"Winner winner – Chicken Dinner"
This was a one day tournament beginning at 6:30 pm an hour earlier than usual. I actually shelled out the buy-in for this one only making it to the 4th level but still enjoyed my shot. The final table was set at 2:45 with the antes being 2K 2K 4K; three blinds in this game (another slight variation to be reckoned with for players with limited tournament play). I have been taking a fairly extensive set of notes to try to write these reports – mostly cutting down the information I had recorded. Not the case here though, I only have 1 small page of notes. There was a reason for this of course, Marcel.
I only have limited playing and watching experience so I am sure this has happened before but I have never seen it : Marcel got them all. Those of you familiar with the "Vic" will know that the fashion and style of the local players is somewhat austere. Marcel is not austere, no way, no how.
Carlo was first to go A 8 6 3 vs A J 3 3, three nines two queens on board – Carlo all-in before the flop. Marcel begins to sing. The wall of Amsterdam is being built in front of him. Next, not wanting to drag this one out it is 3 players all-in: lowest chips to highest Paul 5 5 3 2, Henry A 8 7 6, Alan A J 8 5 vs the master with A J 10 3. The flop Q 7 9 and then the killer card the King on the turn, an innocent 4 on the river gives Marcel the BIG SCOOPER, three notches for his belt and heaps more bricks for the impressive chip stack in front of his seat.
Next to go Stephen Melville, Marcel makes the nut flush with no low possible. The game was going so fast that I missed how Tim was eliminated, by the look of my notes it was one where he had A J 10 3 Marcel had A K Q 2 and Geoff also in the pot had A K 10 4. Marcel took all the low with the A 2 and split the high two pair Aces and Kings with Geoff.
The guys spoke in some foreign language (I know it was English but the accents over here are really confusing me) and moments later Marcel had all the chips. Final table: no longer than 40 minutes. The title above is actually a "Marcelism" from the next event (when he was 'sucking out" and doing well in the NLHE) but seems to suit this one as well.
Bit quick! : so a few other stories.
When I came down for breakfast Thursday last at 7:15 I could hear the dulcet tones of a live piano wafting across the conference check-in area at the hotel. Nice touch I thought. Peering a little close I noticed none other than Dave "The Devilfish" at the controls – playing and singing! Being the "other" fish I introduced myself and commended him on his play, quickly moving off to allow he and his other friends to eventually complete their night.
The hotel mentioned: The London Hilton Metropole, Edgware Road, venue for the aborted Poker Millions, but still my home for the two weeks of the British Open at the "Vic." I arrived Sunday the 17th was immediately offered a room upgrade due to the length of stay and was offered a further upgrade the following Wednesday to the Club room section. True to their word the most helpful staff at the front counter arranged for a transfer to what I can only presume is the best room in the hotel short of the oversized family apartments and corporate suites. I wish to personally thank all involved for helping to make my first trip to London a truly special occasion.
Enough of the "kissing up". More poker tomorrow, many notes on the 1000 pounds NLHE event, I am just putting together the report now.
Just one more thing. For those of you who have read poker reports over the years, especially from America, you will probably realize I have based my structure on that of two writers from America: Andy Glazer and originally Mike Paulle. I am pleased to say I have met both gentlemen and hope to see both in the US when there for the upcoming WSOP.
All the best
Chris "The Barracuda" Newton
barracuda_oz@hotmail.com
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