How To Win First Place in a Gambling Tournament

14 years ago, in the Autumn of 2003, I won First Place in a tournament and took home $25,000.
Here's how I did it...

220 players won entries into this "Elimination" style Let-it-Ride poker tournament.

The tourney took place over two weekends, and with one month before the start, I had plenty of time to strategize my way to the winners' circle.

The tournament rules were:

• Each player started with $5000 in 'play' money.
• 25 rounds would be played, minimum bet $25, no maximum.
• At the end of 25 rounds, your total chip count would be tallied.
• The top 42 totals moved on to the semi-finals.
• You could sign up for your playing time (at one of 3 tables being played at the same time) the weekend before the tournament started.

That signup weekend I arrived first and requested the very last time slot on Sunday afternoon...

That specific time slot had been well strategized for what came next that following weekend.

I arrived on Saturday with pen and paper in hand, only mildly nervous that my actions would be frowned upon (though nothing in the rules disallowed what I was about to do).

As the 3 tables concluded their 25 hands, the pit boss would count each players chips, announce the total to a 2nd pit boss, who logged the total in the computer.

He wasn't the only one taking notes...

I wrote down the totals of every single player over the next two days except, of course, for the three tables playing last, since I was in that mix playing for my own position!

I averaged the total per player and the amount required to be in the top 42 ($4200), and played conservatively to ensure my placement.

SUCCESS!!!

The hard work and due diligence paid off!

The next round had the same rules as the first, only this time the top chip total at each table progressed to the final round.

What a white knuckle adventure THAT was, watching everyone's chips, keeping track of totals in my head, watching bets made, all while playing my own hand at the same time...

At the end of that round, hurray!

Chip leader.

FINAL ROUND

Huge win for first place, that was the move.

Same rules again, and chip totals gave you your final prize:

Bottom left provides your 💵 total according to your place (1-7) in the tournament.

Walking back to the casino, on the way to the final table, accompanied by one of my best friends, Eric...

Something in my head told me very clearly to go in and bet $1500 on the first hand.

I started second guessing myself, that no, that would be silly, don't do that!

Then I considered what would happen if I didn't bet that amount, and I drew winning cards...
I would regret that decision for the rest of my life.

I decided to trust my instincts and that inaudible voice in my head.

In this game, it's not like traditional poker.
You are dealt two cards facedown, as in poker.
There are then 3 community cards the dealer draws, and reveals them one at a time.

You place 3 equal bets in front of you.
You need a pair of jacks or better to win.
After you are dealt your two cards the first community card is revealed, and if you don't have a winning hand you are allowed to pull back one of your three bets.

The second community card is revealed, and if you still don't have a winning hand you may pull back your second bet.

The third bet plays whether you win or lose.

I was the first player at the table assigned to place my bet before the next player placed theirs.
When I put up three $500 chips the other players shook their heads, laughed, or both (I was the youngest at the table by at least a decade).

The cards I drew were a 2 ♣️ and a 👸 ❤️.

First community card: 8 ♠️.

(Expletive deleted) I swore to myself.
Pulled back one $500 chip.

Second community card: 👸 ♠️ !!!!!!!

Boom!!! ⚡️🙌✨

WINNER!!!

That first of 25 hands won me $1000 in play chips!

I played out the rest of the 24 hands with the absolute minimum of $25, and NO ONE at the table could get a winning hand to save their life.

As table leader in chip total, I was presented with two and a half racks of black chips equaling $25,000 and went home the Tournament Champion!

If YOU ever find yourself with a similar opportunity, strategize to put yourself in the best position to advance based on the rules, don't drink any alcohol, and trust your instincts!

I wish you the best of luck and hope that glory finds you as well!

What did I do with the money?
$10,000 went towards the principle of my home mortgage, and I lived off the rest while maxing out my 401(k) contribution for 2003.

No hookers and cocaine 😥

@scan0017 😀