Fall in this part of the country is the start of Poker Season. Autumn always brings two major annual poker tournaments to NxNW country. This year, unfortunately, all the stars and moon lined-up in such a way as to create an eclipse. Two big, popular Fall tournaments are going rise and set at almost the same time. ILDHORSE Resort & Casino, in Pendleton OR, gets underway November 8th and wraps-up November 18th. This is traditionally the biggest, best and richest poker storm of the season in NxNW country. Hundreds of players gather every day like dark clouds, ready to make thunder and lightening. The air crackles with the clash of chips striking fear into the hearts of every short-stack. This year, Wildhorse has salted tournament events to increase the dollar down pour. The casino has added $5,000 to each of the first eight contests and they've added $10,000 to the last three events; that's $70,000 total in added prize money! Another popular feature of the Fall Tournament is there are no re-buys. You only have to survive the storm once. Other sunny delights include $10 entry fees for everything, a free gourmet buffet, and special inexpensive room rates for participants. Another important feature of the annual Fall tournament turmoil at Wildhorse is the live action. You'll see everything from low limit disturbances to no-limit Hold'em hurricanes. What's more, it's only a $3 maximum rake no matter what game you seek shelter in. Wildhorse Weather Man and Poker Manager Roland Waters does a great job of preparing and providing comfort for card players. If you are torn and tossed by the poker elements, Waters will dry your tears.
Well known and much accomplished poker pro, Vince Burgio, will be on hand to welcome those who've come for the tournament torrential. Venerable Vince recently took 4th Place in Harrah's WSOP event at Harvey's in Lake Tahoe. Annual host for the tournament, Vince is there to listen to bad-beat stories. The PEPPERMILL, in Reno, is the site for the other great seasonal event, the "Fall Poker Classic", November 10-19. This event is distinguished for its class, cash and comfort. The tournament is held in the very spacious, luxurious VIP Center. It's a perfect facility. Removed from the casino floor, it's quiet, well ventilated and there's plenty of room for both tournament competition and live games.
The Fall Tournament is a Hold'em hoedown where everyone does the Texas two-step. It's like a dance elimination contest; those who last the longest and make the fewest mistakes get the money.
Poker Manager Ira Cohen will emcee the Fall flop hop. He'll be assisted by DJ Dennis "Cash" McCollum who will keep track of the time and consolidate competitors. It's what you might call, "American Hand Stand".
There are two principal events each day. The main contest begins at 12noon and there's an encore performance at 7pm. "That way players can double their pleasure and double their fun", Cohen points out. And, if that's not enough action, there's just about every kind of live limit and no-limit tune you can hum. A special feature of the Fall Tournament will be the ladies-only, LIPS no-limit Hold'em contest on Saturday, November 11th, starting at noon. It's a popular event attracting lots of attractive players. After all, every girl wants to be the "Queen of the Flop".
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