The Plaza Hotel and Casino, called the Queen of Downtown when it opened in the sixties, is hosting the Plaza World Poker classic from April 18th through May 17th. Today the tournament held two separate events, both with a noon start time. A $1,500 buy-in H.O.R.S.E. tournament and a $500 buy-in No Limit Hold'em tournament. The Poker Prof and I had advance knowledge that our dear friend and fellow blogger, Felicia Lee, along with her husband, Glen, would be at the Plaza for the HORSE event. When we arrived about three hours into the tournament they were down to eleven from the fifteen that started this not so popular form of poker. For those people born after WWII or have never attended the full WSOP schedule of events, H.O.R.S.E. is a form of poker incorporating alternating periods of Hold'em, Omaha, Razz, Stud and Eight or better. Felicia Lee was one of the remaining survivors and continued playing well up to the dinner break. The players returned from the break and soon only five remained, Felicia included. We had to leave due to another commitment and have not received the results at the time of this post but hope Felicia made it into one of the three places that receive some of the prize pool.

Felicia's presence is amazing considering her recent positive diagnosis for cancer. She had to undergo a major surgical procedure and is in early recovery. She is also receiving subsequent treatment to ensure the cancer is totally defeated. The Prof and I were there to provide support, encouragement and visit with her. Although Felicia's health has been a problem her poker game is as sharp as ever. She was at one end of the table with the four opposing male players at the other. The only difference I noted watching her play this time as compared to other tournaments was a medicine bottle within easy reach just in case. Felicia is one tough lady.

The other tournament today was the $500 buy-in No Limit Hold'em event that also began at noon. Among the players left in the event was another of our friends, Max Pecatori. The Italian Pirate was sporting a new hat with a smaller version of the Italian tricolor. Unfortunately, Max was eliminated before the final table was determined. Everyone had dinner together so it was an opportunity to catch up on gossip and other poker stuff. Max indicated he will be playing in most of the events at the WPT sanctioned Mirage tournament beginning on May 9th. He also said that we can expect to see him in most of the events at the 2005 World Series of Poker at the Rio beginning June 3rd.

The Plaza World Poker Classic is basically a repeat of the old WSOP tournament format. Barrack gaming believes their tournament will provide downtown Las Vegas with a poker presence since the WSOP has moved uptown and is now scheduled for later in the year. It just feels right to be in downtown Vegas in May watching tournament poker The major difference between the old WSOP and Barrick Gaming's version is the addition of a $50,000 buy-in final event following the customary $10,000 buy-in No Limit Hold'em championship. How many players out there will pony up the 50 big ones for a shot at a really big payday? How many will have enough confidence in their game to pay the fee and go for the gold?