To the Host Go the Spoils

Winter Season Game 3 Recap

King Richard dominated the first 20 weeks of the Tour as the Overall Points and In the Money leader. He seemed unbeatable. Until, that is, we decreed it Winter Season and reset the standings. King Richard’s kingdom just couldn’t stand the cold…But after three straight weeks of final table misses, King Richard defended his Castle and reminded us all why he’s fit to be King.

We were introduced to Vonnn Sannndmann, leader of the Dirt Bag Crew, in FS Game #12. He quickly rose towards the top of the Overall Points and In the Money boards in only half the time it took the rest of us to get there. But like King Richard, he seemed to be hibernating in the first few weeks of the Winter Season having been knocked out first in WS 1 and not even showing up for the second game. But he got back into his groove this week and found himself wielding a big stack heading into the Final Table.

Being back in familiar territory, Von used unfamiliar tricks to increase his lead over the final eight. Historically, the Sandman has only been dealt pocket Aces one time on the Tour. However, on this night he looked down and saw those bullets not once but twice at the Final Table. With blinds set at $200-$400 with a $50 ante, King Richard made a pre-flop raise of $800. That was called by Brent and when it was to Vaughn he moved All-In. The other two players thought about it for a moment but both decided to fold. Vaughn let them know it was a wise decision by showing them his Aces. Down to four players with the blinds at $400-$800 and $100 ante, Vaughn made a pre-flop raise that put Seattle Slew to the test – he was down to the felt and a call would mean he would be putting all of his chips on the line. Slew called, flipped over KK, and exclaimed “Tell me you don’t have the bullets again!” Von smirked, shrugged, and flipped over pocket Aces. And though Kevin was once known as the Ace Slewer, he got no help from the board and was out in 4^th place.

After eliminating Brent in 3^rd place, Von found himself in a classic match up against King Richard. A quick chip count revealed a $12,000 to $9,000 advantage to Von. That lead would soon be gone however, when after only a couple of hands into the showdown King Richard threw in a raise of $1,200 pre-flop. The Sandman quickly moved All-In; the King took his time contemplating the call. Feeling his hand was too good to lay down heads-up, King Richard made the All-In call and showed the A7. Von didn’t like the looks of that as he was holding the A3. The flop brought the Q25. The turn came 9, the 8 showed up on the river, and Von was down to less than $3,000. From here it was academic as Vaughn was only left with a couple thousand in chips, just not enough to do any sort of damage with. He would need to get lucky and double-up, but that just didn’t happen. He went All-In with QJ and was called by King Richard’s K2. 255 on the flop. A on the river. And the 10 on the river sealed it for the King.

Winning for the second time on the Tour, and at his own Castle no less, Richard showed us why it’s good to be the King.   

Comments

[Susan "High Noon"]

Even though I'm sick, I'm hoping to be the "Queen" of my "Castle" tomorrow night (at least where poker's concerned). See you all then. And for those of you coming...if you get lost or need to reach us, our home # is 310/745-4245.
Cheers!
Susan :)