UMichiganPoker.com | Michigan Charity Events Aug 11 - 18

Hi Michigan Poker Fans -

We have a bunch of great tournament offerings and special events this week! Be sure to mark your calendar - don't miss any of these amazing events!!

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New Locations on UMichiganPoker.com!

Please help me welcome three new sites to UMP! Grand Openings are coming up really quickly - be sure to stop by these new locations to welcome them!

• Plaza Lanes in Plymouth Grand Opening Wednesday, August 12

• Big Beaver Tavern Poker Room in Troy Grand Opening Thursday, August 13

• All In Poker Room Auburn Hills Grand Opening August 19

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Michigan House and Senate Bills that would CLOSE your Local Charity Poker Room *** Update!! ***

Have you read Michigan House bill 5121 & Senate bill 669? The wording is the same for each bill. The bills are proposing raising the price of a license to host a charity poker fundraiser from $50 / day to $250 / day.

$1000 to *host* a Texas Hold'em Fundraiser!!!

Due to the current budget situation for the state of Michigan, both of these bills have been temporarily put on hold. The legislators have to figure out how to make the state of Michigan budget work, then get on to other things. As far as I can tell, nothing will happen with either bill until after October 1. Please stay tuned and ready to fire off letters, e-mail and phone calls!

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Are you a Dealer looking for employment? Do you live near Auburn Hills?

All-In Poker Room is currently seeking dealers for our Auburn Hills, Michigan location. If you are interested in being part of the fun we are having in the card room. Please click on the link above and complete the application form.

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Friday $10 buy-in, $1000 est Prize Pool, Sunday $30 Deep Stack Tournament, Trip Kings at Garden Lanes

Trip Kings at Garden Lanes is hosting a $10 buy-in, $1000 estimated prize pool Tournament on Fridays, and a $30 Deep Stack Tournament on Sundays! Be sure to check out Trip Kings regular schedule! They also offer great Live Action Cash Games spreading Hold'em, Omaha, Round by Round & Blackjack daily.

Benefitting: St Valentine's School for books & supplies M47498

When: August 14-16 starting at 7pm

Where: Trip Kings at Garden Lanes, 29145 Warren Rd, Garden City, MI

Call for Info: 734-556-2163

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$4000 est Prize Pool, $20 buy-in, $20 Rebuys at Queen of Hearts

Queen of Hearts at Woodhaven Lanes is hosting a $20 buy-in, $20 rebuy tournament with an estimated Prize Pool of $4000! Queen of hearts also has some of the best live action cash games in the area!

Benefitting: Jefferson HS for books & supplies M49397

When: August 13-15 starting at 7pm

Where: Queen of Hearts, 20000 Van Horn, Woodhaven MI 48183

Call for info: 734-556-2164

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Diamond Poker Allen Park $10,000** Mega Tournament

Don't miss this great deep stack tournament for some serious prize money. Satellites will run from Thur - Sat with the Main Event starting on Sunday at 6pm.

** Estimated Prize Pool.

Here's the info:

Benefitting: Southern Wayne Co Regional Chamber General Fund M49661

When: Thur - Sun Aug 13-16

• Thursday @ 6pm Qualifier Tournament $20 buy-in, top 10% advance to Sunday's Main Event

• Thursday @ 10pm Qualifier Tournament $40 buy-in, top 20% advance to Sunday's Main Event ***Winning Seats *are* Transferrable***

• Friday @ 6pm Qualifier Tournament $20 buy-in, top 10% advance to Sunday's Main Event ***Winning Seats *are* Transferrable***

• Friday @ 10pm Qualifier Tournament $40 buy-in, top 20% advance to Sunday's Main Event ***Winning Seats *are* Transferrable***

• Saturday @ 6pm Qualifier Tournament $30 buy-in, top 15% advance to Sunday's Main Event ***Winning Seats *are* Transferrable***

• Saturday @ 10pm Qualifier Tournament $60 buy-in, top 30% advance to Sunday's Main Event ***Winning Seats *are* Transferrable***

• Sunday @ 6pm $10,000** Mega Tournament Main Event!!! $150 direct buy-in

Where: Diamond Poker Allen Park at Thunder Bowl 4200 Allen Rd, Allen Park, MI 48101

Call for info: 734-624-9683

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UM vs OSU Football Kickoff Border Battle Aug 28-30

$30,000 in estimated prizes. OSU-UM Tickets, OSU-USC Tickets!! Take a short drive to Toledo to play in this huge prize-pool tournament!! Direct buy-in or satellite in on Thur - Sat! Here's the schedule.

Benefitting: Robert Mornsen Scholarship Fund

When: Aug 28 - 30

Friday, Aug 28th 6pm - midnight

$40 Satellites & Sit and go's to the Championship Match

Saturday, Aug 29th 10am - 5pm

$40 Satellites & Sit and go's to the Championship Match

Sunday, Aug 30th 7pm to finish

$120 buy-in with optional $80 double-stack

Deep Stack Championship Game

Where: Toledo American Legion, 206 S. Byrne, Toledo, OH 43615

More info: Woody 419-297-2344 or Janet: 419-252-0688

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One-Day Event at the Dexter K of C 2959 August 28th

Estimated $1000 first place, paying 8 add'l places based on 91 players!! Payouts adjusted based on number of players.

$55 buy-in with optional $5 bonus chip at registration. Cash Bonus for first "4 of a kind" and first "straight flush". Smoke free facility, 18+ welcome.

Benefitting : K of C2959 Charities M50794

When: Aug 28th 7pm start. Cash Games from 6pm - 11pm

Buy-in: $55 w/ opt $5 add-on

Where: Dexter K of C Hall 8265 Dexter-Chelsea Rd, Dexter, MI 48130

More info: Larry 810-231-1674

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One-Day Event at the Dundee Sportsman's Club Sat, Sep 5

Estimated $1000 first place based on 100 players!! Paying 8 places, increase or decrease based on number of players. $50 buy-in for 3000 starting chips. 500 bonus chips at reg for $10. 30 minute blinds. Cash Games start at 3pm

Benefitting : Monroe County Special Olympics & Make a Wish Fdn M46336

When: Sep 5 @ 5pm, reg at 3pm

Buy-in: $50 w/ opt $10 add-on

Where: Dundee Sportsman's Club, 2300 Plank Rd, Monroe, MI 48131

More info: Charles at 734-529-3581

Hi Michigan Poker Fans -

Hope we're finding you pulling in monster pots! Here's this week's listing of charity poker events - check it out & share our info with a friend.

UMichiganPoker llc is always working to get more and more tournaments from all over Michigan on the web site. Take a look and see if we’ve got a listing close to you.

Announcements!

On July 1, the state put out a new set of directives. Your local charity poker rooms will be updating their schedules and tweaking their offerings to comply with the new rules.

Friday $10 buy-in, $1000 Guaranteed Prize PoolSunday $30 Deep Stack Tournament, Trip Kings at Garden Lanes
Trip Kings at Garden Lanes is hosting a $10 buy-in, $1000 Guaranteed Tournament on Fridays, and a $30 Deep Stack Tournament on Sundays! Be sure to check out Trip Kings regular schedule! They also offer great Live Action Cash Games spreading Hold'em, Omaha, Round by Round & Blackjack daily.

Benefitting: K of C 5446 Sr Citizens Club General Fund M48724 July 9-12

When: July 10 & 12 starting at 7pm

Where: Trip Kings at Garden Lanes, 29145 Warren Rd, Garden City, MI 734-556-2163

$4000 Guaranteed Prize Pool, $20 buy-in, $20 Rebuys at Queen of Hearts July 10
Queen of Hearts at Woodhaven Lanes is hosting a $20 buy-in, $20 rebuy tournament with a Guaranteed Prize Pool of $4000! Queen of hearts also has some of the best live action cash games in the area!

Benefitting: Trenton High School for books & equipment M

When: Friday, July 10

Where: Queen of Hearts, 20000 Van Horn, Woodhaven MI 48183 734-556-2164

Ball Joint $400 buy-in Deep-Stack Tourney July 11
The Ball Joint is hosting an exciting, high payout Deep Stack Tournament. The tournament is capped at 37 players, with a $6000 First Prize, paying 6 places. Direct buy-in is $400 - you can reserve your seat today with a $50 non-refundable deposit. They are also running $60 Satellite tournaments every Thur - Sun to win a seat in the Main Event. Win your $400 Seat for $60!! Call the Ball Joint for more details!!

Benefitting: Lakeview High School General Fund M49176

When: July 11th with $60 satellites running every Thur - Sun until July 11

What: 37 player Deep Stack Tournament

Buy-in: $400 Main Event

Where: Ball Joint 4720 Beckley Rd, Battle Creek, MI 49015 269-979-0080

Hazel Park Deep Stack NL Texas Hold'em $20,000 estimated Prize Pool July 9-12
Don't miss this great deep stack tournament for some serious prize money. Satellites will run from Thur - Sat with the Main Event starting on Sunday at 2pm. All proceeds benefit the Bridging Communities General Fund M49025. Early Direct buy-in are $225. Here's the info:

Benefitting: Bridging Communities General Fund M49025

When: Thur July 9 - Sun July 12

• Thur @ 7pm $35 Main Event Qualifier Rebuy tourney min 10% to Main Event
  
• Fri & Sat @ 2:30 $35 Main Event Qualifier Rebuy tourney min 10% to Main Event
  
• Fri & Sat @ 7pm $65 Main Event Qualifier, min 20% to Main Event
  
• Sun @ 2pm $250 direct buy-in Deep Stack Main Event 85% payout, no rebuys, no add-ons, 30 min blinds for first 4 rounds, 20 min blinds thereafter
  

Where: Hazel Park Raceway Poker Room 1650 E. 10 Mile Rd, Hazel Park, MI

Trippers Deep Stack NL Texas Hold'em $10,000 estimated Prize Pool July 9-12
Don't miss this great deep stack tournament for some serious prize money. Satellites will run from Thur - Sat with the Main Event starting on Sunday at 2pm. All proceeds benefit the Williamston Foundation General Fund M48937. Here's the info:

Benefitting: Williamston Foundation General Fund M48937

When: Thur July 9 - Sun July 12

• Thur @ 7pm $20 Main Event Qualifier Rebuy tourney min 10% to Main Event
  
• Fri & Sat @ 2pm $20 Main Event Qualifier Rebuy tourney min 10% to Main Event
  
• Fri & Sat @ 7pm $40 Main Event Qualifier, min 20% to Main Event
  
• Sun @ 2pm $150 direct buy-in Deep Stack Main Event, no rebuys, no add-ons, 30 min blinds for first 4 rounds, 20 min blinds thereafter
  

Where: Trippers Sports Bar, 350 Frandor, Lansing, MI

Northville Downs Deep Stack NL Texas Hold'em $20,000 estimated Prize Pool July 23-26
Don't miss this great deep stack tournament for some serious prize money. Satellites will run from Thur - Sat with the Main Event starting on Sunday at 2pm. All proceeds benefit the Homer Trojan Athletic Club General Fund M43918. Early Direct buy-in are $225. Here's the info:
Benefitting: Homer Trojan Athletic Club General Fund M43918.
When: Thur July 23 - Sun July 26

• Thur @ 7pm $35 Main Event Qualifier Rebuy tourney min 10% to Main Event
  
• Fri & Sat @ 2pm $35 Main Event Qualifier Rebuy tourney min 10% to Main Event
  
• Fri & Sat @ 7pm $65 Main Event Qualifier, min 20% to Main Event
  
• Sun @ 2pm $250 direct buy-in Deep Stack Main Event, 85% payout, no rebuys, no add-ons, 30 min blinds for first 4 rounds, 20 min blinds thereafter
  
• Where: Northville Downs, 301 Center St, Northville, MI
  

August 4th at Kickers: Joe's vs Pro's
The first Joe's vs Pro's, $100.00 buy-in Hold em tourney, at Joey's Comedy club, inside Kicker's All American Grill. Here's your chance to play alongside some of the area's best atheltes and local celebrities. We will have book signings from the Pro's and special prizes, throughout the night.
Benefitting: VFW 4553 Building Fund M49224

When: August 4th, 2009 @ 7pm

Buy-in: $100 - pre-register at Kickers starting 7/6, only 100 seats available!

Who: Scheduled to appear Lem Barney NFL, Willie Horton MLB, Tyrone Wheatley NFL, Pete Stoyanovich NFL, Chris Tamer NHL, Dave Roberts NHL, Linda Lee (WYCD), Terry T Brown WWJ, plus more celeb's added each day.

Where: Kickers, 36071 Plymouth Rd, Livonia, MI 48150

Tuesday Online Tourney hosted by Nik's Poker Palace
UMichiganPoker.com and Nik's Poker Palace have partnered up to bring you the toughest private tournament on Poker Stars! Come join us every Tuesday at 8pm for a $5 + $0.50 buy-in tournament. More details are here!

Wed Online Tourney hosted by MIPokerForum.com
UMichiganPoker.com and MiPokerForum.com have partnered up to bring you a great forum, plus an exciting weekly tournament! For now, the MIPF weekly tournaments are on break through mid June. Be sure to check back to find out when they start up again! The tourneys will start at 8PM with the same $5 + $0.50 buy-in. More info here!

When you go to an event, please let the organizers know you found the listing on UMichiganPoker!


Putting More Buns in Seats
Promoting Local Charity Poker Tournaments
Michele Ingalls
734-864-1280
mich@umichiganpoker.com
http://umichiganpoker.com
myspace.com/umichiganpoker
facebook.com/umichiganpoker
twitter.com/umichiganpoker

Trip Report: The Links Poker Palace in Whitmore Lake, Michigan

The Links Poker Palace in Whitmore Lake, Michigan

Vital Stats
Date: May 23, 2009
Address: 1111 Six Mile Rd, Whitmore Lake, MI 48184
Phone: 734-449-5451
Charity & License: American Legion 419 Auxiliary M46441
Tournament: 8pm $5 entry, $500 Guaranteed

The Set-up:
It’s a beautiful sunny Saturday over Memorial Day week-end. Chris, my husband, Lisa, my sister and I headed out to the Links around 6pm, with the 45 minute drive, that would put us at the Links around 7pm – enough time to grab some dinner and maybe get into a cash game before the 8pm tournament start. We expected a little slower day due to the 80° weather and holiday week-end. The Links is at the golf course club-house, tables set up in the restaurant/bar area with huge windows overlooking the course, and a deck just outside. The room is non-smoking, easy to find, with a full bar, keno, kitchen and waitstaff.

There was one waiting cash player when we arrived, and no cash games going before the tournament. The tournament did fill up just before 8pm with four full tables (36 players). The total prize pool was $750 paying 1st $375, 2nd $200, 3rd $175 and 4th $50.

Players on the trip: Lisa is a newbie live player this was her 3rd or 4th live tournament. Her biggest problem is that she tends to think players are bluffing – I think this may be directly related to living with three teen-agers...

Chris is a numbers guy and computer programmer (think Chris Ferguson). I’m always amazed at the statistics he can figure out in his head.

I’m a middle of the pack player. Sometimes I play by the numbers, sometimes I play by my guy. More often than not, I’m checking when I should be raising, and calling when I should be folding.

Tournament: We all sat at different tables for the $5 buy-in for 1k chips, $5 add-on for another 1k chips. Unlimited $10 (2k chips) or $20 (5k chips) rebuys until the break when a player busts out. At the break, add-ons were available for the same amounts, $10 for 2k chips or $20 for 5k chips. The blinds went up every 15 minutes, and doubled every level after the 1st break. This wrapped up the tournament quickly after the rebuy period was over.

There were two other ladies at my table. One I recognized from a tournament at an Ann Arbor poker room – a solid, aggressive player from what I remember. It’s nice to see the girls getting out there to play cards with the guys. Jeff, the dealer until the break, was familiar with a couple of the regular players, kept the game friendly and moving. He was really nice about washing the cards upon request, and demonstrating his custom “speed wash” a couple times. One guy at my table busted out before the break and didn’t rebuy. Lisa also busted out before the break after one rebuy.

Going into the first break, I was short-stacked 1350 chips and had been card dead for quite some time. Blinds were 400/800. In first position, I peeked at A-7 and figured if I bust out before the break, I can do the $20 rebuy, plus the $20 add-on and come back with a healthier stack. Bob, immediately to my left called with a smaller stack than mine, the blond called with 1300 chips, and John – one of the table big stacks. Three players all-in, last hand before the break.

Me: A©-7§
Flop: 4§-4¨-5© (no danger – good flop for me!)
Turn: A¨ **woo-hoo – Aces!!!
River: 3¨ seems to be a blank...

Bob turns up his cards: K¨-2¨ for a flush – winning the main pot
Blond turns up A§-7ª to split with me, each winning 1300 chips
John mucked his cards.

After the break, four tables went down to three, then down to two very quickly. I won a few small pots, stealing the blinds, but mostly I was card dead. I kept looking for a place to make my move. The best cards I got were Q-7. About three hands after we went to two tables, I was out. In the big blind, I was all-in blind with three callers/limpers. As much as I wished for it, I just didn’t come up with that miracle river card, and I was out.

Chris made it to the final table and ended up taking 4th. He too was short-stacked from the 2nd break on, but managed to make the right moves at the right times and held out to the money.


Cash Games: I played on the $1/$2 cash table for about an hour after I busted out of the tournament. The play was friendly, and not overly-aggressive. There were a few limped pots, a few expensive flops. I saw a really horrible bad beat – here it is to the best of my memory:

Limped pot, 4 players in – player 3, 4, small and big blinds. The flop comes A, Q, 7 rainbow. Player 3 bets ~$15, player 4 re-raises all-in ~$75, blinds fold. Player 3 has 4 covered and calls.

Flop: A-7-Q
Player 3: 7-7
Player 4: A-Q

Turn: 7
River: A

Just sick – full house, aces over queens beat by quad sevens. Player 3 scoops, player 4 buys more chips.

As players dropped out of the tournament, they joint the cash tables. There was one $1/$2 table going with a few players waiting for another. After the tournament, a full $1/$1 table opened up.

Wrap-Up: This is a very nice poker room with a regular, friendly crowd. The players and dealers know eachother – there’s a lot of friendly banter going back and fourth. If you are in the area – drive out here and play in the tournaments or cash games.

ps. - Ed - I wrote all this stuff down ;)