Aaron driving the big white bus Saturday morningWith an early exit this month, our host pulled a Boris Yeltsin and drank his weight in beer. Last year when he was pushing 250 pounds he may have gotten away with only a slight headache. This year is a different story, and not only with the tolerance level.
With 29 points, Aaron is now tied for the last Tournament of Championship position available and he cannot afford to wear the beer goggles going forward. Players like Frank, Matt and Pete are right behind with the next 4 tournaments having huge ramifications. Along side Aaron is Javier and Ray. After drinking 7 different brands of beer and at least 2 of each, He most likely spent a fair share of time in the restroom on Saturday.
The next 3 on the list are in no means much better. With 30 points and the big win Steve along with Chris W and myself have very little room for error. Tied for 4th place as of today is meaningless. 10th place is only 3 points below and all players in the top 19 have the points to pass us next month, knocking some of us off the leaderboard is a possibility. Now you all know I will be on my "A" game again next month as always and barring a bad beat, make the final table like almost every month.
Steve D is alone in 3rd. With a very quiet evening behind him he too needs to remain on guard. Only 4 points ahead of 4th place he could find himself slipping closer to the exit with a bad showing. As one of my finest students I believe he has the talent to survive and make me proud. A young padawan learning from the poker jedi master.
Scott and Kyle returned to their old ways. They were seen very early milling around the food, discussing Pokemon cards and Star Trek conventions. Known as the uncool players in the group they still seem to find a way to stay on top of the leaderboard. Both with over 50 points they still remain as close to a shoe in for December as you can be. The numbers look better every month for these two. I'm sure their poker sponsors (tough skins jeans & The national Association for Women) are looking forward to their continued success.
With Frank leaving first he yielded his top 9 position and finds himself on the outside looking in. With Matt, Pete and Rafael all having a strong showing they too find themselves knocking at the door.
After the tournament, Matt strongly stated:
"I will be in the top 4 by years end"
After his second place showing this month a win next month puts him just outside of that goal. I have always said I think he has the talent but does not apply what i have taught him to the game well enough to be consistent. He stated he is back and ready to return to sit amongst the elite players. He guarantees a year end seat will be his.
"Little makes big Move"
With a 3rd place showing, Heeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrs Johnny! The nice showing also brings him into striking distance of the leaderboard. A tough hill to climb looking forward but with a few more nice showings, he may be the one to send someone home for the year in November.
There were 3 sets of Quads this month alone. Quad 10's, Jacks and Kings all made an appearance. Along with countless suckouts, this month is sure not to sit well in many players guts. Frank and Javier both had Aces cracked. AK vs AK Turned a flush to take out yours truly and Pocket 2's crippled pocket 8's when the board displayed another deuce.
A few surprising missing players included Bob Sr, Willis and Dave R. They are low on options if they want to make this years big show in December. Play for the win or play in January 2010.
Josh is still wallowing in 21st place with 8 points. Ousted by yours truly he spend the latter part of the evening doing his best to imitate Phil Helmuth with one of his temper tantrums. A shell of a player he down to his last couple chances to make a move. I was told prior to my joining the league he was one of the best and now that I'm in full time he cant seem to make a move up the leaderboard. Coincidence? I don't think so. The days of easy lunches is over my friend. We are on the next level of play. Are you coming up?
Aaron's Neighbor Mike has one tournament under his belt and cashed. A new face that we will need to learn, but if Fridays results mean anything we all should take heed. New blood. Time to figure him out.
The Poll is up and voting has begun. Its not binding and the list may change from month to month. We have had 9 voters so far and 52 visitors so whomever did not vote yet take a look and place your bets.
August is on the way. Vacations, Fantasy Football and other events may open the door for some to make a move. we may even see:
Aaron with another Drunken tirade
Matt Make good on his promise
Big Frank battle his way back into the top
Lots of changes coming next month for sure. The leaderboard is tight and many will rise and fall. Every decision going forward is magnified and an error or misplay could cost you your seat. Do you play for the win? Do you play for a seat? Do you play for the point?
Tick Tock Folks
I'm planning on being there
Are you?
D
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