I thought some players deserved recognition for their performances last week. Sorry, no trophies involved. "Rookie of the year" - No contest here. Angie is the unanimous winner! "Academic Excellence" - Again, no contest. Gayle was an easy choice. She has become a "savvy" player in just a couple of months. But then she has a pretty good instructor. "Outstanding Player(s)" - Goes to Dannye and Ken. This is a short list and I'm sure there are some other deserving players, but I watched many of Ken's and Dannye's rounds, and they played flawlessly. "Most Unaprreciated Brilliant Play" - Dannye. He took some heat about this immediately following the round, but further analysis shows his critics were either inferior players or didn't know the situation. He found himself with a tough decision on the final hand of the quarter final round. He had a max-bet blackjack, but it wasn't enough. In button order: BR2 $10300 $2000 20 BR1 $10650 $2500+$2500 (Split) Stiff/19 Dannye $8350 $2500+$2500 BJ (Dbl) 17 Ken $9900 $2500 20 The double was the right play. Doubling gave him a 52% chance of advancing. (Actually more, because he advances if he pushes with 21 as well.) If he stands, he would advance only with a dealer 20 or 21, a 18% chance. Unfortunately, the dealer made a hand after his double, and he failed to advance into the semifinals. Nice play though. "Entertaining Moment" - Phoenix Sam during his T.V. interview following his semi-final round. He was uncooperative and funny and probably a bit embarassed by all of the attention. He somehow avoided every key word they wanted him to say. The film crew was stifled. I sure hope it makes T.V. "Luck of the Irish" - Richard McKelvey. Drawn three times as a wild card at the Stardust in the same day. Of course he didn't show up for the first two so he could save the $1200. He lost that round but had another wild card shot for round five. Unfortunately, his wife got that one. "Drama" - Sam catching a 4 on his hard 17 double on the final hand of the semis. That got him a seat at the final table and many of us were hoping for him to win. "Bad Judgement" - everyone who made a deal with me. "Ricky Ricardo (Luuucccyyy, you got some splain'in to do)" - Rick Jensen. Enough said. "All dressed up and no place to go" - Ken and Angie. By now we're all aware of Angie's change of attire, but Ken dressed for the finals early in the morning anticipating his T.V. appearance. The positive thinking almost worked. "Bad Decision" - Hilton management rushing Ken in the last hands of the semis. A classless act in what has been a very well run tournament. It's the only time I've witnessed someone being hassled concerning time. It makes me wonder if it was intentional.
McKelvey's being drawn in three times at the Stardust was indeed amazing. I missed seeing Sam Vaughn's interview. I sure hope parts of it make it on TV. I'd have to think that's likely. Nice awards list! Thanks Walt.
Whatever it takes Per Angie, Next time I am going to start round 2 with curlers in my hair, sponge bob slippers, and my bright red robe! Maybe a couple of pigtails in my hair and some awful looking 70's big rimmed glasses with faux diamonds in them. If it will help get me to the semi-finals - count me in! We'll start a new fashion statement! Bet the TV cameras would have a field day with that one. Per Walt, "Academic Excellence" - Again, no contest. Gayle was an easy choice. She has become a "savvy" player in just a couple of months. But then she has a pretty good instructor. Thanks for the award Walt - not sure that I deserve it yet but I'm getting there. With special thanks to my GREAT instructors. Ken you were the first with this great website and I was glad to have a chance to personally thank so many others. You are right Walt - it will be easier for me to reach a higher level of competence more quickly because of the willingness of others to share knowledge and experience....you included. Thank you.
Bobalou here Walt your award list was great, winning the Ricky Ricardo award was cold, funny ,but cold...lol. All jokes are welcome now, but Monday night I was sick, (ask David). I can hardy wait for August, I'll probally have a new nickname "Bobalou"...lol. Can't wait to see everybody in a few months, hopefully I will have another casino lined up for a major tournament in August, (I'm trying). P.S. I would take my chances on a deal with you Walt, I know how offen you cash and your a good bet anytime.
