PokerStars EPT Dublin Main Event Day 1a | 2007 PokerStars EPT - Dublin

Level: 2

Blinds: 50/100

Ante: 0

10-30-2007 17:19 UTC+2

Michael Muldoon Rues the Extra 5k!

[user50492]

Michael Muldoon limped UTG with {6-Spades}

, the cut off raised to 350, Jay O'Toole called from the small blind and so did Michael.

The flop came down {A-Hearts}

and Jay bet out 1,100. Michael raised to 3,200 and the cut off folded. Jay made it 9,000 total and Michael putting him on a set of sevens folds to be shown the {A-Clubs}

.

Michael took time out to tell me that had he had 10,000 starting chips instead of 15,000 he is never folding a set there and gets a double up.

Tags: Michael Muldoon

10-30-2007 17:16 UTC+2

91

[user38449]

The official player count, provided by CardMagic, is 91. Well over 200 players are registered for this event, so we should see a significantly larger field tomorrow.

10-30-2007 17:10 UTC+2

It's often hard to spot WSOP bracelet winner Steve Billirakis amidst a large field, as he tends to keep a low profile and sometimes wears a hat or hooded sweatshirt.

In this case, however, we can't spot him because he hasn't shown up yet. His seat, number seven at table 11, is paid for but unoccupied. We'll let you know if and when Steve shows up -- let's just hope he's not wearing a racing suit when he arrives . . .

Tags: Steve Billirakis

10-30-2007 16:46 UTC+2

First Man Down

[user38449]

It’s quite amazing how fast a poker player is capable of spending €8,000. Less than two minutes after Mr. Kremser gave the command to ‘shuffle up and deal,’ we saw our first casualty of the day. On a board showing {6-Spades}

, Malmai Csaba of Hungary got all 15,000 of his chips into the pot holding pocket aces and was challenged by an unknown opponent who tabled queens. The board filled out {7-Diamonds}

, and Csaba’s aces held up giving him the early chip lead.

Tags: Malmai Csaba

10-30-2007 16:43 UTC+2

Early Clash For McKeever!

[user50492]

Irishman Fergal McKeever got 2,500 of his chips in the middle with {Q-Spades}

but the board read {A-Diamonds}

and his opponent's {A-Hearts}

was good for a 5,000 chip pot.

Fergal was 36th in this event last year finishing just short of the money.

Tags: Fergal McKeever

10-30-2007 16:27 UTC+2

Tournament Specifics

[user38449]

Tournament director Thomas Kremser has just informed the Day 1a field that they'll be playing seven levels of poker today at one hour per level. The EPT staff has also decided to give players an extra 5,000 in chips due to the smaller-than-expected field.

Early projections indicate approximately 90 runners; we'll bring you the official count shortly.

Level: 1

Blinds: 25/50

Ante: 0

10-30-2007 16:15 UTC+2

Shuffle Up And Deal!!!! EPT Dublin Day 1a

[user50492]

Welcome to the Royal Dublin Society, Dublin, Ireland where the latest leg of the European Poker Tour is about to start. Among the players entering the picturesque Tudor style hall are local heroes Andy Black, John “PunkFloyd” Conroy, Conor Doyle and Jason O’Toole. They are aiming for a home win but European stars such as Martin Wengt, Julian Thew, Bertrand ‘Elky’ Grospellier and Johnny Lodden aim to take the trophy to various other parts of Europe. There is also a contingent from the USA trying to take the spoils back over the pond. They are led by Erik Seidel and Steve “MrSmokey1” Billirakis.

With each player anteing up €8000 each to participate, the stakes are high. 4 days of tough poker stands between the players and the exclusive title of Pokerstars EPT Dublin Champion. Last year it was Roland De Wolfe who walked away with all the glory.

Make sure you check back here regularly for all the action as it happens.