The Cook Islands Poker fraternity has seen some quite frantic activity
as a series of small games have been held. Mainly due to a number
of the big guns seeking some serious game time to improve match
fitness for the big one, the first of 3 majors for this year, the
first main event for 2008 scheduled for 21 June at Baudinets. While
the results of the small games are irrelevant, at least the games
have kept some of the players sharp and most importantly confident,
in the lead-up to 21 June.
Numbers are unknown at this stage but the host is banking on at
least 12 players registering so that the two table format can be
applied with the last 6 standing advancing to the main table for
the night.
Lets take a look at the form of the field;
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The reigning main event champion. Mixed results
to date and failed to make the main table in last months bracelet
game. However always a threat and if the cards fall his way
could create history by being the first back to back main
event champ.
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The
inaugural main event winner, this man is always a danger.
Unfortunately, in recent months he has only been a danger
to himself. A long shot but if you like the long odds give
this man a go. You might be surprised
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The
main event champ in Aitutaki last year. Now one word describes
this man. COMPOSED!!!!. The hardest man to read on tour, and
our very own version of Doyle Brunson. If you call him, make
sure you have minimum two pairs because rest assured he does
or better. With 1st and 4th in the last 2 main events, this
man is the clear favorite. Is in possession of a secret book
on Holdem Poker and studies it intensely ... I'm pretty sure
it is "Poker for Coconuts"
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Kipo!!!!
My dear, dear Kipo. What can I say about Kipo. Bleed Bleed
and more bleeding. Should he even be playing?????? Plays to
be sociable but questionable if he should. Will not win or
place and a long looonnnnngggg shot to make the final table.
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Burst on the scene like Cyclone Heta and literally scared
the belly button off everyone. However now each and everyone
is on to his game and in most cases will let him do his thing
and set the trap. Always trying to intimidate on the table
and starting to get caught out. Despite his success in the
monthly and other smaller games, has a poor main event record
and is usually eliminated early. However is he a threat?????
You have to say yes he is!!!!!
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He
plays the game with heart, balls and other parts of the anatomy.
Recently he has been taking down the bigger guns with ease
as evidenced in last month’s bracelet game. He calls
very often which is probably his downfall. Capable of making
the main table.
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Hmmmmmm now this guy is a big gun. Proven track record, steady
player, brave and reasonably composed. If there is such a
thing as the top 3, he would be one of them, no doubt. Has
not had the cards fall his way in recent times but on the
table, everyone knows to watch him like a hawk. Give him an
inch and he will eat you alive. Must go in as the second favorite
behind Tiger, and always threatens in the main event. Not
many are aware of his secret!!!. When his Aitutakian Maiden
is near him he always, always gets good hands. Oh and yes
has won the Main Event previously. Hint… watch this
bet, if he throws 3 green chips on the table he’s bluffing.
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I like to call this man the the "father" of the
poker bible. He plays cards by the book ... poker book and
not the bible. But if he calls you you better hope to have
the bible by your side cause this man doesn't bluff and usually
has the best hand. Is he a threat? Probably not but if they
fall his way then yes he could be.
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The calling Eyetalian. You raise he calls with no fear. Very
quiet on the table. Done well last month to make the final
table in the monthly bracelet game eventually finishing 4th.
Might be the dark horse in his first main event.
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The
whistler! Brings game to the table and is very capable having
been schooled under the tutorship of Bad Boy Bauds. Can play
and will play and can win it as long as he doesn’t partake
in the amber fluid too much and too early.
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A
confident player, a calculating player, a bold player. Probably
the most scientific player of the group. Does not play as
regularly as he would like but when he does, he will come
after you if he gets decent cards. Renown as a levelheaded
player, Ants playing style is a reflection of the respect
that most players accord him. He is currently on a high after
his beloved Crusaders took out the Super 14 title which could
reflect in his approach to the game. And let it be known…
this man is due!!!!. The 3rd favorite behind Tiger and Browne.
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The
3rd and most respected of the famous Browne brothers of the
Poker community. Hailing from the Land of Ru’s Canoe
where he established the minor league amongst his band of
loyal followers, it is rumored that he may set sail for the
big smoke with spear in hand and lay down a challenge in the
first main event for this year. Has a huge disadvantage as
he comes from inferior competition, nevertheless has wide
experience and can argue that he has more game time than any
Rarotongan. They play ten days a week over there. Yes this
guy can win it if he comes.
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This
man is the current bracelet holder following his brilliant
win in last months bracelet game. He is also the first winner
of a game where we had split tables. So what does that tell
you? Yup he’s got game. Raised with a tough as nails
rugby league background in Auckland Yorkie has no fear. His
problem is that he’s a boring old fart and doesn’t
say boo to a dead donkey.
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And we save the best for last. This man claims to intimidate
… and we all chuckle at his entertaining but sorry ego.
This man claims to have immense physical presence… and
we agree for he is badly overweight and has a chest that most
women would be proud of. This man claims Polynesian Machoism
… but we all know that the Fijians planted the taro
while he sat in the shade with his mate Mr B&H. So what
is it with this guy? A great talker he is, yes indeed, but
does he walk it too…. Rarely say most. For goodness
sake, this man is unemployed!!! He hangs around Tavs claiming
to be a businessman. Rumour has it that only yesterday he
was sent home by the owner of Tavs to clean her house and
hang out the laundry.
But does he have game?? Let’s see what the stats say.
He is the current champ of the midyear main event… true
that. He has come the closest to winning back to back main
events… true that after winning mid year 2007 and coming
second in Aitutaki. Wow this guy has got game and on the basis
of that track record must be the 4th favorite behind Ants
and slightly ahead of Walker.
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And so the build up to the first main event of this season begins.
Some players are on edge. Others will just be like Tiger and take
it in their stride. One or two might even be wondering who Ned (the
Dealer) Howard will favor in this one. All that being said, everyone
is looking forward to a night of great fun, great entertainment
and may we all drive home safely at nights (or morning) end.
Kia Orana
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