaker — 380,000
6. Bruno Fitoussi — 367,000
7. Andy Black — 343,000
8. Mark Seif — 330,000
9. Phil Galfond — 320,000
10. Frank Kassela — 310,000

Average Chip Count: 171,000

Notable Eliminations:

Adam “csimmsux” Geyer
Mikael Thuritz
Eli Elezra
Jennifer Harman
Gavin Smith
Jeff Garza

Big Hands:

Jason Mercier Takes Out Adam Geyer

Antonio Esfandiari raised to 6,400 from the cutoff and Adam Geyer reraised to 17,000 on the button. The action moved to Jason Mercier who reraised from the small blind. Esfandiari folded and Geyer reluctantly moved in for his last 30,000 or so. Mercier flipped up pocket aces and Geyer showed down pocket queens.

The board ran out K10542 giving no help to the three-time FTOPS champion and Geyer was eliminated. Mercier now has 255,000 in chips.

David Baker Chips Up

On a board reading 952A Isaac Haxton bet 15,000. David “WhooooKidd” Baker stared his opponent down and decided to make the call. The river was the J and Haxton went into the tank. After about three minutes of dead silence, he tapped the table and Baker followed suit. Haxton turned over 76 for a missed straight draw and Baker showed K9 to take the pot with third pair. Baker now has 247,000 in chips.

Andy Bloch Getting Picked on by Alec Torelli

After losing a big pot earlier to Torelli, Bloch checked a board showing J1047k. Torelli launched a bet of 25,000 and Bloch went into a massive tank session. After almost 10 minutes, Bloch made the call. Torelli flipped over KJ for top two pair. Bloch mucked and his stack dwindled to 17,000. Torelli was at 250,000.

A few hands later, Bloch doubled up with pocket kings against his opponent’s ace-queen.

Chris Moore Doubles Through Andy Black

Andy Black raised to 6,000 from the hijack. Chris Moore was next to act and move in for his last 30,000. Black talked to Moore for a bit before making the call and showing 55. More showed AJ and the board ran out J610Q4, giving Moore top pair and doubling him up to 60,000. Black took a slight hit, leaving his stack at 350,000.

“Action” Jeff Garza Sent Home By Phil Galfond

Jeff Garza was all in and called holding A-Q but was dominated by Phil Galfond’s superior A-K. The board rolled out nine high offering no help to the recently turned 21 Garza. Galfond now has a stack of 320,000.

Phil Hellmuth Crippled By Alan “The Usher” Sass

Alan Sass raised to 5,500 and Phil Hellmuth reraised to 15,000 directly behind him. Sass made the call and the flop came out 654. Sass led into Hellmuth for 19,400 and Hellmuth called.

The turn was the K and Sass checked. Hellmuth fired in a bet of 35,000 and Sass called. The river was the Q and Hellmuth moved all in for 183,000, which had Sass covered by about 37,000. Sass called showing K9 and Hellmuth mucked his hand.

After the hand, Hellmuth pulled one of our reporters aside to admit that he held A-7 for a busted open-ended straight draw. “I’d get penalized for saying this at the table, but I just wanted to let it be known that the most horrible players in the world usually beat me,” said Hellmuth.

The hand drew further attention when it was revealed that the dealer had miscounted the all-in stacks, giving Sass some more of Hellmuth chips. Hellmuth, clearly upset, responded with, “What are you trying to give it all to him?”

Not quite, as Hellmuth still has about 37,000 in chips.

Russell Rosenblum Doubles Up

Russell Rosenblum found himself and his stack of about 100,000 all in preflop holding pocket kings against the pocket jacks of Philippe Rouas. The kings held and Rosenblum safely doubled up to about 210,000.

Player Tags: Andy Bloch,   Antonio Esfandiari,   Phil Hellmuth,   Russell Rosenblum,   Andy Black,   Chris Moore,   Alan Sass,   Adam Geyer,   Alec Torelli,   Philippe Rouas,   David Baker,   Jason Mercier

Level 1 Update: Erik Cajelais Exits Early

May 28, '09

Blinds: 200-400 with a 50 ante

Players Remaining: 180 out of 184

Chip Counts:

1. Phil Laak — 270,000
2. Scott Seiver — 260,000
3. Phil Laak — 245,000
4. Tony G — 240,000
5. David Chiu — 240,000
6. Michael DeMichelle — 200,000
7. Andy Black — 185,000
8. Chad Batista — 175,000
9. Isaac Haxton — 175,000
10. Nenad Medic — 175,000

Average Chip Count: 125,000

Notable Eliminations:

Erik Cajelais
Jim Bechtel

Big Hands:

Erik Cajelais Is Crippled By Tony G

On a board reading 753, Tony G was all in holding pocket aces against the 86 of Erik Cajelais. Cajelais needed to hit his massive draw to bust Guoga, but the turn and river fell A8.

Guoga moved up to 248,000 after the hand and Cajelais was crippled down to just 4,000. He was eliminated by Chris Moneymaker shortly after.

Brandon Adams Gets Caught Lying

Isaac Haxton raises to 1,400 from the cutoff and Brandon Adams reraises to 4,200 from the small blind. The flop comes Q53, and this time Adams leads out for 4,200. Haxton calls and the turn is the J. Adams bets out once again, this time for 6,200. Haxton tanks for a few minutes before making the call. The river is the J and both players check around. Adams turns over A10 for ace-high while Haxton shows 44 for a small pair. Haxton rakes the pot and brings his chip count up to 145,000 while Adams fall to just about 75,000 this hand.

Andy Black Collects Big Pot With Set Over Set

Chris Moore and Andy Black were locked into a hand, each holding a big pocket pair. Moore turned a set of jacks but the river brought a king, and Andy Black bet out 50,000. Moore called and Black turned over a set of kings to collect a big pot.

Phil Laak Cripples Opponent

James Calderaro held pocket kings against Phil Laak’s flopped set of eights. Laak moved all in on the river and was called, collecting a 270,000 chip pot.

Eric Liu Wins Pot on the River

On a board of QQ847, Eric Liu bet 15,550 on the river against Mark Seif. Seif contemplated briefly before folding. Seif is down to around 81,000.

Player Tags: Mark Seif,   Antanas Guoga,   Phil Laak,   Andy Black,   Erik Cajelais,   Brandon Adams,   Chris Moore,   Isaac Haxton,   Eric Liu

Main Event Day 1b - And They're Off

Jul 04, '08

Blinds: 50-100

Chip Leaders:
Stephen Ladowsky: 42,000
Michael Guzzardi: 40,000
Dustin Sitar: 39,900
Mike Stovall: 36,000
Tom McEvoy: 32,000
Alex Kravchenko: 28,900
Tony Hachem: 25,000
Neil Channing: 23,250
David Levi: 23,200
Vanessa Rousso: 22,400

Big Hands:

Gold Comes Out Swinging

2006 World Series of Poker champion Jamie Gold limped into a pot that saw six way action going to the flop. The flop ran out 2310, and Gold opened the action with a bet of 300. He was called by one player in seat 3. Seat 5 then raised it to a total of 1,000, and both other players made the call. All three players checked the turn, the 10, but when action checked back around to Seat 5 on the river, the J, he fired out for a bet of 2,500. Gold made the crying call, saying he got screwed by the turn, turning over 23 and shipping the pot to his opponent, who held JJ for the full house.

Mueller Makes Monster Read

The pot was opened by the player in seat 8, who raised to 300. Two players made the call, including Greg Mueller from the small blind. All three players checked the flop of 655. Mueller fired a rapid bet of 675 on the turn of 3, and was called only by the original raiser in seat 8. The 10 fell on the river, and Mueller slowed down to place the more cautious wager of 575. Seat 8 then raised an additional 1,050, and Mueller shot him a look. "What, did you flop quads or something?" Mueller shrugged and folded his cards face up, showing pocket nines. Seat 8 complimented Mueller on his read, flashing him the pocket fives before raking in the pot.

Very Cheap

On a board reading 88299, Andy Black fired a bet of 300. "Very cheap," he said as he flicked the chips into the pot worth 3,000. The player in seat 1 then looked at her stack and threw out three yellow chips, each worth 1,000. "Very cheap," another player at the table said sarcastically. Black had a perplexed look on his face, then made the call. The player in seat 1 turned over 99 for quads and Black just nodded, slamming his cards into the muck while the 10 turned over in the process. He started with a little over 20,000 and was down to 15,000 after the hand.

Black Busts

Andy Black took a few more body shots in the first hour and was down to 5,000 in chips. One hand saw him lead the betting only to muck his hand on the river. “Good call,” muttered the fifth place finisher in the 2005 WSOP main event as he held his head in his hand and counted down his short stack.

Twenty minutes later, with four players in the pot and Black on the button he faced a bet of 500 and reraised on a board of 753 to 3,000. Two others mucked but the original raiser called.

Black sighed and showed J-J while his opponent showed 75 for two pair. The 2 on the turn and 5 on the river sealed his fate and his World Series was over for another year.

Boatman Loses a Pot

On a board of 102106, Barny Boatman fired 750 into the pot. The player in seat 4 made the call and the 8h fell on the river. Both players checked the river and seat 4 showed JdJc for an overpair. Boatman mucked his hand and he was down to about 18,000 after losing that pot.

Orel Hershiser Gets Too Much Credit

The player in seat 8 raised to 250 before the flop and seat 9 made the call. Orel Hershiser raised to 2,300, seat 8 reraised to 5,000 and seat 9 folded. The flop came 1054, and Hershiser checked to seat 8 who bet 4,000. Hershiser raised (check-raise) to 8,000, and seat 8 went into the tank, saying, "I'm going to give you credit for aces." Seat 8 ultimately fodled the hand as hershiser responded, "Give me credit for kings." He turned over KK. Seat 7 asked seat 8, "Same hand?" Seat 8 just nodded.

Player Tags: Greg Mueller,   Barny Boatman,   Jamie Gold,   Andy Black,   Orel Hershiser

$1,500 No-Limit Hold'em - Level 18

Jun 29, '08

Players are now on a 20-minute break.

Blinds: 6000/12000 with 1000 ante

Players Left: 18 of 2,718

Chip Leaders:

Rasmus Nielsen - 1,250,000
John Conroy - 760,000
J.C. Tran - 690,000
Peter Nguyen - 600,000
Paul Kim - 585,000
Jesper Hogg - 555,000
Joe Pelton - 490,000
Chad Siu - 465,000
Jason Mounrey - 450,000
Brett Switzer - 315,000

Eliminations: Tommy Vu (19th), Kirby Brewer (20), David Tran (21), Neil Deitsch (22), Augusto Cavazzini (23).
Big Hands

Conroy On a Convoy To Success

John Conroy is on a roll, but it was Anderson Silva who gave him the big push. The two players saw a flop come K62, and after a bet and a raise, Conroy was suddenly all-in for his 307,000 in chips. He flipped over AK for top pair top kicker, and Silva was a distant second with KJ. The 4 on the turn and 2 on the river sent the massive pot to Conroy.

Conroy then added David Tran to the ranks of the eliminated. Tran moved all-in with 1010 and Conroy made the call with A10. An ace hit on the flop and Tran was destined for 21st place overall. Conroy topped the 700,000 mark with the two victories.

Moungey Makes Easy Call

Jason Moungey watched as Kirby Brewer moved all-in from under the gun for his final 70,000. Moungey called and showed AK. Brewers held K9. An ace on the flop virtually clinched the win for Moungey, with the board running out A-7-6-9-2.

Tran Bounces Nguyen

J.C. Tran raised and Men Nguyen pronounced all-in. It was an easy call for Tran, holding aces, while Nguyen was eventually eliminated having held six-three offsuit.

Black Busted

Andy Black was in the small blind and facing a raise from chip leader Rasmus Nielsen. Black pushed out 100,000 in chips and Nielsen reraised all-in which Black called. Black held AQ but had run into the KK of Nielsen and was eliminated.
 

Player Tags: J.C. Tran,   David Tran,   Men Nguyen,   Andy Black,   Kirby Brewer,   John Conroy,   Anderson Silva,   Jason Moungey

$1,500 No-Limit Hold'em - Level 17

Jun 29, '08

Players returned from a 20-minute break at the beginning of the level.

Blinds: 5000/10000 with 1000 ante

Players Left: 29 of 2718

Chip Leaders:

Rasmus Nielsen - 1,020,000
Anderson Silva - 725,000
Peter Nguyen - 575,000
Chad Siu - 457,000
J.C. Tran - 420,000
John Conroy - 360,000
Andy Black - 315,000
Jesper Hoog - 290,000
Brett Switzer - 290,000
Christoph Kohnen - 274,000

Eliminations: Matthew Matros, Hevad Khan, Young Phan, Greg Alexander, Michael Lam.

Big Hands

From Losing, To Chop, To Victory

Men Nguyen is no stranger to celebrations, and he's getting plenty of practice as play continues in a narrow field. It began with a dominated ace. Nguyen was all-in for 32,000 with A9, which trailed the AQ of Matthew Matros. The flop came AK2 and both players had a pair. Another deuce on the turn brought the king into play as the kicker and both players were looking at a chopped pot. Then the 9 hit the river and Nguyen suddenly was sweeping in the chips.

Fate turned especially cruel for Matros a few hands later. Nguyen pushed all-in for 103,000 from the cutoff with just the 104 in his possession. Matros made the call with 55. The flop came Q88 and Matros was still ahead, but the board double-paired on the turn with the Q and suddenly Nguyen's 10 was the superior kicker. The 2 on the river sent another stack to Nguyen.

The stunned Matros was finally eliminated for his few remaining chips, almost fittingly, when his dominating 7-5 offsuit lost to the 7-4 offsuit of Anderson Silva when a four fell on the river.

Right Call, Wrong Time

Hevad Khan bet 22,000 after the flop came Q98. Anderson Silva, the next player to act, then raised all-in, having Khan covered. Khan, with just over 100,000 in chips, made the call and showed KQ for top pair. Silva flipped over 76. But the 5 came on the turn to complete the straight and send Khan out in 31st place.

Tran Keeps it Business-like

J.C. Tran continues to utilize his big stack. After a flop of J63 he bet 25,000 from the button and took down the pot. A few hands later, after Andy Black raised to 30,000 preflop, Tran in the small blind reraised to 105,000. Black folded. The next hand Tran went with a different tactic, min-raising to 20,000 from the button. The big blind called and the flop came 653. The big blind checked, Tran bet 22,000, and that was enough to take the pot down.
 

Player Tags: J.C. Tran,   Men Nguyen,   Andy Black,   Hevad Khan,   Anderson Silva

$1,500 No Limit Hold'em - Mueller and Black Moving Up

Jun 29, '08

Note: Players are on a 20-minute break

Blinds/Antes: 1,000-2,000 with a 300 Ante

Players Left: 144 of 2,718

Chip Leaders:

Young Phan: 187,000
Micah Raskin: 175,200
Tuan "Tommy" Vu: 145,000
Greg Alexander: 145,000
Greg Mueller: 135,000
Jon Friedberg: 130,000
Manelic Minaya: 127,300
Matthew Matros: 113,600
Rasmus Nielsen: 110,600
J.C. Tran: 100,000

Average Stack: 56,625

Big Hands:

A Slow Roll Special

After a flop of KJ10, the player in seat 2 checked the action to Kristy Gazes. She moved all in and the action was back on seat 2. He looked down at his cards three times. Finally, he decided to make the call. "I gotta call you. I got a straight," he said as he turned over Q9. Gazes just nodded her head and turned over KQ for top pair and an open ended straight draw. The turn made her straight as the A hit the felt. The 5 came on the river and both players chopped the pot. Gazes was around 36,000.

Mueller Has Door Slammed Shut, Then Cracks It Open

On a board that read 533510, Greg Mueller fired 14,000 into the pot. His opponent ins seat 2 made the call and Mueller announced, "Ace high." His opponent turned over QQ and Mueller lost a big pot, dropping down to around 65,000. But he would get those chips back moments later as he was able to crack another opponent's pocket aces and Mueller rebuilt his stack to around 130,000.

"Welcome to the Table Andrew"

Andrew Black was moved to Kristy Gazes' table. He then got involved with the player in seat 8. Black moved all in preflop from the cutoff after his opponent raised to 5,500. Seat 8 made the call and tabled K10. Black showed down AJ. The board ran out 5338A and Black knocked out his opponent, increasing his stack to around 70,000 in the process. "Welcome to the table, Andrew," Black said with a smile.

The Bulldozer

On a flop of 972, the player in seat 2 bet 6,000 and Hevad Khan made the call. The turn was the A and seat 2 led out with another 9,500. Khan moved all in and his opponent mucked. Khan raked in the pot and his stack was well over 80,000.

Player Tags: Kristy Gazes,   Greg Mueller,   Andy Black,   Hevad Khan,   European Report

Event 49 - $1500 NLHE - Level 9

Jun 28, '08

Blinds: 500-1,000

Ante: 100

Players Remaining: 274

Eliminations: Jonathan Little

Notable Hands:
Too Little Too Late

A player in early position made a standard opening raise to 3,000, and Jonathan Little reraised all in from the big blind for another 5,000. The player made the call, and had Little's AJ dominated with AQ. Little was effectively dead to a jack, which he was unable to find as the board ran out 9439K. Little went home several spots short of the bubble burst.

Gazes Good Enough

Kristy Gazes raised preflop to 3,000, and was called only by the button. Both players checked the flop of AJ2, and the turn of 9. The 10 fell on the river, and Gazes fired out a bet of 4,500. The button smiled and said, "Did you get there?" as he tossed in the call. Gazes had indeed got there, turning over QJ. The button just smiled, and sent a few chips her way across the felt.

Black Comes Back

Action folded around to the small blind, who made a minimum raise to a total of 2,000. Black called the additional 1,000 from the big blind. The flop came Q109, and the small blind bet out 4,000. Black quickly made the call, and the dealer peeled off the turn, the A. The player again bet 4,000, and Black moved all in. His opponent called, showing KK. Black was in good shape holding AQ, and managed to stave off further trouble when the 4 fell on the river. Black doubled up, and his opponent was left with less than 3,000 in chips.

Make It Rain, Make It Rain

More precise details are lacking, but on the turn of a board showing 1082J, Hevad Khan had moved in for around 30,000 into an already sizable pot. After some deliberation, his opponent folded, and Khan raked in a monster without a showdown.

Play has gone to hand for hand as we await the elimination of the 271st player and the ensuing pop of the money bubble.

Player Tags: Kristy Gazes,   Andy Black,   Jonathan Little,   Hevad Khan

Event 49 - $1500 NLHE - Level 8

Jun 28, '08

Blinds: 400-800

Ante: 100

Players Remaining: 350

Average Stack: 23,297

Chip Leaders:

Young Phan: 73,000
John Murphy: 57,000
Greg "FBT" Mueller: 57,000
Manny Minaya: 52,000
Nancy Todd Tyner: 50,000
JC Tran: 42,000
Hevad 'Rain' Khan: 39,000
Men 'The Master' Nguyen: 38,075
Michael Laing: 38,000
David Pham: 36,000

Eliminations: Joe Awada, Michael Craig, Allen Kessler

Notable Hands:
Bullets for Bulldozer

On a flop of Q62, Hevad Khan pushed out a bet of 7,000. His opponent in seat 4 raised all in, and Khan quickly made the call. Khan held AA, and the hammer that would put the final nail in the coffin of his opponent, who held only Q9. The turn was the 2, and the river the 10, and Khan continued his comeback.

The Chainsaw Chops It Up

Allen Kessler completed from the small blind and Joe Awada checked his option. They both checked the flop: AK3. They both checked the 10 on the turn. They both checked the jack on the river. They both flipped over a 10 (Awada 10-8, Kessler 10-5). They both won half of the pot.

The walk would not be enough for Awada, however, who was eliminated later in the level after running running his A-Q into big slick and failling to improve.

What Do You Call An Irishman In A Cooler?

One player, sitting in seat 8, limped in from early position. Andy Black popped the action up to 4,000, pushing out the rest of the table. Seat 8 then moved all in, and Black rolled his eyes and made the call. He seemed to have already accepted the fact that his QQ would be no good against his opponent, who did indeed have Black beat with KK. But for a moment it seemed there was still hope for Black, as the doorcard on the flop showed the Q. Even then, Black seemed resigned to his fate, and sure enough the full flop read K3Q. A player at the other end of the table interjected, saying "Are you serious?" Black responded flatly, "Yes, he's serious," and watched grimly as the dealer put out the 710. Black counted down the double up, and fell to around 20,000 in chips.

Later in the level, Kristy Gazes raised 2,200 from under the gun. Action folded around to Andy Black in the big blind, who shoved all in. Gazes thought briefly before making the call, and turned over her hand: AQ. Black held a matching AQ, and both players took back their chips as the board ran out K847Q.

Players are on a 20 minute break while the green 25 chips are colored up and raced off. After the break, they will play for another two levels before stopping for the day.

Player Tags: Kristy Gazes,   Allen Kessler,   Andy Black,   Hevad Khan

$1,500 No-Limit Hold'em - Level 18

Jun 29, '08

Players are now on a 20-minute break.

Blinds: 6000/12000 with 1000 ante

Players Left: 18 of 2,718

Chip Leaders:

Rasmus Nielsen - 1,250,000
John Conroy - 760,000
J.C. Tran - 690,000
Peter Nguyen - 600,000
Paul Kim - 585,000
Jesper Hogg - 555,000
Joe Pelton - 490,000
Chad Siu - 465,000
Jason Mounrey - 450,000
Brett Switzer - 315,000

Eliminations: Tommy Vu (19th), Kirby Brewer (20), David Tran (21), Neil Deitsch (22), Augusto Cavazzini (23).
Big Hands

Conroy On a Convoy To Success

John Conroy is on a roll, but it was Anderson Silva who gave him the big push. The two players saw a flop come K62, and after a bet and a raise, Conroy was suddenly all-in for his 307,000 in chips. He flipped over AK for top pair top kicker, and Silva was a distant second with KJ. The 4 on the turn and 2 on the river sent the massive pot to Conroy.

Conroy then added David Tran to the ranks of the eliminated. Tran moved all-in with 1010 and Conroy made the call with A10. An ace hit on the flop and Tran was destined for 21st place overall. Conroy topped the 700,000 mark with the two victories.

Moungey Makes Easy Call

Jason Moungey watched as Kirby Brewer moved all-in from under the gun for his final 70,000. Moungey called and showed AK. Brewers held K9. An ace on the flop virtually clinched the win for Moungey, with the board running out A-7-6-9-2.

Tran Bounces Nguyen

J.C. Tran raised and Men Nguyen pronounced all-in. It was an easy call for Tran, holding aces, while Nguyen was eventually eliminated having held six-three offsuit.

Black Busted

Andy Black was in the small blind and facing a raise from chip leader Rasmus Nielsen. Black pushed out 100,000 in chips and Nielsen reraised all-in which Black called. Black held AQ but had run into the KK of Nielsen and was eliminated.
 

Player Tags: J.C. Tran,   David Tran,   Men Nguyen,   Andy Black,   Kirby Brewer,   John Conroy,   Anderson Silva,   Jason Moungey

$1,500 No-Limit Hold'em - Level 17

Jun 29, '08

Players returned from a 20-minute break at the beginning of the level.

Blinds: 5000/10000 with 1000 ante

Players Left: 29 of 2718

Chip Leaders:

Rasmus Nielsen - 1,020,000
Anderson Silva - 725,000
Peter Nguyen - 575,000
Chad Siu - 457,000
J.C. Tran - 420,000
John Conroy - 360,000
Andy Black - 315,000
Jesper Hoog - 290,000
Brett Switzer - 290,000
Christoph Kohnen - 274,000

Eliminations: Matthew Matros, Hevad Khan, Young Phan, Greg Alexander, Michael Lam.

Big Hands

From Losing, To Chop, To Victory

Men Nguyen is no stranger to celebrations, and he's getting plenty of practice as play continues in a narrow field. It began with a dominated ace. Nguyen was all-in for 32,000 with A9, which trailed the AQ of Matthew Matros. The flop came AK2 and both players had a pair. Another deuce on the turn brought the king into play as the kicker and both players were looking at a chopped pot. Then the 9 hit the river and Nguyen suddenly was sweeping in the chips.

Fate turned especially cruel for Matros a few hands later. Nguyen pushed all-in for 103,000 from the cutoff with just the 104 in his possession. Matros made the call with 55. The flop came Q88 and Matros was still ahead, but the board double-paired on the turn with the Q and suddenly Nguyen's 10 was the superior kicker. The 2 on the river sent another stack to Nguyen.

The stunned Matros was finally eliminated for his few remaining chips, almost fittingly, when his dominating 7-5 offsuit lost to the 7-4 offsuit of Anderson Silva when a four fell on the river.

Right Call, Wrong Time

Hevad Khan bet 22,000 after the flop came Q98. Anderson Silva, the next player to act, then raised all-in, having Khan covered. Khan, with just over 100,000 in chips, made the call and showed KQ for top pair. Silva flipped over 76. But the 5 came on the turn to complete the straight and send Khan out in 31st place.

Tran Keeps it Business-like

J.C. Tran continues to utilize his big stack. After a flop of J63 he bet 25,000 from the button and took down the pot. A few hands later, after Andy Black raised to 30,000 preflop, Tran in the small blind reraised to 105,000. Black folded. The next hand Tran went with a different tactic, min-raising to 20,000 from the button. The big blind called and the flop came 653. The big blind checked, Tran bet 22,000, and that was enough to take the pot down.
 

Player Tags: J.C. Tran,   Men Nguyen,   Andy Black,   Hevad Khan,   Anderson Silva

$1,500 No Limit Hold'em - Mueller and Black Moving Up

Jun 29, '08

Note: Players are on a 20-minute break

Blinds/Antes: 1,000-2,000 with a 300 Ante

Players Left: 144 of 2,718

Chip Leaders:

Young Phan: 187,000
Micah Raskin: 175,200
Tuan "Tommy" Vu: 145,000
Greg Alexander: 145,000
Greg Mueller: 135,000
Jon Friedberg: 130,000
Manelic Minaya: 127,300
Matthew Matros: 113,600
Rasmus Nielsen: 110,600
J.C. Tran: 100,000

Average Stack: 56,625

Big Hands:

A Slow Roll Special

After a flop of KJ10, the player in seat 2 checked the action to Kristy Gazes. She moved all in and the action was back on seat 2. He looked down at his cards three times. Finally, he decided to make the call. "I gotta call you. I got a straight," he said as he turned over Q9. Gazes just nodded her head and turned over KQ for top pair and an open ended straight draw. The turn made her straight as the A hit the felt. The 5 came on the river and both players chopped the pot. Gazes was around 36,000.

Mueller Has Door Slammed Shut, Then Cracks It Open

On a board that read 533510, Greg Mueller fired 14,000 into the pot. His opponent ins seat 2 made the call and Mueller announced, "Ace high." His opponent turned over QQ and Mueller lost a big pot, dropping down to around 65,000. But he would get those chips back moments later as he was able to crack another opponent's pocket aces and Mueller rebuilt his stack to around 130,000.

"Welcome to the Table Andrew"

Andrew Black was moved to Kristy Gazes' table. He then got involved with the player in seat 8. Black moved all in preflop from the cutoff after his opponent raised to 5,500. Seat 8 made the call and tabled K10. Black showed down AJ. The board ran out 5338A and Black knocked out his opponent, increasing his stack to around 70,000 in the process. "Welcome to the table, Andrew," Black said with a smile.

The Bulldozer

On a flop of 972, the player in seat 2 bet 6,000 and Hevad Khan made the call. The turn was the A and seat 2 led out with another 9,500. Khan moved all in and his opponent mucked. Khan raked in the pot and his stack was well over 80,000.

Player Tags: Kristy Gazes,   Greg Mueller,   Andy Black,   Hevad Khan,   European Report

Event 49 - $1500 NLHE - Level 9

Jun 28, '08

Blinds: 500-1,000

Ante: 100

Players Remaining: 274

Eliminations: Jonathan Little

Notable Hands:
Too Little Too Late

A player in early position made a standard opening raise to 3,000, and Jonathan Little reraised all in from the big blind for another 5,000. The player made the call, and had Little's AJ dominated with AQ. Little was effectively dead to a jack, which he was unable to find as the board ran out 9439K. Little went home several spots short of the bubble burst.

Gazes Good Enough

Kristy Gazes raised preflop to 3,000, and was called only by the button. Both players checked the flop of AJ2, and the turn of 9. The 10 fell on the river, and Gazes fired out a bet of 4,500. The button smiled and said, "Did you get there?" as he tossed in the call. Gazes had indeed got there, turning over QJ. The button just smiled, and sent a few chips her way across the felt.

Black Comes Back

Action folded around to the small blind, who made a minimum raise to a total of 2,000. Black called the additional 1,000 from the big blind. The flop came Q109, and the small blind bet out 4,000. Black quickly made the call, and the dealer peeled off the turn, the A. The player again bet 4,000, and Black moved all in. His opponent called, showing KK. Black was in good shape holding AQ, and managed to stave off further trouble when the 4 fell on the river. Black doubled up, and his opponent was left with less than 3,000 in chips.

Make It Rain, Make It Rain

More precise details are lacking, but on the turn of a board showing 1082J, Hevad Khan had moved in for around 30,000 into an already sizable pot. After some deliberation, his opponent folded, and Khan raked in a monster without a showdown.

Play has gone to hand for hand as we await the elimination of the 271st player and the ensuing pop of the money bubble.

Player Tags: Kristy Gazes,   Andy Black,   Jonathan Little,   Hevad Khan

Event 49 - $1500 NLHE - Level 8

Jun 28, '08

Blinds: 400-800

Ante: 100

Players Remaining: 350

Average Stack: 23,297

Chip Leaders:

Young Phan: 73,000
John Murphy: 57,000
Greg "FBT" Mueller: 57,000
Manny Minaya: 52,000
Nancy Todd Tyner: 50,000
JC Tran: 42,000
Hevad 'Rain' Khan: 39,000
Men 'The Master' Nguyen: 38,075
Michael Laing: 38,000
David Pham: 36,000

Eliminations: Joe Awada, Michael Craig, Allen Kessler

Notable Hands:
Bullets for Bulldozer

On a flop of Q62, Hevad Khan pushed out a bet of 7,000. His opponent in seat 4 raised all in, and Khan quickly made the call. Khan held AA, and the hammer that would put the final nail in the coffin of his opponent, who held only Q9. The turn was the 2, and the river the 10, and Khan continued his comeback.

The Chainsaw Chops It Up

Allen Kessler completed from the small blind and Joe Awada checked his option. They both checked the flop: AK3. They both checked the 10 on the turn. They both checked the jack on the river. They both flipped over a 10 (Awada 10-8, Kessler 10-5). They both won half of the pot.

The walk would not be enough for Awada, however, who was eliminated later in the level after running running his A-Q into big slick and failling to improve.

What Do You Call An Irishman In A Cooler?

One player, sitting in seat 8, limped in from early position. Andy Black popped the action up to 4,000, pushing out the rest of the table. Seat 8 then moved all in, and Black rolled his eyes and made the call. He seemed to have already accepted the fact that his QQ would be no good against his opponent, who did indeed have Black beat with KK. But for a moment it seemed there was still hope for Black, as the doorcard on the flop showed the Q. Even then, Black seemed resigned to his fate, and sure enough the full flop read K3Q. A player at the other end of the table interjected, saying "Are you serious?" Black responded flatly, "Yes, he's serious," and watched grimly as the dealer put out the 710. Black counted down the double up, and fell to around 20,000 in chips.

Later in the level, Kristy Gazes raised 2,200 from under the gun. Action folded around to Andy Black in the big blind, who shoved all in. Gazes thought briefly before making the call, and turned over her hand: AQ. Black held a matching AQ, and both players took back their chips as the board ran out K847Q.

Players are on a 20 minute break while the green 25 chips are colored up and raced off. After the break, they will play for another two levels before stopping for the day.

Player Tags: Kristy Gazes,   Allen Kessler,   Andy Black,   Hevad Khan