As I predicted earlier this morning, there have been a couple of cancellations for tomorrow night’s game and a couple more for Saturday. I have one, maybe two, seats available tomorrow night and at least two for Saturday.

I’ve already gone through the waiting list (the cancellations listed above are “net” of the waiting list), so if you want to play email me. Specifically, there have been a whole lot of guys lately who have emailed about playing but who didn’t want to get onto the waiting list for whatever reason. If you’re one of them, here’s your chance.

We have entered the final week of the WSOP satellite tournament. By this time next Monday there will be a picture in this space of some guy (or girl) smiling and sitting behind a large pile of money. But before then, there are a few points that we need to touch on, so I’ll just go through the list right now. To review:

Wednesday June 1 – Satellite #8 (7:00pm)
Saturday June 4 – Satellites #9 (2:00pm) & #10 (4:30pm)
Sunday June 5 – Final Table (1:00pm)

Other notes and info:

1.) As Fro mentioned in his email on Friday, I think I have a location scoped out for the final table on Sunday. It’s on the north side of town, not actually in Aldine but towards that direction (more like Gallery Furniture), and I am going to check it out this afternoon. Once I do that I will be sending directions and instructions to all of the final table participants.

1A.) As with all of the tables in this tournament, I’m not really planning on making the final table location public knowledge for anyone other than the players. This is primarily because of space concerns but also because I just don’t want to draw any unnecessary attention to ourselves. That said, if you are not playing at the final table but would like to come watch or to play in some side games, feel free to email me and I will get you some directions. I’m not going to just post the location onto the blog, though… you will have to ask me or find out from someone else who already knows.

2.) I am looking for some volunteers to deal at the final table. We can’t necessarily pay you for your services (the whole “legality” thing and all) but we can feed you and possibly compensate you in some other way. If you are interested, or if you know someone who is a competent dealer and may be willing to help us out, please email me. Trust me, we will come up with a way to make it worth your while.

3.) The game this Wednesday is all set. I sent directions to the players last night. If you did not get this email and were planning on playing, please email me ASAP so we can discuss. Also, if do not have a seat but might want to get on the waiting list (we’re about at the point where 1-2 people always drop out) let me know because there is a good chance you will get to play.

4.) I will be sending the information for Saturday’s tables sometime tomorrow. Some of you are playing in the first table, some of you are playing in the second table, and some of you are playing in both tables.

I think that’s it for now.

Good luck!

As you know my lucky chip was kidnapped and held for ransom. I met the evil perpetrator and gave him his demands. He went all Paul Giamatti on the forty. He grabbed the money and whispered through his mask, “play the low limit Sit and Gos on Party Poker…that’s where all the money is.” He then drew out on my set and took off.

So I took his advice and played 2 on Monday. I got 2nd and 1st in the $20 + $2 tournaments. Much better than my break even 8 hours at the $1-$2 NL table. Maybe that is what I will do from now on – bottom dwell on the SnG’s.

Our brick and mortar tournament has been such a success, I was wanting to organize a private online tournament for our readers (and writers). Based on my research, Pokerstars is the best place for private online tournaments. Few of us currently play there, so another bonus (no pun intended) is that we will all get sign up bonuses for signing up new accounts and making our first deposit. It will be a $50 NL Holdem and I was thinking a Saturday afternoon would be best. I am interested in people’s suggestions:

- Is pokerstars a good place to do it?
- If so, what is the best way to maximize the sign up / deposit bonuses?
- Saturday June 18 at 3:00 good? Maybe a later date?
- Interested?

05/27/2005 12:33 PM —–
From: Dr Fro
To: Satellite winners
Subject: IAG tournament

We have discussed the blind structure for the final table and that we have decided to keep the current levels and just adjust the time. The first two levels will last an hour apiece and then every level after that will be 30 minutes. We’ll take a planned 10 minute break after the 2nd hour and then mutually agreeable breaks as the tournament goes on.

John will be sending the final table location next week. It might be in Aldine.