Welcome to Day 1b of Mid-States Poker Tour Running Aces
Day 1a is in the books, and Day 1b is ready to rock at Mid-States Poker Tour Running Aces in Columbus, Minn. The first flight drew a total of 161 runners, and a similar number or greater is expected for today, the last chance to qualify for championship Sunday, when a new MSPT champion will be crowned.
Everyone is looking way, way up in the counts at Mark Hodge, who bagged 415,000, a massive lead over second-place James Maxey at the conclusion of 14 levels on Day 1a. Others making it through included James Gibson, John Reading, Darren Ficek, Jeff Fielder, "DQ" Dan Hendrickson, Todd Melander, Mike Ross, Terry Ring, Tony Lazar and Jeremy Dresch. Some of the faces we might see today who busted out yesterday: Adam Friedman, Matt Kirby, Jason Zarlenga, Nick Pupillo, Lance Harris, and Kou Vang.
Another 14 level grind will spark up at 4 p.m. local time with Allen Kessler's "Chainsaw Approves" structure governing play. Everyone will start with 20,000 in chips and blinds begin at 50/100, bagging up after the 1,200/2,400/400 level. Each player is allowed one reentry, usable until the start of Level 10.