Tournament Poker Club

Those who would like to play a fun and friendly game of Texas Hold ‘Em for a $5 buy-in can play at the next tournament of the Tournament Poker Club on Saturday, Aug. 17. Regular tournaments are the first three Saturdays of every month in the lobby of Clubhouse 6 with registration beginning at 10 a.m., along with treats and coffee. Cards are in the air at 10:30. There is no late seating.

With a turnout of about 50 players, the club had a great time on Aug. 3. The high hand winners were Dick Jones (9-99-9-K) and Ernie Dinkle (7-77-7-Q). By playing and winning the promo hand of 5-10, Shelly Yu won the prize. As the winners of their original table, the final table players were: Donna Hernandez, first place; Barry Brideau, second; Maryanne Conte, third; Erika Greenwood, fourth; Wendy Wu, fifth; and Carol Ostergaard, sixth. It was almost an entirely female final table. Play continued until Brideau and Hernandez were heads up. When play got down to the last hand, Brideau, holding J-10, went all in after the flop came K-J-8. He was called by Hernandez with 10-9. The turn was a Q, which gave Hernandez the straight K-10. The river card was a 6, which was no help for Brideau and made Hernandez the winner. The women were excited to have such a strong presence at the table, and Brideau—always the gentleman—took their ribbing in stride.

Hernandez has lived in Leisure World for 10 years and been a member of the Poker Club for nine years. This was her first final table win at a regular tournament. In addition to tournament poker, Hernandez enjoys the Women’s Club, Filipino Club and various card groups here in Leisure World.

The club congratulates all the winners.

—Deborah Barner