Year of the Woman in the GPT

The GPT hosted its first weekend HORSE tournament with 45-minute blind levels, three games per level, 3,000 in chips, and dealer’s choice for the cash places in a set-up truly designed for skill players. Despite that, the 12-person field was our lowest of the year. For the most part, the early exits were from those who needed the points. Jim followed his Stud victory in Event 11 with a quick exit, and was the first out by over an hour. Tim, the only early departure who didn’t need to pick up points, went out next. He would be waiting a very long time.

After being crippled by Candy in Stud/8 hand while holding A345 with three diamonds on fourth street, Bearded Mike got AI in hold’em with two overs against Baklava’s tens, and was out in 10th. Baklava, who came over an hour late (and still had a chip edge over two people when he showed up) went out next, followed by Pablo and then Phil, who started the week within a point of each other. With the final six set, Brando was once again in the thick of things, along with Hank, both Seans, Lee and Candy.

Brandon was next to go though and it was almost time for dealer’s choice. Sean SP busted on the bubble leaving the cash players to battle in dealer’s choice. Hank got all-in several times and relied on Stud/8 as his game of choice. Both Candy and Hank were obliged to add triple draw to the rotation, but had no further takers. Hank finally came up short to go out fourth for his eighth cash of the year, and a lock on Player of the Year for the second consecutive season.

After Sean went out the showdown was set between Candy, a Season 2 Champion, and Lee, a self-described limit specialist. Lee came at her with chips, and Candy played great – “to be fair,” that description was from her husband, who may be biased. After waiting four hours he likely was giddy just to see the tournament end.



















Candy’s win, her second of the season, propelled her to the hunt for the Tournament of Champions – anything less than the top two probably would have sealed her fate. It’s not over of course with Jim merely one point behind, and with Candy in striking distance of two players. Candy’s win also means the only two repeat winners of the season are women. Brando’s late-season surge puts him at second just ahead of Tim, and with an eye towards a large ToC chip stack.

In the current Top 8, only Phil and Pablo haven’t won an event yet. They have one more chance on December 3 when the final even will be short-handed hold’em at Bearded Mike’s. We’ll also have our award presentation for Player of the Year, and the event will decide the Tournament of Champions line-up as well as their relative stacks.

Happy Thanksgiving – enjoy the land you stole from Bearded Mike’s peeps.