This video story has Mike explain how when they were down to 3 handed he took out Ramirez. Ramirez at first thought he won the hand.
Also, the pictures are poor quality because they shot them off the back of my camera. I didn't realize it until halfway through the story, because I kept saying "the photogropher must have been standing right in front of me to take this picture", "and this one too", "and this one too?!?!?!. That's when I realized they took them from my camera which Mikey borrowed for the bracelet ceremony (we had to fly home earlier).
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Mikey wins it while we rail him all the way.....
copied from here
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From Laid Off To Paid Off In One Day: St. Louisan Mike Eise Wins World Series of Poker Bracelet And $639,000
By Tim McKernan
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Mike Eise had never been to Las Vegas...and he wasn't planning on going anytime soon.
"I told myself that I wasn't going to go to Las Vegas until I was playing in a World Series of Poker event," Eise said by phone from Las Vegas last night.
He almost didn't get the chance to go to make the trip. Playing in his poker league in West County, Eise was fighting for his life in a heads-up showdown for the last spot on the trip that included a buy-in to World Series of Poker Event 28, a $1,500 No Limit Hold 'Em tournament.
Outstacked nearly 10 to 1, Eise battled back...and he won the final spot...and his first trip to Las Vegas.
The 30 year-old Fort Zumwalt North grad had to take a few days off from his job as a plumber in the Local 562 Plumbers and Pipefitters Union. But, it was going to be all worth it to take his shot.
Eise had won tournaments locally before...but had never won more than $1,900...and had never beaten more than a field of more than 100 people. His wins had come at VFW halls and the Knights of Columbus. Walking in the World Series of Poker room at the Rio was a slight upgrade, and the idea of outlasting more than 2,500 players was, at least in the eyes of an outsider, highly unlikely.
But, not to Eise.
"I found myself comfortable at a poker table. I wasn't nervous. I think in St. Louis we have some of the best poker players around, so I was really at ease."
And, it showed.
Within two days, Eise had gone from just happy to be in Las Vegas to leading a World Series of Poker event. Monday afternoon, when 27 players returned to the Rio, Eise found himself as the chip leader with 16 players remaining.
Eise described the feeling as surreal, but just hours earlier, he experienced a much different emotion. He received a phone call from St. Louis letting him know that he had been laid off.
Winning the tournament went from a nice little idea to a mission. Eise focused on Katie, his wife of 8 years, and their three daughters ages 4,7, and 8. And, he locked in, got aggressive, and outplayed everyone until he got down to the final three players.
Shortstacked and essentially on his poker deathbed, Eise had to move all-in with Ace9. He got called by chip leader Rico Ramirez who also had an Ace...but a lower kicker, and after the board gave Ramirez no help, Eise doubled up and stayed alive.
That allowed him to go from the edge of defeat to the lead on the very next hand. On the button, Eise was dealt 99. He raised. Ramirez called him with Jack4.
The flop came off King-Jack-Jack.
Ramirez checked.
That sent off a signal to Eise.
"He checked. I checked. I knew he was slowplaying. I thought I'd take my free card."
Good thing he did.
The next card to come off was a 9, and Eise had 9's full of Jacks for a full house. This time, Ramirez made his move, leading out with a big bet. Eise came over the top all-in, and Ramirez called.
Even though Eise had the best hand, Ramirez didn't realize it...and he began to celebrate. Eise had to explain to his opponent and his opponent's fans that his full house had Ramirez' three Jacks beat...and once that fun fact was comprehended, Eise found himself heads-up at a World Series of Poker final table with $639,000 and a bracelet on the line.
"It was surreal," Eise said.
After 30 minutes of heads-up play, Eise had a 3.5 to 1 chip lead on Jeff Chang. Holding 78, Eise moved all-in on a board of 363...and holding AceJack, Chang called. But, the turn came off with a 7, and when the river fired a blank, it was over.
The St. Louis plumber who had been laid off earlier in the day had just won $639,331.
"It's a lot of change. It gets me out of debt. It's definitely a life changer. I'm going to take my 3 girls to Disney Land."
Eise said he plans to play in the WSOP Main Event, which starts two weeks from Friday. But, he doesn't plan to leave his field of plumbing...even with the new found wealth and fame in the poker world.
"I'm a middle class guy. I'm going to handle my money wisely. You won't see me playing in high stakes games all of a sudden. But, I plan to play more tournaments. Right now, I'm 1 for 1."
And, 1 for 1 equals $639,000. Not a bad way to finish off a day when you lost your job.
Log-in and post your comments, or you can email me at tmckernan@insidestl.com.
Email Print
From Laid Off To Paid Off In One Day: St. Louisan Mike Eise Wins World Series of Poker Bracelet And $639,000
By Tim McKernan
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Mike Eise had never been to Las Vegas...and he wasn't planning on going anytime soon.
"I told myself that I wasn't going to go to Las Vegas until I was playing in a World Series of Poker event," Eise said by phone from Las Vegas last night.
He almost didn't get the chance to go to make the trip. Playing in his poker league in West County, Eise was fighting for his life in a heads-up showdown for the last spot on the trip that included a buy-in to World Series of Poker Event 28, a $1,500 No Limit Hold 'Em tournament.
Outstacked nearly 10 to 1, Eise battled back...and he won the final spot...and his first trip to Las Vegas.
The 30 year-old Fort Zumwalt North grad had to take a few days off from his job as a plumber in the Local 562 Plumbers and Pipefitters Union. But, it was going to be all worth it to take his shot.
Eise had won tournaments locally before...but had never won more than $1,900...and had never beaten more than a field of more than 100 people. His wins had come at VFW halls and the Knights of Columbus. Walking in the World Series of Poker room at the Rio was a slight upgrade, and the idea of outlasting more than 2,500 players was, at least in the eyes of an outsider, highly unlikely.
But, not to Eise.
"I found myself comfortable at a poker table. I wasn't nervous. I think in St. Louis we have some of the best poker players around, so I was really at ease."
And, it showed.
Within two days, Eise had gone from just happy to be in Las Vegas to leading a World Series of Poker event. Monday afternoon, when 27 players returned to the Rio, Eise found himself as the chip leader with 16 players remaining.
Eise described the feeling as surreal, but just hours earlier, he experienced a much different emotion. He received a phone call from St. Louis letting him know that he had been laid off.
Winning the tournament went from a nice little idea to a mission. Eise focused on Katie, his wife of 8 years, and their three daughters ages 4,7, and 8. And, he locked in, got aggressive, and outplayed everyone until he got down to the final three players.
Shortstacked and essentially on his poker deathbed, Eise had to move all-in with Ace9. He got called by chip leader Rico Ramirez who also had an Ace...but a lower kicker, and after the board gave Ramirez no help, Eise doubled up and stayed alive.
That allowed him to go from the edge of defeat to the lead on the very next hand. On the button, Eise was dealt 99. He raised. Ramirez called him with Jack4.
The flop came off King-Jack-Jack.
Ramirez checked.
That sent off a signal to Eise.
"He checked. I checked. I knew he was slowplaying. I thought I'd take my free card."
Good thing he did.
The next card to come off was a 9, and Eise had 9's full of Jacks for a full house. This time, Ramirez made his move, leading out with a big bet. Eise came over the top all-in, and Ramirez called.
Even though Eise had the best hand, Ramirez didn't realize it...and he began to celebrate. Eise had to explain to his opponent and his opponent's fans that his full house had Ramirez' three Jacks beat...and once that fun fact was comprehended, Eise found himself heads-up at a World Series of Poker final table with $639,000 and a bracelet on the line.
"It was surreal," Eise said.
After 30 minutes of heads-up play, Eise had a 3.5 to 1 chip lead on Jeff Chang. Holding 78, Eise moved all-in on a board of 363...and holding AceJack, Chang called. But, the turn came off with a 7, and when the river fired a blank, it was over.
The St. Louis plumber who had been laid off earlier in the day had just won $639,331.
"It's a lot of change. It gets me out of debt. It's definitely a life changer. I'm going to take my 3 girls to Disney Land."
Eise said he plans to play in the WSOP Main Event, which starts two weeks from Friday. But, he doesn't plan to leave his field of plumbing...even with the new found wealth and fame in the poker world.
"I'm a middle class guy. I'm going to handle my money wisely. You won't see me playing in high stakes games all of a sudden. But, I plan to play more tournaments. Right now, I'm 1 for 1."
And, 1 for 1 equals $639,000. Not a bad way to finish off a day when you lost your job.
Log-in and post your comments, or you can email me at tmckernan@insidestl.com.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Friday, June 12, 2009
airline poker
I made right at $50 playing turbo SNG's on the way to Vegas. Actually I am posting this as we make our descent. SWAirlines is testing new WIFI planes and I have to tell you: I LIKE IT!!!!
VIVA LAS VEGAS
Thursday, June 11, 2009
WSOP Event #28
Las Vegas: Here I come.
I'm leaving tomorrow at 7am CST to play in my first WSOP event (I have played in a circuit event but not the main stretch leading up to the main event). I won my entry ($1500) through a 13 tournament series that also paid me over $1100 in profit on top of my buy ins.
Some things for me to remember:
1)Have fun -Steve Dannemann's line from when he went heads up with Joe Hachem
2)Be patient -longer blinds than I have EVER played in. No reason to bust early on an overpair.
3)Be confident -I have a decent track record playing NLHE. Don't be afraid to bust out if I lose to a draw. I can't play too tight.
4)Have fun -oh yeah, that's an important one. I won a satellite to get in, so I am freerolling. Let's have a good time.
If you are around, feel free to say hi. I'm playing event #28 this Saturday. There are 3 other people going with me to play and at least 2 other people I know that will be playing. Hopefully, none will be at my starting table.
I'm going to try to hook up with this person and that person or maybe even this person at the Hooker Bar. Post a comment if you think you will be there too. Good Luck to you in whatever you are playing.
Stay patient....
I'm leaving tomorrow at 7am CST to play in my first WSOP event (I have played in a circuit event but not the main stretch leading up to the main event). I won my entry ($1500) through a 13 tournament series that also paid me over $1100 in profit on top of my buy ins.
Some things for me to remember:
1)Have fun -Steve Dannemann's line from when he went heads up with Joe Hachem
2)Be patient -longer blinds than I have EVER played in. No reason to bust early on an overpair.
3)Be confident -I have a decent track record playing NLHE. Don't be afraid to bust out if I lose to a draw. I can't play too tight.
4)Have fun -oh yeah, that's an important one. I won a satellite to get in, so I am freerolling. Let's have a good time.
If you are around, feel free to say hi. I'm playing event #28 this Saturday. There are 3 other people going with me to play and at least 2 other people I know that will be playing. Hopefully, none will be at my starting table.
I'm going to try to hook up with this person and that person or maybe even this person at the Hooker Bar. Post a comment if you think you will be there too. Good Luck to you in whatever you are playing.
Stay patient....
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
The HAWK tournament
Fatmansjake is first one out.
Rickphillips is next to go. AJ no goot today again!
bigoface traps and then gets crushed on the river...
tgrazz gets shortstacked and goes out with 33.
thecloserx5 is next one out with a weaker kicker
We play the tightest bubble in HAWK history. Finally, blowinadeuce just edges out his dad with a pocket pair
I go out next with a stellar hand and cash for 3rd place (plus got 1 KO). Yeah ME.
Trusyourgutshot takes out blowinadeuce with a flopped two pair. Congratulations to blowinadeuce for 2nd place and $21.60 in earnings.
Congrats to trustyourgutshot for taking down 1st place and a whopping $36 prize pool. Hope to see you all again next month (July 5th)
Rickphillips is next to go. AJ no goot today again!
bigoface traps and then gets crushed on the river...
tgrazz gets shortstacked and goes out with 33.
thecloserx5 is next one out with a weaker kicker
We play the tightest bubble in HAWK history. Finally, blowinadeuce just edges out his dad with a pocket pair
I go out next with a stellar hand and cash for 3rd place (plus got 1 KO). Yeah ME.
Trusyourgutshot takes out blowinadeuce with a flopped two pair. Congratulations to blowinadeuce for 2nd place and $21.60 in earnings.
Congrats to trustyourgutshot for taking down 1st place and a whopping $36 prize pool. Hope to see you all again next month (July 5th)
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Live Play
In an effort to sharpen my skills, I've been playing live once a week. I leave for Vegas next Friday, so wanted to get some live sessions in against people I don't know. It may sound basic for some of you, but my live play really needed some help.
Anyway, last night was my 3rd session in as many weeks. I played a 20 min blinds $100 buy in. I felt I was playing really well. I got paid off on my big hands (I made sets, straights and flushes) and I folded some big hands at the right time (I folded KQ to AK on a KQA board). I ended up finishing 4th.
Here's my question for you. What do you do in this situation?
UTG (7,000)
Button (82,000)
SB Me (45,000)
BB (51,000)
5 spots get paid. 4th gets $281 and 3rd gets $500. 2nd and 1st are irrelevant here.
Blinds are 3500/7000 no antes. UTG is all in next hand by default. I pick up QQ. UTG folds and the button folds.
So what do you do? Do you shove? Do you fold for 3rd place? Do you min raise and fold to a shove?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
I raised to $21,000 hoping to draw in the BB. I figure, if he wakes up with AA, AK or KK, so be it. Any other pocket pair and I will be the chip leader with 2nd place guaranteed (1st place guaranteed in my mind as the chip leader was NOT a strong player at all). I've seen him all in a couple of times with any Ace and I'm willing to race if he is on Ace rag. Best case I am the new chip leader, but I'm also happy adding $7,000 to my stack by just buying the blinds.
BB shoves over me and I insta call. He shows A10off suit and spikes his Ace on the river.....
So what would you have done?
Shorty was all in and out on the next hand. . .
Anyway, last night was my 3rd session in as many weeks. I played a 20 min blinds $100 buy in. I felt I was playing really well. I got paid off on my big hands (I made sets, straights and flushes) and I folded some big hands at the right time (I folded KQ to AK on a KQA board). I ended up finishing 4th.
Here's my question for you. What do you do in this situation?
UTG (7,000)
Button (82,000)
SB Me (45,000)
BB (51,000)
5 spots get paid. 4th gets $281 and 3rd gets $500. 2nd and 1st are irrelevant here.
Blinds are 3500/7000 no antes. UTG is all in next hand by default. I pick up QQ. UTG folds and the button folds.
So what do you do? Do you shove? Do you fold for 3rd place? Do you min raise and fold to a shove?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
I raised to $21,000 hoping to draw in the BB. I figure, if he wakes up with AA, AK or KK, so be it. Any other pocket pair and I will be the chip leader with 2nd place guaranteed (1st place guaranteed in my mind as the chip leader was NOT a strong player at all). I've seen him all in a couple of times with any Ace and I'm willing to race if he is on Ace rag. Best case I am the new chip leader, but I'm also happy adding $7,000 to my stack by just buying the blinds.
BB shoves over me and I insta call. He shows A10off suit and spikes his Ace on the river.....
So what would you have done?
Shorty was all in and out on the next hand. . .
Monday, June 1, 2009
Aftermath
Did the BBT4 damage some relationships? 1st Blogger event after BBT4 and it's voided..... NOICE!!!!!!!!
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