Celebrity poker player sues Full Tilt parent
Breach-of-pact lawsuit seeks $40 million
For principals in the online card room Full Tilt Poker -- who include some of the world's top poker players -- luck may not be a lady.
In November, Cycalona "Clonie" Gowen -- a former beauty queen and high school athlete who became a professional poker player -- sued in U.S. District Court in Las Vegas against Tiltware LLC, the Ireland-based software company behind Full Tilt Poker. She is seeking $40 million in damages for breach of contract.
Named in the lawsuit is Howard Lederer, professional poker player and one of the company's founders, and other famous players, described as "Team Full Tilt," including Phil Ivey, Chris Ferguson, Mike Matusow, Allen Cunningham, Gus Hansen and Jennifer Harman-Traniello.
Gowen, 37, alleges in the lawsuit that Full Tilt hired her to be one of their "celebrity players," and that company officials agreed that she would be rewarded with a 1 percent share in Full Tilt -- a company with an estimated value of $4 billion.
The lawsuit has been a hot topic in Internet poker forums, chat rooms and blogs in recent weeks. Full Tilt is one of the largest and fastest-growing card rooms in cyberspace, with a celebrity poker professional roster filled with A List players.
A Hollywood screen writer couldn't come up with a more colorful plaintiff.
Gowen, a native of Florida, was born during a powerful storm, which served as the inspiration of her first name. She grew up in Kiowa, Okla., and was crowned Miss Teen McAlester, Okla., at age 15.
In high school, Gowen was a member of the state championship varsity basketball team and started on her track and field team as a high jumper, where she was ranked seventh in the state.
In 2003, Gowen earned national recognition when she won the World Poker Tour Ladies' Night event in the World Poker Tour Costa Rica Class in 2003. In recent years, Gowen has served as a guest commentator for the Ultimate Poker Challenge and The Gaming Club World Poker Championship. She also appeared several times on the NBC television program, Poker After Dark, and has won three titles.
In July, Gowen won the no-limit Texas hold 'em event at the Bellagio Cup IV, earning $437,775, and launching her into the poker world's upper echelon.
But winning a battle in a Las Vegas courtroom against an online poker room headquartered off shore could represent a daunting challenge.
Tiltware LLC, the marketing and software company for Full Tilt Poker, was founded in Los Angeles in 2004, but moved to Ireland in late 2006, only weeks after Congress passed the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, which effectively made it illegal for Americans to play online casino games.
Gowen's case may face problems because she acknowledges there is an oral, but not written contract between her and Full Tilt, and that most of the alleged promises took place over the phone or in meetings with Tiltware executives in Las Vegas more than four years ago.
But Jim Kohl of the Las Vegas office of law firm Howard & Howard, who is representing Gowen, said: "Assuming everything we've learned so far is true, we feel we have a good case." Kohl also said there are international treaties between Ireland and the United States "that will allow us to enforce our judgments overseas."
Gowen claims that in 2007, all members of "Team Full Tilt Poker" received distribution checks except her. She claims she asked for her "fair share" and was turned down. Not long afterward, according to the lawsuit, Lederer offered Gowen $250,000 for her past work with the company, but she turned him down.
"We are confident the allegations will be proven at trial," Kohl said. "Clonie has been wrongly denied her compensation and, after we go through the process of discovery, we feel the court will find in our favor."
Officials at Tiltware have a different point of view.
"Tiltware, LLC, has been made aware of the recent filing of a meritless lawsuit by a former Full Tilt Poker endorser, Ms. Cycalona Gowen," Tiltware said in a statement. "All claims have no merit and there are many inaccuracies improperly and unlawfully asserted by Ms. Gowen within her frivolous complaint. Tiltware LLC expects that this lawsuit will be dealt with accordingly by a competent court in due course."
Experts in online gaming note the lawsuit, if nothing else, will serve to remind online business owners and employees that whether a business is in cyberspace or in a brick-and-mortar location, elementary principles still apply.
"The situation (at Full Tilt) is no different than in any type of business," said Tony Cabot, practice group leader at the Las Vegas law office of Lewis and Roca. "There will always be lawsuits that allege questions of ownership, promises or rights, and it makes sense for every business to properly document all relationships. That way, it a dispute comes up, then you have the intent of the parties in writing."
To some professional poker players, the lawsuit couldn't have come at a worse time.
"While I really don't know any details about the Clonie Gowen case against Full Tilt, I am disappointed there is a lawsuit," said Susie Isaacs, who has twice won the World Series of Poker women's championship, and is a columnist for several poker and gaming publications.
"This is a very strategic time for poker players who want online poker to be legalized and a very bad time for any red flags in that industry," Isaacs said.
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Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Poker Club Folds !!
Private Arizona Poker Club Folds
A private Tucson, Arizona poker club whose opening served as a challenge to that state's gambling regulations has agreed to close in the face of legal pressure. Club Royale, opened by former judge Harold Lee and Donna and Johnny Ray Rogers, agreed to shutter its doors to resolve a civil suit brought by Arizona's Pascua Yaqui nation. The Pasqui Yaqui operate two of the four state compact-regulated casinos in the Tucson area.
The battle featured the viewpoints of the outspoken and maverick Lee against the state and the tribes, who insisted that they had the exclusive legal right to spread poker in Arizona, which in total offers 22 casinos run by 15 different tribal nations. Among the poker wrinkles at Lee's club was its spreading of no-limit hold'em, forbidden under the 1993 Arizona Tribal-State Gaming Compact, which governs the tribal casinos.
The Club Royale battle also developed into a rift between the Rogers, who retained their own representation in the matter, and Lee, who vowed to continue his fight to offer poker in Arizona. By closing the club, which ran under the auspices of the International Card and Game Players Association (ICGPA), a group founded by Lee, the Rogers will not have to pay any damages to the Pascua Yaqui nation. Lee accused the Rogers of misusing ICGPA funds while operating one of two private poker clubs that opened in Tucson last year. (The other club closed for separate reasons.) Lee also vowed to reopen the club at a new Tucson location.
A private Tucson, Arizona poker club whose opening served as a challenge to that state's gambling regulations has agreed to close in the face of legal pressure. Club Royale, opened by former judge Harold Lee and Donna and Johnny Ray Rogers, agreed to shutter its doors to resolve a civil suit brought by Arizona's Pascua Yaqui nation. The Pasqui Yaqui operate two of the four state compact-regulated casinos in the Tucson area.
The battle featured the viewpoints of the outspoken and maverick Lee against the state and the tribes, who insisted that they had the exclusive legal right to spread poker in Arizona, which in total offers 22 casinos run by 15 different tribal nations. Among the poker wrinkles at Lee's club was its spreading of no-limit hold'em, forbidden under the 1993 Arizona Tribal-State Gaming Compact, which governs the tribal casinos.
The Club Royale battle also developed into a rift between the Rogers, who retained their own representation in the matter, and Lee, who vowed to continue his fight to offer poker in Arizona. By closing the club, which ran under the auspices of the International Card and Game Players Association (ICGPA), a group founded by Lee, the Rogers will not have to pay any damages to the Pascua Yaqui nation. Lee accused the Rogers of misusing ICGPA funds while operating one of two private poker clubs that opened in Tucson last year. (The other club closed for separate reasons.) Lee also vowed to reopen the club at a new Tucson location.
Don't get to fancy in big blind !
Don't get too fancy in big blind
Defending your big blind isn't easy. You'll be out of position for the entire hand unless the raise comes from the player in the small blind. It's important to respect that positional disadvantage and not try to outplay your opponent with fancy moves.
Many players in the big blind get in trouble by calling pre-flop raises; they try to do too much. They don't want to get bullied so they attempt a tricky check-raise bluff or overplay their hands in an ill-advised effort to push back.
Folks, that's like trying to swim upstream.
What makes you think you can overcome positional disadvantage by plowing your way through? Trust me, no matter how much better than your opponent you think you are, if he has position, it will be almost impossible for you to outplay him.
But there is a method to neutralize your opponent's advantage in this situation — playing possum.
You see, it is possible to exploit an opponent who has position by letting him think he can run you over. But don't do this with aggressive betting. Rather, if you think you're in the lead, just check and let your opponent do all the betting.
In more marginal situations, though, focus on minimizing the damage when you might be beat and maximizing your profit when you're ahead by letting a bluffing player continue to bet.
Like professional player Layne Flack once said, "Why do the pushing when the donkey will do the pulling?" In other words, when you're out of position, respect that disadvantage. Your options are limited so think about conserving your chips, not betting aggressively.
Let's look at an example.
In a no-limit hold'em game with blinds at 50-100, a player in late position raises to 300. You look down at Kc-10c and call the bet with just the two of you in the pot.
The flop comes Ks-8s-2d. The standard play is to check and see what your opponent does. So you check and he bets out 500.
You only have two legitimate options: check-raise the flop or call. Folding is out of the question because your opponent would probably bet that kind of flop whether or not he had a good hand.
The best option is to call his raise. Here's why.
By just calling, your opponent won't be able to read your hand. Perhaps you're on a flush draw or even have a hand like pocket nines. Your opponent may decide to continue betting as a bluff.
Also, you'll lose less when you're beat. If he does have a hand like A-K, he'll want to get maximum value and will likely bet an amount that is easy for you to call. If you had check-raised the flop instead, you would have made the pot even bigger, meaning your opponent's future bets would have been bigger still.
Finally, if you check-raise, you'll have to guess about what your opponent has in the event he calls, or even worse, reraises. Had you decided to check-call the flop and turn, you'd only have to make a guess on the river. By that time, though, you'd have collected a lot more information with which you can make an informed decision.
There's no doubt that it's important to defend the big blind. If you don't, your opponents will pick on you relentlessly. But having said that, when you do decide to defend your big blind, don't get the idea that you'll be able to consistently outplay your opponent.
Instead, play possum and challenge your opponent to outplay you.
Defending your big blind isn't easy. You'll be out of position for the entire hand unless the raise comes from the player in the small blind. It's important to respect that positional disadvantage and not try to outplay your opponent with fancy moves.
Many players in the big blind get in trouble by calling pre-flop raises; they try to do too much. They don't want to get bullied so they attempt a tricky check-raise bluff or overplay their hands in an ill-advised effort to push back.
Folks, that's like trying to swim upstream.
What makes you think you can overcome positional disadvantage by plowing your way through? Trust me, no matter how much better than your opponent you think you are, if he has position, it will be almost impossible for you to outplay him.
But there is a method to neutralize your opponent's advantage in this situation — playing possum.
You see, it is possible to exploit an opponent who has position by letting him think he can run you over. But don't do this with aggressive betting. Rather, if you think you're in the lead, just check and let your opponent do all the betting.
In more marginal situations, though, focus on minimizing the damage when you might be beat and maximizing your profit when you're ahead by letting a bluffing player continue to bet.
Like professional player Layne Flack once said, "Why do the pushing when the donkey will do the pulling?" In other words, when you're out of position, respect that disadvantage. Your options are limited so think about conserving your chips, not betting aggressively.
Let's look at an example.
In a no-limit hold'em game with blinds at 50-100, a player in late position raises to 300. You look down at Kc-10c and call the bet with just the two of you in the pot.
The flop comes Ks-8s-2d. The standard play is to check and see what your opponent does. So you check and he bets out 500.
You only have two legitimate options: check-raise the flop or call. Folding is out of the question because your opponent would probably bet that kind of flop whether or not he had a good hand.
The best option is to call his raise. Here's why.
By just calling, your opponent won't be able to read your hand. Perhaps you're on a flush draw or even have a hand like pocket nines. Your opponent may decide to continue betting as a bluff.
Also, you'll lose less when you're beat. If he does have a hand like A-K, he'll want to get maximum value and will likely bet an amount that is easy for you to call. If you had check-raised the flop instead, you would have made the pot even bigger, meaning your opponent's future bets would have been bigger still.
Finally, if you check-raise, you'll have to guess about what your opponent has in the event he calls, or even worse, reraises. Had you decided to check-call the flop and turn, you'd only have to make a guess on the river. By that time, though, you'd have collected a lot more information with which you can make an informed decision.
There's no doubt that it's important to defend the big blind. If you don't, your opponents will pick on you relentlessly. But having said that, when you do decide to defend your big blind, don't get the idea that you'll be able to consistently outplay your opponent.
Instead, play possum and challenge your opponent to outplay you.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Sahara Hotel Robbed !!
Armed Robbery at the Sahara Hotel
Las Vegas Metro Police are investigating an armed robbery at the poker room inside the Sahara Hotel and Casino.
Police say the robbery happened just before 6:00 p.m. The robbery was to the Sahara, not a player. No word on how much money taken or if a weapon was used.
No one was injured.
Las Vegas Metro Police are investigating an armed robbery at the poker room inside the Sahara Hotel and Casino.
Police say the robbery happened just before 6:00 p.m. The robbery was to the Sahara, not a player. No word on how much money taken or if a weapon was used.
No one was injured.
DANES - Best Poker Players in the World !
$10 Million in One Week and Card Player World Tracker Proves Danes are the Most Successful Tournament Poker Players in the World.
Dubline, Ireland (PRWEB) December 19, 2008 -- In November 2008 three Danish Poker Players won $10 million dollars in the space of seven days, winning the World Series of Poker main event, the Amsterdam Master Classics main event, and the Ladbrokes European Online Championship of Poker IV main event.
Back in July 2008 Card Player Media research proclaimed that Danes were the most successful tournament players, per capita, in the world with "World Tracker" its sophisticated tournament player tracking tool.
The recent string of incredible results by Danes vindicates World Tracker as the world's leading indicator of tournament success.
Firstly online whizz "hahila" won the main event at LEOCOP IV for $229,500, then Peter Eastgate, at 22 years-old, became the youngest ever world champion at the World Series of Poker winning $9,152,416, before veteran World Series of Poker bracelet winner Jan Sorensen won $800,972 at the Amsterdam Master Classics main event.
Much like the Olympics, Card Player uses an extensive list of qualifying tournaments (including WSOP, WPT, and EPT events). World Tracker awards Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals to the countries whose citizens come first, second, and third in major international tournaments.
The top five countries in the poker tournament world are currently:
1. Denmark 2.04 medals per million
2. USA 1.33 medals per million
3. Australia 1.21 medals per million
4. Sweden 0.67 medals per million
5. Canada 0.66 medals per million
Sweden moved into the top 5 of the World Tracker for the first time while Canada dropped to fifth and Norway fell to sixth.
The latest research is published in the January edition of Card Player Poker + Sports and readers can keep up-to-date with the ongoing per capita medal tally each month in the magazine.
About Card Player Media
Card Player Media was recently named as one of the fastest growing companies in the U.S., expanding by almost 450 percent since 2003. The company is the publisher of Card Player magazine, the world's largest poker publication celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, and Card Player Poker + Sports in Europe. With its global partners, Card Player Media also publishes Card Player Brazil, Card Player Italia, Card Player France, Card Player Finland, Card Player Germany, Card Player Hungary, and Card Player Spain.
Dubline, Ireland (PRWEB) December 19, 2008 -- In November 2008 three Danish Poker Players won $10 million dollars in the space of seven days, winning the World Series of Poker main event, the Amsterdam Master Classics main event, and the Ladbrokes European Online Championship of Poker IV main event.
Back in July 2008 Card Player Media research proclaimed that Danes were the most successful tournament players, per capita, in the world with "World Tracker" its sophisticated tournament player tracking tool.
The recent string of incredible results by Danes vindicates World Tracker as the world's leading indicator of tournament success.
Firstly online whizz "hahila" won the main event at LEOCOP IV for $229,500, then Peter Eastgate, at 22 years-old, became the youngest ever world champion at the World Series of Poker winning $9,152,416, before veteran World Series of Poker bracelet winner Jan Sorensen won $800,972 at the Amsterdam Master Classics main event.
Much like the Olympics, Card Player uses an extensive list of qualifying tournaments (including WSOP, WPT, and EPT events). World Tracker awards Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals to the countries whose citizens come first, second, and third in major international tournaments.
The top five countries in the poker tournament world are currently:
1. Denmark 2.04 medals per million
2. USA 1.33 medals per million
3. Australia 1.21 medals per million
4. Sweden 0.67 medals per million
5. Canada 0.66 medals per million
Sweden moved into the top 5 of the World Tracker for the first time while Canada dropped to fifth and Norway fell to sixth.
The latest research is published in the January edition of Card Player Poker + Sports and readers can keep up-to-date with the ongoing per capita medal tally each month in the magazine.
About Card Player Media
Card Player Media was recently named as one of the fastest growing companies in the U.S., expanding by almost 450 percent since 2003. The company is the publisher of Card Player magazine, the world's largest poker publication celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, and Card Player Poker + Sports in Europe. With its global partners, Card Player Media also publishes Card Player Brazil, Card Player Italia, Card Player France, Card Player Finland, Card Player Germany, Card Player Hungary, and Card Player Spain.
Poker Stars
Percentage of Payout in Poker Stars
They use the 20% rule on prize pool. The survivor is always benefited regardless of the highs and lows and there are lesser benefits to someone who performs comparatively less.
For instance, a few months before the average payout that was going out was likely amoung 13 to 16% of the number of citizens registered in the poker Stars tournament.
For example, whether 1500 players registered for the tourney next at least 210 to 225 places would be paid; however, of late, the overall average seems to have dropped from 11 to 12% per tournament.
Of late, it appears like the overall average of payout per tourney is getting comparatively decreased than it previously used to be at poker Stars. For instance whether there were 1500 players registered for a tournament, there will be 170 to 175 places that will be paid out.
Though the number of players registering for the tournament is going up, the kind of pay out that is being given out seems to be considerably less.
But when we analyze it in depth, we might be able to see that poker Stars have restructured the number of places they pay to something less, but they pay more money to the winners.
They use the 20% rule on prize pool. The survivor is always benefited regardless of the highs and lows and there are lesser benefits to someone who performs comparatively less.
For instance, a few months before the average payout that was going out was likely amoung 13 to 16% of the number of citizens registered in the poker Stars tournament.
For example, whether 1500 players registered for the tourney next at least 210 to 225 places would be paid; however, of late, the overall average seems to have dropped from 11 to 12% per tournament.
Of late, it appears like the overall average of payout per tourney is getting comparatively decreased than it previously used to be at poker Stars. For instance whether there were 1500 players registered for a tournament, there will be 170 to 175 places that will be paid out.
Though the number of players registering for the tournament is going up, the kind of pay out that is being given out seems to be considerably less.
But when we analyze it in depth, we might be able to see that poker Stars have restructured the number of places they pay to something less, but they pay more money to the winners.
Little Rock, Ark.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - A man who operated a poker parlor that he claimed was legal has been sentenced to three years probation for running a prohibited gambling operation.
Logan Wight Dungan operated a National Poker Challenge franchise, which was raided in November 2007 that followed an undercover investigation by police. Five people were arrested after the initial raid but the 38-year-old Dungan was the only person charged.
Dungan entered a no contest plea on Monday to a charge of keeping a gambling house. In addition to probation, prosecutors say the judge fined him $300 and ordered him to forfeit his poker tables and related equipment.
The business operated at the Ashley Square shopping center in Little Rock.
At the time of the raid, company president Michael White said the games were legal and cited a 2005 attorney general's opinion. In a statement on the company Web site, White complained that prosecutors didn't know enough about how his games worked to judge them illegal.
After the raid, Prosecutor Larry Jegley said the state constitution would have to be changed for the poker games to become legal. "You can't just talk circles around the issue and make it legal," Jegley said at the time.
The site said players did not pay to play poker, but could pay a $100 monthly fee to have their statistics tracked.
White's Web site has since been taken down.
Dungan's plea was made three months after three Houston residents accused of participating in an illegal gambling operation on Base Line Road pleaded guilty to gambling charges. The raid on National Poker was conducted within a day of the raid at The Game Room where manager Timmy Le, 28, Francisco Javier "Paco" Moreno, 21, and Ngoc "Nancy" My Pho, 23, were arrested. At that operation, Little Rock police said they seized 70 electronic gambling machines and more than $14,000.
Deputy Prosecutor Troy Braswell says Le pleaded guilty to keeping a gambling house and a misdemeanor charge of possession of a gambling device in exchange for three years on unsupervised probation and the agreement to forfeit the money and games seized by police.
The felony gambling house charges against Moreno and Pho were dropped with their guilty pleas to a misdemeanor count of illegally possessing a gambling device, and each was fined $300.
Braswell said the seized equipment will either be auctioned by police or used for training or undercover work.
Logan Wight Dungan operated a National Poker Challenge franchise, which was raided in November 2007 that followed an undercover investigation by police. Five people were arrested after the initial raid but the 38-year-old Dungan was the only person charged.
Dungan entered a no contest plea on Monday to a charge of keeping a gambling house. In addition to probation, prosecutors say the judge fined him $300 and ordered him to forfeit his poker tables and related equipment.
The business operated at the Ashley Square shopping center in Little Rock.
At the time of the raid, company president Michael White said the games were legal and cited a 2005 attorney general's opinion. In a statement on the company Web site, White complained that prosecutors didn't know enough about how his games worked to judge them illegal.
After the raid, Prosecutor Larry Jegley said the state constitution would have to be changed for the poker games to become legal. "You can't just talk circles around the issue and make it legal," Jegley said at the time.
The site said players did not pay to play poker, but could pay a $100 monthly fee to have their statistics tracked.
White's Web site has since been taken down.
Dungan's plea was made three months after three Houston residents accused of participating in an illegal gambling operation on Base Line Road pleaded guilty to gambling charges. The raid on National Poker was conducted within a day of the raid at The Game Room where manager Timmy Le, 28, Francisco Javier "Paco" Moreno, 21, and Ngoc "Nancy" My Pho, 23, were arrested. At that operation, Little Rock police said they seized 70 electronic gambling machines and more than $14,000.
Deputy Prosecutor Troy Braswell says Le pleaded guilty to keeping a gambling house and a misdemeanor charge of possession of a gambling device in exchange for three years on unsupervised probation and the agreement to forfeit the money and games seized by police.
The felony gambling house charges against Moreno and Pho were dropped with their guilty pleas to a misdemeanor count of illegally possessing a gambling device, and each was fined $300.
Braswell said the seized equipment will either be auctioned by police or used for training or undercover work.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
WSOP Evaluating Merits of Rebuy Touraments !!
Heading into the 2008 World Series of Poker (WSOP), the major change handed down by tournament officials was the introduction of a 117 day break prior to the start of the Main Event final table, which occurred in November. The move was considered by many to be a resounding success, as television ratings and interest in poker boomed as a result. Heading into 2009, rebuy tournaments may become a distant memory.
Poker News Daily has confirmed a rumor that WSOP officials are considering doing away with rebuy events for the 2009 tournament series. There were five rebuy contests held during the 2008 schedule:
Event #5: $1,000 No Limit Hold’em with Rebuys
Event #18: $5,000 No Limit 2-7 Draw Lowball with Rebuys
Event #28: $5,000 Pot Limit Omaha with Rebuys
Event #34: $1,500 Pot Limit Omaha with Rebuys
Event #44: $1,000 No Limit Hold’em with Rebuys
World Series of Poker Communications Director Seth Palansky told Poker News Daily, “For rebuys, we are simply in discussions on the benefits and drawbacks of having these events as bracelet events. We like rebuys and think they are a fun and exciting game for poker players, but at the same time, we are questioning their place in the World Series of Poker.”
In many cases, the rebuy period ends after the first two levels of play in a tournament. However, players can often play very loosely during this time and, if their bankroll allows for it, simply rebuy if they are eliminated. However, this has raised eyebrows as to whether a bracelet is warranted for potentially just having the deepest pockets. For example, during Event #5, Suk Song re-bought 23 times. In 2006, PokerStars pro Daniel Negreanu reloaded an amazing 46 times and added on twice during a rebuy tournament.
In Event #18, Todd Brunson invested a whopping $140,000. To put that number in perspective, Brunson would have had to finish fourth in order to break even; he ultimately did not make the money. Negreanu invested $85,000 in Event #28. This time, however, his gamble paid off, as he finished seventh and cashed for $129,000.
In Event #34, the number of rebuys was up a remarkable 53% in 2009 in comparison to 2008, causing the total prize pool to balloon by 43%. Layne Flack invested $33,000 in the tournament, which meant that he needed to place 12th or better out of 320 entrants in order to make his money back. Luckily, Flack ended up winning the entire tournament and taking home $577,000, or 17 times his buy-in, for his sixth WSOP bracelet.
The $1,000 rebuy tournament first became a part of the WSOP in 2004. In 2005, two $1,000 No Limit Hold’em rebuy tournaments were held, a trend that has existed ever since. One player re-bought 17 times in Event #44 in 2008, although WSOP officials declined to name who he or she was. The top 27 players received $18,000 or more.
Palansky elaborated further, “The bracelet and its prestige are of paramount importance to us and we want to ensure that anyone who does win a bracelet does so because they played the best poker throughout an event.” In 2007, there were six rebuy events held as part of the WSOP festivities. In 2006, there were four, which was one fewer than in 2005. The 2008 WSOP featured 54 bracelet events in total, meaning that rebuys accounted for roughly 9% of the tournaments. The Main Event is a $10,000 buy-in freeze out.
WSOP and Harrah’s officials will likely take into account views from its Players Advisory Council when making a decision. The discussion may focus on whether rebuy tournaments favor deep-pocketed poker players and whether the merits of having a portion of the WSOP schedule devoted to rebuys jeopardizes the esteem of a bracelet.
No timeline has been set for an announcement one way or another and the 2009 WSOP schedule has not been released.
Poker News Daily has confirmed a rumor that WSOP officials are considering doing away with rebuy events for the 2009 tournament series. There were five rebuy contests held during the 2008 schedule:
Event #5: $1,000 No Limit Hold’em with Rebuys
Event #18: $5,000 No Limit 2-7 Draw Lowball with Rebuys
Event #28: $5,000 Pot Limit Omaha with Rebuys
Event #34: $1,500 Pot Limit Omaha with Rebuys
Event #44: $1,000 No Limit Hold’em with Rebuys
World Series of Poker Communications Director Seth Palansky told Poker News Daily, “For rebuys, we are simply in discussions on the benefits and drawbacks of having these events as bracelet events. We like rebuys and think they are a fun and exciting game for poker players, but at the same time, we are questioning their place in the World Series of Poker.”
In many cases, the rebuy period ends after the first two levels of play in a tournament. However, players can often play very loosely during this time and, if their bankroll allows for it, simply rebuy if they are eliminated. However, this has raised eyebrows as to whether a bracelet is warranted for potentially just having the deepest pockets. For example, during Event #5, Suk Song re-bought 23 times. In 2006, PokerStars pro Daniel Negreanu reloaded an amazing 46 times and added on twice during a rebuy tournament.
In Event #18, Todd Brunson invested a whopping $140,000. To put that number in perspective, Brunson would have had to finish fourth in order to break even; he ultimately did not make the money. Negreanu invested $85,000 in Event #28. This time, however, his gamble paid off, as he finished seventh and cashed for $129,000.
In Event #34, the number of rebuys was up a remarkable 53% in 2009 in comparison to 2008, causing the total prize pool to balloon by 43%. Layne Flack invested $33,000 in the tournament, which meant that he needed to place 12th or better out of 320 entrants in order to make his money back. Luckily, Flack ended up winning the entire tournament and taking home $577,000, or 17 times his buy-in, for his sixth WSOP bracelet.
The $1,000 rebuy tournament first became a part of the WSOP in 2004. In 2005, two $1,000 No Limit Hold’em rebuy tournaments were held, a trend that has existed ever since. One player re-bought 17 times in Event #44 in 2008, although WSOP officials declined to name who he or she was. The top 27 players received $18,000 or more.
Palansky elaborated further, “The bracelet and its prestige are of paramount importance to us and we want to ensure that anyone who does win a bracelet does so because they played the best poker throughout an event.” In 2007, there were six rebuy events held as part of the WSOP festivities. In 2006, there were four, which was one fewer than in 2005. The 2008 WSOP featured 54 bracelet events in total, meaning that rebuys accounted for roughly 9% of the tournaments. The Main Event is a $10,000 buy-in freeze out.
WSOP and Harrah’s officials will likely take into account views from its Players Advisory Council when making a decision. The discussion may focus on whether rebuy tournaments favor deep-pocketed poker players and whether the merits of having a portion of the WSOP schedule devoted to rebuys jeopardizes the esteem of a bracelet.
No timeline has been set for an announcement one way or another and the 2009 WSOP schedule has not been released.
Party Gaming Founder Dikshit to Plead Guilty to Gambling Charges !!
Anurag Dikshit, co-founder of PartyGaming (the parent company of popular online poker room PartyPoker,) will fork over $300 million to U.S. authorities and plead guilty to a charge “relating to illegal web betting,” according to a report published on the Financial Times website late Monday night. Dikshit will appear in front of the Southern District Court of New York on Tuesday at 2:00pm Eastern Time.
The Financial Times states that, in addition to the nine-figure fine, Dikshit may spend up to two years in prison. He is scheduled to plead guilty to violating the Wire Act of 1961, which has typically been interpreted to apply to online wagering on sporting events. Party Gaming currently offers casino games, Backgammon, Bingo, and sports betting. However, it is best known for its online poker site, which recently revamped the look of its tables and lobby and has grown to become one of the largest rooms that does not accept U.S. players.
PartyPoker was once one of the marquee sites that catered to the U.S. market. However, with the passage of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) in 2006, the room left the country entirely. Party Gaming is traded on the London Stock Exchange under the symbol “PRTY” and, like 888 and Sportingbet, is publicly traded. The decision to leave the U.S. market meant that privately held rooms PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker would grow to become the two largest online poker sites in existence.
The article reveals that Dikshit owns a 27% stake in Party Gaming and is the largest single shareholder. Ruth Parasol and Russ DeLeon each own 14%, but have not yet made any agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice similar to the one Dikshit may have struck. The Times also notes that Party Gaming, 888, and Sportingbet have all been in separate negotiations with the Department of Justice in order to clear the air legally with the United States Government. The ruling has the potential to set the precedent for the internet gambling industry, although whether the case is aimed specifically at online poker is not known.
At the time of writing, Party Gaming’s stock was trading at ₤138.75, up ₤3.75 at the last close. The stock has traded wildly between a range of ₤87.75 and ₤312.00 over the past 52 weeks. In September of 2006, just before the UIGEA was passed, the stock was sitting at ₤107. In a span of three weeks, it dropped precipitously to ₤29 as the UIGEA was passed into law on October 13, 2006. The company went public in 2005.
The Southern District Court of New York is located in White Plains, and Judge Jed S. Rakoff will ultimately decide Dikshit’s fate. It is not known if any jail time will be announced on Tuesday or when the ultimate decision will be handed down. According to the court’s website, Judge Rakoff makes his home in court room 14B.
PartyPoker recently revamped its rewards system and is gearing up for its Irish Poker Championship, a live tournament that will take place in Galway. Last year, Jude Ainsworth pocketed €180,000 for the win in the tournament, which will take run from January 2nd through 4th, 2009. PartyPoker is doling out $5,000 packages that include the $2,800 Main Event buy-in, $1,000 in spending cash, and accommodations that are worth $1,200. The Radisson Hotel Galway will host the tournament, which will feature Irish poker pro Padraig Parkinson, World Poker Tour Host and Poker News Daily contributor Mike Sexton, and David “Devilfish” Ulliott, who is the face behind popular online poker site Devilfish Poker.
Regarding possible prison time, the Financial Times explained, “He hopes the DoJ will recommend to Judge Jed Rakoff that, having gone voluntarily to the DoJ, he should not go to jail.” A statement released by Party Gaming to the London Stock Exchange on Tuesday added, “The Company believes that any such settlement is unlikely to include a criminal plea on the part of the Company or any director.” In addition, PartyGaming officials stated that Dikshit was likely to pay far less than the $300 million reported by the Financial Times.
The Financial Times states that, in addition to the nine-figure fine, Dikshit may spend up to two years in prison. He is scheduled to plead guilty to violating the Wire Act of 1961, which has typically been interpreted to apply to online wagering on sporting events. Party Gaming currently offers casino games, Backgammon, Bingo, and sports betting. However, it is best known for its online poker site, which recently revamped the look of its tables and lobby and has grown to become one of the largest rooms that does not accept U.S. players.
PartyPoker was once one of the marquee sites that catered to the U.S. market. However, with the passage of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) in 2006, the room left the country entirely. Party Gaming is traded on the London Stock Exchange under the symbol “PRTY” and, like 888 and Sportingbet, is publicly traded. The decision to leave the U.S. market meant that privately held rooms PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker would grow to become the two largest online poker sites in existence.
The article reveals that Dikshit owns a 27% stake in Party Gaming and is the largest single shareholder. Ruth Parasol and Russ DeLeon each own 14%, but have not yet made any agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice similar to the one Dikshit may have struck. The Times also notes that Party Gaming, 888, and Sportingbet have all been in separate negotiations with the Department of Justice in order to clear the air legally with the United States Government. The ruling has the potential to set the precedent for the internet gambling industry, although whether the case is aimed specifically at online poker is not known.
At the time of writing, Party Gaming’s stock was trading at ₤138.75, up ₤3.75 at the last close. The stock has traded wildly between a range of ₤87.75 and ₤312.00 over the past 52 weeks. In September of 2006, just before the UIGEA was passed, the stock was sitting at ₤107. In a span of three weeks, it dropped precipitously to ₤29 as the UIGEA was passed into law on October 13, 2006. The company went public in 2005.
The Southern District Court of New York is located in White Plains, and Judge Jed S. Rakoff will ultimately decide Dikshit’s fate. It is not known if any jail time will be announced on Tuesday or when the ultimate decision will be handed down. According to the court’s website, Judge Rakoff makes his home in court room 14B.
PartyPoker recently revamped its rewards system and is gearing up for its Irish Poker Championship, a live tournament that will take place in Galway. Last year, Jude Ainsworth pocketed €180,000 for the win in the tournament, which will take run from January 2nd through 4th, 2009. PartyPoker is doling out $5,000 packages that include the $2,800 Main Event buy-in, $1,000 in spending cash, and accommodations that are worth $1,200. The Radisson Hotel Galway will host the tournament, which will feature Irish poker pro Padraig Parkinson, World Poker Tour Host and Poker News Daily contributor Mike Sexton, and David “Devilfish” Ulliott, who is the face behind popular online poker site Devilfish Poker.
Regarding possible prison time, the Financial Times explained, “He hopes the DoJ will recommend to Judge Jed Rakoff that, having gone voluntarily to the DoJ, he should not go to jail.” A statement released by Party Gaming to the London Stock Exchange on Tuesday added, “The Company believes that any such settlement is unlikely to include a criminal plea on the part of the Company or any director.” In addition, PartyGaming officials stated that Dikshit was likely to pay far less than the $300 million reported by the Financial Times.
Monday, December 15, 2008
POKER - 5 Players Busted !!
5 players busted more than 2 years ago aim to show luck not main factor in poker game
Men argue 'Hold 'em' is game of skill
Defendants and supporters in the gambling case crowd a hallway outside the municipal courtroom in Mount Pleasant in 2006. Five of the players are now trying to show that it was skill, not chance, they were relying on.
Previous story
Poker players' legal saga to go on, published 08/23/08
MOUNT PLEASANT — It's an argument as old as gambling itself: Is "Texas Hold 'em" poker primarily a game of chance or skill?
Five players busted by Mount Pleasant police more than two years ago have secured a court order allowing them, in essence, to argue the game hinges on talented human play — not the luck of the cards.
The distinction is key. If a town municipal judge agrees that "Hold 'em" relies sufficiently on wits, it could be a major boost in the players' quest to legalize a card game many people play privately around their kitchen tables.
But if he determines the game is dominated by chance, the players could be slapped with fines and convictions, setting the stage for long-term appeals.
"To my knowledge, the issue of whether skill or chance is the dominant factor in the game of poker has never been litigated with the presentation of evidence in the U.S.," said Greenville lawyer Jeff Phillips, an avid poker enthusiast and attorney for the five players.
The two-page document, signed last month, features an order from Municipal Court Judge J. Lawrence Duffy Jr. allowing the prosecution and the defense to present whatever evidence they wish in the long-running duel. They can offer testimony, call witnesses and provide other relevant evidence over whether "Texas Hold 'em" should be considered a game of chance under the state's definition of gaming and gambling.
The order covers only "Texas Hold 'em." No other form of cards is included, such as Black Jack, Stud, Omaha or other casual poker table games. It also allows Duffy to decide what weight "if any" to give to anything that's presented.
Phillips' argument is that the game of "Hold 'em" is more than dealing and simple card play.
"While there is no disputing that the element of chance is present in poker — as in everything else in life — there are numerous skills a poker player must rely upon in playing the game of poker that will determine whether that player is successful or not," he said.
Mount Pleasant town prosecutor Ira Grossman declined to comment, citing the ongoing legal issues surrounding the case. A court date hasn't been set, but it likely will be this winter.
The five defendants are the last of about two-dozen people cited during an April 2006 police raid on a private home on Glencoe Street. Authorities discovered that an organized "Texas Hold 'em" tournament was going on inside where the host was pocketing some of the table cash. Players at the house had learned of the game through an Internet invitation and paid a $20 "buy in."
Authorities have justified the raid on several fronts, saying illegal gambling was taking place, that the street was routinely clogged by local and out-of-area vehicles and that a quantity of drugs was seized.
Most of those cited already have pleaded guilty to their ticketed offenses and paid small fines. The five players remaining are the hold-outs in a case that has dragged on for months, arguably much longer than most others filed in Mount Pleasant's municipal court.
During a court hearing in August, Phillips said the charges should be tossed out because South Carolina's 200-year-old anti-card, anti-dice laws are too antiquated and vague for anyone to make sense of today. For example, the law mentions aged games, including roly-poley, rouge et noir and draughts.
He also argued the home that hosted the game wasn't an illegal casino or a public house of gaming, as is mentioned in the state's anti-gambling laws.
Men argue 'Hold 'em' is game of skill
Defendants and supporters in the gambling case crowd a hallway outside the municipal courtroom in Mount Pleasant in 2006. Five of the players are now trying to show that it was skill, not chance, they were relying on.
Previous story
Poker players' legal saga to go on, published 08/23/08
MOUNT PLEASANT — It's an argument as old as gambling itself: Is "Texas Hold 'em" poker primarily a game of chance or skill?
Five players busted by Mount Pleasant police more than two years ago have secured a court order allowing them, in essence, to argue the game hinges on talented human play — not the luck of the cards.
The distinction is key. If a town municipal judge agrees that "Hold 'em" relies sufficiently on wits, it could be a major boost in the players' quest to legalize a card game many people play privately around their kitchen tables.
But if he determines the game is dominated by chance, the players could be slapped with fines and convictions, setting the stage for long-term appeals.
"To my knowledge, the issue of whether skill or chance is the dominant factor in the game of poker has never been litigated with the presentation of evidence in the U.S.," said Greenville lawyer Jeff Phillips, an avid poker enthusiast and attorney for the five players.
The two-page document, signed last month, features an order from Municipal Court Judge J. Lawrence Duffy Jr. allowing the prosecution and the defense to present whatever evidence they wish in the long-running duel. They can offer testimony, call witnesses and provide other relevant evidence over whether "Texas Hold 'em" should be considered a game of chance under the state's definition of gaming and gambling.
The order covers only "Texas Hold 'em." No other form of cards is included, such as Black Jack, Stud, Omaha or other casual poker table games. It also allows Duffy to decide what weight "if any" to give to anything that's presented.
Phillips' argument is that the game of "Hold 'em" is more than dealing and simple card play.
"While there is no disputing that the element of chance is present in poker — as in everything else in life — there are numerous skills a poker player must rely upon in playing the game of poker that will determine whether that player is successful or not," he said.
Mount Pleasant town prosecutor Ira Grossman declined to comment, citing the ongoing legal issues surrounding the case. A court date hasn't been set, but it likely will be this winter.
The five defendants are the last of about two-dozen people cited during an April 2006 police raid on a private home on Glencoe Street. Authorities discovered that an organized "Texas Hold 'em" tournament was going on inside where the host was pocketing some of the table cash. Players at the house had learned of the game through an Internet invitation and paid a $20 "buy in."
Authorities have justified the raid on several fronts, saying illegal gambling was taking place, that the street was routinely clogged by local and out-of-area vehicles and that a quantity of drugs was seized.
Most of those cited already have pleaded guilty to their ticketed offenses and paid small fines. The five players remaining are the hold-outs in a case that has dragged on for months, arguably much longer than most others filed in Mount Pleasant's municipal court.
During a court hearing in August, Phillips said the charges should be tossed out because South Carolina's 200-year-old anti-card, anti-dice laws are too antiquated and vague for anyone to make sense of today. For example, the law mentions aged games, including roly-poley, rouge et noir and draughts.
He also argued the home that hosted the game wasn't an illegal casino or a public house of gaming, as is mentioned in the state's anti-gambling laws.
Poker King hits $ 1 Mill Jackpot !
A professional poker player from Belfast is celebrating after scooping the $1m jackpot at a tournament in London at the weekend.
Marty Smyth has earned more than $3.5m throughout his card playing career but claiming the top spot in the Ladbrokes Poker Million VII is his biggest win so far.
It was an unlikely victory, as he had to claw his way back into the reckoning after making a disastrous start to the championship.
"I got off to a bad start - I played a big hand and thought I was winning but it turns out I wasn't," he said.
"At that stage, bookmakers were offering odds of 66/1."
Four of the six players who reached the televised final were Irish, and Mr Smyth admits the cards fell nicely for him as he saw off their challenge.
"Poker is a mixture of skill and luck - I like to think I played quite well but certainly after that big hand lots of things went my way," he said.
Although Mr Smyth is a professional gambler, he said there was no chance of him squandering his winnings in a hurry.
"I'm fairly sensible - I've enjoyed a lot of success in the last couple of years, but I'm aware that might not be the case forever," he said.
"Any time I get a big win like this, I try to be sensible with it and invest the lion's share of it."
Marty Smyth has earned more than $3.5m throughout his card playing career but claiming the top spot in the Ladbrokes Poker Million VII is his biggest win so far.
It was an unlikely victory, as he had to claw his way back into the reckoning after making a disastrous start to the championship.
"I got off to a bad start - I played a big hand and thought I was winning but it turns out I wasn't," he said.
"At that stage, bookmakers were offering odds of 66/1."
Four of the six players who reached the televised final were Irish, and Mr Smyth admits the cards fell nicely for him as he saw off their challenge.
"Poker is a mixture of skill and luck - I like to think I played quite well but certainly after that big hand lots of things went my way," he said.
Although Mr Smyth is a professional gambler, he said there was no chance of him squandering his winnings in a hurry.
"I'm fairly sensible - I've enjoyed a lot of success in the last couple of years, but I'm aware that might not be the case forever," he said.
"Any time I get a big win like this, I try to be sensible with it and invest the lion's share of it."
Sunday, December 14, 2008
UFC : ULTIMATE FIGHTER 8 FINALE RESULTS !!
ROLI DELGADO VS. JOHN POLAKOWSKI
Round 1 - Small crowd to start the evening. Slow pace to open the fight. Polakowski works the fight briefly to the mat, but it is quickly back up. Working in the clinch, Polakowski eats a shot and drops. Delgado works to side control, but offers little offense. Delgado takes the back and looks to sink in a choke. Polakowski defends and stands, but the round comes to an end. MMAjunkie.com scores it for Delgado, 10-9.
Round 2 - Delgado shoots in unsuccessfully. A second attempt also fails, but Delgado grabs a leg. No submission, but the fight does got to the floor where Polakowski works from guard. Slow pace again from ground. Polakowski looks to get to his feet but is trapped in a guillotine. Polakowski taps. Roli Delgado def. John Polakowski via submission (guillotine choke) -- Round 2, 2:18.
SHANE NELSON VS. GEORGE ROOP
Round 1 - Fast-paced start. Nothing scoring, though. A clinch, and Roop works it to the mat. Nelson works to the back and looks for the choke quickly. Nelson continues to work for the choke, but can't secure it. Slow action, and the crowd voices its displeasure. Roop finally scrambles out and the round ends. MMAjunkie.com scores it for Nelson, 10-9.
Round 2 - Nelson looks to take it to the ground early. Finally gets the takedown and works to side control. Nelson works some ground and pound then switches to mount. Roop taking damage on the bottom. Roop tries to stand and is caught in a guillotine. Roop remains calm and works free. Back on the feet, and Roop lands a few shots but the round closes. MMAjunkie.com sees it again for Nelson, 10-9.
Round 3 - Roop comes out aggressively with punches and kicks, but again nothing scores. Roop pushes Nelson against the cage and scores a takedown. Roop lets Nelson stand. A few punches score from each fighter, and Roop takes it to the mat again. Little offense, and Roop stands again. Nelson scores a takedown as time winds down, but there is not enough time to utilize it. MMAjunkie.com scores it for Roop 10-9, but the fight for Nelson 29-28. Shane Nelson def. George Roop via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28).
KYLE KINGSBURY VS. TOM LAWLOR
Round 1 - Despite a pro-Kingsbury crowd, Lawlor shoots in early for the takedown. Kingsbury back up, but Lawlor is right back on him with a takedown. Kingsbury pulls guard, and Lawlor works to land punches form the top. Kingsbury working his leg up for a submission attempt, but is unsuccessful. Lawlor lands more shots, but the crowd is unhappy with the action. Tough round to call, but MMAjunkie.com sees it for Lawlor, 10-9.
Round 2 - Lawlor shoots in again. Kingsbury scrambles back to his feet. Lawlor shoots back in again quickly, then moves to side control. Kingsbury scrambles out and back to his feet, but Lawlor again works it to the floor. Kingsbury works from guard, and Lawlor is again scoring from the top. Failed kimura by Kingsbury before the round closes. MMAjunkie.com gives it to Lawlor again, 10-9.
Round 3 - Kingsbury opens aggressively, but Lawlor again shoots in. Kingsbury again scrambles up, but the pattern has been established. Kingsbury is beginning to utilize his hands a lot more frequently. Lawlor continues to shoot in, but Kingsbury is successfully sprawling and brawling. Lawlor continue to push forward, though, and earns the takedown as the round ends. MMAjunkie.com sees the round for Kingsbury, but the fight for Lawlor, 29-29. Tom Lawlor def. Kyle Kingsbury via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).
JULES BRUCHEZ VS. ELIOT MARSHALL
Round 1 - Marshall scores with a stiff right early. Marshall pushes forward and slams Bruchez to the mat. Marshal switches quickly to side control, and Bruchez rolls. Marshall sinks in the choke, tightening after a some struggle. Bruchez forced to tap. Eliot Marshall def. Jules Bruchez via submission (rear-naked choke) -- Round 1, 1:27.
SHANE PRIMM VS. KRZYSZTOF SOSZYNSKI
Round 1 - Soszynski opens quickly with punches. Primm looks shaken, but scores a takedown. Soszynski works back to his feet, but has to defend the takedown again. Soszynski scores with punches again, then defends another shot. Soszynski pounces on the prone Primm and works for a kimura. Another flurry from Soszynski to end the round. MMAjunkie.com sees it for Soszynski, 10-9.
Round 2 - Soszynski agains cores with a punch to start. The two trade, but nothing scores. Primm again shoots in. Soszynski defends, but transitions to the floor. Soszynski works a kimura -- unsuccessfully to start, but then tight. Primm must tap. Soszynski appears to be thinking, "I've got jiu-jitsu, too, baby," but MMAjunkie.com can not confirm that possibility. Krzysztof Soszynski def. Shane Primm via submission (kimura) -- Round 2, 3:27.
JUNIE BROWNING VS. DAVE KAPLAN
Round 1 - "The Lunatic" versus "Diamond" Dave is underway. A touch of gloves to start. Kaplan takes the center of the cage. Browning immediately catches Kaplan right on the protective gear, but we get a quick restart. Browning throws a combo of punches and kicks, and both are trading shots. Browning scores with his hands, then lands a solid knee. Browning slips and Kaplan grabs a leg. Browning signals he's OK. Kaplan's left eye bleeding badly. Browning passes and takes the back, but Kaplan rolls out and stands. Browning scores a knee from the clinch, then backs away. Browning peppering Kaplan with punches and kicks at different levels. Kaplan pushes forward behind a solid straight of his own, then drops for a leg a second time. It misses, and Browning is now on top of Kaplan. Action slows momentarily with Browning in side control. Kaplan rolls, but Browning takes his back and sinks in a rear-naked choke. Kaplan defends and reverses out to the top position. Browning stands and Kaplan lands a few knees inside. Browning answers with an elbow, and the round closes in the clinch. MMAjunkie.com sees it for Browning, 10-9.
Round 2 - Kaplan takes the center of the octagon again. Browning shoots in works in Kaplan's half-guard. Kaplan holds Browning close, and little damage is done. Browning passes to side control, then transitions quickly to an arm bar forcing the tap. Junie Browning def. David Kaplan via submission (arm bar) -- Round 2, 1:32.
WILSON GOUVEIA VS. JASON MACDONALD
Round 1 - Gouveia throws a right hand, but MacDonald shoots underneath. Gouveia defends well, but MacDonald persists. Gouveia kicks him off and stands. Working from the clinch, MacDonald throws inside knees until Gouveia pushes away. Fighters trade low kicks, then hands. Gouveia catches MacDonald with a few straight punches. Gouveia pounces on the downed MacDonald and throws a barrage of elbows. MacDonald's forehead is cut open as the onslaught continues. The blows are too much, and the fight is stopped. Wilson Gouveia def. Jason MacDonald via submission (strikes) -- Round 1, 2:18.
KEVIN BURNS VS. ANTHONY JOHNSON
Round 1 - Quick strikes exchanged early. Burns lands a kick to the body, then a jab. Johnson answers with a left hand. Fast pace early, and both are scoring with their hands. Johnson shoots in and Burns pulls guard. Burns works his legs up, but Johnson stands then scores with a big punch as he slides to side control. Burns secures Johnson's right arm with his legs, then a triangle choke. Johnson stays calm and slides out of the hold and back to Burns' guard. Johnson throws a few big punches, but they do not land square. Burns stands the fight after a stalemate. Burns lands a right hand, then Johnson does the same. Burns is dropped, and Johnson scores with leg kicks. Big flurry by both to finish. Close round, but MMAjunkie.com sees it for Johnson, 10-9.
Round 2 - Crisp striking again to start by both. Johnson shoots a single leg, but Burns defends. Johnson twists and earns the takedown. Burns locks in a kimura, but loses it when he looks to crank the arm. Johnson works from Burns' half-guard, then guard. Johnson lands a few elbows, one heavier than the rest. Burns throws a few elbows from the bottom, then works his legs high on Johnson's back. Nothing there, and the two slide away from the cage. Johnson scores more with the ground and pound, but the pace is moderate. The fight continues with Burns in a closed guard and Johnson landing moderate shots from the top. Burns throws up a leg to look for a triangle, but Johnson slides out, Burns regains guard then rolls for an arm. Johnson scores again from the top, and the bout finishes in the position. MMAjunkie.com gives it again to Johnson, 10-9.
Round 3 - Johnson scores a few leg kicks to open, then Burns throws a few hands. A big left kick to the head scores for Johnson, and Burns is out. Anthony Johnson def. Kevin Burns via knockout (kick) -- Round 3, 0:28.
RYAN BADER VS. VINNY MAGALHAES
Round 1 - Bader starts with a low kick, Magalhaes answers to the body. Both trade hands. Magalhaes lands another kick to the body. Bader scores with a punch. A brief clinch, but the two break apart. Bader slips after a kick, but Magalhaes can't capitalize. Moderate, cautious pace by both. Bader works punches from the outside. Big right overhand punch drops Magalhaes, and Magalhaes is down. A few punches follow to leave no doubt. Ryan Bader def. Vinny Magalhaes via KO (punches) -- Round 1, 2:18
EFRAIN ESCUDERO VS. PHILLIPE NOVER
Round 1 - Nover starts with a high kick that is blocked. Nover shoots in behind a right hand, but Escudero ends up in top position. Nover pulls guard, and Escudero stands. Escudero lands a solid right hand and takes Nover's back. Escudero looks to sink in a choke, and controls Nover with both hooks secure. Escudero switches to mount, then lands a few heavy shots. Escudero stands and pounds a few leg kicks. Escudero moves in but gets trapped in a near-triangle position. Nover keeps control, and tries to roll to the back. Slick transitions as Nover misses a standing kimura. Escudero immediately brings the bout back to the mat. Nover moves the leg up and Escudero stands. Escudero again scores a takedown and lands a big right hand, falling into Nover's half-guard. Escudero stands and throws kicks to the legs of a downed Nover. Escudero allows Nover to stand. As time winds down the fighters work from the clinch. MMAjunkie.com sees it for Escudero, 10-9.
Round 2 - Nover swings wildly, but Escudero again brings it to the floor. Escudero is in side control. Escudero stands and again throws kicks to the legs. Nover misses slightly with an upkick. The two stand and clinch. Both trade knees inside. Nover lands a right as the two push away. Escudero lands a few inside leg kicks, then clinches as Nover charges. Nover sinks a guillotine from the standing position, but releases it as the two hit the floor. Escudero on top from Nover's half-guard. Nover holds his opponent close, but Escudero remains active enough with punches to the head and body to avoid a stand-up. Nover tries to grab a leg as Escudero stands, and a spirited exchange ends the round. It's another round for Escudero in MMAjunkie.com's eyes, 10-9.
Round 3 - Nover opens with a few kciks, then scores a nice right hand. Escudero immediately takes the fight to the floor, then stands and throws kicks. Nover quickly stands as well. Nover throws a combination but Escudero ducks out of the way. Nover looks as if he's starting to time Escudero, but the blows are only glancing. Escudero again works to the mat. Nover pulls a closed guard, then looks to utilize the rubber guard. Nover has a near omo plata, but Escudero is keeping his head to the mat. Nover is throwing elbows to Escudero's arm and head while trying to finish the position. Nover has the submission briefly, but rolls out. Nover stands and Escudero looks to keep him away with up kicks. Nover in side control, and the round ends. MMAjunkie.com awards the final round to Nover, but the fight to Escudero, 29-28. Efrain Escudero def. Phillipe Nover via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).
Round 1 - Small crowd to start the evening. Slow pace to open the fight. Polakowski works the fight briefly to the mat, but it is quickly back up. Working in the clinch, Polakowski eats a shot and drops. Delgado works to side control, but offers little offense. Delgado takes the back and looks to sink in a choke. Polakowski defends and stands, but the round comes to an end. MMAjunkie.com scores it for Delgado, 10-9.
Round 2 - Delgado shoots in unsuccessfully. A second attempt also fails, but Delgado grabs a leg. No submission, but the fight does got to the floor where Polakowski works from guard. Slow pace again from ground. Polakowski looks to get to his feet but is trapped in a guillotine. Polakowski taps. Roli Delgado def. John Polakowski via submission (guillotine choke) -- Round 2, 2:18.
SHANE NELSON VS. GEORGE ROOP
Round 1 - Fast-paced start. Nothing scoring, though. A clinch, and Roop works it to the mat. Nelson works to the back and looks for the choke quickly. Nelson continues to work for the choke, but can't secure it. Slow action, and the crowd voices its displeasure. Roop finally scrambles out and the round ends. MMAjunkie.com scores it for Nelson, 10-9.
Round 2 - Nelson looks to take it to the ground early. Finally gets the takedown and works to side control. Nelson works some ground and pound then switches to mount. Roop taking damage on the bottom. Roop tries to stand and is caught in a guillotine. Roop remains calm and works free. Back on the feet, and Roop lands a few shots but the round closes. MMAjunkie.com sees it again for Nelson, 10-9.
Round 3 - Roop comes out aggressively with punches and kicks, but again nothing scores. Roop pushes Nelson against the cage and scores a takedown. Roop lets Nelson stand. A few punches score from each fighter, and Roop takes it to the mat again. Little offense, and Roop stands again. Nelson scores a takedown as time winds down, but there is not enough time to utilize it. MMAjunkie.com scores it for Roop 10-9, but the fight for Nelson 29-28. Shane Nelson def. George Roop via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28).
KYLE KINGSBURY VS. TOM LAWLOR
Round 1 - Despite a pro-Kingsbury crowd, Lawlor shoots in early for the takedown. Kingsbury back up, but Lawlor is right back on him with a takedown. Kingsbury pulls guard, and Lawlor works to land punches form the top. Kingsbury working his leg up for a submission attempt, but is unsuccessful. Lawlor lands more shots, but the crowd is unhappy with the action. Tough round to call, but MMAjunkie.com sees it for Lawlor, 10-9.
Round 2 - Lawlor shoots in again. Kingsbury scrambles back to his feet. Lawlor shoots back in again quickly, then moves to side control. Kingsbury scrambles out and back to his feet, but Lawlor again works it to the floor. Kingsbury works from guard, and Lawlor is again scoring from the top. Failed kimura by Kingsbury before the round closes. MMAjunkie.com gives it to Lawlor again, 10-9.
Round 3 - Kingsbury opens aggressively, but Lawlor again shoots in. Kingsbury again scrambles up, but the pattern has been established. Kingsbury is beginning to utilize his hands a lot more frequently. Lawlor continues to shoot in, but Kingsbury is successfully sprawling and brawling. Lawlor continue to push forward, though, and earns the takedown as the round ends. MMAjunkie.com sees the round for Kingsbury, but the fight for Lawlor, 29-29. Tom Lawlor def. Kyle Kingsbury via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).
JULES BRUCHEZ VS. ELIOT MARSHALL
Round 1 - Marshall scores with a stiff right early. Marshall pushes forward and slams Bruchez to the mat. Marshal switches quickly to side control, and Bruchez rolls. Marshall sinks in the choke, tightening after a some struggle. Bruchez forced to tap. Eliot Marshall def. Jules Bruchez via submission (rear-naked choke) -- Round 1, 1:27.
SHANE PRIMM VS. KRZYSZTOF SOSZYNSKI
Round 1 - Soszynski opens quickly with punches. Primm looks shaken, but scores a takedown. Soszynski works back to his feet, but has to defend the takedown again. Soszynski scores with punches again, then defends another shot. Soszynski pounces on the prone Primm and works for a kimura. Another flurry from Soszynski to end the round. MMAjunkie.com sees it for Soszynski, 10-9.
Round 2 - Soszynski agains cores with a punch to start. The two trade, but nothing scores. Primm again shoots in. Soszynski defends, but transitions to the floor. Soszynski works a kimura -- unsuccessfully to start, but then tight. Primm must tap. Soszynski appears to be thinking, "I've got jiu-jitsu, too, baby," but MMAjunkie.com can not confirm that possibility. Krzysztof Soszynski def. Shane Primm via submission (kimura) -- Round 2, 3:27.
JUNIE BROWNING VS. DAVE KAPLAN
Round 1 - "The Lunatic" versus "Diamond" Dave is underway. A touch of gloves to start. Kaplan takes the center of the cage. Browning immediately catches Kaplan right on the protective gear, but we get a quick restart. Browning throws a combo of punches and kicks, and both are trading shots. Browning scores with his hands, then lands a solid knee. Browning slips and Kaplan grabs a leg. Browning signals he's OK. Kaplan's left eye bleeding badly. Browning passes and takes the back, but Kaplan rolls out and stands. Browning scores a knee from the clinch, then backs away. Browning peppering Kaplan with punches and kicks at different levels. Kaplan pushes forward behind a solid straight of his own, then drops for a leg a second time. It misses, and Browning is now on top of Kaplan. Action slows momentarily with Browning in side control. Kaplan rolls, but Browning takes his back and sinks in a rear-naked choke. Kaplan defends and reverses out to the top position. Browning stands and Kaplan lands a few knees inside. Browning answers with an elbow, and the round closes in the clinch. MMAjunkie.com sees it for Browning, 10-9.
Round 2 - Kaplan takes the center of the octagon again. Browning shoots in works in Kaplan's half-guard. Kaplan holds Browning close, and little damage is done. Browning passes to side control, then transitions quickly to an arm bar forcing the tap. Junie Browning def. David Kaplan via submission (arm bar) -- Round 2, 1:32.
WILSON GOUVEIA VS. JASON MACDONALD
Round 1 - Gouveia throws a right hand, but MacDonald shoots underneath. Gouveia defends well, but MacDonald persists. Gouveia kicks him off and stands. Working from the clinch, MacDonald throws inside knees until Gouveia pushes away. Fighters trade low kicks, then hands. Gouveia catches MacDonald with a few straight punches. Gouveia pounces on the downed MacDonald and throws a barrage of elbows. MacDonald's forehead is cut open as the onslaught continues. The blows are too much, and the fight is stopped. Wilson Gouveia def. Jason MacDonald via submission (strikes) -- Round 1, 2:18.
KEVIN BURNS VS. ANTHONY JOHNSON
Round 1 - Quick strikes exchanged early. Burns lands a kick to the body, then a jab. Johnson answers with a left hand. Fast pace early, and both are scoring with their hands. Johnson shoots in and Burns pulls guard. Burns works his legs up, but Johnson stands then scores with a big punch as he slides to side control. Burns secures Johnson's right arm with his legs, then a triangle choke. Johnson stays calm and slides out of the hold and back to Burns' guard. Johnson throws a few big punches, but they do not land square. Burns stands the fight after a stalemate. Burns lands a right hand, then Johnson does the same. Burns is dropped, and Johnson scores with leg kicks. Big flurry by both to finish. Close round, but MMAjunkie.com sees it for Johnson, 10-9.
Round 2 - Crisp striking again to start by both. Johnson shoots a single leg, but Burns defends. Johnson twists and earns the takedown. Burns locks in a kimura, but loses it when he looks to crank the arm. Johnson works from Burns' half-guard, then guard. Johnson lands a few elbows, one heavier than the rest. Burns throws a few elbows from the bottom, then works his legs high on Johnson's back. Nothing there, and the two slide away from the cage. Johnson scores more with the ground and pound, but the pace is moderate. The fight continues with Burns in a closed guard and Johnson landing moderate shots from the top. Burns throws up a leg to look for a triangle, but Johnson slides out, Burns regains guard then rolls for an arm. Johnson scores again from the top, and the bout finishes in the position. MMAjunkie.com gives it again to Johnson, 10-9.
Round 3 - Johnson scores a few leg kicks to open, then Burns throws a few hands. A big left kick to the head scores for Johnson, and Burns is out. Anthony Johnson def. Kevin Burns via knockout (kick) -- Round 3, 0:28.
RYAN BADER VS. VINNY MAGALHAES
Round 1 - Bader starts with a low kick, Magalhaes answers to the body. Both trade hands. Magalhaes lands another kick to the body. Bader scores with a punch. A brief clinch, but the two break apart. Bader slips after a kick, but Magalhaes can't capitalize. Moderate, cautious pace by both. Bader works punches from the outside. Big right overhand punch drops Magalhaes, and Magalhaes is down. A few punches follow to leave no doubt. Ryan Bader def. Vinny Magalhaes via KO (punches) -- Round 1, 2:18
EFRAIN ESCUDERO VS. PHILLIPE NOVER
Round 1 - Nover starts with a high kick that is blocked. Nover shoots in behind a right hand, but Escudero ends up in top position. Nover pulls guard, and Escudero stands. Escudero lands a solid right hand and takes Nover's back. Escudero looks to sink in a choke, and controls Nover with both hooks secure. Escudero switches to mount, then lands a few heavy shots. Escudero stands and pounds a few leg kicks. Escudero moves in but gets trapped in a near-triangle position. Nover keeps control, and tries to roll to the back. Slick transitions as Nover misses a standing kimura. Escudero immediately brings the bout back to the mat. Nover moves the leg up and Escudero stands. Escudero again scores a takedown and lands a big right hand, falling into Nover's half-guard. Escudero stands and throws kicks to the legs of a downed Nover. Escudero allows Nover to stand. As time winds down the fighters work from the clinch. MMAjunkie.com sees it for Escudero, 10-9.
Round 2 - Nover swings wildly, but Escudero again brings it to the floor. Escudero is in side control. Escudero stands and again throws kicks to the legs. Nover misses slightly with an upkick. The two stand and clinch. Both trade knees inside. Nover lands a right as the two push away. Escudero lands a few inside leg kicks, then clinches as Nover charges. Nover sinks a guillotine from the standing position, but releases it as the two hit the floor. Escudero on top from Nover's half-guard. Nover holds his opponent close, but Escudero remains active enough with punches to the head and body to avoid a stand-up. Nover tries to grab a leg as Escudero stands, and a spirited exchange ends the round. It's another round for Escudero in MMAjunkie.com's eyes, 10-9.
Round 3 - Nover opens with a few kciks, then scores a nice right hand. Escudero immediately takes the fight to the floor, then stands and throws kicks. Nover quickly stands as well. Nover throws a combination but Escudero ducks out of the way. Nover looks as if he's starting to time Escudero, but the blows are only glancing. Escudero again works to the mat. Nover pulls a closed guard, then looks to utilize the rubber guard. Nover has a near omo plata, but Escudero is keeping his head to the mat. Nover is throwing elbows to Escudero's arm and head while trying to finish the position. Nover has the submission briefly, but rolls out. Nover stands and Escudero looks to keep him away with up kicks. Nover in side control, and the round ends. MMAjunkie.com awards the final round to Nover, but the fight to Escudero, 29-28. Efrain Escudero def. Phillipe Nover via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).
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