I am very sorry to say that the attendance for the TBJPA/TBT Tropicana event on Wedensday 11/14 was bad! Joep, Norm S., John R., and one other (didn't wanted they name mentioned) were the only locals to come play. We only had 28 players to show up and play (after talking to players at the LVH we were expecting in the high 60's to mid 70's), and 25 re-buys, for a grand total of $12,150 prize pool. With 70 players this event would have been well over a $30,000 prize fund. The 6 finalist just chopped the prize money into $2,025 each and only played for the plaque and ratings. Since some of the players who made the final table didn't want their picure posted I can only post the Winner; Lowell Strait. I can tell you that Dr. Bass, and Delta Duke, both made the final table again. Basicly we had the same core players at the Tropicana that have followed the TBJPA to most all our events. However it is clear that unless there is a guaranteed prize fund from the casinos, the players are simply not going to attend these events. FGK has posted about this problem for a while now, and he is right on. The players want a guarantee prize fund or their not going to go to the events. I can understand where they are coming from, however it is out of my control for putting up any type of guarantee other then the 100% return of all the entry and re-buys. I also understand that cost and proir obligations effects several players from being able to attend, so I don't want anyone thinking I am mad at you for not showing up. But once again only 28 players in Vegas, that was not good. I am happy that the Tropicana opened up there doors to ALL the players that came today (some of which have been barred from the Tropicana). My goal was always to try and create events that were fair and offer a good format and rules for the players. And that would re-open the doors for those players who have been banned in resent years and open doors for those who haven't been able to get into other events. The TBJPA was slowly cracking a few casino doors, but with lack of support I can't see even scheduling anymore events after the January Blackjack Cruise, (at the current format anyway). Hopefully we will have more show up on Thursday, but only 28 players for a Vegas strip casino was VERY disapointing for all of us. I want to thank all those who attended todays event and congratulate Lowell for taking 1st place.
Poor Turnout... Rick: I, as others, don't know why the low turnout, but you continue to run a well organized and fair tournament. Part of the blame for the low turnout has to rest with the Tropicana!! I know of NO ADVERTISING for this event that took place from their side, and they've had a few months to help promote this thing with their players, etc. As far as local players, the turnout was surprisingly bad, but there were at least five other locals there whom you failed to mention, including myself! Perhaps today may be a little better... Skipper
Middle to low rollers... Skipper, I agree that advertising from the Tropicana might have helped, but the TBJPA was designed to allow the middle to low rollers (along with some high rollers) open affordable events to enter. Besides the lower entry fees, I offered nightly satellite events for a week before the main events to help offset the expence for the players. Between myself and others we talked to well over several hundred players at both LVH events, Paris, and NY/NY tournaments, along with players at the regular tables. The most asked question was how much do they pay and are they quaranteed? What I have been trying to do is get the casino to allow TBJPA members entry into there VIP events with an entry fee. This way the members will be helping to offset the guaranteed prize money. Again, yesterdays event was sad. We gave away $12,150 with only 28 players. If we would have had a full 144 players (5 times what we had) the prize pool would have been over $60,000, (and closer to $70,000). O'well, woulda, coulda, shoulda, hopefully todays event will draw in more players.
Not enough players Sorry to here about the disappointing turn out at the Tropicana casino. I just hope that Rick keeps chipping away and gets his tournaments off the ground. Like Dreamer says they are well-organised tournaments and new players are made just as welcome as the seasoned players. Looking on the posts on this site, it appears that all BJ tournament promoters are going through a difficult time at the moment, whether it is for live games or television. I really hope that there is a TBJPA event next year to attend for when I cross over the pond again. On a positive note, it was nice to see that Joep supported the TBJPA event. Andy
Tropicana - TBT #2 event Well another low turnout, but at least it was a good day for BJT.com memebers. There were 4 members who made the final table. Total price money was $10,650 and unlike yesterday the players played out the final table. Lew Stokes (Delta Duke) took down the 1st prize of $3,940.00 (note this was Lew's 2nd TBJPA win). Also Larry (Dr. Bass) is still on fire making final tables on both events, take it something like 8 final tables in the past two months. Final table from left to right: Tammy Edney (Themom82), Larry Barker (Dr. Bass), Dannye Long, Roy Vest, Willie Josey, Lew Stokes (Delta Duke). Congratulations to our winner - Lew Stokes, aka Delta Duke.
