People from Palmy and Wanganui don’t get along. So it was no surprise that as we announced our stop in Wanganui a couple of Palmy members commented “Make sure to wear a stab proof vest” and “Side bet on who gets out alive”. As it happened “The Nui” was one of my favorite stops so far. A) The city is pretty, and reminds me of other river cities like Prague. B) The food was good, I can recommend the lamb Shanks at the Rutland Arms. And C) They run a straight game down there. Wanganui’s tournament director Mike Hall is the only member of the Tournament Directors Association in New Zealand. he’s passionate and his passion only is equaled by his wardrobe. When we arrived at The Castle Cliff Hotel we were greeted by Mike in Tux. This combined with the Hotel’s poker room made for my favorite setting of The Great New Zealand Poker Road Trip so far. The room is perfect for poker and Joe the owner has supported the game for a long time. Poker in Wanganui is in good hands Heiko and his wife Rhonda run a weekly game in the area and are the driving force behind next weeks Poker World Record attempt. Together with Mike they came up with a great tournament structure: a 20k Starting Stack, and 30 min blinds. This made for fantastic poker.

Earlier on local Radio I had challenged Michael Laws to play (This was a trick as he once made fun of my wife and I really just wanted to punch him in the face) He didn’t show. This is probably lucky as I’m sure any guy who wears make up in Wanganui can fight.

My mate Dante (12 years old) was hanging out behind me when I picked up early in the game. He saw my hole cards watched on as I raised, was called by two at the table and the flop came down the “wow” That came from behind me let most at the table know how good I was. Check, Check, I bet fold and Vicky Calls. Now I haven’t played anyone here before, and so I’m thinking Vicky may have a Jack. I’m happy. The pot now has 1250 in it. The turn is a This makes KQ and 78 the straight. so I slow down and bet 700 into the pot. Vicky calls. Grrr! Pair draw? QJ? KJ? QT? or just the jack? then the river hits, a repeat jack. There’s 2650 in the pot, I bet half pot 1400 and Vicky raises to 10k. Crap. What can I beat? a straight? I tank, we’re 4 hands in… I fold and show. Almost immediately I know it’s a bad fold. She’s shocked as are the rest of the table. Vicky had no jack. Simon Watt would not be proud (Feel free to critique this Simon). Vicky went on to get 3rd and win a PokerNZ.com Tee so at least she put my i’ll gotten chips to good use.

Vicky with the tee.

The sad news is by 9pm I was so shot from being on the road for 7 days I couldn’t even tell if I was in a hand. I eventally decided to get my small stack in and either double up or get some much needed sleep. The later prevailed.

1st: Tessa Tamati
2nd: Grayden Bell
3rd: Vicky Rodgers
 
Heiko Zoglaue Bounty: Romona Wanoa
 
Jim Beam : Mel Peeti
 
Prize for the most LONG suffering partner: Rhonda!!!!!!