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UKIPT5 Super Series London Day 1C: Level 1 Updates(50/100/)

7.40pm: Cards in the air!
The whirlwind turnround is complete and a whole new* slew of players are seated and champing at the bit to be the next star crowned at the Hippodrome Casino.

*Well, new-ish. There will be at least a few double registrants, who played Day 1B, busted, and are back for a second bite of the cherry.

We'll have some of the big names gracing the felt shortly as well as the final chip standings from the end of Day 1B.

7.35pm: Day 1C begins

Welcome to the Hippodrome Casino for Day 1C of the UKIPT5 Super Series event.

We are in the second part of this double-day - 12 levels of Day 1B having played out prior to day 1C starting.

We've already seen some exciting poker played out and there's no reason why this evening's events won't be equally as fascinating.

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Cody couldn't avoid the carnage of Day 1B

To read how day 1B played out, click here.

PokerStars Blog reporting team at PokerStars UKIPT5 Super Series London: Rod Stirzaker. Photos courtesy of Mickey May.



UKIPT5 Super Series London Day 1B: Level 9 Updates(500/1,000/100)

6.03pm: All that glitters....
...is not Gould-en. Alex Goulder has just departed - his tale of woe delivered in typically upbeat fashion by the young British Pro.

Having lost a chunk of his stack with eights versus Queens, he found kings on the button and a sweet spot to increase his 10,000 stack.
The cut-off raised, Goulder re-raised and a player in the blinds now found ace-king, committing his chips.

Goulder made the call but on this occasion his luck didn't hold, his opponent winning the 30% showdown to leave Goulder high and dry.

"No problem!" he cheerily noted as he melted into the cold October air.

5.45pm: Recent fallers
The following horses have all been gently shepherded toward the entrance of the glue factory.

Good game all.

Benjamin Heath
Jonas Ferrut
Benjamin Morrison
Vincent Pritchard
David Clarkson
Alejandro Perez Torres
Javier Gomez Zapatero
Philip Gregg


LEVEL UP: BLINDS 500-1000-100


Welcome back to the Hippodrome Casino for level 9 of the UKIPT Super Series Event.

There is a neat symmetry to the day, we are 2/3 of the way through and 1/3 of the players have been eliminated with 64 of the initial 100 starters still in contention.

Numbered amongst those still in contention are Jake Cody with a slightly sub-average stack of 28,000, Dominic Wells, who is showing why he has a string of results ehre at The Hippodrome Casino - he has 62,000.

Also going well is UKIPT regular Kelly Saxby - her 51,000 chips giving her a well above average stack at this point.

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Saxby knows her way round a UKIPT field.


To read updates from levels 1-8, click here.

PokerStars Blog reporting team at PokerStars UKIPT5 Series 2: Rod Stirzaker. Photos courtesy of Mickey May.



Your weekend to-do list on PokerStars



To play

Got a favourite Weekend Major? They're all on offer this week, with an addition or two to console a losing streak, or enhance your run good. By that we mean the finale of Knockout Week .

There's a whole lot going on, including ten events spread out over Saturday and Sunday (the schedule for which you can find here). But the highlight is undoubtedly the $215 Main Event, a 6-max Progressive Super Knockout with a $500,000 guarantee, starting at 12.30 ET on Sunday.


knockout_week_16oct15.jpgThe gloves are, well, on...

Not only that, but as the Knockout Week homepage will tell you there are Challenges to complete and Leader Boards to be won. This weekend is your last chance to get in on it. Find all the details here.

If you're looking for live action this weekend, and happen to be at one of two opposite ends of the world, then there are PokerStars events taking place.

Over in Australia the ANZPT festival is taking place at the Crown Melbourne Casino, while in London's West End the UKIPT Super Series event is underway at the Hippodrome in Leicester Square.

And if you can't make it you can at least follow what's going on either down under in Australia or up and over in England, with coverage from each event. Click the links you've just read above to go directly to each event.


To read

We're lucky enough to get a lot of insight into the game from our players, and we're always thrilled when players who win big, either in weekend majors or those during the week, get back to us to talk about the experience from their point of view.

This week we got another treat in the form of Faraz Jaka talking us through his Super Tuesday win from the previous week. Jaka, who corrected our assumption that he lives out of a suitcase (actually two carry on cases), also explained the unusual circumstances regarding where he played the event, explaining each step of the way to his Airbnb roommates.


Faraz Jaka-smiling_16oct15.jpgFaraz Jaka

Read the interview with Jaka for yourself on the PokerStars Blog.


To hear

The latest #EPTNotLive Podcast is available to listen to as you get on with the weekend chores, although we recommend not listening while operating heavy machinery. I'll let team give you the details of this week's show.

"James and Joe try to keep the waffle to a minimum this week, to allow more airtime for their loquacious guest: UK pro Sam Grafton. He's a big part of the latest episode of Shark Cage, so the boys break down the show with Sam, and get his insights into what's good for poker/bad for poker (yes, it's another random game designed and executed by Joe Stapleton). There's also a recap of Joe's trip to Scotland for a comedy charity poker gig (apparently, that's now a thing), including a lesson in how NOT to book a first class train ticket. Plus, Dale Buchanan from Northern Ireland demonstrates his knowledge of Metallica in this week's edition of 'Superfan vs Stapes'. #EPTNotLive"


To listen use your preferred link below:

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/ept-not-live/id970248920?mt=2/
http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/ept-not-live/
https://www.pokerstars.com/ept/podcast/?source=12382610
https://www.pokerstars.eu/ept/podcast/?source=12382610
https://www.pokerstars.uk/ept/podcast/?source=12382610


To watch

Over on PokerStars.tv you can find the first Episode of Season 2 of Shark Cage. Expect the ridiculous:



To reminisce

Events from Melbourne are getting interesting, but did you know this is the last ever event on the ANZPT? Take a look back through all of our ANZPT coverage for a trip down (under) memory lane.


ANZPT_Melbourne_Rail_16oct15.jpg


To put things in perspective

Anyone suffering from a bad beat this weekend would do well to give this article by Felix Schneiders a quick read. In it Schneiders, a member of Team Online, talks about his recent medical problems, but how he's dealing with those just as he might the cards he was dealt in a poker game.


Felix_Schneiders_16oct15_22.jpgFelix Schneiders on the road to recovery

It's been a tough few weeks for Schneiders, but we're happy to report that he's on his way to full recovery, but as far as putting things in perspective go, we're not sure Schneiders could have done it better.

Get well soon Felix.


To celebrate

This week we took a look back at a great night in aid of a great cause. Late last month PokerStars teamed up with Prostate Cancer UK to raise awareness of the condition with a Lads Night In. It raised thousands for the cause with celebrities such as Ray Parlour, Jamie Alderton and Kyran Bracken getting in on things.


selfie_16oct15.jpgRay Parlour, Jamie Alderton and Kyran Bracken having a Lads Night In

Read the story of how the night went, and of how you can still take part and win a trip to the PCA in January.


To look forward to

This time next week the European Poker Tour will be underway in Malta, the second time the Tour has visited the island in the Mediterranean in a little more than six months (we really quite like the place). The action starts on Wednesday with the start of the IPT Main event, with the EPT €25K High Roller getting things started next Friday. As always we'll be on the ground in Malta bringing live coverage every step of the way.


Portomaso_Casino_16oct15_22.jpgPortomaso Casino, Malta

Check out the EPT homepage for everything about Malta, and the rest of the Tour's 12th season.

All that's left to say is good luck at the tables this weekend, whether that's in Melbourne, London, or online. Tell us all about it on Twitter @PokerStarsBlog


Stephen Bartley is a staff writer for the PokerStars Blog.



Suit up (seriously) for some EPT Malta adventure

In just a few days' time the European Poker Tour makes a long awaited return to the island of Malta in the Mediterranean. We reckon on it being another great festival of poker.

If we're honest it's not even that long awaited. It was only last March when the Tour made its hugely successful first visit. It seemed only right to get back as soon as possible.


malta_portomaso_casino_16oct15.jpgPortomaso Casino

So you can expect the usual fanfare of events, from the €5K Main Event, High Rollers and assorted side events (details of which can be found in full on the EPT website), but also a few extras thrown in. For Malta that means an Adventure - a Midevil Adventure to be precise.

On October 22 all EPT/IPT Malta Main Event qualifiers will have the opportunity to act out a 'Midevil' battle somewhere on the Island of Malta. Four teams of 7-8 players will lock horns to fight for victory, honour, and, well, some online tournament tickets.

Seriously, we're not kidding. There are Terms & Conditions for entry as you'd expect (which you can read here), and it's advised you're in reasonable health before approaching the field of battle and wear decent shoes (no sandals or flips flops), which I believe was the advice given to Knights and Warriors in the middle ages, along with advice on packing sunblock.

The rest you'll find out on the day. Register your interest by contacting concierge@ept-travel.com or visit the Welcome Desk in the Portomaso Casino before October 22 at 12:30 CET (and check out the EPT website for details on all activities).

That's not all.

They'll be an official players' party on August 24 at Level 22 Club inside the Portomaso Business Tower, alongside the tournament venue, starting at 10pm, with the fun lasting until 4am. Expect all the usual free drinks, great tunes and a whole lot of fiendish fun. Pick up your wristband from the Welcome Desk inside the casino, and bring along your PSLive card.


Portomaso_Casino_16oct15.jpgThe Portomaso Tower

We'll also be staging some Live Spin & Go tournaments to celebrate the one-year anniversary of Spin and Gos. That's right, we'll have a one of a kind life-size replica wheel to spin for on-demand Sit and Go's. Each 3-handed super-turbo will have a €50 buy-in and offer up to €1,000 in prizes. You can find them running between 14:00 and 19:00 between October 23-28.


tournament_room_ept_malta_16oct15.jpg

Lastly, while it's great playing on PokerStars it's also not a bad deal working for them too (here I should declare an interest). If you've ever thought about working for PokerStars we'll have some of our HR representatives on hand during the festival to discuss openings within the company. Come along and have a chat and find out a few things (be sure to ask about the coffee machine). Find a few details ahead of time by clicking here for further information.

Proof, if any were needed, that EPT Malta looks set to be a great festival both on and off the tables.

See you there.


Stephen Bartley is a staff writer for the PokerStars Blog.



UKIPT5 Super Series London Day 1B: Level 1 Updates(50/100)

1.00pm: Cards in the air
The TD has directed the dealers to begin proceedings so we're off! Let's see how this interesting day pans out...

Day 1B of the UKIPT5 Super Series

Welcome back to The Hippodrome Casino for Day 1B - and later 1C - of the UKIPT5 Super Series London. Yesterday we saw Day 1A play out with drama and alacrity - the impressively large 88-strong field being whittled down to just 27 survivors in 12 swift, action levels.

Click here to read how the day played out.

Today's contingent of players will find themselves immersed in the same environmental conditions as yesterday's group:

- 25,000 in chips;

- 30 minute levels (with a welcome 15 minute break following each batch of 4)*

* Note that on Day 2 the level lengths will be extended to 40 minutes and the final will be comprised of 50 minute levels - the structure extending as the stakes rise, which should be an attractive proposition for the players.

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Sumptuous surroundings, a packed field, deep-stacks - The SS has it all

As we said before, there are two day's worth of poker being packed into today's schedule with Day 1B beginning at 1.00pm and Day 1C will follow hot on its heels at 7.30pm.

This close density of punchy poker should ensure we have plenty of exciting tales to bring you as the day progresses so keep those eyeballs fixated on the blog - we wouldn't want you to miss out!

We're moments away from the start so good luck one and all.


PokerStars Blog reporting team at PokerStars UKIPT5 Super Series: Rod Stirzaker. Photos courtesy of Mickey May.



PokerStars Shark Cage, Season 2: Episode 1



ANZPT7 Melbourne Day 1A: Champions and chip leaders

Late registration is now locked out as we move into the closing stages of ANZPT Melbourne Main Event Day 1A. We saw a total of 206 try their luck this afternoon, but already so many have found the rail among this shark-infested field.

Today attracted champions with both Manny Stavropoulos and Edison Nguyen in the running to take out another title at Crown Melbourne.

edison nguyen.jpg

Reigning champion Edison Nguyen at the table last year

Nguyen proved victorious in last season's ANZPT Melbourne, conquering the record-breaking 516-player field to pocket $217,500 after a heads up deal. He returned today in a bid to defend the title but the reigning champ had somewhat of a troubled first few levels.

"Defending and winning last #anzptmelbourne title begins today! Not the best start so far. Down to 13k from 20k start" Nguyen shared with his followers on Twitter.

Nguyen appeared to climb back slightly before things took a turn for the worst again. He eventually found himself with only 550 in chips and while he got it in and made a straight to quadruple up, reports say that he busted shortly after. Unfortunately for Nguyen it won't be a back-to-back victory this time.

For Stavropoulos his latest and greatest live score came in January this year when he bested a field of 648 runners to win the Aussie Millions Main Event for $1,385,000. He's had a slow start to the day but still has plenty of chips with around 25,000 to play with.

And on to a player who could very well be our next champion, Korea's Min Jae Park is ahead of the pack. Just when we thought Tony 'Unique' Tartaglia was making a run at cashing his first ANZPT Main Event, Park crushed him in a giant pot with a brutal bad beat to launch himself into the lead.

min jae park.jpg

Current chip leader - Min Jae Park

Both players had big stacks and with the board reading 6-7-3-8 Park made a bet of 9,000 before Tartaglia moved all in over the top to the tune of 42,000. Park quickly called it off and saw he was in rough shape to win the pot.

Tartaglia had turned a set of eights to put Park's pocket aces way behind. As they say though it isn't over until the river and Park peeled a two outer as an ace landed to eliminate Tartaglia. Park scooped the monster pot and was the first player to eclipse 100,000 in chips. Since then he has extended his lead further with a few smaller pots and hovers around 122,000.

With things almost drawing to a close here, Park might be able to hold his lead until the chips are bagged up. We'll be on the look out for any other big stacks emerging and also seeing how Stavropoulos fares here on ANZPT Melbourne Day 1A.