"February $50,000" (Day 2): Players Agree To A Four-Way Deal, Ruberto And Speranza Take Top Billing

"February $50,000"
$250 No Limit Hold'em | $50,000 GTD
Level 24 (Blinds 15,000/30,000/5,000)
Total Entries: 216
Players Remaining: 4

The players to chop the "February $50,000," left to right: Jonathan Speranza, Raymond Millard, Marcin Plewinski, and Tony Ruberto.

After a short break in the middle of Level 24, the players returned to action, getting in about four hands.  Talks of a deal then began, with players putting aside the ICM numbers, and coming up with numbers of their own...which are posted below.

1. Anthony Ruberto (Miami, FL) $8,000
2. Jonathan Speranza (Boynton Beach, FL) $8,000
3. Raymond Millard (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) $6,218
4. Marcin Plewinski (Coconut Creek, FL) $6,217

"February $50,000" (Day 2): Diego Mannone Out In 5th Place ($2,275), Eliminated By Tony Ruberto

"February $50,000"
$250 No Limit Hold'em | $50,000 GTD
Level 24 (Blinds 15,000/30,000/5,000)
Total Entries: 216
Players Remaining: 4

Diego Mannone (Medford, MA) used a very unconventional strategy at the final table, but it ended up helping him ladder four spots.

Diego Mannone (Medford, MA) was seemingly letting himself blind out, but whether it was a bad run of cards...or his strategy, it ended up working pretty well.  He doubled once he was down to four big blinds, and then ended up laddering up four pay spots.  He was all-in for ten big blinds just moments ago, and called by Tony Ruberto.  Mannone would be racing for his tournament life, holding 10♠ 10♣ against Tony's A♠ K♦.  Ruberto would spike a king on the flop, leaving Mannone looking for a two-outer, which would never arrive.  Diego walked away from the table in fifth place, earning $2,275 for his efforts. 

"February $50,000" (Day 2): Kevin Boyle Eliminated ($1,885) In Largest Pot Of Tournament

"February $50,000"
$250 No Limit Hold'em | $50,000 GTD
Level 24 (Blinds 15,000/30,000/5,000)
Total Entries: 216
Players Remaining: 5

Kevin Boyle (West Palm Beach, FL) had been fairly quiet for most of the final table, but just got involved in the largest pot of the day.

After close to a full level without significant action, we just witnessed the largest pot of the tournament.  The action started with Jonathan Speranza opening to 120,000, which was followed by Kevin Boyle (West Palm Beach, FL) three-bet shoving for close to 700,000.  Players quickly folded behind, with Speranza then going deep in the tank.  "Whatever...I like to gamble," Speranza said, before announcing the call, and turning over A♦ K♣.  Jonathan was ahead of Kevin's A♠ Q♦, but the 2♦ 5♥ 5♦ Q♠ runout would leave Speranza looking for one of three kings remaining.  That's exactly what fell on the river, and Jonathan screamed loudly when the K♦ hit the felt.  "Justice," he yelled, shaking Boyle's hand before he left the table.

"February $50,000" (Day 2): Updated Six-Handed Chip Counts

"February $50,000"
$250 No Limit Hold'em | $50,000 GTD
Level 24 (Blinds 15,000/30,000/5,000)
Total Entries: 216
Players Remaining: 6

The levels continue to climb, with a big jump from Level 23 to Level 24, as blinds increase to 15,000/30,000/5,000 (648,000 chip average).  Listed below are the updated chip counts from the level's transition:

1. Jonathan Speranza - 940,000 (47bb)
2. Kevin Boyle - 1,050,000 (51bb)
3. Marcin Plewinski - 440,000 (22bb)
4. Ray Millard - 455,000 (22bb)
5. Tony Ruberto - 780,000 (39bb)
6. Diego Mannone - 300,000 (15bb)

"February $50,000" (Day 2): Two Short Stacks Tangle, Eric Brewster End Up In 7th Place ($1,630)

"February $50,000"
$250 No Limit Hold'em | $50,000 GTD
Level 23 (Blinds 10,000/20,000/3,000)
Total Entries: 216
Players Remaining: 6

"I've been waiting for that spot all final table," Eric Brewster (West Palm Beach, FL) said, only to see his pocket nines trumped by the pocket jacks of Marcin Plewinski.

With three short stacks left at the final table, all of which were folding their stacks below the ten big blind mark, Eric Brewster (West Palm Beach, FL) decided to shove from early position (for 171,000).  Action folded around to Marcin Plewinski, who was in the big blind, and has just a few thousand more than Eric. After peeling back his cards, he quickly made the call, and tabled J♠ J♣.  Brewster followed by showing 9♥ 9♦, needing to find some help during the runout.  The K♦ K♣ 7♦ 2♠ A♥ spread was not was Eric was looking for, as he was consoled by his rail on the way to the tournament podium.  This is Brewster's first cash of 2018, and helps bring his career total over the $165,000 mark.

"February $50,000" (Day 2): Harry Behling Exits In 8th Place ($1,425), Eliminated By Kevin Boyle

"February $50,000"
$250 No Limit Hold'em | $50,000 GTD
Level 22 (Blinds 8,000/16,000/2,000)
Total Entries: 216
Players Remaining: 7

Harry Behling (St. Paul, MN) has spent most of his time cashing in tournaments at Running Aces Harness Park in Columbus, MN, but just earned his first ever Isle Poker tournament score.

The final table action has been moving at a slow pace, with certain stacks super deep, and short stacks trying to outlast each other (and potentially earn a pay jump).  Diego Mannone was holding just three big blinds, but doubled through Kevin Boyle after being dominated heading to the runout.  The very next hand, action folded around to Harry Behling (St. Paul, MN), who was in the small blind.  Only needing to get through Kevin Boyle, Harry shoved for less than ten bigs.  Unfortunately for Behling, Boyle woke up with pocket aces in the big blind, and would best Harry's J♥ 10♦.  

Behling earned $1,425 for his eighth place finish, which is his first Florida cash since 2016.  The player from Minnesota now has over $131,000 in lifetime earnings, and notches his first recorded result of 2018.

"February $50,000" (Day 2): Updated Final Table Chip Counts

"February $50,000"
$250 No Limit Hold'em | $50,000 GTD
Level 22 (Blinds 8,000/16,000/2,000)
Total Entries: 216
Players Remaining: 8

Players are taking another break, and will be returning to Level 22, with new blinds of 8,000/16,000/2,000 (486,000 chip average).  Listed below are the updated final table chip counts from break:

1. Jonathan Speranza - 1,375,000
2. Harry Behling - 210,000
3. Kevin Boyle - 740,000
4. Marcin Plewinski - 190,000
5. Ray Millard - 395,000
6. Tony Ruberto - 445,000
7. Eric Brewster - 360,000
8. Diego Mannone - 165,000

"February $50,000" (Day 2): Craig Stein Eliminated By Speranza In 9th Place ($1,240)

"February $50,000"
$250 No Limit Hold'em | $50,000 GTD
Level 21 (Blinds 6,000/12,000/2,000)
Total Entries: 216
Players Remaining: 8

Craig Stein's (Dillwyn, VA) last three recorded cashes came during WSOP Circuit events at Palm Beach Kennel Club, with this his first Isle Poker cash since 2015.

Craig Stein (Dillwyn, VA) just became the second short stack eliminated by Jonathan Speranza, who is now the final table chip leader.  Stein was all-in pre (for just over 160,000), and ended up getting called by Speranza, who had him dominated:

Stein: A♥ J♠
Speranza: A♠ Q♥

Runout: Q♣ 5♣ 8♥ 3♠ K♣

Stein stood from his seat when the hands were tabled, seemingly accepting defeat, which ended up seeming sure after the queen-high flop.  "All the people I enjoy playing with are getting knocked out...I didn't want to be the one to knock him out," Speranza said aloud, as he collected Stein's remaining chips.  

"February $50,000" (Day 2): Paul Vieira The First To Leave Final Table, Exits In 10th Place ($1,060)

"February $50,000"
$250 No Limit Hold'em | $50,000 GTD
Level 20 (Blinds 5,000/10,000/1,000)
Total Entries: 216
Players Remaining: 9

Paul Vieira (Wethersfield, FL) is primarily a cash game player, but when he does play tournaments, the results are usually solid.  This is his first cash since reaching the final table of the "November $100,000," a $250 buy-in event just like this.

Paul Vieira (Wethersfield, FL) was the shortest stack heading to the final table (by a slim margin), and after one orbit, Paul would shove from middle position (for 153,000).  Action folded around to Jonathan Speranza, who was in the big blind, with Paul racing for his tournament life:

Vieira: 4♠ 4♥

Speranza: A♦ 10♦

Runout: K♥ J♥ 9♠ 6♠ Q♣

The flop wasn't the best for Vieira, but he would fade the turn, leaving him just one card from a double.  The river ended up bringing the straight for Speranza, who then became the second player at the final table with over 1,000,000 in chips (joining Tony Ruberto).

"February $100,000" (Day 2): Geno Cham Departs In 11th Place ($1,060), Final Table Now Set

"February $50,000"
$250 No Limit Hold'em | $50,000 GTD
Level 20 (Blinds 5,000/10,000/1,000)
Total Entries: 216
Players Remaining: 10

Geno Cham (Lake Worth, FL) had been flirting with a (10-15) big blind stack for the past two levels, and just got it all-in against Ray Millard, racing for his tournament life.  Cham held 5♠ 5♦ against Millard's A♥ K♥, but the Q♥ Q♦ 10♥ 8♠ 6♥ runout saw Cham's lead get flushed away on the river.  

Players were then given their seating assignments at the final table (after Cham's elimination), with the table draw posted below:

1. Jonathan Speranza - 715,000 (70bb)
2. Harry Behling - 180,000 (18bb)
3. Kevin Boyle - 340,000 (34bb)
4. Craig Stein - 170,000 (17bb)
5. Marcin Plewinski - 430,000 (43bb)
6. Ray Millard - 340,000 (34bb)
7. Paul Vieira - 160,000 (16bb) 
8. Tony Ruberto - 1,100,000 (110bb)
9. Eric Brewster - 240,000 (24bb)
10. Diego Mannone - 290,000 (29bb)

"February $50,000" (Day 2): Hawkins Eliminated In 12th Place ($1,060), Field On Final Table Bubble

"February $50,000"
$250 No Limit Hold'em | $50,000 GTD
Level 20 (Blinds 5,000/10,000/1,000)
Total Entries: 216
Players Remaining: 11

Although Maurice Hawkins (Plantation, FL) was left with less than ten big blinds, he was quickly able to get his stack back over 150,000 (after doubling, and getting some all-ins through).  After shoving for the fourth time in two orbits (six-handed), Hawkins was called by Speranza, and would be ahead.  Maurice's 10♠ 10♦ held a lead against the A♦ 9♣ of Speranza, with the dealer running out a board of J♠ 4♣ 5♥ 3♦ 2♠, giving Speranza the straight on the river.  

Maurice grinned as he looked at the board, quickly stood from the table, and headed to the tournament podium.  He would earn $1,060 for his 12th place finish, and leaves the table now one elimination from the final table.

"February $50,000" (Day 2): Speranza Best Hawkins, Leaving Maurice With Less Than Seven Bigs

"February $50,000"
$250 No Limit Hold'em | $50,000 GTD
Level 20 (Blinds 5,000/10,000/1,000)
Total Entries: 216
Players Remaining: 12

Jonathan Speranza seemed to think he was beat, but suddenly announced he was all-in, with what happened to be the best hand.

The action leading up to the turn has not yet been verified, but on a board of K♥ 8♥ 3♠ 6♦, Maurice Hawkins and Jonathan Speranza were jousting for a pot already over 250,000.  Speranza had checked the turn, with Maurice putting out a bet of 75,000, which left Jonathan talking to himself.  "He either has aces, ace-king, or nothing," Speranza spoke aloud, with his head in his hand.   "Alright...I'm all-in," he then said, which drew a confused reaction from Hawkins.

Jonathan's all-in was for most of Maurice's stack, but after a few moments of though, Hawkins announced a call.  He quickly turned over 7♠ 8♦, and watched as Speranza rolled over K♠ 10♥.  Maurice needed help on the river, which wouldn't arrive, and he'd be left with just 60,000.

Jonathan Speranza - 575,000 (57bb)
Maurice Hawkins - 60,000 (6bb)

"February $50,000" (Day 2): 13th-15th Places ($895)

"February $50,000"
$250 No Limit Hold'em | $50,000 GTD
Level 19 (Blinds 4,000/8,000/1,000)
Total Entries: 216
Players Remaining: 12

The following players have been eliminated from the "February $50,000" ($250 No Limit Hold'em), and have cashed for $895:

13. Morris Heider (Boca Raton, FL) 
14. Robert Kessler (Parkland, FL) 
15. Eric Mutschler (Tarpon Springs, FL)

"February $50,000" (Day 2): Updated Chip Counts At Third Break

"February $50,000"
$250 No Limit Hold'em | $50,000 GTD
Level 19 (Blinds 4,000/8,000/1,000)
Total Entries: 216
Players Remaining: 15

Players are heading on their third break of the day, while the dealers and tournament staff color off the purple chips (500 denomination) from play.  Action will resume with Level 19, and new blinds of 4,000/8,000/1,000 (243,000 chip average).  Listed below are the updated chip counts from break:

Table 1

1. Eric Mutschler - 38,000
2. Morris Heider - 74,000
3. Eric Brewster - 310,000
4. Rob Kessler - 75,000
5. Marcin Plewinski - 455,000
6. Kevin Boyle - 430,000
7. Diego Mannone - 180,000
8. Craig Stein - 125,000

Table 3

1. Gino Cham - 120,000
2. Jonathan Speranzo - 318,000
3. Paul Vieira - 178,000
4. Tony Ruberto - 910,000
5. Ray Millard - 245,000
6. Maurice Hawkins - 280,000
7. Harry Behling - 140,000

"February $50,000" (Day 2): 16th-18th Places ($745)

"February $50,000"
$250 No Limit Hold'em | $50,000 GTD
Level 18 (Blinds 3,000/6,000/500)
Total Entries: 216
Players Remaining: 15

The following players have been eliminated from the "February $50,000" ($250 No Limit Hold'em), and have cashed for $745:

16. Steven Moreno (Miami, FL) 
17. Craig Witz (Hollywood, FL) 
18. Kenneth Habben (Myrtle Beach, SC)

"February $50,000" (Day 2): Field Reaches It's First Redraw, New Lineups For Final Two Tables

"February $50,000"
$250 No Limit Hold'em | $50,000 GTD
Level 17 (Blinds 2,500/5,000/500)
Total Entries: 216
Players Remaining: 17

With the elimination of Joseph Conti (Boynton Beach FL) in 19th place ($600), the field would experience it's first redraw (with the next coming at the final table).  Listed below are the seating assignments for the final pair of tables:

Table 1

1. Eric Mutschler
2. Craig Witz
3. Morris Heider
4. Eric Brewster
5. Rob Kessler
6. Marcin Plewinski
7. Kevin Boyle
8. Diego Mannone
9. Craig Stein

Table 3

1. Gino Cham
2. Steven Moreno
3. Jonathan Speranzo
4. Paul Vieira
5. Tony Ruberto
6. Ray Millard
7. Maurice Hawkins
8. Harry Behling

"February $50,000" (Day 2): 19th-21st Places ($600), 22nd Place ($460)

"February $50,000"
$250 No Limit Hold'em | $50,000 GTD
Level 17 (Blinds 2,500/5,000/500)
Total Entries: 216
Players Remaining: 18

The following players have been eliminated from the "February $50,000" ($250 No Limit Hold'em), and have cashed for $460 and $600:

19. Joseph Conti (Boynton Beach, FL) $600
20. Bobby Leff (Opa Locka, FL) $600
21. Kenneth Bruno (Lake Worth, FL) $600
22. Michael Marks (North Lauderdale, FL) $460

"February $50,000" (Day 2): Ruberto Knocks Out Two On The Bubble, Garvy Walks Away Empty Handed

"February $50,000"
$250 No Limit Hold'em | $50,000 GTD
Level 17 (Blinds 2,500/5,000/500)
Total Entries: 216
Players Remaining: 21

The aftermath of the final hand dealt on the bubble, with Tony Ruberto's pocket jacks the only hand remaining face up.

Hand-for-hand play lasted a total of (13) hands, and about thirty minutes of real time, with Tony Ruberto sending the field into the money.  The action played out at Table 1, with Greg Garvy open shoving for 21,000, and Michael Marks re-shoving for just over 60,000.  Action then folded to Ruberto (in the small blind), who peeled his cards back, before dumping a pile of chips across his cards.  Kevin Boyle released his hand, and the three players would table their hands:

Ruberto: J♦ J♥
Garvy: A♣ J♠
Marks: A♥ Q♠

Runout: J♣ 6♥ 4♦ 6♣ 10♥

Tony found the case jack on the flop, which left both of his opponents drawing to running outs.  After the board paired on the turn, the hand would be over, and both players would be eliminated.  Since Michael Marks had the larger of the two eliminated stacks, he would receive 22nd place money, while Garvy headed to the exits empty handed.

"February $50,000" (Day 2): Koppel Eliminated, Field Now On The Money Bubble

"February $50,000"
$250 No Limit Hold'em | $50,000 GTD
Level 16 (Blinds 2,000/4,000/500)
Total Entries: 216
Players Remaining: 23

After Adam Koppel (Wellington, FL) opened from early position (with just over ten bigs behind), Tony Ruberto three-bet to 35,000 (from the button).  Both blinds released their hands, and Koppel four-bet shoved for a total of 60,000.  Ruberto quickly made the call, and the two would be racing, with Koppel's J♠ J♥ against Ruberto's A♠ K♥.  The flop would bring an ace, and without a jack on the turn or river, Adam would be eliminated just two spots short of the money.

Play then entered hand-for-hand, which has been going on for about twenty minutes.  Michael Marks was the most recent player at risk, but managed to spike and ace with A♦ 10♥, against the K♠ K♣ of Marcin Plewinski.

"February $50,000" (Day 2): Table Roster As Players Head On Second Break (Updated Chip Counts)

"February $50,000"
$250 No Limit Hold'em | $50,000 GTD
Level 16 (Blinds 2,000/4,000/500)
Total Entries: 216
Players Remaining: 25

Players are now heading on their second break of the day, and will be returning to Level 16, with blinds of 1,500/3,000/500 (140,000 chip average).  The field is just three eliminations from the money, which means that a small group of the listed players below, will not be cashing in this event.

Table 1

1. Eric Mutschler - 220,000
2. Adam Koppell - 70,000
3. Greg Garvy - 65,000
4. Marcin Plewinski - 440,000
5. Michael Marks - 110,000
6. Anthony Ruberto - 200,000
7. Kevin Boyle - 145,000

Table 3

1. Diego Mannone - 200,000
2. Craig Stein - 78,000
3. Jonathan Spreanzo - 55,000
4. Craig Witz - 198,000
5. Paul Vieira - 120,000
6. Ken Habben - 225,000
7. Robert Klassman - 46,000
8. Bobby Leff - 39,000
9. Rob Kessler - 270,000

Table 4

1. Gino Cham - 190,000
2. Steve Moreno - 50,000
3. Harry Behling - 55,000
4. Morris Heider - 75,000
5. Maurice Hawkins - 360,000
6. Raymond Millard - 218,000
7. Kenneth Bruno - 62,000
8. Eric Brewster - 245,000
9. Joseph Conti - 60,000

"February $50,000" (Day 2): A Few Players Trying To Represent For The Day 2 Buy-In

"February $50,000"
$250 No Limit Hold'em | $50,000 GTD
Level 15 (Blinds 1,500/3,000/500)
Total Entries: 216
Players Remaining: 29

Kenneth Bruno (Lake Worth, FL) is one of the better "short-stacked" players in the field, which is definitely not a knock, but more a nod to his resilience when he's up against the wall.

As play continues to slowly creep towards the money, a small group of Day 2 buy-in players still remain in the field.  Kenneth Bruno (Lake Worth, FL) was doing his best to stay alive for most of the first few levels, but flopped a full house against Steven Moreno, and was able to get a well needed double-up.  Bruno has since trended in the right direction, and currently sits with just over 80,000.  Also trying to turn the Day 2 buy-in into a cash are Joseph Conti (65,000), and Adam Koppell (60,000).

"February $50,000" (Day 2): Gino Cham "Luckboxes" His Way To A Top Five Stack

"February $50,000"
$250 No Limit Hold'em | $50,000 GTD
Level 13 (Blinds 1,000/2,000/300)
Total Entries: 216
Players Remaining: 40

Gino Cham (Lake Worth, FL) said it best after more than doubling up.  "What a luckbox," referring to his pocket kings flopping a set against Nancy Thomas's pocket aces.

Sometimes a table is approached at just the right time, which just happened at Table 9, with three players all-in pre-flop.  After Nancy Thomas flatted the shove of a short stacked player (the all-in was about 30,000), Gino Cham (Lake Worth, GL) shoved out of the big blind, for 88,300.  Thomas quickly made the call, and after Cham tabled K♠ K♣, Nancy showed A♥ A♣.  The third player in the hand rolled over Q♠ 10♣, and the three would watch the dealer spread a flop of K♦ J♦ 8♥.  Gino out flopped Nancy, and would hold through the runout, doubling to over 200,000.  Nancy was left with just under ten big blinds, and would be eliminated just a few hands later.

Gino Cham - 220,000 (110bb)

"February $50,000" (Day 2): Updated Chip Counts At Day's First Break

"February $50,000"
$250 No Limit Hold'em | $50,000 GTD
Level 13 (Blinds 1,000/2,000/300)
Total Entries: 216
Players Remaining: 42

Tony Ruberto (Miami, FL) has made the most of the day's first three levels, more than tripling the stack that he started the day with.

The remaining (42) players are heading on their first break of the day, still twenty eliminations away from the money.  Tony Ruberto (Miami, FL) has been one of the biggest movers of the day, leading the field with 225,000, after starting the day with 71,800.  Ruberto has recorded three cashes in 2018, including a coveted trophy win during the PCA (PokerStars Caribbean Adventure).  Tony took down the $1,500 ($500 Knockout) No Limit Hold'em event, worth $34,390.

Tony Ruberto - 225,000 (112bb)
Ken Habben - 205,000 (102bb)
Marcin Plewinski - 185,000 (92bb)
Maurice Hawkins - 180,000 (90bb)
Craig Witz - 180,000 (90bb)
Eric Brewster - 160,000 (80bb)
Eric Mutschler - 160,000 (80bb)
Rob Kessler - 130,000 (65bb)

"February $50,000" (Day 2): Mutschler Trying To Cruise Into The Money

"February $50,000"
$250 No Limit Hold'em | $50,000 GTD
Level 12 (Blinds 800/1,600/200)
Total Entries: 216
Players Remaining: 60

It's easy to be all smiles after flopping quads, as Eric Mutschler (Tarpon Springs, FL) did moments ago, as his pocket aces bested pocket queens and kings.

When Eric Mutschler (Tarpon Springs, FL) was featured during yesterday's coverage, we spoke about his short stacked grind during the $250 No Limit Hold'em Single-Ante (last week).  Eric returned to Day 2 with a healthy stack of 64,000, but saw that number dip over the first level of the day.  On one of the final hands of level, Mutschler looked down at pocket aces (in the big blind), with two players already all-in (for less than his 40,000 stack).  After the call was made (and hands were exposed), the table made note of the "blog-worthy" hand, with Q♠ Q♣ vs. K♠ K♣ vs. A♥ A♦.  The A♠ A♣ 2♠ flop shut the door on the hopes of the short stacks, as Mutschler collect the pot, and chipped up to over 85,000.

Eric Mutschler - 85,000 (53bb)

"February $50,000" (Day 2): Official Event Payouts, $12,425 First Place Prize

"February $50,000"
$250 No Limit Hold'em | $50,000 GTD
Level 11 (Blinds 600/1,200/200)
Total Entries: 216
Players Remaining: 70

The "February $50,000" saw registration close with an official prize pool of $50,000, of which $47,250 will be paid out, across (22) spots.  A min-cash in this tournament will take home $460, while the eventual winner (if it was to be outright) is scheduled to walk away with $12,425.  Listed below are the official payouts for this $250 No Limit Hold'em event:

1. $12,425
2. $8,215
3. $4,845
4. $2,950
5. $2,275
6. $1,885
7. $1,630
8. $1,425
9. $1,240

10-12. $1,260

13-15. $895

16-18. $745

19-21. $600

22. $460

"February $50,000" (Day 2): Action Underway After Short Delay, (25) Players Trying Their Luck With Day 2 Buy-In

"February $50,000"
$250 No Limit Hold'em | $50,000 GTD
Level 11 (Blinds 600/1,200/200)
Total Entries: 216
Players Remaining: 72

Steven Zukowski (Pompano Beach, FL) has been on a tear since the year started, with eight cashes since the calendar turned, including four final table finishes (and two wins).

After a short delay to verify the stacks of the "chip lead bonus" stacks, the cards are now in the air for Day 2 of the "February $50,000."  A total of (25) players bought into the tournament before the action started, including names like T.J. Shulman, Ian Cohen, Errol Massey, and the above pictured Steve Zukowski.

"I plan on being the last player standing," Zukowksi said as he walked up to the podium, as he was informed that his was the final entry.  The tournament staff will now verify the numbers, and the official prize pool will be posted once it has been made official.

Saturday, February 17th: Overlay Alert For The "February $50,000," Players Can Still Buy-In Before Day 2 Begins!!!

ICYMI: Yesterday hosted the opening pair of starting flights for the "February $50,000," a $250 buy-in event that carried a $50,000 guarantee.  After fourteen hours of open registration (between the two flights combined), a total of (191) entries made up the field, with (47) players successfully bagging chips for this afternoon's Day 2.  Of those players to reach the bagging process, the top ten combined chip counts would earn entry into this week's $275 No Limit Hold'em Satellite (into the $2,500 NLH Single-Ante), via the "chip lead bonus."  Listed below are the players to fill those top ten spots, including their chip counts:

Maurice Hawkins - 190,000
Craig Witz - 173,300
Diego Mannone - 168,700
Ebrahim Figueroa - 136,200
Ken Habben - 133,900
Marcin Plewinski - 130,000
James Mattingly - 122,500
Shawn Vrenna - 116,800
Greg Garvy - 111,000
Harry Behling - 101,900

Of all the numbers that were just listed regarding the tournament, there is one that stands out amongst the rest...(191).  That total number of entries is (57) short of reaching the posted guarantee ($50,000), with a potential overlay for the event.  The word "potential" is used, because registration is still open today, until the first hand is dealt for Day 2.  Players interested in taking that option will be sitting down to 18,000 unit starting stacks, which equates to a more than manageable (15) big blinds.

Live blogged coverage of Day 2 will begin at 12:00pm, and will continue through the tournament's conclusion.

Tournaments: As mentioned above, the first tournament on today's schedule is Day 2 of the "February $50,000."  Action starts at 12:00pm, which registration open to that point ($250 buy-in), with the opportunity to grab a piece of a potential overlay.  The structure stays the same, with players sitting down to 18,000 unit starting stacks, and levels that last (40) minutes over the course of the day.

While that event is winding down, a $100 No Limit Hold'em event beings at 6:00pm, which has a $5,000 guarantee.  The tournament is structured with 14,000 units, and levels that last (20) minutes through the event's conclusion.

Promotions: From (9:00am-10:00am), the high hand will award $150 every (30) minutes.  The high hands will then transition from 10:00am-12:00am (midnight), with the opportunity to win $400 every (30) minutes.  During that period, the promotion sees tournament players eligible (Isle Open events not eligible for high hand) each half-hour for $100 high hands, 2/2 limit hold'em players eligible for $200 high hands, 2/4 limit hold'em players eligible for $300 high hands, and all other raked games (1/2-5/10 NLH, 4/8 Omaha 8B, 6/12 O.E., etc.) eligible for $400 high hands.  From 12:00am-9:00am, players are eligible for $100 high hands every hour.

It should also be noted that started back on November 1st, players are able to win the high hand using only one card in their hand!!!  The payouts for those that use one card are different than the standard numbers listed above, and can be found (full listing of one-card payouts on flyers in the poker room).

11:00am - $250 No Limit Hold'em ($50,000 GTD) Flight 1A

- Players start with 18,000 in tournament chips

- Late and re-entries for the first (10) levels, including an optional Day 2 buy-in (before the first hand is dealt for Level 11)

- Alternates and late entries will start with a full stack

- Levels will last (40) minutes

- All Day 1's will play (10) complete levels

- The top ten stacks, after all of the starting flights have been completed, will earn entry into the $275 No Limit Hold'em Satellite into the $2,500 Single-Ante (on February 21st).

6:00pm - $100 No Limit Hold'em ($5,000 GTD)

- Players will begin with a 12,000 starting stack

- Late and re-entries for the first (8) levels

- Levels are (20) minutes in length

- All late registrants and re-entries will receive a full stack