Season 28 Week 2

Season 28 Week 2

This week the VPL hosted a bakers dozen.

13 players sat down for their luck at the prize.

Even though these numbers are lower from last week, don’t get it twisted because this was no quick tournament.

The tournament ended around 12:00am with the blinds at 500/100.

This was ironic because last week with 20 people was one of the quickest tournaments at the VPL which ended around 11:20.

Week 2, was the last week of 2010.

That means that January 4, 2011 will start the player of the year points race.

There will be a listing of the points in the sidebar. Top 10 each week will get points.

Back to the action on hand.

Where should I begin…………..oh yeah, the bubble list:

Joe, Alan, Andy and James.

This list contains one previous qualifier: Andy.

There will be at least one new qualifier this week.

Who had the magic pin to pop the bubble?

This week, going out in 4th place was……………Andy.

With Andy going out in 4th means that there will be TWO new qualifiers.

We now proceed to the money list:

James, Alan and Joe

Should I being a new subject before listing the 3rd place finisher?

I could begin with how crazy the night was or start talking about with the lower numbers there has been lower drama.

Or I could say that March 2011 will be the 5th year of the VPL.

But I won’t do any of those things.

Now onto the subject at hand……………….3rd place.

Exiting the table, in 3rd place with a win of $31 was Alan.

This means that we have come to our new qualifiers: Joe and James.

Before I announce who the winner of week 2 was I have to talk a little bit of this heads up battle.

First off, we have two veterans of the VPL squaring off on the felt.

It does take skill to make it to top two and win a tournament.

Not taking away from either one of the participants skill level, but this week came down to plain luck.

With one person going all-in and being called with the losing hand, they would hit the river and survive.

Both players hit the river to save their tournament life at least two time EACH.

It was pretty crazy.

Okay, now time to the announcement at hand..

Coming in 2nd place with a win of $52 and a set at the TOC was……….Joe.

With that, I announce the winner of week 2, with a win of $104, the chip and a seat at the TOC was James.

Congratulations to both James and Joe for qualifying for the TOC.

What will 2011 bring to the VPL?

Only one way to find out…………………come and play.

Good luck everyone.

Season 28 Week 1

Season 28 Week 1

What a week to start off the new season.

This week by the break, the VPL was host to 20 people.

With one person coming in as we were coloring up. You couldn’t get any closer than that.

I know I say this every week, however, this week proved to be crazy with action.

I don’t just mean a lot of betting, but the cards that people were showing were insane.

I understand that there is no 1 way to play poker………….but WOW.

We had multiple handed pots, big pots, small pots. Sometimes it seemed like money was just being exchanged around the table. (HaHa I know that’s exactly what happens when you play poker……….but this week was more strange than usual)

Here is another example on how it was a little different.

Okay, we had 20 people. That’s 3 tables of poker action, however, the tournament ended around 11:20. That by itself is crazy.

This next part is the information that everyone is looking for.

People, I present……………………..the Bubble List:

There are always 4 names on this list (when the attendance is 20 and lower).

This week is no different. I now present you with the following names:

Brandon, Andy, Joe and David SL

Bowing out gracefully after about 3 hours of play was Brandon.

We are now one step closer to crowning a winner of week 1.

This next rung on this ladder is the money list, which I present to you now:

Andy, Joe and David SL

The question now becomes who will be the first two qualifiers for season 28’s TOC.

Keep reading, I have an answer for that question.

Leaving the table in the 3rd position with a win of $48 was Joe.

As we continue to climb this ladder the next rung is heads-up.

Congratulations to both David SL and Andy for being the first two players to qualify.

The last hand went something like this (and if I’m wrong, I’m sure Joe will let me know).

Before that I want to give a big THANK YOU to Joe for dealing the heads-up.

The VPL rule is that when the tournament is heads up there is a 3rd party dealer.

Now back to our regular scheduled program:

Last hand:

Andy moves all-in.

David SL says (I’m paraphrasing here)”Screw it, I’m tired. I call”

Andy is the chipleader at this point.

Andy shows K J and David shows 3 5

The flop comes A 5 10.

David hits a pair on the flop to take the lead.

But don’t celebrate too early, because the turn brings a Q for Andy to seal the deal.

David SL leaves in 2nd place with a win of $80.

We crown our first champion for Season 28.

With a win of $160 and the chip it was Andy. This is Andy’s first win at the VPL.

What will next week bring?

Don’t forget starting, January 4, 2011, we start keeping track for Player of the Year.

Top 10 each week get points.

Good luck everyone.

Season 27 Tournament of champions

Normally the TOC has a video. This week I wasn’t feeling very well so you will have to read about tourney.

Season 27 Tournament of Champions had a total of 15 players.

Among this group there are people with 1, 2 and 3 bracelets.

There are people fighting for their first bracelet.

The first level we didn’t see anyone go down.

In the next level (10-20) we saw the first casualty of the night. It was 3 time bracelet winner james.

The next level (15-30) saw another bracelet winner find his way off the table (Alex).

After the break, two victims fell prey to the game of poker at 25-50 (David SL and Valerie).

At the level 50-100, there was plenty of action. 4 people were dropped (Clay, Todd, Brandon and David P)

At this point there were 7 players left:

TC, Scott, Michelle, Jason W, Steve, Janna and Alan

Out of this group there are two previous bracelet winners (TC -2 and Alan-3).

75-150 was the doorway that led Michelle off the table.

100-200 Brought Scott his ticket off the table.

At this point we are at the Money Bubble:

TC, JasonW, Janna, Steve and Alan

The person who popped the bubble, leaving in 5th place with 0.00 was………TC

Money time: Jason W, Steve, Janna and Alan

One of these players could win their first bracelet or history could be made if Alan wins his 4th bracelet.

At the level of 300-600 we saw Janna bow out with a win of $70.

Next to leave the table at the same level was Jason W with a win of $105.

That means that we are now heads-up: Steve and Alan

Will it be a first bracelet win or a fourth bracelet win.

With an all-in and a call, plus both players pairing one of their cards on the flop we have a 1st place and a 2nd place.

When the dust settled and the river cards was placed , it was Steve coming in 2nd place with a win of $175.

Which means that history has been made.

Alan has become the 1st person in VPL history to win 4 bracelets.

His win earned him $350.

Who will start of Season 28 with a win?

Don’t forget that starting in January , the race for Player of the Year begins.

Good luck everyone!!!!

Season 27 Week 8

Season 27 Week 8

Coming off the heals of a very successful Holiday Invitational, we cap this season 27 off this week with week #8.

Compared to the big turnout we had for the holiday inn, the VPL hosted a modest 17 players for week #8.

Don’t let that fool you, this week was full of surprises. Early outs and surprisingly deep runs.

By the end of of it all, we want to say congratulations to Brandon for winning season 27 points. He totaled 119 points.

For this great feat, Brandon earned himself $267.

Congratulations to Brandon.

Even with two tables of poker action, the tournament lasted a little after midnight.

No sense in putting this off…………the bubble list:

David P, Valerie, Scott and Brandon

With the points secured, Brandon left the table in 4^th place.

Which leads us to the money list:

Valerie, David P, and Scott

Out of this bunch, there is only one previous qualifier…David P.

That means that we will add at least one new name to the TOC qualfiers (maybe two)

In 3^rd place with a win of $40 was Valerie.

Heads up: David P and Scott

This battle ended almost as quickly as it started.

Going out in 2^nd place, with a win of $68 was David P.

That means week 8’s victory, along with chip and $136 went to Scott.

*** Interesting side note here:

Scott came in 2^nd at the Holiday Invitational with a win of $442.

And now 1^st time playing this season, takes down week 8 with a win of $136.

For a total of $579 in two weeks.

How will he do at the TOC?

Will he take it down? Will he make some more money.

The only thing that is for certain is that you have to come and play to find out.

There are officially 14 players qualified for the TOC:

Brandon, David P, TC, Michelle, Jason W, Todd, Janna, Bill, Andrew, Alex, Scott, Quentin…..two points qualifiers are Bryan and Alan.

Good luck everyone.

2010 Holiday Invitational

December 5, 2010

Part 1

Part 2

Holiday Invitational 2010

Sunday!!! Sunday!!!! Sunday!!!!!

2010 Holiday Invitational

Sunday December 5th, 2010

Valdez Casino

1:30

Be there before 1:15 to receive the early bonus.

Add-on of $10 for 1,000 chips at the break

Same rules apply for the holiday inn as with any tournament.

Same bonus rules.

Be there before 1:15 to pay and draw for your seat to receive the 200 chip bonus.

The add-on will be at the break. You must make it to the break to qualify for the add-on.

If you bust before the break, you will be out of the tournament.

Season 27 Week 7

Season 27 Week 7

This was it! The last chance to qualify for the Holiday Invitational!

This week the VPL was host to 19 players.

This week was interesting because at the break, there was only 2 players out of the tournament.

However, once the blinds hit 75-150, they started dropping like flies.

The tournament was completed around 11:50pm.

A tournament ending before midnight at the VPL, that very rarely happens.

Stranger things have happened at the VPL.

The only constant thing you will hear at the VPL is “Wow, did that really just happen?”.

We started off strong with 3 tables of action.

Of course, 3 tables becomes 2 tables. Then 2 tables turns into the final table.

Then with half of those people gone………………we’ve got the bubble list.

This week the bubble list had: Andrew, Michelle, Janna and Jason W.

This is interesting because Janna and Jason W have previously qualified for the TOC.

Will there be a new qualifier? Two?

Which one will pop the bubble, a previous qualifier or a non-qualifier……..

At this point it became the battle of skill, patience and short stack play.

The answer is………………..a non-qualifier.

This week the bubble king was Andrew.

The evolution of the bubble list is that it blossoms into the money list:

Janna, Michelle and Jason W

The question still remains, will there be a new qualifier?

Coming in 3rd place with a win of $48 was………..Janna.

So the answer to the questions is: Yes, there will be at least one new qualifier this week.

After the money list retires, it transforms into Heads-Up: Michelle and Jason W

After a few hands it was over.

With the final all-in and call, coming in 2nd place with a win of $80 was Michelle.

That means that the final man standing for week 7, with the chip, and $161 was Jason W.

Congratulations to Michelle for qualifying this week.

Going into the money list, Jason W had a chip a good chip lead over Michelle and Janna.

The action does not end here folks.

In fact, the plot now thickens.

With Michelle qualifying this week it opens up the race to who will be the two non-points qualifiers.

There is only one more week left.

Bryan has the 1st spot pretty well secured.

Now the 2nd spot difference is only one point.

The fight for the seat is with James (70 pts) and Alan (69pts).

If they happened to tie, they both could possibly get a seat in the TOC.

Wait, there’s more!

If they both happen to qualify, then someone new could sneak up and get the seat.

Who will be the next qualifiers.

Who will be the top two points qualifiers.

So many questions, not enough answers.

Come next week and see.

Good luck everyone.

Week 8, the VPL starts a new pot for the 2011 Holiday Invitational!

Season 27 Week 6

Season 27 Week6.

This week the VPL held a respectable tournament with 18 players showing up for their shot at money.

This week showed some promise and always surprises.

Being that this is week 6, that means that there is only 1 week left before the Holiday Invitational.

Date: Dec 5th

Time: 1:30

Be there by 1:15 to get the bonus chips.

Also there will be a $10 add-on at the break for an additional 1,000 chips.

You have to make it to the break for the add-on. If you get knocked out before the break, you are done.

1 ½ weeks to crown the first ever Holiday Invitational Champion!!!!!

Back the to business at hand.

We are talking week 6.

Very interesting the way the points ended up.

Coming into week 6, Bryan was in 2nd place in points.

Knowing he had to work, Bryan opted for the buy-in for the points strategy.

Did this work, well the points will let you know where he sits now.

The bubble list is an interesting list with the following names:

Todd, Robbie P, Janna and Brandon.

Going out in 4th place, with 16 points was Robbie P.

Money list: Todd, Brandon and Janna

The money list contains two previous qualifiers: Brandon and Todd

When there is a 4th place it is followed by a 3rd place.

The VPL is no different.

Going out in 3rd place with a win of $45 and 18 points was Brandon.

That means that going in the heads-up battle was Todd and Janna.

Congratulations to Janna for qualifying for the TOC. Todd has previous qualified.

After the dust settled, coming in 2nd place with a win of $76 was Todd.

Which means, by process of elimination, that the winner of week 6, the chip and $153 was Janna.

Interesting side note: Todd has only played 3 times in season 27 and he has placed 1st, 2nd and 3rd.

Just think how he would be sitting in points if he had come to all the weeks………..

Only one more week before the Holiday Inn.

What will happen next week?

How many players will there be?

Only one way to know……………………

Good luck to everyone!

Season 27 Week 5

Season 27 Week 5

We have started on the last half of season 27.

Week 5 brought together 19 of the VPL’s finest players ( I do use that term loosely).

We had a small debate whether to start with two or three tables.

Normally a 19 person count would be 3 tables.

However, as always at the VPL, everyone is not always there when the cards go in the air.

This week the 2 table situation worked out very well.

Week 5 brought us a couple more people to qualify for the Holiday Inn.

This week made #20 for Brandon and Sam.

Congratulations to both of those gentlmen.

There are only 2 more tournaments before the Holiday Inn.

The players dropped relatively quickly this week.

We came to the bubble list in a very timely manner.

Without any further adeu, I present you the bubble list.

Randy, TC, Janna and Brandon.

Before I go any further, I have to give the chip stacks at this time.

With a very big league Brandon is the chip leader.

Then in 2nd stack is Janna.

Rounding 3rd is TC

And in 4th chip stack is Randy.

I always say this but it has proven itself to be true:

Anything can happen at the VPL.

At this time, I believe the blinds were 400/800.

The exact play may be off but the end result is correct.

TC folds pre-flop

Brandon limps in for 800 as does Janna.

Randy moves all-in.

Brandon then calls Randy’s all-in.

Janna thinks about it moves over the top all-in.

Brandon then calls Janna’s all-in.

At this point, chip leader is Brandon then Janna then Randy.

Brandon shows 3 3
Janna shows 6 6
Randy shows A J

The flop comes
2 10 4

No help to anyone with Janna in the lead.

The turn comes
2 10 4 6

This trips up Janna

It’s time for the river, that infamous place that makes or breaks a player at the VPL.

Well this week, the river broke two players, because the river this hand was the miracle 5.

2 10 4 6 5

Runner runner for Brandon to hit a straight and take both Janna and Randy out in the same hand.

I do believe this is the first time in VPL history that the bubble and the qualifying bubble was popped in the same hand.

By eliminating two people that means that we now have a heads-up:

Brandon and TC
Brandon had previously qualified.

Brandon enters this battle with an outstanding chip lead.

TC doubles up once but could hang when Brandon moved all-in with 66 against A 4s.

So in 2nd place TC took $80.

That means that week 5 belonged to Brandon.

With the victory, the chip and $161 Brandon wins week 5.

The action doesn’t stop there.

The points have tightened up a bit.

Next week the top two points people won’t be able to make it.

They have committed their money for the points.

We have a new chip leader this week.

Who will be leading after week 6?

Will there be any new qualifiers next week?

What kind of action can we expect to see next week?

All these questions will be answered and more next week.

Congratulations to TC for qualifying for the TOC

Good luck everyone.

Sample post

Season 27 Week 4

Halfway through season 27 and 1 week closer to the Holiday Invitational!

This week was no slouch for the the VPL.

Once again, 21 people cashed in their savings bonds and sat for their shot at glory.

This week there was no loss of action.

As always the VPL provides plenty of chasing, drawing out and the infamous river catch.

This week the following names are one the bubble list:

Todd, James, Andrew and Jason.

This week there had to be a 4th place and that place belonged to James.

That means the money list contains:

Todd, Andrew and Jason W.

Congratulations to these three gentlemen for making the money.

With this list, indicates that there will be two new qualifiers for the TOC.

With a win of $35 and exiting the table in 3rd place was......Todd.

Heads-Up: Jason W and Andrew

The winner of this battle definitely deserved the win.

This heads up battle lasted over two blind levels.

When there is a 1st place there has to be a 2nd place.

This week, coming in 2nd place with a win of $89 was Jason W.

Which means, to the victor go the spoils, and this week the winner of week 4 with a win of $178 and the chip was Andrew.

Congratulations to Andrew and Jason W for being the next two qualifiers.

Don't count out the points race, even at the halfway point, the race can go to anyone.

Who will be points leader by the end of next week?

Well, you have to come and play to see.

Good luck to everyone!

Season 27 Week 3

Season 27 Week 3

Week #3 brought together an impressive 21 people for the night.

There are a couple of things a person can count on when they play on the VPL.

Number 1: always a lot of poker action.

Number 2: to expect the unexpected.

The latter was the result of some very unexpected conversation this week.

This is a family blog so the exact details of that conversation cannot be repeated.

This is one strategy I’ve never seen before:

Usually in a poker game you see some people talking or saying certain things to get into a person’s head to cause them to go on tilt (usually a comment on how they play)

This week, it was the mob mentality that took over.

Poor Valerie. She made it through 13 people to make it to the final table.

This is where the conversation took a turn for the worse.

The funny thing is that usually the talk is filled with cursing and foul language.

This time is was down right gross.

Know this, we are at the VPL, final table with a table full of egos.

With that, one gross story was topped off by another gross story which was then outdone by yet another gross story.

We found out that Valerie has a very weak stomach.

So the sharks smelled blood and it was on.

She was at the verge of loosing her cookies. She was getting gross things told to her along with sounds…..etc.

It was like watching motorcycle racing: you don’t want anyone to get hurt but in the back of your mind you’re waiting for a crash.

Only a sick mind would have enjoyed the antics last night. As everyone knows, the VPL is 90% filled with sick minds.

That story was just too funny not to be told.

Okay back to the action.

The night started of with 3 tables of 7.

This was whittled down to a final table of 8.

Which was then fine tuned to the bubble list of 4.

The following names appear on this list: TC, Brandon, Alex and Todd

As a person leaves this list, it then transcends into the money list.

Todd, TC and Alex.

With these three names means that there will be 2 new qualifiers.

Going out in 3rd place with a win of $35 was TC.

Heads-Up: Alex and Todd

This was a very good race.

At one point Alex went all in and was quickly called by Todd who held an over pair to Alex non-pair (both under cards).

The flop didn’t help Alex, the turn pair one of his cards. Then the miracle river hit his 2nd card for runner runner two pair.

I could be wrong but I remember that Todd’s overpair was a pocket pair of Kings.

In the end it always ends with an all-in and a call.

Coming in 2nd place with a win of $89 was Alex.

That means that week 2 belonged to Todd with the chip and a win of $178.

Congratulations to both Alex and Todd for qualifying for the TOC.

Now due to some technical difficulties: I am not perfect nor do I claim to be:

The computer payout last night was set for 19 people. The actual payouts were 161, 81 and 32 (which are incorrect). The correct payout is listed above..

I sent a text to both Alex and Todd on the error and informed them that they both have money coming to them.

I do apologize for this error. I try my best to make sure everything runs as smooth as possible but sometimes mistakes are made. All I can do is apologize and make it right.

On this note: I do want to thank everyone who helps me put up the chairs and tables as we break down. Thank you everyone.

Good luck everyone in week 4.

Holiday Invitational

This tournament has been scheduled for December 5, 2010 at 1:30.

Be there before 1:15 and get 200 bonus chips.

Also there will be an add-on period at the first color-up.

You can purchase 100 for $1 up to $10 for 1,000 chips. Doesn’t matter your stack size.

You cannot buy this if you got busted out before the color-up.

If you do not have 20 tickets, and you have played this year at the VPL you may buy in this tournament for $51.

Season 27

Season 27 Week 2

This was an exciting week at the VPL.

There were 18 players who sat down at two tables to fight for their shot at glory.

The end is always the same, there can only be one.

We have already had two qualifiers for the TOC will there be more this week?

Keep reading………………..

Week 2 inches our way towards the Holiday Invitational.

This tournament has been scheduled for December 5, 2010 at 1:30.

Be there before 1:15 and get 200 bonus chips.

Also there will be an add-on period at the first color-up.

You can purchase 100 for $1 up to $10 for 1,000 chips. Doesn’t matter your stack size.

You cannot buy this if you got busted out before the color-up.

The play this week was like no other.

This week the tournament ended at the blinds of 1,000 – 2,000.

I have to write about this incident (or set of incidents)

It has been stated before that Michelle has the skills to work a short stack very well (others have said she’s gotten practice because she is married to me……..I’m not one of those people).

This was proven again in week 2.

6 people left in the tournament, blinds are 50/100.

Michelle has one $25 chip in her hand.

In a series of all-in (mostly coming in the blinds), calls and domination,

She managed to turn that single $25 chip into $800.

However, in the end, she couldn’t stand the blinds. She had to exit the table in 6th place.

It was unbelievable.

Now onto the bubble list: Quentin, Bryan, Frank and Brandon

With this list, it guarantees us at least two new qualifiers.

After a good battle, the person who had the magic pin was……….Frank.

You know what’s coming up next: Money List

Bryan, Brandon and Quentin

Popping the qualifying bubble and coming in 3rd place with a win of $45 was Bryan.

That means heads-up: Brandon and Quentin

Words cannot explain this epic battle.

The blinds started at 500-1000.

This heads-up war has to go down in the history books of the VPL.

This battle of the wills lasted over an hour. That’s right over an hour of heads up play.

Just like Thunderdome: two men enter, one man leaves.

Tonight, coming in 2nd place with a win of $76 was……..Quentin.

That means to the victor go the spoils along with the chip and $153 to Brandon.

Congratulations to Brandon and Quentin for being the next two to qualify for the TOC.

What type of action will week 3 bring?

The only thing for sure in the VPL is to expect the unexpected.

Good luck everyone.

Season 27 Week 1

This is week 1 of Season 27.

This week the VPL hosted 13 players.

That’s right 13. This isn’t a number that the VPL is used to hosting.

Don’t let the small number fool you.

As always don’t expect anything less than stellar poker playing at the VPL.

This week was no exception. Even with the low number, the VPL finished the tournament at 400/800 around 11:45.

As stated before, even if the numbers drop to a single table……….there will always be a tournament!

This week we started with two tables of 6 and 7.

You know where we like start this: the bubble list:

Bill, Michelle, Bryan and David P.

This battle of the bubble was insane. It took about a blind and ½ before someone eventually dropped out.

That someone has a name………..going out in 4th place earning 11 pts was…….Bryan.

That brings us to the money list: David P, Bill and Michelle

Going out in 3rd place with a win of $33 was……..Michelle.

The first two qualifiers for the TOC for season 27 are:

David P and Bill

This was an interesting match. Two different styles going for the win.

In the end, there can only be one.

Finishing week 1 in 2nd place with a win of $55 was………….David P

That means that the victor for week 1, the chip and $110 was Bill.

Congratulations to Bill and David P for becoming the first two to qualify for the TOC.

What will the numbers read next week?

Only one way to find out.

Who will win week 2?

You can’t win if you don’t play.

Good luck everyone!

Season 26 TOC

Season 26 Tournament of Champions

October 12, 2010

Season 26 Week 8

What a way to finish season 26.

Week 8 brought together 22 poker players for their last chance to qualify for the TOC.

This was the final week to see who would win points.

Scott was leading points all the way through week 6.

Come week 7, Quentin jumped ahead of him by 6 points.

Coming into week 8 Quentin was points leader.

Quentin left the table and earned 9 points which gave him a total of 131.

Scott battled through a field of players trying to gain position.

Finally, it was Scott’s turn to say good-bye to the felt.

He left the tournament earning 15 points also giving him 131.

The points will be split between Scott and Quentin.

Total points prize pool was $326.

Each of them earned $163.

Congratulations to both players for their win.

So how did the rest of the tournament go?..................read on my friend.

This season was very interesting because I sat out this season.

I was luck enough to have my buy-in paid for in week 2 and week 8.

Week 8 was also a celebration for Slugger’s birthday.

With a lot of all-ins, calls, bets, raises and folds brings us to the bubble list:

Valerie, Slugger, TC and Dave SL.

The only name on this list with a Q is Slugger.

That means there will be at least one new qualifier

Going out in 4th place one the bubble was…………..Slugger.

I’m sure this was fine because this gave him more time to finish his bottle of Jack.

Being that Slugger is on the rail, this means that there will be 2 new qualifiers for the TOC.

Money list:

Valerie, TC and Dave SL.

When there is a 4th, it’s always followed by a 3rd.

This week, going out in 3rd place with a win of $37 was Valerie.

Heads-Up: TC and Dave SL.

When the tournament ended it was Dave SL who went out in 2nd place with a win of $93.

That statement is only followed by:

In 1st place, with a win of $187 and the chip was TC.

Congratulations to TC and Dave SL. For being the last players to qualify for the TOC.

There are now a total of 16 players qualified for the TOC.

I do believe this is the biggest TOC in the history of the VPL.

Who will take it down next week?

Come and watch the crazy action which can only be found at Valdez Casino.

Good luck everyone.

Season 26 Week 7

We had an explosion of action this week at the VPL

With an unexpected 28 players, there was alot of action.

Very close to tying the all time attendance record (this record is 30 and has been tied only one other time).

New starting rule: The players will start to be seated when the entrances hit 18 and as soon as everyone is seated the tournament will be started. Bonus chips are still in play before 7:15 (even if the tournament has been started).

Live registration starts at 6:45.

This week did have a first at a VPL tournament. (more on that to come).

With the large number of players does not change the bubble list.

This list will always contain 4 names.

This week is no different and those four are: Brandon, Angela, Clay and Jason.

Leaving the table in 4th place was..................Angela.

Money time: Brandon, Clay and Jason

Here is the point of the tournament for the new action.

All three players decided on an even split of the money and will play for points.

With a unanimous decision, each player left the table with $134.

Going out in 3rd place with 28 points was Brandon.

Heads-up: Jason and Clay

This heads up was definitely nuts.

By the all-ins and calls it was obvious that there was no money at stake.

But in the end, there could only be one.

Going out in 2nd place with 30 points and qualifying for the TOC was Jason.

Leaving the table as the last man standing, along with the chip and 32 points was Clay.

Congratulations to Jason for qualifying for the TOC.

Clay had previously qualified.

After this week, we have a new points leader.

Will the leader hold the points?

Will there be two new qualifiers?

You know the answer to this drill.

Come for week 8 and see a dramatic fight to the finish.

Good luck everyone.

La Bamba Tournament

Unfortunately the tournament scheduled for Saturday 9-25-10 has to be canceled.

I'm in the process of scheduling a tournament in October for La Bamba.

I will post it when it is finalized.

Season 26 Week 6

The end is coming!

The end of the season that is.

This week was week #6 which means that there are only two tournaments left for season 26,

The points race still can be won by anyone.

This week the VPL was host to 22 hungry poker players.

Who will be the next two to qualify for the TOC.

Keep reading, that answer is coming up.

It was slow to start getting people out of the tournament, but once the break was over it seemed like that were dropping like flies.

Lets get to the nitty gritty. The bubble list:

Janna, Brandon, Bill and Steve.

This week the one with the pin went to..........................Brandon.

After Brandon's exit and the dust settled, the money list was born.

Janna, Bill and Steve.

When there is a 4th place, there has to be a 3rd place.

This week, leaving the table in 3rd place with a win of $37 was Bill.

Heads-Up: Steve and Janna

I have to say that I haven't seen a heads-up like this in a long time.

But by the turn of the river on the final hand we crowned a winner for week 6.

Which means, coming in 2nd place, a seat at the TOC and $93 was...........Janna.

To the victor go the spoils, winning week 6, the chip, a seat at the TOC and $187 was Steve.

Congratulations to Steve and Janna for being the next two people to qualify for the TOC.

Who will be the next two to qualify?

Who will be leading points after week 7?

You have to come and play to see. Same bat time, same bat channel.

Good luck everyone.

Season 26 Week 5

Welcome to season 26 week 5.

Completing this week, means that there are only 3 tournaments left in season 26.

Points race is still anyone's ballgame.

This week VPL hosted 19 players at the poker tables.

As the season is on it's downside people are taking alot more chances with bets and calls.

Some of the calls at the VPL would make your jaw drop all the way to the floor.

Also you can hear ooohs when a person has hit their two outer on the river to save their tournament life.

These are the things to expect when you come and play at the VPL.

This week the bubble list contained the following names: Jeremy, Joe, Angela and Todd

Being short stacked the first name off the list and popping the bubble was Angela.

This brings us to money list: Todd, Jeremy and Joe

Leaving the table with a win of $48 along with a few choice words was Jeremy.

Heads-Up: Todd and Joe

Congratulations to these two gentlemen (and I use the word gentlemen very generously).

for being two new names on the TOC qualifying list.

With a catch on the river, it was Joe who went out in 2nd place with a win of $80.

That means that it was Todd who was the winner of week 5. His efforts earned him the chip along with $161.

Let's see everyone come and play in week 7.

Good luck everyone.

Season 26 Week 4

We have just completed the halfway point for season 26.

This week the numbers dipped a bit but that the poker action did not.

Week 4 had 18 players come and pull up a chair and put their $21 on the line.

Just because we are have 1/2 the season in the books does not mean that it's over.

Just the opposite, it's far from over. After this week the points race tightened up.

Let's get it started.

This week we begin......you know the place................the bubble list:

The four names to grace this list are: Clay, Alan, Valerie and Jared.

It was a battle to the pop the bubble but the winner of this honor is................ Valerie.

She popped the bubble going out in 4th place.

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ Time!

Clay, Jared and Alan

The next to gracefully leave the table is 3rd place with a win of $46 was Alan.

Heads-Up: Clay and Jared

This was quite the battle. The pots were kept low. Neither one of these men wanted to go out early in this heads up match.

In the end, we did have a 2nd place with a win of $77 was Clay.

Week 4 win, the chip and $153 went to Jared.

Congratulations to Clay and Jared for qualifying for the TOC.

Congratulations to Jared, this was Jared's first win at the VPL.

Will there new qualifiers next week?

Will there be a new points leader?

Tune in next week for the answers to these questions plus alot of great poker action.

Good luck everyone!

Season 26 Week 3

This week the VPL was host to 23 people who came, laid their money down and played some incredible poker.

It has been said time and time again that there is no action like the VPL. This proved to be true week in week 3.

There were some crazy bets but the calls were............well let's just say they could have been on their own tv show.............Ripley's believe it or not!

Some things you just have to see with your own eyes to believe.

That's the reason that you should come next week to see this play.

Plenty of things to learn from at the VPL.

Let's get this party started.

The bubble list: Slugger, Todd, Alan and Scott

This week the honor of popping the bubble belongs to Todd.

Which brings us to money list.

Alan, Scott and Slugger.

Going out in 3rd place with a win of $39 was Alan.

Heads-up: Scott and Slugger

With the final card we can crown a winner for week3.

In 2nd place with a win of $97 was Slugger.

That means in 1st, the chip and $195 was Scott.

Congratulations to Scott for winning back to back week 2 and week 3.

Can he repeat his performance next week?

Come play and find out.

Good luck everyone.

Season 26 week 2

Once again it's on!

This week the VPL has proven once again that this is the place for the best tournament action.

Before I get into this weeks info, I want to thank those who contributed to allow me to play this week.

This week brought us some veterans back to the felt as well as opened the doors to a few new players.

When the dust settled, there were a total of 28 players at the VPL.

The record attendance at the VPL has been 30 (very close this week).

Will the VPL have to go back to 4 tables?

You will have to come next week to play and find out.

This weeks poker action was some of the craziest.

The tournament went all the way to 1,000-2,000 blinds

On to the program, we start at the bubble list.

Jeremy, Michelle, Joe and Scott

One of the key hands of the night was when Jeremy went all-in.

He received two callers. Scott and Joe.

Flopped came, Scott called and Joe folded

Scott had flopped a straight.

Jeremy was drawing to a miracle and hit that miracle on the river when a nine showed giving him a straight to the Queen and Scott having a straight to the Jack.

Jeremy tripled up on that hand.

Winning that hand gave him some cushion because going out on the bubble was Michelle.

Money time:

Scott, Joe and Jeremy

We will have two new qualifiers this week.

Going out in 3rd place with a win of $47 was Joe.

Heads-Up: Scott and Jeremy.

Congratulations to Jeremy and Scott for being the next two to qualify for the TOC.

This heads up battle only last one hand.

Coming in 2nd, with a win of $119 and a seat at the TOC was Jeremy.

Taking this week down, outlasting 27 other players, with the chip, $238 and a seat at the TOC was Scott.

What will the numbers bring next week?

Who will take points this season?

What kind of crazy side bet action will there be?

Only one way to find out.............................Come and play next week.

Good luck to everyone.

Season 26 Week 1

Welcome to the start of Season 26.

The VPL kicked off week one with an impressive 25 people.

The question that everyone has on their minds is who is going to take points this season.

Will James make it 5 out of 6 season for points.

The poker tournament isn’t the only action that is happening at the VPL.

Just like the WSOP there are many side bets that happen.

Between players, there are bets who will end up with more points by the end of the season.

Also some bets include individual tournaments as to who will last longer.

The tournament isn’t the only poker action on Tuesday nights. There is the infamous cash game where anything can happen (and usually does).

Valdez Casino is the only casino where the cash game has no rake!!!

The reason we are here today is to find out the results of week 1.

Very tough action this week. At the break, there was only 1 person out of the tournament.

That means that starting blinds of 25-50 there were three full tables of action.

It didn’t remain that way for long.

The bubble list was eventually made:

Angela, Frank, Quentin and Bryan L.

This week, going out in 4th place while popping the bubble was…………Frank.

After the bubble list comes the money list:

Quentin, Angela and Bryan.

This money list was somewhat anticlimactic because when it was three way action, Quentin was the overwhelming chip leader.

Both Angela and Bryan both had less than 8 bets left.

Out of theses three people who would be the first two to qualify?

I have an answer……………………….

Leaving the table in 3rd place with a win of $42 was Angela.

Heads-Up: Quentin and Bryan.

This was interesting because when the heads-up match started

Bryan was already all-in in the dark.

The first hand was split.

The 3rd hand bryan won, at this point it wasn’t even two full bets.

Final hand of the night.

Again it was all-in in the dark for Bryan.

The cards were dealt face up.

Pre-flop: Quentin had Q 3 and Bryan had a pocket pair of 5’s

Flop: 2 9 A

The turn: 2 9 A A

The river 2 9 A A 9

The board had two pair which counterfeited Bryans pocket pair. The Q went on to be the the best kicker.

In 2nd place, with a win of $106 and qualifying for the TOC was Bryan L.

The winner of season 26 week 1 with a win of $212, the chip and a seat at the TOC was Quentin.

Congratulations to both Quentin and Bryan for being the first two to qualify for the TOC.

Good luck to everyone next week!

update

I have not forgotten about the people that read the blog ( I appreciate everyone who does).

Unfortunately this last week my main computer caught a virus.

It has been down and of course that is the computer with the video from season 25 TOC.

I have been trying to get rid of it. The medication is not working.

I may have to take it to a specialist.

Just wanted to let everyone know I have not been lazy.

Damn computer whoring around and caught a virus.

Season 26 starts tonight. Good luck everyone!

Season 25 Week 8

I apologize folks. I honestly thought this weeks blog was updated.

I had a very busy weekend. Class reunion time......it was the class of 19....................?

Nevermind that, let's get on with the poker information.

I think there was a full moon out this week.

This was the last chance to qualify for the TOC.

23 people sat down to play this wonderful game we call texas hold'em.

As everyone knows, the only thing that is constant at the VPL is the unpredictable.

This week was no different as you can tell with the names on the following list.

The buble list contains: Tyler, James, Janna and Joe

There will be at least one knew qualifier this week for the TOC.

Unfortunately this week the qualifier will not be......................Janna.

She popped the bubble going out in 4th place.

Money time people: Joe, Tyler and James

Going out in 3rd place with a win of $39 was Joe.

This week the qualifiers are James and Tyler

Head's up makes for some sneaky play.

In 2nd place, with a win of $97 was Tyler.

Congratulations to James for winning week 8.

Also James is the points winner for season 25 (4 out of the last 5 seasons).

His points win earned him $279.

First person to qualify without a Q was Alan.

Coming into this tournament there was a tie between TC and Michelle for the 2nd seat.

Well winning that 2nd seat by 4 points was................................Michelle.

There are 13 qualifiers in total.

Congratulations to all who qualified this season.

Who will take the bracelet?

Come and see.

Good luck everyone in season 26.

Season 25 Week 7

The tournament started a little slow but in the end it was 22 people who showed up to play poker.

It was a crazy game (as always) but never boring. The VPL has some of the craziest bets and even crazier calls.

This week had the VPL live up to it's reputation.

This is week 7 which means that there is only one more week to come and play and qualify.

This week's buble list has 4 names: Valerie, Scott, David SL and Frank

This week, going out in 4th place and popping the bubble was David SL.

After his departure, we travel to the other list.

Which list is that?..............................Oh yeah.............MONEY LIST:

Scott, Frank and Valerie

Within this group, there is only one previous qualifer (Scott).

At the very least we will have at least one new qualifier.

So who was it that went out it third place?................................................

It was Frank. With his exit, he wins $37.

Heads-Up: Scott and Valerie

We will have one new qualifier.

This was a roller coaster ride for sure.

In the end, there was a 2nd place finisher and a 1st place finisher.

Finishing in 2nd place with a win of $93 was Valerie.

Finishing in 1st place, with the chip and $187 was Scott.

This makes back-to-back wins for Scott. He won week 6 and now week 7.

Now Here is another interesting fact for the point qualifiers.

91 Alan

86 TC

86 Michelle

Who will make it to the TOC?

Only one way to find out..........come next week and find out.

Here are some player submitted pics of the tournament:

Season 25 Week 6

This week 21 people battle the rain and came to play at the VPL.

It's the complexity of the variety of people that we have come to play that makes the VPL , the only place to get real poker.

By the time the 21st person walked in the door, there were already 4 people out of the tournament.

21 people means that there was money going to the Holiday Inn tournament.

One more person qualified for the tournament. That person was Bryan Lloyd.

Where shall we start today.................I know..................the bubble list.

This weeks list is sponsored by Aleve. "Aleve........the other blue pill"

okay back to the list: Alan, Todd, Tim and Scott.

This week it was the veteran player Todd who popped the bubble.

That means that ther will be two new qualifiers for the TOC.

Money time: Tim, Alan and Scott.

So the next person to gracefully leave the poker stage was Alan.

Alan, leaving in 3rd place earned himself $35.

Heads-Up: Tim and Scott

The curtain must fall signaling the end to the poker play.

This week, coming in 2nd place with a win of $89 and qualifying for the TOC was Tim.

That means, to the victor go the spoils. This weeks winner of $178, the chip and a place at the TOC was Scott.

Congratulations to both Tim and Scott for qualifying for the TOC.

I am enjoying the fact that the numbers are getting back above 21 so that we have money going to the Holiday Inn in December.

Good luck to everyone!

Pokerstars challenge

It seems that one of our very own players has a chance to win a million dollars.

Follow the link and register and vote for Jared's video

http://memelabs.com/mdc/

Type in Jared Miles in the search box for the videos.

La Bamba Tournament

Season 25 Week 5

I know I have slacked this past week and for that I apologize to everyone.

It is Wednesday morning and the blog will be updated today!

Coming on the downside of the halfway mark of season 25.

Week 5 brought us 19 people to slug it out on the poker felt.

The action was hot, however, the temperature was hotter.

The central was broken and the house felt like a sauna. HORRIBLE.

To those who stuck it out to the end and made it to the final table, I applaud you.

The numbers have dipped a bit from the VPL is used but that is OK.

We are using 3 tables full of poker action.

Since there were less than 21 people, there was no payout to the Holiday Inn.

The names that can be found on this weeks bubble list are:

Quentin, TC, Sam and Clay

This week's bubble was the battle between the short stacks.

TC and Sam were both short stacked coming into this.

They were waiting to see who would go out next.

Sam moves all-in against Clay.

Clay has the lead going into it. A3 versus 78

Sam hits a 7 on the flop, only to see an Ace fall on the river.

Sam pops the bubble in 4th place.

Money time: Quentin, TC and Clay

Trying to make a move TC moves all-in and gets called by Clay.

TC loses the hand and goes out in 3rd place with a win of $48.

Heads-Up: Clay and Quentin.

Two new qualifiers to the TOC.

In the end, there could only be one.

This week, going out in 2nd place with a win of $80 was Quentin.

This week, with the chip and $161 was Clay.

Congratulations to both of them for Qualifying for the TOC.

Good luck to everyone.

Season 25 Week 3

This week the VPL hosted 2 tables of great poker action.

17 players sat down, put their money on the line for a shot at glory.

One would think that 2 tables would be a fast tournament.

On the contrary, the tournament did not end until the blinds reached 500-1000.

The points race has heated up.

There was a 3 way tie going into week 3.

No the difference between 1st place and 2nd place is only 2 points.

The bubble list contained the following names:

Jeremy, TC, James and Angela

Bubble play is a different type of animal.

Some would say start pushing while other philosphies read to be patient.

What is the correct way to play?

The beautiful thing about poker is that there is no one answser for this question.

One doesn't know what they will do until they are put into this position.

Going out in 4th place, popping this weeks bubble was Angela.

We are now in the money.

TC, Jeremy, and James.

TC goes out in 3rd place with a win of $43 when his pocket 7's are out drawn by James' pocket 2's.

Heads-Up:

Jeremy and James

These two players have previously qualified, there will be no new qualifers this week.

At the end, there was only one man standing with all the chips and the money.

This week, going out in 2nd place, with a win of $72 was..........................James.

Which means, to the victor go the spoils.

Jeremy wins 1st place with the chip and $144.

Jeremy took 2nd place last week and 1st place this week.

Always excellent poker action at the VPL.

Only way to win is to play.

Good luck everyone!

$15 Re-buy tournament

Friday night 7pm

Mark's garage

The $15 re-buy tournament is back!

plus the $5 add-on.

unlimited re-buys through the first 4 levels.

Season 25 Week 2

This week the VPL saw a dip in the numbers.

With some unfortunate situations for many people this week, the number of players dipped down to 18 players.

We started with 3 tables of 6.

Once again, do not mistake the small number of players for no action.

There was plenty of action.

I have to admit that this week, the river was not my friend at all (example later in the blog)

The rule states that if there are less then 21 players there will be no money to the Holiday Inn.

There were 4 the places paid (the 4th place going to the Points/TOC).

There were no new qualifiers this week.

There were four names on the bubble list:

Quentin, Jeremy, Bart and TC

Being short stacked, there was an all-in and the infamous "Call".

At the end, it was Quentin who went out in 4th place.

This, my friends, brings us to the money list:
Jeremy, TC and Bart

The hand went something like this:

Pre-flop raise by Bart, TC thinks..............then says "all-in"

Bart called. Bart had $6100 and TC had $6400

The cards are flipped: TC shows AK and Bart shows 77.

Flop came rags, Bart still leading, the turn came and Ace, TC bursts into the lead

only to the see the river hit a 7!

Next hand TC was out in the blind.

TC's 3rd place finish earned him $45

Heads-Up: Jeremy and Bart

Going into this battle Bart is chip leader.

Very good poker action with this heads up.

Although in the end, Jeremy just didn't have enough ammunition to hold off Bart's attacks.

Jeremy ended the night in 2nd place with a win of $76.

That means that Week 2 belonged to Bart. For his victory he walked away with the chip and $153.

Congratulations to both Jeremy and Bart at becoming the 2nd pair to become qualified for the TOC.

There is now a 3 way tie for the points.

Who will jump into the lead next week?

How many players will be playing next week?

The one thing that is for certain is that there will be crazy plays and even crazier calls but always excellent poker action.

See you next week!

Good luck everyone.

La Bamba Tournament

Saturday

June 19, 2010

12:00 noon

$30 buyin
an optional donation of $5 will get you $300 more in starting chips.

Season 25 Week 1

The VPL is back!

After a two week hiatus, the poker action at the VPL is back!

The new season started of with a modest 23 people.

With the two week ticket bonus and this week play, there are a number of more names that have been added to the Holiday Inn tournament.

Just because there was a break in action doesn't mean there was a break in tournament strategy.

The cards were dealt and the people made their decisions on how to play them.

Some were good decisions and some................well let's just say they could have picked better spots.

All this brings us to our favorite spot.........the bubble list:

The VPL always has names for this list, and they are: Andrew, Jeremy, Slugger and James

The man going out in 4th place with 21 points was..........Jeremy.

That's right, Jeremy popped the bubble for week 1.

Money list: James, Andrew and Slugger

When there is a 4th place there is always a 3rd place.

The difference between 4th and 3rd is not only a point but some money also.

This week, going out in 3rd place with a win of $39 was Andrew.

Heads-Up: Slugger and James

The all-in move works everytime but the last one.

Going out in 2nd place with a win of $97 was Slugger.

Which means, the winner of week 1, the chip and $195 was James.

Congratulations to James and Slugger for being the first two qualifiers for week 1.

Good luck everyone in week 2.

NEXT TWO WEEKS - NO POKER

There will be no poker scheduled for the VPL for the next two weeks.

We will start season 25 on June 15, 2010.

Same time and same starting rules.

Season 24 Week 8

This is it! We have put season 24 in the books.

Alot to be reported on this season.

This season has brought the VPL some more firsts.

This season has brought us 30 players.

Early in the season we started 4 tables because of the turnouts.

This season has been the biggest season to date.

Never thought it was possible to have 4 tables in the room..................as they say "Built it and they will come" And they have.

When we thought hitting 100 points was the feat to accomplish, it pales to the fact that season 24 had 18 people hit 100 points.

We can now crown a winner of season 24 points.

This season saw James earn an incredible 180 points. This effort has earned him the biggest points payout to date. He won $382.00.

Congratulations to James.

Excellent season 24.

It is now time to conclude the reporting on "The Joe Challenge". Unfortunately he didn't meet his goal. However, there are a few people who now can buy lunch (courtesy of Joe).

His efforts weren't for nothing because he is now the first alternate in case someone cannot make the TOC.

This will be the biggest TOC to date:

14 players are qualified:

The scheduled payout will be:

1st - $427
2nd -$213
3rd -$128
4th -$ 85

This last week we saw a drop in the numbers. But don't let that fool you. We had 21 players come tonight for their last chance to qualify.

This week we ran 3 tables.

Around 10:40 we saw the final table being formed.

One hour later, we see the names on the bubble list:
Todd, Angela, Joe and David P

It was a rough bubble, but in the end it was Angela who reached into her bag of tricks and pulled out the mighty pin to pop the bubble.

Money time is next:

David P, Joe, and Todd

None of these three have previously qualified.

This puts an interesting spin for points.

Going out in 3rd place, with a win of $35 was Joe.

Heads-Up: David P and Todd

Big bets and biggers calls will lead us to crown this weeks champion.

Going out in 2nd place with a win of $89 was Todd.

That means in 1st place, with the chip, along with $178 was David P.

Congratulations to both Todd and David P for qualifying for the TOC.

A 2nd congratulations goes to David P for coming off a win at the La Bamba tournament this past Saturday.

There are now 14 players qualified for the TOC on May 27, 2010.

We will start Season 25 on June 16, 2010.

Good luck everyone.

Season 24 Week 7

This week was a very interesting week.

The weather was crazy. There was a tornado warning all day.

If there was a moon to be seen last night I'm sure it would have been full.

I'm sure this caused a shift in the tides.

Let's just get this started.

Week 7 brought together a total of 29 people.

The action was very fast.

We started the night with 4 tables (7, 7,7 &8)

We started the tournament around 7:20. Normal time nothing unusual.

We had the tournament down to two tables at 9:40.

13 people were gone in about 2 1/2 hours.

Would the action slow down.

No, because an hour later at 10:45 the final table was formed.

When the 4th person dropped from the final table, the bubble list was formed.

This list contained: Bart, Steve, Mark, and Jeremy

Within this list there was only one previous qualifier (Steve).

The Bubble was popped at 11:38 by Mark.

Mark went out in 4th place with 27 points.

Money time: Steve, Jeremy and Bart.

At this point we are guaranteed at least one new qualifier.

Going out in 3rd place, 29 points with a win of $49 was Steve.

Just twenty minutes after the money list was created we had our Heads-Up.

At 12:00, the clock was stopped and the heads-up match was set.

With only a few hands in this match a winner was crowned.

Finishing in 2nd place with a win of $123 was.............................Jeremy.

That's right! Week 6's chip and $246 belonged to Bart with a 1st place finish.

Congratulations to Bart and Jeremy for becoming the next two to qualify for the TOC.

Next week will be the final chance to qualify.

You have to play to win!

Good luck everyone.

La Bamba Tournament

Just a friendly reminder to everyone:

La Bamba
May 22, 2010
12:00 (high noon)

$30 buyin.

$5 bounty on everyone.

$15 Re-buy Mark

It is on at Mark's house Friday nite!

$15 Re-buy
$ 5 add-on

You know the place and be there before 7:15 to get the $500 bonus.

Good luck everyone

Season 24 Week 6

I want to start by thanking everyone for the vote for the new chairs and chips.

This season has been the seasons of firsts.

This week there is another 1st to report.

Week 6 brought 4 tables to the VPL this week.

With 4 tables we have eliminated the waiting list (so far).

Now the waiting list will start after 32 players.

We also implemented the procedure of drawing when you sign in.

It made to a very smooth start to the tournament.

The starting time to come and register and pay will be 6:45pm

On to the show:

Week 6 brought 29 people together.

We started with tables of 7, 7, 7 and 8.

You have to adjust your play when you have a field of 29.

This adjustment comes easy for some but for others it can be a struggle.

The bubble list contained the following players:

James, Brian L, Scott and Todd

This buble list came down to the battle of the wills (and the hard headed).

With multiple all-ins and then double-ups.

Popping the bubble this week proved to be very difficult.

No one wanted to bubble but you know the drill...........someone had to.

This week, going out in 4th place was Scott.

That brings us to the money list:

James, Todd and Brian L

Next to the leave the felt was Todd in 3rd place with a win of $49.

Heads-Up: Brian L and James.

At the blinds of 1,000 - 2,000 we had our final all-in and call:

When the river card hit, it was James going out in 2nd place with a win of $123.

That means to the victor go the spoils.

In 1st place, with the chips and $246 was Brian L.

Congratulations to Brian L.

For the 2nd week in a row there were no new qualifiers.

There are more names to add the the list of Holiday Inn qualifiers:

This week: Steve and Janice get their names added to the list.

This season will be the biggest yet for the VPL.

Bigger seasons mean bigger payouts.

Come next week for your chance at the big payouts.

Good luck everyone.

Cash Game

CASH GAME IS BACK!!!!!

I know that is hasn't been very long since I made the decision to stop the cash game.

After discussing the situation with my advisory board and the parties involved an agreement has been reached.

The cash game is back on.

Warning: This is to anyone who threatens a fight or threatens to hit someone out of anger will be banned from the cash game and possibly the tournament.

I put together the VPL for entertainment. I enjoy putting the tournaments together along with my cheezy blogs and videos. It does get discouraging if I have to be on toes every week and wonder who will act up that night. I want to have a good time along with everyone.

I don't mind the drinking or the shit talking. That's what poker is all about.

It's when the tone changes and it becomes personal that problems begin.

I hope that everyone can understand my position on this matter.

I do listen to everyone's opinion on any matter.

I do appreciate everyone's input on the holiday inn tournament.

Thank you and good luck.

TC

Season 24 Week 5

CASH GAME SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

(Tuesday nights will be only the tournament)

When people ask where is the best place for tournament poker.......

The answer is always........THE VPL.

Season 24 has given us awhole lot of surprises (some good and some not so good).

We've had to adjust to some growing pains. ie: blind lengths have changed.

We have the beginning qualifiers for the holiday inn: TC, James, Joe and Angela

We also hit one other record last night.

As fast as the blinds were going up, the tournament ended with the blinds at 1,500-3,000.

Two new levels will be added to the blinds:

2,000 - 4,000

3,000 - 6,000

It's just crazy. The blinds start at 5 -10 and ended at 1,500 - 3,000.

Once again, the VPL hosted 30 people at this weeks tournament.

The starting time to register and get on the list is 6:45pm.

When 24 people are present and paid we will draw for seats (doesn't matter what time it is).

The 7:15 bonus time is still in effect.

There are 3 possible levels to start the tournament:

1. full stack of 1,200 (being signed in, paid and there for the draw. even if you are passed #24)

2. full stack of 1,000 (being signed in, paid and there before 7:30)

3. matching the dead stack (any buy-ins after 7:30).

Any questions can be directed toward the T.D.

The T.D. decision will be final in any dispute.

The new blinds went very smoothly.

I couldn't imagine what time we would have been there if the regular time was being used.

Our favorite time: The bubble list.

4 names: Lori, Quentin, Steve and Alan

The play to pop the bubble was wild:

Quentin goes all-in blind.

He does get a caller and ........................loses.

Quentin popped the bubble going out in 4th place.

Money time:

Alan, Steve and Lori

Going out next in 3rd place was................Lori with a win of $51.

Heads-Up: Steve and Alan

With players with the skill of these two, it always makes for an interesting game.

There was no disappointment here.

They took the game all the way to 1,500 - 3,000.

Alan moved all-in after the flop with a flush draw only to be called quickly by Steve who had top

pair (K's) and the flush didn't hit. Steve had Alan out chipped.

Alan went out in 2nd place with a win of $127

Steve won week 5. He won $255 with the chip.

No new qualifiers this week.

Let's see what the numbers will be next week.

Good luck everyone.

Season 24 Week 4

We are now officially half way through season 24.

This season has brought the VPL through a new set of growing pains.

we have now established a waiting list.

we have set and tied a new attendance record.

this season we have seen nothing less than 23 people.

Week 4 brought 28 people together to see who will be the last man standing.

If these numbers stay high, we could see a new record for TOC and points payouts.

We are now halfway through the "Joe Challenge".

He is not dead in the water yet. The next two weeks will determine his fate.

We are wishing you the best in your endevour (except of us who have the bet with you).

There will be a new time on the blinds starting next week:

first three levels 25 minutes (till color-up)

next 5 levels 20 minutes (till color-up)

The rest of the tourney will be 15 minute blinds.

This will end the endless tuesday nights but still make an excellent tournament.

This week it was 10:01 when we came down to two tables.

It was 11:30 when the final table was formed.

1:53 brought us to the money.

The tournament finally ended at 2:16 am

This week the bubble list had quite the interesting names:

Clay, Jason W, Bart and Lori

This week the pin to the bubble was brought from a new comer: Bart went out in 4th place earning himself 26pts.

The weeks money list guarantees two new qualifiers for the TOC:

Clay, Jason W, and Lori

The person going out in 3rd place, winning $47 was Lori.

Heads-Up: Jason W and Clay

This match brought us two veterans of the VPL.

But alas, there can only be one.

In 2nd place, with a win of $119 and qualifying for the TOC was...........................Clay

So in 1st place, with the chip and and impressive $238 was Jason W.

Congratulations to the both of you for being the latest qualifiers.

What will happen to the "Joe Challenge"?

What will happen with the new blinds?

How many people will week 5 bring?

You know the drill.

Good luck to everyone.

Don't get knockout or this will happen to you.

Season 24 Week 3

I know...I know.................it's been way too long for me to be gone.

All I have to say is that..thank God my birthday only comes around once a year (that didn't mean to say that I only had one party).

On with the Show!

Week 2 was truly amazing with 30 people showing up.

We talked and laughed and said to one another.....we will never see numbers like this again.

Could we have a said a statement that was further from the truth.

Once again, setting an all time attendance record, week 3 brought together 30 players.

Growing pains are one thing but this weeks decisions made me go almost mad.

This week we started with 24 players and as one of the players busted. the next person in line took their seat.

When there was 6 players out.......we still had 3 full tables. NUTZ

The Joe Challenge update: Joe did make it deep this week. He finished.......read and find out.
He is position 6. This is only week 3. plenty of time for a win.

Some are cheering for you Joe............well and some are not.

Is working overtime in your future? Only your points will tell.

Good luck Joe.

Down to the nitty gritty.

It's time to list the names on the Bubble List:

Janna, James, Joe and Brian L.

This week the person going out in 4th place (after outlasting 26 players and receiving 28 points.......and with no money) was Joe.

Money time: Janna, James, Brian L

This money list shows that we will have two new qualifiers for the TOC.

Going out in 3rd place with a win of $51 was Janna.

Heads-Up: James and Brian L

at about 1:30 in the morning we crowned a champion for week 3.

In 2nd place with a win of $121 and qualifying for the TOC was James.

Which means in 1st place, the chip, and tying the biggest weekly payout of VPL history, with a win of $255 was Brian L.

Congratulations to James and Brian L for qualifying for the TOC.

This is simply crazy.

Good luck everyone.

La Bamba Tournament

It has been confirmed. Hope everyone can make it.

May 22, 2010

Season 24 Week 2

One word: INCREDIBLE

There is no other word to describe Season 24 Week 2.

Not only has the record been broken but it was shattered. The old attendance record was 26.

This week the VPL hosted an incredible 30 people.

If I'm not mistaken all the people but 3 received the bonus chips.

Update on "The Joe Challenge":
With these types of attendance numbers it's going to be a hard journey for Joe to win his bets. Although this is only week 2, Joe has alot of work ahead of him. Joe is 20pts down for his challenge. But of course, this is the VPL, and everyone knows that when it comes to poker at the VPL.............anything is possible.

Good Luck Joe.

With these type of growing pains, the Tournament Director has initiated the following new rule:

New Rule

When the people arrive and pay they are put on the list (if they are paid and are there before 7:15 they are eligible for the bonus chips). When the list gets to 24 people. It will be capped and the 25th person will be put on a waiting list (if the 25th person is there before 7:15 and have to wait, they are still eligible for the bonus chips). When someone is knocked out, the 25th person will take their seat (with the according amount of chips - equal to the dead stack +/- bonus chips).

If the 25th person leaves and someone gets knocked out. then the 26th person moves into their position and when that person gets back will be put at the end of the waiting list.
If you pre-pay, you have an automatic spot on the list. You will still have to come by 7:15 to receive the bonus chips. There will be a max of 24 paid spots on the tables (there may not be 24 physical people) If a person pays they receive a spot on the list.

To put this into perspective to show you how big this tournament was: The person who received 28 points did not make any money.

Of course with there being over 21 people, there was money going to the Holiday Inn.

The new balance of the Holiday Inn prize pool is $384.

In any normal tournament, the final table is made between 10:30 - 10:45.

This week, at 10:37 we drew for two tables.

The final table this week started at 11:13pm

With 30 people, one does not expect to end the tournament early.

That certainly was the case tonight.

With this amazing amount of people there are still only four names on the bubble list:

Alan, James, TC and Andy

Coming into this situation there was no real short stack. Everyone had chips, plus everyone at this table is dangerous in their own way.

Alas, there has to be one to graciously bow out in 4th place with the pin.

This week that honor belongs to James. James went out in 4th place with an incredible 28 points.

Money time: TC, Alan and Andy

When the money list was secured, the cable box read 12:30am.

Every person had the chip lead at some point of this 3 way war.

To make the heads up it was TC who moved all-in with AJ only to be called by Andy's AK

Andy's AK held up and TC went out in 3rd place with a win of $51.

Congratulations to Alan and Andy for qualifying for the TOC.

I'll give everyone a minute to read those names again.....................yes you read that correctly.

Coming into this heads up match Andy was the chip leader.

The heads-up started at 1:33am

By 1:43am the tournament was over and we had a winner.

In 2nd place (and qualifying for the TOC) with a win of $127 was...................Andy.

That means that this week's winner of $255 (This marks the VPL's biggest weekly win to date).
with the chip was...........Alan.

Congratulations to both of them.

Nice win for Alan considering just two weeks ago he won his 2nd bracelet to take the TOC for season 23.

What type of insanity will week 3 bring?

Will we have to make more changes?

What will come of "The Joe Challenge"?

You know the routine.

Next week, same bat time, same bat channel.

Good luck everyone.