From: "Steven Evans"
Date: Fri, 10 Aug 2007 00:00:18 -0700
Subject: [BARGE] BARGE Trip Report 2007


We are local Las Vegans so there will be no obligatory flight/airport
bad beat stories. Just not having to go to the airport during BARGE was
+EV, though if asked I would have gladly given someone a ride.

Once again, BARGE was a blast! Chuck and Peter, you guys are amazing,
and Mickdog, despite all the running around that you did, you actually
seemed like you were having a good time.

This one was special to me as Susan got to play...in years past she was
always working nights dealing so missed the majority of the festivities.
She now owns her own business and is my official sponsor for all
tournament entry fees. No more banquets only or SO tournies for her, she
had a great time and will be back!

I met up with Rick and Holly M. the day before BARGE started...spent
some time driving around the valley talking about the exchange rate and
real estate, was very happy to get to know them better. They are good
people despite having spent the majority of their life shoveling snow!

Tuesday was a special day for us...when the schedule came out for BARGE
I told Susan that the opening event, Stud/8 was on our anniversary(14
years). Since we often take a trip at this time, I was surprised that
she said "We should both play" This is my game, and you all might think
that as my nic is "scoop"....but you might be wrong...
I either played a mean game of baseball when I was younger or I own a
dog...you figure it out! I played well but went out 30th or so, Susan
lasted to 17th, proving once again why I don't do last longers with her.

We were able to make the Egg and I despite having some work related
duties, and we both thank Ice for picking up the tab. I was happy to get
a chance to sit next to Ice during much of the Stud/8 event, he plays a
much higher game than I do, so I watched him closely an learned myself a
thing or two. Also saw scottro suffer through much of that event, he was
not having a good time...;)

I played CHORSE on Thursday, this has always been my favorite BARGE
event. In past years, I have captained the WPDG team, bringing in
various ringers from the Wednesday Poker Group. While we have never won
the event, we usually made some money. I decided this year to step aside
and play for another team, mainly to get a chance to meet other folks at
BARGE, and play against the WPDG, rather than with them. So I hooked up
with the Icicles...Ice, Barry G, foldem, Dave F, Rob L and myself. We
made the run we wanted to in the late round but came up short, think we
came in 3rd. Thanks to all who played, we will surely do better next
year when we can find a real stud player...;)

We were supposed to make the smoker at Dan's, even bought a couple
bottles of GOOD merlot to bring along, but I had an offer on one of my
listings and had to bow out to present it and get a contract signed. My
apologies to Dan and Sharon, wish I could have been there, you obviously
worked hard to make it a great evening! You are both looking great,
despite that fact that you got much grief from ploink and bwana for
returning to the US, it seems that it has been a good move for you.
Thanks for all you do and have done for BARGE!

The TOC was a quick exit for me, and once again Susan went deep, almost
making the $, I think she busted out 23rd or so. I do not play much live
poker anymore, just live tourneys, I have fared much better playing
online, so while Susan was busy I sat in a great HORSE game and promptly
r00led the table for 1 orbit before everybody figured out I was full of
shit and started making hands against me!

We had already made plans to stay at the Nugget on Saturday nite, so we
could play late, drink and r00l without having to drive home. Smart move
as I had a hard time finding my room, let alone my car.

The main event...I made the money in this event the year that Gavin won
it, mainly by sucking out on North Shore(pussy) when he had KK against
my AA...but I pretty much suck at this game so I did not have high
expectations...despite that, I lasted until the 500-1500 level(what is
up with that blind structure?...going from 400-800 to 500-1500? What
happened to 600-1200?) Glad to see my chips go deep at least, as Bingo
took them all the way to 2nd place.

The Gavin was his usual self, am very happy for his success and great to
see he wears it well. His prop with Bob O(freeroller) shows us all his
true colors! Don't get too crazy with the props, they can bring you down
faster than you went up! Game selection is key, just ask Pug....oh wait,
never mind...

Nolan, you know I love you, and only gave you a little bit of shit at
the WSOP about the opening events and the clusterfuck that it was...but
please stick to your day job and/or Binglaha...I heard Dean Martin
screaming from the grave!

I have to agree with many others, Binion's felt like home this
year...the staff was great, I am sorry to hear they had some problems
after the banquet, definitely not deserved...BARGE has gotten huge over
the years and there are few venues that can handle us, especially on the
last night. I was lucky enough to get a seat and after being card dead
for over an hour while others were making it 4 bets with 67o, a WPDG'r
named Selma stepped into the box...I informed her I would chop any pot
she dealt me that was a hogger, and she proceeded to deal me at least 2
in her down, coming back a few minutes later, and dealing me 3 or 4
more. I broke even for the night, but I think she had a great time...to
me that is what BARGE is all about!

Many thanks again to all my old and new friends, and to all that work so
hard and tirelessly to make this event so memorable for so many of us.

I can't wait till next year!

Steve "scoop" Evans