TOUCH YOUR BALLS POKER CREW: NZPL Poker Tournament

TYB Crew returns to Mangere Cosmopolitan Club this time for the NZPL (New Zealand Poker League) Tournament

Although it was a slow start, only 9 tables in the beginning, the competition was never short of bad beats and disappointments. This is a whole another level; this one is for the books. Who could’ve imagined that TYB would ever be representing itself in a big tournament? Although new to the poker scene against well-known poker clubs such as Four Corners, Central Stars and Bad Beat, TYB wanted to earn its stripes and to be counted as a serious competitor for the title.

With 18 TYB players in attendance, there were several tables that had 2 or more on the same table at any one time. Naturally, some TYB players were to face each other and like any competition there was a winner and a loser.

Bakerboy had a poor start, being the first player in the tournament to get knocked out. Fortunately for him, every player was entitled to one re-buy; this was his opportunity to seek retribution and to change his game play.

As mentioned earlier, there were times when TYB players faced each other, two incidents in particular was Nosey Vs Lez and Noseys Boss Vs Rewa Hard Caller. As the numbers dropped, TYB players found themselves battling against each other. With only 3 tables left, the last of the 4 remaining TYB players found themselves sitting on the same table.

In the end, 3 TYB members made final table, such an excellent result for any poker club. As the final 3 players made its way to the final table the remaining TYB members overlooked from the balcony. Rewa Hard Caller pushed all in with AJ suited and was called against K6 off suit. Unfortunately the river wasn’t kind to him and was knocked out at 7th place.

A few hands later, there is an ‘All In’ call and Mr Ruthless is next to act. Without wasting a lot of time to think he calls. TYB players over looking from the balcony above gasp in amazement when the cards are revealed: A-Q off suit Vs Mr Ruthless’ J-T suited clubs. Fortunately the flop was kind and Mr Ruthless flops a flush.

With another player down, there was discussion of a 6-way split; each player to take $400 and finish the game early. After a lot of debating, Mr Ruthless (being chip leader) declines the offer, and so the game continues.

Another player is taken out and again an offer of a 5-way split is then negotiated, this time $500 to the remaining 5 players. Offer is then accepted, but the game continues for the title of NZPL champion.

Now with the prize money being divided, one player leaves the game giving the remaining 4 players to battle for the title. The 4th player didn't last long being on BB against chip leader Mr Ruthless who takes him out. Bakerboy calls ‘All In’ blind and with a lot of thought the 3rd player calls. J3 Vs Bakerboy’s Q3. On the flop they both hit the 3, but its Bakerboys kicker plays and he eliminates another player. Heads up with Bakerboy, Mr Ruthless wins the hand and is crowned NZPL Champion.

Highlights