Pokerstars.com Barcelona EPT - Day 1a - Interactive

[JungleCat03]

Hello update fans, I have just returned from a rather half-assed trip to the gym to find a message on my phone from Jen. Apparently they are now experiencing Extreme Connection Difficulties and will be back with more flattering things to say about Trond Eidsvig as soon as they can.

In the meantime you may be interested to know that in a fit of self-pity at everyone being in Barcelona except me I have just ordered a veritable banquet of sushi, which is due to arrive on my doorstep in 45 minutes or less. While we are waiting for communications from the EPT to resume, I will do my best to keep you updated on the status of my Japanese feast-for-one.

Cannibalism imo.

Normally would be jealous but have just had possibly the best sandwich in the world which is the Gran Casino pork tenderloin and cheese sandwich complete with small gherkin and olive on a cocktail stick.

If I'm ever strapped to an electric chair(*) and they ask me what I want for my last meal, this might well be it.

* Possibly for pun-related crimes against humanity

[Madone]

Honey man chip count please!!

[AndrewT]

If I'm ever strapped to an electric chair(*) and they ask me what I want for my last meal, this might well be it.

* Possibly for pun-related crimes against humanity

Run away with me - they'll never catch us.

We'll be the Bonnie and Clyde of pun-related crimes.*

* I'm Clyde

[Djinn]

Johannes Strassman just eliminated Mike McDonald (sorry for not finding him earlier, would have sworn blind on his not playing today, but we have no lists and will be sketchy on anyone who isn't a Pokerstars Pro until Day Two)...

There were the in front of Strassman, and Timex was standing up as his remaining chips were being shifted over, saying, "Usually I win those."  Using our Poker Projection abilities, we would like to suggest that it was a two-overcard race which sent the award-winning player to the rail.

[Djinn]

Here, on the Special Table, on the far right is Strassman, next to WPT champ Christian Grundtvig and then there's the dude in white whom I'm sure I recognise but can't quite place.

[JungleCat03]

Honey man chip count please!!

Honey In Da Money

Albert has had a very up and down day!

Early on, he was chip leader and managed to work his stack up to a rosy 30k which was near the chip lead before being reduced to a tiny 2,000 chips.

Somehow though he has waved his sticky little wand of honey over this mini stack and transformed it into a mightily impressive 40,000! Here he is with his bulky collection of chips.



Julian Thew arrived a few moments ago and went through his usual routine of signing autographs, accepting thanks for awards he hadn't even realised he won (he won the Pokerstars award for "Media Player Of The Year" last night, which was accepted on his behalf) and generally chatting to his fans and friends.

He heard about the Albert Sapiano story and was amazed. "30,000 to 2,000 to 40,000!"

"He's the new yo-yo!" I told him and maybe I thought I noticed just the smallest trace of fear in Julian's eyes at this possible  threat to his position as the all powerful yo-yo master.

Then I realised he was actually just registering amazement at how quickly Jen was eating steak. Apparently they had to kill three seperate cows before her thirst for blood was quenched.

Mild mannered poker writer and player by day, carnivorous T Rex by dinner.

[Zpaceman]

Woohoo...England 4 Croatia 1 - that's a surprise!!! Hoping for more good things tomorrow ;-)

Meanwhile I did drop by the casino a few hours ago: Timex was definitely playing today so if no sign of him he must be out :-(

Also, Moorman is not here - he told me lost his passport and couldn't come :-(

Brits definitely playing tomorrow: stevie444 and me

[irina]

How is Steve Jelinek doing please?

[dalzini]

The dude in the white looks like either Jason Mercier or possibly Nick Schulman???

[JungleCat03]

Here, on the Special Table, on the far right is Strassman, next to WPT champ Christian Grundtvig and then there's the dude in white whom I'm sure I recognise but can't quite place.

Jason Mercier, winner of EPT San Remo, who I still insist looks like Jake Gyllenhall of Donnie Darko fame.

Also sharing the felt at this table is Erica Schoenburg, making it the pick of the tables in terms of poker fame.

Interestingly, this hand would have felt like some revenge for Strassmann, who was eliminated on the final table of the EPT Dortmund by Mike McDonald after being smacked about by the young Canadian for much of the day.

I thought I did detect a little bit of a smug smile from Johannes as he raked in the pot.

Some pots are sweeter to win than others.

[JungleCat03]

Updates and chip counts on Surinder and Barny please if you get a chance.

Having checked this out, Surinder is NOT playing today but he has been spotted knocking about the casino, perhaps partaking in the juicy cash games that are going on if he has managed to negotiate the enormous waiting lists that seem to have buillt up.

[JungleCat03]

As requested, James Keys - 8,375. Looking short but he can turn it round I'm sure.

[SM1LE]

As requested, James Keys - 8,375. Looking short but he can turn it round I'm sure.

Thanks, hopefully you are right.

[JungleCat03]

I'm sad to say I've scoured the casino and can't see Mini Me in the tournament anymore

I asked one of the press how he was doing and was told "he's a bit short" which was harsh I felt. Anyway it appears he's gone, but if he's still in, possibly obscured by a stack of towering three chips or so, I apologise for mis-reporting his exit and hope he can find it in his heart to forgive me.

I'm sure he'll be ok about it.

[Djinn]

LEADERWATCH:

Here are a few stacks towering over their respective tables, or reaching for the dizzy heights of Chip Leader Himself...

Ramzi Jelassi -- 34,000  A consistent performer who's been left just in the shadow of the limelight a number of times - more than once after two whole days' play and some busted Aces in a crucial pot.  Running better, it appears, and planning the rest of his touring year with the help of an EPT leaflet. 



Michael Keiner -- 63,000  Confident, early chatter who's taking it a bit more seriously, it appears, now he's in contention for going through to Day Two with a huge stack.  An early ridiculous hand saw multiple shoves in front of him with gradually increasing pocket pairs, with his beating them all and winning a monster chip-boosting pot.



Then there's this guy - Mr. Pink, until someone tells me who he is.  Already sitting on a tidy stack, the gent in red sitting on his right got his whole stack in preflop with vs. Mr. Pink's .
Flop: club club  At which point he, contrary to tradition, was the one who leapt out of his chair with a strangled shout of joy, stacking his resigned-looking neighbour and giving him a field-leading 80,000 stack.