I just got back from OKlahoma, and the Scotty Ngyuen Poker Challenge V at the Cherokee casino in Catoosa, OK.

Best thing about the trip was, a poker player and friend of mine, paid my way for the 8 days I was there. You cant beat that. I owe him a great debt of gratitude for putting me in the tournaments and showing me a great time.

The bad news is, I ran about as good as a midget with no legs. Put it this way, out of 15 tourneys, I had pocket aces ONCE, and they lost to AJ. I wont even go into the rest of the details or bad beats. Weve had or heard them all, and no reason to cry over spilled milk.

Out of 15 tourneys, I final tables only one, and cashed a total of two. I know variance plays a big part in tourneys, but I wish I still came out better then those results. For only getting my money in bad 3 times the whole series (two times i was short and had to push with anything), it kind of is upsetting I didnt do better.

I met a lot of great players out there, including the two that were with my buddy who staked me. Al and Scratch are fantastic players, and did real well, as did my staker who took down a tourney as well. I wish I could have faired as good as them, but give them all the congratulations. I also met the guy who came in third to Phil Ivey in the LA Poker Classic this year, and let me tell you, he plays phenominal poker. Trust me, I was watching and taking pointers.

I had a great time, although I did not do as good as I expected, but I felt I played my A game all the way thru. If you get your money in good, thats all you can do unfortunately.

I did however get home, and seen they listed me in the results as Geri Yung from Sittfsville, MO. I was not happy. I know this was dilberately dont because I did not leave a tip for the dealers. No, I am not a cheap bastard, far from it, but these tourneys compared to others took ALOT more off top for the dealers, so I felt they already got their fair share. They took off about what I would tip in the first place, and with such low cashes, I did not feel a tip was justified. I always tip when I win money, maybe even more then some, but felt this time was to much.

I feel the casino, first off, owes me an apoligy, as it is my right and choice to either tip or not. I realize what the dealers do, and the long hours they put in, and they already were getting a good chunk of money. I also think the casino should reprimand whoever submitted the results, and also get the results fixed on the sites that have it listed the wrong way. I might not have had a great series, but atleast give my name the proper credit it deserves for the few dollars I won. It kind of pisses me. Especially after I have been down there twice this year for poker series tournaments, and raved about the casino. I hope they do the right thing.

Anyway, I am going to try to get more active on this board and blog. I just let it slip my mind along with everything else all the time, but will try better. Contact me if you would like to discuss poker or whatever. Good luck to you guys at the tables.

KCsGreatest