Dramatic final sees Poli "Straight" to victory!!
The second Wee Toon Poker Tournament took place with the venue packed to capacity. An air of excitement filled the air as 14 players took their seats in what was a wide open race for the top prize of £130.00 and the coveted bracelet!!
Previous Tournament winner Martin Coffield looked resplendent with his winners' bracelet, along with current form players Angus Brodie and David Wood. Angus had also brought along his "bracelet" from the first Tournament as a token of good will, hoping to avoid the fate of that Tournament.
All three found themselves seated at Table One, along with Stewart Wareham, Robert Judge, Steven Wood and Kenny Blair, making up a very experienced table for Kenny to make his baptism in the amazing world of Texas Hold 'em.
At Table Two, taking part in this highly prestigious event were Neil McSporran, Kim Wareham, Berta Coffield, John Woodford, Alan Goddard, Paul Brodie, and a welcome appearance from novice Scott Cameron.
Without any further ado the match was underway and onlookers and players took their places in readiness for the drama about to unfold.
And as the game panned out, it proved difficult for anyone to stamp their authority on the game as so many players vied for the chance to strike up an early chip lead. The first casualty was from Table Two when Neil lost out within the first half-hour to Berta' brave call of all-in. The new owner of the candy bracelet was "gutted" at his bad luck, but was soon joined on the sidelines by Scott who found the going rather tough compared to the more experienced players, Kim delivering the final blow to his pool of chips.
With two exits from Table Two, fate moved Steven over from Table One to maintain an equilibrium of players. And it was from Table One that the next two players were to depart.
Some interesting match-ups had saw Kenny lose most of his chips to David and when forced to go all-in he was out of luck once more. Then Angus felt the pinch of the rising blinds as he was next to leave the games area, achieving a higher placing then the last Tournament but still feeling disappointed at missing out on the top table.
The Tournament Director had decreed that Paul should move from Table Two to Table One to maintain the balance and this proved to be an excellent move for Paul as he soon produced the best hand of the night with Four Kings to keep his chips well above average.
The action turned back and forth now as Alan was jettisoned from Table One and Stewart found himself on the wrong end of an all-in as he was soon to follow from Table Two.
Now with four players left on each table, one more competitor was going to miss out on a place at the top table and a chance for the big prize. And it was former winner Martin who was the unlucky player, with two minutes left before the break he was called for all-in and couldn't make a winning hand. The game ran down to the break and all the remaining contestants breathed a sigh of relief as the drinks were topped up and strategy's rethought.
Soon after the restart, Robbie's brief stay at the top table was brought to an end and the unfortunate distinction of missing out on the prizes.
As the excitement heightened Berta was to follow his brother out in 6th place and Kim's valiant effort to stay in touch with the chip leaders saw her luck run out as she took 5th place.
Now down to the final four, it was the Wood brothers who missed out on a chance for the head to head, with Steven first to go, David's good form saw him survive until 3rd placing.
John and Paul squared up for the dramatic end game, with bluff and counter bluff, and some strong play from both players, the chance to put one over on the opposing players led to some colourful exchanges between the eager two.
But in a decisive moment, John went all-in after the flop and Pauli called. The Turn and River were produced and Pauli managed to make an Ace to Five straight to claim the full quota of 14,000 chips, £130.00 top prize and of course the winners' bracelet.
It was a very well deserved victory for Paul, defying the form he has shown so far in this seasons Rankings, and some strong play on both tables won him the merited place as the winner of the second Tournament.
Wee Toon Poker Tournament II
Sat 25/Mar/06 - Sat 25/Mar/06
by Stewart Wareham
Submitted on Thu, 26/05/2005 - 4:00pm
by Stewart Wareham
Submitted on Thu, 26/05/2005 - 4:00pm