Manuel Bevand, the French pro who has been perma-present at EPTs and the like these last few years, has taken a bit of a hit, insofar as Level 1 hits go.
Bevand: /
Opponent gentleman: /
We just caught up with the tail end of the action, but it looked as though Bevand had been the aggressor for much of the way. Either way, they both checked on seventh street and Bevand turned over a pair of queens, only to find that his opponent was holding a flush.
Bevand is at 4,200. It's not much of a hit, but hey, it's Level 1.
Every year people tell me that this event is going to be ambushed by the young guns, but from scouring the room, it would appear as though seven card stud hi-low-8 or better is still favoured by the more senior players who venture to Vegas every summer. Yes, the likes of JP Kelly, Joshua Tieman and John Racener are flying the flag for the young guns, but there's a lot weathered faces in the crowd, all clinging on firmly to a form of poker than the modern game is threatening to eclipse. There are currently 544 runners in this field, so let's hope numbers continue to rise during the opening levels and Harrah's bring back the event next year.
The field has swelled to 505 already, although the late registrations won't be allowed to take their seats until Level 2, and the tournament is occupying fully half of the Amazon Room so far.
Among those who managed to get here in time for the start are David Sklansky, Liv Boeree, Alan Kessler, Chris Bjorin, Cyndy Violette and Andy Bloch.
And in the time it took me to write that, the number on the board has increased to 516. This looks like it could be a biggie.
Good morning and welcome back to the Amazon Room where chips and dealers are patiently awaiting the start of this hi/lo stud fest.
It looks to be a relatively bijou event so far, but as with the $1,500 seven card stud event a few days ago, we fully expect the field to expand exponentially during the the first two levels as additional big name pros bust out of their other events and decide to take a shot at WSOP seven card stud hi/lo glory.
Play is due to get underway very shortly, so don't be going anywhere.
Event #27: $1,500 Seven Card Stud Hi-Low-8 or Better