Event 8: $250,000 Guarantee Deeper Stack NLHE Re-Entry Day 1a | 2014 Borgata Winter Poker Open

01-19-2014 21:36 UTC-4

David Gerassi Leads at end of Day 1a (full)

mnuwwarah

Level 16 : 2,000/4,000, 400 ante

Of the 56 survivors of Day 1a, David Gerassi bagged up the biggest stack with 429,000. However, he doesn't have much of a head start for tomorrow, since three other players bagged up more than 370,00: Luke Edwards (410,000), Matt Lin (381,000), and David Attebery (372,000). Other notable players bagging stacks include Mike Ortiz (239,000), Andy Hwang (188,500), and Jerry Callahan (35,500).

Two more flights will be played tomorrow and these 56 will return to do battle with the survivors of those two flights on Tuesday.

Player	Chips	Progress
David Gerassi	429,000 -46,000	-46,000
Luke Edwards	410,000 25,000	25,000
Matt Lin	381,000 -169,000	-169,000
Darren Attebery	372,000 372,000	372,000
Frank Musso	349,000 74,000	74,000
Bradley St. Vincent	303,500 303,500	303,500
Mohd Eid	293,500 293,500	293,500
Anthony Mongiovi	265,000 265,000	265,000
James Governa	255,000 255,000	255,000
Rick Rice	253,500 253,500	253,500
Antonio Bueti	252,500 252,500	252,500
Michael Ortiz	239,000 239,000	239,000
Rosario Gambino	228,500 228,500	228,500
David Jackson	211,500 211,500	211,500

Charles Townsend	208,000 208,000	208,000
Kenneth Felten	203,000 203,000	203,000
Robert Mustari	191,000 191,000	191,000
Andy Hwang	188,500 8,500	8,500
James Stenella	179,500 179,500	179,500
Ryan Dion	159,500 159,500	159,500
Dinesh Ramnauth	159,000 4,000	4,000
Jason Rosenberg	151,500 151,500	151,500
Sandra Boyd	148,500 148,500	148,500
Jason Mccauley	134,500 134,500	134,500
Keiko Lim	134,000 134,000	134,000

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Tags: Andy Hwang David Attebery David Gerassi Jerry Callahan Luke Edwards Matt Lin Mike Ortiz

01-19-2014 21:06 UTC-4

David Gerassi Becoming a Goliath

[user253757]

Level 16 : 2,000/4,000, 400 ante

David Gerassi on Day 1A of Event #8: $250k Guaranteed at the 2014 Borgata Winter Poker Open

Every so often as tournament reporters, we must rely on tips from players to identify the most interesting storylines taking shape throughout the day.

For one such player, however, he probably wishes he never said a word.

We received a bit of unsolicited advice regarding "one to watch" here on Day 1a, as the tipster informed us that David Gerassi was terrorizing the table with a single T25000 chip. According to our mole, Gerassi had made a habit of raising every pot with a massive overbet, making it 25,000 to go with the blinds still sitting at 1,500-3,000. After being told to "stick around and watch, you won't be disappointed," we did just that, and within two hands it was clear we had been fed reliable information.

First, Gerassi responded to the standard opening raise of 6,000 by making it two huge stacks to play (it looked to be about 100,000, but who's counting?). Knowing that Gerassi was splashing around in nearly every pot, not one but two players decided to risk their tournament lives by calling off their stacks, and when the cards were revealed Gerassi's overplay appeared to be ill-timed.

Showdown:

Gerrasi:
Player 1:
Player 2:

Gerassi was out gunned by an overpair and overcards, but like he knew it was coming all along, the peeled right off in the window. The final board rolled out , and with that Gerassi had felted two players with his set of fours.

With momentum clearly on his side (as well as a horseshoe and some four-leaf clovers obviously hidden in his pockets), Gerassi kept up the pressure by getting it all in once again before the flop. This time, he was up against none other than our informant, the man who had identified Gerassi as "one to watch" just minutes before.

Gerassi revealed the with a flourish, cackling like the maniac he truly is, and when the tipster tabled the he pleaded to the heavens to "hold one time for the kid!"

The poker gods failed to heed his call, however, and like clockwork the flop fell to put Gerassi out in front with a pair of queens. The turn () and river () kept him in the lead, and with that, Gerassi surged to right around 450,000 chips late on Day 1A.

"Let me tell you something..." he beckoned, the pile of chips in front him remaining unstacked for the moment. "I've taken seven players out. And I've doubled seven players up too!" Gerassi's unpredictable play and gregarious nature lead us to believe that as this $250,000 Guaranteed tournament progresses, he will remain just what our tipster tabbed him as two hands before: the one to watch.

Player	Chips	Progress
David Gerassi	475,000

Tags: David Gerassi

01-19-2014 20:43 UTC-4

Notable Names and Chip Leaders

[user253757]

Level 16 : 2,000/4,000, 400 ante

Andy Hwang on Day 1A of Event 8 ($250k Guaranteed at the 2014 Borgata Winter Poker Open)

Take a look at where the notable names and big stacks stand late on Day 1A.

Player	Chips	Progress
Matt Lin	550,000
David Gerassi	475,000
Luke Edwards	385,000
Jim Stinella	190,000
Andy Hwang	180,000 150,000	150,000

Tags: Andy Hwang David Gerassi Matt Lin Luke Edwards Jim Stinella

01-19-2014 19:39 UTC-4

Pigskin, Passing and Poker

[user253757]

Level 14 : 1,200/2,400, 300 ante

The Crowds Here at the Borgata Winter Poker Open Are More Focused on Football Than Flops at the Moment

While most major poker tournaments like the Borgata Winter Poker Open are defined by intense concentration, as players stare silently ahead and say little more than "nice hand" or "so sick."

Today, however, the mood is different on the tournament floor, what with the National Football League's Conference Championship games being broadcast on massive projections screens in all corners of the room. The tournament staff has graciously allowed for the full sound to be turned up as well, drowning out the usual eclectic mix of radio-friendly tunes serenading us from above.

After the New England Patriots recent defeat at the hands of Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos, the mood in the room is a bit somber at the moment, what with the region's residents largely aligning itself with their neighbors to the north. The NFC Championship game is set to start at any minute now, and we expect to hear cheers, shouts and catcalls throughout the next few hours that have nothing to do with the action on the felt.

Tags: Peyton Manning

01-19-2014 16:31 UTC-4

Tournament Director Q&A

mnuwwarah

Level 8 : 300/600, 75 ante

Registration Lineups at the Borgata Winter Poker Open

We sat down for a few short questions with Tab Duchateau, who is the tournament director for the Borgata Winter Poker Open.

On his role and how the series has evolved:

"I've had the pleasure of running this tournament for the past 10 years. It has been really great to watch the series evolve and grow as Borgata Poker has grown. Now we have introduced the online qualifiers and we're qualifying people every day downstairs."

On adjusting to larger fields:

"Last year we had two starting days (Day 1A and Day 1B). This year, to better accommodate the large turnout we added a third entry day (Day 1C). We didn't have any issues. Our staff has done an excellent job of ensuring that everyone who wanted to play was able to and we are confident that everyone who wants to play tomorrow will have that opportunity."

On what brings players to Borgata:

"The Event Center is a great place to play. The players know there are going to be big fields with immense value in these fields. The structure coupled with all of the great non-gaming amenities (hotel, nightlife, dining, spa, etc) create the perfect poker experience."

01-19-2014 16:28 UTC-4

What's Happening?

[user253757]

Level 8 : 300/600, 75 ante

We're Going All-In for Event 8 at the 2014 Borgata Winter Poker Open

Event 8 at the Borgata Winter Poker Open provides players with a chance to turn $400 into a possible six-figure score.

Today marks Day 1A of the event, and tomorrow will feature two more starting flights (Day 1B and Day 1C).

The survivors from the three flights will reconvene on Tuesday at noon local time to play down to a winner.

01-19-2014 16:22 UTC-4

Erik Cajelais Spotted in the Field

[user253757]

Level 8 : 300/600, 75 ante

Erik Cajelais at the 2014 Borgata Winter Poker Open

There aren't many poker players on the planet with nearly $3 million in live tournament earnings to their credit, so when Erik Cajelais decides to play a tournament, we take notice.

Cajelais is here today for this $250,000 Guaranteed event, and needing to win $108,000 or so to cross the coveted $3 million dollar mark, a win here in this event could put him over the top.

Tags: Erik Cajelais

01-19-2014 14:28 UTC-4

April Fool's Comes Early

[user253757]

The Expression "A Chip and Chair" Has Taken on a Whole New Meaning

After the unfortunate incident involving suspected counterfeit chips which derailed Event 1 of the Borgata Winter Poker Open, it's only understandable that tournament officials would remain vigilant to prevent such scandals from ever occurring again.

Nonetheless, seeing play halted at a tournament table, and each player's stack being examined for forgeries or fugazis, is a bit unsettling.

After what must have been a hoax phone call just moments ago, the tournament staff was forced to sift through each stack on Table 1, examining the chips for signs of fakery. The delay was only momentary, and of course no malfeasance was detected, but with the entire poker world on high alert from here on out, incidents like this may become a necessary evil.

01-19-2014 13:49 UTC-4

Borgata Winter Poker Open: Things To Do at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa

[user253757]

The 2014 Borgata Winter Poker Open is underway here in Atlantic City, New Jersey, kicking off with a $560 no-limit hold’em reentry event on Tuesday, Jan. 14. Taking place at one of the finest gaming destinations Atlantic City has to offer, the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa is a definite crowd pleaser featuring a luxurious spa, a variety of fine-dining restaurants, and a stylish nightlife to help get your mind off the bad beats taken at the poker tables.

There are a number of different dining options available inside the Borgata making it convenient to never require leaving the hotel. Whether you are looking for something quick and easy, or something a bit higher-end, the Borgata has a taste to satisfy and meet your needs.

Bread + Butter is the perfect place to enjoy an afternoon bite serving up sandwiches and gourmet beverages. One perk is the breakfast menu left as an all-day selection, making it a great spot for those late-night craves. The classic grilled cheese is a patron favorite, or you can also try the Portobello and provolone griddled sandwich, both of which — along with most of the menu — are $10 or less and won’t break the bank.

As a man who has revolutionized the culinary industry, Wolfgang Puck has served up bold and innovative cooking for years and now offers contemporary American cuisine in an upscale setting at the Borgata, as part of his first East Coast venture. Enjoy truffled potato chips, spicy lamb chorizo pizza, or a prime burger from the tavern menu as a less-expensive dinner option. Or you can treat your taste buds and choose one of the many options from the main course on the fine dining menu.

Once you’ve had your fill of the action at the poker tables, take the time to sit back, relax and enjoy a glass or two of your favorite drink.

Gypsy Bar specializes in tequila but also offers an eclectic beer selection and compliments your drink with a roaring atmosphere of live music. The intimate space has seating at the bar, traditional pub tables, and comfortable armchairs for a lounge-type feel. Low lighting also helps to keep the mood mellow. Oh, and don’t be afraid to get a little crazy. Gypsy Bar comes complete with a dance floor allowing you to move your feet to the best sounds in town.

Never been to the Atlantic City or to the Borgata? Then MIXX is the first place to check out because it fully captivates what the Borgata is all about. As a performance-driven dance club, MIXX is home to some of the most renowned DJs and official concert after-parties. With its high ceilings, two levels, and plenty of VIP tables, MIXX has more of a mega club feel than its local counterparts. You will find trapeze artists swinging from the rafters, and celebrities passing through on any given night.

OK so maybe the club scene isn’t for you. Don't worry, because Borgata comes fully equipped with the most luxurious of spas on the east coast. Dedicated to undoing the effects of your day, Spa Toccare offers relaxing treatments guaranteed to exhilarate. It is definitely the place where tensions melt and knots disappear. Sounds like a typical effect from a 12-hour poker session. So emerge yourself into the comforts of their many services and elevate your well being, if even just for an hour or two.

Surely, whatever you choose to do while staying at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, you will be surprised to have a Las Vegas experience with an East Coast twist.

For a full schedule and more information about the venue, visit theborgata.com.

Article written by PokerNews' Pamela Maldonado

01-19-2014 13:22 UTC-4

The Who's Who of Event 8

[user253757]

James Woods Has Been Involved in Every Event so Far Here at the Borgata Winter Poker Open

After an initial scan of the tournament area, we've only spotted a couple of familiar faces in the crowd thus far, but we're sure a few more touring pros and local heroes will be showing up through the lengthy late registration period.

Feared professional Andy Hwang is in the house, fresh off his deep run in yesterday's Event 3, where he made the final table and ultimately finsihed in 7th place for a $10,232 score.

James Woods is also here today, and although we've typically referred to the thespian as an "actor and poker enthusiast" in this space, after seeing Woods playing in nearly every event of the Borgata Winter Poker Open, that description may as well be reversed. For the next couple of weeks, Woods is most definitely a poker player who dabbles in a bit of acting on the side.

Player	Chips	Progress
James Woods	30,000
Andy Hwang	30,000

Tags: James Woods Andy Hwang