ICYMI: Tuesday $10K Attracts Another Big Field

Tuesday nights have been a must attend at the Isle Poker Room, as the $40 No Limit Hold'em ($10,000 Guaranteed Prize Pool) offers up the best value of any tournament around.  The fields have consistently been above (375) entries, and the prize pool most always eclipses the $10,000 guarantee that posted on the event.  

When the cards first got in the air, it looked as if the guarantee would be in jeopardy for the first time in recent memory.  That didn't stop the Isle Casino Poker Room regulars from making their way to the tables, as we spotted the likes of Ralph Spadafore, Michele Milker, Bruno Fortin, Raymond Rickard, Thomas Millward, Michael Gutterman, Nestor Caraballo, and the Kalgstein "trio" (Larry, Rick, and Brandon).  

As the early stages of the tournament continued on, and the field grew at a steady pace, it was clear that the guarantee was no longer "at risk."  Once registration closed, the field ended up with (342) total entries, and a prize pool of $11,354 (with the addition of the $20 "add-ons").  The posted min-cash for the event would bring players $74, while the first place prize was a whopping $3,065 (for a $40 tournament!!!).

As the tournament reached the money bubble and eliminated players began to collect their winnings, we saw a trend developing.  There were a lot of new names making the money this week, with just a few tournament regulars cashing in the event: Nestor Caraballo (26th Place), Irwin Block (17th Place), Hector Caraballo (8th Place), and Jean Chery (5th Place).  While we've seen many of these large-field tournaments end in a multi-way chop, last night's event got down to heads up play, before Howard Foster Jr. (Coconut Creek, FL) and Yigitcan Ozbeyler (Davie, Fl) agreed to a deal.  Posted below are the official results for the tournament:

Tuesday, December 6th

$40 No Limit Hold'em ($10,000 Guaranteed Prize Pool)

Total Entries: 342

Total Prize Pool: $11,354

Results:

1	Howard Foster Jr			Coconut Creek, FL		$2,441.00
2	Yigitcan Ozbeyler			Davie, FL		$2,441.00
3	Hector Rosas			Plantation, FL		$1,192.00
4	Rubin Brown			West Palm Beach, FL		$823.00
5	Jean Chery			West Palm Beach, FL		$607.00
6	Paul Humphrey			Ocala, FL		$483.00
7	Jack Sedaka			Coconut Creek, FL		$369.00
8	Hector Caraballo			Miami, FL		$267.00
9	Michael Boykin			Ft. Lauderdale, FL		$193.00
10	Lynne Fremont			Pompano Beach, FL		$148.00
11	Nicholas Denzel			Wellington, FL		$148.00
12	Pedro Gutierrez			Miami, FL		$148.00
13	Ebrahim Figueroa			Puerto Rico		$119.00
14	Jeremiah Pinto			Coral Springs, FL		$119.00
15	Glen Canelstein			Coconut Creek, FL		$119.00
16	Bruno Fortin			Lauderhill, FL		$102.00
17	Irwin Block			Coconut Creek, FL		$102.00
18	Daniel Shortley			Lake Worth, FL		$102.00
19	Kenneth Arnaez			Boca Raton, FL		$85.00
20	Stanley Silverman			Hollywood, FL		$85.00
21	Crystal Utley			Morganfield, KY		$85.00
22	Kamal Mohammed			Pompano Beach, FL		$85.00
23	Craig Witz			Hypoluxo, FL		$85.00
24	Endong Zhao			Palm Beach Gardens, FL		$85.00
25	Roy Paulena			West Palm Beach, FL		$85.00
26	Nestor Caraballo			Miami, FL		$85.00
27	Atanael Thomas			Palm Springs, FL		$85.00
28	Roberto Alvarado			Pompano Beach, FL		$74.00
29	Ryan Rackleff			Boca Raton, FL		$74.00
30	Francklin Michel			Miramar, FL		$74.00
31	Omar Sader			Pompano Beach, FL		$74.00
32	Velaysak Lakmaitree			Oakland Park, FL		$74.00
33	Ricardo Marte			Puerto Rico		$74.00
34	Alan Werner			Cooper, City		$74.00
35	Alejandro Rosales			Venezuela		$74.00
36	Steve Zukowski			Coral Springs, FL		$74.00

Wednesday, December 7th: Spinning That Wheel To Win

So we are now a full week into the month of December, and it's clear that the newest addition to the high hand promotion has been a hit with players.  The "turbo" high hands that are awarded every (10) minutes from the hours of 9:00am-12:00pm (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) have caused an influx of earlier business (and more games opening with the room).  While that promotion may bring people in early this morning, it's the "Spin To Win" promotion that players venture to the room for on Wednesdays.  The "money wheel" will be in action from the hours of 12:00pm-9:00pm, with the qualifying hand for each half-hour earning the opportunity to spin the wheel, and take home cash. 

There are also two tournaments on tap for the day, beginning at 10:00am, as the $2,000 Guaranteed No Limit Hold'em "Freezeout" gets underway.  Later this evening, the $100 No Limit Hold'em "Big Stack Turbo" w/ $25 Bounties ($5,000 GTD) will start at 6:00pm.

10:00am - $2,000 Guaranteed No Limit Hold'em "Freezeout"

7:00pm - $100 No Limit Hold'em "Big Stack Turbo" w/ $25 Bounties ($5,000 GTD):

- Players will begin with a 18,000 starting stack

- Late and re-entries for the first (10) levels

- Option player "add-on" at the end of Level 10 ($25 for 10,000 tournament chips), with 100% of the "add-on" going to the prize pool 

- Levels are (15) minutes in length

ICYMI: Notable Names Head "Structure Beast" Chop

John Scigliano

The poker room's blog started just two months ago, during the 2016 Isle Poker Open, as we were introduced to many of the names and faces that frequent the scheduled tournaments.  Many of those players that we met over the course of the month were in attendance yesterday afternoon, for the $150 No Limit Hold'em "Structure Beast," which carried with it a $20,000 guaranteed prize pool.

The field was pacing itself to eclipse the guarantee right from the beginning, and during the break after Level 12 (which are the final moments to get in), a few players jumped in to reach...and then pass the $20,000 mark.  Once registration had closed and the dust had settled, there were about (40) players remaining (from a total of 175 entries), vying for the top (18) spots that would be paid.  A min-cash in the event would see players taking home $231, while the posted first place prize was a hefty $6,239.  

Of the players that remained at the money bubble, many of them were accomplished tournament regulars, so making a deep run wasn't going to be easy for anyone.  Once the bubble burst and players started heading to the podium to receive their cash, it was a "who's who" of Isle Casino Poker notables (many of which saw success during the Isle Poker Open).  We saw John Palace (Jupiter, FL) go out in 17th place ($231), Bryce McVay (Jupiter, FL) follow in 14th place ($262), and Fred Allenspach ($312) bow out in 12th place ($312).

The final table was stacked with recognizable names, as Vito Polera, Reece Lightner, Eric Mutcshler, Karin Powsner, and Alex Shafran were all in contention for the top prize (and the trophy).  The final player to be eliminated and receive their posted payout was Eric Mutcshler (Tarpon Springs, FL), who took home 7th place and $745.  The remaining players then began to crunch the numbers in regards to a deal, and came to an agreement shortly thereafter, with John Scigliano (Cooper City, FL) taking home the trophy and first place money worth $3,669.

Official Results:

$150 No Limit Hold'em "Structure Beast" ($20,000 Guaranteed Prize Pool)

Total Entries: 175

Total Prize Pool: $20,125

Payouts:

1	John Scigliano			Cooper City, FL		$3,669
2	Atanael, Thomas			Palm Springs, FL		$3,222
3	Alex Shafran			Boca Raton, FL		$2,752
4	Andrey Kolchkov			Pompano Beach, FL		$2,618
5	Louis Leo			Boca Raton, FL		$1,942
6	Karin Powsner			Fort Lauderdale, FL		$1,817
7	Eric Mutcshler			Tarpon Springs, FL		$745
8	Reece Lightner			Hollywood, FL		$553
9	Stephen Caplan			Canada		$392
10	Vito Polera			Miami, FL		$312
11	William Dickinson			Stuart, FL		$312
12	Fred Allenspach			Plantation, FL		$312
13	Denise Bohrer			Aventura, FL		$262
14	Bryce McVay			Jupiter, FL		$262
15	Hari Sukhu			Miramar, FL		$262
16	Mike Bennet			Deerfield Beach, FL		$231
17	John Palace			Jupiter, FL		$231
18	Steven Scala			Skaneateles, NY		$231

Tuesday, December 6th: Tuesday's Got A Something For Everyone

The title really does say it all, as today's schedule of events offers a little something for everyone.  If you are a low limit player, the "Limit Hold'em Early Bird Promotion" is available to you from the hours of 9:00am-11:00am (the window to get yourself an early bird ticket).  The first (100) full houses will then be paid out, at which point the promotion will then end for the day.  Are you looking for a solid tournament with a lot of room for play?  Then the 11:00am $100 No Limit Hold'em "Monster Stack" fits right in, with a $3,000 guaranteed prize pool, and a 25,000 starting stack.  The "standard" high hand promotion (every thirty minutes for qualifying hands) will run throughout the day, with a second tournament wrapping things up at night.  That tournament is the ever-popular $40 No Limit Hold'em ($10,000 Guarantee), which has attracted some serious numbers over the past few weeks.

While a full feature is in the works in regards to yesterday's "Structure Beast" event, it should be mentioned that the tournament attracted (175) total entries, and a prize pool over the posted $20,000 guarantee.  The event ended in a six-way chop, with John Scigliano (Cooper City, FL) taking home the "winner's share," and $3,669.

11:00am - $100 No Limit Hold'em "Monster Stack" ($3,000 GTD)

- Players start with 25,000 in tournament chips

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

- Alternates and late entries will start with a full stack

- Level will last (20) minutes throughout the event

6:00pm - $40 No Limit Hold'em ($10,000 GTD)

- Players will begin with a 12,000 starting stack

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

- Optional player "add-on" at the end of Level 8 ($20 for 8,000 tournament chips), with 100% of the "add-on" going to the prize pool

-  Levels are (20) minutes in length

Monday, December 5: The Structure Beast Returns

After another great week of poker ended yesterday with the two bounty events (and "turbo" high hands from 2:00-9:00pm), we turn the page and look forward to the first full week of December poker.  Monday starts off very strong, with the $100 high hands awarded every (10) minutes, from the hours of 9:00am-12:00pm.  We've mentioned it before here on the blog, and we will say it once again, that's some great incentive to show up at the poker room's opening (9:00am)...when there are only two or three tables active across the entire room.  The odds of ending up with a qualifying high hand (that holds up) get a little bit stronger when the competition is "intimate."

The tournament schedule kicks off at 11:00am with the return of the ever-popular "Structure Beast," an event that offers a "major" tournament structure, for an extremely reasonable buy-in ($150).  The tournament boasts a guaranteed prize pool of $20,000, and if the past is anything to go off of, we should see that number eclipsed well before registration closes.  Registration for the tournament is open for close to six hours, even giving those with day jobs the opportunity to head over after work and jump in on the action.

At 6:00pm, we see what could be considered a "second chance" tournament on the schedule, with the $130 No Limit Hold'em ($5,000 Guaranteed) bookending the day.  Between the players that bust the afternoon event, and those arriving to the poker room for the first time, this event commonly attracts some solid numbers for an early week tournament.

11:00am - $150 No Limit Hold'em "Structure Beast" ($20,000 Guaranteed):

- Players will start with 12,000 in tournament chips
- Late and re-entries for the first (12) levels
- Alternates and late entries will start with a full stack
- Levels will be (30) minutes in length

6:00pm - $130 No Limit Hold'em ($5,000 Guaranteed):

- Players will start with 20,000 in tournament chips

ICYMI: November 21st-27th "Week In Review"

Raminder Singh

Monday, November 21st saw the return of the "Structure Beast" which crushed the $20,000 guarantee that was posted on the event.  Tournament regular Raminder Singh (Delray Beach, FL) took down the "winner's share" of a four-way chop.

12:00pm - $150 No Limit Hold'em "Structure Beast" ($20,000 Guaranteed):

1. Raminder Singh ($5,069)
2. Alex Shafran ($4,738)
3. Michael Guardino ($2,878)
4. Scott Jaffa ($2,854)
5. Gregg Weiss ($1,416)
6. John Palace ($1,076)
7. Jeram Capinpin ($838)
8. Edgard Mendes ($623)
9. Paulius Bikus ($442)
10. Bryace McVay ($351)
11. Eddie Do ($351)
12. Gunnar Rabe ($351)
13. Tom Gity ($295)
14. Andres Ramirez ($295)
15. Neil Plotkin ($295)
16. Steven Abramowitz ($261)
17. Vendel Johnson ($261)
18. Norman Botthe ($261)

7:00pm - $40 No Limit Hold'em ($3,000 Guaranteed):

1. Osvaldo Concepcion ($602)
2. Prince Rogers ($546)
3. Christopher Benoit ($531)
4. Amit Savani ($503)
5. John Bilas ($368)
6. Luis Perez ($358)
7. Kevin Carter ($291)
8. Daniel Tatonetti ($262)
9. Stephen Bromfield ($84)
10. Maraianne Dewitt ($65)
11. Les Abrahms ($65)
12. Marcus Rabin ($65)

The highlighting tournament on Tuesday, November 22nd was the evening event ($40 buy-in NLH with $10,000 Guaranteed Prize Pool), which attracted a total of (394) entries.  The players chopped once they reached the final table, with Sarah Billia (Plantation, FL) taking home the winner's share, which ended up being $1,268.

11:00am - $100 No Limit Hold'em "Monster Stack" ($3,000 Guaranteed):

1. Peter Coloyan ($975)
2. Daniel Genachte ($553)
3. Larry Richie ($498)
4. Leonid Goldshteyn ($395)
5. Aubrey Borenstein ($385)
6. Rosa Gonzalez ($274)

6:00pm - $40 No Limit Hold'em ($10,000 Guaranteed):

1. Sarah Bilia ($1,268)
2. Billy Michel  ($1,110)
3. William Ameral ($1,110)
4. Eugene Alkes ($1,110)
5. Juan Carlos Vasquez ($1,110)
6. Sean Ryan ($1,110)
7. Lascelles Peart ($1,110)
8. John Vidal ($1,110)
9. Alvaro Grisales ($1,060)
10. Arie Ben-Mayor ($1,010)
11. German Zaga ($183)
12. Tevy Wellins ($183)
13. Rochard Contell ($148)
14. Andres Duran ($148)
15. Ali Khalil ($148)
16. Jeffrey Baisley ($127)
17. Rafael Santoni ($127)
18. Michael Fraidin ($127)
19. Nathan Schwartz ($106)
20. William Norbeck ($106)
21. Larisa Kogan ($106)
22. Kaitlin Sims ($106)
23. Jimmy Cortes ($106)
24. Sandy Jean ($106)
25. Bruno Goulart ($106)
26. Andres Verona ($106)
27. Melissa Mancini ($106)
28. Karen Deramo ($91)
29. Guillermo Randu ($91)
30. Sebasti Blandon ($91)
31. Vito Polera ($91)
32. Ramon Munoz ($91)
33. Hosney Boutros ($91)
34. David Hrin ($91)
35. Susan King ($91)
36. Demetrius Givens ($46)
37. Ingo Jurgen ($45)

Wednesday, November 23rd only had one tournament on the schedule, to accommodate the crowd that makes their way into the poker room for the "Spin To Win" promotion.  The tournament was not chopped on that evening, with Ali Khalil ($1,635) winning outright, and earning his second cash of the week.

$100 No Limit Hold'em "Big Stack Bounty Turbo" w/ $25 Bounties ($5,000 Guaranteed):

1. Ali Khalil ($1,635)
2. Tyler Morgan ($958)
3. Jessie Roberts ($626)
4. Prince Rogers ($457)
5. Luke Rosenberg ($342)
6. Jonathan Adams ($265)
7. Camilio Poerio ($212)
8. Gregory Cohen ($173)
9. Jeffrey Nahom ($144)

Thursday, November 24th was about family and friends, as the room did not host any tournaments on Thanksgiving Day.  The room did open at 3:00pm for cash game play, and players vying for the high hand throughout the day.

Players were ready to get back into "tournament mode" on Friday, November 25th, as the evening event ($150 NLH) soared past the posted prize pool (which was $10,000).  The $14,835 prize pooled event saw thirteen players making the money, and the field agree to chop when eight players remained.  Michael Weinberger (Delray Beach, FL) took home first place money in the deal, which was worth $2,541.

6:00pm - $150 No Limit Hold'em ($10,000 Guaranteed):

1. Michael Weinberger ($2,541)
2. Franklin Rojas ($2,311)
3. Ernestos Azucena ($1,713)
4. Harry Silver ($1,660)
5. German Zaga ($1,617)
6. Zaki Lichaa ($1,364)
7. Simon Ene ($1,042)
8. Ronald Higgins Jr. ($1,029)
9. Kevin Shick ($341)
10. Aubrey Borenstein ($326)
11. Richard Coppola ($312)
12. Michael Slobasky ($297)
13. David Albertson ($282)

Saturday, November 26th saw more big fields in the evening, as the $75 No Limit Hold'em ($10,000 Guarantee) event crushed the guarantee (and ended up with a $14,629 prize pool).  A deal was made with five players remaining, and saw Atanel Thomas (Palm Springs, FL) walk away with the "winner's share," and an even $4,000.

11:00am - $100 No Limit Hold'em "Big Stack Turbo" w/ $25 Bounties ($3,000 Guarantee):

1. Frank Hollins ($1,207)
2. Greggory Victor ($739)
3. Cynthia Radnovich ($481)
4. George Duffield ($334)
5. Chad Haas ($244)
6. Ryan Finlayson ($187)
7. Joseph Mancuso ($150)

7:00pm - $75 No Limit Hold'em "Double Guarantee" ($10,000 Guarantee):

1. Atanel Thomas ($4,000)
2. Kamal Mohammed ($1,815)
3. Olena Kuzenna ($1,417)
4. Joseph Verrastro ($1,417)
5. Debra Giglia ($1,417)
6. Marcia Costa Savidge ($644)
7. Marco Crescenzi ($497)
8. Ralph Maula II ($366)
9. Angelo Inghan ($263)
10. Charles Marik ($205)
11. Adam Umstattd ($205)
12. Dominick Nuzzi ($205)
13. Omar Sader ($176)
14. Maxton Habitzreuter ($176)
15. Rebecca Richmond ($176)
16. James Giglia ($154)
17. Ryan McLane ($154)
18. Edward Rappa ($154)
19. Omar Nassif ($132)
20. Richard Coppola ($132)
21. Albert Barney ($132)
22. Alejandro Bristol ($132)
23. Andrew Ballas ($132)
24. Adam Bienstock ($132)
25. Damion Loli ($132)
26. Christopher Zollo ($132)
27. Allen Quickfall ($132)

Sara Bilia reached the final table for the second time in the same week on Sunday, November 27th... this time "min-cashing" the Sunday morning bounty event ($70 No Limit Hold'em w/ $10 Bounties).

11:00am - $70 No Limit Hold'em w/ $10 Bounties ($2,000 Guaranteed):

1. Steve Raemen ($547)
2. Kevin Carter ($394)
3. Vincent Seina ($257)
4. David Zweibel ($236)
5. Peter Fitzgerald ($160)
6. Sara Bilia ($106)

6:00pm - $135 No Limit Hold'em w/ $25 Bounties ($2,500 Guaranteed):

1. Gregory Barker ($656)
2. Roberto Herrera ($618)
3. Larry Stoddard ($456)
4. Alfred Zucaro ($420)

Sunday, December 4th: Saturday Night Success, Bounty Sunday Upon Us

Yesterday's "New" Monster Stack was a big success with the tournament players, as the event attracted over (275) entries, and saw a prize pool that eclipsed $21,000.  There was a nine-way chop at the final table, with Rudy Vasquez (Port St. Lucie, FL) taking home the first place prize, worth $3,100.  The high hand promotion for the day sees $300 awarded every (15) minutes from the hours of 2:00-9:00pm (to qualifying hand).

11:00am - $70 No Limit Hold'em w/ $10 Bounties ($2,000 GTD):

- Players will start with 8,000 in tournament chips
- Late and re-entries for the first (8) levels
- Alternates and late entries will start with a full stack
- Optional players add-on at the end of Level 8 ($20 for 8,000 units), with 100% of the add-on money going to the prize pool
- Levels are (20) minutes in length throughout the tournament

7:00pm - $135 No Limit Hold'em w/ $25 Bounties ($3,000 GTD):

- Players will start with 12,000 in tournament chips
- Late and re-entries for the first (8) levels
- Alternates and late entries will start with a full stack
- Levels are (20) minutes in length throughout the tournament

Saturday, December 3rd: Unveiling The "New" Monster Stack, $1,000 High Hands!!

A day after a "new" high hand promotion was run, we have our first "new" tournament of the month, as the "New" Monster Stack event is in store for this evening.  Things get started earlier though for those tournament players, as the $5,000 Guaranteed Free Roll begins at 10:00am.  Sandwiched in between those two tournaments, there will be $1,000 high hands awarded every (30) minutes from the hours of 2:00-10:00pm.  

10:00am - $5,000 Guaranteed No Limit Hold'em "Free Roll"

6:00pm - $110 No Limit Hold'em "New Monster Stack" ($15,000 Guaranteed):

- Players will start with 25,000 in tournament chips

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

- Alternates and late entries will start with a full stack

- Levels are (25) minutes

Friday, December 2nd: High Hands Getting Even Higher

The first weekend of the month gets started with a little wrinkle in the high hands promotion, as there  is now an incentive to show up early.  From 9:00am-12:00pm, the high hand will be worth $100, and will be awarded every (10) minutes.  The high hand will be worth $250 from 12:00-4:00pm (awarded every 20 minutes), and one last transition sees $500 given away to the qualifying high hand between the hours of 4:00pm-12:00am (awarded every 20 minutes).  

The tournament schedule for the day sees one event on the slate, as the $150 No Limit Hold'em ($10,000 Guarantee) gets underway at 6:00pm.

6:00pm - $150 No Limit Hold'em ($10,000 Guarantee):

- Players will start with 20,000 in tournament chips

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

- Alternate and late entries will start with a full stack

- Levels are (25) minutes in length throughout the event

Thursday, December 1st: Turning The Page, Finishing Off 2016 Strong

December Poker Calendar

Things get off to an "Early" start as the month of December begins, with the "Limit Hold'em Early Bird Promotion" getting underway the minute the doors to the poker room open.  The promotion offers all of our limit hold'em players the opportunity to "fill their pockets" with their full houses.  The standard high hand promotion is also running throughout the day, awarding the high hand for each half-hour during operating hours.

There are two tournaments on the schedule for the day, with the $80 No Limit Hold'em (Double Red Chip Bounty) beginning at 11:00am, and the ever popular $40 No Limit Hold'em ($10,000 Guarantee) following at 6:00pm.

11:00am - $80 No Limit Hold'em (Double Red Chip Bounty) $2,000 GTD

- Players will begin with a 10,000 starting stack

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

- Option player "add-on" at the end of Level 8 ($20 for 8,000 tournament chips), with 100% of the "add-on" going to the prize pool 

- Levels are (20) minutes in length

6:00pm - $40 No Limit Hold'em ($3,000 GTD)

- Players will begin with a 12,000 starting stack

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

- Optional player "add-on" at the end of Level 8 ($20 for 8,000 tournament chips), with 100% of the "add-on" going to the prize pool

-  Levels are (20) minutes in length

Wednesday, November 30th: Wrapping Up The Month The Right Way, "Spin To Win" Headlines

It's been a great month of poker, tournaments, and promotions here at the Isle Casino Pompano Beach, and it seems fitting that everything wraps up on a Wednesday...with the "Spin To Win" high hand promotion.  After one of the "richest" days of giveaways last week, it will be interesting to see what numbers are hit over the course of the afternoon/evening.  The results of the wheel spins should be posted some time Thursday or Friday, allowing those who couldn't make see what they missed!

There is one tournament on tap for the day, as the $100 No Limit Hold'em "Big Stack Turbo" w/ $25 Bounties gets underway at 7:00pm.  Last weeks tournament drew a total of (81) entries, with Ali Khalil (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) taking home $1,635 for the outright win.

7:00pm - $100 No Limit Hold'em "Big Stack Turbo" w/ $25 Bounties ($5,000 GTD):

- Players will begin with a 18,000 starting stack

- Late and re-entries for the first (10) levels

- Option player "add-on" at the end of Level 10 ($25 for 10,000 tournament chips), with 100% of the "add-on" going to the prize pool 

- Levels are (15) minutes in length

Tuesday, November 29th: Khalil Back In The Winner's Circle, "Early Bird," And Tournament's On Tap

It's been a good two weeks of tournaments for Ali Khalil (Ft. Lauderdale, FL), as he won last Wednesday's $100 NLH "Big Stack Turbo" Bounty, and last night took home the winner's share of a three-way chop in the $40 NLH ($3,000 GTD) event ($796).  While the $796 was the "winner's share," it was only a singular dollar more than the second and third place prizes in the deal, won by Danilo Parada (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) and Jon Pichelman (Hollywood, FL).

This Tuesday sees the poker room hosting two tournaments and one "promotion."  Things get started "early," the the "Limit Hold'em Early Bird Promotion" begins at 9:00am.  Those players interested in playing limit hold'em, that arrive between the hours of 9:00-11:00am, will receive an "early bird card."  With that card, and a full house during live action, that player will win $20 (for 2/2 Limit) and $40 (for 2/4 Limit).  This promotion lasts for until (100) full houses have been paid off, making this a close second to the "Spin To Win" promotion, in terms of players interest.  We then have the "Monster Stack" event beginning at 11:00am, and the ever popular "Free Roll" getting cards in the air at 6:00pm ($5,000 GTD).

11:00am - $100 No Limit Hold'em "Monster Stack" ($3,000 GTD)

- Players start with 25,000 in tournament chips

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

- Alternates and late entries will start with a full stack

- Level will last (20) minutes throughout the event

6:00pm - No Limit Hold'em "Free Roll" $5,000 Guaranteed

Monday, November 28th: Wrapping Up A Great Month Of Poker

The final full week of poker for the month of November wrapped up yesterday, with all of the tournament results to be posted in the next (48) hours.  We saw Steve Raemen take home yesterday's afternoon event ($70 NLH w/ $10 Bounties), walking away with $547, and Gregory Barker (Delray Beach, FL) lead the way of a three-way chop during the evening tournament (cashing for $656).

And with that, we can now transition to the action on today's slate, as two tournaments are on top.  Things get started at 11:00am, with an $80 No Limit Hold'em Bounty ($10 Bounties) event, one of the Isle Poker Room's "fan favorites."  The tournament carries with it a $2,000 guarantee, and potentially offers a return on investment of more than ten times the buy-in.  For those looking for our evening event, the $40 No Limit Hold'em ($3,000 GTD) event begins at 7:00pm, and will attract the same huge field it does each week.  Official results from each of the events will be posted tomorrow, and then recapped during next week's "Week In Review" feature.

11:00am - $80 No Limit Hold'em (Double Red Chip Bounty) $2,000 GTD

- Players will begin with a 10,000 starting stack

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

- Option player "add-on" at the end of Level 8 ($20 for 8,000 tournament chips), with 100% of the "add-on" going to the prize pool 

- Levels are (20) minutes in length

7:00pm - $40 No Limit Hold'em ($3,000 GTD)

- Players will begin with a 10,000 starting stack

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

- Optional player "add-on" at the end of Level 8 ($20 for 8,000 tournament chips), with 100% of the "add-on" going to the prize pool

-  Levels are (20) minutes in length

Sunday, November 27th: It's "Bounty Sunday," Along With Some "Turbo" High Hands

After a great day of tournaments yesterday, it's now time for "Bounty Sunday," with two tournaments on the schedule that offer up prizes for eliminating opponents.  There is a combined $4,500 worth of guarantees for the tournaments, all of which are really an "appetizer" to the day's main course...the "Turbo" High Hand Promotion.  From the hours of 2:00pm-9:00pm, qualifying high hands will take home $300 every (15) minutes!!!  The hands that qualify become that much stronger, with only half of the normal time to sweat things out until a win.

11:00am - $70 No Limit Hold'em w/ $10 Bounties ($2,000 GTD):

- Players will start with 8,000 in tournament chips
- Late and re-entries for the first (8) levels
- Alternates and late entries will start with a full stack
- Optional players add-on at the end of Level 8 ($20 for 8,000 units), with 100% of the add-on money going to the prize pool
- Levels are (20) minutes in length throughout the tournament

7:00pm - $135 No Limit Hold'em w/ $25 Bounties ($3,000 GTD):

- Players will start with 12,000 in tournament chips
- Late and re-entries for the first (8) levels
- Alternates and late entries will start with a full stack
- Levels are (20) minutes in length throughout the tournament

Saturday, November 26th: Weekend Off To A Strong Start, More Of The Same Expected

The holiday weekend kicked off with a bang last night, as the evening tournament ($150 NLH $10,000 Guarantee) had one of it's largest fields in months.  The posted $10,000 guarantee was crushed, as over (125) total entries brought that number up to $14,835.  We saw a lot of familiar faces return to action after the Thanksgiving holiday, as well as visitors that ventured to the room while in town for the festivities.  The event ended in an eight-way chop, with all those involved in the deal taking home over $1,029, and Michael Weinberger (Delray Beach, FL) walking away with the "winner's share" ($2,541).  

The standard Saturday tournament schedule is in effect for the day, with a little twist on the evening events.  Tonight's tournament will offer up a "double guarantee" on the regularly posted $5,000.  Tonight's $75 No Limit Hold'em event will surely see an incredible return on investment with a now $10,000 guaranteed prize pool.

11:00am - $100 No Limit Hold'em "Big Stack Turbo" w/ $25 Bounties ($3,000 GTD):

- Players start with 18,000 in tournament chips

- Late and re-entries for the first (10) levels

- Alternate and late entries will start with a full stack

- Optional player add-on at the end of Level (10), with $25 getting players 10,000 in tournament chips.  100% of the money from add-ons goes into the prize pool

- Levels are (15) minutes in length throughout the tournament

6:00pm - $75 No Limit Hold'em "Double Guarantee" ($10,000 Guaranteed):

- Players start with 25,000 in tournament chips

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

- Alternate and late entries will start with a full stack 

- Levels are (20) minutes in length throughout the tournament 

Friday, November 25th: Back To Scheduled Programming, Special Friday High Hand Promotion

After "special holiday hours," the Isle Casino Poker Room is back to the normal schedule players and staff are used to.  Without a tournament yesterday, there are no results to update followers about, so we will focus on today's schedule.  There is a special high hand promotion running this afternoon (and this evening), as qualifying high hands from the hours of 11:00am-4:00pm will take home $250, transitioning to a $500 prize between the hours of 4:00pm-12:00am.

The only tournament on the schedule gets underway at 6:00pm, as the ever popular $150 No Limit Hold'em ($10,000 Guarantee) will be sure to attract a nice sized field.

6:00pm - $150 No Limit Hold'em ($10,000 GTD):

- Players start with 20,000 in tournament chips
- Late and re-entries for the first (8) levels
- Alternates and late entries will start with a full stack
- Levels are (25) minutes in length throughout the tournament

Thursday, November 24th: Happy Thanksgiving!!!! Poker Room Open At 3:00pm

On behalf of everyone here at the Isle Casino Pompano Beach, and the Isle Casino Poker Room, we would like to wish a Happy Thanksgiving to all!!!  We are very thankful for the staff and players that make up this amazing room, and appreciate everyone's loyalty.  The poker room will be open at 3:00pm this afternoon, and will stay open through the night.  There is no tournament on the schedule for the day, but the "standard" high hand promotion will still run as scheduled.

As expected, we saw a nice crowd last night for the $100 NLH "Big Stack Turbo" Bounty event, with (81) total entries battling it out for the $5,000 prize pool.  There would be no chop on the holiday eve, as Ali Khalil (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) took down the first place prize worth $1,635.  Tournament regular Luke Rosenberg (Parkland, FL) reached the final table as well, and ended up finishing in fifth place ($342).  The official results from the event will be posted during next weeks "Week In Review" feature, offering up all of the tournament results from this week as well.

Wednesday, November 23rd: "Spin To Win," Tournament Action On Thanksgiving Eve

It's the "high hand" promotion that players circle on their calendar, as the "Money Wheel" returns for today's "Spin To Win."  The qualifying high hand for each half-hour between 12:00pm-11:00pm will earn the opportunity to spin the "money wheel," and take home some serious prizes.  We saw numerous players walk away with over $1,000 last week, as it was one of the "richest" days of giveaways since the promotion began.

With businesses closed tomorrow, this evening's tournament sets up to be a solid one, as the $100 No Limit Hold'em "Big Stack Turbo" w/ $25 Bounties gets underway at 7:00pm.  Just a reminder, the poker room will close at the normally scheduled time (3:00am), and will reopen tomorrow at 3:00pm.   We would like to wish everyone (players, staff, blog followers, etc.) a very Happy Thanksgiving.

7:00pm - $100 No Limit Hold'em "Big Stack Turbo" w/ $25 Bounties ($5,000 GTD):

- Players will begin with a 18,000 starting stack

- Late and re-entries for the first (10) levels

- Option player "add-on" at the end of Level 10 ($25 for 10,000 tournament chips), with 100% of the "add-on" going to the prize pool 

- Levels are (15) minutes in length

"Tuesday $10K:" Bilia Takes Home Trophy In Final Table Chop

Sarah Bilia (Plantation, FL)

The Tuesday night $40 No Limit Hold'em ($10,000 Guaranteed Prize Pool) was again a success last night, attracted (397) total entries.  That guarantee was crushed for the second week in a row, this time boasting a prize pool of $14,072.

Once again, we were looking at a first place prize of over $3,700, which is a return on investment that is close to (100) buy-ins!!!  Of course we saw many of the Isle Poker notables show up for the event, including (but not limited to) Tom Gity, Dave Henry, Thomas Millward, Dave Albertson, Raymond Rickard, Rafael Ramos, and Bobby Perniola.  While the field was full of familiar faces, the theme of the night was "new introductions."  There were an abundance of new names and faces in the crowd (many that were featured on the blog, and those are the players that saw the real success in the event.

Things were moving surprisingly slow in the later stages of the event, and it was clear that the tournament was not going to end by the "hard stop" time set in place by the casino's closing for the night.  Opposed to bagging the chips and returning the following afternoon, the players agreed to a final table chop (ten ways), with Sarah Bilia (Plantation, FL) taking home the winner's share of the deal (and the tournament's trophy).  Posted below are the final table payouts:

1. Sarah Bilia ($1,268)
2. Billy Michel ($1,110)
3. William Arneral ($1,110)
4. Eugene Alkes ($1,110)
5. Juan Carlos Vasquez ($1,110)
6. Sean Ryan ($1,110)
7. Lascelles Peart Jr. ($1,110)
8. John Vidal ($1,110)
9. Alvaro Grisales ($1,110)
10. Arie Ben-Mayor ($1,110)

"Tuesday $10K:" 11th-12th Places ($183)

The following players have been eliminated from the "Tuesday $10,000 Guarantee," and have cashed for $183:

11. German Zaga (Coral Springs, FL)
12. Tevy Wellins (Hollywood, FL)

"Tuesday $10K:" 13th-15th Places ($148)

The following players have been eliminated from the "Tuesday $10,000 Guarantee," and have cashed for $148:

13. Richard Contell (Miami, FL)
14. Andres Duran (Weston, FL)
15. Ali Khalil (Ft. Lauderdale, FL)

"Tuesday $10K:" 16th-18th Places ($127)

The following players have been eliminated from the "Tuesday $10,000 Guarantee," and have cashed for $127:

16. Jeffrey Baisley (Pompano Beach, FL)
17. Rafael Santoni (Boca Raton, FL)
18. Michael Fraidin (Boca Raton, FL)

"Tuesday $10K:" 19th-27th Places ($106)

The following players have been eliminated from the "Tuesday $10,000 Guarantee," and have cashed for $106:

19. Nathan Schwartz (Boca Raton, FL)
20. William Norbeck (Lake Worth, FL)
21. Larisa Kogan (Delray Beach, FL)
22. Kaitlin Sims (Miami, FL)
23. Jimmy Cortes (Miami, FL)
24. Sandy Jean (Mirimar, FL)
25. Bruno Goulart (Deerfield Beach, FL)
26. Andres Verona (Miami, FL)
27. Melissa Mancini (Oakland Park, FL)

"Tuesday $10K:" 28th-36th Places ($91)

The following players have been eliminated from the "Tuesday $10,000 Guarantee," and have cashed for $91:

28. Karen Deramo (Deerfield Beach, FL)
29. Guillermo Randu (Miami, FL)
30. Sabasti Blandon (Weston, FL)
31. Vito Polera (Ft. Lauderdale, FL)
32. Ramon Munoz (Santiago, DR)
33. Hosney Boutros (Ft. Lauderdale, FL)
34. David Hrin (Margate, FL)
35. Susan King (Victoria, BC)
36. Demetrius Givens (Deerfield Beach, FL) ($46)
37. Ingo Jurgen (Germany) ($45)

"Tuesday $10K:" Grinding Towards The Money

Even though the stacks across the field are fairly shallow, and the structure leans towards a turbo-ish feel, things are moving much slower than they did last week.  The field is still a handful of eliminations from the money, but we were able to snap some great photos of players as they creeped towards the money bubble.

Jimmy Cortez

Kaitlin Sims

Guillermo Irving

Bruno Goulart

Ali Khalil

Juan Guzman

David Hrin

Alvaro Grisiles

Robyn Marshman and Mellisa Mancini (sisters)

Gene Alkes

Sandy Jean

"Andy Warhol"

Billy Michel

Floor Supervisor Alfred

Tournament Director Mike

"Tuesday $10K:" Official Event Payouts

We didn't reach the (400) player mark like we did last week, but the field came as close as possible, finishing with a total of (394) entries.  That gives us a total prize pool of over $14,000, well clear of the $10,000 guarantee posted on the event.  There will be (36) players making money tonight, with a min-cash bringing home $91, and first place taking with them $3,797.  Here are the official numbers for the event:

Tuesday $40 No Limit Hold'em ($10,000 Guaranteed)
Total Entries: 394
Total Prize Pool: $14,072

Payouts:

1. $3,797
2. $2,252
3. $1,478
4. $1,020
5. $753
6. $598
7. $457
8. $331
9. $239

10-12. $183

13-15. $148

16-18. $127

19-27. $106

28-36. $91

"Tuesday $10K:" Faces In The Crowd (Part IV)

 While the blog was designed to focus on updates, results, and hand histories, these smaller buy-in events are covered to give player's an opportunity to see their "name in lights."  The "coverage" of these special daily events is something that separates this room from the many in the area, which may be the reason you see so many smiling faces in the field.

Kirby Conserve (left) and Sandy Jean (right) are pictured as they are catching up (and all smiles) between hands.

Sandy Jean also requested that her photo be taken while in action at the table.  Jean doesn't have any recorded results on Hendon Mob, but taking down an event like tonight's would be a great start to a resume.

"Tuesday $10K:" Faces In The Crowd (Part III)

The poker room is about as full as you'll ever see it, with most every table in action on the tournament side...as well as numerous cash games (11 to be exact).  The cash game action is spread across limits that would appeal to most every player.  You could join a 1/2 No Limit game, a 2/5 Pineapple game, or if your preference is "nosebleed," try out the 100/200 Mixed Game that is running at the moment.  We continue our "Faces In The Crowd" feature with some names that should sound familiar to followers of the blog.

Raymond Rickard (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) was the winner of the first "daily" event to ever be blogged here at the Isle.  He asked to be mentioned as "Dirt," and since then, the nickname has just stuck.  "Dirt" has just under $9,500 in career earnings, with his best cashing coming here at the Isle during the 2015 Isle Poker Open (Event 14 - 2nd Place $4,400). 

Yesterday we posted numerous different "couples" in the field, and while the next two players are a pair, it's a pair of brothers.  Nestor Caraballo (Miami, FL) is only a few tables away from his brother at the moment, and needs to do some work to catch up to Hector's resume.  Nestor has over $9,300 in career tournament earnings, with his highlighting score coming earlier this year during the "Isle April $100,000 Guarantee," when he finished in 5th place for $5,139.

The more accomplished of the two Caraballo brothers (Hector) has over $39,000 in career tournament earnings, and also has Isle to thank for his career highlighting score.  In 2012, Hector finished in 3rd place during a $100 buy-in ($100,000 guarantee) event here for over $10,300.

"Tuesday $10K:" Faces In The Crowd (Part II)

While it's easy to spot the players that been featured on the blog before, there are many in the field that fly under the radar.  As they introduce themselves to the "blogger," we introduce them to you during our coverage of these events.  As the field continues to grow, and we eclipse the (200) entry mark, we give you some new names and faces to the blog.

Rafael Ramos (Cape Coral, FL) has over $29,500 in recorded tournament earnings, with a good portion of that coming here at the Isle.  His career best score occurred just a few months ago, when he chopped the Isle "August Monster Stack," a $150 buy-in event that attracted well over 1,000 runners.  The $7,193 finish is his highest score by a few thousand dollars, but a win today would slide ride into second place if it were to happen.

Susan King doesn't have any recorded results on Hendon Mob, but that's likely because she sticks to these "smaller" buy-in events that offer recreational players the opportunity to gain experience...and some extra pocket change.  King is hoping to  notch her first recorded score tonight, as the results of this event (and all the other dailies since November 1) will be submitted to Hendon Mob.

Michele Milker (Delray Beach, FL) is a great example of what were just mentioning with Susan (picture above).  When you find Michele on Hendon Mob, it only yields one result from Palm Beach Kennel Club.  One would think that she would be a "novice," considering those results...but don't fool yourself, she just made a super deep run in this exact tournament last week.