National Deaf Poker Tour

by Greg Randall
Photos by Andy Blackburn

The fast and furious final table at National Deaf Poker Tour’s Binion’s Tournament played out just like a plot in an old western movie; a saloon, a poker table and a shoot-out. As soon as the final table began to play, the big guns came out and began firing!  Some bullets were dodged, more notably those dodged by the second place finisher, Mike Warner of Citrus Heights, Ca, when he scored an unexpected flush on the river. It  was like an actor having his hat shot off his head! Pocket Kings fired by Todd Williams (Riverside, Ca)  missed its mark when Jon Rollins, holding an ace drew ace on the flop. One last desperate fire from badly wounded Mike Warner and all of the  sudden the massacre ended.

When the smoke cleared, Jon Rollins of Chicago was the last one standing having won  the $5,170.00 pot and becoming NDPT’s first points leader. After the shootout, cameras flashed and hands flew everywhere as Jon Rollins beamed and hugged his wife Alison Rollins, and gave everybody high fives.

“Final table action was the most exciting part!” remarked Rebecca Goldenbaum of Arlington, Virginia. “We could feel the tension in the room and it gave a feel what it would have been like at an actual WSOP Championship. I  thought the tournament was fun” she continued, “but I wish we had more players. The more the merrier! And more women too!” Betty Dailey of Las Vegas, Nevada represented the ladies by placing 9th in the tournament.

The tournament started with 98 players who had come from all over America to play, paying the $200 entry fee. The field was well balanced and there was excitement at every table. Several chips leaders had emerged and fallen. Unlike the final table, which finished in a fierce shootout, the tournament was deliberately played like a cowboy streetfight with actors throwing punches and hiding behind upturned tables. Blake Herbold of Fremont, Ca probably had the best seat in the house before he moved to the final table. He was firing and dodging bullets the entire game with the exception of the final table from his original seat. He reached the final table and eventually came in 8th place. Perhaps if his original table was made the final table, he would have had better luck.

Several players commented on having really enjoyed the Binion’s event and many are looking forward to another exciting tournament this coming fall at the Taj Mahal Casino in Atlantic City. With the growing popularity of Texas No-Limit Hold ‘em, a larger player roster and a bigger pot will be expected at the next white hot National Deaf Poker Tour event. The previous Atlantic City NDPT event registered 228 players and with all the anticipation, the roster is sure to see new exceeding standards. The new players will always be welcomed by the old guns.