The final hands of the March 2004 Las Vegas Hilton MDBJ2 qualifier are now posted here in the Play by Play section. Still to come, Frontier April and LVH April. Meanwhile, congratulations particularly to Gayle Flanagin, who I met during her first tournament at Bally's in February. She followed that up with a final table finish at the Hilton March qualifier.
Thanks Ken! The more I see on this board, the more I know that I have to learn! Making the finals was thrilling and unfortunately there is not too much for the great minds to dissect on my play since I was out of it on the first hand after the countdown. I sure would like to know what the more experienced players would have done in my place (being last at the countdown). Knowing what I know now, I'm not so sure that I should have put the success of the whole round on that one hand (since it wasn't the last hand). Although if I'd pulled the 10 on the double I guess I wouldn't be asking such questions! If I had known that the two leaders were beginners too I probably wouldn't have been so bold. I did know that my position for the last hand was going to be bad (second to bet) and I did consider briefly trying to coast into third instead of going for it. I know that I told you in Tunica that I had added digital cable just so that I could have GSN for the WSOB shows...best money I ever spent! I have enjoyed every one of them and was particularly glad when I saw Episode 5! Perceived errors aside, it was classic textbook on how it should be done and it couldn't happen to a nicer guy! I have a question regarding hand 30...my first thought in your place was to surrender but I thought your decision to double was brilliant since the card was dealt face down (aren't potentially busting doubles usually dealt up?) I am very grateful to the people here who have been reviewing each episode because it has been a great learning tool for me. I do hope that some of you will take a look at the March final and point out the errors that were made by all the players and believe me I won't be offended if you tell me I was a stupid idiot! Thanks again to all of you...this is a great board! Gayle
My two cents Gayle, From my rookie perspective you had to make your move soon, your betting position was just going to get worse. On this hand you saw BR1, BR2 and BR3 bet minimum/small. It was your chance. I would have bet $3200 to take a one chip lead. I wouldn't have doubled, but hit to 17, which you would have had and lost anyway to 18. But once you bet $2500, which still gives you a split opportunity, I would have doubled down for less, $700 which would also give you a one chip lead. if you lose you still had $1900 with 4 hands to go, still would have given you a chance. -jacks
Thanks for the insight One-Eyed Jacks. I really should have considered the double for less (there is a $2500 max bet this year at LVH). It's not like Ken hasn't written about it many times. I swear if he sits down at my table next month I'm going to feel like Jane during WSOB but hopefully with better results! Gayle
Oh, yah $2500 I forgot the second annual was $2500. In reviewing those last hands your opponents had alot of chances to get to BR1 with bigger bets in a win/win situation, at least you went for it.
LVH Feb 2004 Qualifier Does anyone have the final hands of the LVH Feb 2004 Qualifier posted? Thanks, IG
March LVH Tournament This was my husband and I's first tournament ever! I advanced past the third round, but my husband didn't. However, he was wild carded right back into the fourth round out of 176 people! I made it to the final 16 and look forward to the finals tournament next month. I really appreciate how friendly and welcoming the professionals are. Every bit of friendliness was welcomed because I was more than a little nervous. If anyone has any suggestions for the finals tournament, I would love to hear them!
Congrat's on making the big show! Where are you from? I meet a very nice couple from Port Lavica, Texas at the April tournament. Was that you? Anyway Congrat's. Just play your game in the finals, at this time to much information will probally hurt you more then help. Just think about where you are and where the other players at your table are. Your goal is to be one of the top two at each table until the finals, then you can go all out if you want.
We are from Colorado Springs and had advanced in the March tournament. I had the wonderful opportunty to meet Regina Guzior, Ken Einiger, and a few other great blackjack players. It was a little nerve racking to find out I was playing against professionals during my very first tournament ever! In this month's BJInsider enewsletter, it was interesting to learn that out of 16 people advancing in the March tournament, 11 of them were nubies like me. It gives me hope. TXtourplayer, were you there in March? Will you be there in May? Thank you for the advice! I will definately take it to heart.
I'll be there I wasn't there in March, but I will be there in May. I am in both the Hilton and Stardust tournaments. I will also be playing in the $5,000 entry Super-Mini that weekend. It will be a big week for Blackjack tournaments. May 13 - 15 The Hilton Finals.........................$1,000,000 1st place (must have qualified) May 15 - 17 The Stardust..............................$50,000 1st place ($375 entry, Open tournament, limited to first 312 players) May 16 or 17 The Super-Mini..........................$100,000 1st place ($5,000 entry, limited to only first 36 players) May 16 - 18 The Hilton MD III 1st Qualifier........$20,000 1st place ($1,000 entry, limited to first 200 players) Don't worry about being a newbie, Chris Moneymaker was last year in the WSOP and walked away $2,500,000 richer and Blackjack tournament is easier to win then poker tournament so you never know. You could be Blackjacks next Millionaire. Good Luck!
Best Of Luck To You!!! I wish you the best of luck during your tournament play TXtourplayer! I hope to meet you at the LVH finals. I will be the one shaking like a leaf LOL!
Super Mini? Where is this being held. Not that I have the skill to play, but, it would be fun to watch!
Will be set after Hilton WC on 13th Because of the high entry, the location and time will only be told to the 36 players. It will be as low key as possible, alot of money at stake here and most players don't want a big crowd, but if you find out it will be on the casino floor at a ussally close pit. Entire tournament will only last about 2 1/2 hours. If others don't mind spectators, I don't care. I just have to clear it with the other players. Catch me at the Hilton and I'll let you know.
