In March of 2018, Jim Kanderski walked into his local casino cardroom, looking to find another bag in the St. Patrick’s Day event. But as the night unfolded, he would find something far more valuable.
As the tournament neared the money bubble, he found himself seated across the table from Marissa Rodriguez, another local player. Fast forward almost eight years, and Marissa would not only become his business partner, but his partner in life. Together they have built The Reserve Poker Club and taken the tournament poker world by storm.
Jim Kanderski and Marissa Rodriguez
Their mutual love of the game, especially tournaments, has driven them to offer some of the best tournament action in the country.
The recently completed $1.2 million renovation of the club puts it on par with some of the best casino poker rooms in the world, let alone the Midwest. With more than 10,000 square feet of gaming floor and 36 tables, The Reserve is now the largest poker club in the state of Ohio. None of that shiny, new real estate is going to waste either, hosting some of the largest fields ever seen in the region.
Armed with a commitment to professionalism and a welcoming environment, The Reserve has become a hotspot for not just locals, but traveling poker players as well.
“I believe we are successful because we are tournament players ourselves and offer events that we would want to play,” said Kanderski. “We try to provide the best price points possible for our tournaments while still offering large guarantees.
Which is why The Reserve has teamed up with the Card Player Poker Tour this fall to host the $600 no-limit hold’em Midwest Championship with a massive $1 million guaranteed prize pool. The event is slated for Sept. 18-28 at the venue’s expansive facility in Toledo.
Card Player Poker Tour Event Details
Players in the Midwest Championship will start with a 40,000-chip stack, but an additional 10,000 is available for a $20 dealer appreciation add-on. The tournament features a total of 11 starting flights between Sept. 18-27, with each of the first 10 kicking off at noon. There is also a last chance turbo flight 6 PM on Sept. 27, featuring the same structure, but with 15-minute levels.
For the other 10 starting flights, day 1 levels will be 30 minutes long. This event has unlimited re-entries and late registration available until the start of level 9. Players who survive the starting flight will be in the money at the start of day 2 and will play 40-minute levels for the remainder of the tournament.
Those hoping to earn their seat at a discount can try their hand at the $65 satellites running nightly from Sept. 17 to Sept. 26 at 6 PM. The satellites have a 30,000-chip starting stack and 15-minute levels. Late registration and re-entry are available until the start of level 11.
The Reserve, which is home to the only poker livestream studio in the Midwest, will broadcast featured tables on day 1 and 2, and the final table of nine on Sept. 29.
About The Reserve Social Club
While this massive Card Player Poker Tour event is sure to be a highlight, The Reserve Social Club offers a vibrant poker environment throughout the year. Enjoy a 36-table room with 25 televisions throughout and all the amenities you expect from a casino, but in a private, social setting.
The Reserve is a members-only poker club, which means all games are rake free. All revenue is generated through membership fees paid during cash games and tournaments. Membership is open to the public, with a quick and easy sign-up process. The club already boasts more than 4,500 registered members!
Cash games, including no-limit hold’em, limit hold’em, pot-limit Omaha, and other games by request, are offered daily for $5 per half hour.
Be sure to check out Live At The Reserve on YouTube for regular broadcasts such as Rumble At The Reserve, No Nit Thursday, and the Regular Joe Poker Show. You can also download The Reserve App to sell all upcoming events and promotions, add your name to the cash game list, or even see the live tournament clock.
The club hosts tournaments seven days a week, and is the site of the three largest multi-day tournaments ever held in Ohio. Tournament officials are expecting more of the same with another big turnout in September for the Midwest Championship.
Those looking to get in on the action this fall can find more information www.thereservepoker.com or by calling (419) 279-8830.
