3 December 2008 (The Youngs') "JJ takes the top spot, but there's not a point in it."
Game 1 – 10 players - (1st Lee, 2nd Dave, 3rd Barry)
With Barry only 4 points ahead of our 2007 Champion JJ, who was only 2 points ahead of 2006 Champion Lee, the atmosphere was tense as 10 players sat down to play poker.
The maximum turnout was a surprise, given that both Jude and Mark didn't receive the usual confirmation email from Lee. Dave was less subtle telling them both to "Get the fucking hint."
Early conversation centred on what possible prizes players could provide for the MDA Charity Poker night. Barry offered his pussy clothes, Betty & Wilma, which Jude politely declined. Mark continued the theme, offering a Phillip's Intimate Massager. There was much more enthusiasm for this suggestion from Jude, although not for the poker tournament. Who can blame her, Dean is away a lot?
The 2 of them clashed with A7J on the flop, leading Jude to go all in. Mark thought for a long while until calling with AQ. Jude's A8 was outgunned, even more so when a Q on the turn gave Mark 2 pair to knock her out (10th). Jude went home to dream about her intimate massage, although she will have to wait for Mark to deliver it.
Barry celebrated when Scott knocked one of his challengers out. J93Q on the board led to an all in from JJ, who had J8. Scott had him sewn up, having slow played his straight (K10), knocking J out (9th). Once again it seemed that Bea jinxed JJ, who has yet to win a game in her presence.
IJ went all in with A10, but experienced only fear when Scott called and turned over A4. True to his recent bad luck, Scott hit a 4 and knocked IJ out (8th).
In a monster hand, Shaz went all in, a total of £6.75. Holding Aces, she was delighted when she got 3 calls: Baz, Mark & Dave. Mark bet a fiver when 4K5 came on the flop, which scared Dave & Baz off. Mark had KQ, giving him top pair, but Shaz's Aces were good, quadrupling her up. What a time to get rockets.
Having turned up almost 3 hours late, Dan (frostbitten from the long wait in the car) played his only hand blind. He had Q3 which was no match for Dave's JJ, which tripped up to knock Dan out (7th). Dan mused at how his brief appearance may have given Barry (who had a lot of chips at this stage) an extra point, as he made it a 10 person game. Everyone agreed that it would have been better if he'd stayed in the car.
With JJ out of the running, Lee put himself in a terrific position to take the top spot, tripling up at Sharon & Mark's expense. Sharon's A4 was not enough to beat Lee's K5 which tripped up, and knocked Sharon out (6th).
Scott followed, his A2 falling behind to Dave's J9, which hit a 9. Scott out (5th).
Dave took another scalp, when Mark went all in with Q8. Dave called with AK which held up, knocking Mark out (4th).
Lee made it interesting, knocking Barry out (3rd) when he hit a straight. Barry's 3rd place gave him a point, which would put him on equal points should Lee win...
Heads up began at 22:59, with speculation that Dave might throw it away just to topple Barry. Dave reassured Baz that he didn't like Lee or hate Baz enough to do that.
Within 6 minutes we had a winner: Dave went in ahead with Q8, but Lee's Q7 hit 2 pair to claim victory and equal points with Barry, who clung on to the top, having won more games.
Well done Lee!
Game 2 – 7 players - (1st JJ, 2nd IJ, 3rd Lee)
The second game was a swift and serious affair, getting started at 23:21, everyone keen to see which of our top 3 would end the night ahead.
Dave was the first casualty, going all in with K7, which Dan called with AJ. Dave had hit a 7 on the flop, but Dan was ahead having hit an Ace. A king on the turn gave Dave 2 pair but he knew this would not be enough and had his coat on already. Sure enough, an Ace on the river gave Dan trips and sent Dave home (7th).
Baz followed Dave in putting his coat on after going all in. But the night was not over for our champion and not just because he was driving JJ home. He hit the nut flush and tripled up, relieved that he wouldn't have to sit and wait for JJ to potentially top the table and then chauffeur him home.
JJ increased his stack, knocking Scott out (6th) when his AK held up against Scott's K9.
IJ opened the door for Lee or JJ to knock Barry off the top of the table, his Aces beating Baz's AK to knock Barry out (5th). There were cheers all round, but Barry insisted he didn't mind giving his chips to IJ as long as he won.
Slowly the realisation sunk in to our table leader and he admitted he was pretty certain that he would not be top by the time he went to bed.
IJ's run of phenomenal cards continued, his AJ turning into trip Aces on the flop, to destroy Dan's Ks. With Dan out (4th) Barry had to watch JJ & Lee battle it out to take his much coveted position.
JJ ensured that it couldn't be Lee, his AJ holding up against Lee's J9. Lee went out (3rd) without a point to take him ahead of Baz.
Heads up started at 1:00 and was over in 10 minutes. IJ got Aces again, but foolishly slow played them, allowing JJ to hit a straight and claim victory.
JJ collected 5 points for his win, setting up a table closer than we could have dreamed of...
At the end of the most exciting poker night all year, we have a new table leader. Having spent longer at the top for more months than any of us care to remember, Barry's reign came to an end in our first game of December.
Lee's win in the 1st game & JJ's in the 2nd, puts them both on level points with Barry, but JJ has crept ahead, having won a single extra game.
With all 3 of them sure not to miss a single one of the remaining 8 games, the scene has been set for a nailbiting climax to the poker year.
Will we crown a new champion on 30th December, the final game of 2008, or will last year's champion retain his title?
It truly is all to play for...
Conversation topics of the week:
JJ told us all about taking Judah for his first trip to the pub, to watch an Arsenal game. This raised the question of whether it was bad to make Judah were a kippah (yarmulkey for the Manc boys) to the pub? Mark was worried that Judah night get beaten up & what about JJ? Don't worry, JJ reassured us, "I can outrun Judah."
There was some nostalgic chat about Doylies - whatever happened to them?
Jude re-established the Jayson Fish curse: she had brought around some lovely new fish for the Youngs' tank. We think this was to say thanks for looking after the Jayson fish, which had spent their stay Chez Youngs' fishtank wiping out all of the local population. Sadly, Lee had left his fishtank heater on and fried the new arrivals, leaving hideous dead fish debris all over the tank. Someone observed, "You think fish are easy pets, but they are not."
Continuing the pet theme, in answer to the question "Have you acted?" Baz replied"No, I'm dogging." At least I hope that is on the pet theme...
With Barry only 4 points ahead of our 2007 Champion JJ, who was only 2 points ahead of 2006 Champion Lee, the atmosphere was tense as 10 players sat down to play poker.
The maximum turnout was a surprise, given that both Jude and Mark didn't receive the usual confirmation email from Lee. Dave was less subtle telling them both to "Get the fucking hint."
Early conversation centred on what possible prizes players could provide for the MDA Charity Poker night. Barry offered his pussy clothes, Betty & Wilma, which Jude politely declined. Mark continued the theme, offering a Phillip's Intimate Massager. There was much more enthusiasm for this suggestion from Jude, although not for the poker tournament. Who can blame her, Dean is away a lot?
The 2 of them clashed with A7J on the flop, leading Jude to go all in. Mark thought for a long while until calling with AQ. Jude's A8 was outgunned, even more so when a Q on the turn gave Mark 2 pair to knock her out (10th). Jude went home to dream about her intimate massage, although she will have to wait for Mark to deliver it.
Barry celebrated when Scott knocked one of his challengers out. J93Q on the board led to an all in from JJ, who had J8. Scott had him sewn up, having slow played his straight (K10), knocking J out (9th). Once again it seemed that Bea jinxed JJ, who has yet to win a game in her presence.
IJ went all in with A10, but experienced only fear when Scott called and turned over A4. True to his recent bad luck, Scott hit a 4 and knocked IJ out (8th).
In a monster hand, Shaz went all in, a total of £6.75. Holding Aces, she was delighted when she got 3 calls: Baz, Mark & Dave. Mark bet a fiver when 4K5 came on the flop, which scared Dave & Baz off. Mark had KQ, giving him top pair, but Shaz's Aces were good, quadrupling her up. What a time to get rockets.
Having turned up almost 3 hours late, Dan (frostbitten from the long wait in the car) played his only hand blind. He had Q3 which was no match for Dave's JJ, which tripped up to knock Dan out (7th). Dan mused at how his brief appearance may have given Barry (who had a lot of chips at this stage) an extra point, as he made it a 10 person game. Everyone agreed that it would have been better if he'd stayed in the car.
With JJ out of the running, Lee put himself in a terrific position to take the top spot, tripling up at Sharon & Mark's expense. Sharon's A4 was not enough to beat Lee's K5 which tripped up, and knocked Sharon out (6th).
Scott followed, his A2 falling behind to Dave's J9, which hit a 9. Scott out (5th).
Dave took another scalp, when Mark went all in with Q8. Dave called with AK which held up, knocking Mark out (4th).
Lee made it interesting, knocking Barry out (3rd) when he hit a straight. Barry's 3rd place gave him a point, which would put him on equal points should Lee win...
Heads up began at 22:59, with speculation that Dave might throw it away just to topple Barry. Dave reassured Baz that he didn't like Lee or hate Baz enough to do that.
Within 6 minutes we had a winner: Dave went in ahead with Q8, but Lee's Q7 hit 2 pair to claim victory and equal points with Barry, who clung on to the top, having won more games.
Well done Lee!
Game 2 – 7 players - (1st JJ, 2nd IJ, 3rd Lee)
The second game was a swift and serious affair, getting started at 23:21, everyone keen to see which of our top 3 would end the night ahead.
Dave was the first casualty, going all in with K7, which Dan called with AJ. Dave had hit a 7 on the flop, but Dan was ahead having hit an Ace. A king on the turn gave Dave 2 pair but he knew this would not be enough and had his coat on already. Sure enough, an Ace on the river gave Dan trips and sent Dave home (7th).
Baz followed Dave in putting his coat on after going all in. But the night was not over for our champion and not just because he was driving JJ home. He hit the nut flush and tripled up, relieved that he wouldn't have to sit and wait for JJ to potentially top the table and then chauffeur him home.
JJ increased his stack, knocking Scott out (6th) when his AK held up against Scott's K9.
IJ opened the door for Lee or JJ to knock Barry off the top of the table, his Aces beating Baz's AK to knock Barry out (5th). There were cheers all round, but Barry insisted he didn't mind giving his chips to IJ as long as he won.
Slowly the realisation sunk in to our table leader and he admitted he was pretty certain that he would not be top by the time he went to bed.
IJ's run of phenomenal cards continued, his AJ turning into trip Aces on the flop, to destroy Dan's Ks. With Dan out (4th) Barry had to watch JJ & Lee battle it out to take his much coveted position.
JJ ensured that it couldn't be Lee, his AJ holding up against Lee's J9. Lee went out (3rd) without a point to take him ahead of Baz.
Heads up started at 1:00 and was over in 10 minutes. IJ got Aces again, but foolishly slow played them, allowing JJ to hit a straight and claim victory.
JJ collected 5 points for his win, setting up a table closer than we could have dreamed of...
At the end of the most exciting poker night all year, we have a new table leader. Having spent longer at the top for more months than any of us care to remember, Barry's reign came to an end in our first game of December.Lee's win in the 1st game & JJ's in the 2nd, puts them both on level points with Barry, but JJ has crept ahead, having won a single extra game.
With all 3 of them sure not to miss a single one of the remaining 8 games, the scene has been set for a nailbiting climax to the poker year.
Will we crown a new champion on 30th December, the final game of 2008, or will last year's champion retain his title?
It truly is all to play for...
Conversation topics of the week:
JJ told us all about taking Judah for his first trip to the pub, to watch an Arsenal game. This raised the question of whether it was bad to make Judah were a kippah (yarmulkey for the Manc boys) to the pub? Mark was worried that Judah night get beaten up & what about JJ? Don't worry, JJ reassured us, "I can outrun Judah."
There was some nostalgic chat about Doylies - whatever happened to them?
Jude re-established the Jayson Fish curse: she had brought around some lovely new fish for the Youngs' tank. We think this was to say thanks for looking after the Jayson fish, which had spent their stay Chez Youngs' fishtank wiping out all of the local population. Sadly, Lee had left his fishtank heater on and fried the new arrivals, leaving hideous dead fish debris all over the tank. Someone observed, "You think fish are easy pets, but they are not."
Continuing the pet theme, in answer to the question "Have you acted?" Baz replied"No, I'm dogging." At least I hope that is on the pet theme...
26 November 2008 (The Youngs') "It's getting tight at the top"
Game 1 – 9 players - (1st Mark, 2nd Lee, 3rd Julian)
There was a late start to poker this week: despite the chips being laid out at 20:20, play didn't start until 20:50.
Excitement arrived shortly afterwards though, when Julian and Mark clashed with 10s & Qs. They ended up going all in and Mark hit trip Qs to double up and gain an early chip lead.
The night looked like it might only got better for Marky, when he casually suggested to Jude that they should shag in her new sauna. Sadly, Jude turned him down on the basis that "it would be too hot."
Late arrival IJ got mullered by Lee when his Ks were beaten by Lee's 10s which tripped up.
Jude & Sharon returned us all to the joys of last week's conversational highlights: the swimming instructor. Jude was upset because she didn't get a place swimming. However, do not fear: she is still letting the kids go, despite the poor quality of the aquatic tuition, because at the end of the day, she's getting a babysitter.
Having thoroughly discussed the babysitter/swimming instructor situation, Sharon exited first when her Qs came up against Jule's Ks. This time there was no tripping up and Sharon went out (9th).
A controversial mystery arose regarding last week's Royal Flush money. It did not arrive at the Youngs' this week and the Borehamwood Boys, who were heads up in last week's 2nd game, were not forthcoming about its whereabouts. JJ and Baz admitted talking about taking it and JJ was fairly sure that Barry took it, although he didn't actually see him pocket the cash. Baz denied everything, claiming he couldn't remember taking it. However, he revealed his true desperation when he wanted to call Dean as a witness. Under duress, Baz finally 'had to accept' that he took it and said he would refresh the pot next week but he still didn't think he took it.
Dan went all in with 8s, which got unlucky against JJ's J9. JJ hit a 9 and knocked Dan out (8th).
Despite the close proximity of JJ to him at the top of the table, Baz declared that he was totally chilled and not stressed at all about the 4 point gap. However, he did admit to being unhappy that Dave & Bea were not there as JJ only picks up chips in a Bea free atmosphere. Baz aired his suspicion that JJ may have paid Dave more to stay away than Baz offered him to play...
Ultimately, Baz was relegated to the sidelines, where all he could do was hope and pray that JJ & Lee came acropper. Jules knocked him out (7th) with A10 against Baz's A5.
Baz didn't have long before he could start to relax: JJ re-raised Jules all in. Jules called with AQ and hit an Ace to overcome JJ's 10s. JJ went out (6th) to Barry's delight. JJ was stoical: "I'm a 2nd game specialist."
Suddenly, Jules was a monster, an impressive comeback from his early position with only 10 chips left.
IJ went all in with Q4 which Jules had to call with 75. Confirming IJ's run of terrible luck, Jules hit a 7 to knock him out (5th).
At this point details are sketchy as your blogger had to go visit his brother. The best the remaining players could do is as follows:
Jude (4th)
Jules (3rd)
Lee (2nd) - thinks he tripled up at one point.
Mark (1st)
Game over 23:38.
Well played Mark!
Game 2 – 7 players - (1st Lee, 2nd Mark, 3rd Julian)
While waiting for the smokers to finish up, the non-smokers player a few hands of open poker, demonstrating conclusively that shit hands always win. JJ was delighted as after years of derision, his strategy of backing shit hands is finally proven.
Play kicked off at 23:56, with the atmosphere tense. Only 4 points separated JJ & Baz and if JJ won and Baz didn't get any points, we will have a new table leader...
Lee built an early chip lead, wining a pile of chips off Dan, who's £2 re-raise cost him dear when his flush came up against Lee's full house.
Demonstrating his loss of concentration in perhaps the knowledge that his era was coming to a close, Baz amused himself playing the piano on his gayphone.
He then went all in with 4QK hearts on the flop. Dan called, flipping over AJ hearts and creating one of the tensest moments we have had at poker. With 2 cards to come, he had the best chance in a long time of pocketing the Royal Flush pot (minus the £8 Barry had accidentally pocketed). While Dan was not ultimately successful, Baz was truly beaten, his AK top pair no match for Dan's nut flush. Baz was knocked out (7th) leaving the field open for Lee or JJ to narrow the gap.
IJ went out next, going all in with KQ against JJ's KJ. Both had top pair on the flop and the only thing JJ could hit was one of 3 Js. True to IJ's recent form, he hit it knocking IJ out (6th).
There's now a bit of a gap in the details but Lee has supplied the following about the final 3:
The same 3 as in the first game.
Julian went out 3rd again.
This time when me and mark were heads up I had a lot more to play with.
Lasted about 20 mins and ended with me checking a flush I had hit on the flop allowing mark to go all in with top pair.
Game over.
So well done Lee: the net closes in on our beleaguered table leader. His safety net gone, one more week and Baz's reign might be over...
So Baz's lead at the top is now perilously thin. Still only 4 points ahead of JJ, who picked up no points this week, but now also only 6 points ahead of Lee, who is also making a late comeback. Although Barry enters December our table leader, the race is now well and truly wide open.
Meanwhile, as he frequently reminds me, Mark is making progress. His 8 points this week take him within 5 points of Sharon his closest rival. Knowing Sharon, she will not want to be overtaken with so few games left to play in 2008.
There was a late start to poker this week: despite the chips being laid out at 20:20, play didn't start until 20:50.
Excitement arrived shortly afterwards though, when Julian and Mark clashed with 10s & Qs. They ended up going all in and Mark hit trip Qs to double up and gain an early chip lead.
The night looked like it might only got better for Marky, when he casually suggested to Jude that they should shag in her new sauna. Sadly, Jude turned him down on the basis that "it would be too hot."
Late arrival IJ got mullered by Lee when his Ks were beaten by Lee's 10s which tripped up.
Jude & Sharon returned us all to the joys of last week's conversational highlights: the swimming instructor. Jude was upset because she didn't get a place swimming. However, do not fear: she is still letting the kids go, despite the poor quality of the aquatic tuition, because at the end of the day, she's getting a babysitter.
Having thoroughly discussed the babysitter/swimming instructor situation, Sharon exited first when her Qs came up against Jule's Ks. This time there was no tripping up and Sharon went out (9th).
A controversial mystery arose regarding last week's Royal Flush money. It did not arrive at the Youngs' this week and the Borehamwood Boys, who were heads up in last week's 2nd game, were not forthcoming about its whereabouts. JJ and Baz admitted talking about taking it and JJ was fairly sure that Barry took it, although he didn't actually see him pocket the cash. Baz denied everything, claiming he couldn't remember taking it. However, he revealed his true desperation when he wanted to call Dean as a witness. Under duress, Baz finally 'had to accept' that he took it and said he would refresh the pot next week but he still didn't think he took it.
Dan went all in with 8s, which got unlucky against JJ's J9. JJ hit a 9 and knocked Dan out (8th).
Despite the close proximity of JJ to him at the top of the table, Baz declared that he was totally chilled and not stressed at all about the 4 point gap. However, he did admit to being unhappy that Dave & Bea were not there as JJ only picks up chips in a Bea free atmosphere. Baz aired his suspicion that JJ may have paid Dave more to stay away than Baz offered him to play...
Ultimately, Baz was relegated to the sidelines, where all he could do was hope and pray that JJ & Lee came acropper. Jules knocked him out (7th) with A10 against Baz's A5.
Baz didn't have long before he could start to relax: JJ re-raised Jules all in. Jules called with AQ and hit an Ace to overcome JJ's 10s. JJ went out (6th) to Barry's delight. JJ was stoical: "I'm a 2nd game specialist."
Suddenly, Jules was a monster, an impressive comeback from his early position with only 10 chips left.
IJ went all in with Q4 which Jules had to call with 75. Confirming IJ's run of terrible luck, Jules hit a 7 to knock him out (5th).
At this point details are sketchy as your blogger had to go visit his brother. The best the remaining players could do is as follows:
Jude (4th)
Jules (3rd)
Lee (2nd) - thinks he tripled up at one point.
Mark (1st)
Game over 23:38.
Well played Mark!
Game 2 – 7 players - (1st Lee, 2nd Mark, 3rd Julian)
While waiting for the smokers to finish up, the non-smokers player a few hands of open poker, demonstrating conclusively that shit hands always win. JJ was delighted as after years of derision, his strategy of backing shit hands is finally proven.
Play kicked off at 23:56, with the atmosphere tense. Only 4 points separated JJ & Baz and if JJ won and Baz didn't get any points, we will have a new table leader...
Lee built an early chip lead, wining a pile of chips off Dan, who's £2 re-raise cost him dear when his flush came up against Lee's full house.
Demonstrating his loss of concentration in perhaps the knowledge that his era was coming to a close, Baz amused himself playing the piano on his gayphone.
He then went all in with 4QK hearts on the flop. Dan called, flipping over AJ hearts and creating one of the tensest moments we have had at poker. With 2 cards to come, he had the best chance in a long time of pocketing the Royal Flush pot (minus the £8 Barry had accidentally pocketed). While Dan was not ultimately successful, Baz was truly beaten, his AK top pair no match for Dan's nut flush. Baz was knocked out (7th) leaving the field open for Lee or JJ to narrow the gap.
IJ went out next, going all in with KQ against JJ's KJ. Both had top pair on the flop and the only thing JJ could hit was one of 3 Js. True to IJ's recent form, he hit it knocking IJ out (6th).
There's now a bit of a gap in the details but Lee has supplied the following about the final 3:
The same 3 as in the first game.
Julian went out 3rd again.
This time when me and mark were heads up I had a lot more to play with.
Lasted about 20 mins and ended with me checking a flush I had hit on the flop allowing mark to go all in with top pair.
Game over.
So well done Lee: the net closes in on our beleaguered table leader. His safety net gone, one more week and Baz's reign might be over...
So Baz's lead at the top is now perilously thin. Still only 4 points ahead of JJ, who picked up no points this week, but now also only 6 points ahead of Lee, who is also making a late comeback. Although Barry enters December our table leader, the race is now well and truly wide open.Meanwhile, as he frequently reminds me, Mark is making progress. His 8 points this week take him within 5 points of Sharon his closest rival. Knowing Sharon, she will not want to be overtaken with so few games left to play in 2008.
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