"November $200,000" (Flight 1E): Official End Of Flight 1E Chip Counts

"November $200,000"
$360 No Limit Hold'em | $200,000 GTD
Level 15 (Blinds 1,500/3,000/500)
Total Flight 1E Entries: 60
Flight 1E Players Remaining: 11

Scott	Levitt E	260,000
Ron	Levy E	148,500
Andrew	Thompson	141,000
Jeff	Siverstein	138,000
Alton	Mendler	88,500
Thomas	Gari	87,500
David	Smith	71,500
Morris	Heider	70,500
Miguel	McKenzie	70,000
Cypron	Kerr	68,500
Tom	Gity	54,500

Friday, November 3rd: All Eyes On The "November $200,000," As Weekend Begins

ICYMI: While yesterday's "November $200,000" action was a little slower than expected, the numbers were still close to double that of Wednesday.  Flight 1C got started at 11:00am, and after registration closed more than six hours later, there were (40) total entries in the field.  A total of five players would bag from the flight, with Isle Poker notables Kenneth Bruno (260,000) and Jeff Kessler (211,500) bagging the chip lead bonuses.  Rounding out the group that bagged were Chris Gilkey (178,500), Joshua Wasserman (140,000), and Nancy Thomas (35,500).

Just as registration was closing for Flight 1C, the cards were getting in the air for Flight 1D, which ended up being the largest flight of the four to have been played.  A total of (62) entries made up the flight, with eight players reached the bagging process, which is scheduled to happen at the end of Level 15.  Antoine Bahi (324,500) and Bryce McVay (234,000) would bag the top two stacks, and add their names to the list of players earning entry into the $340 NLH Package Satellite on November 29th (into the $2,500 Single-Day and $1,500 Isle Classic Event #1).  The rest of the players to bag from Flight 1D are listed below:

Ghassan	Toubia	203,500
Daren	Stabinski	158,000
Fred	Dabus	113,000
Kevin	Chan	106,500
Cameron	Collins	85,500
Adam	Hamby	34,500

The official numbers for the tournament, as we head into the weekend, have a combined (155) entries.  There have been (18) players able to successfully bag chips from the flight, with a total of $47,725 going towards the overall prize pool.  Just over (500) entries are needed to reach the $200,000 guarantee, but a big weekend would like see the number reached.

Tournaments: The third pair of opening flights are on the schedule today, with Flight 1E beginning at 11:00am, followed by Flight 1F at 6:00pm.  The structure for each starting flight is the same, with players sitting down to starting stacks of 20,000 units, and playing levels that last (30) minutes over the course of the event.  Registration is open through Level 12 (and the break that follows), with the day scheduled to end at the conclusion of Level 15 (or if the 10% mark is reached, whichever comes first).  The top two chip stacks from each flight will earn entry into the $340 NLH Package Satellite on November 29th (into $2,500 Single-Day and $1,500 Isle Classic Event #1).

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-3:00am, players are eligible for $100 high hands every hour.

It should also be noted that starting November 1st (today), 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 - "November $200,000" (Flight 1E) | $360 No Limit Hold'em  | $200,000 GTD

- Players start with 20,000 in tournament chips

- Late and re-entries for the first (12) levels

- Alternates and late entries will start with a full stack

- Levels will last (30) minutes

- The top two chips leaders from each flight will win a seat into the $340 No Limit Hold'em Package Satellite on Wed., November 29th (satellite into $2,500 Single-Day Series and $1,500 Isle Classic Event #1).

6:00pm - "November $200,000" (Flight 1F) | $360 No Limit Hold'em  | $200,000 GTD

- Players start with 20,000 in tournament chips

- Late and re-entries for the first (12) levels

- Alternates and late entries will start with a full stack

- Levels will last (30) minutes

- The top two chips leaders from each flight will win a seat into the $340 No Limit Hold'em Package Satellite on Wed., November 29th (satellite into $2,500 Single-Day Series and $1,500 Isle Classic Event #1).

"November $200,000" (Flight 1D): Official End Of Flight 1D Chip Counts

"November $200,000"
$360 No Limit Hold'em | $200,000 GTD
Level 15 (Blinds 1,500/3,000/500)
Total Flight 1D Entries: 62
Flight 1D Players Remaining: 8

Antoine	Bahi D	324,500
Bryce	McVay D	234,000
Ghassan	Toubia	203,500
Daren	Stabinski	158,000
Fred	Dabus	113,000
Kevin	Chan	106,500
Cameron	Collins	85,500
Adam	Hamby	34,500

"November $200,000" (Flight 1C): Official End Of Flight 1C Chip Counts

"November $200,000"
$360 No Limit Hold'em | $200,000 GTD
Level 15 (Blinds 1,500/3,000/500)
Total Flight 1C Entries: 40
Flight 1C Players Remaining: 4

Ken	Bruno C	260,000
Jeff	Kessler C	211,500
Chirs	Gilkey	178,500
Josh	Wasserman	114,000
Nancy	Thomas	35,500

Thursday, November 2nd: The "November $200,000" Continues With Two More Flights

ICYMI: The 2017 Isle Open "hangover" was a real thing yesterday, as the first two flights of the "November $200,000" saw two very "intimate" fields.  The opening flight of the tournament (Flight 1A) got underway at 11:00am, and saw registration close with a total of (30) entries.  The field reached the 10% mark with 29:42 remaining in Level 15, with three players left to start the bagging process.  Jaime Wiegrefe (326,000) and Ido Ashkenzai (227,000) earned the chip lead bonus for the flight, gaining entry into this month's package satellite on November 29th ($340 Satellite Into $2,500 Single-Day and $1,500 Isle Classic Event #1).  Matthew Zarcadoolas rounded out the Flight 1A group with 47,500, as the trio now has three days off, before returning for Sunday's Day 2.

Flight 1B started at 6:00pm, and once again, we would see a smaller sized field.  After registration closed (after Level 12), there was a total of (23) entries showing on the tournament clock.  The second flight of the day would also reach the 10% mark, this time with 12:13 remaining in Level 15.  Three players would also remain as the bagging process started, with Jake Ozyman (205,500) and Robert Arahovites (141,000) bagging the chip lead bonus.  Diane Linke was the third player to bag from the flight (113,500), just a day after chopping the final event of the 2017 Isle Open.

The "November $200,000" had a total of (53) entries over the course of the first day of flights, with $16,165 going towards the overall prize pool.  Now at this pace, we would be looking at a massive overlay, but things are sure to pick up as the weekend approaches.

Tournaments: The second pair of opening flights are on the schedule today, with Flight 1C beginning at 11:00am, followed by Flight 1D at 6:00pm.  The structure for each starting flight is the same, with players sitting down to starting stacks of 20,000 units, and playing levels that last (30) minutes over the course of the event.  Registration is open through Level 12 (and the break that follows), with the day scheduled to end at the conclusion of Level 15 (or if the 10% mark is reached, whichever comes first).  The top two chip stacks from each flight will earn entry into the $340 NLH Package Satellite on November 29th (into $2,500 Single-Day and $1,500 Isle Classic Event #1).

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-3:00am, players are eligible for $100 high hands every hour.

It should also be noted that starting November 1st (today), 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 - "November $200,000" (Flight 1C) | $360 No Limit Hold'em  | $200,000 GTD

- Players start with 20,000 in tournament chips

- Late and re-entries for the first (12) levels

- Alternates and late entries will start with a full stack

- Levels will last (30) minutes

- The top two chips leaders from each flight will win a seat into the $340 No Limit Hold'em Package Satellite on Wed., November 29th (satellite into $2,500 Single-Day Series and $1,500 Isle Classic Event #1).

6:00pm - "November $200,000" (Flight 1D) | $360 No Limit Hold'em  | $200,000 GTD

- Players start with 20,000 in tournament chips

- Late and re-entries for the first (12) levels

- Alternates and late entries will start with a full stack

- Levels will last (30) minutes

- The top two chips leaders from each flight will win a seat into the $340 No Limit Hold'em Package Satellite on Wed., November 29th (satellite into $2,500 Single-Day Series and $1,500 Isle Classic Event #1).

"November $200,000" (Flight 1B): Official End Of Flight 1B Chip Counts

"November $200,000"
$360 No Limit Hold'em | $200,000 GTD
Level 15 (Blinds 1,500/3,000/500)
Total Flight 1B Entries: 23
Flight 1A Players Remaining: 3

Jake	OzymanB	205,500
Robert	ArahovitesB	141,000
Diane	Linke	113,500

"November $200,000" (Flight 1A): Official End Of Flight 1A Chip Counts

"November $200,000"
$360 No Limit Hold'em | $200,000 GTD
Level 15 (Blinds 1,500/3,000/500)
Total Flight 1A Entries: 30
Flight 1A Players Remaining: 3

Jaime	WiegrefeA	326,000
Ido	AshkenaziA	227,000
Matthew	Zarcadoolas	47,500

Wednesday, November 1st: The Isle Open Is Over, Jumping Right Into A $200,000 GTD ($360 NLH)

ICYMI: Yesterday was the final day of the 2017 Isle Open, wrapping up one of the more successful series in recent memory.  Event #24 of the Isle Open was a $60 No Limit Hold'em tournament, which was comprised of (141) total entries.  The non-guaranteed prize pool officially closed at $7,162, and boasted a scheduled first place prize of $2,003.  The field consisted of numerous players we've seen throughout the series, with a handful of notables making up the seven-way deal that ended the event.

1. Steve Smith (West Palm Beach, FL) $1,285
2. Douglas Nascimento (Deerfield Beach, FL) $1,205
3. Richard Gress (Plantation, FL) $820
4. Sabas Ferrer (Coral Springs, FL) $752
5. Glen Canelstein (Coconut Creek, FL) $514
6. Angelo Ingham (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) $405
7. Patricia Conrad (Delray Beach, FL) $381
8. Glenn Popkin (Coral Springs, FL) $226
9. Anthony Zambrowski (Chandler, AZ) $200
10. Gresi Pancjame (Pompano Beach, FL) $175

Tournaments: Players looking for more multi-day tournament action don't have to look far, as the November Tournament Calendar kicks off with the "November $200,000."  The $360 No Limit Hold'em event has eight flights over the next four days, with one afternoon (11:00am) and one evening flight (6:00pm) from Wednesday through Saturday.  Players that bag chips will then be returning on Sunday (12:00pm) for Day 2, battling it out for what's expected to be a healthy first place prize.

The tournament is structured with 20,000 unit starting stacks, and levels that last (30) minutes over the entirety of the event.  Late and re-entries are able to get into each flight until the end of Level 12, and through the break that follows.  Each flight is scheduled to play (15) levels, or until the field reaches the 12% mark.  The top two chips leaders from each flight will win a seat into the $340 No Limit Hold'em Package Satellite on Wed., November 29th (satellite into $2,500 Single-Day Series and $1,500 Isle Classic Event #1).

Live blogged coverage will be offered on Day 2, bringing followers all of the action, as the tournament plays down to a winner.

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-3:00am, players are eligible for $100 high hands every hour.

It should also be noted that starting November 1st (today), 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 - "November $200,000" (Flight 1A) | $360 No Limit Hold'em  | $200,000 GTD

- Players start with 20,000 in tournament chips

- Late and re-entries for the first (12) levels

- Alternates and late entries will start with a full stack

- Levels will last (30) minutes

- The top two chips leaders from each flight will win a seat into the $340 No Limit Hold'em Package Satellite on Wed., November 29th (satellite into $2,500 Single-Day Series and $1,500 Isle Classic Event #1).

6:00pm - "November $200,000" (Flight 1B) | $360 No Limit Hold'em  | $200,000 GTD

- Players start with 20,000 in tournament chips

- Late and re-entries for the first (12) levels

- Alternates and late entries will start with a full stack

- Levels will last (30) minutes

- The top two chips leaders from each flight will win a seat into the $340 No Limit Hold'em Package Satellite on Wed., November 29th (satellite into $2,500 Single-Day Series and $1,500 Isle Classic Event #1).

Tuesday, October 31st: Paul Balzano Wins The Isle Open Championship, Series Wraps Up Tonight

ICYMI: Day 3 of the 2017 Isle Open Championship saw ten players return at 12:00pm for the final table, with play scheduled to see a tournament's conclusion.  The incredible structure allowed for super deep play to start the day, with even the shortest of stacks sitting down to over thirty big blinds.  That being said, it would be more than two levels before any players exited the action, with the tournament's defending champ first to leave.  Edward Novak (Simsbury, CT) flopped trips when he was all-in and at risk, but watched William Valladares turn a full house, eliminating Novak from play in a cruel turn of events ($9,435).  Sam Panzica (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) would be the shortest stack after Novak's departure, and would also run into chip leader William Valladares.  The two-time WPT champ made back-to-back final tables in this event, earning $11,208 for this year's result.  

After Panzica's exit, we saw what ended up being the most pivotal hand of the tournament, with Paul Balzano doubling through Scott Levitt.  Balzano would be second in chips after the hand, a position he'd hold for a long time afterwards.  The two short stacks faced off after the second break, with Scott Levitt doubling through Frank Lerczak (Buffalo, NY), who would be eliminated the very next hand in eighth place ($14,589).  Scott Levitt (Delray Beach, FL) was the next player at risk, and would be eliminated by Paul Balzano, departing the final table in seventh place ($17,971).  

One of the more memorable moments from the final table came after Levitt's departure, when Nassin Vaknin folded a hand (on the flop), after committing over ninety-percent of his stack pre-flop.  He'd be left with just two big blinds, but was able to secure two double-ups, that saw his stack back to a more manageable number.  Vaknin recovered enough to eliminate Manuel Quinonez (Orlando, FL) in sixth place ($21,407), actually becoming the final table chip leader.  

Of all the players at the final table, nobody had a rail like Nancy Birnbaum (Ft. Lauderdale, FL).  She'd manage to grind one of the shortest stacks for a good portion of the final table, but ended up becoming the next player to fall to Nassin Vaknin, exiting the final table in fifth place ($25,852).  It looked like Nassin Vaknin (Davie, FL) was going to become the story of the tournament, but he'd be eliminated by Paul Balzano, after finding himself the short stack ($33,597).

Three-handed play was all about Michael Aron to start, but after Paul Balzano eliminated William Valladares (Costa Rica) in third place ($50,482), the two players would begin heads-up play fairly even.  Bolzano then began to take control, and after just an hour of heads-up play, Paul Balzano (Sunrise, FL) would become the 2017 Isle Open Championship winner ($112,075).

Final Table Results:

1. Paul Balzano (Sunrise, FL) $112,075
2. Michael Aron (Palm Beach, FL) $78,510
3. William Valladares (Costa Rica) $50,482
4. Nassin Vaknin (Davie, FL) $33,597
5. Nancy Birnbaum (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) $25,852
6. Manuel Quinonez (Orlando, FL) $21,407
7. Scott Levitt (Delray Beach, FL) $17,971
8. Frank Lerczak (Buffalo, NY) $14,589
9. Sam Panzica (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) $11,208
10. Edward Novak (Simsbury, CT) $9,435

While the final table was finishing up, Event #23 of the Isle Open began at 6:00pm, with the cards getting in the air for the $130 No Limit Hold'em ($20,000 GTD) event.  The tournament attracted a field of (220) entries, and saw registration close with a prize pool of $22,000.  The event ended in a five-way deal, with Joseph Kearns (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) declared the trophy winner.

1. Joseph Kearns (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) $3,377
2. Diane Linke (Boynton Beach, FL) $3,012
3. Michael Bucar (West Palm Beach, FL) $2,692
4. Stephen Bromfield (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) $2,226
5. Carlos Loving (Sarasota, FL) $1,788
6. Michael Slobasky (Jensen Beach, FL) $1,385
7. John Magnetta (Boynton Beach, FL) $748
8. Richard Leger (Lighthouse Point, FL) $638
9. William Napier (Hollywood, FL) $525
10. Roberto Alvarado (Pompano Beach, FL) $462

Tournaments: The Isle Open schedule concludes today, with Event #24 the final event of the series.  The cards get in the air for the $60 No Limit Hold'em event at 6:00pm, and is structured with 14,000 unit starting stack, and levels that last (20) minutes.  There is also an optional add-on at the end of registration (Level 8), with $20 seeing a return of 10,000 units.

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-3:00am, players are eligible for $100 high hands every hour.

6:00pm - 2017 Isle Open  Event #24 | $60 No Limit Hold'em

- Players start with 14,000 in tournament chips

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

- Alternates and late entries will start with a full stack

- Levels will last (20) minutes

- Optional add-on at the end of Level 8 ($20 for 10,000 units, with 100% of the add-on money going towards the prize pool)

Isle Open Championship (Day 3): Paul Balzano Wins 2017 Isle Open Championship ($112,075), Michael Aron Runner-Up ($78,510)

2017 Isle Open | Event #21
$1,500 No Limit Hold'em Isle Open Championship| $500,000 GTD
Level 31 (Blinds 80,000/160,000/20,000)
Total Event #21 Entries: 404
Event #21 Players Remaining: 2

Paul Balzano (Sunrise, FL) wins the 2017 Isle Open Championship, earning the third largest score of his career ($112,075), and second Isle Poker "major."

Paul Balzano had an over 2:1 chip lead as the minutes were ticking down in Level 31, and after Michael Aron opened to 325,000, Balzano three-bet shoved.  Aron took little time before making the call, with the two flipping for the most critical pot of the tournament.  It would be the 5♠ 5♣ of Balzano, just slightly ahead of Michael Aron's A♣ Q♠.  The 10♥ 8♦ 2♣ 7♠ 3♥ runout would seal the title for Balzano, who wins his second ever Isle Poker "major" (and first "main event").

Michael Aron (Palm Beach, FL), the Isle Open Championship runner-up, earning $78,510 for his efforts.

Isle Open Championship (Day 3): Balzano Now Has A Commanding Lead

2017 Isle Open | Event #21
$1,500 No Limit Hold'em Isle Open Championship| $500,000 GTD
Level 31 (Blinds 80,000/160,000/20,000)
Total Event #21 Entries: 404
Event #21 Players Remaining: 2

Michael Aron's 600,000 river bet was met by an all-in from Paul Balzano, causing Michael to release his holdings.

Things were almost even when heads-up play started, but it's been all Paul Balzano since.  Moments ago, on a board of 7♠ 2♣ Q♦ 9♥ 8♦, Michael Aron bet 600,000 on the river, into a pot with more than 2,000,000 in the middle.  Paul Balzano took a few moments, before announcing himself all-in, having Aron covered.  Michael thought for close to two minutes about his next move, but ended up folding his hand, giving Paul a sizable chip lead.

Paul Balzano - 8,400,000 (52bb)

Michael Aron - 3,700,000 (23bb)

Isle Open Championship (Day 3): Valladares Exits In 3rd Place ($50,482), Play Now Heads-Up

2017 Isle Open | Event #21
$1,500 No Limit Hold'em Isle Open Championship| $500,000 GTD
Level 31 (Blinds 80,000/160,000/20,000)
Total Event #21 Entries: 404
Event #21 Players Remaining: 2

William Valladares (Costa Rica) was able to get the double he needed, but ended up getting it in on a draw just a few hands later, losing to Paul Balzano.

William Valladares (Costa Rica) was no longer the short stack after doubling through Michael Aron, but ended up losing a sizable pot just a few hands later.  He'd find himself the shortest of the three players once again, and after calling a raise pre from Paul Balzano, William would shove for 1,300,000 over Paul's continuation bet on the flop (8♥ 3♠ 4♦).  Paul quickly made the call, and would be ahead with 9♣ 9♥, agains the 5♠ 6♠ of Valladares.

William was open ended, but after the J♣ on the turn, he'd lose any running two-pair or trips outs.  The river brought the 10♠, and Valladares would be eliminated in third place ($50,482), more than doubling his career earnings with that score. 

The Isle Open Championship is now heads up, with the updated chip counts listed below:

Paul Balzano - 6,400,000 (40bb)
Michael Aron - 5,810,000 (36bb)

Isle Open Championship (Day 3): Aron Was In Control, But Doubles Up Valladares

2017 Isle Open | Event #21
$1,500 No Limit Hold'em Isle Open Championship| $500,000 GTD
Level 30 (Blinds 60,000/120,000/20,000)
Total Event #21 Entries: 404
Event #21 Players Remaining: 3

Michael Aron held over fifty-percent of the chips in play (over 7,000,000), but just lost 1,400,000 of that to William Valladares.  Aron opened from the button to 240,000, and was called by Paul Balzano, who was in the small blind.  Valladares then shoved out of the big blind (for 1,380,000), with Aron iso-shoving to get things heads up.  Bolzano bowed out, and it would be the 7♥ 7♣ of Aron, against the K♦ Q♦ of Valladares. The dealer would run out a board of Q♣ 6♥ 3♦ A♠ Q♠, and William would earn the double, leaving Paul Balzano the short stack.

Isle Open Championship (Day 3): Nassin Vaknin Eliminated In 4th Place ($33,597) By Paul Balzano

2017 Isle Open | Event #21
$1,500 No Limit Hold'em Isle Open Championship| $500,000 GTD
Level 30 (Blinds 60,000/120,000/20,000)
Total Event #21 Entries: 404
Event #21 Players Remaining: 3

It was a crazy day for Nassin Vaknin (Davie, FL), who was down to just two big blinds earlier in the afternoon.

An unorthodox move earlier in the day led to a big pay jump for Nassin Vaknin...and almost ended up the story of the tournament.  Vaknin played a hand earlier where he started with 650,000, and after getting 400,000 of that stack involved pre-flop, he folded after a bet from William Valladares on the flop.  The move was eye-opening for others at the table, but Vaknin ended up running that stack of two blinds up to over 3,300,000.

Unfortunately Nassin would find himself the shortest stack though, after just one level, and would open the most recent pot to 350,000 (from the button).  Paul Balzano made the call out of the big blind, and would then lead 360,000 after a K♥ J♥ 10♦ flop.  Vaknin had only 1,000,000 left, and would shove all-in fairly quickly.  After getting an exact count, Paul would make the call, ahead with K♠ 6♥ against Nassin's Q♦ J♠.

Paul asked for a ten on the turn, and that's exactly what he got (10♠), helping strengthen his lead.  The river would bring the 4♣, and Nassin's roller-coaster day came to an end.

Isle Open Championship (Day 3): Updated Chip Counts At Break

2017 Isle Open | Event #21
$1,500 No Limit Hold'em Isle Open Championship| $500,000 GTD
Level 30 (Blinds 60,000/120,000/20,000)
Total Event #21 Entries: 404
Event #21 Players Remaining: 4

Players are on their fourth break of the day, and will be returning to blinds of 60,000/120,000/20,000, with a chip average of 3,000,000.  We are seeing a shift in the counts, as Nissin Vaknin has become the shortest stack of the four remaining.  Listed below are the updated counts from break:

1. Nissm Vaknin - 1,500,000 (12bb)
2. Michael Aron - 3,600,000 (30bb)
3. Paul Balzano - 2,300,000 (19bb)
4. William Valladares - 4,450,000 (37bb)

Isle Open Championship (Day 3): Vaknin Ends Birnbaum's Run, Nancy Out In 5th Place ($25,852)

2017 Isle Open | Event #21
$1,500 No Limit Hold'em Isle Open Championship| $500,000 GTD
Level 29 (Blinds 50,000/100,000/15,000)
Total Event #21 Entries: 404
Event #21 Players Remaining: 4

Nancy Birnbaum (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) was able to navigate most of the day with a short stack, but couldn't come from behind to beat Nassin Vaknin.

Nancy Birnbaum (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) had been one of the shorter stacks for most of the day, and with the blinds going up to 50,000/100,000, it was only a matter of time before her sub-ten big blind stack got in.  After action folded to Nissin Vaknin (in the small blind), he would open for a raise, with Nancy three-bet shoving for just over 800,000.  Vaknin made the call, putting Nancy at risk, with his A♠ 8♣ ahead of her K♠ J♣.  The A♣ Q♠ 5♣ 9♠ 9♣ runout would be the last hand for Birnbaum in this main event, as she earns $25,852 for fifth place.

This is Nancy's largest tournament cash since January of last year, and helps bring her career earnings north of $735,000.  She gracefully wished her opponents good luck as she left the table, and was greeted by a rail that had been supporting her all day.

Isle Open Championship (Day 3): Blinds Growing Higher As Level 29 Begins

2017 Isle Open | Event #21
$1,500 No Limit Hold'em Isle Open Championship| $500,000 GTD
Level 29 (Blinds 50,000/100,000/15,000)
Total Event #21 Entries: 404
Event #21 Players Remaining: 5

Level 29 started just moments ago, with the blinds going up to 50,000/100,000/15,000, and a 2,424,000 chip average.  The blinds now leave even the largest stack below (40) big blinds, and force the shorter stacks to find a spot to double.  Listed below are the updated five-handed chip counts, from the end of Level 28:

1. Nissm Vaknin - 3,300,000 (33bb)
2. Nancy Birnbaum - 1,200,000 (12bb)
3. Michael Aron - 3,500,000 (35bb)
4. Paul Balzano - 1,500,000 (15bb)
5. William Valladares - 2,900,000 (29bb)

Isle Open Championship (Day 3): Manuel Quinonez First To Exit After Dinner, Out In 6th Place ($21,407)

2017 Isle Open | Event #21
$1,500 No Limit Hold'em Isle Open Championship| $500,000 GTD
Level 28 (Blinds 40,000/80,000/10,000)
Total Event #21 Entries: 404
Event #21 Players Remaining: 5

Emanuel Quinonez (Orlando, FL) just experienced the highlight of his tournament poker career, after coming into this event with a total of $3,600 in earnings.

The first half-hour back from dinner felt like a waiting process, with the table curious to see which short stack was going to be at risk first.  The were four all-ins from the short stacks (2 from Birnbaum and 2 from Quinonez), all of which got through.  That was until Nissin Vaknin opened the button to 300,000, with both shorties in the blinds.  Nancy let go of her hand, while Manuel ended up making the call, leaving himself with 650,000 behind.  The dealer fanned out the 9♠ 5♠ 2♥ flop, with Manuel checking to Vaknin, who bet 600,000.  Quinonez verbalized a call and tabled his hand, not realizing that he had 50,000 behind (never announced himself all-in).  The turn would come with Manuel's hand still exposed (8♠ 8♦), with the J♠ hitting the felt.  Manuel tossed the chips in, Vaknin quickly made the call, and would turn over J♣ J♦.  He hit a set on the turn, but still needed to fade spades on the river, which he did successfully (10♥ river).

Quinonez earns a career highlighting score of $21,407 for his sixth place finish, and heads to the podium to collect his money.

Isle Open Championship (Day 3): Chip Counts On Dinner Break

2017 Isle Open | Event #21
$1,500 No Limit Hold'em Isle Open Championship| $500,000 GTD
Level 28 (Blinds 40,000/80,000/10,000)
Total Event #21 Entries: 404
Event #21 Players Remaining: 6

The remaining six Event #21 players are heading on their hour long dinner break, which will last from 6:05-7:05pm.  Action will resume with Level 28, and new blinds of 40,000/80,000/10,000 (2,000,000 chip average).  This is the first time we are seeing an average that is below thirty big blinds, which should alter the dynamic of six-handed play.  Listed below are the updated counts on dinner break:

1. Nissm Vaknin - 2,800,000 (35bb)
2. Nancy Birnbaum - 1,000,000 (12bb)
3. Emanuel Quinonez - 1,100,000 (13bb)
4. Michael Aron - 2,930,000 (36bb)
5. Paul Balzano - 1,800,000 (22bb)
6. William Valladares - 2,325,000 (29bb)

Isle Open Championship (Day 3): Scott Levitt Eliminated In 7th Place ($17,971)

2017 Isle Open | Event #21
$1,500 No Limit Hold'em Isle Open Championship| $500,000 GTD
Level 27 (Blinds 30,000/60,000/10,000)
Total Event #21 Entries: 404
Event #21 Players Remaining: 6

Scott Levitt (Delray Beach, FL) continues to pad his 2017 stats, which happen to be the best of his career.

Just a handful of hands after doubling up, Scott Levitt would try to duplicate the feat against the same player (Paul Balzano).  After Paul opened the action with a raise to 130,000, Scott three-bet just for just under 700,000.  Balzano was clearly on the fence about his decision, but ended up making the call, and tabling J♥ 10♦.  Levitt looked displeased, and the reason why was clear, as his 10♠ 9♠ was dominated.  The Q♥ J♣ 5♠ flop gave Levitt some more outs to win, and after making a pair on the turn (9♥), he would head to the river with ten outs.  Unfortunately for Levitt, none of those out appeared on the river, and he would be eliminated in seventh place.

Isle Open Championship (Day 3): You Get A Double...And You Get Double!!!

2017 Isle Open | Event #21
$1,500 No Limit Hold'em Isle Open Championship| $500,000 GTD
Level 27 (Blinds 30,000/60,000/10,000)
Total Event #21 Entries: 404
Event #21 Players Remaining: 7

Only ten minutes into Level 27, and we've already seen two of the short stacks double up.  First it would be Nissin Vaknin, who would shove for 890,000 on a flop of 9♣ 8♠ 4♣, over a bet of 170,000 from William Valladares.  After some time, William ended up making the call, with his A♦ 8♦ falling to Vaknin's J♠ 9♠ (after the 7♠ on the turn, and 3♦) on the river.

William Villadares - 3,100,000
Nissin Vaknin - 2,200,000

Just a few moments later, Paul Balzano would open to 125,000, with Scott Levitt three-bet shoving for 450,000.  Levitt's K♦ 10♦ was dominating the Q♥ 10♥ of Balzano, and after the K♠ 7♣ 6♣ 8♦ Q♣ runout, Scott would double as well.

Paul Balzano - 1,800,000
Scott Levitt - 1,000,000

Isle Open Championship (Day 3): Updated Counts As Level 27 Begins

2017 Isle Open | Event #21
$1,500 No Limit Hold'em Isle Open Championship| $500,000 GTD
Level 27 (Blinds 30,000/60,000/10,000)
Total Event #21 Entries: 404
Event #21 Players Remaining: 7

There were a couple of interesting spots during Level 26, one of which involved Nissin Vaknin.  In a blind versus blind confrontation, William Valladares called the small blind, with Vaknin raising to 475,000 (leaving just 125,000 behind).  Vaknin then ended up folding after William shoved the K♥ J♥ 10♠ flop, left with just two big blinds.  He would double up the next hand, and after getting two all-ins through (with a five blind stack), would find himself out of the basement.  

Michael Aron then got a big double through Emanuel Quinonez, as his A♦ 10♠ found a fortunate river (2♥ 4♦ 9♥ 2♣ 10♥), to best the K♠ 4♠ of Quinonez.  There are now two players sitting under the (20) big blind mark, so we should see more action this level.  Listed below are the updated chip counts as Level 27 begins:

1. Nissm Vaknin - 1,200,000 (20bb)
2. Scott Levitt - 575,000 (9bb)
3. Nancy Birnbaum - 1,100,000 (18bb)
4. Emanuel Quinonez - 1,800,000 (30bb)
5. Michael Aron - 670,000 (11bb)
6. Paul Balzano - 2,050,000 (33bb)
7. William Valladares - 4,300,000 (71bb)

Isle Open Championship (Day 3): Frank Lerczak Out In 8th Place ($14,589), Sends Chips To Scott Levitt

2017 Isle Open | Event #21
$1,500 No Limit Hold'em Isle Open Championship| $500,000 GTD
Level 26 (Blinds 25,000/50,000/5,000)
Total Event #21 Entries: 404
Event #21 Players Remaining: 7

Frank Lerczak (Buffalo, NY) came back from break one of the shortest stacks, and didn't wait long before putting them in play.

Two of the shortest stacks got tangled just a few minutes into Level 26, with Frank Lerczak (Buffalo, NY) shoving for 485,000, once action folded to him.  Scott Levitt, who was sitting with a very similar stack, re-shoved for less (465,000).  The rest of the players folded, and it would be the 5♣ 5♦ of Lerczak, well behind the K♠ K♥ of Levitt.  The 4♥ 7♠ J♣ 8♣ 9♥ runout would leave Frank with just three antes, and he'd be eliminated the next by by Nancy Birnbaum.

The $14,589 that Frank earned for eighth place is his second largest tournament cash, and helps brings his career earnings above the $70,000 mark.