Level 15 (Blinds 2,000/4,000/500)
Total Day 1C Entries: 297
Players are heading on the final (15) minute break of the night, while the tournament floor colors off the brown (100) chips. Level 15 will play down until there is 10:00 minutes showing on the clock, with players then finding out how many hands remain. Even though there is no chip lead bonus this time around, we will bring you the last level chip counts once players exit the tournament area.
Friday, October 3, 2014
Big Stax 300 (Day 1C): Updated Chip Counts
Level 14 (Blinds 1,500/3,000/400)
Total Day 1C Entries: 297
The first thing we would like to relay is an apology for the photography throughout the latter stages of the day, as we are dealing with equipment issues. Beyond that, it's time for us to take a look at some chip counts, as the night winds down towards it's final hour. Here is a group of counts taken form the midway point of Level 14:
Dominic Christiano - 380,000
Ernie Whistler - 325,000
Stephanie Hubbard - 310,000
Katayon Khaterzai - 280,000
Kevin Johnson - 260,000
Dhaval Joshi - 230,000
Craig Bateman - 230,000
Michael Sandler - 220,000
Joe Black - 210,000
Dan Dizenzo - 185,000
Travis Greenwalt - 160,000
Total Day 1C Entries: 297
The first thing we would like to relay is an apology for the photography throughout the latter stages of the day, as we are dealing with equipment issues. Beyond that, it's time for us to take a look at some chip counts, as the night winds down towards it's final hour. Here is a group of counts taken form the midway point of Level 14:
Dominic Christiano - 380,000
Ernie Whistler - 325,000
Stephanie Hubbard - 310,000
Katayon Khaterzai - 280,000
Kevin Johnson - 260,000
Dhaval Joshi - 230,000
Craig Bateman - 230,000
Michael Sandler - 220,000
Joe Black - 210,000
Dan Dizenzo - 185,000
Travis Greenwalt - 160,000
Big Stax 300 (Day 1C): Katayon Building As Level Transitions
Level 14 (Blinds 1,500/3,000/400)
Total Day 1C Entries: 297
Katayon Khaterzai (Levittown, NY) is sitting with over 330,000 in front of her, and although she may come off as quiet and unassuming at the table, she's no stranger to tournament poker. Khaterzai has over $108,000 in career tournament earnings, including a win last year during one of Borgata's Saturday Series ($350 NLH) tournaments, worth over $56,000.
Players are now posting blinds of 1,500/3,000/400 in Level 14, and will go on their final break at the end of the level. There are (60) players remaining in the Day 1C field, with a chip average that equates to 148,000.
Total Day 1C Entries: 297
Katayon Khaterzai (Levittown, NY) is sitting with over 330,000 in front of her, and although she may come off as quiet and unassuming at the table, she's no stranger to tournament poker. Khaterzai has over $108,000 in career tournament earnings, including a win last year during one of Borgata's Saturday Series ($350 NLH) tournaments, worth over $56,000.
Players are now posting blinds of 1,500/3,000/400 in Level 14, and will go on their final break at the end of the level. There are (60) players remaining in the Day 1C field, with a chip average that equates to 148,000.
Big Stax 300 (Day 1C): Norm No Longer Has Chips
Level 13 (Blinds 1,200/2,400/300)
Total Day 1C Entries: 295
It's the story of tournament poker, as Norman Michalek grinds all day to finally get himself a stack that he can do something with...and he's out. Only two hands back from break, three players would be standing up at Table 47, which we all know means something is going down. There would be a three way all-in between Michalek, Paul Tong, and another short stacked player. The pot would be close to 280,000 total (there was a side pot), with the cards tabled by all:
Tong: 7♣ 7♦
Michalek: A♥ K♣
Player X: J♣ J♦
Runout: 7♠ A♣ 8♠ 5♥ K♠
The ace would been seen, and it seemed as if Michalek was going to grab the lead in this monstrous pot, but the seven was hiding right behind it. After the turn, Michalek was drawing dead, and his day would end right there. Tong has now made his way to the top five of the leaderboard, sitting with just under 300,000.
Total Day 1C Entries: 295
It's the story of tournament poker, as Norman Michalek grinds all day to finally get himself a stack that he can do something with...and he's out. Only two hands back from break, three players would be standing up at Table 47, which we all know means something is going down. There would be a three way all-in between Michalek, Paul Tong, and another short stacked player. The pot would be close to 280,000 total (there was a side pot), with the cards tabled by all:
Tong: 7♣ 7♦
Michalek: A♥ K♣
Player X: J♣ J♦
Runout: 7♠ A♣ 8♠ 5♥ K♠
The ace would been seen, and it seemed as if Michalek was going to grab the lead in this monstrous pot, but the seven was hiding right behind it. After the turn, Michalek was drawing dead, and his day would end right there. Tong has now made his way to the top five of the leaderboard, sitting with just under 300,000.
Big Stax 300 (Day 1C): Norman Now Has Chips...Break Time
Level 13 (Blinds 1,200/2,400/300)
Total Day 1C Entries: 295
Total Day 1C Entries: 295
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| Norman Michalek (Westfield, NJ) |
Players just exited the tournament area for a (15) minute break, and will return to Level 13 and blinds of 1,200/2,400/300. Norman Michalek (Westfield, NJ) has come back from Poland with a different mindset, as he grinds a stack of 10-15 bigs for close to three hours, before eventually finding some traction and getting a few all-ins through. Those hands allowed him to build a reasonably sized stack, and he then managed to get it in A Q > A J to eclipse the 120,000 mark. That is just above the chip average at the moment, but must feel like heaps to Michalek.
Big Stax 300 (Day 1C): Hubbard Holding Court At Table 46
Level 12 (Blinds 1,000/2,000/300)
Total Day 1C Entries: 294
Table 46 has a pretty tough lineup at the moment, hosting the likes of Dhaval Joshi, Michael Marder, Greg Fishberg, Antonio Payne, and Drew Small. At the moment though, it's Stephanie Hubbard (Tinton Falls, NJ) controlling the table. Hubbard has trended steadily upward, and sits with close to 230,000 in front of her.
Followers may remember Hubbard from the Big Stax VI 1000 Main Event, when she made Day 3 and the final table, but had to arrive three hours late to the day because of a work conflict. Hubbard had close to half of her stack blinded away, but ended up recovering once she arrived, and finished in 7th place ($15,949).
Total Day 1C Entries: 294
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| Stephanie Hubbard (Toms River, NJ) |
Followers may remember Hubbard from the Big Stax VI 1000 Main Event, when she made Day 3 and the final table, but had to arrive three hours late to the day because of a work conflict. Hubbard had close to half of her stack blinded away, but ended up recovering once she arrived, and finished in 7th place ($15,949).
Big Stax 300 (Day 1C): Level Going Up
Level 12 (Blinds 1,000/2,000/300)
Total Day 1C Entries: 292
Tournament supervisor Andrew Merlino has just announced to the field that Level 12 has started, with blinds going up to 1,000/2,000/300. This is the point in the day where the short stacks begin to fall at a rapid pace, with the chip average of 81,000 sitting at (40) big blinds.
There are approximately 105 players remaining in the Day 1C field, with notables Norman Michalek, Antonio Payne, Patricia Knoll, and Mohammed Farah all part of that short stacked crew.
Total Day 1C Entries: 292
Tournament supervisor Andrew Merlino has just announced to the field that Level 12 has started, with blinds going up to 1,000/2,000/300. This is the point in the day where the short stacks begin to fall at a rapid pace, with the chip average of 81,000 sitting at (40) big blinds.
There are approximately 105 players remaining in the Day 1C field, with notables Norman Michalek, Antonio Payne, Patricia Knoll, and Mohammed Farah all part of that short stacked crew.
Big Stax 300 (Day 1C): Updated Chip Counts
Level 11 (Blinds 800/1,600/200)
Total Day 1C Entries: 291
We are still waiting for that monster stack to appear out of the woodwork, but right now we have a logjam of players trying to eclipse the 300,000 mark. Here are some of the chip counts from the midway point of Level 11:
Nunzio Russo - 275,000
Naga Obillaneni - 270,000
Kevin Johnson - 230,000
Aileen Freifeld - 210,000
Tony Yang - 195,000
Dhaval Joshi - 180,000
Katayon Khaterzai - 170,000
Dominic Christiano - 120,000
Drew Small - 110,000
Michael Marder - 95,000
Total Day 1C Entries: 291
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| Nunzio Russo (Sewell, NJ) |
Nunzio Russo - 275,000
Naga Obillaneni - 270,000
Kevin Johnson - 230,000
Aileen Freifeld - 210,000
Tony Yang - 195,000
Dhaval Joshi - 180,000
Katayon Khaterzai - 170,000
Dominic Christiano - 120,000
Drew Small - 110,000
Michael Marder - 95,000
Big Stax 300 (Day 1C): Lots Of Ins And Outs Since Break
Level 10 (Blinds 600/1,200/200)
Total Day 1C Entries: 286
We are almost through one level back from break, and there has been a lot of action to make note of. There were the fairly quick exits of Nancy Martin, Jake Perry, and Greg Fishberg, while other players were assuming positions at the top of the leaderboard.
Dhaval Joshi (Hoboken, NJ) has come out of nowhere to grab the Day 1C chip lead, sitting with over 230,000 in front of him. The ladies must have taken note of our mention earlier in the day, as there are two that sit just behind Joshi. Aileen Freifeld has 210,000, and Katayon Khaterazai continues to control Table 55 with 205,000.
Play is about to enter Level 11, with the blinds now going up to 800/1,600/200.
Total Day 1C Entries: 286
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| Dhaval Joshi (Hoboken, NJ) |
Dhaval Joshi (Hoboken, NJ) has come out of nowhere to grab the Day 1C chip lead, sitting with over 230,000 in front of him. The ladies must have taken note of our mention earlier in the day, as there are two that sit just behind Joshi. Aileen Freifeld has 210,000, and Katayon Khaterazai continues to control Table 55 with 205,000.
Play is about to enter Level 11, with the blinds now going up to 800/1,600/200.
Big Stax 300 (Day 1C): Marder's Just Not Running Good
Level 10 (Blinds 600/1,200/200)
Total Day 1C Entries: 258
The media stays away from any opinionated statements while covering tournaments like these, but it's a fact that Michael Marder (Sewell, NJ) is just not running good at all. He has fired multiple bullets into this event, with each of them ending prematurely. He hasn't really been able to gain any traction, grinding out the short stack until the very end. It looked like his luck may have changed, as he got his last 11,000 in pre-flop against Gaiane Petrossia racing. He held 10♣ 9♣ against Petrossia's 7♠ 7♥, and got the good old 10♠ 10♥ 3♣ flop. The table had a collective reaction though, as the dealer peeled the 7♣ on the turn, giving Petrossia a full house. Marder would need help heading to the river, but a blank would send him back to the registration cage to try again.
Total Day 1C Entries: 258
The media stays away from any opinionated statements while covering tournaments like these, but it's a fact that Michael Marder (Sewell, NJ) is just not running good at all. He has fired multiple bullets into this event, with each of them ending prematurely. He hasn't really been able to gain any traction, grinding out the short stack until the very end. It looked like his luck may have changed, as he got his last 11,000 in pre-flop against Gaiane Petrossia racing. He held 10♣ 9♣ against Petrossia's 7♠ 7♥, and got the good old 10♠ 10♥ 3♣ flop. The table had a collective reaction though, as the dealer peeled the 7♣ on the turn, giving Petrossia a full house. Marder would need help heading to the river, but a blank would send him back to the registration cage to try again.
Jammed 12.5bbs T9cc<77s aip, TT3 flop too...one last try #6 #ParxBigStax pic.twitter.com/s0RPYpGL2a
— Michael Marder (@MMarder86) October 4, 2014
Big Stax 300 (Day 1C): Back From Dinner
Level 10 (Blinds 600/1,200/200)
Total Day 1C Entries: 276
Players are back from dinner, and the cards are once again in the air. It may feel like a lot of time is left to get into this event, but the registration is quickly closing. There is less than a day and a half remaining to get in, that is unless you plan on buying in Day 2 with (6) big blinds. We've seen some players turn that short stack into final table finishes, but most players only use that as their last resort.
Total Day 1C Entries: 276
Players are back from dinner, and the cards are once again in the air. It may feel like a lot of time is left to get into this event, but the registration is quickly closing. There is less than a day and a half remaining to get in, that is unless you plan on buying in Day 2 with (6) big blinds. We've seen some players turn that short stack into final table finishes, but most players only use that as their last resort.
Big Stax 300 (Day 1C): Dinner Break
Level 10 (Blinds 600/1,200/200)
Total Day 1C Entries: 261
The dinner break has started, and players will have time off until 7:45pm. Those active will then return, and post blinds of 600/1,200/200 in Level 10. Live coverage of the event will pick back up at that time, and continue through the bagging process after Level 15.
Total Day 1C Entries: 261
The dinner break has started, and players will have time off until 7:45pm. Those active will then return, and post blinds of 600/1,200/200 in Level 10. Live coverage of the event will pick back up at that time, and continue through the bagging process after Level 15.
Big Stax 300 (Day 1C): Chip Counts Before Dinner
Level 9 (Blinds 500/1,000/100)
Total Day 1C Entries: 258
With (140) player remaining in this flight, it was pretty surprising not to see any really large stacks around the room. After taking a few laps, it looks like Kevin Grabel is still leading the field, building from the last time we checked in, now sitting with 190,000. Here are some of the other larger stacks we could find across the tournament area:
Katayon Khaterzai - 170,000
Aileen Freifeld - 140,000
Jay Kell - 135,000
Naga Obillaneni - 120,000
Drew Small - 97,000
Stephanie Hubbard - 80,000
Total Day 1C Entries: 258
With (140) player remaining in this flight, it was pretty surprising not to see any really large stacks around the room. After taking a few laps, it looks like Kevin Grabel is still leading the field, building from the last time we checked in, now sitting with 190,000. Here are some of the other larger stacks we could find across the tournament area:
Katayon Khaterzai - 170,000
Aileen Freifeld - 140,000
Jay Kell - 135,000
Naga Obillaneni - 120,000
Drew Small - 97,000
Stephanie Hubbard - 80,000
Big Stax 300 (Day 1C): Worm Time Warming Up
Level 9 (Blinds 500/1,000/100)
Total Day 1C Entries: 256
The blinds are about to go up, as Level 9 has players posting 500/1,000/100. This will be the last level before dinner, which will last from 6:30-7:45pm. Joe Palma (Bensalem, PA) is on his second bullet of the day, but is making the most of this chance. We walked up to Table 47 as Palma was locked up in a hand with Keith Crowder. The two were on the turn of a board reading Q♦ 5♣ 8♦ 6♣, with Palma having just raised Crowder's bet to 14,200. Keith thought for a while, and after asking Worm what he had behind, threw in the call. The dealer placed down the 8♣ on the river, and Crowder checked to Palma. Joe placed down a bet of 12,200, Crowder called quickly, and Palma turned over Q♠ Q♣ (queens full). Keith smiled and tossed his hand in the muck, watching as Palma picked up the pot and chipped up to 88,000.
Total Day 1C Entries: 256
The blinds are about to go up, as Level 9 has players posting 500/1,000/100. This will be the last level before dinner, which will last from 6:30-7:45pm. Joe Palma (Bensalem, PA) is on his second bullet of the day, but is making the most of this chance. We walked up to Table 47 as Palma was locked up in a hand with Keith Crowder. The two were on the turn of a board reading Q♦ 5♣ 8♦ 6♣, with Palma having just raised Crowder's bet to 14,200. Keith thought for a while, and after asking Worm what he had behind, threw in the call. The dealer placed down the 8♣ on the river, and Crowder checked to Palma. Joe placed down a bet of 12,200, Crowder called quickly, and Palma turned over Q♠ Q♣ (queens full). Keith smiled and tossed his hand in the muck, watching as Palma picked up the pot and chipped up to 88,000.
Big Stax 300 (Day 1C): Killer B's
Level 8 (Blinds 400/800/100)
Total Day 1C Entries: 255
Earlier we mention Joshua Beckley in the field, the winner of the Big Stax VII 1500 Main Event. One of the players that was on the rail for a good portion of that final table was Craig Bateman, Joshua's good friend that had won the Big Stax 500 one week earlier.
Bateman had two results from tournaments in Reno eight years ago, and was basically an unknown in the poker community. He used some run good and great play to dominate the final table, and eventually made a deal with Jose Montes and Deding Xu. Bateman would receive first place money in the deal, earning over $71,000.
Bateman has since went on to cash in two tournament during the Borgata Poker Open, including the prestigious $3,300 WPT Championship Event (109th - $6,868). Craig just doubled through Jimmy Lillis to get close to the chip average for the first time today.
Total Day 1C Entries: 255
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| Craig Bateman (Bryn Mawr, PA) |
Bateman had two results from tournaments in Reno eight years ago, and was basically an unknown in the poker community. He used some run good and great play to dominate the final table, and eventually made a deal with Jose Montes and Deding Xu. Bateman would receive first place money in the deal, earning over $71,000.
Bateman has since went on to cash in two tournament during the Borgata Poker Open, including the prestigious $3,300 WPT Championship Event (109th - $6,868). Craig just doubled through Jimmy Lillis to get close to the chip average for the first time today.
Big Stax 300 (Day 1C): Level Going Up While Ladies Doing Well
Level 8 (Blinds 400/800/100)
Total Day 1C Entries: 251
The tournament supervisor has just announced the beginning of Level 8, with blinds now going up to 400/800/100. Approximately 160 played are currently active of the 251 total from the day so far, with a trio of ladies currently seeing some success.
We did mention earlier that only three women have bagged chips for Day 2 so far, but there are still 15-20 alive in this Day 1C field. The three that are doing well all have stacks well above the chip average:
Aileen Freifeld - 138,000
Katayon Khaterzai - 119,000
Patricia Knoll - 85,000
Total Day 1C Entries: 251
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| Aileen Freifeld |
We did mention earlier that only three women have bagged chips for Day 2 so far, but there are still 15-20 alive in this Day 1C field. The three that are doing well all have stacks well above the chip average:
Aileen Freifeld - 138,000
Katayon Khaterzai - 119,000
Patricia Knoll - 85,000
Big Stax 300 (Day 1C): Putting In Extra Hours
Level 7 (Blinds 300/600/100)
Total Day 1C Entries: 242
Even though Billy Pappaconstantinou (Lowell, MA) bagged chips last night (108,500), he's giving things another try this afternoon. It's not necessarily the amount that he bagged that's bringing him back, but the hours he gets to put in as practice.
As mentioned yesterday, Billy is part of an elite group returning to Las Vegas to finish the final table of the 2014 WSOP $10,000 Main Event (November Nine). Billy is considered by the pundits as the lone amateur remaining of those returning, and he mentioned returning today strictly to tighten up his game.
He was seated at Table 79, to the direct right of Kevin Grabel. Billy has been nothing but smiles since he arrived yesterday, and has already commented on how much he likes the room and the tournaments here at Parx.
Total Day 1C Entries: 242
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| Billy Pappaconstantaninou (Lowell, MA) |
As mentioned yesterday, Billy is part of an elite group returning to Las Vegas to finish the final table of the 2014 WSOP $10,000 Main Event (November Nine). Billy is considered by the pundits as the lone amateur remaining of those returning, and he mentioned returning today strictly to tighten up his game.
He was seated at Table 79, to the direct right of Kevin Grabel. Billy has been nothing but smiles since he arrived yesterday, and has already commented on how much he likes the room and the tournaments here at Parx.
Big Stax 300 (Day 1C): Grabel Going To Break On Top
Level 7 (Blinds 300/600/100)
Total Day 1C Entries: 224
Players are about to head on their second (15) minute break of the day, with a lot of attention over the last few minutes of the level given to the MLB playoffs on the televisions. The room may not have a solid rooting interest in the Baltimore area teams, but every sports fan enjoys watching a good comeback.
On the poker side of things, Kevin Grabel (Southampton, PA) looks to be the chip leader going to break, with over 140,000. Dan Dizenzo dropped from his number earlier, but is still hovering around the 100,000 mark. Patricia Knoll (Washington Crossing, PA) is also heading to break with an above average stack, sitting with 80,000 in front of her the last time we checked. There will be three more levels played once everyone returns, with the next break being the extended (75) dinner.
Total Day 1C Entries: 224
Players are about to head on their second (15) minute break of the day, with a lot of attention over the last few minutes of the level given to the MLB playoffs on the televisions. The room may not have a solid rooting interest in the Baltimore area teams, but every sports fan enjoys watching a good comeback.
On the poker side of things, Kevin Grabel (Southampton, PA) looks to be the chip leader going to break, with over 140,000. Dan Dizenzo dropped from his number earlier, but is still hovering around the 100,000 mark. Patricia Knoll (Washington Crossing, PA) is also heading to break with an above average stack, sitting with 80,000 in front of her the last time we checked. There will be three more levels played once everyone returns, with the next break being the extended (75) dinner.
Big Stax 300 (Day 1C): Taylor Takes One Out
Level 6 (Blinds 250/500/50)
Total Day 1C Entries: 213
Better known as "E-tay" to money of her friends, Esther Taylor (Havertown, PA) is making some quick work of her opponents at Table 81. Taylor has only been in action two levels, but she has already more than doubled her starting stack. We just walked by the table as Esther was heads ups on a flop of Q♣ 3♥ 2♠. After her opponent led out for 5,000, Taylor raised it to 15,000, and watched as the rest of her adversaries chips were pushed across the line (24,000). E-tay had her chips in before you could blink, and the hands were tabled. She would be in a dominating position with A♠ Q♦ against Q♠ J♦, and the turn and river would run out clean. Taylor would collect her new chips, while her opponent collected his things and left the table. She is now up to 70,000, which is well above the current chip average of 38,000.
Total Day 1C Entries: 213
Better known as "E-tay" to money of her friends, Esther Taylor (Havertown, PA) is making some quick work of her opponents at Table 81. Taylor has only been in action two levels, but she has already more than doubled her starting stack. We just walked by the table as Esther was heads ups on a flop of Q♣ 3♥ 2♠. After her opponent led out for 5,000, Taylor raised it to 15,000, and watched as the rest of her adversaries chips were pushed across the line (24,000). E-tay had her chips in before you could blink, and the hands were tabled. She would be in a dominating position with A♠ Q♦ against Q♠ J♦, and the turn and river would run out clean. Taylor would collect her new chips, while her opponent collected his things and left the table. She is now up to 70,000, which is well above the current chip average of 38,000.
Big Stax 300 (Day 1C): Big Stax Superlatives (Best Hair)
Level 6 (Blinds 250/500/50)
Total Day 1C Entries: 204
When things are slow on these Day 1 starting flights, it's sometimes hard to come up with things to write. There aren't many 300 big blind pots played in the pre-ante levels, and we can only post so many notables in the field. Something that has been in the works for your entertainment is "Big Stax Superlatives." Just like when we were in high school and there was a section dedicated in the yearbook for Best _____ , we are breaking out the superlatives. Today we are starting with "Best Hair," and it didn't take long for the results to come in.
Dominic Christiano (Wilkes-Barre, PA) takes home the award, sporting his Carlos Valderrama locks. Now Christiano had some serious competition in the field, but the fact that he donates his hair each year to those less fortunate sealed the deal for him.
Honorable mention goes to two other players in the field: Fritz Stoner with his killer pony-tail, and Norman Michalek with his "Farah Fawcett Flow."
Total Day 1C Entries: 204
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| Dominic Christiano (Wilkes-Barre, PA) |
Dominic Christiano (Wilkes-Barre, PA) takes home the award, sporting his Carlos Valderrama locks. Now Christiano had some serious competition in the field, but the fact that he donates his hair each year to those less fortunate sealed the deal for him.
Honorable mention goes to two other players in the field: Fritz Stoner with his killer pony-tail, and Norman Michalek with his "Farah Fawcett Flow."
Big Stax 300 (Day 1C): Checking Out The Chip Counts
Level 5 (Blinds 200/400/50)
Total Day 1C Entries: 198
It's no secret that dealers love to play poker as well, being surrounded by the game most of their waking hours. Tony Yang is taking advantage from some days off at Maryland Live! to jump in this event and try to make a deep run. He is currently second in chips to Dan Dizenzo, so if he keeps this pace, he may even be able to turn the time off from enjoyable to profitable. Here are some counts taken from the midway point of Level 5:
Dan Dizenzo - 135,000
Tony Yang - 120,000
Kevin Grabel - 97,000
Jimmy Lillis - 85,000
Dominic Christiano - 69,000
"Minnesota" Frank - 68,000
Nancy Martin - 55,000
Christopher Kusha - 46,000
Total Day 1C Entries: 198
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| Tony Yang (Baltimore, MD) |
Dan Dizenzo - 135,000
Tony Yang - 120,000
Kevin Grabel - 97,000
Jimmy Lillis - 85,000
Dominic Christiano - 69,000
"Minnesota" Frank - 68,000
Nancy Martin - 55,000
Christopher Kusha - 46,000
Big Stax 300 (Day 1C): Have Fun Writing That One Up
Level 4 (Blinds 150/300/50)
Total Day 1C Entries: 186
Dan Dizenzo (Sussex, NJ) wasn't joking when he said that, as we try and recapture the action from the most recent hand at Table 48. There was a pre-flop open to 3,000 from middle position, with Fritz Stoner making the call from the button. The player in the small blind shoved for 8,125, with Dan Dizenzo flatted that amount, and the original raiser and Stoner calling as well.
There were four players going to the flop (one all-in), and they all watched as the dealer fanned out 10♦ K♠ 7♠. Dizenzo led out for 5,700, with the original raiser immediately shoving all-in. Stoner folded behind, and Dan asked for the amount (22,350). After some mental calculations, Dizenzo made the call, and ended up turning over the best hand:
Dizenzo: A♣ Q♥
Player X: A♠ J♠ (original raiser pre)
Player Y: J♣ 9♣ (player all-in pre)
Dan was pretty surprised to see that he actually had the best hand, but had to fade many cards on the turn and river to hold. The board ran out with no card higher than a five, and Dizenzo's ace-queen high was good for the pot worth over 70,000. The 145,000 that Dizenzo now has in front of him is one of the largest stacks in the early stages of this flight.
Total Day 1C Entries: 186
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| Dan Dizenzo (Sussex, NJ) |
There were four players going to the flop (one all-in), and they all watched as the dealer fanned out 10♦ K♠ 7♠. Dizenzo led out for 5,700, with the original raiser immediately shoving all-in. Stoner folded behind, and Dan asked for the amount (22,350). After some mental calculations, Dizenzo made the call, and ended up turning over the best hand:
Dizenzo: A♣ Q♥
Player X: A♠ J♠ (original raiser pre)
Player Y: J♣ 9♣ (player all-in pre)
Dan was pretty surprised to see that he actually had the best hand, but had to fade many cards on the turn and river to hold. The board ran out with no card higher than a five, and Dizenzo's ace-queen high was good for the pot worth over 70,000. The 145,000 that Dizenzo now has in front of him is one of the largest stacks in the early stages of this flight.
Big Stax 300 (Day 1C): Above Average From Day 1B
Level 4 (Blinds 150/300/50)
Total Day 1C Entries: 181
We try to bring you as much information as possible each day through the live updates, which is why we've started the trend of posting the above average chip stacks that were bagged from the flight prior. Once the night was over, the chip average for the 46 players that bagged chips was 207,000. There were (20) players to bag over that number, and handful of which are household names in the community:
Total Day 1C Entries: 181
We try to bring you as much information as possible each day through the live updates, which is why we've started the trend of posting the above average chip stacks that were bagged from the flight prior. Once the night was over, the chip average for the 46 players that bagged chips was 207,000. There were (20) players to bag over that number, and handful of which are household names in the community:
| Greg | Himmelbrand | Queens NY | 415,000 |
| Chris | Horter | Bensalem PA | 406,500 |
| Sergio | Loureiro | Wayne NJ | 399,500 |
| Anthony | Mastragostino | Collingswood NJ | 378,000 |
| Joseph | McKeehen | North Wales PA | 377,000 |
| Steve | Ricchini | Philadelphia PA | 364,500 |
| Dj | Mackinnon | East Amherst NY | 325,000 |
| Michael | Dimaiuta | Centerach NY | 323,500 |
| Matt | Glantz | Lafayette Hill PA | 322,000 |
| Tam | Nguyen | Harrisburg PA | 309,500 |
| Paul | Shedaker | Croydon PA | 286,500 |
| Ryan | Pochedly | Bensalem PA | 286,000 |
| Jesus | Pahmeron | Mt Pocono PA | 282,000 |
| Ching | Poon | Staten Island NY | 269,500 |
| Ray | Ross | Maple Glen PA | 252,500 |
| Jason | Ramseur | Philadelphia PA | 250,000 |
| Tom | Tylek | Marlboro NJ | 243,000 |
| Vemkata | Potluoi | Middeltown NJ | 239,000 |
| Ben | Levine | Philadelphia PA | 232,000 |
| Daniel | Friedman | Smithtown NY | 221,500 |
Big Stax 300 (Day 1C): First Break Of The Day
Level 4 (Blinds 150/300/50)
Total Day 1C Entries: 157
Players are about to go on their first (15) minute break of the day, and they will return to Level 4 and blinds of 150/300/50. It's still a little early to take a look at chip counts, but we can continue to make notice of the notables that make their way to the tournament area. Two players that walked in almost minutes apart from each other were just a a live streamed final table together. Dan Dizenzo (Sussex, NJ) and Esther Taylor (Havertown, PA) both reached the final table of Event 10 ($350 No Limit Hold'em $1,000,000 GTD) during the Borgata Poker Open.
It was the second of three final tables that were live streamed during that series, with both players trying to grab the $169,000 first place prize. Esther would be the first to depart of the two, finishing in tenth place ($9,708). Dizenzo would make a deeper run, falling short of the supreme goal, but finishing in third place for $71,715. That was the second largest cash of Dizenzo's career, coming off a final table during the 2014 WSOP.
Total Day 1C Entries: 157
Players are about to go on their first (15) minute break of the day, and they will return to Level 4 and blinds of 150/300/50. It's still a little early to take a look at chip counts, but we can continue to make notice of the notables that make their way to the tournament area. Two players that walked in almost minutes apart from each other were just a a live streamed final table together. Dan Dizenzo (Sussex, NJ) and Esther Taylor (Havertown, PA) both reached the final table of Event 10 ($350 No Limit Hold'em $1,000,000 GTD) during the Borgata Poker Open.
It was the second of three final tables that were live streamed during that series, with both players trying to grab the $169,000 first place prize. Esther would be the first to depart of the two, finishing in tenth place ($9,708). Dizenzo would make a deeper run, falling short of the supreme goal, but finishing in third place for $71,715. That was the second largest cash of Dizenzo's career, coming off a final table during the 2014 WSOP.
Big Stax 300 (Day 1C): Beckley Back In Action
Level 3 (Blinds 100/200/25)
Total Day 1C Entries: 149
The last time Joshua Beckley (Marlton, NJ) walked out of this poker room, he was doing so $98,348 richer. The process reaching an agreement may of taken a little while, but eventually Beckley and Mike Linster made a deal to chop the Big Stax 1500 during the last series in August.
Even though that may of been Beckley's first career recorded cash, he showed at the final table that he was definitely not a novice. He bested a stacked final table that hosted the likes of Ketan Pandya, Cathy Dever, Drew Small, Jesse Cohen, Chris Csik, Joe Reddick, and Ken Silberstein. Joshua has since cashed in one event during the recent Borgata Poker Open, but surely is looking to recapture the magic at the site of where it all began.
Beckley is sitting at Table 80, which opened just moments ago, and is playing short handed while waiting for players. One of his adversaries at the moment is Jason Rivkin (Toms River, NJ), the winner of the first ever Big Stax tournament run.
Total Day 1C Entries: 149
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| Joshua Beckley (Marlton, NJ) |
Even though that may of been Beckley's first career recorded cash, he showed at the final table that he was definitely not a novice. He bested a stacked final table that hosted the likes of Ketan Pandya, Cathy Dever, Drew Small, Jesse Cohen, Chris Csik, Joe Reddick, and Ken Silberstein. Joshua has since cashed in one event during the recent Borgata Poker Open, but surely is looking to recapture the magic at the site of where it all began.
Beckley is sitting at Table 80, which opened just moments ago, and is playing short handed while waiting for players. One of his adversaries at the moment is Jason Rivkin (Toms River, NJ), the winner of the first ever Big Stax tournament run.
Big Stax 300 (Day 1C): Noticing The Little Things
Level 3 (Blinds 100/200/25)
Total Day 1C Entries: 138
Sometimes there are even things that even the blogger misses in regards to these events, but we can always count on our biggest fans to lend a hand. Nancy Martin (Washington Crossing, PA) made mention that only three ladies have bagged chips for Day 2 over the first two starting flights of this event. That would be true, and is definitely worth noting considering the amount of women that have fired bullets to this point. The three ladies that have their ticket punched for Day 2 already are Megan Milburn (187,000), Gretchen Sonne (125,000), and Sophie Chen (67,000). Nancy looked like she was in good position to follow suit last night, but had her pocket aces fall in a 300,000 pot against two players with under pairs (all-in pre).
As we mentioned earlier, the late arrival is in fashion right now, with some new names making their way to the tables:
Stephanie Hubbard
Kevin Grabel
Judy Bielan
Patricia Knoll
Michael Sandler
Nicholas Partenope
Christopher Kusha
Jake Perry
Total Day 1C Entries: 138
Sometimes there are even things that even the blogger misses in regards to these events, but we can always count on our biggest fans to lend a hand. Nancy Martin (Washington Crossing, PA) made mention that only three ladies have bagged chips for Day 2 over the first two starting flights of this event. That would be true, and is definitely worth noting considering the amount of women that have fired bullets to this point. The three ladies that have their ticket punched for Day 2 already are Megan Milburn (187,000), Gretchen Sonne (125,000), and Sophie Chen (67,000). Nancy looked like she was in good position to follow suit last night, but had her pocket aces fall in a 300,000 pot against two players with under pairs (all-in pre).
As we mentioned earlier, the late arrival is in fashion right now, with some new names making their way to the tables:
Stephanie Hubbard
Kevin Grabel
Judy Bielan
Patricia Knoll
Michael Sandler
Nicholas Partenope
Christopher Kusha
Jake Perry
Big Stax 300 (Day 1C): #Norm'sBack
Level 2 (Blinds 75/150)
Total Day 1C Entries: 119
There was something missing from the past two Big Stax series, and many players just couldn't put there finger on what it was. Then it just occurred to us...Norman wasn't around. Norman Michalek (Westfield, NJ) was a staple at every series run here at Parx beforehand, but took a three month trip to Poland to visit family and play some online poker.
Michalek returned from his trip a few weeks ago, and jumped into a few events during the Borgata Poker Open, but wasn't able to gain any traction. He may of been rusty after the longest stint spent away from live poker in his career, but Norman's online chops were still there.
Just last week Michalek final tabled the GSSS Event #19 High ($75,000 Guaranteed) NLH on PartyPokerNJ, finishing in 4th place and earning himself $15,750. Norman's last memory of the Big Stax is stone bubbling the Big Stax V 500 event, so he's looking to put that behind him with a good Day 1C.
Total Day 1C Entries: 119
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| Norman Michalek (Westfield, NJ) |
Michalek returned from his trip a few weeks ago, and jumped into a few events during the Borgata Poker Open, but wasn't able to gain any traction. He may of been rusty after the longest stint spent away from live poker in his career, but Norman's online chops were still there.
Just last week Michalek final tabled the GSSS Event #19 High ($75,000 Guaranteed) NLH on PartyPokerNJ, finishing in 4th place and earning himself $15,750. Norman's last memory of the Big Stax is stone bubbling the Big Stax V 500 event, so he's looking to put that behind him with a good Day 1C.
Big Stax 300 (Day 1C): Down Under...The Hood
Level 2 (Blinds 75/150)
Total Day 1C Entries: 98
A lot of poker players have their pulse on the community, and know what series are going on all over the world. The WSOPAPAC started a few days ago, with some of the biggest names in the poker world traveling to Australia to try and grab a bracelet "down under." Antonio Payne (Hazlet, NJ) was supposed to be one of those players making the 24-hour trip to Australia, but scheduling conflicts kept him from doing so.
The truth is that the Big Stax 300 was the WSOP Circuit ring winner's first choice anyway, and he's in action for the first time this series. He is technically "down under" his hood, we promise you that's Payne mid-hand, before scooping up a nice pot and chipping up above the starting stack.
Payne's joined at Table 56 by a few notables that were mentioned already, but others that were spotted included Nancy Martin, Nunzio Russo, Lou Santoro, Joseph Spillane, Pierre Diessler, and Tim Little.
Total Day 1C Entries: 98
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| Antonio Payne (Hazlet, NJ) |
The truth is that the Big Stax 300 was the WSOP Circuit ring winner's first choice anyway, and he's in action for the first time this series. He is technically "down under" his hood, we promise you that's Payne mid-hand, before scooping up a nice pot and chipping up above the starting stack.
Payne's joined at Table 56 by a few notables that were mentioned already, but others that were spotted included Nancy Martin, Nunzio Russo, Lou Santoro, Joseph Spillane, Pierre Diessler, and Tim Little.
Big Stax 300 (Day 1C): Familiar Faces In The Field
Level 1 (Blinds 50/100)
Total Day 1C Entries: 87
The day seems to be starting off slowly once again, but it's a trend that we are beginning to get used to. The prime time for players to rush is in the 12:00-1:00pm window, as late sleep seems to be the priority for poker players. It's another clear mixture of players trying once again to bag chips after failing the flights prior, and those here for the first time this series. Is it "Worm Time?" Joe Palma (Bensalem, PA) took his seat just moments ago, fully equipped with coffee for his friends and himself. Palma may be the leader in all-time Parx cashes, but he is still looking for his first Big Stax final table in one of the "trophy events." Others in todays early field include:
"Minnesota" Frank
Lyle Diamond
Fritz Stoner
Mohammad Farah
Greg Fishberg
James Ingram
Frank Ingaurdia
Total Day 1C Entries: 87
The day seems to be starting off slowly once again, but it's a trend that we are beginning to get used to. The prime time for players to rush is in the 12:00-1:00pm window, as late sleep seems to be the priority for poker players. It's another clear mixture of players trying once again to bag chips after failing the flights prior, and those here for the first time this series. Is it "Worm Time?" Joe Palma (Bensalem, PA) took his seat just moments ago, fully equipped with coffee for his friends and himself. Palma may be the leader in all-time Parx cashes, but he is still looking for his first Big Stax final table in one of the "trophy events." Others in todays early field include:
"Minnesota" Frank
Lyle Diamond
Fritz Stoner
Mohammad Farah
Greg Fishberg
James Ingram
Frank Ingaurdia
Big Stax 300 (Day 1C): Shuffle Up And Deal!
Level 1 (Blinds 50/100)
Total Day 1C Entries: TBD
The tournament supervisor has just made the rules announcement for players already seated in the tournament area, which means that Day 1C of the Big Stax VIII 300 is about to get underway. You may get tired of reading the breakdown of the rules each day, but it's important for any players (or) followers that are new to the format.
Players will sit down to 30,000 in chips, with levels lasting (45) minutes throughout each of the four starting days. There is unlimited re-entry while registration is open, which means that players can buy in up until cards are in the air for Day 2 on Sunday (12:00pm). Players are allowed to enter as many flights as they choose, moving forward with their largest stack (if they bag). Dinner break will begin at 6:30pm each day, and will last (75) minutes.
As players continue to take there seats, we will scan the room for notables in the field and bring them to you shortly.
Total Day 1C Entries: TBD
The tournament supervisor has just made the rules announcement for players already seated in the tournament area, which means that Day 1C of the Big Stax VIII 300 is about to get underway. You may get tired of reading the breakdown of the rules each day, but it's important for any players (or) followers that are new to the format.
Players will sit down to 30,000 in chips, with levels lasting (45) minutes throughout each of the four starting days. There is unlimited re-entry while registration is open, which means that players can buy in up until cards are in the air for Day 2 on Sunday (12:00pm). Players are allowed to enter as many flights as they choose, moving forward with their largest stack (if they bag). Dinner break will begin at 6:30pm each day, and will last (75) minutes.
As players continue to take there seats, we will scan the room for notables in the field and bring them to you shortly.
Big Stax 300 (Day 1B): End Of Day 1B Chip Counts
Level 15 (Blinds 2,000/4,000/500)
Total Day 1B Entries: 318
Total Day 1B Entries: 318
| Total Players: | 318 | Players left: | 46 |
| Total Chips: | 9,540,000 | Average Chips: | 207,391 |
| First Name | Last Name | Hometown | Chip Count |
| Greg | Himmelbrand | Queens NY | 415,000 |
| Chris | Horter | Bensalem PA | 406,500 |
| Sergio | Loureiro | Wayne NJ | 399,500 |
| Anthony | Mastragostino | Collingswood NJ | 378,000 |
| Joseph | McKeehen | North Wales PA | 377,000 |
| Steve | Ricchini | Philadelphia PA | 364,500 |
| Dj | Mackinnon | East Amherst NY | 325,000 |
| Michael | Dimaiuta | Centerach NY | 323,500 |
| Matt | Glantz | Lafayette Hill PA | 322,000 |
| Tam | Nguyen | Harrisburg PA | 309,500 |
| Paul | Shedaker | Croydon PA | 286,500 |
| Ryan | Pochedly | Bensalem PA | 286,000 |
| Jesus | Pahmeron | Mt Pocono PA | 282,000 |
| Ching | Poon | Staten Island NY | 269,500 |
| Ray | Ross | Maple Glen PA | 252,500 |
| Jason | Ramseur | Philadelphia PA | 250,000 |
| Tom | Tylek | Marlboro NJ | 243,000 |
| Vemkata | Potluoi | Middeltown NJ | 239,000 |
| Ben | Levine | Philadelphia PA | 232,000 |
| Daniel | Friedman | Smithtown NY | 221,500 |
| Chuck | Cronk | Parlin NJ | 206,500 |
| Joe | Graci | Massapequa | 197,500 |
| Adam | Larkin | NYC NY | 192,000 |
| Jonathan | Borenstein | Teaneck NJ | 191,500 |
| Richard | DeVivo | Phonixville PA | 177,500 |
| Antonio | Walker | Willingboro NJ | 163,500 |
| Kyle | Carey | Providence RI | 146,000 |
| Jonathan | Pike | Harrisburg PA | 144,000 |
| Steven | Sarmiento | Queens NY | 143,500 |
| Justin | Medenilla | South Bruswick NJ | 137,000 |
| Brian | Pagano | Hawley PA | 136,500 |
| David | Rittmeyer | Towson MD | 134,500 |
| Richard | Rodrigo | Lavallette NJ | 131,500 |
| Donald | Shimazu | Eaton Town PA | 129,000 |
| Sean | Wallace | Horham PA | 124,000 |
| Michael | Roberts | Blue Bell PA | 121,500 |
| William | Pappaconstantinou | Derdy NH | 108,500 |
| Moshe | Dahan | Brookyln NY | 102,000 |
| Joel | Hola | Philadelphia PA | 96,000 |
| Aaron | Mermelstein | Philadelphia PA | 92,500 |
| Kevin | Crombie | Barnegot NJ | 92,000 |
| Vlad | Goncharov | Staten Island NY | 86,500 |
| Michael | Drabot | Riverside NJ | 86,500 |
| Eric | Orstein | Flushing NY | 82,000 |
| Sophie | Chen | Absecon NJ | 67,000 |
| Robert | Fabianski | Philadelphia PA | 67,000 |
Big Stax 300 (Day 1B): Final Four Hands
Level 15 (Blinds 2,000/4,000/500)
Total Day 1B Entries: 318
Tournament supervisor Andrew Merlino has just announced to the 50 players remaining that there will be four more hands played in the night. Once those hands are finished at each table, the bagging process will begin. The end of Day 1B chip counts will be posted about (90) minutes after play ends, with the action picking back up again tomorrow at 11:00am.
Total Day 1B Entries: 318
Tournament supervisor Andrew Merlino has just announced to the 50 players remaining that there will be four more hands played in the night. Once those hands are finished at each table, the bagging process will begin. The end of Day 1B chip counts will be posted about (90) minutes after play ends, with the action picking back up again tomorrow at 11:00am.
Big Stax 300 (Day 1B): Lots Of Late Action
Level 15 (Blinds 2,000/4,000/500)
Total Day 1B Entries: 318
There has been no shortage of action over the first (15) minutes of the final level, with chips flying around at each table. Gene Raman, who won this bullet in the satellite that started the series, just busted in a 100,000 pot (9♠9♣ < A♠K♣). Frank Ingaurdia also met the same fate, getting in his final 60,000 with A♣ Q♥ against K♠ K♦.
Joseph McKeehen (North Wales, PA) is trending steadily upward, now sitting with close to 400,000. McKeehen had an opponent shove on him on a flop of 9x Qx 10x, with Joe holding Kx Jx against 10x 8x. Both players flopped straights, but Joe flopped the nuts and held for the 110,000 pot.
Total Day 1B Entries: 318
There has been no shortage of action over the first (15) minutes of the final level, with chips flying around at each table. Gene Raman, who won this bullet in the satellite that started the series, just busted in a 100,000 pot (9♠9♣ < A♠K♣). Frank Ingaurdia also met the same fate, getting in his final 60,000 with A♣ Q♥ against K♠ K♦.
Joseph McKeehen (North Wales, PA) is trending steadily upward, now sitting with close to 400,000. McKeehen had an opponent shove on him on a flop of 9x Qx 10x, with Joe holding Kx Jx against 10x 8x. Both players flopped straights, but Joe flopped the nuts and held for the 110,000 pot.
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