We're here for a jam-packed week of poker action which, as ever, will feature a whole host of tournaments, cash games and side-events throughout the week. But here in Bucharest, which is often dubbed the 'Paris of the east', there's just as much to do away from the felt as there is on it.
Cristian Serban flashed us a picture of an exciting hand that happened earlier. Serban held and got it all in on the river on a board. Serban's opponent held for a full house and had to tap out to Serban's straight flush, which moved the latter up to 96,000.
Over at Table 16, chips are being splashed around and once again, a big pot was created before the community cards were even dealt. Elie Ghazal had 2,200 in front of him in the small blind, Lorenz Kolb made it 7,500 from early position, Saeid Khalghamooz cold-called the 7,500, and Ghazal called as well.
The flop was and Kolb moved in for his last 14,000. Khalghamooz folded and Ghazal called.
Lorenz Kolb:
Elie Ghazal:
The turn and river were safe for Kolb and he more than doubled up.
Alexandru Papazian was stacking up his chips, and it was clear to us that he had acquired some from some other players.
"Have you eliminated anyone?" we asked him, eager to hear how he had garnered so many chips.
"A couple actually!" he replied with a smile.
He explained how one player opened to 1,000 from under the gun. The player in the next position called and Papazian also called.
The flop came with two hearts. The initial raiser bet 2,000 and the second player called. Papazian raised to 7,000. The initial raiser folded and the second player moved all in for between 25,000-30,000. Papazian called.
All-in player:
Papazian:
There was no help for the all-in player on either the turn or the river and Papazian chipped up even further and now sits on a stack of around 85,000.
On a flop, Sidiki Matey, Ofer Glazer, and Iulian Ruxandescu all got their stacks in the middle. Glazer was all in for 22,300, Ruxandescu for 24,750, and Matey had both covered by a wide margin.
Sikidi Matey:
Ofer Glazer:
Iulian Ruxandescu:
Ruxandescu held a substantial lead with his set of fours and needed to dodge the kings and hearts to win. The on the turn was safe for Ruxandescu. However, the on the river gave Glazer a flush, and the Israeli loudly celebrated the fortunate turn of events.
Ruxandescu was left on fumes but picked up aces in the next hand to double up his short stack.