Tuesday, November 6th: Monday's Afternoon $8,000 GTD Gets Great Reviews, As Tuesday's $20,000 GTD Takes Top Billing

ICYMI: Yesterday's tournament action got underway with the $150 No Limit Hold'em ($8,000 GTD), which is an event that players should circle on their calendar.  The first installment of that particular tournament ended up attracting a field of (64) entries, which fell short of the $8,000 guarantee by six players.  Now while overlays happen occasionally, don't expect it to occur again in this event, as the word is going to spread quickly.  The structure got rave reviews from the players, as it allowed to deep play at all stages of the event.  A total of eight players were scheduled to reach the money, with a min-cash worth $288, and first place listed to get $2,880.  After three in-the-money eliminations, the final five players agreed to a deal, with Nancy Thomas (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) taking home first place money.  Official results from the tournament are listed below:

1. Nancy Thomas (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) $1,756
2. Donald Gordon (Boynton Beach, FL) $1,527
3. Francklin Michel (Miramar, FL) $1,377
4. Sal Accardi (Pompano Beach, FL) $1,174
5. Scott Schalk (Boca Raton, FL) $1,078
6. Jonathan Marcu (Boca Raton, FL) $440
7. Zaki Lichaa (Pompano Beach, FL) $360
8. Lisa Do (Parkland, FL) $288

The 6:00pm event was a $90 No Limit Hold'em tournament, which offered up a $1,500 guaranteed prize pool.  The field would grow to (16) entries at registration's close, with the $1,500 prize pool scheduled to be paid to two players.  While the payouts were altered, the number of pay spots was not, as Michael Bailine and Celso Leroy agreed to a heads-up deal.  Details of the chop are listed below:

1. Michael Bailine (Pompano Beach, FL) $850
2. Celso Leroy (Delray Beach, FL) $650

Tournaments: Today's tournament schedule kicks off (at 11:00am) with the first non-no limit Hold'em tournament in a while.  The $150 Omaha 8B Hi/Lo event boasts a $3,000 guarantee, and a very solid structure.  Players in the tournament sit down to starting stacks of 15,000 units, along with levels that last (25) minutes.  Registration is open through Level 8, allowing close to three hours for players to join the action.

The evening tournament is one of the "staples" of the month, as it is in the 6:00pm time slot each and every Tuesday.  The $175 No Limit Hold'em event has a $20,000 guarantee, which is the largest (of the month) for a non-multi tournament.  The event is structured with 20,000 unit starting stacks, and levels that last (20) minutes.  Registration is open through Level 8, with the window closing at approximately 9:00pm.  

Promotions: Outside of the "standard" high hands, the poker opens with the "new" Full House Promotion.  The proceedings begin once the doors of the poker room open, with the first (25) full houses made, earning a $40 prize.  Each jackpot eligible cash game is included in the promotion, with two rules to keep in mind, when thinking about winning the $40.  In order to be eligible, the full  house must be made using two cards, and must be the winning hand.

 The day's "standard" high hand period will last from 9:00am-12:00am, with the opportunity to win $400 every (30) minutes.  During that period, the promotion sees tournament players eligible 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.  

It should also be noted that 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).

From 12:00am-3:00am, the high hand will be awarded $100 every (60) minutes.

11:00am - $150 Omaha 8B Hi/Lo ($3,000 GTD)

- Players start with 15,000 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 (25) minutes

6:00pm - $175 No Limit Hold'em ($20,000 GTD)

- Players start with 20,000 in tournament chips

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

- Alternates and late entries will start with a full stack

- Levels will last (20) minutes

Monday, November 5th: Alvaro Perez Wins "Howard Frank Memorial" Deepstack Charity Classic!!! Recurring Schedule Returns With Afternoon $8,000 GTD

ICYMI: The Deepstack Charity Festival had run for nine years, prior to it's arrival to the Isle Casino Pompano Park, growing in popularity each and every series.  While the first seven events of the festival were a great success, the "Howard Frank Memorial" Deepstack Charity Classic turned out to be an event that exceeded all expectations.  The tournament was scheduled to stat at 1:00pm, but hours beforehand, players and fans were arriving to the poker room.  There was a meet and greet session with the celebrity "hosts" from the series, including Phil Hellmuth, Norman Chad, Jan Fisher, Linda Johnson, and Montel Williams.  The line to take pictures and get autographs wrapped around the outer area of the poker floor, with Hellmuth manning the microphone, entertaining the crowd that stood and waited to get pictures and signatures.  

Just before 1:00pm, the poker room was buzzing, as the tournament tables filled up across the room.  After an announcement to thank the sponsors of the event, and an emotional tribute to Howard Frank (from his son Scott, who heads the entire series), the first hand of the 2018 "Howard Frank Memorial" Deepstack Charity Classic would be dealt.  The field was a mixture of poker celebrities (Robert Mizrachi, Chad Powers, Brandon Cantu, Robert Williamson), Isle Poker notables (Tom Gity, Nagui Yassa, Francis Margalgione, Diane Linke, John Lane), and "newbies" to the room (from all over the country).  The event started with (357) entries in the field, and after six levels of open registration, the official number would close at (390).  Players in the event enjoyed a complimentary dinner buffet at 5:30, followed by a raffle for some incredible prizes.  Once play resumed in Level 11 (after the hour long dinner break), the serious action began, as players focused on reaching the "money" (40 spots would reach the money, earning prizes, packages, and cash).  The real focus was on the final table though, as every player who reached that point, was guaranteed a trip to Las Vegas (and a stay at the Venetian).  

Once the money bubble burst, the field began to shrink at a very rapid rate, until the point where two tables remained.  Play began to tighten up with some big money (packages) on the line, with Phil Hellmuth bowing out in 16th place.  Phil, who had been emcee-ing the event for most of the day, immediately announced that he was donating his winnings to the charity.  Rather than exit once he was eliminated, Hellmuth stayed in the tournament area, announcing the tournament action through it's conclusion (which was almost four hours after his bust out).  

The real "bubble" drama came when (11) players remained, with those (10) Las Vegas packages on the line.  Nobody wanted to be that 11th place finisher, and what we saw happen was nothing short of amazing.  On seven different occasions (yes seven), we saw players with less than 8% equity hit miracle rivers to stay alive.  After a more than thirty minute final table bubble, Brizelda Blagg (San Antonio, TX) was knocked out, giving us our final table of ten.  One of those short-stacks to survive the bubble was Alvaro Perez (Naples, FL), who ended up finding some heat at the event's final table, winning the largest pot of the tournament against Michael Ross.  Perez assumed the chip lead, and found himself heads-up against John Limoli for the title.  The heads-up battle lasted almost an hour, with the chip lead shifting back and forth.  Perez eventually got it all-in with a combo draw against Limoli, making a flush on the river, to become the 2018 "Howard Frank Memorial" grand champion.  Official results from the tournament's final table are listed below:

1. Alvaro Perez (Naples, FL) Venetian Prize Package Valued At $8,200, $2,700 Championship Watch and Ring Set, and $110 Cash
2. John Limoli (Clermont, FL) Venetian Prize Package Valued At $4,800 & $100 Cash
3. Stanley Avery (Cottondale, AL) Venetian Prize Package Valued At $4,800 & $100 Cash
4. Michael Ross (Pompano Beach, FL) Venetian Prize Package Valued At $4,000 & $100 Cash
5. George Job (Apopka, FL) Venetian Prize Package Valued At $4,000 & $100 Cash
6. Joseph Nolin (Pawtucket, RI) Venetian Prize Package Valued At $3,800 & $100 Cash
7. Scott Bailey (Loxahatchee, FL) Venetian Prize Package Valued At $3,800 & $100 Cash
8. Chris Poole (Cape Coral, FL) Venetian Prize Package Valued At $3,800 & $100 Cash
9. Paula Alibrandi (Miramar, FL) Venetian Prize Package Valued At $3,800 & $100 Cash
10. Steven Sample (Ocala, FL) Venetian Prize Package Valued At $3,800 & $100 Cash

2018 "Howard Frank Memorial" Deepstack Charity Classic Winner Alvaro Perez (Naples. FL)

Tournaments: With the Deepstack Charity Festival now in the books, we shift focus back on the recurring tournament schedule.  Monday afternoon's have become one of the headlining time slots on November's calendar, with the addition of the $150 No Limit Hold'em ($8,000 GTD) to the schedule.  The tournament carries the largest daytime guarantee in the surrounding area ($8,000 guaranteed prize pool), along with one of the most player-friendly structures.  Players in the event sit down to starting stacks of 20,000 units, and have the luxury of (30) minute levels throughout the course of the tournament.  Registration is open through Level 10, and with the "new" 12:00pm starting time, players have the opportunity to join the action just after the work day ends.

The evening time slot also hosts a "new" event, with the cards getting in the air for the $90 No Limit Hold'em ($1,500 GTD) at 6:00pm.  The tournament is structured with 15,000 unit starting stacks, (20) minute levels, and registration that is open through Level 8 (and the break that follows).  There is an optional add-on at the beginning of each player's tournament, with the ability to increase their stack by 5,000 (for just $10).  The add-on is only available prior to the player's first hand dealt.

Promotions: The high hands will run from 9:00am-12:00am, with the opportunity to win $400 every (30) minutes.  During that period, the promotion sees tournament players eligible 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.  

It should also be noted that 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).

From 12:00am-3:00am, the high hand will be awarded $100 every (60) minutes.

12:00pm - $150 No Limit Hold'em ($8,000 GTD)

- Players start with 20,000 in tournament chips

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

- Alternates and late entries will start with a full stack

- Levels will last (30) minutes

6:00pm - $90 No Limit Hold'em ($1,500 GTD)

- Players start with 15,000 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 prior to each player's first hand played ($10 for 5,000 units)

Sunday, November 4th: Raminder Singh Tops List Of Saturday's Winner, "Howard Frank Memorial" Headlines Sunday's Schedule

ICYMI: Saturday's first Deepstack Charity Fesitval tournament was Event #4 ($190 No Limit Hold'em "Legends Of Poker"), which was hosted by Jan Fisher and Linda Johnson.  The field closed with (45) entries, and an official prize pool of $6,300.  A total of (8) players were scheduled to reach the money, and after two in-the-money eliminations, a six-way deal was agreed to.  Official results of the tournament are listed below:

1. Christina Fischer (Naples, FL) $1,137
2. Rodney Rodriguez (Lake Nona, FL) $965
3. Larry Martel (Blairsville, GA) $923
4. Arnold Cohen (West Palm Beach, FL) $787
5. Linda Johnson (Las Vegas, NV) $777
6. Tonia Williams (Tampa, FL) $762
7. Diane Schmidt (Bonita Springs, FL) $729
8. Gerald Cantrell (Ft. Myers, FL) $220

An hour after the beginning of Event #4, Norman Chad kicked off Event #5, which was a $190 H.O.R.S.E.  To no surprise, it was one of the most popular events of the day, as the field closed with (39) entries.  The $5,460 prize pool was scheduled to be spread across five pay spots, with a deal agreed to, just after the money bubble burst.  Official details of the tournament are listed below:

1. Chris Walker (Coral Springs, FL) $1,484
2. Patti Norris (Palm Beach, FL) $1,140
3. John Ward (Palmetto, FL) $1,029
4. Ruthie Primiano (Henderson, NV) $931
5. Dominic Granteed (Cooper City, FL) $876

If there was a "headlining" event of the day, it was Event #6 of the Deepstack Charity Festival, as Phil Hellmuth hosted the $2,200 No Limit Hold'em "Beat The Brat" High Roller.  The tournament would attract a field of (22) entries, and a prize pool of $44,000.  Four players were scheduled to reach the money, and there would be no chopping this time around.  The event played down to an outright winner, with Raminder Singh besting Ian O'Hara during heads-up play.  Official results from the event are listed below:

1. Raminder Singh (Delray Beach, FL) $22,000
2. Ian O'Hara (Boca Raton, FL) $11,880
3. David Marshall (Los Angeles, CA) $6,600
4. Brandon Cantu (Vancouver, Canada) $3,520

The day's final tournament was Event #7 of the Deepstack Charity Festival, a $490 No Limit Hold'em "VIP Celebrity" event (with a "Galaxy Of Stars").  Registration would close with (48) entries showing on the clock, and an official prize pool of $19,200.  Six players were scheduled to reach the money, and once again, we would see an event played down to an outright winner.  Steven Sample topped Fernando Nunez during heads-up play, earning $7,488 for the win.  Official results from the tournament are listed below:

1. Steven Sample (Ocala, FL) $7,488
2. Fernando Nunez (Arcadia, FL) $4,416
3. Morgan Machina (Middleton, WI) $2,688
4. Jon Ferraro (Menomonee Falls, WI) $1,920
5. Christopher Koulouvaris (Lighthouse Point, FL) $1,536
6. Elizabeth Harrison (Las Vegas, NV) $1,152

Tournaments: It takes a pretty special tournament to hold the lone time slot on a Sunday, and Event #8 of the Deepstack Charity Festival is just the event.  The $295 No Limit Hold'em "Howard Frank Memorial" is the "main event" of the series, and is expected to attract over (400) entries.  The tournament is structured with 6,000 unit starting stacks, (20) minute levels, and registration that is open through Level 6.  There are numerous add-on options for players, beginning with when they first sit down.  Optional add-on before player's first hand are: 1,000 units for $15, 2,000 for $30, 3,000 for $45, or 6,000 for $60.  Each player also has the option for a "single" add-on of 6,000, to be offered before the first hand, or at any point a player's stack is below 6,000 (it is a $100 add-on).  There are also $40 add-ons available at the end of registration (for another 6,000).

Promotions: The high hand period runs from 10:00am-12:00am, with the opportunity to win $400 every (30) minutes.  During that period, the promotion sees tournament players eligible 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 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).

1:00pm - 2018 Deepstacks Charity Festival Event #8 | $295 No Limit Hold'em "Howard Frank Memorial"

- Players start with 6,000 in tournament chips

- Late and re-entries for the first (6) levels

- Alternates and late entries will start with a full stack

- Levels will last (20) minutes

- Optional add-on before player's first hand (1,000 units for $15, 2,000 for $30, 3,000 for $45, or 6,000 for $60)

- Other optional add-ons available (see structure sheet posted below)

Saturday, November 3rd: It's The Busiest Day Of The Deepstack Charity Festival, With Five Spectacular Events To Choose From!!!

ICYMI: Yesterday was the second full day of the Deepstack Charity Festival, with one satellite on the schedule (for the "Beat The Brat" high roller), as well as two "main events."  The day's first main event was Event #2 of the series (a $75 No Limit Hold'em tournament).  The event would see registration close with (27) entries, and an official prize pool of $1,539.  The tournament ended in a five-way deal, with the official results posted below:

1. Helen McBreaty (Kissimmee, FL) $366
2. Mark Smith (Naples, FL) $359
3. Morris Heider (Boca Raton, FL) $288
4. Arnold Cohen (West Palm Beach, FL) $277
5. Neil Harvey (York, PA) $249

The second Deepstack Charity Festival event of the day got under way, and had players in the room buzzing.  Event #4 ($220 No Limit Hold'em "Celebrity Bounty") had five special bounties in the field, which players would earn "double" ($50 opposed to $25), but really just wanted to share the felt with.  Norman Chad, Robert Mizrachi, Linda Johnson, Jan Fisher, and Robert Williamson, were the five players that had "targets" on their bounties.  The tournament's field closed with (37) entries, and an official prize pool of $5,960.  Six players were scheduled to reach the money, and after Ronald Palculict was eliminated in sixth place, the final five players agreed to a deal.  The only "celebrity" to reach the money was Linda Johnson, who is now two for two in Deepstack Charity Events.  Robert Dobbs (Delray Beach, FL) was awarded first place money, which was worth $1,574 in the deal.  The result of the results from the tournament are listed below:

1. Robert Dobbs (Delray Beach, FL) $1,574
2. Tracey Watson (Guthrie, OK) $1,231
3. Neil Webber (Austin, TX) $900
4. Linda Johnson (Las Vegas, NV) $830
5. Sean Kersey (Pembroke Pines, FL) $765
6. Ronald Palculict (El Dorado, AR) $660

Tournaments: It's a full day of action for the Deepstack Charity festival, with the following events on the day's schedule:

11:00am: $110 No Limit Hold'em Satellite Into Event #7 ($490 VIP Celebrity)
1:00pm: $190 No Limit Hold'em "Legends Of Poker" (Hosted By Jan Fisher & Linda Johnson)
2:00pm: $190 H.O.R.S.E. w/ Norman Chad
3:00pm: $2,200 No Limit Hold'em "Beat The Brat" High Roller w/ Phil Hellmuth
7:00pm: $490 No Limit Hold'em "VIP Celebrity" w/ "Galaxy Of Stars"

The structures for each of the tournament are listed below.

Promotions: The high hands will run from 9:00am-12:00am, with the opportunity to win $400 every (30) minutes.  During that period, the promotion sees tournament players eligible 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.  

It should also be noted that 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).

From 12:00am-9:00am (Friday into Saturday), the high hand will be awarded $100 every (60) minutes.

11:00am - 2018 Deepstacks Charity Festival | $110 No Limit Hold'em Satellite Into Event #7 ($490 VIP Celebrity)

- Players 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

- Levels will last (20) minutes

- Optional add-on before player's first hand (6,000 units for $20)

1:00pm - 2018 Deepstacks Charity Festival Event #4 | $190 No Limit Hold'em "Legends Of Poker" (Hosted By Jan Fisher & Linda Johnson)

- Players start with 10,000 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 before player's first hand (10,000 units for $20)

2:00pm - 2018 Deepstacks Charity Festival Event #5 | $190 H.O.R.S.E. /w Norman Chad

- Players start with 8,000 in tournament chips

- Late and re-entries for the first (6) levels

- Alternates and late entries will start with a full stack

- Levels will last (20) minutes

- Optional add-on before player's first hand (8,000 units for $20)

3:00pm - 2018 Deepstacks Charity Festival Event #6  | $2,200 No Limit Hold'em "Beat The Brat" High Roller (w/ Phil Hellmuth)

- Players start with 15,000 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 (25) minutes

- Optional add-on before player's first hand (10,000 units for $100)

7:00pm - 2018 Deepstacks Charity Festival Event #7 | $490 No Limit Hold'em "VIP Celebrity" w/ a "Galaxy Of Stars"

- Players start with 10,000 in tournament chips

- Late and re-entries for the first (4) levels

- Alternates and late entries will start with a full stack

- Levels will last (20) minutes

- Optional add-on before player's first hand (10,000 units for $40)

Friday, November 2nd: Jan Fisher And Linda Johnson Already Making Headlines, As The Deepstack Charity Festival Continues!!!

ICYMI: Outside of the two satellite that started Thursday's schedule, the headlining tournament of the day was Event #1 of the Deepstack Charity Festival ($100 No Limit Hold'em).  The event would attract a total of (50) entries, and had an official prize pool of $3,500.  Seven players were scheduled to reach the money, and once the bubble burst, a deal was agreed to.  Gail Lutin was awarded first place money, but the story from the event came out of the second and third place players in the chop.  Jan Fisher and Linda Johnson are scheduled to host an event tomorrow afternoon, but arrived the Isle Poker Room earlier than expected, only to be part of last night's deal.  Official results from Event #1 are listed below:

1. Gail Lutin (Boca Raton, FL) $801
2. Jan Fisher (Las Vegas, NV) $547
3. Linda Johnson (Las Vegas, NV) $480
4. Alfred Zucaro (Boca Raton, FL) $466
5. Ron Sorci (Parkland, FL) $453
6. A. Harvey (York, PA) $300

Tournaments: The Deepstack Charity Festival continues on, with the day's schedule beginning with Event #2 of the series.  The $75 No Limit Hold'em event gets underway at 11:00am, and is structured with: 10,000 unit starting stacks, (20) minute levels, and registration that is open through Level 8.  There is an optional add-on before each player's first hand, will the opportunity to get 10,000 in chips for $20.

At 3:00pm, there is a $250 No Limit Hold'em Satellite Into Deepstack Charity Festival Event #6, which is slated to be one of the most popular events of the series.  And why wouldn't it be...Phil Hellmuth is hosting the tournament ($2,200 No Limit Hold'em "Beat The Brat" High Roller).  The satellite is structured with 8,000 unit starting stacks, levels that last (20) minutes, and registration that is open through Level 8.  There is an optional add-on before each player's first hand, will the opportunity to get 6,000 in chips for $20.

The final event of the day begins at 6:00pm, and is Event #3 of the 2018 Deepstack Charity Festival.  The tournament is a $220 No Limit Hold'em "Celebrity Bounty," giving players the opportunity to rub shoulders with some notables personalities from the poker community (and beyond).  The tournament is structured with 10,000 unit starting stacks, levels that last (20) minutes, and registration that is open through Level 6.  There is an optional add-on before each player's first hand, will the opportunity to get 10,000 in chips for $40.

Promotions: The high hands will run from 9:00am-12:00am, with the opportunity to win $400 every (30) minutes.  During that period, the promotion sees tournament players eligible 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.  

It should also be noted that 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).

From 12:00am-9:00am (Friday into Saturday), the high hand will be awarded $100 every (60) minutes.

11:00am - 2018 Deepstacks Charity Festival Event #2 | $75 No Limit Hold'em 

- Players start with 10,000 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 before player's first hand (10,000 units for $20)

3:00pm - 2018 Deepstacks Charity Festival | $250 No Limit Hold'em Satellite Into $2,200 No Limit Hold'em "Beat The Brat" High Roller 

- Players 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

- Levels will last (20) minutes

- Optional add-on before player's first hand (6,000 units for $20)

6:00pm - 2018 Deepstacks Charity Festival Event #3 | $220 No Limit Hold'em "Celebrity Bounty"

- Players start with 10,000 in tournament chips

- Late and re-entries for the first (6) levels

- Alternates and late entries will start with a full stack

- Levels will last (20) minutes

- Optional add-on before player's first hand (10,000 units for $40)

Thursday, November 1st: As A New Month Begins, So Does The Deepstacks Charity Festival!!!

ICYMI: Yesterday was the first day back to the recurring tournament schedule, with two $80 No Limit Hold'em events on the schedule (11:00am and 6:00pm).  The 11:00am installment saw the field close with (18) entries, and an official prize pool of $1,186.  Three spots were scheduled to reach the money, but the final five players agreed to an even deal, with Paula Holder (who was awarded first place) getting a single dollar more than everyone else.  Official details of the chop are listed below:

1. Paula Holder (Pompano Beach, FL) $238
2. George Garbarino (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) $237
3. Brian Haines (Southwest Ranches, FL) $237
4. Vincent Bianco (Coconut Creek, FL) $237
5. Daniel Genachte (Deerfield Beach, FL) $237

The 6:00pm installment of the $80 No Limit Hold'em event saw registration close with (12) entries, and an official prize pool of $784.  Two spots were scheduled to get paid, with action playing down to an outright winner.  Dennis Johnson (Stuart, FL) bested James Parker (West Palm Beach, FL) during heads-up play, with details of the payouts listed below:

1. Dennis Johnson (Stuart, FL) $510
2. James Parker (West Palm Beach, FL) $274

Tournaments: There are three events relating to the Deepstacks Charity Festival on today's schedule, starting with two step-satellite into Event #6 of the series ($2,200 No Limit Hold'em "Beat The Brat," hosted by Phil Hellmuth).  The $60 Step-Satellites are structured with 5,000 unit starting stacks, levels that last (15) minutes, and registration that is open through Level 8 (and the break that follows).  Winners of the step-satellite will then earn entry into tomorrow's $250 No Limit Hold'em Satellite into the $2,200 NLH "Beat The Brat" event (satellite is tomorrow at 3:00pm).  Today's first step-satellite begins at 11:00am, with another opportunity to play the same structure step-satellite at 3:00pm.  

At 6:00pm, the Deepstacks Charity Festival "officially" begins with Event #1 of the series.  Event #1 is a $100 No Limit Hold'em tournament, structured with 10,000 unit starting stacks, (20) minute levels, and registration open through Level 8.  There is an optional add-on before the cards are in the air, allowing players to increase their stacks by 10,000 units for $20 (has to be purchased before the player is dealt their first hand).

Promotions:  The day's high hand period will last from 9:00am-12:00am, with the opportunity to win $400 every (30) minutes.  During that period, the promotion sees tournament players eligible 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.  

It should also be noted that 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).

From 12:00am-3:00am, the high hand will be awarded $100 every (60) minutes.

11:00am - 2018 Deepstacks Charity Festival | $60 No Limit Hold'em "Step-Satellite" Into $250 NLH "Beat The Brat" Satellite (November 2nd at 3:00pm)

- Players start with 5,000 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 (15) minutes

3:00pm - 2018 Deepstacks Charity Festival | $60 No Limit Hold'em "Step-Satellite" Into $250 NLH "Beat The Brat" Satellite (November 2nd at 3:00pm)

- Players start with 5,000 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 (15) minutes

6:00pm - 2018 Deepstacks Charity Festival Event #1 | $100 No Limit Hold'em 

- Players start with 10,000 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

- Optionall add-on before player's first hand (10,000 units for $20)

Wednesday, October 31st: Ido Ashkenazi Wins The Isle Open Main Event, Only One Day Away From A Very Special Weekend

ICYMI: Yesterday was a very special day in the tournament history of the Isle Poker Room, as Day 3 of the Isle Open Main Event Brough back some of the biggest names in tournament poker.  Players with WSOP bracelets, WPT titles, PCA Main Event titles, and millions of dollars worth of earnings.  It could only be described as a group of "heroes" trying to both add to their resume, and find a breakout score for their resume.  A full recap of the Main Event's final day will be posted later this afternoon, but it's no secret that the Isle Open Main Event ended in a heads-up chop between Ido Ashkenazi and Matt Smith.  Ido was awarded the trophy, and declared the event's winner, while Matt was the event's runner-up.

As the Main Event final table was wrapping up, Event #14 of the Isle Open was just getting underway.  The $175 No Limit Hold'em event was the final tournament of the series, and boasted a $25,000 guaranteed prize pool.  After ten levels of open registration, the field would close with (204) entries, and an official prize pool of $27,540.  The top (26) players were scheduled to reach the money, with the tournament clock showing a $6,777 first place prize.  The top four numbers were altered, as the event ended in a chop, with Anthony Kern (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) being awarded first place money in the deal (along with the trophy).  Results from the deal, along with the rest of the final table, are listed below:

1. Anthony Kern (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) $5,174
2. Michael Corbett (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) $4,078
3. Dan Gonzalo (Margate, FL) $3,992
4. Sylvain Fontaine (Canada) $2,775
5. David Moreno (Hallandale Beach, FL) $1,326
6. Michael Spadafore (Boynton Beach, FL) $1,099
7. Alan Dobrow (Melville, NY) $936
8. Paul Darpino (Binghamton, NY) $807
9. Joseph Gotlieb (Hollywood, FL) $677
10. Joshua Wasserman (Deerfield Beach, FL) $589

Tournaments: With the 2018 Isle Open now in the books, we shift focus (for one day) towards the recurring tournament schedule.  There are two events on the schedule today, starting at 11:00am, with an $80 No Limit Hold'em tournament.  The event is structured with 12,000 unit starting stacks, levels that last (20) minutes, and registration open through Level 8. There is also an optional add-on at the end of Level 8, with players seeing a return of 10,000 units for $20 (100% of add-on money goes towards the prize pool).

The 6:00pm time slot hosts the same $80 No Limit Hold'em tournament, which also carries the same exact structure.

Promotions: The day begins with the "New Early Bird" Full House Promotion, which started August 27th, and runs every Wednesday.  Opposed to the full house promotion that includes all games, this particular promotion is for the limit hold'em players.  Starting at 9:00am, the first (25) full houses (in a limit game), will be awarded $40 each. 

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, with the opportunity to win $400 every (30) minutes.  During that period, the promotion sees tournament players eligible 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.  

It should also be noted that 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).

From 12:00am-3:00am, the high hand will be awarded $100 every (60) minutes.

11:00am - $80 No Limit Hold'em 

- Players 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 will last (20) minutes

- Optional add-on after Level 8 ($20 for 10,000 units)

6:00pm - $80 No Limit Hold'em 

- Players 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 will last (20) minutes

- Optional add-on after Level 8 ($20 for 10,000 units)

Isle Open Event #11 (Day 3): Ido Ashkenazi ($70,550) Wins Isle Open Main Event In Heads-Up Deal With Matt Smith ($68,113)

2018 Isle Open | Event #11
$1,500 No Limit Hold'em Main Event ($300,000 GTD)
Level 26 (Blinds 25,000/50,000/50,000)
Event #11 Entries: 267
Event #11 Players Remaining: 2

2018 Isle Open Main Event winner Ido Ashkenazi ($70,550)

After nineteen heads-up hands, the two players ran the ICM numbers, and agreed to a deal.  Ido Ashkenazi, who had the chip lead by just over 1,000,000, earns $70,550 in the deal.  Matt Smith takes $68,113 for second place.

2018 Isle Open Main Event Runner-Up Matt Smith ($68,113)

Isle Open Event #11 (Day 3): Current Heads-Up Chip Counts, Ido Ashkenazi Grabs The Lead

2018 Isle Open | Event #11
$1,500 No Limit Hold'em Main Event ($300,000 GTD)
Level 26 (Blinds 25,000/50,000/50,000)
Event #11 Entries: 267
Event #11 Players Remaining: 2

Heads-up play has only been going on for seven hands, but Ido Ashkenazi has quickly reclaimed the chip lead:

1. Ido Ashkenazi - 6,300,000
2. Matt Smith - 4,300,000

Isle Open Event #11 (Day 3): Heads-Up For The Title, As Heinz Schluter Is Eliminated In 3rd Place ($36,845)

2018 Isle Open | Event #11
$1,500 No Limit Hold'em Main Event ($300,000 GTD)
Level 26 (Blinds 25,000/50,000/50,000)
Event #11 Entries: 267
Event #11 Players Remaining: 2

Heinz Schlüter (Germany) had a great week here at the Isle, chopping Event #10 heads-up, and finishing third in the Isle Open Main Event.

Heinz Schluter's final hand was caught on the flop of 10♥ 7♠ 5♣, with Ido Ashkenazi check-raising Schluter's 150,000 flop bet to 325,000.  Schluter would announce himself all-in (1,700,000), with Ido immediately making the call:

Schluter: 10♠ 6♠
Ashkenazi: 10♣ 7♦

Turn: 5♠
River: A♥

The turn would bring Schluter outs to a flush (and a potential chop if the case ten fell), but he would end up bricking the river.

Ido and Matt are now heads-up for the Isle Open Main Event title.

Isle Open Event #11 (Day 3): Players Taking Third Break Of The Day, Updated Final Table Chip Counts

2018 Isle Open | Event #11
$1,500 No Limit Hold'em Main Event ($300,000 GTD)
Level 26 (Blinds 25,000/50,000/50,000)
Event #11 Entries: 267
Event #11 Players Remaining: 3

Players are currently on another ten minute break, and will be returning to Level 26, with new blinds of 25,000/50,000 (with a 50,000 big blind ante).  Updated three handed chip counts are posted below:

1. Heinz Schluter - 1,650,000
2. Ido Ashkenazi - 3,300,000
3. Matt Smith - 5,825,000

Isle Open Event #11 (Day 3): Matt Smith Picking Up Steam, Eliminates Mark Kerness In 4th Place ($22,474)

2018 Isle Open | Event #11
$1,500 No Limit Hold'em Main Event ($300,000 GTD)
Level 25 (Blinds 20,000/40,000/40,000)
Event #11 Entries: 267
Event #11 Players Remaining: 3

Mark Kerness (Delray Beach, FL) earns his second largest tournament score with this result, which is also his second five-figure cash.

Heinz Schlüter raised to 80,000, with Ido Ashkenazi flatting the button, and both blinds coming along (our first family pot of the final table).  The dealer fanned out a J♠ 9♦ 6♦ flop, and after Matt Smith checked, Mark Kerness went all-in for just under 800,000.  Both Heinz and Ido folded, and after peering back at his cards, Smith made the call:

Kerness: J♣ 2♣
Smith: 9♣ 9♥

Turn: 2♦
River: 7♦

Smith was in dominating shape, having flopped middle set against Kerness's top pair, with Mark drawing dead on the turn.  The pot helps Smith close the gap on Ido, with updated chip counts to be posted in six minutes.