Tournament Poker Club
Those who would like to play a fun and friendly game of Texas Hold ‘Em for a $5 buy-in can make plans to play at the next Tournament Poker Club gathering on Saturday, Jan. 4. Regular tournaments are on the first three Saturdays of every month and start with coffee and treats, with registration at 10 a.m. Cards are in the air at 10:30. There is no late seating.
The club held its biannual Casino Tournament on Dec. 14. This tournament is played a little differently than regular Saturday tournaments. Play begins as no limit from the beginning and as players are knocked out, tables are closed and players moved to fill vacant spots until there is only one table left.
Registration and breakfast started the morning, and then moved into the game. With 57 participants, it was a little bit of a squeeze, but room was made with six tables of eight players and one with nine. Play continued until there was a final table of eight players. They were: Debbie Barner, first place; Brent Covington, second; Jae Jun, third; Joe Baumler, fourth; Kathy Segroves, fifth; Dennis Kotecki, sixth; Roger Montero, seventh; Frank DePalma, eighth.
Barner has lived in Leisure World and been a member of the poker club for almost four years. This was her second final table win at a casino tournament, the first being June of 2024. Barner is a former elementary school teacher who discovered Texas Hold ‘Em poker from some of her teacher friends while living in Lancaster. Since moving to Leisure World, she is part of three different poker groups and enjoys all types of games and puzzles. She is also part of the Creative Writer’s group and currently serves as the club’s president.
The club congratulates all the winners and thanks all of those who signed up to play.
—Debbie Barner