He Just Gets Better And Better
With his sixth place finish at the Aussie Millions Marc has achieved a new personal record for money won in a single tournament ($277,523 CAD). His amazing run here has garnered the attention and favour of the international poker media and has provided a wild roller coaster ride for his friends and family back home.
Having witnessed Marc's play first hand, we have to say that his ability to adjust to opponents of every calibre and his fearless, agressive style put him shoulder to shoulder with the world's best. This year, television audiences around the globe will witness Marc playing on at least two seperate televised final tables and he will no doubt become a household name before we know it.
Although it is always dissapointing for a player like Marc, who has the heart of a champion, to finish in any place but first, we can confidently say that no one is more deserving of our respect and admiration today as Marc has once again proved that he is a major force in the world of poker.
We will see you at the next major event Team Eurolinx plays. Until then, Go Myst GO!!
Having witnessed Marc's play first hand, we have to say that his ability to adjust to opponents of every calibre and his fearless, agressive style put him shoulder to shoulder with the world's best. This year, television audiences around the globe will witness Marc playing on at least two seperate televised final tables and he will no doubt become a household name before we know it.
Although it is always dissapointing for a player like Marc, who has the heart of a champion, to finish in any place but first, we can confidently say that no one is more deserving of our respect and admiration today as Marc has once again proved that he is a major force in the world of poker.
We will see you at the next major event Team Eurolinx plays. Until then, Go Myst GO!!
2007 Aussie Millions Final Table - Hand 22
Marc moves in from UTG. Folds to Gus in the BB who says "it looks pretty bad, it looks pretty bad" Gus asks them to pull in the 50K. Gus now asks for a count. Marc has 525K more than he 50K BB. Marc says "He's not gonna call, he's just making me sweat" Gus takes forever to finally call.
Marc: Kc Jd
Gus: Ac 9s
Board: Th 5s 8d 9d 4c
Marc Karam is eliminated in 6th place and takes hom 300K
Marc: Kc Jd
Gus: Ac 9s
Board: Th 5s 8d 9d 4c
Marc Karam is eliminated in 6th place and takes hom 300K
2007 Aussie Millions Final Table - Hand 21
Gus raises 120K Hans pushes for 260K more. Gus calls.
Hans: Js Jd
Gus: Ks 5s
Flop: Td 8c 6c
Turn: Qd
River: 4c
Hans doubles up.
Hans: Js Jd
Gus: Ks 5s
Flop: Td 8c 6c
Turn: Qd
River: 4c
Hans doubles up.
2007 Aussie Millions Final Table - Hand 20
Julius raises to 100K. Andy calls.
Flop: Ac 3d Kh
Black checks. Julius bets 150K. Black re-raises to 350K
Turn: 2h
Black bets 500K. Julius calls.
River: 5c
Check Check.
Black shows AQ and wins.
Flop: Ac 3d Kh
Black checks. Julius bets 150K. Black re-raises to 350K
Turn: 2h
Black bets 500K. Julius calls.
River: 5c
Check Check.
Black shows AQ and wins.
2007 Aussie Millions Final Table - Hand 19
Fricke gets a walk on his BB.
2007 Aussie Millions Final Table - Hand 18
Fricke raises to 90K. Black calls.
Flop: Ad 2d 6s
Fricke checked. Black bet 100K. Fricke
Turn:Qd.
Fricke 175K Black called
River: 4c
Check. Check
Fricke: A9 wins.
Flop: Ad 2d 6s
Fricke checked. Black bet 100K. Fricke
Turn:Qd.
Fricke 175K Black called
River: 4c
Check. Check
Fricke: A9 wins.
2007 Aussie Millions Final Table - Hand 17
Blinds are up to 20K/40K with a 5K ante.
Fricke raises to 90K. Gus calls from the SB. Marc folds.
Flop: Jc 8c Kc
Gus checks. Fricke bets and takes the pot.
Fricke raises to 90K. Gus calls from the SB. Marc folds.
Flop: Jc 8c Kc
Gus checks. Fricke bets and takes the pot.
2007 Aussie Millions Final Table - Hand 16
Marc (UTG) raises to 90K . Folds to Gus Hansen who calls.
Flop: 6c Js 7s
Gus Checks. Marc bets 125K and wins the pot.
Flop: 6c Js 7s
Gus Checks. Marc bets 125K and wins the pot.
2007 Aussie Millions Final Table - Hand 15
During the last hand Marc says to Fricke. "You tightened up Jimmy, that's two in a row". There's banter amongst the others and Marc says "He has about 16 million, I'm sure he doesn't mind if I tease him".
Gus raises to 105K. Fricke calls.
Flop: 4s 8h 3c
Gus bets 140K. Fricke calls.
Turn: Qd
Gus bets 330K. Fricke calls.
Turn: Ac
Gus bets 770K. Fricke says "I have no idea how got to this decision with this hand" while he contemplates and then finally calls. Gus shows 2s 3s. Fricke shows Ad Jc.
Fricke is close to taking back the chip lead, but Gus may still be slightly ahead.
Gus raises to 105K. Fricke calls.
Flop: 4s 8h 3c
Gus bets 140K. Fricke calls.
Turn: Qd
Gus bets 330K. Fricke calls.
Turn: Ac
Gus bets 770K. Fricke says "I have no idea how got to this decision with this hand" while he contemplates and then finally calls. Gus shows 2s 3s. Fricke shows Ad Jc.
Fricke is close to taking back the chip lead, but Gus may still be slightly ahead.
2007 Aussie Millions Final Table - Hand 14
Folds to Marc on the CO. He pushes all in! All fold.
2007 Aussie Millions Final Table - Hand 13
Gus (CO) raises to 90K. Fricke (BB) calls.
Flop: Ks 4s Qc
Check. Check.
Turn: 6h
Fricke bets 150K. Gus calls.
River: 7c
Fricke bets 350K. Gus calls.
Fricke and Gus both have K8. Fricke had the club draw with Kc 8c. Split pot.
Flop: Ks 4s Qc
Check. Check.
Turn: 6h
Fricke bets 150K. Gus calls.
River: 7c
Fricke bets 350K. Gus calls.
Fricke and Gus both have K8. Fricke had the club draw with Kc 8c. Split pot.
2007 Aussie Millions Final Table - Hand 12
Kristy raises to 100K. Gus inspects her stack, she has a little over 1M. Gus re-raises to 380K. Marc folds his SB. BB folds. Kristy pushes for 660K more! Gus calls!!
Kristy: AhQh.
Gus: 9c9h
Flop: Jd 8h 5s
Turn: 2d
River: 4s
Kristy is eliminated 7th. Marc is now officiallly guaranteed his largest tournament cash win to date.
Kristy: AhQh.
Gus: 9c9h
Flop: Jd 8h 5s
Turn: 2d
River: 4s
Kristy is eliminated 7th. Marc is now officiallly guaranteed his largest tournament cash win to date.
2007 Aussie Millions Final Table - Hand 11
Marc is in the BB.
Fricke bumps to 90K. All fold.
Fricke bumps to 90K. All fold.
2007 Aussie Millions Final Table - Hand 10
Julius bumps to 100K. Gus calls from the BB.
Flop: 3s 4d 6h
Gus contemplates and then bets 130K. Julius pushes for 1.5M. Gus folds.
Flop: 3s 4d 6h
Gus contemplates and then bets 130K. Julius pushes for 1.5M. Gus folds.
2007 Aussie Millions Final Table - Hand 9
Andy Black raises to 90K from the button and wins the blinds and antes.
2007 Aussie Millions Final Table - Hand 8
Marc (UTG+1) raises to 90K and wins the blinds and antes.
2007 Aussie Millions Final Table - Hand 7
Andy black bets a flop of Tc 9c 3h and takes down the pot vs. a few limpers. Marc was not involved.
2007 Aussie Millions Final Table - Hand 6
Action folds to Gus in the CO. Gus raises to 110K. Marc folds his button. Julius Colman pushes. Fricke asks, "how much?". It is 725K. Fricke calls!! Gus folds.
Julius: AQo
Fricke: TT
Flop: Qc 3c 8c
Turn: Js
River: 6c
Julius doubles up!
Julius: AQo
Fricke: TT
Flop: Qc 3c 8c
Turn: Js
River: 6c
Julius doubles up!
2007 Aussie Millions Final Table - Hand 5
Fricke raises to 90K. All fold
Correction on the blind structure: We are at 15K/30K with a 5K ante.
Correction on the blind structure: We are at 15K/30K with a 5K ante.
Hand 4
Fircke raises to 90K. Gus (SB) calls. Marc folds his BB.
Flop: 2h Tc 2c
Check. Jimmy bets 150K. Gus raises to 350K. Fricke calls.
Turn: Kc
Gus looks intense as he makes his decision to bet 465K. Fricke folds.
Gus is the new chip leader.
Flop: 2h Tc 2c
Check. Jimmy bets 150K. Gus raises to 350K. Fricke calls.
Turn: Kc
Gus looks intense as he makes his decision to bet 465K. Fricke folds.
Gus is the new chip leader.
Hand 3
Kristy (button) raises to 120K. Gus (BB) Calls
Flop: 9c 7s Qs
Gus checks. Kristy checks.
Turn: Ah
Gus checks. Kristy bets 250K. Gus folds.
Flop: 9c 7s Qs
Gus checks. Kristy checks.
Turn: Ah
Gus checks. Kristy bets 250K. Gus folds.
Hand 2
Andy raises the button. Hans pushes. Andy folds.
Hand 1
Gus raises, all fold.
Shuffle Up And Deal
Here we go....
Players Are Seated
The action is about to begin...
Payouts In AUD
1st $1,500,000
2nd $1,000,000
3rd $700,000
4th $500,000
5th $400,000
6th $300,000
7th $220,000
A sixth place win today will represent Marc's largest cash win in a tournament to date.
2nd $1,000,000
3rd $700,000
4th $500,000
5th $400,000
6th $300,000
7th $220,000
A sixth place win today will represent Marc's largest cash win in a tournament to date.
A Message From Marc
To my friends and family thank you so much for being with me up to this point. Wish me luck!
Stacks, Seats and Blinds
Blinds will start at 20K/40K with a 5K ante.
Seat 1: Hans Vogl 455K
Seat 2: Gus Hansen 4.845 Million
Seat 3: Marc Karam 535K
Seat 4: Julius Colman 785K
Seat 5: Jimmy Fricke 5.175 Million
Seat 6: Andy Black 2.1 Million
Seat 8: Kristy Gazes 1.05 Million
Seat 1: Hans Vogl 455K
Seat 2: Gus Hansen 4.845 Million
Seat 3: Marc Karam 535K
Seat 4: Julius Colman 785K
Seat 5: Jimmy Fricke 5.175 Million
Seat 6: Andy Black 2.1 Million
Seat 8: Kristy Gazes 1.05 Million
Less Than An Hour To Go
We are less than an hour away from the start of final table play. There is a possibility that we may be removed from the media room due to various licensing agreements. However, for now, we are set-up and ready to go. We will do our best to maintain full access and get out as much information to you as possible.
With only 535K in chips, Marc will need to win a race early in order to have a shot. Make no mistake about it, he is playing for the win. So, expect him to gamble early and take whatever risks he feels are necessary to become the Aussie millions champion for 2007.
With only 535K in chips, Marc will need to win a race early in order to have a shot. Make no mistake about it, he is playing for the win. So, expect him to gamble early and take whatever risks he feels are necessary to become the Aussie millions champion for 2007.
End of Day 4
This tournament just gets crazier and crazier. After a tough day and a lot of controversy Marc has made the official T.V. final table. Despite the set backs today, Marc seems calm and happy. Even though he incurred a penalty in one of the most bizarre decisions we've ever seen in a professional poker tournament, Jakob's bust out and the other players stalling meant he did not have to spend a single second on the rail. It goes to show that sometimes justice prevails over stupidity. With 535K in chips he is only 2 double-ups away from being in a position to take the Aussie Millions title home.
Our mind goes back to Day 2 where Marc had started putting on his jacket to leave the Tournament area only to be brought back to life and then go on to dominate Day 3 of play. He has an amazing capacity to come back from the brink and defy the odds. Some say they'd "rather be lucky then good", we can tell you first hand that Marc Karam is lucky AND good. Tomorrow will be challenging and intense, but anything can happen and the way Marc has been playing you can expect that no matter what the result of tomorrow's play is, his performance at this tournament will be lauded by the international poker community. He is not an "unknown player" anymore folks. Marc is world class and the world knows it. See you tomorrow. Go Myst GO!
Our mind goes back to Day 2 where Marc had started putting on his jacket to leave the Tournament area only to be brought back to life and then go on to dominate Day 3 of play. He has an amazing capacity to come back from the brink and defy the odds. Some say they'd "rather be lucky then good", we can tell you first hand that Marc Karam is lucky AND good. Tomorrow will be challenging and intense, but anything can happen and the way Marc has been playing you can expect that no matter what the result of tomorrow's play is, his performance at this tournament will be lauded by the international poker community. He is not an "unknown player" anymore folks. Marc is world class and the world knows it. See you tomorrow. Go Myst GO!
Jakob Busted
Jakob busted on the hand where Marc incurred a penalty so play has ended for the day and Marc actually does not have to sit out for any amount of time. Looks like Marc is at around 400K in chips. We'll talk to him in a moment to get the official count and a reaction to the controversy.
Andy Comes To Marc's Defense
*** UPDATED ***
Marc thinks Gus is in the BB and accidentally acts out of turn. The tournament director gives Marc a 10 minute penalty. Andy Black strenuously objects to the ruling. The director stands by the penalty. As it stands the current hand is live and Marc has called. Black rallies the players to stall while Marc is on penalty. For now they play the hand.
There is 4 minutes left in the level. The tournament director now says the penalty will be to the end of the level.
Fricke called.
Andy is stalling... he folds.
Jakob has moved all in. Marc folds and is now on a penalty.
Marc thinks Gus is in the BB and accidentally acts out of turn. The tournament director gives Marc a 10 minute penalty. Andy Black strenuously objects to the ruling. The director stands by the penalty. As it stands the current hand is live and Marc has called. Black rallies the players to stall while Marc is on penalty. For now they play the hand.
There is 4 minutes left in the level. The tournament director now says the penalty will be to the end of the level.
Fricke called.
Andy is stalling... he folds.
Jakob has moved all in. Marc folds and is now on a penalty.
Unofficial Chip Count
Looks like Marc has about 475K.
Another Hit
Marc makes it 90K in the CO. Andy Black calls from the BB.
Flop: T 3 6
Check. Check.
Turn: 5
Black bets 200K. Marc calls.
River: J
Black bets 400K. Marc folds.
Flop: T 3 6
Check. Check.
Turn: 5
Black bets 200K. Marc calls.
River: J
Black bets 400K. Marc folds.
Controversy
*** UPDATED ***
Gus in the SB makes it 90K. Marc calls.
Flop: 4s Qs 5d
Gus bets 120K. Marc calls.
Turn: 9c
Gus checks. Marc bets 250K. Gus calls.
River: 9h
Gus checks. Marc bets 300K. Gus calls, shows Q2. Marc mucks.
After this Andy Black asks to see Marc's hand. The dealer turns up 78o. Marc asks Andy "are you accusing me of collusion". Andy says "no". Marc says "that rule is primarily there to prevent collusion". "It's not as simple as that" says Andy. Marc fires back "it is".
Andy asks the tournament director who says "The rule is primarily there to prevent collusion". Andy says "Primarily, but I can still ask. The only reason I did it is because quite a lot of money went into that pot and there was a lot of action". Jimmy and Kristy also seemed to agree with Marc and the tournament director. Marc is not happy.
Gus in the SB makes it 90K. Marc calls.
Flop: 4s Qs 5d
Gus bets 120K. Marc calls.
Turn: 9c
Gus checks. Marc bets 250K. Gus calls.
River: 9h
Gus checks. Marc bets 300K. Gus calls, shows Q2. Marc mucks.
After this Andy Black asks to see Marc's hand. The dealer turns up 78o. Marc asks Andy "are you accusing me of collusion". Andy says "no". Marc says "that rule is primarily there to prevent collusion". "It's not as simple as that" says Andy. Marc fires back "it is".
Andy asks the tournament director who says "The rule is primarily there to prevent collusion". Andy says "Primarily, but I can still ask. The only reason I did it is because quite a lot of money went into that pot and there was a lot of action". Jimmy and Kristy also seemed to agree with Marc and the tournament director. Marc is not happy.
Preflop Squeeze
Hans (Button) raises to 110K. Gus (SB) calls. Marc re-raises to 400K. Both fold. Marc showed but we couldn't see what.
Not Much Action For Marc
Sandwiched between Fricke and Hansen ... Marc is playing a tight game waiting for the right opportunity to make a move.
Chip Counts And Seating Arrangements
Here's the shape of things.
Seat 1: Hans Vogl 785K
Seat 2: Gus Hansen 3.8 Million
Seat 3: Marc Karam 1.417 Million
Seat 4: Julius Colman 1.117 Million
Seat 5: Jimmy Fricke 3.97 Million
Seat 6: Andy Black 1.79 Million
Seat 7: Jakob Glassl 535K
Seat 8: Kristy Gazes 1.385 Million
Seats will remain the same for tomorrow as well.
Seat 1: Hans Vogl 785K
Seat 2: Gus Hansen 3.8 Million
Seat 3: Marc Karam 1.417 Million
Seat 4: Julius Colman 1.117 Million
Seat 5: Jimmy Fricke 3.97 Million
Seat 6: Andy Black 1.79 Million
Seat 7: Jakob Glassl 535K
Seat 8: Kristy Gazes 1.385 Million
Seats will remain the same for tomorrow as well.
The Final Table
It's official we will have an 8-handed final table and play down to 7 players today. Marc now has 1.47 Million in chips and is relieved not to have to play Gus four handed with both a positional and a chip disadvantage.
Marc v. Slow Poke
Denis pushes for 85K. Marc re-raises to 285K. Others fold. Marc shows AKo. Denis has TJo.
Flop: Ah Th Kd
Marc says "just a king".
Turn: K
We may be at the final table!
Flop: Ah Th Kd
Marc says "just a king".
Turn: K
We may be at the final table!
Another Re-Raise
Jakob raises to 100K and Marc re-pops to 400K from the SB, saying "I'm going home early". Jakob folds.
Denis has been warned to speed up. He says he'll do his best to comply. But is still hamming it up.
Denis has been warned to speed up. He says he'll do his best to comply. But is still hamming it up.
Possible Structure Change
They are saying now that rather than having two tables of 4 when we are 8 handed. They may combine the players down to one 8-handed table and still play down to seven today. So, it looks like we may now be 1 away from the final table.
Blinds Up
15k-30k with a 5k ante
Back With an Official Count
We're coming back in a few moments and Marc's offcicial chip count is 1.15 Million in chips. He is probably second in chips after Gus at his table. It's worth mentioning that during the hand he played against Gus, when Gus folded, Marc said "Aw.... you were supposed to go all in".
155K Guaranteed
Marc is now guaranteed 155,000 AUD with 9 players left. We're on break.
InterNOT
The internet has been out for the last 20 minutes or so. During that time there was one hand that Marc played worth mentioning:
Gus raises to 72K from the CO. Marc re-raises to 300K from the BB. Gus folds.
Julius Colman is playing stall ball. He is taking an average of 2 minutes per hand. So action is slow.
Gus raises to 72K from the CO. Marc re-raises to 300K from the BB. Gus folds.
Julius Colman is playing stall ball. He is taking an average of 2 minutes per hand. So action is slow.
Unofficial Chip Count
It looks like Marc has just slightly over a million now as 10 players remain.
First Hand at Two tables
Marc raises to 70K UTG. Julius (the man in the black hat) re-pops it 200K. Button moves all in! Marc folds. Julius calls with AK. Button has AQ suited.
Flop: Td 2 6
Turn: 4
River: 3d
Button is eliminated.
Flop: Td 2 6
Turn: 4
River: 3d
Button is eliminated.
Play Has Resumed
We're back
Marc Remains On TV
Looks like Marc is staying at the televised table ... no official chip count for him yet but he has not had any big hands.
120K Guaranteed
Marc is now guaranteed at least 120,000 AUD in prize money. Complete payouts are:
1 $1,500,000
2 $1,000,000
3 $700,000
4 $500,000
5 $400,000
6 $300,000
7 $220,000
8 $155,000
9 $155,000
10 $120,000
11 $120,000
12 $120,000
1 $1,500,000
2 $1,000,000
3 $700,000
4 $500,000
5 $400,000
6 $300,000
7 $220,000
8 $155,000
9 $155,000
10 $120,000
11 $120,000
12 $120,000
2 Tables
With 12 players left. We will re-draw for seats and go down to 2 tables of six.
Gus Knocks Out Antonius
Looks like Gus Hansen just busted Patrick Antonius. All in on the turn. Gus has a set of Jacks. Antonius has A8 (top pair with a flush draw). Gus is gonna be a menace now with about 3 million in chips.
Familiar Faces
Marc has at one time or another played with every player at this table except for Gus Hansen.
Jakob Arrives
We are now 5 handed as Jakob takes his seat.
Early Action
Antonius raises 75K UTG. Marc Calls in the BB.
Flop: J J 3
Check. Antonius bets 85K. Marc folds.
Flop: J J 3
Check. Antonius bets 85K. Marc folds.
Early Numbers
We are already down to 13 and play has started. Here are the starting stacks at Marc's table.
Gus Hansen 1,861,000
Jakob Glassl 464,000
Dennis Huntly 449,000
Marc Karam 1,249,000
Patrick Antonius 1,637,000
Still no sign of Jakob.
Gus Hansen 1,861,000
Jakob Glassl 464,000
Dennis Huntly 449,000
Marc Karam 1,249,000
Patrick Antonius 1,637,000
Still no sign of Jakob.
About to Begin
We are in the media room today watching the action on a monitor. Gus Hansen and Patrick Antonius will be at Marc's televised table as well. Jakob Glassl is supposed to be here but is missing in action.
Unfortunately, the powers that be at Fox have dissallowed Marc's Eurolinx shirt. Saying that the shirt MUST contain a ".NET" site name that does not, whithin 3 clicks arrive at a gambling site. We will contact the fox legal department and attept to get clarification and work something out for when Marc makes the final table.
We are playing down to 7 players today. The blinds will start at 12K/24K with a 4K ante.
Unfortunately, the powers that be at Fox have dissallowed Marc's Eurolinx shirt. Saying that the shirt MUST contain a ".NET" site name that does not, whithin 3 clicks arrive at a gambling site. We will contact the fox legal department and attept to get clarification and work something out for when Marc makes the final table.
We are playing down to 7 players today. The blinds will start at 12K/24K with a 4K ante.
Day 4
We are less than an hour away from the start of Day 4 and Marc has drawn the televised featured table. This is good news for Marc and Eurolinx as it will give us tons of exposure. However, access to the studio is restricted to Fox representatives only. So, we will be able to bring you the action observed on the monitors outside the studio but chip counts and bet sizes will be almost impossible to recount during play. We will do our best to bring you as much info as possible.
Day 3 Ends
Another exhausting day has come to a close. Marc surged ahead early, building his stack very quickly by running over a weak table filled with unknowns who were happy just to be in the money. He claimed the chip lead and stayed close to the leader board for most of the day, hopping from table to table and picking up as many chips as possible along the way.
Towards the end of the day he found himself doing battle with a boy named Fricke and what a Fricken' battle it was! Marc lost a big pot to Fricke early on and doubled him up with AK v. Fricke's pocket nines. Then through a series of small battles Marc regained most of his chips from Fricke and the rest of the table. He played well and picked his spots.
The last hand Marc played saw the final confrontation of the day for Marc and Fricke and unfortunately Fricke managed to take a lot of chips from Marc. But he did not manage to cripple Marc as his hard work and good decision making allowed Marc to get away from the hand and still have a decent stack. With 1.249 million Marc is above the average and still in good shape for tomorrow where he will fight his way to the final table. Play begins at 11am Melbourne time tomorrow and we will play down to the final 7. Go Myst GO!!
Towards the end of the day he found himself doing battle with a boy named Fricke and what a Fricken' battle it was! Marc lost a big pot to Fricke early on and doubled him up with AK v. Fricke's pocket nines. Then through a series of small battles Marc regained most of his chips from Fricke and the rest of the table. He played well and picked his spots.
The last hand Marc played saw the final confrontation of the day for Marc and Fricke and unfortunately Fricke managed to take a lot of chips from Marc. But he did not manage to cripple Marc as his hard work and good decision making allowed Marc to get away from the hand and still have a decent stack. With 1.249 million Marc is above the average and still in good shape for tomorrow where he will fight his way to the final table. Play begins at 11am Melbourne time tomorrow and we will play down to the final 7. Go Myst GO!!
Marc Takes a Hit
Just as the day was coming to a close Marc got involved in a big hand vs. Fricke.
Antonius raised UTG to 60K. Fricke called. Marc raised 200K more from the BB. Antonius folded and Fricke called.
Flop: Qc 4c 7d
Check.Check.
Turn: 5d
Marc bets 350K. Fricke pushes and has Marc almost evenly matched in chips. Marc thinks forever and folds 9c 5c face up.
Marc is left with 1.2M
Antonius raised UTG to 60K. Fricke called. Marc raised 200K more from the BB. Antonius folded and Fricke called.
Flop: Qc 4c 7d
Check.Check.
Turn: 5d
Marc bets 350K. Fricke pushes and has Marc almost evenly matched in chips. Marc thinks forever and folds 9c 5c face up.
Marc is left with 1.2M
Numbers
Marc has about 2.2 Million in chips and has outlasted 732 players as only 15 remain with 30 minutes to go in the Aussie Millions. Marc is guaranteed 90K in prize money.
Never Discount The Little Guy
Our friend in the black hat just tripled up against Gazes and Antonius.
Video Interview With Marc Karam
Check out the video interview that pokerwire.com did with Marc at http://www.pokerwire.com/
The Man In The Black Hat
The only complete unknown at Marc's table, a middle-aged man in a black hat, is having a hard time against these aggressive pros. Here's a hand Marc just played against him.
Black Hat raises to 45K in the CO. Marc calls on the button.
Flop: Js 5c 9d
CO bets 100K. Marc calls.
Turn: Qs
Check. Check.
River: Ah
Check. Marc bets 200K. CO folds.
Black Hat raises to 45K in the CO. Marc calls on the button.
Flop: Js 5c 9d
CO bets 100K. Marc calls.
Turn: Qs
Check. Check.
River: Ah
Check. Marc bets 200K. CO folds.
Marc Re-raises Gazes
Kristy Gazes raises to 75K from UTG and Marc re-raises to 275K from the button. Kristy folds. 17 players left. About an hour to go.
Lights, Camera, Karam
Marc has gotten tons of media attention all day long. Cameras have been on him constantly, filming his stack and his play (including the big bluff vs. "Shaniac"). Pokerwire even did an interview with Marc during the second break (see picture below). Unfortunately due to the highly unreliable internet connection here, posting of the interview has been delayed. We will be sure to post a link once the interview is up.
Myst Is Back!
Some hands from the previous level...
Marc raises 45K on the button. Antonius calls from the SB.
Flop: K-T-2 (rainbow)
Check. Check.
Turn: J
Antonius bets 60K. Marc calls.
River: J
Antonius bets 100K. Marc calls.
Antonius shows 6-8. Marc shows T-9 and wins.
***
Marc raises 45K from the Hijack. Fricke calls from the button
Flop: Kh-9d-6d
Marc 50K. Fricke Calls.
Turn: 8d
Marc bets 125K. Fricke calls.
River: 5h
Marc bets 350K. Fricke goes into the tank and finally calls.
Marc shows Ad 7h. Fricke mucks.
Marc has 2.1M going into the last level which puts him in around 3rd place overall. He is playing very well especially against Antonius and Fricke. Blinds are 10K/20K with a 3K ante. Go Myst GO!!
Marc raises 45K on the button. Antonius calls from the SB.
Flop: K-T-2 (rainbow)
Check. Check.
Turn: J
Antonius bets 60K. Marc calls.
River: J
Antonius bets 100K. Marc calls.
Antonius shows 6-8. Marc shows T-9 and wins.
***
Marc raises 45K from the Hijack. Fricke calls from the button
Flop: Kh-9d-6d
Marc 50K. Fricke Calls.
Turn: 8d
Marc bets 125K. Fricke calls.
River: 5h
Marc bets 350K. Fricke goes into the tank and finally calls.
Marc shows Ad 7h. Fricke mucks.
Marc has 2.1M going into the last level which puts him in around 3rd place overall. He is playing very well especially against Antonius and Fricke. Blinds are 10K/20K with a 3K ante. Go Myst GO!!
Last Break
It's the final break of the day and we've renegotiated our way back into the tournament area. Marc had an exceptional end of level. He is picking his spots well and seems to be getting the better of Fricke now. More details to come...
Antonius Moves in Next Door
Marc just won a medium sized pot from Fricke (details at the break). Antonius has moved to Marc's immediate left. Play continues...
Access Limited
The internet is highly unreliable and we have been basically shut out of the main poker area. So, coverage is becoming exceedingly difficult. Marc is at around 1Mil in chips. Fricke just knocked Shane out and is at almost 3Mil. There have been some interesting hands but with all the interference from the floor staff here at the Crown Casino in Melbourne, we have been unable to capture the details. 18 players remain with 25 minutes left in the level.
A BIG Race
Jimmy Fricke raises to 45K. Marc re-raises to 150K. Fricke Pushes. Marc insta-calls. Fricke shows 99. Marc shows AKo. The flop brings Marc a gut-shot straight draw but the turn and river are no help. Marc is down to about 1.2M.
Back From Dinner
Blinds are 8K/16K with a 2K ante. Some outlets are misreporting Marc's stack at over 2Mil, we have confirmed that he is starting the level with 1.75M.
Dinner Time
24 players remain and Marc has 1.75M. We are on a dinner break.
Haralabos Pays Marc Off
Marc raises from the CO to 35K and Haralabos calls on the Button.
Flop: Kc Ks Jd
Check. Check.
Turn: 5c
Marc bets 40K. Haralabos calls.
River: Ts
Marc bets 60K. Haralabos calls
Marc shows Jc9c and Haralabos mucks.
Flop: Kc Ks Jd
Check. Check.
Turn: 5c
Marc bets 40K. Haralabos calls.
River: Ts
Marc bets 60K. Haralabos calls
Marc shows Jc9c and Haralabos mucks.
BIGGEST POT OF THE TOURNEY
*** UPDATED ***
Shane "Shaniac" Schleger raised to 37K on the Button. Marc re-raised to 112K from the BB. Shane called.
Flop: Td 2s Tc
Marc bet 120K. Shane raised to 370K. Marc thought a while and re-raised to 670K. Shane folded. Marc showed KQo (a bluff!). Shane said "it's gonna be a fun table".
Marc now has about 1.65 Million in chips.
Shane "Shaniac" Schleger raised to 37K on the Button. Marc re-raised to 112K from the BB. Shane called.
Flop: Td 2s Tc
Marc bet 120K. Shane raised to 370K. Marc thought a while and re-raised to 670K. Shane folded. Marc showed KQo (a bluff!). Shane said "it's gonna be a fun table".
Marc now has about 1.65 Million in chips.
New Table, Fewer Chips
Marc has been moved to Haralabos Voulgaris' table but just before he left he took a small hit when his AK ran into AQ in an all-in preflop pot worth about 200K. The flop came A-Q-X turn was another Ace and the river was a blank.
Aggressive Poker From Marc
Marc continues to play aggressively and pick up chips. The player to his right has about 1 Million and Marc has shown no fear in re-raising him.
Another Break
We're on break again. Marc's official count is 1.43 Million. He is the clear chip leader in the tournament. When we come back blinds will be 6K/12K with a 2K ante.
Marc Dragging In The Chip Lead
Marc is The New Chip Leader
The official count has Marc at about 1.4 Million in chips, making him the the tournament chip leader.
Over 1.2 Million!!
Marc raises to 35K from the button. BB re-raises to 100K. Marc pushes. BB calls (he has about 250K). Marc shows KJo. BB has QQ. Flop comes with a King. Turn is another King and river is a blank. Marc busts the BB and has over 1.2 Million in chips. Official chip count coming soon. 28 players remain.
Straightforward Poker
Marc's table is down to 5-handed now and Marc is playing fairly straightforward poker. No big hands to report. he is picking up pots where he can. For example:
Marc limps in the SB. BB checks.
Flop: 3c 3d 4h
Marc bets 15K. BB calls.
Turn: 8c
Check. Check.
River: Ah
Marc bets 25K. BB folds.
Marc limps in the SB. BB checks.
Flop: 3c 3d 4h
Marc bets 15K. BB calls.
Turn: 8c
Check. Check.
River: Ah
Marc bets 25K. BB folds.
Play Resumes ... Finally
And we're back! Seat one is no one special.
Marc In Action Earlier Today
Another shot from Marc's first table. Notice the oversized 25K chips.
Seat 1 is Missing
Play is still paused as we wait for the seat one player at Marc's table. His official count is now 790K and is at least double anyone else at his table. No known pros seem to be at this new table.
On The Move Again
Lee Nelson busts on the 6-handed bubble and players have re-drawn for seats. Marc is at table 16 now. Not sure who his neighbours are yet. He stil has about 800K in chips.
Marc's New Neighbour
Back From Break
Blinds are 5K/10K with a 1K ante.
Break #2
Marc has 800K in chips now. Here's some action from the previous level.
Marc called a UTG raise of 24K with TT.
Flop: 9-7-3.
Raiser bets 35K. Marc raises to 95K. Raiser pushes 127K more. Marc thinks for a while and folds face up.
Later...
Hachem raises to 24K. Marc re-pops to 75K on the button. SB calls for 72K (and is all-in). Hachem folds AJ face up. SB has 99. Marc has A3s. Marc misses.
Next hand...
Joe Raises 24K. Marc calls. Joe cheks the flop. Marc bets and takes it down.
Marc called a UTG raise of 24K with TT.
Flop: 9-7-3.
Raiser bets 35K. Marc raises to 95K. Raiser pushes 127K more. Marc thinks for a while and folds face up.
Later...
Hachem raises to 24K. Marc re-pops to 75K on the button. SB calls for 72K (and is all-in). Hachem folds AJ face up. SB has 99. Marc has A3s. Marc misses.
Next hand...
Joe Raises 24K. Marc calls. Joe cheks the flop. Marc bets and takes it down.
Marc Still Doing Well
Trying to get hand details, but getting grief from some of the Staff here at the Casino. We'll do our best to keep the information flowing.
New Table, New Neighbour
Marc's table breaks and he is now seated directly to the left of Joe Hachem. There are some decent stacks at his new table and we have 38 players left so we are 2 away from being 6-handed.
Marc With His New 25K Chips
Marc has a new stack of 25K denomination chips seen here as the stack of black and white chips on top of his "chip arrow".
They Look Cool
The button limps and Marc in the SB puts in his entire stack of new 25K denomination chips (covering both the Button and the BB). BB folds. SB laughs and folds. When the SB comments on the bet, Marc says "they look cool" reffering to his new oversized black and white 25K chips.
Merrily Chopping Away
Marc raises, everyone folds. Marc raises, everyone folds. Marc raises, everyone folds. Marc raises, someone goes all in, Marc folds. Marc raises, everyone folds. Marc raises, everyone folds. Marc raises, everyone folds. Marc folds, two players go all in. Repeat.
46 Players Left
Myst still going strong! 25K in prize money guaranteed.
First Break's Over
As we come back from break we are getting reports that Haralabos Voulgaris has just over 1 Million in chips. We have also learned that we are officially playing 6 levels today regardless of player count. Tables are 8 handed now and they will go to 6 handed when we reach a field size of 36. 50 players remain and blinds are 4000/8000 with a 1000 ante.
On Break
We're on break now. Myst's official count is 920K. He didn't lose anything, he just miscounted earlier.
At Least 20K Guaranteed
Marc is now guaranteed at least 20K in prize money.
Marc And His Mountain
Possible Chip Leader
Getting word now that Marc may be the new Chip Leader
950K and Climbing
54 players left and Marc has about 950K in chips.
Another One Bites The Dust
Marc raises to 18K from the CO. SB moves all in and Marc calls with pocket sevens. All in player has AQ. Marc spikes a 7 on the flop but the turn gives the all in player a gutshot. River is a blank and Marc continues his charge through Day 3 of this event. No one at the table has anywhere near his chipstack. It is a good day for us so far!
Mowing Them Down
In a stark contrast from yesterday, Marc is now running over the table with the tallest stack by far. In one hand, Marc raises UTG and Boatman calls in LP. Flop is TT5 (rainbow). Marc bets 45K and Boatman fustratingly let's it go. He is getting the best of all of them and we just discovered that his table will be one of the last to break.
Marc Has More Than Doubled His Stack
Now sitting at about 720K
Bring On All The Russians!
Marc raises late to 18K. Russian, KIRILL GERASIMOV calls from the BB.
Flop: 7-8-T (rainbow)
Marc bets 40K. Kirill moves in for about 150K. Marc insta-calls. Kirill has KTo. Marc has 78o.
Turn: 3
River: 9
Flop: 7-8-T (rainbow)
Marc bets 40K. Kirill moves in for about 150K. Marc insta-calls. Kirill has KTo. Marc has 78o.
Turn: 3
River: 9
All Ins Everywhere
It's carnage as a player is busted almost every minute. We are down below 70 players now and it looks like we will play to 36 today. This may be a short day if things continue at this pace.
Updated Chip Count
Marc has 505K now.
Marc Claims His First Victim of Day 3
Marc raises to 18K. An LP player pushes for 47K. Marc thinks a while and then calls. LP holds KJo. Marc holds KsJs. The flop comes with 2 spades. And the turn brings the Ace of spades, giving Marc his flush.
Battling Boatman
Marc raises to 18K from MP. Ross Boatman calls out of the SB.
Flop: 9-J-7 (rainbow)
Boatman Checks. Marc bets 40K. Boatman raises to 105K. Marc immediately pushes whole stack in, toppling all the chips. Boatman thinks a while and then folds. Marc should be around 480K now.
Flop: 9-J-7 (rainbow)
Boatman Checks. Marc bets 40K. Boatman raises to 105K. Marc immediately pushes whole stack in, toppling all the chips. Boatman thinks a while and then folds. Marc should be around 480K now.
Day 3 Begins
We are moments away from the start of day 3. Myst has drawn a much better table today, here's the breakdown:
Seat 1: GERASIMOV, KIRILL $150,500
Seat 2: BOATMAN, ROSS $316,000
Seat 3: HOWE, JEFFREY W $79,000
Seat 4: HARTREE, KATHARINE R $97,000
Seat 5: RAWLINGS, RICKEY $168,000
Seat 6: KARAM, MARC $322,500
Seat 7: GAVIN, FINTON J $181,500
Seat 8: GRIFFITHS, DAVID A $59,000
With all the players in the money we can expect some kamikaze plays from the short stacks. Myst should be in a good spot to accumulate chips if he can find a hand or two. There are also enough medium stacks that Myst can apply a lot of pressure as he is the chip leader at his table.
Myst has 322.5K in chips. Blinds are 3000/6000 with a 500 ante and a player has busted already. The action will move fast in this first level.
Seat 1: GERASIMOV, KIRILL $150,500
Seat 2: BOATMAN, ROSS $316,000
Seat 3: HOWE, JEFFREY W $79,000
Seat 4: HARTREE, KATHARINE R $97,000
Seat 5: RAWLINGS, RICKEY $168,000
Seat 6: KARAM, MARC $322,500
Seat 7: GAVIN, FINTON J $181,500
Seat 8: GRIFFITHS, DAVID A $59,000
With all the players in the money we can expect some kamikaze plays from the short stacks. Myst should be in a good spot to accumulate chips if he can find a hand or two. There are also enough medium stacks that Myst can apply a lot of pressure as he is the chip leader at his table.
Myst has 322.5K in chips. Blinds are 3000/6000 with a 500 ante and a player has busted already. The action will move fast in this first level.
Day 2 Ends
What a day! Drawing a tough table turned this day into a wild roller coaster ride for Marc. Heavy swings throughout the early part of the day saw Marc all-in more than once. At one point, he even had his sweater on to leave. But the fates would not allow such an early exit and a miracle river gave him the boost he needed to continue. For a while it looked like Lee Nelson and Patrick Antonius would make it difficult for Marc to pick up pots and play in the style that has brought him so much success until now. Marc adjusted and crippled Antonius. Then found ways to stear clear of Lee for a while and pick some pots off the weaker players until the final hand where an adjustment in strategy proved successful against the defending champ and allowed Marc to pad his stack to a comfortable level for tomorrow. Watching Marc play in this tournament it is clear that unlike most players here, who travelled half way around the world to play in a poker tournament, Marc has travelled half way around the world to win a poker tournament. Marc's official chip count is 322.5K as we head to day 3. Go Myst GO!!
We're in The Money!
The bubble broke just as Marc was involved in a big hand against Lee Nelson.
Nelson raised early to 14K. Marc called on the button.
Flop: Qc 8c 2h
Lee bets 25K. Marc calls.
Turn: Jd
Lee bets 40K. Marc calls.
River: 6c
Lee checks. Marc bets 85K. Lee folds.
This should put Marc near the 300K mark for tomorrow. The official count is coming soon. We are now guaranteed 15K. Go Myst GO!!!
Nelson raised early to 14K. Marc called on the button.
Flop: Qc 8c 2h
Lee bets 25K. Marc calls.
Turn: Jd
Lee bets 40K. Marc calls.
River: 6c
Lee checks. Marc bets 85K. Lee folds.
This should put Marc near the 300K mark for tomorrow. The official count is coming soon. We are now guaranteed 15K. Go Myst GO!!!
Hand For Hand Begins
With 27 minutes to go and 81 players remaining, hand for hand play has started.
Set Straight
Marc raises to 15K in mid position with pocket fours. He gets one caller. The flop comes 234 rainbow. Marc bets 15K again. His opponent calls. The turn is a 5. Check. Check. River is a 6 putting a straight on board. Check. Check. His opponent shows AJo and they split the pot.
82 players left. Marc still at 250K. Average is 182K.
82 players left. Marc still at 250K. Average is 182K.
Back To Being The Bully
Now that Myst has a good amount of chips he can really pressure the smaller stacks. In one hand Myst limped on the CO. The button raised to 12K and Myst called. Flop was T 5 2 with two diamonds. Myst checked and the button bet 20K (leaving himself 56K behind). Myst re-raised to 100K (effectively putting his opponent all in). After a lot of thought the button folded.
We are down to 84 players and they just announced that headphones are no longer allowed. Bye, bye, iPod.
We are down to 84 players and they just announced that headphones are no longer allowed. Bye, bye, iPod.
Last Level
Last level has begun. Blinds are 2000/4000 with a 500 ante and there are 88 players left.
Last Break
We are on the last break of the day. Myst has about 250K in chips. Average stack 169K. He basically chopped his way up through the last level whithout ever going to showdown. He is feeling good now and ready for his final table appearence in a few days.
235K
Myst raises to 10.5K from the button. SB calls.
Flop: Ks 4s 3x
Check. Myst bets 15K. Call.
Turn: Qx
Check. Myst bets 30K. Call.
River: Jx
Check. Myst bets 50K. Fold.
Myst is now sitting with 235K in chips. Average is 158K.
Flop: Ks 4s 3x
Check. Myst bets 15K. Call.
Turn: Qx
Check. Myst bets 30K. Call.
River: Jx
Check. Myst bets 50K. Fold.
Myst is now sitting with 235K in chips. Average is 158K.
94 Players Left
About 30 minutes to go in this level. Not much has changed other than the player count.
Some Numbers
Marc is at 185K. There are 99 players left. There is 55 minutes to go in this level. The average stack is 159K.
Chopping Away
Nelson and Antonius seem to have shut down and Marc is taking advantage by picking up lots of small pots from the weaker players.
Finally, A Normal Hand
After all the crazy re-raise action at his table Marc finally played out what many could call a "normal" hand. He raised to 9K from the CO. The BB called. Flop came K J 6 with two diamonds. BB checks. Mark bets 15K. BB calls. Turn comes the 5h. BB checks. Marc bets ~30K (?). BB folds.
Second-to-Last Level
We're back with blinds at 1500/3000 and a 500 ante. Marc is in need of some chips as the blinds and antes are starting to really take a toll.
On Break
Marc is sitting at 122K after losing some blinds and Antes and the following hand:
MP1 Raises to 8K. 1 player calls. Marc re-raises to 28K. MP1 insta-pushes. Marc folds.
The average stack is 141K. There are 105 players left, top 80 pay.
MP1 Raises to 8K. 1 player calls. Marc re-raises to 28K. MP1 insta-pushes. Marc folds.
The average stack is 141K. There are 105 players left, top 80 pay.
Marc and Lee Gang Up On The Mobster
Barny Boatman pushed all-in for about 11K. Marc called and so did Lee Nelson in the BB. Marc and Lee checked it through. Marc had A5 and Nelson had Q9 both missed the board and Boatman tripled up with 46 having hit a pair of sixes.
Marc's New Stack
He Will Not Die!
Patrick Antonius is back up to over 70K after Myst crippled him down to about 2K.
Got Him!
Myst raises to 8K from the Hijack and Antonius pushes all in for 84K. Marc has 81.7K and thinks forever before finally calling with Ah Th. Antonius shows Qd 9h. The flop comes 8h 8s Kh the turn is a 3 and the river comes a ten. Marc cripples Antonius and has about 170K now.
Still Waiting
Half an hour into this level there are 126 players left and the average stack is 150K. Marc is hovering around 80K and still card dead and quiet.
Back From Dinner
We're back from dinner and the blinds are 1200/2400 with a 400 ante. Marc is sitting with 85K in chips and this is a critical level for him. Unfortunately he is still at the crazy featured table. But he just needs to pick up one big hand and he will easily double through the big stacks. Before dinner Antonius called someone's all-in (20K more) with K5o. So it's just a matter of time.
A Rough Ride
Marc is down to 85k as we head to the dinner break. He has been basically card dead and the aggressive and experienced players at his table make it exceedingly difficult to pick up pots. Nevertheless, we will find some food and come back energized looking for that much needed card rush to take us into Day 3 with good chips and a fighting chance to win.
Nelson Is Tough
The defending champ is proving to be a more difficult beast to tame than Antonius has been.
Nelson raises to 7K from MP3. Marc re-pops it to 21K. Nelson calls.
Flop: Kd 8h xh
Nelson checks. Marc bets 25K. Nelson re-opos it to 100K (putting Marc almost all-in). Marc thinks forever and then folds.
Nelson raises to 7K from MP3. Marc re-pops it to 21K. Nelson calls.
Flop: Kd 8h xh
Nelson checks. Marc bets 25K. Nelson re-opos it to 100K (putting Marc almost all-in). Marc thinks forever and then folds.
Myst Will Not Be Bullied!
Marc raises to 7500 in MP2. Patrick Antonius re-pops it 21K. Marc pushes. Antonius agonizes forever. Eventually Marc begins a dialog with him. Marc is chipper as he says to Antonius "What do you have? I'll tell you what to do." Eventually the clock is called by Boatman and Patrick folds tens face up. Marc mucks his cards and rakes in the chips. He is at about 130K now.
Myst at The Featured Table
Marc Takes a Hit
During the break Marc commented that this was one of the most aggressive tables he's ever played at. Players are constantly raising and re-raising and there are just no small pots to pick up. So, you either bleed chips or get involved in big hands.
Marc raised UTG+1 to 7000. The player to his left pushed for about 40K more. Marc thought a while and called with pocket tens. The all-in player had KK and Marc failed to improve. He is now sitting at about 110K.
Marc raised UTG+1 to 7000. The player to his left pushed for about 40K more. Marc thought a while and called with pocket tens. The all-in player had KK and Marc failed to improve. He is now sitting at about 110K.
On Break
We're on a 15 minute break. Marc has been card dead for a while remains at about 155K. There are 152 players remaining and Marc will be at the featured table along with Barny Boatman, Lee Nelson and Patrick Antonius when we come back.
Featured Table
After that hand with Lee, Marc is at 155K. 152 players remain and there is about 7 minutes to go to the next level. In the break between levels, Marc's table will become the "Featured Table". Which means he'll be in the center of the room bathed in lights and spectators, however the feature table is not televised.
Marc Wants The Chip Lead
Marc is constantly looking for opportunities to butt heads with the Chip Leader. It's a dangerous game, but if he succeeds, the payoff could be huge. Here's a recent hand:
Lee Nelson raises to 5K from the CO.
Marc re-raises to 15K and Lee calls.
Flop: 8s 7c Tc
Marc bets 20K. Lee raises to 65K. Marc thinks forever and then folds showing a ten.
He will pick a better spot and when it happens, he'll either come out as the chip leader or be sent to the rail. This is a scary time for us, but we have faith in our boy. Go Myst GO!!!
Lee Nelson raises to 5K from the CO.
Marc re-raises to 15K and Lee calls.
Flop: 8s 7c Tc
Marc bets 20K. Lee raises to 65K. Marc thinks forever and then folds showing a ten.
He will pick a better spot and when it happens, he'll either come out as the chip leader or be sent to the rail. This is a scary time for us, but we have faith in our boy. Go Myst GO!!!
Shuffling His Chips And Waiting
After all the excitement Marc settles back down. Shuffling his chips and waiting for another opportunity to pounce.
Don't Mess With The Mob
Barny Boatman is taking lessons from Myst as we see in the following exchange.
Antonius makes it 5500 UTG. Boatman re-pops to 15K (leaving himself 25K behind). Antonius pushes him in. Boatman calls. Anotnius shows Jc 9c. Boatman shows 2d 4d.
Flop: A-7-5
Turn: 2
River: x
Boatman doubles up!
Antonius makes it 5500 UTG. Boatman re-pops to 15K (leaving himself 25K behind). Antonius pushes him in. Boatman calls. Anotnius shows Jc 9c. Boatman shows 2d 4d.
Flop: A-7-5
Turn: 2
River: x
Boatman doubles up!
They're Gambling In Melbourne!
What a crazy table. First Antonius knocks out a player by catching a deuce on the river to make trips after having put the guy all-in holding only bottom pair. Then Defending champ Lee Nelson moved in with a flush draw and got called by Antonius' over-pair. Nelson caught his flush on the turn and is the new Chip Leader! Marc has been chopping away and is hovering at the 200K mark. They are thinking of making his table the featured table.
Nelson, all-in and moments before he catches his flush.
Nelson, all-in and moments before he catches his flush.
This is WAR!
What an exciting conclusion to this level of play! Marc continued to push Patrick Antonius around undettered by his loss to the 3 outer. In two back-to-back hands:
Marc raises pre-flop. Antonius calls. Marc check-raises the flop and Antonius folds. The next hand, Marc raises pre-flop. Antonius calls in the SB. Flop Q-7-3. Antonius bets 6K. Marc bumps to 16K . Antonius folds.
A few hands later, one of the most exciting moments of the tournament for us so far....
Antonius raises 4000. Marc re-pops to 12,000 from the BB. Antonius calls.
Flop: Tc 9c 7x
Marc bets 16K. Antonius calls.
Turn: Tx
Marc checks. Antonius bets 20K. Marc moves in. Antonius calls.
The dealer yells "All In" and immediately a heard of reporters and cameras crowd around the table as the live announcer speaks into his Mic. "Patrick Antonius is all in against Marc Karam. Antonius shows J-8 for the flopped straight. Karam shows A-J". Marc starts putting on his sweater to leave the tournament but lo and behold the river is a miracle 8 and they chop the pot! Marc claps his hands and says,"I'm freerolling now!"
The very next hand.
Marc raises 4K on the button. Antonius calls.
Flop: Jc-5x-6c
Antonius checks. Marc bets 6K. Antonius bumps it to 20K. Marc pushes. Antonius calls with QQ. Marc shows Acey-Deucey in clubs. Marc says "Just an Ace, Just an Ace"
Turn: Ks
River: Kc
Marc makes his flush and doubles through Antonius. He is now sitting with about 190K in chips. Marc says he's "not backing down to any bets from Patrick!". Trust us folks, he has no fear and is determined not to let Antonius push him around even if it means gambling his tournament life. Now, Marc is just waiting for the right moment to get into one more confrontation with an obviously shaken Antonius and take the chip lead from him, by force!
The excitement of the last level was so intense the power actually went out here for a few minutes.
We are now in level 3 with blinds at 800/1600 with a 200 ante.
Marc raises pre-flop. Antonius calls. Marc check-raises the flop and Antonius folds. The next hand, Marc raises pre-flop. Antonius calls in the SB. Flop Q-7-3. Antonius bets 6K. Marc bumps to 16K . Antonius folds.
A few hands later, one of the most exciting moments of the tournament for us so far....
Antonius raises 4000. Marc re-pops to 12,000 from the BB. Antonius calls.
Flop: Tc 9c 7x
Marc bets 16K. Antonius calls.
Turn: Tx
Marc checks. Antonius bets 20K. Marc moves in. Antonius calls.
The dealer yells "All In" and immediately a heard of reporters and cameras crowd around the table as the live announcer speaks into his Mic. "Patrick Antonius is all in against Marc Karam. Antonius shows J-8 for the flopped straight. Karam shows A-J". Marc starts putting on his sweater to leave the tournament but lo and behold the river is a miracle 8 and they chop the pot! Marc claps his hands and says,"I'm freerolling now!"
The very next hand.
Marc raises 4K on the button. Antonius calls.
Flop: Jc-5x-6c
Antonius checks. Marc bets 6K. Antonius bumps it to 20K. Marc pushes. Antonius calls with QQ. Marc shows Acey-Deucey in clubs. Marc says "Just an Ace, Just an Ace"
Turn: Ks
River: Kc
Marc makes his flush and doubles through Antonius. He is now sitting with about 190K in chips. Marc says he's "not backing down to any bets from Patrick!". Trust us folks, he has no fear and is determined not to let Antonius push him around even if it means gambling his tournament life. Now, Marc is just waiting for the right moment to get into one more confrontation with an obviously shaken Antonius and take the chip lead from him, by force!
The excitement of the last level was so intense the power actually went out here for a few minutes.
We are now in level 3 with blinds at 800/1600 with a 200 ante.
So Sick
The hand Marc lost to Antonius was no bluff.
Marc raised to 4000 and Antonius called on the button.
Flop: 9-J-x
Marc bet 7000 and Antonius called.
Turn: Q
Marc checks. Antonius bets 15,000. Marc calls.
River: A
Marc checks. Antonius bets 25,000. Marc calls with KQs. Antonius shows A7o.
A few moments later Marc rolls his eyes at us and mouths "So Sick". He is back down to about 95K
Marc raised to 4000 and Antonius called on the button.
Flop: 9-J-x
Marc bet 7000 and Antonius called.
Turn: Q
Marc checks. Antonius bets 15,000. Marc calls.
River: A
Marc checks. Antonius bets 25,000. Marc calls with KQs. Antonius shows A7o.
A few moments later Marc rolls his eyes at us and mouths "So Sick". He is back down to about 95K
Antonius Strikes Back
Almost immediately after the last hand we posted. Patrick bluffed Marc off a pot where Marc may have lost up to 50K. Marc is not happy! Information is scarce at the moment we are doing our best to get some details... stay tuned.
Myst Lots, Antonius Zero
Myst has gotten the better of Patrick Antonius in every single confrontation they have had. Just recently, Patrick raised to 10,500 from UTG. Myst called in late position. The flop came 6-9-Q all clubs. Antonius bets 15.5K. Myst raises to 35.5K. Antonius asks Myst what he has left. Myst says "about 83". Antonius thinks a while and folds.
Marc's First Victim of Day 2
Boatman limps UTG. Marc raises to 4200. MP3 pushes for 21,300. MBoatman thinks a while and folds. Marc thinks a while and calls. Marc has Ah 9h and his opponent has Ks Js. Marc's Ace high holds and he sends his foe to the rail. Marc is now sitting at about 120K
Minor Setback
CO raises to 4500. Marc re-raises to 10,500 from the BB. CO calls. Flop is 7h 4h 8c. Marc bets 7000. CO calls. Turn is Qh. Marc bets 15,000. CO calls. River is a 2s. Marc checks. CO moves in for about 20K. Marc folds.
Level II Begins
240 players remain with the blinds at 600/1200 with a 200 ante.
The Mob Moves In Next Door
Famed Hendom mobster, Barney Boatman, has been seated to Marc's direct right and this fascinating table is about to get even more interesting as the pros start moving in!
Level I Comes to An End
The first level of day 2 has completed and we are on a short break.
Antonius is knocking players out left right and center, but Marc is keeping his cool and picking his spots to collect chips. Here's a hand he played against Antonius in the last level:
Antonius raises 3500 UTG+1. Marc calls in the BB.
Flop: 4x-6x-Th
Antonius bets 5000. Marc insta-calls.
Turn: 9h
Check. Check.
River: Qh
Marc bets 15,000. Antonius folds.
When we come back blinds will be 600/1200 with 150 ante and Marc is sitting with 145K. He has increased his stack in this first level by over 50% without a showdown (except the split v. Nelson)
Antonius is knocking players out left right and center, but Marc is keeping his cool and picking his spots to collect chips. Here's a hand he played against Antonius in the last level:
Antonius raises 3500 UTG+1. Marc calls in the BB.
Flop: 4x-6x-Th
Antonius bets 5000. Marc insta-calls.
Turn: 9h
Check. Check.
River: Qh
Marc bets 15,000. Antonius folds.
When we come back blinds will be 600/1200 with 150 ante and Marc is sitting with 145K. He has increased his stack in this first level by over 50% without a showdown (except the split v. Nelson)
Chopping With The Champ
Marc completed in the SB and saw the flop with several players, including defending champ Lee Nelson. The flop came 2-2-4 rainbow and Marc lead for 3000. Lee called and the rest of the field folded. The turn brought a third deuce and Marc checked. Lee bet 7000 and Marc called. The river was a 7 and both checked. Marc revealed 9-4 suited. Lee showed 6-4 suited. Chop it up!
It's Not The Size of Your Stack That Counts....
... It's How You Move the Chips!
Marc raises to 4000 on the Button.
Antonius re-pops it to 25,000.
Marc moves all-in!
Antonius thinks a while and folds.
Just like that, Marc is at 120K in chips and is showing Patrick who's boss!!
Marc raises to 4000 on the Button.
Antonius re-pops it to 25,000.
Marc moves all-in!
Antonius thinks a while and folds.
Just like that, Marc is at 120K in chips and is showing Patrick who's boss!!
Size Difference - Antonius v. Karam
The Monster At The Table
Antonius' stack is daunting to say the least. He just busted one of the player's at Marc's table with J8 vs. AJ. He is very willing to gamble and he has everybody covered. So far, Marc is staying out of his way picking on the weaker players and taking the small pots whenever he can. Lee Nelson is also an intimidating figure, he studies and scrutinizes every move an opponent makes. It's no surprise he was long concidered the best player in Australia (though he's taken a bit of a back seat to Hachem lately).
Blinds are 500/1000 with a 100 ante and 297 players remain.
Blinds are 500/1000 with a 100 ante and 297 players remain.
The Cards Are in the Air
Play has commenced on Day 2. We will do our best to bring you all the action, but technical difficulties and a generally uncooperative and disorganized staff are making things hard on all the media. More updates shortly...
Monster Table Draw for Day 2
With Day 2 just a few hours away, we discover that Marc has drawn a pretty monstrous first table. Here's the lineup:
Table Seat Name Chipcount Lifetime Earnings
2 1 FELDMAN, PETER M $49,700 $635,882
2 2 KARAM, MARC $95,100 $429,802
2 3 CALLAGHAN, DAVID J $68,300 $0
2 4 ANTONIUS, PATRIK $315,400 $1,513,725
2 5 SMITH, PHILIP I $37,900 $0
2 6 SKOUTERIS, PETER $67,900 $0
2 7 LEE, NELSON, J $74,600 $1,089,422
2 8 WEST, TIMOTHY M $11,800 $0
Marc says he is happy about the table for the most part (he wishes Antonius was elsewhere). We here at Eurolinx know that this is the kind of table that can put Marc in position to win the entire tournament and we will be monitoring his progress very closely throughout the day, so stay tuned to this blog for more exciting coverage of the Aussie Millions!
Table Seat Name Chipcount Lifetime Earnings
2 1 FELDMAN, PETER M $49,700 $635,882
2 2 KARAM, MARC $95,100 $429,802
2 3 CALLAGHAN, DAVID J $68,300 $0
2 4 ANTONIUS, PATRIK $315,400 $1,513,725
2 5 SMITH, PHILIP I $37,900 $0
2 6 SKOUTERIS, PETER $67,900 $0
2 7 LEE, NELSON, J $74,600 $1,089,422
2 8 WEST, TIMOTHY M $11,800 $0
Marc says he is happy about the table for the most part (he wishes Antonius was elsewhere). We here at Eurolinx know that this is the kind of table that can put Marc in position to win the entire tournament and we will be monitoring his progress very closely throughout the day, so stay tuned to this blog for more exciting coverage of the Aussie Millions!
Day 1 is Done!
Myst closes out the day with a staggering 95,100 in chips putting him in or near the top 10 players from today. There are 162 players who survived the day and tomorrow will begin with around 300 players at 12:30pm (Melbourne Time).
More Chips, New Table
Marc has been moved to a new table with some hefty stacks. Just before leaving his former table he was able to pick up a ton of chips whithout even seeing the flop.
In one hand, Marc limps UTG, MP calls, and a late position player makes it 4500 to go. Marc re-raises to 15,000. All fold.
The very next hand. A LP player raises to 2500 and Marc sets him all-in from the BB. The player folds.
Marc now has around 90K in chips and is in great shape for tomorrow with only about 10 minutes to go.
In one hand, Marc limps UTG, MP calls, and a late position player makes it 4500 to go. Marc re-raises to 15,000. All fold.
The very next hand. A LP player raises to 2500 and Marc sets him all-in from the BB. The player folds.
Marc now has around 90K in chips and is in great shape for tomorrow with only about 10 minutes to go.
A Scary Board
Button raise to 2500 and Marc calls in the BB.
Flop: Ah Th 9d
Check. Check.
Turn: 10c
Marc bets 3500. Button calls.
River: Qh
Marc bets 8000. Button folds.
Flop: Ah Th 9d
Check. Check.
Turn: 10c
Marc bets 3500. Button calls.
River: Qh
Marc bets 8000. Button folds.
Last Level of the Day
We are now beginning the last level of the day with blinds at 400/800 with a 100 ante. Some outlets are misreporting Myst's chipstack. He is at exactly 74,400 in chips at the beginning of this level. This puts him in or near the top 10 for the day.
Ending the Level With a Bang
Just as it was looking like the break would come with little to no action. The end of the level took a sharp turn towards the exciting.
In one hand ....
Marc raises to 1800 from the Button with Td8d. BB calls.
Flop: Js 8s 7x
Check. Check.
Turn: 3s
BB bets 1900. Marc calls.
River: 6x
BB checks. Marc bets 2000. BB raises to 6000. Marc thinks forever and decides the raise "makes no sense" he calls to find his opponent holding "the worst played AK ever!".
The very next hand....
Marc is in the CO with QQ and limps hoping the same guy will push in his last 6000. Unfortunately he just completes his SB. Marc says, "you were supposed to go all in" and then Marc looks and the BB and says "ok now you have to do it" and the BB obliges moving in for over 12000. Marc pushes immediately. To find the BB holding AK so it's a race to the flop.
Flop: 4s 5s 6x
Turn: 6s
(Marc is holding the Qs, but BB is holding As)
River: 7d
Marc is now at 74,500 in chips as we go to the final level of the day.
In one hand ....
Marc raises to 1800 from the Button with Td8d. BB calls.
Flop: Js 8s 7x
Check. Check.
Turn: 3s
BB bets 1900. Marc calls.
River: 6x
BB checks. Marc bets 2000. BB raises to 6000. Marc thinks forever and decides the raise "makes no sense" he calls to find his opponent holding "the worst played AK ever!".
The very next hand....
Marc is in the CO with QQ and limps hoping the same guy will push in his last 6000. Unfortunately he just completes his SB. Marc says, "you were supposed to go all in" and then Marc looks and the BB and says "ok now you have to do it" and the BB obliges moving in for over 12000. Marc pushes immediately. To find the BB holding AK so it's a race to the flop.
Flop: 4s 5s 6x
Turn: 6s
(Marc is holding the Qs, but BB is holding As)
River: 7d
Marc is now at 74,500 in chips as we go to the final level of the day.