Happy New Year!

The real Paxi takes home the championship.

As we usher in 2010 we have to tip our hats to Rafael for a big Tournament of Champions win! Starting the year not even on the radar, his game has improved by leaps and bounds over the past year or so. He now sits amongst the best players in the league and will be sure to defend his championship in 2010.

Now ranked number one Peruvian in the league he knocks his brother Javier into the basement. We asked Javier what his plan is for 2010 to regain what he feels is his rightful spot on the final table he said "Ill be back and I still have better hair".

Strong words for the once mighty Jav. We all wish him luck and hope he can find his game in 2010.

Mr Miller came in 2nd twice that night. He lost to Rafael heads up and also took the Saints to beat the Cowboys laying 6 1/2. That makes 2 bad calls at the least. I asked everyone what the chances were that the Cowboys could win that game and everyone said no chance. That means you take the Cowboys and the points every time. Miller will return in 2010 in hopes to continue the 2009 year end run that locked up his final table seat. By the way, Everyone is saying that the Eagles beat the Cowboys this week as well. Cowboys -3 is the spread.

Willey took home the Bronze. Quietly he lurks in every game waiting for us to make that move and he pounces. "I'm All in" from Willey is a hard thing to hear because you know he knows how to play. A former student of yours truly he has taken what I have preached and brought his game to the next level. 2010 will bring more of the same.

Kyle was the last payout in 4th. crushing everyone in his path for the first 5 months of 09 game him the points needed to have a seat in December but a flat Summer and fall carried into December never letting him make the more to immortality. He should return in 2010 will a new mission of consistency. Not a shoe in for December 2010 but you never count him out.

Steve D came in just shy of the cash. Another quiet player who knows the game. If cards come he's deadly, If not he falls asleep. No Loud talking, No drinking too much and no berating comments are ever associated the Steve D. Just solid play. 2010 is sure to bring more of the same.

Scott, Frank and Nowik rounded out the 6-7-8 spots with little fanfare, but our number 9 finisher was carved in stone, easily predicted and a sure fire bet to finish last.

We all know how Matt plays. He's good. He understands the game. He could be one of the best players in the league......but he's not. What makes this Nowik pupil unlike the other successful players I have tutored? Easy. Lack of commitment to the game. He is not a student of the game. He watches the Hartland poker tour on Youtube and thinks that's the way its played at all levels. Now don't get me wrong, the kid has talent. If he didn't he would never have been accepted in the Nowik International School of No Limit Hold-em. He just needs to take what I have taught him (Like Rafeal) and incorporate it into his game.

I believe he should and will commit to playing his best in 2010. All eyes will be on Nowiks work in progress and I wish him luck.

A few players did not get the illustrious invite for December 2009.

Aaron our host was reduced to a lowly dealer for the year end event. A shell of a man, he fought through the overwhelming desire to tell us all to get out and not come back. Still haunted by a few hands over the year he hopes to put 2009 behind him and focus on the new year. He may be a conservative at heart but his poker game economics are less Ronald Regan and more Obamish, Raise raise raise.

Steve C put his family ahead or poker and missed by a hair. My advice? Time to take control and show the wife who's calling the shots

Javier is haunted by trips over trips for 3 months in a row and may never be the same. He is already planning for next December.

Ray got a job and could care less about anything else.

Some others we will all be watching to see if they return as dead money are

Josh - Awful
Dave R - Too Angry
Pete - Still Pissed
Willis - Insane
Adin - MIA
Dan k - Banned
Jane- Wine-o

And that's just to name a few

I for one would like to see more effort out of the rest of you. Some play poor. Others just suck but one things for sure, its time to get better.

A few items the group have requested include:

Better Meatballs
More seafood
Wider menu
Valet parking
More Women players
Less Josh players
Introduce antes
Up Entry to $100 (includes Bounty)
More tournaments
New Cards
Bigger TV's
Massage Therapists in room
Allow Cigars
Bigger Fridge
On Demand Porn
Shuttle to Hungry Tiger

These are just a few items we need to address.

In closing I would like to wish almost all of you a happy new year and good luck in 2010.
The rest of you can kiss my ass and I hope you lose on the river every month in 2010.
You all know what list your on.

Copyright -Uptheodds 2010
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