Welcome to Day 1b of Mid-States Poker Tour Belle of Baton Rouge

After a successful opening flight that saw the Mid-States Poker Tour draw 67 runners, 12 more than the last time it was here for a Day 1a, Day 1b is set to kick off at 4 p.m. local time here at the Belle of Baton Rouge Casino.

Garrett Theriot led the way after Day 1a with 148,500, a solid lead over second-place Rufus Yates (112,500). Others among the 18 survivors included David Chocheles (106,000), My Nguyen (103,000), Michael Benton (96,500), Corrie Wunstel (76,500), Michael Horchoff (60,500), and Adam Lamphere (46,500), who made the journey from Michigan.

Players who failed to advance and we expect to see back on Day 1b include Will "Monkey" Souther, Duma Lowery, Adam Friedman, Mike Lang, Gene Dudek, Kenny Milam, and Shawn Schoreck, who won this event in February but busted out during the first few levels yesterday.

Under the Allen Kessler-approved structure, players will begin with 20,000 in chips and levels will last 40 minutes. A total of 14 levels will be played here on Day 1b, set to begin at 4 p.m. local time. The first blind level will be 50/100, and we'll watch as the blinds escalate from there, bringing you all of the relevant live updates.