Andy Ernstein raised to 2,600 from early position, and Dan Bunce three-bet to 7,000 from the hijack. Andrew Rosskamm four-bet jammed for 38,200 from the button, and Ernstein five-bet to 102,500, covering Bunce and his last 30,000.
"Well, that makes it easier," Bunce said before folding.
Andrew Rosskamm: 
Andy Ernstein: 
Rosskamm's jacks held up on a 
board to earn the double.
In a battle of the blinds, Daniel Hummer bet 15,000 on a 
board, leaving himself around 20,000 behind. Banducci made the call.
Hummer jammed for 20,000 before the 
could fall on the river, and Banducci quickly called.
"You have the flush?" Hummer said while revealing 
for a six-high straight.
"No, straight," Banducci replied, turning over 
for a rivered seven-high straight, sending Hummer to the rail.
Richard Bai raised to 2,700 from the cutoff, and was called by Andy Ernstein in the small blind and Elwood Whitney in the big blind.
Action checked to Bai on a 
flop, and he bet 3,600. Only Ernstein called.
The turn and 
river were checked through, and Ernstein said, "Deuce."
Bai flipped over 
for a pair of sixes, and he took down the pot.
A total of 97 players hit the felt during Day 1a of the HPT Ameristar East Chicago $1,650 Main Event. Action will play through fifteen complete levels, or until 12 players are remaining in the field, whichever comes first.
Craig Casino raised to 2,600 from the button, and the small blind called. Henry Zou three-bet to 11,200 in the big blind, and Casino four-bet shoved for 27,100. The small blind folded, and Zou called.
Craig Casino: 
Henry Zou: 
Zou's lead grew even greater on the 
flop, and Casino's day came to an end after the 
turn and river failed to provide Casino running outs.
Level: 10
Blinds: 600/1,200
Ante: 1,200
The remaining field is off on a one-hour dinner break. When they return, registration for Day 1a of the HPT Ameristar East Chicago Main Event will come to a close. Two more starting flights remain for players looking to get in the action, as Day 1b kicks off on Friday at 2 p.m. local time, while Day 1c will begin at Noon on Saturday, January 18th.
On an 
board, Elwood Whitney bet 11,000 into a pot of 16,000 from middle position, and Craig Casino made the call in the cutoff.
The fell on the river, and Whitney bet 20,000. Casino thought for a moment before cutting out a raise to 45,000 and placing it in the pot.
"All in," Whitney said immediately, putting his 77,200 stack in the middle. Casino confirmed it was another 32,200 to call, and placed a stack of chips in the pot to call.
Whitney tabled 
for a set of fours, and Casino's 
for top two pair was second-best, and Casino sent the majority of his stack over to Whitney.
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